Public Image, Private Heart: A Slow Burn K-Drama Romance

by Odessa E. Taner

If you love K-dramas but wish they turned up the heat 🔥—this novel is for you!
Han Yumi is used to playing love on-screen—but off-screen, her heart has always stayed in check. That is, until she’s paired with South Korea’s most beloved actor, Ryu Ji-yong.

Their on-screen chemistry is electric, and the cameras aren’t the only things catching fire. Suddenly, every glance, every touch, every scripted kiss feels dangerously real.

But in a world where image is everything, one misstep could destroy their careers—and their carefully guarded hearts. Can they risk a real romance, or will they keep the cameras rolling while denying their own desires?

Public Image, Private Heart is a sizzling story of love, loss, and the fine line between what’s scripted… and what’s real.

Each book in the K-Drama Love Story series can be read as a standalone.

Reader discretion Contains open-door romance and mature themes.

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Chick Lit

275 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 17, 2024

About the author

A lifelong fan of K-dramas with a romantic soul, Odessa channels her love for Korean culture into her debut novel, Public Image, Private Heart and her second novel, From Paris to Seoul 📸🌶️

When she's not writing, she's likely binge-watching the latest K-dramas at lightning speed—some of her favorites include Nevertheless, Hometown Cha Cha Cha, and Something in the Rain.

She also loves hanging out with her two cats, Miso and Tofu, or exploring new cities with her French husband in search of inspiration for her next story.

Reviews

[ReneeReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Light, fluffy and oh so adorable with a hint of spice. The cover of this is perfection.

[Kelsey Graham · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall I enjoyed the story on this one but some of the writing felt a little bit lacking in parts. The ending came a bit abruptly just as I felt the story was starting to hit its stride.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Korean drama drama

Co-stars in a drama fall slowly in love with each other, weathering the harsh Korean cancel culture, the threat of predatory co-stars from their other dramas, paparazzi trying to generate “scandals,” and facing family issues together. Nice romance.

[Taylor Martin-Newman · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had some issues with this book. It is marketed as a slow burn, but the romance happened pretty quickly. The writing style was also a bit strange at times— sharing some important events between the characters like they’ve already happened, and the author is retelling them in a different point of time and/ or scene, catching the reader up. I didn’t think this was a strong choice, as it detached me from those moments. Due to this, I didn’t feel that tension I usually do in a contemporary romance, and did not feel compelled to have to read the next page.

I think the author would have benefited from having some comp books (books from the same genre to compare theirs with during the writing process). So she could see what practices are more typical of the genre.

I also thought the way the book ended was odd. I was actually confused and thought I missed something on my end. While the epilogue did wrap it up nicely, the last chapter should feel a sense of finality too, and I didn’t get that.

From what I understand however, this is the author’s first book, so keep that in mind. Also, it does scratch that K-drama itch!

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Public Image, Private Head is a debut, slow burn K drama novel. From the beginning you feel the tension between both actors that leaves you wanting to know more. Very similar to the K dramas on TV. Felt it. This is a slow burn and although I’m not a huge fan of slow burn the author did great with the love and spice scenes. This is a short cozy read that at times can be very funny. I can see how they struggle with self growth and learning to be patient especially when they are held to such high standards as celebrity figures. Enjoyed this novel very much.

[Ana Mendes · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF.


I couldn't relate with the characters.
I acept the first two chapters being "boring" since it's when the story being introduced. But 7 chapters in and still not connect with the characters and have close to nothing happening or changing? They're all too nice, too polite and too perfect. No one is perfect. Readers need to relate with what they're reading and I haven't.

And the writing while correct and without typos felt too bland for me. There is also lot's of telling instead of showing. THE FMC struggles with this and that but it's only told, not felt...

[Hazel Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a complete departure from my usual reading repertoire, but after seeing it—and having been addicted to K-dramas for quite some time—I decided to give it a go. I’m so glad I did. It’s a quick, engaging read that pulls you in from the moment you start. I absolutely loved the two main characters, Han Yumi and Ryu Ji-yong. Their dynamic is tender, compelling, and wonderfully slow-burn. You can’t help but root for them as their story unfolds with all the emotion and tension that make K-drama romances so addictive. It’s a perfect read for anyone who wants a sweet escape. I’d definitely recommend this book—especially to fellow K-drama lovers.

[J. Rose Black · Rating 4 out of 5]

k-drama behind the scenes

If you’ve ever watched a k-drama and wondered what the actors & actresses were like behind the scenes, this was a fun romance-filled look. Coworkers to lovers, celebrity crush to lovers, close proximity and Korean traditions are some of the interesting flavors to this one. Fun and sweet with some international flavor.

[Erica Simone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartfelt Romance

This was a breath of fresh air. Public Image, Private Heart captures not only the intense attraction between Han and Ryu, it also shows the evolution of their slow-burn romance. I love the book's international flavor.

[Jordan Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up! Really enjoyed this book and the characters, but it felt like it ended too abruptly for me. I didn’t even realize I was reading the last sentence of the book until I turned the page and saw the epilogue 🥲

[Antonia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute Kdrama Novel

This was such a cute read andnI mean that in the best way. Kicking my feet and giggling kind of cute. I liked the balance of drama and romance. The spice was mild but fit perfectly into the plot. I really enjoyed it.

[Tina SD · Rating 5 out of 5]

So cute!

This was such a sweet KDrama romance! It’s a fast read but totally entertaining a good mix of serious, silly and sweet! I hope to read more like this in the future!

[Nikki Chaos · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honesty it was a nice read. Nothing too special in my opinion, it did indeed give a nice feel of a k-drama but... its probably that I was expecting a bit more than what was given

[Dawn Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly liked this book it remind me of all the K-Dramas I’ve watched