This Time It's Real is a quick, light and fun read to begin your reading year or month. I love Ann Liang's to the point and charming writing style that grabs the readers' attention from the very beginning until the end. Her book always focuses on the characters' flaws and problems and brings them to the surface for them to deal with. No unnecessary conflict nor drama. Also it deeply relates when social theme is also used here such as honesty and appreciation. It's not only rom-com book, but also a book about friendship and helping each other as humans.
I love the humor included in this book and I love every character in it. However, compared to her debut novel, If You Could See the Sun, I feel less attached to the characters throughout the story and I think this book is a mild version of how popularity and social media effects on teenagers novel without worrying and thrilling scenes inside. Recommended for those who want to read book without worrying so much for its characters' happiness and safety.

Another thing I love from this book is the foods! Chinese foods mentioned in this book are described in a way that makes the reader crave for some.