Wow! Another surprise pregnancy book—though the surprise was mine since I went into this one completely blind, and it turned out to be a great decision! I won’t lie, the pregnancy trope isn’t usually my favorite, but this book (along with a few others I’ve read recently) is quickly changing my mind. It was a very enjoyable read, and I’m now excited to check out the author’s other books!

This felt like such an original novel. I loved the idea that Lucie was not going to go with her family expectations and do what she wanted. Great read.

Lucie Yi is Not A Romantic by Lauren Ho is about Lucie who wants to have a baby but is single so her friend gives her a solution an online co-parenting site. Which I felt was a great idea for this story however as Lucie is Asian she has to contend with social & traditional norms especially when her & Colin (bio dad) go back to Singapore and these explores those themes very well.
I wanted to like this book and the characters but I unfortunately did not, Lucie as a character was exhausting and I wanted to shake her so many times most often when she treated Colin badly like spending more time with her ex Mark while she was pregnant.
I listened to the audiobook and maybe that is part of the problem as I could connect to the narrator who while has a great voice was not for me.

An interesting story of a woman desperate for a baby and going down an unconventional route to get her goal. An emotional read, thoroughly enjoyed it.

Lauren Ho's "Lucie Yi Is Not A Romantic" is an incredibly refreshing and unique take on the classic romantic comedy genre. The story follows the protagonist, Lucie Yi, who has given up on finding true love and instead opts for a co-parenting partnership that she hopes will lead to a happy family life. This decision is one that is both unconventional and bold, making for a compelling and intriguing read right from the start.

As Lucie navigates the challenges of traditional family expectations and an ex-fiancé, readers are taken on a journey of self-discovery, growth, and ultimately, true love. One of the most impressive aspects of Ho's writing is the way in which she tackles complex themes such as family, cultural expectations, and the search for meaning and fulfillment in life. These themes are explored in a way that feels both authentic and relatable, making the story feel all the more real and impactful.

What sets "Lucie Yi Is Not A Romantic" apart from other romantic comedies is the way in which it subverts expectations and provides a fresh and entertaining take on love and relationships. The characters are well-developed and multi-dimensional, making for a truly captivating read that will keep you engaged until the very end. Ho's writing is witty, relatable, and real, making for an engaging and enjoyable experience that is sure to delight fans of the genre.

In conclusion, "Lucie Yi Is Not A Romantic" is a must-read for anyone looking for a fresh and unique take on love and relationships. It is a story that is both heartwarming and thought-provoking, and one that will stay with you long after you've finished reading. If you're a fan of romantic comedies, or just looking for a compelling and entertaining read, this book is definitely worth checking out.

This book felt more like general fiction or women’s fiction with some romance. The romance definitely felt like a side plot. The idea of an app in this book was really intriguing but lucie as a character really frustrated me. Maybe she was supposed to, but I found it hindered the reading experience for me.

Book #2 for the Boldwood Books Valentines Romance Tropes Bingo Readathon 2023.

I had heard so much about this novel and was very pleased to be approved to review the audiobook. I loved Lucie’s character. The writing style was very immersive. I was hooked from the first word.

The book is emotional, fun, feel-good but also deals with life’s real issues.

I was not sure how Lucie’s mission to get pregnant and her journey would work out. Some of this is unconventional, but it is dealt with in a gripping way by author Lauren Ho.

Thanks to Lauren Ho, and G.P. Putnams Sons for my eARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review. The narrator captured Lucie’s voice and personality excellently.

4.5 stars

Lucie Yi decides to enter a co parenting arrangement in a very unconventional way. It’s a romance that challenges lots of different topics including; conceiving a child, co parenting/co parenting agreements, asian expectations/norms, and family dynamics.

I found Lucie a likeable character until she moved to Singapore. I really started to question some of her decisions and the way she treated Colin.

Overall I liked the book and the taboos that were challenged. It really gave some food for thought. However, it was rather heavy going and something you have to dedicate a lot of time to as you definitely couldn’t listen to it all in one go.

I liked the narrator. I thought her voice was very soothing and it had a good pace.

As the audiobook before this one was a little on the heavy side I decided to go for something a little lighter. As someone who is trying to conceive at the moment the idea of someone wanting to co-parent rather than settle down first sounded like an interesting topic for a romance book.

The story started well as we meet Lucy, a highly strung and high flying career woman, who’s used to having things go a certain way and delivered on time. But I have to say the story quickly lost me. The narrative was rushed and although I know its fiction certain things just seemed a little ridiculous or unrealistic for the situation. I also found the character of Lucy incredibly irritating throughout.

If you’re looking for a quick romance read this will do, but it’s not particularly spicy, so if that’s your thing I’d give it a miss.

For me this just didn’t hit the comfortable, light, romance spot I was hoping for and I think it could have been a little longer and more rounded out. This gets a 3 - not awful, but not great.

A romance that involves a baby, Co-parenting and a relocation all while trying to make it work. A slow burn but enjoyable if enjoy romance story's.

Lucie Yi is pushing 40 and wants a baby! Together with Colin, who she matched with online, they're moving to Singapore to co-parent a baby together. Met with both disapproval and support from different friends and family members, Lucie and Colin work out how to make their co-parenting relationship work...and then some.

Lucie and Colin were both likeable characters, as were Lucie's girlfriends. I wish Colin had more friends for support, and it was frustrating how frequently Lucie ran back to her ex, who seemed like bad news from a mile away. It was a fun listen by audiobook, and I enjoyed learning more about life among the high-flyers in Singapore.

Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to review this audiobook..

A slow-burn romance told from the point of view of Lucie Yi. Recently single and living in New York on secondment, Lucie meets Colin on a co-parenting/platonic website. They match and decide to go for it and Lucie falls pregnant. Lucie has a complicated back story from her time in Singapore, doesn't really get on with her family but they agree this is best place they can be to have support for when the child is born.

I did not like Singapore Lucie as much as NY Lucie and what happened during the months prior to the birth. It went on a bit too much and I was pretty frustrated with her and her decision making (Mark - really?)

There is humour, terrible sadness, female friendships, family dynamics and romance. The audiobook is narrated beautifully by Cindy Kay. Would recommend.

I read Ho's first book Last Tang Standing and thought her writing was accessible and funny, but didn't love it. But boy did I love this one! It surpassed my expectations and subverted a lot of where I thought this was going. It is a traditional love story in a way, but the female protagonist is portrayed in a more feminist way than they usually are.

Lucie Yi wants to have a baby and makes an arrangement with a man to do this, like a contract. I love that it portrays pregnancy differently, a woman deciding to do this without the romance basically. It deals with trauma as well, so there are multiple layers. Big recommend if you enjoy the genre, but want to try something a little different.

Lucie Yi is a romantic but has contend with a lot of bother from her parents and society at large just because she is having a baby.
Wise and funny ,this book goes against convention and takes a good look at our personal decisions. Very encouraging and enjoyable. A fresh look at life.

Enjoyed listening to this audiobook. The narrator's voice was easy to listen to, which always helps with audiobooks.

The storyline is modern and pushes against the boundaries of traditional views in the character's cultures. Lucie is a likeable character who after pregnancy loss and the breakdown of her relationship looks for a non-traditional way to motherhood.

Addresses some themes such as elective co-parenting, traditional cultures, and female struggles in the workplace in a lighthearted way with some comedy moments thrown in.

Overall I found Lucie Yi to be fine, but that's really it and there were no standout moments for me. I quite liked Lucie and her approach to becoming a mother teamed with how she deals with familial expectations, but I thought she was too selfish and not always likeable. Whilst I don't need to like all characters, it resulted in me not really caring what happened.

The pregnancy storyline is obviously at the forefront of the story which I was aware of going in, but it still felt a bit too much. Also due to the length of the book I felt that it dragged a little and could've been shorter (maybe removing Mark?!)

I enjoyed the audio and flipped between that and an e-ARC and I appreciated that the author shared CWs on goodreads.

Thanks to the publisher for my audiobook and e-ARC.

CW: grief, pregnancy loss (in the past), cheating (in the past).

A truly innovative story about relationships - Lucie Yi is Not a Romantic follows our protagonist Lucie Yi, a 37 year old Singaporean who has taken the very risque decision to take her step into motherhood on her own terms. Just how big a decision that is given the novel's setting is truly eye-opening.

Not to worry - author Lauren Ho (Last Tang Standing) expertly walks the line of sharp insight, snort-worthy humour and bingeable reading. Within moments of being introduced to our protagonist and her new co-parent, I did not want to put this down. The narrative guides you through a frank and amusing (not to mention refreshing and terrifying) view of pregnancy, with the support of her friends Suzie & Wein. By the time Lucie's ex-fiance reappears, the story diverts into a bizarre love triangle - a la Bridget Jones' Baby. Throw in some family who are more concerned with tradition and public image, and you've got the recipe for a dramatic third act.

The relationships of this story take centre stage, albeit if they are sometimes confusing and over the top. It is a slow build, and at times makes you want to shout at the characters to figure out what they wanted and/or get it together! The saving grace is of course, the sharp wit.

Thank you NetGalley & publisher for ARC.
TW: Pregnancy, miscarriage.

3.5 🌟

A really easy, funny and relatable read!
Definitely quite pregnancy and fertility focused so if you have an interest in that you would really enjoy this!

A bit of a slow burn I must say, I was definitely team Collin and loved their story. They didn’t always agree with each other which I felt was more realistic than your usual romances and I found that quite refreshing.

Also very interesting to read about different cultures and see how their values differ in reference to child rearing, marriage and tradition, even if you don’t always have the same views it’s important to read about other peoples experiences.

(Thank you Netgallery for giving me access to the audiobook 🙏🏼)

I read this book when it was first released and enjoyed it but I loved the audio book even more! I loved the narrator and it really brought a new aspect of the story

I really enjoyed this book!
Lucie Yi was a fabulous independent female character who knows what she wants and and a solid plan of how to achieve it. When she realises that she wants a baby soon but is unlikely to find a romantic partner in the time she turns to alterative ways of becoming a parent.
I love the idea of finding a co parent online as apposed to just online dating!
There were points in this story while, despite rooting for Lucie from the start I became frustrated at her inability to see what she wanted and the fact that, in some ways, she became a pushover. However, I was glad to read that it all ended how I had hoped!

CW miscarriage