Something Cheeky

With a delightful blend of romance and career ambition, Lam (Full Exposure) crafts a compelling friends-to-lovers story between Zoe Tran, a plus-size lingerie designer, and Derek Bui, an actor turned theater director. Set against the backdrop of a Vietnamese stage production of “Cinderella” as a rock musical, the novel explores themes of Asian representation in theater and the challenges faced by people of color in white-dominated fields. Lam skillfully weaves in discussions about microaggressions, cultural identity, and imposter syndrome, adding depth to the central romance. While the romantic elements are present and passionate, the story’s strength lies in its focus on Zoe’s and Derek’s personal and professional growth. Readers will appreciate the authentic portrayal of the demanding world of theater production and the support Zoe and Derek offer each other in their respective careers.