A romcom murder mystery set on a tropical island? My favourite part of this book was definitely the romance. Alice and Daniel had chemistry, it was sweet, charming, and full of witty moments. I also appreciated that the male lead was down bad for Alice! I don’t know what about that, but I just love that!

While I came for the murder mystery, I stayed for the romance... and I wish the mystery had played a stronger part. The story seemed caught between two elements, unsure of whether it wanted to commit to the whodunnit or lean fully into romcom territory. I was hoping for more balance or better yet, a mystery plot that could match the energy of the romance. It felt like the writing/plot was struggling to pick a side, and after reading this book, it would have been best if this stuck to just being a romcom even though the murder mystery element was the main selling point for me.

The writing itself is solid and fast paced. I liked the podcast snippets and post-episode discussions. The behind the scenes reality show moments was a fun inclusion and made the book feel like I was also inside a reality TV show.
Overall, I was completely entertained and had a fun time. Although the murder mystery element didn’t quite land for me as I would have liked but in the end I still had a good time.

Thank you to Quirk Books for the ARC!

This was cute and I loved the reality show/rom-com/murder mystery mash up! Loved how the characters worked together and how snippy and cute with each other.

This book was a total delight! Alice Chen is a math teacher who ends up going way out of her comfort zone to participate in a reality TV show called Dawn Tay’s Inferno (cute, right) with her fiance Chase, hoping to win a million dollars to help her afford her mother’s medical bills. Little does she know, her high school nemesis Daniel Cho is also joining the cast of the show. Nothing like a good rivals to lovers romance, and this one didn’t disappoint!

I loved the premise of the reality show on a tropical island, especially when it started having those mystery thriller vibes with all these “accidents” on set. The competitions were themed on the nine circles of hell in Dante’s Inferno, and I thought they were really well done. I was fully into what was going on and who was being eliminated just as much as I was in the mystery of the sabotages and eventual murder.

Alice was a bit frustrating to me in the first half of the novel or so, as I do not identify at all with her competitive streak and I just wanted her to embrace the show and her chance with the gorgeous Daniel Cho. But once things warmed up around the halfway point, I was hooked in until the end!

Highly recommend for anyone who likes reality dating shows and doesn’t mind a little murder and mayhem mixed in.

Thank you NetGalley and Quirk Books Publishing for sending this DRC for review consideration.

I very much enjoyed this romcom cozy mystery set within the world of reality TV! I don’t want to give too much away, but I really loved the main character Alice and her drive to win (for very good reasons). The reality tv shenanigans were over the top and very fun to follow!

Note: there are themes of serious illness of a parent, absent parents, and cheating to be aware of before reading.

Overall I recommend this as a fun vacation/beach read

Survivor meets love island.... yes please.

This fun rom com follows Alice Chen who goes on a reality show for couples based on Dante's Inferno. Its cute, cheesy and twisty when a dead body shows up on set. I loved Alice she is uber competitive and when her arch nemesis Daniel from school quiz bowl is on the island too, that only fuels her to win even more. I adored the playful banter between these two characters they had such a great dynamic. There is some predictable moments if you are used to watching reality tv. But that didn't deter my enjoyment at all. This book was such a fun read that I didn't want to put it down. I loved the easy going writing which immediately immersed me in the story and had me thinking I was on the island with them. I highly recommend this if you love rom-coms, mystery and of course reality tv. Pick this up I can guarantee you will not be disappointed.

Alice Chen's Reality Check is a Murder Mystery Rom-Com with a reality tv twist!

Alice and her boyfriend, Chase, get cast on a competitive reality tv show for a chance to win 1 million dollars. A million dollars is a life changing amount of money to help Alice be able to take care of her mom. When Alice arrives to the resort, she runs into her high school nemesis, Daniel, and his girlfriend.

Alice and Chase break up early on in the competition and teams up with Daniel so they can continue being on the show. Can they keep up the facade that they're in love? You gotta read this to find out!

The reality tv concept and the murder mystery sucked me right in! However, I found Alice's extreme competitiveness and overall personality very unlikable.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review this book as an eARC.

I’ve previously read Kara Loo and Jennifer Young’s writing on the visual novel app Choices several years ago, as they were authors of The Freshman, The Royal Romance, Rules of Engagement and several other Choices book. I was excited to read a full-length novel from them, and I wasn’t disappointed by Alice Chen’s Reality Check.

The novel centers on Alice, a math teacher who joins a reality TV show with her fiancé because she needs to pay off her mother’s medical bills. Unfortunately, while on the show, her fiancé Chase cheats on her and she’s forced into a fake relationship with her high school rival, Daniel, by the producers because they need more couples. While falling in love with Daniel, it becomes clear there’s foul play on the set when a dead body shows up. The two team up with a sound tech, Lex, to solve the murder mystery and hopefully survive while doing so.

I was a little confused by how far into the novel the murder mystery portion of the plot starts. The novel overall is definitely heavier on the rivals-to-lovers fake dating romance than the mystery aspect, which may be important for prospective readers to know. There’s a lot of the typical reality TV drama, which can be fun to read, but with a mostly surprisingly mature cast. The girl that Chase cheats on with Alice, Selena, actually ends up being an important amount of the plot and not as one-dimensional as the “other woman” frequently is in novels. I did like that, especially because Selena is Latina and it would otherwise be awkward if the only Latina in the cast was an evil man-stealing witch.

It felt at some points like the transitions were rushed between scenes, which made things flow less well. I did enjoy the snippets of behind-the-scenes notes from the producers, episodes and online discussion of the show that were included at the end of every chapter. The authors also did a creative job of including a trigger warning for the Gluttony challenge without breaking up the flow of the novel, including a note from production about needing a trigger warning for vomiting and food sensitivity on the episode. It was a really inventive way to include a trigger warning without breaking immersion, which I appreciate. It was something that could easily be triggering to people with food issues, so it makes sense that they included that portion. The “meta”-ness of the production notes were also interesting, and in the end made the fictional TV show feel more real.

Alice Chen’s Reality Check is a slow-burn second-chance romance that delivers a fun, flirty read. Two exes forced together on a reality dating show - a situation that created plenty of space for witty banter, unresolved tension, and heartfelt moments. Once the story gets going, the chemistry between the leads shines, with emotional baggage and awkward history giving their interactions real weight and relatability.

Early chapters are a bit slow, and a few of the side characters don’t get quite enough development to match the richness of the leads. Still, the core premise is enjoyable, and the execution improves as the story progresses. A second-chance romance with a pop culture twist. A really fun read!

If you are a fan of fake dating, rivals to lovers, murder mystery/thrillers and reality dating THIS IS FOR YOU!!

I always tell myself to not read a mystery because I have no chill and as usual got suckeddd into it. Writing is well done!!

Great read if you are into reality tv and nursery mysteries!

Alice Chen needs money. So when she has the opportunity to star in a reality show and compete for a million dollars, she goes for it. Dawn Tay's Inferno, set on a remote island, is a new reality show designed for couples to test the strength of their relationship. Alice is convinced that she and her fiancé, Chase, have this in the bag. Until she reunites with her high school rival and enemy, Daniel Cho, who is still just as competitive as Alice.

Things don't exactly go according to plan for Alice...Chase ends up cheating on her with Daniel's girlfriend, and now all of a sudden, the couples are swapped and Alice has to fake date Daniel to remain in the competition. On top of that, strange and mysterious things are happening on set that put Alice and Daniel on edge. And when a dead body turns up? Alice and Daniel start investigating the cast and crew to find the killer. After all, what good is a million dollars if Alice doesn't make it off the island alive?

OMG I had so much fun reading this book. It actually felt like I was watching a reality show. The setting is atmospheric and elevates the drama between the contestants. We also get an inside look into the behind the scenes drama with the producers and crew. It's all so juicy! Just like reality shows are a fun escape from real-life problems, this book managed to distract me in the best way possible.

I just want to put a note out there that the cheating doesn't happen until the 27% mark–that's when the fake dating begins. Alice and Daniel's banter is so epic; I especially love their nicknames for each other 🤣 The murder also doesn't happen until the 58% mark, but there's enough mysterious build up leading to it. Not to mention that after the murder, everyone is trapped on the island with no signal or way out. I love a good old mystery set on a remote island LOL.

Overall, this was a fun and fast-paced story, with a good balance of romance and mystery–a mix of two of my favourite genres.

This book is a chaotic mess of pop culture references, romance, and a murder mystery all in one and I love every second of it. It was fun, it was cute and sweet, and then it was dark and contemplative. This was such a great summer read and I look forward to more work from these authors!

This book is a perfect blend of mystery, witty banter, and slow-burn romance that keeps you hooked from start to finish. The characters are incredibly well-developed, with chemistry that leaps off the page, making every interaction feel genuine and full of depth. DeWitt’s writing is warm, engaging, and full of humor, creating a story that feels both comforting and fresh.

This is sort of a wild cross between an enemies to lovers romance, reality tv, a murder mystery and spy thriller. Astonishingly it works really well. The romance is great and the plot moves along smartly through many twists and turns. I will say, however, that if you are not used to reality shows, that this was so stressful to read! I stayed up far too late because I couldn't put it down and I had nightmares afterwards. Recommended, but only if you're ok with survivor type reality shows.

This book was WILD. Alice is engaged to Chase, a sort of happy go lucky dude. She's a teacher who needs to make more money and her mother has really high medical bills from her cancer treatment. In a scheme to make money, Alice and Chase decide to on a dating reality show called Dawn Tay's Inferno. As if that wasn't enough, Alice runs into her high school nemesis Daniel Cho--he's a contestant on the show. Very quickly the plot goes haywire: Alice catches Chase cheating with another contestant, and they break up. In order to say in the running for the one million dollar prize, Alice teams up with Daniel. Then accidents keep happening on set, and it becomes clear someone is trying to harm people on the show. Alice and Daniel let sparks fly. Their chemistry is really great, and even without all of the hijinks of the show, I would enjoy the two of them together. Overall, a very entertaining, far-fetched romp.

A cute fake dating romcom for the summer. This was so much fun to read.

Alice is so relatable. Anxious and loves her to do lists! I'd be friends with her. Chase is the male equivalent of a ditsy blonde to be honest. Daniel on the other hand..!

Drowning in her mum's hospital bills, Alice decides to go on a reality TV show with her bf Chase, to try to win a million dollars. Unfortunately, they break up soon after filming. To stay in the competition Alice fake dates Daniel, her high school rival. But is it all just for the cameras?

I live for a fictional couple who are so well matched. That truly understand each other, see their 'flaws' and love them more, who push each other.

I feel this book did not need the murder mystery element as the story held up on its own without this added in. It did make the reality show more interesting though and I'd probably watch it for the drama if it was a real show!

Each chapter has a cute little title that ties in with the reality TV show 'Dawn Tay's Inferno' theme. These made me smile as I started each chapter.

You can't help root for Alice, she's so likeable. There were a few fun side characters as well which I loved getting to know in the story.

Tropes include: Fake dating, one bed, forced proximity, rivals to lovers, slow burn

Thrilling, chaotic and utterly adorable all in one.

Thank you to Quirk books for this advanced copy.

This was an entertaining, well-written book. It was fun, action-packed and I didn't want to put it down. I enjoyed this book and recommend it to others.

Quick Summary: A rivals to enemies to lovers, reality show romance

My Review: Alice Chen's Reality Check by Kara Loo and Jennifer Young is a 2025 multicultural romance mystery/thriller. It is scheduled 6/3/25.

About the Book: "Love is hell, even in paradise. A reality show contestant must fake date her rival while solving a murder in this sizzling romcom set on a tropical island."

In My Own Words: High school rival competitors reunite on a reality show. They collide and connect in a big way, just like they did in the past. While the "hellish"game they play is afoot, they soon discover that more is going on than was expected.

What I Liked/Loved:

- Daniel Cho gave off hot guy vibes, as well as good guy attitude.

- Alice and Daniel were so cute together. They had a charm about them, even with all that angsty/pseudo angsty tension. I loved learning about how their relationship started, and I super loved seeing how their relationship ended. It was so satisfyingly good.

- The reality show contestants were so diverse. The group mix was fantastic. Everything was covered, which kept the story rolling.

- The secret alliance situation from jump made me laugh out loud. I saw what was coming. The 4:2 certainly took it there.

- The mystery hidden within was perfect. A bit of thrilling intrigue is just what I needed. Salute!

- Alice's mom... (Tears, hugs, squeezes, and smiles go out to her.)


My Final Say: This was such an adorable & highly entertaining read. I loved it!


Reasons I enjoyed this book:

Entertaining
Funny
Easy-to-read
Witty
Wonderful characters
Romantic
Happily Ever After
Action-packed
Original

Other: Readers who enjoy the following tropes will love this book.

Tropes - >

Reality TV
Competing rivals
Enemies to lovers
Mystery/thriller

Rating: 4/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Re-read: Yes
Keeper: Yes
Favorites Shelf: Yes
Status/Level: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Note: I would love to listen to the audiobook version of this. Please and thank you!

Sincere appreciation is extended to the authors, to the publisher (Quirk Books), and to NetGalley. Thank you for providing access to a digital ARC of this title in exchange for an honest critique. You made my wish come true! I am grateful for the opportunity.

𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
𝐀𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐧'𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤
𝐛𝐲 𝐊𝐚𝐫𝐚 𝐋𝐨𝐨 & 𝐉𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐟𝐞𝐫 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐠
𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟑𝐫𝐝

- - -
Read this book if you like:
□ Rivals to enemies
□ fake dating
□ reality TV show
□ murder mystery
□ romcom

Thank you, Netgalley, for the ARC.

From academic rivals to fake dating in a reality tv show to lovers solving a murder mystery. A romcom with a twist!

When I read the blurb, I thought this sounds right up my alley! I enjoy reading romcoms, from enemies to lovers trope, and trials. I looked forward to reading this one, but sadly, I am a bit disappointed.

I thought the characters kind of felt flat at moments. The pacing was really slow to me. The writing was too descriptive. This book could be shorter. I had a hard time keeping focused throughout the entire story. It's like something is missing. It wasn't addictive, sadly.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️./ 5 (rounded up to 5)

I had such a blast reading this. The plot was so fun and crazy. Much like Dial A For Aunties but with a better romance plot. This has all the fun, flirty, fast-paced elements of a reality TV show (think The Bachelor in Paradise meets Survivor) mixed with a murder mystery that had me flipping pages so fast. I am a sucker for rivals to lovers and I loved Alice and Daniel having to team up so much! Their banter was incredible!

*Amazon review pending approval.
*Instagram review to come.

Thank you to Quirk Books for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

Rating: 4 for summer ridiculosity and mystery

My Thoughts:
Alice Chen, middle school teacher, mathematics whiz, devoted daughter and uber competitive A personality is not a reality TV natural, but her fiancee, Daniel, has signed them up for a coupleʻs competition that could solve all of Alice's financial problems. Her mother is getting treatment for cancer, and on a middle school teacher paycheck, Alice needs to make an unnatural decision to leave her mother and secretly go to an island for this competition: Dawn Tay's Inferno.

Her fiancee is like a puppy dog. He is sort of clueless and functions on whim versus loyalty, but of course Alice Chen's high school rival is going to show up with a smoking hot partner. So predictable, but so much fun. The murder mystery just puts this summer read over the top!

I started this book just as my son 2 went on his own reality show adventure so this whodunit, rivals to lovers, romp where producers create the drama for, well drama sake, really informed the kinds of questions I would ask him (through his wife) regarding the interviews, "scripted conversations," and the competition itself. I devoured this. Unfortunately, my son is still away and still surviving in the show, so the stress level has not gone down yet. Still, this was a fun summer distraction.

From the Publisher:

In this sizzling rom-com perfect for fans of Dial A for Aunties and One to Watch, a reality show contestant must fake date her rival . . . while solving a murder mystery on set.

Alice Chen doesn’t believe in true love, but she does believe in cold, hard cash. Buckling under the weight of student debt and her mother’s medical bills, Alice will do anything to make bank–even star on Dawn Tay’s Inferno, the hot new reality TV show designed to push couples to their breaking point.

The show is Alice’s chance to sip cocktails on the beach and win a cash prize of a million dollars. But when her fiancé cheats on her with another contestant, Alice is faced with a choice: go home in defeat or fake date the other newly single contestant—who just so happens to be her high school rival and sworn nemesis, Daniel Cho.

But all’s fair in love and reality TV, and Alice isn’t the only one who will do whatever it takes to win. When a dead body turns up, Alice and Daniel are faced with uncovering the secrets of the cast and crew to catch the killer–all while playing the loving couple on camera. As the show spirals out of control, Alice must crack the case and confront her true feelings if she wants to make it out alive.

Starring a murder mystery twist, plenty of reality show drama, and a thrilling romance, this debut by up-and-coming Asian American writer duo Kara Loo and Jennifer Young is the ultimate beach read.

Publication Information:
Authors: Kara Loo and Jennifer Young
Publisher: Quirk Books (June 3, 2025)
Print length: 387 pages