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Saranghaeyo #1
Unexpected
Noel Wright is stuck in Sin City, in a rut doing the same things and seeing the same people every day until a sexy stranger ordering dessert—and not just that on the menu—turns Noel’s predictable world upside down. Kai, a member of a popular Korean pop group lives a charmed and glamorous life, surrounded by everything he could ever want and yet he feels empty and stuck. A chance meeting at a local casino diner sets his ordered world careening happily out of control as a luscious, full-figured waitress sends his closed heart into a tailspin. When these two complete opposites meet, worlds collide and sparks fly and the world of K-Pop will never be the same again. But will a meddling uncle, an unforgiving public, a secret admirer, a jealous friend, and Kai’s unruly group mates bring the couple together or ultimately tear them apart?
168 pages, Paperback
First published June 23, 2013
66 people are currently reading
243 people want to read
About the author
Sarah G.
7 books79 followersThe name is Sarah. I'm a lifelong book lover and a die-hard fan of romance :) When I was in high-school I graduated from reading YA novels to my very first Romance novel. I'll never forget what it was. No Compromise by the legendary Rochelle Alers. In 2008 discovered K-pop while on a youtube "related videos" binge lol and I fell in love with both the music and the language, and wanted to learn as much as I could about them. Fast forward to college and I began reading even more genres of romance, and I noticed a lack of fiction with heroines that looked like me. So while listening to my favorite BigBang song I began my first novel, "Unexpected".
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
September 4, 2016
This was really cute! I'm not very into K-pop. I like some of the songs my daughter plays, but Unexpected is a good romance, know matter how much or how little the reader knows about Korean culture. Kai and Noel are adorable together and I would continue the series to see if the other group members find love. I felt a genuine connection between the leads, and the sex was pretty steamy.
4 stars
4 stars
May 28, 2015
What happens in Vegas...
What happened in Vegas most definitely did not stay in Vegas! This is Noel and Kai International love story. Can love survive a famous pop group? Kai is 1/5 of the famous internationally known group T4L. Noel is a waitress in Las Vegas and she waits on this very good-looking customer. There is an instant attraction and sparks fly immediately between the two. The problem is will this budding relationship survives teenyboppers distance and the prejudices of his family. I loved this story.
What happened in Vegas most definitely did not stay in Vegas! This is Noel and Kai International love story. Can love survive a famous pop group? Kai is 1/5 of the famous internationally known group T4L. Noel is a waitress in Las Vegas and she waits on this very good-looking customer. There is an instant attraction and sparks fly immediately between the two. The problem is will this budding relationship survives teenyboppers distance and the prejudices of his family. I loved this story.
August 28, 2013
I could not get into this book. It was just too juvenile for me. I have read YA books before, but this one just did not capture my attention. The dialogue between the characters was just hmmm I don't know I guess you can say .....simple/childish. If the author writes another book, maybe I will give it a try.
May 29, 2024
*SEE 2022 UPDATE BELOW*
4.0⭐️ There are not many Black Woman/Asian Man (BWAM) romance books out there nowadays, so I was eager to read this one, and I found it to be an exceptionally good love story. The story is about Noel, a plus size black woman and Kai, a K-pop star. I liked the fact that both of these people had strong characters, even though Noel had to work through her insecurities about her looks and her job as a waitress.
The K-pop group was strictly managed which created problems for Kai and Noel to find alone time without interference. More importantly, Noel believed that in the Korean culture, there would be intrinsic bias against her as a black woman and probably as a Westerner too. Further, she did not want to be responsible for any backlash against Kai over their burgeoning relationship. Kai, on the other hand, Kai steadfastly held to his conviction that Noel was "the one," and he never wavered from this sentiment, even when those closest to him tried to dissuade him from pursuing the relationship or attempting to sabotage the romance.
The relationship between Kai and Noel was very endearing, their sexual relationship was hot and the negative, biased outside influences were decidedly believable. I highly recommend this book.
NB: The edition that this review pertains to is for a version that no longer exists. I am happy to report that there is now another edition of this book, and the cover, which shows Noel in silhouette, is fabulous. According to the blurb after the book's synopsis, this republished version has been reedited and a new ending added. The republished version of the book is entitled "Unexpected: A K-Pop Romance" and is Book 1 of the 4 part Saranghaeyo Series.
*April 29, 2022-I’m not quite sure what happened with the new version, but there are an unacceptable level of editing problems (most involve missing words). This was a most enjoyable story, but the republished version did not incorporate the editing; I DO NOT recall any editing problems, for I’m sure I would have said so in my review. I stand by my review. Unfortunately, because of the errors, I am revising my rating to reflect that—3.5⭐️
4.0⭐️ There are not many Black Woman/Asian Man (BWAM) romance books out there nowadays, so I was eager to read this one, and I found it to be an exceptionally good love story. The story is about Noel, a plus size black woman and Kai, a K-pop star. I liked the fact that both of these people had strong characters, even though Noel had to work through her insecurities about her looks and her job as a waitress.
The K-pop group was strictly managed which created problems for Kai and Noel to find alone time without interference. More importantly, Noel believed that in the Korean culture, there would be intrinsic bias against her as a black woman and probably as a Westerner too. Further, she did not want to be responsible for any backlash against Kai over their burgeoning relationship. Kai, on the other hand, Kai steadfastly held to his conviction that Noel was "the one," and he never wavered from this sentiment, even when those closest to him tried to dissuade him from pursuing the relationship or attempting to sabotage the romance.
The relationship between Kai and Noel was very endearing, their sexual relationship was hot and the negative, biased outside influences were decidedly believable. I highly recommend this book.
NB: The edition that this review pertains to is for a version that no longer exists. I am happy to report that there is now another edition of this book, and the cover, which shows Noel in silhouette, is fabulous. According to the blurb after the book's synopsis, this republished version has been reedited and a new ending added. The republished version of the book is entitled "Unexpected: A K-Pop Romance" and is Book 1 of the 4 part Saranghaeyo Series.
*April 29, 2022-I’m not quite sure what happened with the new version, but there are an unacceptable level of editing problems (most involve missing words). This was a most enjoyable story, but the republished version did not incorporate the editing; I DO NOT recall any editing problems, for I’m sure I would have said so in my review. I stand by my review. Unfortunately, because of the errors, I am revising my rating to reflect that—3.5⭐️
June 4, 2014
The ending felt incomplete.
January 30, 2021
The very first novel in the Saranghaeyo series. My first introduction to the world of K-pop. One can't help but root for Noel and Kai. This is fluffy, sexy, cute romance and you should take it as such.
There are some formatting issues but that tends to happen with ebooks.
There are some formatting issues but that tends to happen with ebooks.
September 25, 2015
This was a cute read. I really liked it, unexpectedly!
November 7, 2015
Lovely story!
I really enjoyed this story,................ KPop music and K dramas are my great interests right now. I could just see Si Won playing Kai in a KDrama or movie!
I really enjoyed this story,................ KPop music and K dramas are my great interests right now. I could just see Si Won playing Kai in a KDrama or movie!
October 4, 2015
3.5 stars
Hmmmm overall this was a pretty good book. I would not usually read a book with less then 200 pages because they feel rushed but the author did a pretty good job.
This book subject was a little different ( Korean pop star, meets regular woman not in the business) I enjoyed the characters and them getting to know each other. I actually thought Kai was super sweet and a good fit for Noel. I just feel like something was missing, like nothing major happened where I would be like “ WTFOOL” it was just a simple read.. which isn’t a bad thing really.
I didn’t find anything in the book that would attach me to the characters but I did enjoy them nonetheless.
I would recommend this book as a pick me up after reading something from a dark genre of books.
Hmmmm overall this was a pretty good book. I would not usually read a book with less then 200 pages because they feel rushed but the author did a pretty good job.
This book subject was a little different ( Korean pop star, meets regular woman not in the business) I enjoyed the characters and them getting to know each other. I actually thought Kai was super sweet and a good fit for Noel. I just feel like something was missing, like nothing major happened where I would be like “ WTFOOL” it was just a simple read.. which isn’t a bad thing really.
I didn’t find anything in the book that would attach me to the characters but I did enjoy them nonetheless.
I would recommend this book as a pick me up after reading something from a dark genre of books.
May 2, 2017
This was the book that drew me into the KPOP World years ago! Loved it!
Sarah G has quickly become one of my favorite AMBW writers.
I wait for each published book of The Saranghaeyo Series with bated breath.
Amazing Book, excellent read, beautiful love story, AMBW, KPOP, Yes, yes, yes!
Write faster! Give me more!
Sarah G has quickly become one of my favorite AMBW writers.
I wait for each published book of The Saranghaeyo Series with bated breath.
Amazing Book, excellent read, beautiful love story, AMBW, KPOP, Yes, yes, yes!
Write faster! Give me more!
July 25, 2015
Big beautiful woman can be loved too. This is a very cool book about an romance between an black woman and an Asian man. Ever with people working against them they are to find their happy ever after.
October 16, 2015
I liked this story. I am a fan of kpop and jpop and I liked the concept of this story. I could have done without some of the sex (what can I say...erotica isn't really my thing) BUT I did really love Kai and Noel together. I will definitely read more from this author.
January 5, 2014
It is a great book but the ending need more. It just felt incomplete. I hope Noel and Kai get another book and that's why it ended like there is more to the story.
May 30, 2014
Love it, i love to see black women with men of different races, This book was well written, cute, sexy and gunny. I like me some Asian men. :) You won't go wrong reading this book.
October 8, 2020
Unexpected Love
I enjoyed the pairing of Kai and Noel. This couple meets by chance when Kai, a K-pop superstar, is spending a little downtime in Vegas between shows. He visits the diner where Noel works and feels an instant attraction. Disappointed at a missed opportunity, the couple have another encounter when Noel tags along to a concert that Kai, along with his group, just happens to be headlining. This young couple had real chemistry and this was a pretty good read.
I enjoyed the pairing of Kai and Noel. This couple meets by chance when Kai, a K-pop superstar, is spending a little downtime in Vegas between shows. He visits the diner where Noel works and feels an instant attraction. Disappointed at a missed opportunity, the couple have another encounter when Noel tags along to a concert that Kai, along with his group, just happens to be headlining. This young couple had real chemistry and this was a pretty good read.
February 6, 2021
Nice, quick read.
It was refreshing to see a black American as the lead romance in the Kpop world. The author did an excellent job stating how Kpop is becoming an international hit so it's nice to see different cultures mash together. I wish there was a little more romance and not just mind blowing sex.
It was refreshing to see a black American as the lead romance in the Kpop world. The author did an excellent job stating how Kpop is becoming an international hit so it's nice to see different cultures mash together. I wish there was a little more romance and not just mind blowing sex.
September 3, 2021
Great Story!
Although there were a few grammatical issues, the story was fun and sweet! Noel was totally relatable, and Kai and the boys were yummy! Rachel was great too, even with the ups and downs. Kudos to the author! I wish the story was a bit longer, but that's me being greedy!
Although there were a few grammatical issues, the story was fun and sweet! Noel was totally relatable, and Kai and the boys were yummy! Rachel was great too, even with the ups and downs. Kudos to the author! I wish the story was a bit longer, but that's me being greedy!
May 29, 2022
Really good!!
I’ve been on a K-pop reading jag of late and this story stands out as one of the better ones. Characters were well-developed, and the writing flows well. The chemistry between Kai and Noel was amazing, which made the sex scenes work VERY well. Definitely recommend. Downloading the next one as soon as I post this review.
I’ve been on a K-pop reading jag of late and this story stands out as one of the better ones. Characters were well-developed, and the writing flows well. The chemistry between Kai and Noel was amazing, which made the sex scenes work VERY well. Definitely recommend. Downloading the next one as soon as I post this review.
July 4, 2018
I really liked this book. It's a fun story about a waitress who unknowingly meets a Korean popstar and their magnatism towards each other leads to love. I thought the love scenes were pretty hot and the characters were likable. It's kind of the fantasy come true type of book so it's a lot of fun. There were a few minor errors in the book, but nothing to really throw you off the story. Enjoyable read.
May 9, 2024
Unexpectedly Wonderful💝Kai & Noel
This is a deliciously sweet & endearing IR AMBW love story set in the K-Pop Idol world that pulls at the heart strings in the best way…sigh😍🥳. Kai is a living dream of a man & Noel is just the sweetest, kindest lady! So glad they got their HFN & I can’t wait to read the rest of the 📚in the series🍷
This is a deliciously sweet & endearing IR AMBW love story set in the K-Pop Idol world that pulls at the heart strings in the best way…sigh😍🥳. Kai is a living dream of a man & Noel is just the sweetest, kindest lady! So glad they got their HFN & I can’t wait to read the rest of the 📚in the series🍷
July 30, 2017
Enjoyable
I really enjoyed Kai and Noel. I loved how Kai stood up for Noel and their relationship. And how the group also stood by them. Looking forward to the next book.
I really enjoyed Kai and Noel. I loved how Kai stood up for Noel and their relationship. And how the group also stood by them. Looking forward to the next book.
September 18, 2018
3.5
Could have been longer. The ending was kind of abrupt to me. Can't put my finger on it, but it was missing something.
Could have been longer. The ending was kind of abrupt to me. Can't put my finger on it, but it was missing something.
May 17, 2023
Not bad
This wasn't a bad book. Liked Kai and his group mates, Noel was ok, Rachel and their "friendship" was ridiculous.
This wasn't a bad book. Liked Kai and his group mates, Noel was ok, Rachel and their "friendship" was ridiculous.
October 18, 2024
Madness-Cupid unites an ordinary black girl to an extra ordinary asian guy!
4.00 stars. Noel "Jahgi" Wright is a resent college grad working in a Vegas diner and Hyunki "Kai" Park is an American Korean K-Pop star on tour in Vegas. The two meet when Kai comes to the diner where Noel works they eventually get together, fall in love and get married. They do encounter resistance, first Noel's friend because she has a crush on Kai and thinks he would prefer her because she's white, then his cousin because he fears Noel might be a "gold digger' and finally his uncle who thinks the culture of Korea would not accept their coupling. The author's writing style is good but there are areas in the book with a few conflicting statements, i.e., in one chapter, Noel was a student, a couple of chapters later she is a graduate .
4.00 stars. Noel "Jahgi" Wright is a resent college grad working in a Vegas diner and Hyunki "Kai" Park is an American Korean K-Pop star on tour in Vegas. The two meet when Kai comes to the diner where Noel works they eventually get together, fall in love and get married. They do encounter resistance, first Noel's friend because she has a crush on Kai and thinks he would prefer her because she's white, then his cousin because he fears Noel might be a "gold digger' and finally his uncle who thinks the culture of Korea would not accept their coupling. The author's writing style is good but there are areas in the book with a few conflicting statements, i.e., in one chapter, Noel was a student, a couple of chapters later she is a graduate .
November 1, 2015
This book was certainly unexpected. I was really surprised by how much I liked it, particularly since it isn't a PNR, which is usually my staple. The two lovebirds were great, and I really liked both of them. The book also addresses racism head-on, though the ending is a touch to "HEA" for my tastes. I still have read this book three or four times, which I almost never do (not enough time!). The sex scenes were good, too, without relying on over-the-top acrobatics to be interesting. I also loved that neither of them are white people; that was a great change from the norm!
The only downside to this story is that the editing is a bit rough in spots. Other than that, I thought this was a fun story and highly recommend it.
The only downside to this story is that the editing is a bit rough in spots. Other than that, I thought this was a fun story and highly recommend it.
May 8, 2016
Very cute read
This was a different read for me. I had never read a main character pairing such as this so it was new.
I loved the concept of the story and loved the fact that Noel was confident in herself despite not being a size '0'. And boy did Kai sound good enough to eat!
This was an unexpected good read, one which I would recommend.
This was a different read for me. I had never read a main character pairing such as this so it was new.
I loved the concept of the story and loved the fact that Noel was confident in herself despite not being a size '0'. And boy did Kai sound good enough to eat!
This was an unexpected good read, one which I would recommend.
July 28, 2016
Great!!!
I Loved This Book! Kai and Noel were EPIC!! The story happened fast but was still
realistic. I Loved how they could since each other. Wow about the Uncle & the Assistant....smh! One question, what does jahgi mean??????
I Loved This Book! Kai and Noel were EPIC!! The story happened fast but was still
realistic. I Loved how they could since each other. Wow about the Uncle & the Assistant....smh! One question, what does jahgi mean??????
February 6, 2017
enjoyable read.
nice fairy tale romance about a long distance romance. a couple of cultural missteps and clashes ,but a nice ending.
nice fairy tale romance about a long distance romance. a couple of cultural missteps and clashes ,but a nice ending.
February 13, 2016
Sweet Story
I really enjoyed this book, it was a sweet love story. It flowed, there was no lull in the book.
I really enjoyed this book, it was a sweet love story. It flowed, there was no lull in the book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews