Thank you to the publisher who gifted me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Agnes Chan never expected to be the punchline of her own life . . .
But how else do you explain getting accidentally run over and seeing a lifetime of careful preparation, endless training, and all your hopes of a track scholarship to college destroyed in a split second? Not to mention the only witness to your humiliation being your #1 archnemesis, Royce Taslim.
So, when Agnes finds a new answer to her scholarship predicament in the form of an international stand-up comedy contest for teens, the last person she expects to be up against is also the last person she wants to Royce. Because for years Royce has represented everything Agnes extreme privilege, popularity, and physical perfection (ok maybe she doesn’t hate that part so much).
Behind the scenes, though, Royce’s flawless façade fades away, revealing someone Agnes never expected—someone who shows her that perhaps the best parts of life are the ones you aren’t prepared for—and as the competition heats up, so do things between these two rivals. But will the pressure to win be too much for them to handle—or will Agnes (and Royce) get the last laugh?
After reading Lauren Ho’s adult novels I knew I wanted to give her YA debut a try and I’m so glad that I did. Bite Me, Royce Taslim is a heartfelt, funny and tender enemies to lovers YA novel which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Agnes didn’t plan on getting accidentally run over and to lose all her hopes of a track scholarship but that is what has happened. Not only that but the only person to witness the humiliation was her archnemisis Royce.
When Agnes finds a new answer to her scholarship predicament in the form of an international stand-up comedy contest, the last person she expects to be up against is Royce. But behind the scenes, Royce’s flawless facade fades way and reveals someone Agnes never expected. As the competition heats up, so do things between them both. But, will the pressure to win be too much for them to handle or will Agnes get the last laugh?
I adored both Agnes and Royce. Agnes is so determined despite the big life changing accident she has just been through. I’m sure she will be relatable for so many people especially as she is trying to figure out what to do with the rest of her life. She is also hilarious and cares so much for those around her. Royce seems tough on the exterior but as we get to know him we find he is extremely caring and hardworking. He is also trying to figure out what to do with the rest of his life, just in a slightly different way to Agnes.
The romance between the pair is wonderful and at times hilarious. I loved seeing how Agnes views towards Royce change throughout the book as we see them interact more. Then, this leads to some adorable moments between them which were so lovely to read.
I enjoyed how this book tackles the topic of classism. We have some upper class, rich people and then those who are struggling to have enough money to last them through the month whilst trying to follow their dreams. It brings up important discussions and it really gets you thinking.
I hope that Lauren Ho will be releasing more YA books in the future as this one was a lot of fun. Her writing is hilarious, heartfelt and keeps you entertained. I can’t wait to read more of her books in the future.
Overall, Bite Me, Royce Taslim is a cute, heartfelt and joyful YA book that I thoroughly enjoyed. I would highly recommend giving it a read!
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