Chloe and the Kaishao Boys by Mae Coyiuto

Published on May 17, 2023

Reviewed by Samantha Calderone

At home in the Philippines, Chloe’s entire life has been planned out, but what waits for her when she begins college in America is entirely uncertain. Having spent her life, dreaming of USC and following her dreams of one day becoming an animator, Chloe must look at everything- and everyone she may be leaving behind. Before leaving for
America, Chloe’s aunties insist on planning a traditional debut for her eighteenth birthday. Determined to find her the perfect escort her father and Aunt Queenie, begin setting Chloe up for one awkward kaishao – also referred to as an arranged date- after another.

After her third kaishao, Chloe has had enough of their matchmaking and decides to take matters into her own hands. Only when she begins to realize she has feelings for one of her kaishao boys, she has to decide if she wants to tell her family and friends the truth or see where things go before going public. To make matters worse, Chloe is struggling with her decision to leave the Philippines for America as well as recognizing that in order to become a successful animator she actually has to put her work out to the public, something that makes her immensely anxious.

Chloe and the Kaishao Boys is a fun light-hearted novel with realistic characters that will resonate with many teens as they navigate dating while also preparing for college. Not only are the characters realistic, but the book provides a sense of culture and background surrounding the family dynamics that makes the story feel even more real. From setting Chloe up on a date at church and family brunch, Chloe’s family’s antics add humor to the story that readers may find all too relatable. Mae Coyiuto has written a rom-com that feels like a movie and is sure to be a hit for fans of When Dimple Met Rishi and Loveboat, Taipei.