Illustration by Maria Nguyen
CIRCLING BACK TO YOU
Published July 12, 2022 | Avon
Julie Tieu, an exciting new and diverse voice in contemporary romance, returns with a hilarious and sexy new novel about colleagues who decide to take their relationship outside the office.
Cadence Lim has transformed from behind-the-scenes number cruncher to an integral part of the sales team at Prism Realty, but despite moving up the corporate ladder, her complicated relationship with her estranged elderly father weighs heavily and she can’t seem to shake the desire for a new beginning.
At least Cadence can always lean on her favorite co-worker and co-conspirator, Matt Escanilla. A top broker with an unsuccessful love life, the forever single Matt is constantly being nagged by his loving Filipino family to settle down.
Their friendship takes a turn when a business trip lands them both in their hometown and Matt enlists Cadence as a pretend girlfriend for a family gathering. The new after-hours setting forces them to see each other in a new light, and the two friends’ previously buried feelings rise quickly to the surface. When competing promotions threaten to separate Cadence and Matt, these office besties must work together to round up their ambitions and families to pursue their overdue romance.
Praise for Circling Back To You
"Opposites attract when two coworkers fake a relationship in this endearing, unabashedly tropey rom-com from Tieu ...Cadence and Matt’s very different, but equally loving, family backgrounds only enhance their romance. This breezy outing is sure to please." - Publishers Weekly
"A sweet romance coupled with a bittersweet examination of what we leave unsaid as adult children, Circling Back to You will delight fans of Tieu’s first book and gain her more enthusiastic readers as her talent continues to grow. "
-Elizabeth Everett, author of A Lady's Formula for Love
A charming workplace romance, Tieu's talent lies in imbuing simple, everyday moments with romantic magic. Relatable, down-to-earth, with a strong family side plot and grumpy-sunshine vibes, Circling Back to You is feels like the perfect escape from the work-from-home doldrums.- Alison Cochrun, author of The Charm Offensive
"A workplace romance whose likable, well-developed Asian American protagonists have layered, realistic backstories. The dialogue is witty and insightful, with plenty of entertaining banter. Topics of grief, family relationships, and workplace harassment bring depth to the fast-paced, well-written storyline."
-Library Journal
"Circling Back to You is the perfect friends to lovers workplace romance. Tieu has created two relatable and complex characters who completely stole my heart. Cadence and Matt's relationship is so realistic, I felt like I was watching two of my best friends fall in love! Tieu delivers a lovely and sweet romance I can't wait to read again and again."
-Falon Ballard, author of Lease on Love