Liwen Y. Ho's Saving the CEO is a delightful contemporary romance that explores the classic trope of a marriage of convenience with a modern twist. The novel is set against the backdrop of corporate intrigue and personal growth, offering readers a charming blend of humor, romance, and emotional depth.

At the heart of the story is Devin Kendall, a workaholic CEO who finds himself in a predicament that many romance enthusiasts will find familiar yet refreshing. To inherit his family business and keep it from falling into the wrong hands, Devin must find a wife. This premise sets the stage for a narrative that is both engaging and relatable, especially in today's fast-paced world where work often takes precedence over personal life.

Devin is a well-crafted character whose journey from a single-minded businessman to a man capable of love and vulnerability is both believable and endearing. His initial reluctance to embrace romance is portrayed with a subtlety that makes his eventual transformation all the more satisfying. Ho does an excellent job of peeling back the layers of Devin's personality, revealing a man who is not just driven by ambition but also by a deep-seated fear of failure and loneliness.

Enter Scarlett Hayes, the matchmaker with a personal stake in Devin's romantic success. Scarlett is a vibrant and dynamic character who brings a sense of energy and humor to the story. Her determination to win a bet by finding Devin a suitable wife adds an interesting layer to her motivations, making her more than just a facilitator of romance. Scarlett's interactions with Devin are filled with witty banter and palpable chemistry, which Ho skillfully uses to build tension and anticipation throughout the novel.

The relationship between Devin and Scarlett is the novel's centerpiece, and Ho handles it with a deft touch. Their initial antagonism, reminiscent of two dogs after the same bone, gradually gives way to mutual respect and attraction. This evolution is portrayed with a realism that makes their eventual romance feel earned rather than contrived. The practice date they embark on is a particularly memorable scene, filled with moments of genuine connection and humor that highlight Ho's talent for writing engaging dialogue.

One of the novel's strengths is its exploration of themes such as personal growth, the importance of work-life balance, and the transformative power of love. Devin's journey is not just about finding a wife to fulfill a business requirement but also about discovering what truly matters in life. Scarlett, on the other hand, learns to look beyond her professional goals and embrace the possibility of love, even when it comes in unexpected forms.

Ho's writing style is both accessible and engaging, making Saving the CEO a page-turner from start to finish. Her ability to blend humor with emotional depth ensures that the story resonates with readers on multiple levels. The novel's pacing is well-executed, with each chapter building on the last to create a satisfying narrative arc.

In comparison to other contemporary romances, Saving the CEO stands out for its well-developed characters and the authenticity of its romantic storyline. Fans of authors like Sophie Kinsella and Christina Lauren will likely find Ho's work appealing, as it combines the humor and heart that are hallmarks of these writers' novels.

Overall, Saving the CEO is a delightful read that offers a fresh take on the marriage of convenience trope. Liwen Y. Ho has crafted a story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, with characters that linger in the reader's mind long after the last page is turned. Whether you're a fan of contemporary romance or simply looking for a feel-good story with a touch of humor and heart, this novel is sure to satisfy.

For those interested in exploring this charming tale, you can find more about the book on Goodreads.