To ensure that their children find the right kind of romantic partner, Sharlot’s mother and George’s father do what any “good” parent would do: they strike up a conversation online, pretending to be their children. The novel is full to the brim with humor, heart, and a joyous celebration of Chinese Indonesian culture. In a novel that brings to mind Bridget Jones’ Diary, Sutanto has created a book that readers will want to return to again and again.” —Booklist, starred review George Clooney Tanuwijaya is the son of one of the wealthiest families in Indonesia. His father insists that he settle down soon and find a wife. Jesse Q. Sutanto books have a way of bringing me home. It might be because I am exactly matched to her in terms of culture (Chinese-Indonesian bitches for the win) but something about the combination of relatable protagonists, rolling-on-the-floor crying humor, and gorgeous Chinese-Indonesian representation just makes me feel so seen and recognized and whole.

And the plot. Oh my God, the plot. This was a wild ride of a romance and a disaster and Indonesia all rolled up in one beautiful cover. Fake dating for the media? Billionaire love interest? Travel romance? Catfishing? Mutual pining paired with deception? Guys, the PINING.

to readers who are concerned whether this book includes any explicit scenes, only the first two chapters have a lil bit of “unclean” scenes (though it’s not in great detail) so you can just skim through the first two chapters

I open my eyes again and find that George has taken us off the main road and we’re now on a small road that goes alongside the cliffs overlooking a pristine beach. Wow. This time, my entire body relaxes. It’s impossible not to when I’m presented with this incredible view - the fine sand so yellow it looks like something a child might have drawn, the water a deep sapphire, all the robust tropical jungle around us. So different from the beaches of California. So much more untamed and magical.” So: word of George's furry proclivities (I swear he's being framed guys) spread, and George’s dad/sister decide to find George a non-furry girlfriend so that his (AMAZING) Eight Aunt will stop believing that he’s into bestiality (have I mentioned that this book is HILARIOUS? I was dying). At the same time, Sharlot’s mother decides that Sharlot should spend the summer in their native Indonesia so as to, you know, not lose her virginity. Since Sharlot is not exactly happy to be away from California, though, her mom decides to find a good Indonesia-based boyfriend for her daughter, so she won’t hate being there.

Well, That Was Unexpected

After Sharlot Citra's mother walks in on her clumsily exploring her sexuality, her mother freaks out. Things are going to change around here! Sharlot and George's story starts how all good love stories do - they're catfished by their own parents... Well, That Was Unexpected is the third Jesse Q. Sutanto book I’ve read, and I will continue to be a fan of her writing. Her books are the type of feel-good stories that make me smile until my face hurts. I was really excited about this book, and it delivered everything I wanted from a romcom set in Indonesia. I recommend this book with all of my heart, and I cannot wait to read what she writes next. Eleanor and I wait for it. He’s going to say something like “privileged” and then go into a whole lecture about don’t I know how fortunate I am to be his son, etc.