Loveboat, Taipei by Abigail Hing Wen

Loveboat, Taipei (Loveboat, Taipei, #1)

by Abigail Hing Wen

“Our cousins have done this program,” Sophie whispers. “Best kept secret. Zero supervision.

And just like that, Ever Wong’s summer takes an unexpected turn. Gone is Chien Tan, the strict educational program in Taiwan that Ever was expecting. In its place, she finds Loveboat: a summer-long free-for-all where hookups abound, adults turn a blind eye, snake-blood sake flows abundantly, and the nightlife runs nonstop.

But not every student is quite what they seem:

Ever is working toward becoming a doctor but nurses a secret passion for dance.

Rick Woo is the Yale-bound child prodigy bane of Ever’s existence whose perfection hides a secret.

Boy-crazy, fashion-obsessed Sophie Ha turns out to have more to her than meets the eye.

And under sexy Xavier Yeh’s shell is buried a shameful truth he’ll never admit.

When these students’ lives collide, it’s guaranteed to be a summer Ever will never forget.

Reviewed by layawaydragon on

5 of 5 stars

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I received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Welcome back ya'll! If this is any indication, 2020 is going to be an amazing year. Check out my 5 star review & favorite quotes for Loveboat, Taipei and enter to win a copy!

IMHO: Loveboat, Taipei


This book, peoples, this book. Loveboat, Taipei's got that magic something that just sucked me right in. There isn't a dull moment. Everyone's dynamic and interesting with their own issues in this academic bootcamp.

Honestly, I got to half-way through and it ramped up like most novels do for the climax. I was like, there's still so many page to go, what can possibly happen next??  SO MUCH GOOD STUFF IS WHAT.

And as one who doesn't like the yo-yo back & forth of some YA romances, trust me when I say this one is done so, so right. By all of them! The only thing I wish is for some queer inclusion in the future.

There is this one subplot with someone struggling with depression, anxiety and a toxic romance and I've been there before. I appreciate that it's not "wrapped up" and fixed by the end of the novel. Delving into that storyline honestly deserves its own novel. As it is, it's realistic, fair, and fitting.  And I couldn't ask for better.

That sums up how it handles all the issues brought up actually. Including, but not limited to: racism, ignorance, stereotypes, college admissions quotas, immigration, native peoples, tourism, teen rebellion, nude photos, and unpacking habits from a less than stellar childhood.

All while keeping up the action, tension, and rom com fun. Teens are talking about these things, this way, in daily life. I love this generation. More "grown ups" need to talk with them and read YA, IMHO.

They go clubbing, have a  weekend in a family mansion, a tour around the country at all these amazing places, classes, and a talent show. Talk about jammed packed. These overachievers do not rest! Ah, to be a youngin again, lol.

I love all these characters and def want more of this, so I'm FREAKING ECSTATIC Goodreads has it listed as 1 of a series. Will we get more of these peeps or the next year's group? I'm down either way, anyway I can get it. I can't wait to find out!



Perfect for fans of YA Contemporaries like P.S. To All The Boys I've Loved Before and American Panda.

Favorite Quotes:


Why give me honey when you knew my future was diabetic?

 
He's hidden it so carefully, and now he's showing it to me, the girl who shredded his painting into snowfall.

 
I took advantage of a crush and fanned it into a flame.

 
But these rules are made to be broken. Something happens to a kid when they see their parent treated like that. Something happens to the parent.

"It's a thousand little deaths," I say.

 
I want to see no longer in control, but laid bare, drunk on pleasure. On me.

 
The Gang of Five, taking back the effeminate Asian male stereotype on their own terms.

About the Author:



Giveaway for loveboat, taipei:


Prize: Win (1) of (2) copies of LOVEBOAT, TAIPEI by Abigail Hing Wen (US Only)

Stars: 1st January 2020

Ends: 15th January 2020

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This review was originally posted on The Layaway Dragon

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