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Who said it would be easy?
After a year of teaching English in Japan, Amelia returns home for the summer holidays before she moves to South Korea with her two best friends, Molly and Olivia. She had left behind an emotionally manipulative family, who hope that she will settle back into the family business and reconcile with her abusive ex-boyfriend, Richard. She arrives in the south of France, where she soon learns that the demons she had thought had been vanquished one year prior, hadn't died, after all. While dealing with the chaos of her complicated past, she stumbles into the life of Yungrae and the four other group members, who are visiting Nice after a hugely successful world tour. They immediately fall hard for each other and soon have to decide if their feelings are strong enough to withstand the wrath of Amelia's ex and Yungrae's complicated celebrity lifestyle.
214 pages, Paperback
Published October 26, 2023
14 people want to read
About the author
Emily O'Callaghan
1 book7 followersEmily, born and raised in the vibrant city of Cork, Ireland, is an unabashed devotee of all things romance. As a self-proclaimed hopeless romantic, she found solace and inspiration in the works of iconic authors such as Candice Bushnell, Cassandra Clare, Stephanie Meyer, Suzanne Collins, Cecily von Ziegesar, Anna Todd, and J.K. Rowling. It was the absence of personally relatable characters in their narratives that propelled Emily to embark on her own storytelling journey.
Writing became Emily's sanctuary from the tumultuous tides of her inner struggles, battling through moments of anxiety and depression. Her unique writing process involves delving into the depths of her characters' emotions, sculpting their pain, and nurturing their growth without always knowing the overarching path her stories will take. Taylor Swift's melodies infuse her romantic tales, while the resilience of BTS's music fuels the underdog spirit in her characters.
Beyond her pen, Emily finds solace in the harmonies of music, often losing herself in Spotify's extensive playlists, even though severe stage fright bars her from sharing her own vocal talents. An avid reader and an ardent cinephile, she finds her escape and inspiration in the immersive world of movies and TV series.
Memoirs of a Geisha, a beloved book and movie, holds a special place in Emily's heart, mesmerised by its imagery and captivated by the enduring love story it portrays. The concept of destined love, the idea of soulmates entwined across lifetimes, resonates deeply with her, fuelling her own pursuit of enduring love.
Through her writing, Emily endeavours to instill in her readers the belief that self-love and acceptance are essential ingredients for achieving greatness. She champions the beauty of embracing one's flaws and scars, urging her audience to cherish their uniqueness as their greatest strength. Her ultimate aspiration lies in crafting narratives that redefine societal norms, fostering a world where consent is revered, where love is rooted in respect, and where characters emerge triumphant from the shackles of their own minds.
Although Emily dreams to be a citizen of the world, she currently resides in Cork with her deaf cat, Doja. She has recently turned thirty and has decided that this is the decade in which she will change the world. One love story at a time.
Writing became Emily's sanctuary from the tumultuous tides of her inner struggles, battling through moments of anxiety and depression. Her unique writing process involves delving into the depths of her characters' emotions, sculpting their pain, and nurturing their growth without always knowing the overarching path her stories will take. Taylor Swift's melodies infuse her romantic tales, while the resilience of BTS's music fuels the underdog spirit in her characters.
Beyond her pen, Emily finds solace in the harmonies of music, often losing herself in Spotify's extensive playlists, even though severe stage fright bars her from sharing her own vocal talents. An avid reader and an ardent cinephile, she finds her escape and inspiration in the immersive world of movies and TV series.
Memoirs of a Geisha, a beloved book and movie, holds a special place in Emily's heart, mesmerised by its imagery and captivated by the enduring love story it portrays. The concept of destined love, the idea of soulmates entwined across lifetimes, resonates deeply with her, fuelling her own pursuit of enduring love.
Through her writing, Emily endeavours to instill in her readers the belief that self-love and acceptance are essential ingredients for achieving greatness. She champions the beauty of embracing one's flaws and scars, urging her audience to cherish their uniqueness as their greatest strength. Her ultimate aspiration lies in crafting narratives that redefine societal norms, fostering a world where consent is revered, where love is rooted in respect, and where characters emerge triumphant from the shackles of their own minds.
Although Emily dreams to be a citizen of the world, she currently resides in Cork with her deaf cat, Doja. She has recently turned thirty and has decided that this is the decade in which she will change the world. One love story at a time.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
October 7, 2023
I recently received an Advanced Reader copy of this book and had the pleasure of diving into an enchanting world of romance, resilience, and self-discovery within the pages of Who Said It Would Be Easy. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Nice, France, this young adult romance novel is an exhilarating journey of love and healing that left me captivated from the very first page.
The protagonist, Amelia, is a character who embodies strength and determination. Her journey from a painful past to a hopeful future is beautifully portrayed, and her escape from an emotionally manipulative family and an abusive ex-boyfriend, Richard, is both empowering and inspiring. Amelia's quest for independence is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
The introduction of Yungrae and his band members adds a delightful twist to the story. Their blossoming romance with Amelia is filled with chemistry, sweetness, and the complications of celebrity life. The dynamics between these characters are written with such authenticity that you can't help but root for their love to triumph over the obstacles that threaten to tear them apart.
The author's vivid descriptions of Nice transport you to the charming streets, romantic cafes, and breathtaking scenery of the French Riviera. It's clear that the setting is more than just a backdrop; it becomes a character in its own right, enhancing the overall reading experience.
What sets Who Said It Would Be Easy apart is its ability to blend heartwarming romance with profound emotional depth. The themes of family, self-discovery, and the resilience of the human spirit are expertly woven into the narrative. It's a story that will make you laugh, cry, and ultimately leave you with a warm feeling of hope.
I was thoroughly engrossed in this novel, and I couldn't put it down until I reached the satisfying conclusion. Emily O’Callaghan has crafted a truly remarkable debut that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on readers. I eagerly anticipate more stories from this talented author.
In a world where young adult romance novels are plentiful, Who Said It Would Be Easy? stands out as a gem that captures the essence of love, courage, and the pursuit of happiness. If you're looking for a heartwarming and unforgettable reading experience, I wholeheartedly recommend picking up this book. It's a tale of love conquering all, and I guarantee you won't be disappointed.
The protagonist, Amelia, is a character who embodies strength and determination. Her journey from a painful past to a hopeful future is beautifully portrayed, and her escape from an emotionally manipulative family and an abusive ex-boyfriend, Richard, is both empowering and inspiring. Amelia's quest for independence is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
The introduction of Yungrae and his band members adds a delightful twist to the story. Their blossoming romance with Amelia is filled with chemistry, sweetness, and the complications of celebrity life. The dynamics between these characters are written with such authenticity that you can't help but root for their love to triumph over the obstacles that threaten to tear them apart.
The author's vivid descriptions of Nice transport you to the charming streets, romantic cafes, and breathtaking scenery of the French Riviera. It's clear that the setting is more than just a backdrop; it becomes a character in its own right, enhancing the overall reading experience.
What sets Who Said It Would Be Easy apart is its ability to blend heartwarming romance with profound emotional depth. The themes of family, self-discovery, and the resilience of the human spirit are expertly woven into the narrative. It's a story that will make you laugh, cry, and ultimately leave you with a warm feeling of hope.
I was thoroughly engrossed in this novel, and I couldn't put it down until I reached the satisfying conclusion. Emily O’Callaghan has crafted a truly remarkable debut that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on readers. I eagerly anticipate more stories from this talented author.
In a world where young adult romance novels are plentiful, Who Said It Would Be Easy? stands out as a gem that captures the essence of love, courage, and the pursuit of happiness. If you're looking for a heartwarming and unforgettable reading experience, I wholeheartedly recommend picking up this book. It's a tale of love conquering all, and I guarantee you won't be disappointed.
October 7, 2023
Amelia & Yungrae
To start, this is an outstanding story of love, family issues, an abusive ex, wonderful friends, and four young men in a popular K Pop band. Amelia is an English teacher that teaches in other countries. She meets Yungrae, not knowing that he is in a popular K Pop band. They have this amazing connection that grows through the story. Many things happening here, and they kept me reading because I just could not stop until I finished it. This couple finds love, and eventually acceptance from her family. I think that this is a beautiful story. I do not so spoilers so if you love romance, I Highly Recommend It!!! I Loved It!!!
To start, this is an outstanding story of love, family issues, an abusive ex, wonderful friends, and four young men in a popular K Pop band. Amelia is an English teacher that teaches in other countries. She meets Yungrae, not knowing that he is in a popular K Pop band. They have this amazing connection that grows through the story. Many things happening here, and they kept me reading because I just could not stop until I finished it. This couple finds love, and eventually acceptance from her family. I think that this is a beautiful story. I do not so spoilers so if you love romance, I Highly Recommend It!!! I Loved It!!!
October 7, 2023
Amazing ❤️❤️ can't wait for more 😍
October 7, 2023
I really enjoyed Emily’s new book. Loved the storyline and looking forward to her next publication.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews