I'm torn.

On one hand, my biggest issue with Chao's debut, American Panda, was the extreme positioning of American values and Asian culture, wherein the former is framed as good while the latter is presented as bad, regressive, and restrictive. I wanted more nuances in this particular discourse, and I have to admit that Rent a Boyfriend delivers more in that aspect. I think that should be acknowledged and commended.

But on the other hand, among all the Gloria Chao books I've read (a total of 3), Rent a Boyfriend is the least enjoyable. I was really impressed by the first 15% of this book. It was cute and everything. However, everything went downhill afterward.

Maybe I'll write a full review someday. But for now, I have to say that I'm personally miffed that teenage pregnancy was portrayed as something repulsive and shameful in this book, and I'm deeply appalled that this notion was never challenged. Not even by the supposedly "progressive" main character.

Not recommended