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Lock and Key: A K-Pop Romance
If you told me I'd enjoy being trapped in an elevator for hours, I'd say you were delusional.
Then again, I never considered the possibility of being stuck with a gorgeous K-Pop idol.
He was sweet and amazing, and we fell into a whirlwind forbidden romance.
But the risks of us being together were nothing compared to his inner demons.
Could I help him without losing myself in the process?
Lock and Key is a sexy, swoony romance with a cinnamon roll K-pop idol, lots of best friend shenanigans, and a guaranteed happily-ever-after.
**Please this book contains adult language and situations.
Then again, I never considered the possibility of being stuck with a gorgeous K-Pop idol.
He was sweet and amazing, and we fell into a whirlwind forbidden romance.
But the risks of us being together were nothing compared to his inner demons.
Could I help him without losing myself in the process?
Lock and Key is a sexy, swoony romance with a cinnamon roll K-pop idol, lots of best friend shenanigans, and a guaranteed happily-ever-after.
**Please this book contains adult language and situations.
- GenresCelebrity
378 pages, Paperback
Published June 4, 2024
25 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
October 16, 2025
Oof. I really wanted to love this. Forced proximity meet cute developing into a romance between a member of the public and a massive K-Pop star - sounds great. Instead, for me, it turned from an "oh that's cute, nice mental health rep" impression at the start to a hate read, where I was literally ranting out loud to my husband about the story. He was bemused and I was just annoyed. Anyway.
I'm very much aware that this is a debut for the author, so I don't want to be too harsh, but really, this book needs so much work. Here's why:
Our FMC Amelia meets the MMC, Ki, after they become stuck in an elevator for several hours together whilst both staying in the same hotel in NYC. Ki experiences a panic attack and Amelia helps him through it. It turns out that Ki is a very famous K-Pop idol - so as a result of this interaction, Ki invites Amelia and a friend to their concert, with a VIP backstage pass. Ki is immediately drawn to Amelia, so then he takes her back to his hotel room where things escalate (but only slightly because he's never done anything like this before etc). Meanwhile Amelia's friend whose name I've forgotten, hooks up with another member of the band who I feel was named JJ?
Two days later Amelia and Ki cannot bear to be apart, so she sees him again in her hometown where they are confessing strong feelings for each other. Another two days after that they are sleeping together but ALSO saying "I love you" and Ki is tattooing a padlock on his skin with the letter "A" in it - he hasn't got any other tattoos, but this Amelia means so much to him that he has to do it. THEY HAD ONLY KNOWN EACH OTHER FOUR DAYS!
Not going to lie - I hate instalove in romance books. I can suspend my belief in some circumstances, but this was so wildly unbelievable that it threw me. The author did try to give some justification for the rapid relationship development (trauma), but really it just made no sense. There was no reason why the relationship couldn't have developed over weeks to months, especially since Ki was touring and lives in another country. This also meant that we knew very little about the characters - not just surface level stuff but what actually makes them tick. Why do they feel drawn to each other? What do they have in common? What interests do they have?
That aside, the writing was also frustrating. The characters were almost all caricatures of tropes and the only one who really had any depth was Ki. Amelia's best friend Sam was the typical loud best friend who sleeps around (but also somehow found an instant connection with JJ the male equivalent of her / Ki's bestie). Amelia's job description was weird - there was no detail or depth to what she actually did, but she is also somehow an amazing artist on the side but just for fun? Other than drawing the band I'm not sure what the purpose of that was.
Separate to this, probably my biggest issue with the writing was the all the "telling" in the book, rather than "showing". Every conversation between characters felt so drawn out and boring - just a back and forth between the two without any background thoughts or descriptions of the characters reactions - essentially - she did this, then he did this, then this happened. For the whole book. The conversations were often really juvenile too - I honestly thought to myself "what in the Wattpad is this?". Lol. Sorry. Oh and one more thing - the first time that Amelia had to explain an English expression to Ki as he didn't understand was a nice reference to the language and cultural barriers. The seventieth time she did it I wanted to throw my Kindle across the room. We get it, his English is not perfect. (BUT THEY'RE SO IN LOVE!)
The whole thing needs a major edit. And don't get me wrong, there was potential there - but the execution needs (alot of) work.
For the positives - I have to say that I loved that there was a discussion about contraception and protection before sex, and that the description of Ki's panic attacks actually felt really realistic. I love when characters with mental health challenges actually see a doctor/ therapist / seek treatment so that was a plus for me.
So overall, 2 stars. If you love instalove and don't mind a very basic read, you may feel otherwise.
I'm very much aware that this is a debut for the author, so I don't want to be too harsh, but really, this book needs so much work. Here's why:
Our FMC Amelia meets the MMC, Ki, after they become stuck in an elevator for several hours together whilst both staying in the same hotel in NYC. Ki experiences a panic attack and Amelia helps him through it. It turns out that Ki is a very famous K-Pop idol - so as a result of this interaction, Ki invites Amelia and a friend to their concert, with a VIP backstage pass. Ki is immediately drawn to Amelia, so then he takes her back to his hotel room where things escalate (but only slightly because he's never done anything like this before etc). Meanwhile Amelia's friend whose name I've forgotten, hooks up with another member of the band who I feel was named JJ?
Two days later Amelia and Ki cannot bear to be apart, so she sees him again in her hometown where they are confessing strong feelings for each other. Another two days after that they are sleeping together but ALSO saying "I love you" and Ki is tattooing a padlock on his skin with the letter "A" in it - he hasn't got any other tattoos, but this Amelia means so much to him that he has to do it. THEY HAD ONLY KNOWN EACH OTHER FOUR DAYS!
Not going to lie - I hate instalove in romance books. I can suspend my belief in some circumstances, but this was so wildly unbelievable that it threw me. The author did try to give some justification for the rapid relationship development (trauma), but really it just made no sense. There was no reason why the relationship couldn't have developed over weeks to months, especially since Ki was touring and lives in another country. This also meant that we knew very little about the characters - not just surface level stuff but what actually makes them tick. Why do they feel drawn to each other? What do they have in common? What interests do they have?
That aside, the writing was also frustrating. The characters were almost all caricatures of tropes and the only one who really had any depth was Ki. Amelia's best friend Sam was the typical loud best friend who sleeps around (but also somehow found an instant connection with JJ the male equivalent of her / Ki's bestie). Amelia's job description was weird - there was no detail or depth to what she actually did, but she is also somehow an amazing artist on the side but just for fun? Other than drawing the band I'm not sure what the purpose of that was.
Separate to this, probably my biggest issue with the writing was the all the "telling" in the book, rather than "showing". Every conversation between characters felt so drawn out and boring - just a back and forth between the two without any background thoughts or descriptions of the characters reactions - essentially - she did this, then he did this, then this happened. For the whole book. The conversations were often really juvenile too - I honestly thought to myself "what in the Wattpad is this?". Lol. Sorry. Oh and one more thing - the first time that Amelia had to explain an English expression to Ki as he didn't understand was a nice reference to the language and cultural barriers. The seventieth time she did it I wanted to throw my Kindle across the room. We get it, his English is not perfect. (BUT THEY'RE SO IN LOVE!)
The whole thing needs a major edit. And don't get me wrong, there was potential there - but the execution needs (alot of) work.
For the positives - I have to say that I loved that there was a discussion about contraception and protection before sex, and that the description of Ki's panic attacks actually felt really realistic. I love when characters with mental health challenges actually see a doctor/ therapist / seek treatment so that was a plus for me.
So overall, 2 stars. If you love instalove and don't mind a very basic read, you may feel otherwise.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 4, 2025
This was such an interesting take on the k-pop romance genre. Usually, the stories are pretty cut and dry and strict to the formula like a Hallmark Christmas movie, but this wasn't quite what I was expecting in a good way.
The biggest con for me was the length of the book. I would've loved to have more world-building, character development, and bonding. It also would've been nice to see the relationships between different characters build. I definitely wouldn't be mad if there were 4 books- one following each of the members of Mask.
To be fair, this plot is a little absurd, but the author kind of calls that out and asks the reader to just go along with it. Without spoiling anything, I'll say that I really liked the theories at the end about how the absurdity is actually somewhat justified and rational. That was not a direction I was expecting the story to take, but it was interesting and made me think a lot.
One of the strongest points of this book was the smut. It was SO GOOD! It was hot, well-paced, and not cringey or repetitive. Typically with smut, there's a lot of common vernacular that gets kind of annoying to read because it feels like I've read it a thousand times, but this was well written without falling into the over-used lines and descriptions I also appreciated the amount and different types of things the characters did (no kinks but also not just your vanilla missionary).
The biggest con for me was the length of the book. I would've loved to have more world-building, character development, and bonding. It also would've been nice to see the relationships between different characters build. I definitely wouldn't be mad if there were 4 books- one following each of the members of Mask.
To be fair, this plot is a little absurd, but the author kind of calls that out and asks the reader to just go along with it. Without spoiling anything, I'll say that I really liked the theories at the end about how the absurdity is actually somewhat justified and rational. That was not a direction I was expecting the story to take, but it was interesting and made me think a lot.
One of the strongest points of this book was the smut. It was SO GOOD! It was hot, well-paced, and not cringey or repetitive. Typically with smut, there's a lot of common vernacular that gets kind of annoying to read because it feels like I've read it a thousand times, but this was well written without falling into the over-used lines and descriptions I also appreciated the amount and different types of things the characters did (no kinks but also not just your vanilla missionary).
April 19, 2025
Unlikely but fun
Amelia meets Ki, a major K-pop star, in New York City, when the elevator they’re in loses power. They’re trapped for hours, and when Ki, with an undiagnosed case of PTSD, has a panic attack, Amelia is able to ease him through it. They fall for each other, but when Ki has a breakdown and has to be hospitalized, the validity of their connection is called into question. Love wins out in the end, of course. Pleasant, requires suspension of disbelief as all such novels in this genre do, but a pretty good read nonetheless.
Amelia meets Ki, a major K-pop star, in New York City, when the elevator they’re in loses power. They’re trapped for hours, and when Ki, with an undiagnosed case of PTSD, has a panic attack, Amelia is able to ease him through it. They fall for each other, but when Ki has a breakdown and has to be hospitalized, the validity of their connection is called into question. Love wins out in the end, of course. Pleasant, requires suspension of disbelief as all such novels in this genre do, but a pretty good read nonetheless.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 13, 2025
A must read for kpop lovers
You know that fantasy that all of us have about a chance meeting with our favorite star, and they fall in love with us? This book is that. It’s beautiful in its simplicity and length. I wish more than anything she would write a book for JJ and Sam that builds into the upcoming tour that looks at the end of this book, but only time will tell.
You know that fantasy that all of us have about a chance meeting with our favorite star, and they fall in love with us? This book is that. It’s beautiful in its simplicity and length. I wish more than anything she would write a book for JJ and Sam that builds into the upcoming tour that looks at the end of this book, but only time will tell.
December 9, 2024
Different....
....and loved it. Went in thinking maybe-maybe not and you actually "hooked" me. No fast forward read every word and loved this story. Read it and you to will be amazed and actually loving Ki & Amelia' s story. No set age limit either. I am 67 and enjoyed it.
....and loved it. Went in thinking maybe-maybe not and you actually "hooked" me. No fast forward read every word and loved this story. Read it and you to will be amazed and actually loving Ki & Amelia' s story. No set age limit either. I am 67 and enjoyed it.
November 5, 2025
Spicy Korean
As a new lover of kpop finding this gem was a match made in heaven and it did not disappoint thoroughly enjoyed lock and key the love and passion was felt through the pages and the spice level was just right also helped it mentioned Felix from stray kids
As a new lover of kpop finding this gem was a match made in heaven and it did not disappoint thoroughly enjoyed lock and key the love and passion was felt through the pages and the spice level was just right also helped it mentioned Felix from stray kids
April 19, 2025
Fast paced and interesting read
Romance is not my usual cup of tea, but it was a very engaging story and I couldn't wait to see how it'd go. I really enjoyed giving it a chance
Romance is not my usual cup of tea, but it was a very engaging story and I couldn't wait to see how it'd go. I really enjoyed giving it a chance
August 10, 2025
Heartwarming 💜
I absolutely loved the story line. Especially that everything wrapped perfectly in the end. I wouldn’t mind getting to read the other characters stories either!!
I absolutely loved the story line. Especially that everything wrapped perfectly in the end. I wouldn’t mind getting to read the other characters stories either!!
October 7, 2025
Loved this so much I couldn't put it down. I need more!
October 12, 2025
yes!
I devoured this in less than 24 hours it was amazing thank you!! The writing was captivating and it pulled at the heartstrings the right way!
I devoured this in less than 24 hours it was amazing thank you!! The writing was captivating and it pulled at the heartstrings the right way!
February 19, 2025
As an avid K-pop listener and a huge multi-fan, I absolutely devoured Locke and Key! From the first page, I was hooked by the story of Ivy, a no-nonsense journalist, and Locke, the charismatic yet guarded K-pop idol. Their chemistry is electric, and watching their worlds collide—full of industry pressures, hidden emotions, and undeniable attraction—felt so authentic. It reads like a really well polished fan fiction!!
The behind-the-scenes K-pop details were on point—from the grueling schedules to the unspoken rules of idol dating, everything felt real without being overdramatic. Locke is the perfect mix of charming and vulnerable, while Ivy’s determination and sharp wit make her a heroine you can’t help but root for.
If you love K-pop, "forbidden" romance, and swoon-worthy idols, Locke and Key is a must-read! This book had me laughing, swooning, and desperately wanting a Locke solo debut.
The behind-the-scenes K-pop details were on point—from the grueling schedules to the unspoken rules of idol dating, everything felt real without being overdramatic. Locke is the perfect mix of charming and vulnerable, while Ivy’s determination and sharp wit make her a heroine you can’t help but root for.
If you love K-pop, "forbidden" romance, and swoon-worthy idols, Locke and Key is a must-read! This book had me laughing, swooning, and desperately wanting a Locke solo debut.
December 11, 2025
It’s been a while since I read this book but it’s still on my mind so I wanted to write a review. This book has a really interesting take on the genre which made it stood out to me. It is not the usual perfect love at first sight romance (even if it seems like it in the beginning) but rather a story with realistic problems and challenges. I also want to mention that I have the feeling that the author put a lot of research into Korean culture and not just romanticised it which is why is still vividly remember this book.
December 30, 2025
Honestly I really liked the book. It has just a few cons, but other than that it was a great read. ( cons listed below)
* I felt they got together, a bit quickly, and the way some sensitive subjects were handled. The ending for me, was happy but rushed.
* I felt they got together, a bit quickly, and the way some sensitive subjects were handled. The ending for me, was happy but rushed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2025
It didn't grab me. They got together physically way too quickly.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews