Lunar Love

Jessen’s debut rom-com hits all the beats of a tried-and-true rivals-to-lovers narrative. Olivia Huang Christensen, the new head of Lunar Love, a Chinese zodiac–based matchmaking business founded by her grandmother, is not interested in love of her own—but the “matchmaker who can’t be matched” can’t deny the sparks when she meets Bennett O’Brien at her favorite bakery. Then she learns that Bennett is the founder of ZodiaCupid, a new dating app that’s essentially digitizing Lunar Love’s concept. Olivia’s initial plan to prove theft of ideas before the app’s launch gives way to a more contrived conceit: she and Bennett agree to a contest to find the other a love match and so prove whose matchmaking system is superior. Inevitably, this contest ends with them giving in to their mutual attraction. Self-righteous Olivia can be a difficult heroine to root for, coming across as hypocritical in both her stance on love and her criticisms of Bennett. Luckily, delicious descriptions of food (Olivia loves to cook) and charming supporting characters like Olivia’s grandmother add appeal. It’s not perfect, but it’s sure to find some fans. Agent: Ann Leslie Tuttle; Dystel, Goderich & Bourett. (Jan.)