“Worth Fighting For” by Jesse Q. Sutanto: A Delightful Modern Mulan with a Romantic Twist. Available from Disney Books on June 3rd, 2025. Pre-Order Now. Digital, Paperback, Hard-Cover, Kindle, and Audio Book versions will all be available. Laugh and swoon with the next book in Disney’s Meant to Be collection by bestselling and award-winning author Jesse Q. Sutanto, whose novel Dial A For Aunties Emily Henry called “Utterly clever, deeply funny, and altogether charming.”
About the Author – Jesse Q. Sutanto is the award-winning, bestselling author of Dial A for Aunties, Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers, Well, That Was Unexpected, The Obsession, and Theo Tan and the Fox Spirit. The film rights to Dial A for Aunties were bought by Netflix, and the TV rights to Vera Wong were bought by Warner Bros, with Oprah and Mindy Kaling attached to produce.
“Worth Fighting For” is a fun read for Disney Princess fans and readers who enjoy lighthearted romance with a touch of cultural exploration. While it maintains a sweet and closed-door approach to romance, it cleverly weaves in themes of navigating patriarchal structures (Daddy Issues) and the blossoming of unexpected love.
In a heartfelt Acknowledgements section, author Jesse Q. Sutanto shares a personal connection to the story, which we recommend reading first. Growing up in Singapore, Disney’s “Mulan” was a significant and empowering representation for her and her friends, building upon the Mulan story they learned in Chinese lessons. Her genuine sentiment shines through, explaining why writing this modern retelling was such a meaningful experience for her.
This charming novel is part of the “Meant To Be” series, a collection of reimagined Disney romances. Be sure to also check out “Tangled Up in You” by Christina Lauren, “Kiss the Girl” by Zoraida Cordova, “By the Book” by Jasmine Guillory, and “If the Shoe Fits” by Julie Murphy for more enchanting retellings.
Step into the charming world of “Worth Fighting For,” the latest release in Disney’s “Meant to Be” series! Author Jesse Q. Sutanto reimagines the beloved tale of Mulan in a contemporary, romantic comedy setting that’s sure to capture your heart.
Spoiler Free Review Below!
Meet Fa Mulan, a sharp and driven Vice President at her father Zhou’s finance firm. Despite graduating summa cum laude from Princeton with a finance degree, Mulan constantly battles the ingrained sexism of her “finance bro” colleagues. Determined to prove her worth beyond being a “nepo” hire, she consistently has to work twice as hard to be taken seriously.
The stakes rise when Zhou sets his sights on acquiring Wutai Gold, a traditional family-run whisky distillery helmed by the Li family. Just as the acquisition talks intensify, a sudden medical emergency befalls Zhou, throwing the entire deal into jeopardy. Unwilling to let her father’s ambition falter, Mulan makes a bold decision: she will step in and see the acquisition through herself.
Wutai Gold, steeped in tradition and a distinctly masculine atmosphere, is led by the seemingly stern and perpetually busy Shang Li, who prefers to deal directly with Zhou. Sensing an opportunity, Mulan decides to impersonate her father, believing the existing email correspondence will make the deception manageable. After all, she can’t bear to disappoint her ailing father.
However, Mulan’s digital exchanges with Shang soon necessitate a face-to-face meeting, pulling her deeper into the charade. This encounter leads to an unexpected invitation: a week-long retreat at the Li family ranch. Suddenly, Mulan feels utterly out of her element. How can a finance whiz navigate the world of cowboy duties and maintain her guise? The fear of being exposed as Mulan, not Zhou, looms large.
With her vivacious cousin Mushu in tow, Mulan heads to the ranch, bravely attempting to embrace the cowboy lifestyle. While she desperately wants to impress Shang and his family, she feels like an outsider amidst their deeply ingrained traditions and focus on their brand legacy. They seek a buyer who truly understands the essence of their whisky and their family’s heritage – something Mulan, with her spreadsheets and financial models, worries she can’t convey.
Amidst the cattle drives and campfire stories, an undeniable attraction sparks between Mulan and Shang. How can she be falling for the very person she’s deceiving for a high-stakes business deal? Will her growing feelings for Shang ultimately sabotage everything, costing her father his dream of acquiring Wutai Gold?
A true highlight of the book is Mulan’s cousin, Mushu. A loyal and wonderfully eccentric character, she injects much-needed humor and provides unwavering companionship for Mulan throughout her chaotic adventure.
“Worth Fighting For” by Jesse Q. Sutanto: A Delightful Modern Mulan with a Romantic Twist
