I pre-ordered Heiress Apparently before Christmas because it sounded so up my street but for one reason or another I never got around to reading it until now.

Gemma is a Chinese American who’s parents came to America before she was born. Her parents are pretty easy going as far as the stereotypical Asian parents go, however, they are very disappointed in Gemma for delaying her college acceptance and taking a year out to focus on acting. Other than that there is just one golden rule: never go to China. Gemma has no idea why she shouldn’t go to China but she has no plans to anyway so it’s not a big deal.

Until Gemma lands a leading role in a new adaptation of one of her favourite films. She is absolutely over the moon; although her boyfriend Ken could be a little happier, then they announce filming will be in Beijing. Unable to turn down the role which may be her big break, Gemma decides just not tell her parents, she lives across the country from them anyway and what harm could it cause? However, the mystery of why her parents didn’t want her going to China gets even stranger when she is mistaken for a social media star on her arrival who apparently looks identical to her.

Let’s get real, this is a cheesy predictable read and I knew it would be. But it was fun! I loved that Gemma was a tourist in China and we got to visit all of the tourist hotspots. I also learned something, the Tiananmen Square protests/massacre was not something I was aware of before reading this book. It was also interesting reading; in a very light and frilly way, about the restrictions China has on the internet usage and blocking searches for certain things.

Of course there was a little romance too which I obviously live for but also the discovery of friendship and family. It was completely unbelievable especially since Alyssa warns Gemma off in one minute then seemingly welcomes her with open arms in another, but hey Ho! There was also a little acceptance nod to the LGBTQ+ community which is always nice in a fictional story. All in all, a perfectly acceptable and nice read that I’m glad I have but probably wouldn’t go out of my way to encourage others to buy it.