Something Cheeky
A Novel
Published on 24. April 2025
Book
Paperback/Softback
336 pages
978-0-06-323738-4 (ISBN)
Description
A steamy new rom-com from the popular author of Happy Endings and Full Exposure, where two friends get the opportunity to work together on their dream project-a Cinderella rock musical with an all-Asian cast-and discover that falling in love was the easy part...
"Lam is... the queen of sex-positive multiracial romance." -Booklist
Zoe Tran is living her best life, designing plus-size lingerie at her own award-winning clothing boutique, when suddenly her college best friend reenters her life. Derek Bui is offering a tantalizing chance to recapture a forgotten dream: designing costumes for the musical they created together years ago.
Derek has loved Zoe since freshman year but never had the guts to confess his true feelings. Now he's directing the Vietnamese Cinderella rock musical they dreamed up in college. The stakes are high: it's the first production with an all-Asian cast and creative team at Washington, D.C.'s largest theatre and if they can make it work, they'll head to Broadway. But his real goal: get Zoe back in his life.
A proud demisexual, Zoe only ever saw Derek as her best friend, but working on their dream production together brings them closer than ever. Sparks ignite under the hot spotlights. But when the theatre's artistic director pressures Derek to make the musical "less Asian," he and Zoe clash on whether to stay true to their vision or compromise to keep the production alive.
Will Zoe and Derek finally let love take center stage or will their creative differences close the curtains on them forever?
"Lam is... the queen of sex-positive multiracial romance." -Booklist
Zoe Tran is living her best life, designing plus-size lingerie at her own award-winning clothing boutique, when suddenly her college best friend reenters her life. Derek Bui is offering a tantalizing chance to recapture a forgotten dream: designing costumes for the musical they created together years ago.
Derek has loved Zoe since freshman year but never had the guts to confess his true feelings. Now he's directing the Vietnamese Cinderella rock musical they dreamed up in college. The stakes are high: it's the first production with an all-Asian cast and creative team at Washington, D.C.'s largest theatre and if they can make it work, they'll head to Broadway. But his real goal: get Zoe back in his life.
A proud demisexual, Zoe only ever saw Derek as her best friend, but working on their dream production together brings them closer than ever. Sparks ignite under the hot spotlights. But when the theatre's artistic director pressures Derek to make the musical "less Asian," he and Zoe clash on whether to stay true to their vision or compromise to keep the production alive.
Will Zoe and Derek finally let love take center stage or will their creative differences close the curtains on them forever?
Reviews / Votes
"Lam (Full Exposure) impresses in this bighearted and inclusive take on the friends-to-lovers trope... [she] moves the plot along at a rapid clip while balancing fun behind-the-scenes drama; sparky, sex-positive romance; and nuanced social commentary. This is a treat." - Publishers Weekly"This is a satisfying read for those seeking a romance that balances steamy moments with substantial character development and cultural insight. It's particularly well-suited for readers who enjoy stories of successful women navigating their careers, with a side of love." - Library Journal
"Something Cheeky made me feel. Giddy for Derek and Zoe's romance. Protective over their advocacy. Jubilant when they finally got their happy ever after. Thien-Kim Lam is so good at weaving the complexity of identity with the thrill of spicy romance and heart tugging intimacy. A winner." - Tif Marcelo, USA Today bestselling author of It Started with a Secret
"Something Cheeky is a treasure of a friends-to-lovers romance, jam packed with delicious love scenes, loveable side characters, and joyful celebration of culture and community." - Andie J. Christopher, USA Today bestselling author
"Something Cheeky is a showstopper that shines brighter than any marquee lights. At turns, it's a buoyant friends-to-lovers romance, a fierce celebration of culture, and a scintillating peek behind the curtain of the regional theater scene. Once you flip the last page, you'll be begging for an encore!" - Timothy Janovsky, USA Today Bestselling author
"With the signature humor of her first two Boss Babes novels and spice galore, Thien-Kim Lam has written a second-chance romance that's going on my keeper shelf. Something Cheeky sizzles with chemistry, heart, and hotness. Be prepared to get swept away from the very first page." - Rachel Kramer Bussel, Editor, Orgasmic and the Best Women's Erotica of the Year series
"Oh my goodness! Something Cheeky, is such a delight! Being of Vietnamese decent AND a performer in the industry, I could relate sooo much to Zoe and these characters! I felt like I was reading about characters so close to home. I must add that this is a relatable story to truly anyone! I can't wait for this to be a MUSICAL!" - Courtney Reed, Grammy-nominated star of Broadway's Aladdin
"Thien-Kim Lam's Something Cheeky is a funny as hell bold-as-hell romance about second chances, sexy bras, and taking no BS. Zoe Tran is lifting busts and her entire life with her new lingerie empire. But when a hot-as-sin ex suddenly reappears, she's got to figure out if he's worth the risk. Real, raw, and packed with heart, this is the kind of love story you didn't know you needed, but you definitely deserve." - Nikki Payne, author of Sex, Lies, and Sensibility
"Lam's romance is refreshingly sex-positive and inclusive, focused on characters who don't always get the spotlight in the genre. The book doesn't hesitate to tackle the shortcomings of the theater world, either, exploring the question of whose narratives are often diminished or reduced to outdated stereotypes. There's a deft balance between sweet moments and serious conversations... Culture takes center stage in this confident friends-to-lovers romance." - Kirkus Reviews
"A well-written, sexy story that hits all the right notes." - Red Carpet Crash
"Something Cheeky is an enthralling friends-to-lovers romance about the courage to reach for your dreams and step into the spotlight of your own life." - Deborah Wilde, Throwing Shade
"A lovely friends-to-lovers romance, set in the world of theater, about the joys and struggles of being true to yourself and your heritage. I really wish I could watch the production and see Zoe's dazzling costumes! A great read." - Jackie Lau, author of Love, Lies, and Cherry Pie
"Something Cheeky is a truly supportive friends to lovers story in every sense of the word. This book is a beautiful celebration of Vietnamese culture, and Thien-Kim provides an interesting peek behind the curtain of musical production, while also pulling back the veil further to a discussion of day-to-day barriers in the industry. The way both characters fought for both their vision, and each other, was what I look for in fantastic, illuminating friends to lovers stories. A true honor to read and experience." - Julie Olivia, author of If It Makes You Happy
"Reading a book by Thien-Kim Lam is like a night out with your besties-a guaranteed good time full of laughter, tears, and sex-positive relationship advice. I will read anything she writes!" - Lyssa Kay Adams, author of The Bromance Club
"Grab a cup of bubble tea, put on your favorite musical soundtrack, open Something Cheeky, and slip backstage to watch Zoe and Derek's romance unfold from the best seat in the house." - Heather Novak, author of Blood Thinners
"Theater geeks and second-chance romance groupies, take note: Something Cheeky is an absolute must. Thien-Kim Lam strikes a flawless balance of sweet and sexy, set against the backdrop of an original musical I wish were real. Zoe and Derek are creative, driven and witty, and their sizzling chemistry and genuine connection will have you rooting for this couple from lights up to curtain call. Four stars!" - Lauren Emily Whalen, author of I Heart Jennifer Coolidge and Take Her Down
"A delightful rom-com exploring love and identity with a sprinkling of steamy sex-positivity! I loved Zoe and Derek's chemistry as they went from best friends, to professional collaborators, to falling in love. The musical theatre backdrop and the amazing food descriptions made this story extra memorable, but what I loved best was Zoe's commitment to staying true to her Vietnamese roots." - Farah Heron, Author of Accidentally Engaged and Just Playing House.
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
New York
United States
Publishing group
HarperCollins Publishers Inc
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Unsewn / adhesive bound
Dimensions
Height: 201 mm
Width: 136 mm
Thickness: 21 mm
Weight
245 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-06-323738-4 (9780063237384)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Person
Thien-Kim Lam writes stories about Vietnamese characters who smash stereotypes and find their happy endings. A recovering Type-Asian, she guzzles ca phe s?a da, makes art, and bakes her feelings to stay sane. Thien-Kim is also a certified sex educator and the founder of Bawdy Bookworms, a subscription box that pairs spicy romances with erotic toys. She's been featured on Jezebel, Bustle, Entertainment Weekly, and Oprah Daily.