Seyoon and Dean, Unscripted - by Sujin Witherspoon (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Two teens compete to win a reality show in the woods of the Pacific Northwest, but the producers frame them as rivals-to-lovers, in this hilarious YA romance--perfect for fans of Lynn Painter and Emma Lord.

Winning is Seyoon Shin's middle name. Okay, it's not, but she is a winner--despite what her critical dad says. Dean Parker, on the other hand, isn't beating anyone to the finish line. His strengths are more brain, less brawn.

When a wilderness game show with an eccentric host and a cult following announces a reboot, they both jump at the chance to win the prize. Seyoon's competitiveness fuels a fire in Dean he's never felt before, and his hunger to prove himself rivals hers.

To get to the finals, they realize they need each other. Seyoon and Dean form an alliance, which the opportunistic producers are quick to frame as romantic. The rivals-to-lovers angle is good for views and intimidating the competition, but their chemistry is just for show . . . right?

As the lines blur between friendship and romance, reality and reality TV, Seyoon and Dean can't ignore that the finale is fast approaching--and that only one of them can win.

Review Quotes

"A sweet romance with a competitive twist. Hand this to teens who can't get enough reality show drama."

--School Library Journal

"Witherspoon (Bingsu for Two) gleefully invokes reality show television tropes in this twisty rom-com."

--Publishers Weekly

"A breezy and funny mix of romance, rivalry, and media critique."

--Kirkus

As endearing as it is laugh-out-loud funny, Seyoon and Dean, Unscripted captured my heart from page one. I could read their love story over and over again and be charmed each time.--Sarah Suk, award-winning author of The Space between Here & Now and Meet Me at Blue Hour

In a competition where sparks shouldn't fly, Seyoon and Dean's undeniable chemistry delivers the happily-ever-after worth rooting for. If you love snarky banter and reality-TV drama, this one's your next binge-worthy read!--Grace K. Shim, author of The Noh Family and Not Your Average Jo

Witherspoon is the queen of banter, deftly blending laugh-out-loud hijinks and important diverse rep with love, legacy, and being brave enough to forge your own path under the weight of expectations. An enemies-to-lovers romp that shines as brightly as a summer sunset!--Sydney Langford, author of Someone to Daydream About

With laugh-out-loud banter and a fresh spin on the fake dating trope, this whirlwind romcom--starring two leads who are both starkly different and yet complement each other perfectly--is the book of the summer.--Anahita Karthik, author of Better Catch Up, Krishna Kumar

About the Author

Sujin Witherspoon is a Korean American author, artist, and lover of words she can't pronounce. Her first novel, Bingsu for Two, was an Indie Bestseller in the Pacific Northwest. She earned her degree in English from the University of Washington and now spends her time writing, exploring Seattle, and going on very slow hikes. Find her online at sujinwitherspoon.com