Jen’s 2024 Diversify Your Romance Challenge
Week 3: By an Asian or Asian American author

If you haven’t read any Lily Chu, Helen Hoang, Sherry Thomas, or Kevin Kwan, I highly suggest you get on those. They are traditionally published and write excellent love stories. This week, I want to focus on indie and hybrid authors. So, here is an all-to-be-read list of romance novels by indie authors who are Asian or Asian American. I cannot wait to dig into these titles!

An all-TBR list I can’t wait to get into

Hard Sell (Jade Harbour Capital, Book 1) by Hudson Lin, narrated by Tyler Tetsuda

One night wasn't enough.  

Danny Ip walks into every boardroom with a plan. His plan for struggling tech company WesTec is to acquire it, shut it down, and squeeze the last remaining revenue out of it for his Jade Harbour Capital portfolio. But he didn’t expect his best friend’s younger brother - the hottest one-night stand he ever had - to be there.  

Tobin Lok has always thought the world of Danny. He’s funny, warm, attractive - and totally out of Tobin’s league. Now, pitted against Danny at work, Tobin might finally get a chance to prove he’s more than just Wei’s little brother.  

It takes a lot to get under Danny’s skin, but Tobin is all grown up in a way Danny can’t ignore. Now, with a promising patent on the line and the stakes higher than ever, all he can think about is getting Tobin back into his bed - and into his life for good.  

If only explaining their relationship to Wei could be so easy....

Trade Me (Cyclone, Book 1) by Courtney Milan, arrated by Xe Sands, Sean Crisden

Tina Chen just wants a degree and a job, so her parents never have to worry about making rent again. She has no time for Blake Reynolds, the sexy billionaire who stands to inherit Cyclone Systems. But when he makes an offhand comment about what it means to be poor, she loses her cool and tells him he couldn't last a month living her life.

To her shock, Blake offers her a trade. She'll get his income, his house, his car. In exchange, he'll work her hours and send money home to her family. No expectations; no future obligations.

But before long, they're trading not just lives, but secrets, kisses, and heated nights together. No expectations might break Tina's heart...but Blake's secrets could ruin her life.

Crushing on You (Burlfriends, Book 1) by Jen Trinh, narrated by Emily Woo Zeller, James Chen

Anna Tang doesn't date Asian guys. Her own Chinese family is bad enough, and she's not looking to double the trouble. Besides, she's busy chasing her dream of becoming a music journalist, and she's going to march towards it single-mindedly—and single, if need be.

But when she meets a handsome stranger on a flight to a wedding, she's charmed. Intrigued. Seduced.

Too bad he's Asian, and not her type.

Ian Gao has a great tech job and rock-hard abs from years of climbing. His parents hope he'll settle down soon, but he's drawn to the fierce and lovely Anna, who doesn't plan on getting married. Ever.

But the more time they spend together, the more it feels like coming home. Does Ian have what it takes to make her to stay? Or are the walls around her heart too hard to climb?

What Asian authors’ books have you read and loved? Recs are always welcome!