Lauren Kung Jessen does it again! From the moment I met Hazel and Logan, I was smitten and things just kept getting better—giggles and feet kicking galore! Each of them had such a rich backstory that is slowly revealed throughout the story. And not only did I fall in love with the main characters, but there’s a beautiful supporting cast that made this book feel like a warm hug.
While Lauren tackles quite a few heavier topics in this book (please check the content warnings at the beginning!), she does so with care and understanding that I feel really shines through in her writing. It is very clear that she takes pride in putting in the time to do research on all aspects of her book that she doesn’t have personal experience with (and even some that she does) to make it feel as authentic and real as possible.
This book straddles the line perfectly between the real and the magical. While it is definitively a contemporary romcom, there’s something about the prose that feels so whimsical and magical, elevating the entire reading experience. Lauren has the ability to infuse magic into the everyday and it comes off the page in a way that makes me start to see the magic in my own life every day.
And, of course, I cannot end this without talking a tiny bit about the Easter eggs she sprinkled into this book. I am such a lover of Easter eggs and cameos in books, especially romance books, and the way that Lauren is building out the Lauren Kung Jessen Literary Universe is so fun and subtle. It truly is a nod to her long-time readers in an “if you know, you know” kind of way while still allowing people just finding her to come along for the ride. Pure perfection, chef’s kiss, absolutely no notes.
I also have to talk a little bit about the narrators, Katharine Chin and Austin Rising, since I was able to read via the audiobook. Their readings of Hazel and Logan really brought the story to life. They were able to capture perfectly the overall black cat/golden retriever vibes of the pair and had me laughing out loud at their comedic timing. Audiobook fans will absolutely love this one! And a bonus—Lauren reads the dedication and the acknowledgements and I definitely “didn’t” cry at all (jk, I definitely sobbed like a baby).
THE FORTUNE FLIP is officially out now and you can pick up a copy for yourself here. And if you’re looking for some more whimsical, every day magic, maybe add a copy (or ten) of her other books to your cart as well (LUNAR LOVE, RED STRING THEORY, and YIN YANG LOVE SONG).
Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy of this audiobook from the publisher for free and have voluntarily written this review. If you purchase a copy using my Bookshop affiliate link above, not only will I receive a small commission (which will fuel my coffee and tea addiction and help to keep me up all night reading more books to recommend to you), but you will be supporting indie bookstores like my local fave Linden Tree Books! If you prefer Amazon, visit my Amazon storefront and click on the list titled "2026 Book Recommendations."
