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pages_of_sav's review
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Bullying, Death of parent, and Cancer
novella42's review
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
I think this is the most enjoyment I've had with a romance novel this year. It's nothing earth-shattering but it was fun. I admire the author's skill with pacing. I picked it out as a comfort read between heavier nonfiction topics and it was a balm to my heart. Cute and sweet.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Medical content and Bullying
Minor: Injury/Injury detail, Grief, Death of parent, and Cancer
behindherpages's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
i didn't have high hopes but i was still let down
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying
zombiezami's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
4.0
This was such a sweet book. I really enjoyed how the author gave such a detailed look into Korean culture and society. My one complaint is that Jaewoo didn’t feel that developed as a character compared to others. I felt the main character had more chemistry with Sori, honestly.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Outing and Stalking
Moderate: Cancer, Bullying, Death of parent, Death, Medical content, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Terminal illness, and Cursing
Minor: Car accident and Alcohol
beatriks's review
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Cute YA romance, meet cute, secret love, forbidden romance, and on the nor-love side:
A story about friendship, family, finding your voice, parental expectations, and a snapshot of K-pop, Korean traditions and cuisine.
I enjoyed reading this book a lot and liked the writing style.
It wasn’t overly realistic but I don’t mind.
A story about friendship, family, finding your voice, parental expectations, and a snapshot of K-pop, Korean traditions and cuisine.
I enjoyed reading this book a lot and liked the writing style.
It wasn’t overly realistic but I don’t mind.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer and Bullying
Moderate: Grief and Misogyny
enchantedelfie's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Death of parent, and Stalking
serendipity421's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Cancer, Death of parent, and Stalking
Moderate: Grief, Cursing, and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Alcohol and Sexual content
foldingthepage_kayleigh's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer and Medical content
Moderate: Bullying and Death of parent
bookcheshirecat's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
“I’m saying, people do strange things to protect their hearts. But when you’re afraid, your heart is closed, and it’s never the right time, but when your heart is open, and you’re willing to be brave enough to take a chance, the time is always right.”
➽ I'm not a K-pop fan, but this book was still so much fun!! I know lots of people love K-pop, but I don't know much more about it than I see online. XOXO definitely isn't only for K-pop fans though! It follows Jenny, who's a talented cellist and flies to Korea in order to support her sick grandmother. After a harsh criticism in her latest rehearsal, she's worried about her musical, career but has the unique opportunity to attend her dream school abroad! I loved the family dynamics, as Jenny connects with her grandmother and also sees the difficult relationship her mom and grandma have.
➽ Jenny has a fun night in Los Angeles with a boy called Jaewoo before her flight ... only to find out that he's an idol in Korea! He's attending her new school, but as a member of a famous K-pop group, he's not allowed to date anyone. Jenny and Jaewoo still feel drawn to each other though and grow closer despite their romance being forbidden!
Content Warnings
Minor: Bullying, Classism, and Medical content
looseleafellie's review
lighthearted
fast-paced
5.0
This book follows cello player Jenny, who meets K-Pop star Jaewoo in her home city of Los Angeles and spends a wonderful day with him before he’s whisked away never to be seen again. But when she heads to Seoul to visit her sick grandmother, she finds that Jaewoo and his band are now her classmates at her new elite arts academy! Jaewoo’s management company forbids him from dating, but with their romance blossoming, will love find a way?
This was an adorable rom-com that made me feel sixteen again! The writing is also very smooth and the chapters simply flew by.
Amid the challenges and drama the characters face, friendship and romance shine through. While I love a celebrity romance — and Jaewoo and Jenny were certainly very cute — I also loved how Jenny became friends with the initially-frosty Sori. I really felt how hard it was going to be for Jenny to return to the US after having such a great time with her new classmates in Seoul.
I know nothing about the K-Pop industry, and don’t listen to K-Pop much, but the story made me feel the hype nonetheless! The conflicts between the stars and the management companies were super interesting and made me kind of angry for the poor kids. I don’t know how accurate it was to real life, but I felt super invested in the characters’ quest for fame and the risks they had to take to navigate the system.
Overall, if you’re looking for a light fun romance with a decent dose of angst, this one is for you! Just pack a snack because the descriptions of Korean food made me HUNGRY.
CWs: cancer, bullying, dieting mention.
This was an adorable rom-com that made me feel sixteen again! The writing is also very smooth and the chapters simply flew by.
Amid the challenges and drama the characters face, friendship and romance shine through. While I love a celebrity romance — and Jaewoo and Jenny were certainly very cute — I also loved how Jenny became friends with the initially-frosty Sori. I really felt how hard it was going to be for Jenny to return to the US after having such a great time with her new classmates in Seoul.
I know nothing about the K-Pop industry, and don’t listen to K-Pop much, but the story made me feel the hype nonetheless! The conflicts between the stars and the management companies were super interesting and made me kind of angry for the poor kids. I don’t know how accurate it was to real life, but I felt super invested in the characters’ quest for fame and the risks they had to take to navigate the system.
Overall, if you’re looking for a light fun romance with a decent dose of angst, this one is for you! Just pack a snack because the descriptions of Korean food made me HUNGRY.
CWs: cancer, bullying, dieting mention.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying and Cancer