Alice Chen's Reality Check

By: Jennifer Young, Kara Loo

Narrated by: Catherine Ho

“Fake dating + reality TV drama + murder mystery = an absolutely addictive read.” (Mia P. Manansala, author of the award-winning Arsenic and Adobo)

In this sizzling rom-com perfect for fans of Dial A for Aunties and One to Watch, a reality show contestant must fake date her rival ... while solving a murder mystery on set.

Alice Chen doesn’t believe in true love, but she does believe in cold, hard cash. Buckling under the weight of student debt and her mother’s medical bills, Alice will do anything to make bank–even star on Dawn Tay’s Inferno, the hot new reality TV show designed to push couples to their breaking point.

The show is Alice’s chance to sip cocktails on the beach and win a cash prize of a million dollars. But when her fiancé cheats on her with another contestant, Alice is faced with a choice: go home in defeat or fake date the other newly single contestant—who just so happens to be her high school rival and sworn nemesis, Daniel Cho.

But all’s fair in love and reality TV, and Alice isn’t the only one who will do whatever it takes to win. When a dead body turns up, Alice and Daniel are faced with uncovering the secrets of the cast and crew to catch the killer–all while playing the loving couple on camera. As the show spirals out of control, Alice must crack the case and confront her true feelings if she wants to make it out alive.

Starring a murder mystery twist, plenty of reality show drama, and a thrilling romance, this debut by up-and-coming Asian American writer duo Kara Loo and Jennifer Young is the ultimate beach book.

©2025 Kara Loo and Jennifer Young (P)2025 Audible Inc.

A hilarious rom-com and a mystery all in one!

Alice Chen has bills to pay because the American healthcare system is a mess, and her mom is sick. When her fiancé pulls so strings to get them on Dawn Tay's Inferno, a Dante's Inferno-inspired reality TV show that puts couples to the test, she's in because of the potential million-dollar prize. Once on the secluded island for filming, she's shocked to find her old high school academic rival, Daniel, as half of one of the other couples. But when her fiancé cheats on her with Daniel's girlfriend, the only chance for Alice to stay in the game and potentially win the money is to fake date Daniel. As the challenges become increasingly perilous, the danger on set appears to be escalating as well. Then, a body turns up, and Alice and Daniel must solve the crime to escape the island alive. Plus, they are having these pesky feelings.

I love books that are both a fun romance and an intriguing mystery, and this one delivers on both fronts. It's funny, wacky, and, at times, totally absurd; I absolutely loved every minute of it. The banter and still-simmering rivalry between Alice and Daniel was charming. Like Love Island, the TV show competitions were completely over the top, adding to the chaos. Once the murder-mystery component of the story took hold, it became even more entertaining. The narrative unfolds through a combination of traditional storytelling, text messages, interview transcripts, and promotional materials, including press releases. If you haven't embraced the chaos of reality TV shows like Love Island, you may be tempted to think this is an over-the-top story, but I promise you it is both over-the-top and immensely entertaining. 

🎧 Audiobook Thoughts 🎧 Catherine Ho delivers such a fun performance in this story and is perfect in her portrayal of lovably nerdy Alice. With all the characters (initially 10 couples), I would have loved a full cast narration because all of them were hilarious. Don't get me wrong, Ho is EXCELLENT, and she had a big job. (12h 32m)

It’s a must read, very entertaining!

Alice Chen's 'Reality Check,' co-written by Jeniffer Young and Kara Loo, is a delightful must-read that artfully blends romantic comedy, murder mystery, and a reality game show to create a compelling narrative rich in humor and suspense. The novel not only entertains with its witty dialogue and engaging character dynamics but also thoughtfully addresses important themes, including the values of caring for the elderly and the complexities of cultural and gender dynamics. As the couples navigate both the entertaining challenges of the game show and the deeper issues of respect and identity, readers are invited to reflect on their own relationships in an insightful and thought-provoking way. This extraordinary tale encourages laughter while simultaneously prompting meaningful contemplation, making 'Reality Check' a captivating read that resonates on multiple levels.