I was already interested in Lauren Kung Jessen’s 2025 book after chatting with her about her 2024 release, Red String Theory [Buy Bookshop Amazon LibroFM], but when her publicist called it her best book yet, I was even more intrigued. It’s a phrase that I hear a lot and don’t always agree with, but this time, it is 100% accurate.

Yin Yang Love Song [Buy Bookshop Amazon LibroFM] introduces us to Chryssy and Vin. Chryssy, whose full name is Chrysanthmum, is an herbalist who runs an inn with her aunties focused on healing heartbreak. She’s also launching her own floral tea line. While serving tea at a party, she meets Vin, half of the wildly popular cellist duo the Chao Brothers. They just so happen to have a reputation of being heartbreakers

Vin and his brother are preparing to go on tour, but things are a little rough on the brother… so they go to Chryssy’s inn. While there, Vin and Chryssy strike up a deal to fake date to help launch Chryssy’s tea and sell tickets to his massive tour. Chryssy thinks it’s safe because all the women of her family are cursed to not enjoy lasting love. A heartbreaker and a cursed heartbreak healer… what could possibly happen? Hehehe.

I absolutely adored Yin Yang Love Song. It was the perfect first book finished in 2025. Fake dating is almost always a great trope, and this is woven together well. Lauren paced their relationship well and made it believable with their foundation being something of substance and not just convenient chemistry.

As much as this is a fun romance novel, it’s also got a lot more depth to it, which I enoyed immensely. It explores family relationships, traditional Chinese medicine, perfectionism, anxiety, the impact of prodigy, and lasting love. These layers turned this story into something to savor.

I loved how much of herself Lauren wove into this story. I loved how perfect the title is once you get to the end. It’s just perfection. No notes.

137. M.J. HASTINGS: What if birth order determined your destiny? – LiteraryHype Podcast

Send us Fan MailThis week on LiteraryHype Podcast, I'm back! Thanks for your patience as I've battled sickness and an intense moderating schedule at multiple conventions in a row. Ya girl was wiped out, but I'm so excited to be back and bring you brand new (albeit late) author conversations.Today's guest is M.J. Hastings! She's the debut author of "Firstborn" bringing us a fun fantasy world where your birth order determines your fate in life. This first in a series novel follows the oldest daughter, who is forced to take up arms and leave her younger siblings behind.We're talking all about birth order, world building, and how her career as a lawyer is helping her in this creative space.FOLLOW MJBUY THE BOOK BookshopAmazonLibroFMSupport the showSupport the podcast by shopping:EtsyMy Bookshop.org listsLibroFM audiobooksTry Audible Plus  Gift Audible Membership Glocusent LED Neck Reading LightTry Shameless Snacks10% Off at Once Upon a Bookclub10% off Goli VitaminsTWO FREE AUDIOBOOKS with new LibroFM Membership: Kindle Unlimited FREE FOR THREE MONTHS!Prime Television FREE TRIALJoin the fun!WebsiteInstagramTiktokY…

1. 137. M.J. HASTINGS: What if birth order determined your destiny? 21:19
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