Loveboat, Taipei

Perfect for fans of Jenny Han and Sarah Dessen, this romantic debut from Abigail Hing Wen offers an intense rush of rebellion and romance. Ever Wong's summer takes an unexpected turn when she discovers Loveboat, a summer program in Taiwan that is anything but what she anticipated. Instead of the strict educational environment she expected, Ever finds herself in a carefree atmosphere filled with hookups, abundant snake-blood sake, and nonstop nightlife. As she navigates this wild summer, Ever grapples with her aspirations of becoming a doctor while secretly pursuing her passion for dance. She encounters Rick Woo, a Yale-bound prodigy with hidden depths, and Sophie Ha, a boy-crazy fashionista who is more complex than she appears. Then there's Xavier Yeh, whose charming exterior conceals a painful truth. When their lives intertwine, the summer becomes unforgettable. This story is a unique exploration of identity, friendship, and self-discovery, showcasing an exciting and authentic new voice. It promises to be fresh, fun, heartfelt, and totally addictive, capturing the essence of finding one's place and people in unexpected ways.