Sujin Witherspoon’s debut novel, “Bingsu for Two,” serves up a delicious enemies-to-lovers romance that is equal parts heartwarming and hilarious. Set against the backdrop of Seattle’s competitive coffee scene, this YA contemporary follows River Langston-Lee, a directionless high school senior who finds himself working at a failing Korean café after spectacularly imploding his life in a single day. When he meets the sharp-tongued, green-haired Sarang Cho, their immediate hostility transforms into an unexpected alliance to save her family’s business—even if it means faking a relationship for internet fame.
What makes “Bingsu for Two” stand out in the crowded YA romance genre is Witherspoon’s authentic voice, which captures the awkward, messy reality of finding your place in the world as a teenager. The novel balances laugh-out-loud moments with genuine emotional depth, creating a story that feels both entertaining and meaningful.
The Perfect Recipe for Contemporary YA
Witherspoon crafts a narrative that blends several appealing elements:
- A chaotic workplace comedy featuring a cast of lovable misfits
- A fake-dating trope executed with self-awareness and originality
- An exploration of cultural identity and family expectations
- Commentary on social media fame and authenticity
- A sizzling enemies-to-lovers romance that develops naturally
The novel’s strength lies in how it uses these familiar ingredients to create something that feels fresh and distinctive. River and Sarang’s journey from mutual hatred to genuine connection evolves through a series of increasingly entertaining confrontations and vulnerable moments.
Characters You’ll Want to Follow on Social Media
The true heart of “Bingsu for Two” is its vibrant cast of characters who leap off the page with distinct personalities:
- River Langston-Lee is a wonderfully complex protagonist whose journey resonates deeply. As a half-Korean teen struggling to meet his parents’ expectations while figuring out his own identity, River embodies the universal adolescent experience of feeling caught between worlds. His fandom obsession and self-deprecating humor make him endearing, even as his indecisiveness sometimes makes you want to shake him.
- Sarang Cho steals every scene she’s in with her sharp tongue and unexpected vulnerability. Her fierce loyalty to her family’s café and her sister, coupled with her refusal to compromise on her dreams, makes her much more than the typical love interest. Her character arc—learning to accept help and open herself to connections—is handled with remarkable sensitivity.
The supporting cast shines equally bright:
- Kai, River’s sarcastic best friend whose unresolved feelings for his ex create an engaging subplot
- Dario, the athletic ex-boyfriend who still cares more than he lets on
- Vanna, the enigmatic coworker with hidden struggles
- Isabette, Vanna’s sweet love interest who brings warmth to every scene
- Haneul, Sarang’s artistically talented but pragmatic older sister
Each character has distinctive motivations and voices that contribute to the novel’s authentic emotional landscape.
When Coffee Shop Meets Digital Fame
One of the most compelling aspects of “Bingsu for Two” is how it explores internet fame and its consequences. When River accidentally uploads a video of the café staff to his popular fandom account, the ensuing viral success creates both opportunities and challenges.
Witherspoon deftly navigates themes of authenticity versus performance as the characters decide how much of themselves to share online. The social media angle feels timely without being gimmicky, offering thoughtful commentary on how online personas can both connect and isolate us.
The book also examines how economic pressures shape relationships, with the rivalry between River’s family’s corporate café chain and Sarang’s struggling family business creating genuine stakes. This backdrop adds complexity to the romance, raising questions about family loyalty versus personal happiness.
Sweet and Spicy Dialogue That Lingers
Witherspoon displays remarkable talent for dialogue that crackles with energy:
“Are you always going to be like this?” Sarang asks.
“Always for you,” River replies.
The banter between characters—especially River and Sarang—is consistently sharp and funny, revealing their personalities and developing relationship. Even in serious moments, the dialogue remains authentic to teenage voices while avoiding the trap of trying too hard to sound “current.”
The novel’s strongest scenes often involve characters struggling to express complicated emotions, with dialogue that reveals as much in what remains unsaid as what is spoken aloud.
Where the Novel Occasionally Stumbles
Despite its many strengths, “Bingsu for Two” isn’t without flaws. The pacing in the middle section sometimes drags, with certain conflicts feeling repetitive as they’re revisited multiple times before resolution.
The portrayal of River’s ex-girlfriend Cecelia occasionally veers into caricature, particularly as she becomes more antagonistic. While her actions drive important plot developments, a more nuanced depiction would have strengthened the narrative’s emotional complexity.
Additionally, some readers might find the resolution of certain family conflicts too neat, with important conversations and revelations concentrated in the final chapters rather than more evenly distributed throughout the story.
A Taste of Korean-American Experience
The novel’s incorporation of Korean culture adds richness to the narrative without feeling tokenistic. From discussions of language barriers between generations to the significance of the café as a connection to heritage, Witherspoon integrates cultural elements organically into character development and plot.
The descriptions of food—particularly the titular bingsu (a Korean shaved ice dessert)—are mouthwateringly vivid, making the café setting come alive through sensory details. The novel also thoughtfully explores River’s complicated relationship with his Korean heritage and his feelings of inadequacy about not speaking the language fluently.
Final Verdict: A Comfort Read with Unexpected Depth
“Bingsu for Two” is ultimately a story about finding your voice and your place in the world. Through River and Sarang’s journey, Witherspoon explores how we define ourselves—through family, through work, through relationships, and sometimes through breaking free of expectations.
The novel delivers exactly what you want from contemporary YA romance:
- Characters who grow and change in believable ways
- A slow-burn relationship with plenty of tension and payoff
- Humor that balances the emotional moments
- A setting that feels fully realized
- Themes that resonate beyond the romance itself
With its perfect balance of swoon-worthy moments and meaningful emotional growth, “Bingsu for Two” is a worth reading. It’s an impressive debut that marks Witherspoon as an author to watch in the YA romance space.
Perfect Pairing for Fans of YA Romance
If you enjoyed “Bingsu for Two,” you might also love these similar titles:
- “Love & Other Natural Disasters” by Misa Sugiura – Another fake-dating story with Asian-American representation
- “A Phở Love Story” by Loan Le – Features rival Vietnamese restaurants and forbidden romance
- “Frankly in Love” by David Yoon – Explores Korean-American identity and family expectations
- “Tweet Cute” by Emma Lord – Social media rivalry and unexpected romance
The Bottom Line
Sujin Witherspoon’s debut novel serves up a heartwarming enemies-to-lovers romance that goes beyond typical YA tropes. With authentic characters, snappy dialogue, and meaningful exploration of identity and belonging, “Bingsu for Two” is a sweet treat for readers seeking a contemporary romance with substance.
Like the perfect coffee shop drink, this novel offers comfort and a pleasant buzz that lingers long after the last page. Whether you’re drawn to the workplace comedy, the fake-dating scheme, or the exploration of cultural identity, “Bingsu for Two” provides a satisfying reading experience that will leave you eager for whatever Witherspoon writes next.
