I think another 3 solid stars are coming up. The reason is obvious : I liked some parts but the entire concept and pacing didn’t work for me!

Funny thing about this book: it’s advertised as American Royals meets Loveboat, Taipei and I wasn’t a big fan of both books as well. But I liked to read more about Eastern culture and traditions and the blurb attracted my attention so I gave it a go. 

I have to admit I loved Gemma Huang who is main protagonist, an aspiring, rising Chinese American movie star. After being casted for toothpaste commercial, she meets with Ken- a gorgeous future boyfriend- then she attends to the audition of M. Butterfly’s remake: they don’t choose her so she gets an offer to replace Constance Wu at Crazy Rich Asians! Okay, I lied, I just tested you to make sure you keep reading my review🙈🙈

Of course she gets the role and most of the scenes will take place in China which means there is a big conflict will occur: she has to go against her family’s first rule: “never set a foot in Beijing” 

As soon as her plane lands to Beijing, she finds out she’s so popular and she already has her devoted fans. Her mind gets more confused: Then she finds her answer: she looks like celebrity societal Alyssa Chua’s identical twin. What a disappointment!

I’m not gonna give many spoilers about the book but I want to summarize what I liked and what irritated me deeply.

I enjoyed to learn more about the historical presentation about Chinese culture, a woman warrior’s history. I also loved the author’s approach to the sensitive issues like LGBTQ rights, racism. 

But pacing was so slow, Gemma’s self interrogation about her priorities of her life turned into repeating spiral and the progression and conclusion were so foreseeable. 

I still want to read more books of the author because the plot was interesting and cultural elements embellished the story’s structure perfectly. But so far that was not a right book for me! I wanted to read something more gripping and exciting. 

Special thanks to NetGalley and Abrams Kids/ Amulet Kids for sharing this ARC in exchange my honest review.

This was such an unexpected yet thoroughly enjoyable YA read. It's sort of a "Crazy Rich Asians" meets "American Royals" story, when aspiring American actress Gemma Huang books her first acting gig as the lead in an upcoming rom-com movie. The film, on location in Beijing, is Gemma's first experience in China and almost instantly she's mistaken for big-time influencer and heiress Alyssa Chua. Turns out, there's more to the story and family secrets because Alyssa is her cousin and they are both descendants of royalty. 

At first, we meet Gemma busy with auditions for toothpaste commercials and bit parts in a movie as the ex-girlfriend and doing anything it takes to pay her rent and follow her dreams. She meets a gorgeous Asian-American boy and their romance was like cheesy cute, except he's totally jealous of her immediate success in the field. Buh-bye! Also, her parents immigrated from China and haven't gone back nor allowed her to visit, that's a curious bit of mystery for the character's backstory and for the plot of the movie. This book reads quickly with its relatable tone and language. It's a coming-home story and one of pursuing her dreams. It's giving me major "Crazy Rich Asians" vibes with these heiresses lives as they try to figure out love and their purpose in the world and their family legacy. Once Gemma meets her doppelganger, she begins to discover a long-held family secret. This book is so intriguing, and if a full series is coming then I CANNOT WAIT! 

Of course, what YA contemporary book couldn't be complete with a sweeping romance? Enter Eric Liu, a college graduate who literally rescues Gemma from hoards of screaming fans, and also the grandson of her grandpa's political rival. The book is full of drama, secrets, dreams coming true, and it's so captivating and engaging. It's a meaningful story about a family's, and specifically that of sisters, bond in this coming-of-age and coming into one's own story. It's more than just a YA story, it is so rich and wow, I loved it. Every single page, chapter, and character. Now, where can I get some of Mimi's fashion collection IRL???

It's so important to see books representative of a diverse population, and sharing diverse perspectives and stories such as this one is so impactful.

Diana Ma’s Heiress Apparently, the first book in the series, left me craving more of Gemma and her down-to-earth, hilarious, and inspiring voice at the end of the can’t-put-down first book. This book is one about identity, the facades we try to present to the world and the hidden ones we try to reveal. I adored Ma’s writing style throughout, and I was grateful to be reading about Asian characters that were representative of a wide range of personalities, hopes, and dreams. I can’t wait to put this book on my classroom bookshelf and have kids check it out from me. I would also totally consider using it as a book circle text in my identity unit. I can’t wait for the next one.

I'm such a huge fan of Crazy Rich Asians and Loveboat Taipei, this seemed like a no brainer read to me. Seeing Asian characters be sexy and mean and ridiculous and complex is always such fun. Unfortunately, that's the most this book has going for it. I admire the ambition, but I didn't take to it.

Well, wasn’t this book a delightful surprise! Before reading this book I had read a few YA books that were OK, but just always seemed to be missing something that would take the story to the next level. I was starting to think that maybe I had simply outgrown the genre - and then I read this book!

First, I just really enjoyed reading an #ownvoices novel, and getting a chance to read about China in a way that we don’t usually see. Diana Ma tied in China’s history to what the modern country is like today, with themes of cultural identity, family bonds, and demolishing LGBTQ+ stereotypes, in a way that was so seamless and accessible. The story itself also kept me hooked until the end because I just had to know what Gemma’s mom was hiding! 

This is still a YA novel, so I would definitely describe the romance as more cute than steamy, and I felt like some of the characters, especially the side characters, could have been developed a bit more. However, this was ultimately a quick read that I think will appeal to a lot of young readers! 

This book comes out December 1, 2020. Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for a review copy of this book!

This book was definitely a page turner for me.  I read it in a day and was hooked on finding out more.  It reminded me of American Royals and I appreciated the storyline.  Gemma was a like able character and I enjoyed her struggle, she had a lot going on in this story but I felt the plot was perfect.  It was the perfect light read that I needed at this moment.  I found myself laughing, shocked and even with tears in my eyes multiple times throughout this story.  I know my students will be fighting over this book and I know I’ll have to buy multiple copies.  I can’t  wait to read more from this author.  Thank you netgalley and publisher for this advanced read.  I give this book five out of five stars.

I want to thank NetGalley, the publisher, and author Diana Ma for providing me with an ARC of this novel.

This was a nice, wholesome, refreshing read for me. The pacing was perfect and the story line was enough to keep me interested throughout. I appreciated the inclusion of LGBTQIAP+ rights, racism, stereotypes, etc. Also, being in a lesbian relationship myself, I loved that there was one in the novel. Although predictable, sometimes that is the kind of book that your brain needs as a refresher. Kind of got a few Anna K vibes while reading… Like Anna K’s little book sister, if that makes any sense. All in all, a good read. 

Thank you again to those above for allowing me to read and review this novel!

“My parents didn’t rage or threaten. It was much worse than that.” I drop my voice to a theatrical whisper. “They were disappointed.”
This was a pretty smooth read. The plot is paced well, and there were enough twists to keep me interested. Though the story wraps up a little too cleanly, it was an overall wholesome read. The characters have multiple layers, and feel realistic. Gemma flounders, a lot. But, honestly, so would anyone, if they had to deal with everything that she’s going through. I absolutely cannot believe that Gemma had time to go on all these adventures while shooting a movie. She’s a literal superhuman. 
Heiress Apparently talks about representation in Hollywood, women in the workplace, the art and history of China, all without getting preachy or heavy (The Always be My Maybe references were my personal favorite!).
The reason why Gemma’s parents fled China, though, is insanely heavy. As is the reason behind the family’s feud with another socialite family. It really felt out of place with the breezy attitude of the rest of the book. Though it was probably intended to add weight to the story and tie in China’s history, it really stuck out like a sore thumb.
However, the blend of cultural appreciation and ability to point out issues in government is one that is unique to second generation American immigrants. Second gen immigrants grow up in their parent’s culture, but are imbued with the American government values, which makes us likely to appreciate the culture and history of our parent’s homeland, but be able to see the flaws in its society and government. Heiress Apparently strikes and maintains this delicate balance throughout the novel. 
Though it’s got a few bumps in the road, I’d recommend Heiress Apparently for its fresh take on Asian American women in Hollywood and its dramatic family saga.

"This epic first installment in the Daughter of the Dynasty series is sure to appeal to fans of American Royals and Loveboat, Taipei."

That's me. I am a huge fan of both of these but was not a huge fan of Heiress Apparently— apparently (Sorry, I had to do it).

The main character is Gemma Huang, an aspiring Chinese American actress. One day, she goes to a casting for a toothpaste commercial where she meets her would-be boyfriend, Ken. He is also Chinese American and aspiring to be in the entertainment industry. Another day, she goes to a casting for a remake M. Butterfly and she gets the lead role. The filming location is Beijing and her family's #1 rule is to never step foot in Beijing. As for the reason behind this rule, she doesn't know...yet. For her career, she decides to break her family's rule and goes to Beijing to start filming. When she lands in Beijing, she is met with a crowd of "her fans". Later, she finds out that she looks nearly identical to Alyssa Chua, a famous Chinese socialite, and she has no idea why.

Something that I liked in this book was that I could somewhat relate to Gemma. I am Asian American as well. When I was younger, I dealt with the feelings of not being "Asian enough" or not being "American enough", just like Gemma. In the book, Gemma mentions that she would get asked the question, "Have you been to China?". This question reminded me of when I was younger and when I would get asked this question or similar questions. *mini rant* I hate this question and get pissed when people ask this. This question just brings back so many bad memories. I don't know why people ask this. Just because someone is of an ethnicity or a nationality does not mean that he/she has been there or was even born there. To answer the question: No, I haven't been to China and I'm not even Chinese. Sorry, back to the review.

Another thing that I liked was the inclusions of China's history. In this book, the Cultural Revolution, Tiananmen Massacre, and Empress Wu Zetian were brought up and explained pretty well (in my opinion), but I may be wrong because I'm not much of a history person. Empress Wu Zetian is a person that is pertinent to the story. The book describes her as the only female ruler/regent of China, which is true, but she is also known as Emperor Wu Zetian.

The last things I like (before we get into everything I didn't like) are the topics that were brought up, like racism, stereotypes, peoples' views, LGBTQ+ rights, etc... There is a Lesbian couple (love the diversity).

This book is very predictable and boring. This took me forever to read. I even considered to DNF it. The synopsis of the book practically gives away the ending. The ending (for me) was cringy.

“Its the not the Destination, It's the journey.” -- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Right? Well, the journey wasn't so great either. There isn't really much of a plot. Sometimes, Gemma is concerned about her acting career. One day, she is concerned about her family and finding her identity. Another day, she is just in her hotel room eating ice cream.

I didn't like the use of Dramatic Irony. It started to get old and boring. I was just waiting for Gemma to finally figure it out or for someone to tell her.

I didn't really care about the characters. They are so boring, annoying, and dramatic.

If a book is this bad, probably the romance can save it, right? Well, with this book it didn't. The romance was so predictable and cringy. It was the classic "out with the old and in with the new".

ARC received via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

The premise was just okay, the characters were one sided and a bit angsty, and the whole thing relied on that plot device of failing to tell the main character what everyone around her already knows. No thanks.

Heiress Apparently delighted me! I cannot wait to see what Diana Ma comes out with next, as I am hoping this is the start of a Daughters of the Dynasty series. I read this book in a single sitting. 

They book centers on Gemma Huang and her journey to discover the secrets of her family. Her mother has always told her to stay away from Beijing, but when a fortuitous event takes her there, she uncovers more than she ever expected and gains more than she ever could have hoped. 

Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

Do you ever have one of those books so gripping and so perfect that you stay up until the sun rises to finish reading it? Well, Heiress Apparently was 100% one of those books for me! Loaded with drama and heart in equal measure, I could not put this story down! I can't wait until it comes out in December; I'm going to buy so many copies for my bookish friends!