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Between Worlds #1
A World Apart
How can you be together in a world that wants you apart?
Can love survive being kept in the dark?
Kaiya chased her dream all the way to LA, never expecting to fall into the orbit of Jihoon − a KPop Idol who lives his life under the relentless glare of the spotlight.
But the more her feelings for Jihoon grow, the less certain she is about what she wants.
As the demands of Jihoon’s fame and the intense scrutiny of the public eye threaten to destroy what they’ve built, Jihoon and Kaiya must Is their love worth the cost? Or will they always be a world apart?
Can love survive being kept in the dark?
Kaiya chased her dream all the way to LA, never expecting to fall into the orbit of Jihoon − a KPop Idol who lives his life under the relentless glare of the spotlight.
But the more her feelings for Jihoon grow, the less certain she is about what she wants.
As the demands of Jihoon’s fame and the intense scrutiny of the public eye threaten to destroy what they’ve built, Jihoon and Kaiya must Is their love worth the cost? Or will they always be a world apart?
418 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2024
763 people are currently reading
3133 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
March 9, 2025
I’m such a k-pop stan these days (obsessed more like it), that I could not resist reading this book. The book was a piece of art (except there are some editing there I would really like to point a finger at the editor for missing). I loved the plot, it was a stans dream come true. And if I wasn’t too old too dream about idols myself, it would have been one of my dreams too😋
Stray Kids everywhere all around the world - you make Stray Kids stay 🫰🏼
Stray Kids everywhere all around the world - you make Stray Kids stay 🫰🏼
December 12, 2024
4.5⭐️ I loved this sooooo much, I binged it in one sitting 😂 I’m obsessed with the characters and I adore Becka and Kaiyas friendship 🥹 I cannot wait for the second book! Id definitely recommend 🫶
February 11, 2025
This made me feel 14 again in all the best ways x
March 2, 2025
A really good read! As a kpop stan this resonated with me on another level!
Looking forward to the story unfolding in book 2 x
Looking forward to the story unfolding in book 2 x
October 9, 2025
4.5/5
I actually really enjoyed this! I loved the friendship dynamic between Kaiya and Becka, I laughed my ass off during this one scene between them (if you know you know) I've always been curious about a romance novel about a normy and kpop idol. (The fan art of Hualian of Hua Cheng on stage and Xie Lian as a fan has made me curious for years!)
Jihoon is the greenest of green flags I've ever read! So much respect he has for Kaiya! Their relationship made me feel sad at times. Jihoon having to leave to do kpop idol things, and Kaiya being stuck at points, forgetting who she was at some points. I'm happy that Becka was there to help get Kaiya out of that phase.
I can't wait to read vol. 2 and what's to come with their relationship! I want to see their relationship go public and how they will grow from that new exposure, because we know there are crazy fans in the kpop world.
I want to thank the author for being absolutely amazing! Thank you for popping up onto my TikTok fyp!
I actually really enjoyed this! I loved the friendship dynamic between Kaiya and Becka, I laughed my ass off during this one scene between them (if you know you know) I've always been curious about a romance novel about a normy and kpop idol. (The fan art of Hualian of Hua Cheng on stage and Xie Lian as a fan has made me curious for years!)
Jihoon is the greenest of green flags I've ever read! So much respect he has for Kaiya! Their relationship made me feel sad at times. Jihoon having to leave to do kpop idol things, and Kaiya being stuck at points, forgetting who she was at some points. I'm happy that Becka was there to help get Kaiya out of that phase.
I can't wait to read vol. 2 and what's to come with their relationship! I want to see their relationship go public and how they will grow from that new exposure, because we know there are crazy fans in the kpop world.
I want to thank the author for being absolutely amazing! Thank you for popping up onto my TikTok fyp!
September 5, 2025
This book is so nostalgic, it's probably because I've been a Kpop fan since high school. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this!
February 23, 2025
I absolutely loved this book!! Ky and Joon stole my heart right away and I can't wait to see what book 2 will bring them 💕
March 5, 2025
Obsessed
This book blew my mind and I couldn't put it down, I loved it so much and am looking forward to book 2.
It gave me all the feels.
100% recommend to anyone who loves K-Dramas, K-pop or anything like that ❤️
This book blew my mind and I couldn't put it down, I loved it so much and am looking forward to book 2.
It gave me all the feels.
100% recommend to anyone who loves K-Dramas, K-pop or anything like that ❤️
November 8, 2025
The book started off so cliché that I immediately thought, “oh no… this is going to be one of those predictable stories.” But honestly? It ended up surprising me. The interactions between Kaiya and Jihoon got more and more enjoyable, and at some point I just thought: wait… things are getting spicy 👀. I can’t say I didn’t enjoy it. It definitely fed my own delulu, I have to admit. 🤭
The ending was somewhat predictable, and the overall story wasn’t exactly new. Still, it was well put together; kind of like a well-written fanfiction.
The ending was somewhat predictable, and the overall story wasn’t exactly new. Still, it was well put together; kind of like a well-written fanfiction.
February 24, 2025
Tengo muchas cosas qué decir hermano osea no ha pasado absolutamente nada en este libro literalmente me aburro necesito más chicha. Segundo, los protas tenían menos afinidad que yo con mi peluquero osea no han tenido una conversación real en todo el libro ns tio y encima ese final ??? Se va a leer el segundo libro mi tía pepa pq a mí me la suda lo que pase ea que sean muy felices un beso chao
July 8, 2025
4.75 rounded up!! Absolutely adored the characters in this book, and the emotional journey I went on throughout was amazing. The character development really shined, and I can’t wait to see how much more they grow throughout the sequel that comes out soon! The only thing I took points away for was the typos/grammatical errors, but they weren’t bad enough to be distracting from the story.
July 13, 2025
The idol didn’t really have much of a personality to make him desirable. Also there wasn’t a conflict, big plots, or anything exciting to make you want to keep reading. I saw this book on booktok and was really excited about it but it turned out to be flat.
June 30, 2025
3.5
I actually really loved the relationship between Kaiya and Becka. Their banter was great. I enjoyed the writing.. I'm just not sure im sold on another one.
I actually really loved the relationship between Kaiya and Becka. Their banter was great. I enjoyed the writing.. I'm just not sure im sold on another one.
October 2, 2025
Ate this up in two days flat and loved every minute of this read!
March 6, 2025
i loved this book! couldn’t put it down haha, i love kaiya’s relationship with all of the people in her life and the romance aspect was so sweetly written, cant wait for book 2!
March 6, 2025
This book was everything I wanted and more!!! I need book 2 now!!!! Kate you're amazing!!!!
March 5, 2025
Everything I needed and more from a k-pop romance novel. Easy to read but descriptive and luring narrative, accurate k-pop idol descriptions, and a great romance. Impatient for book 2!
January 28, 2025
I Absolutely Loved this One!!! There Much to say the Characters, Kaiya and Jihoon!! Too Cute and I cant wait for The next Book!!! I hope Thier Love Survives!!! And Becka Her Bestfriend can Visit her amd Everything my 3rd KDRAMA Book But my second about Romance with. Kpop Idol.
March 1, 2025
I absolutely loved this book! It was so well written and I loved every bit of it. I can’t wait to see what happens next for Jihoon and Kaiya 🤍
May 13, 2025
A World Apart is a sweet and easy-to-read romance for fans of K-pop. I was immediately drawn in by the cover and the author’s posts on Instagram — and the story definitely delivered what I hoped for.
The story begins in LA, where two very different lives intersect: Kaiya, a young woman still figuring out her path in the music industry, and Jihoon, a K-pop idol navigating the pressures of fame. From their first meeting, we follow their relationship as it grows through friendship, romantic moments, and personal challenges.
What I really enjoyed were the quiet, heartwarming details — the friendship between Kaiya and her best friend, the glimpses into the world of a K-pop group, and how both Kaiya and Jihoon are working through their own struggles and dreams. It’s a love story, but also a story about finding yourself.
The ending left me with a few questions (and a lot of curiosity!), and I genuinely hope there will be a sequel. I’m definitely rooting for these characters and want to see what choices they’ll make next.
If you're into K-pop, sweet romances, and stories about chasing your dreams, this one’s for you.
The story begins in LA, where two very different lives intersect: Kaiya, a young woman still figuring out her path in the music industry, and Jihoon, a K-pop idol navigating the pressures of fame. From their first meeting, we follow their relationship as it grows through friendship, romantic moments, and personal challenges.
What I really enjoyed were the quiet, heartwarming details — the friendship between Kaiya and her best friend, the glimpses into the world of a K-pop group, and how both Kaiya and Jihoon are working through their own struggles and dreams. It’s a love story, but also a story about finding yourself.
The ending left me with a few questions (and a lot of curiosity!), and I genuinely hope there will be a sequel. I’m definitely rooting for these characters and want to see what choices they’ll make next.
If you're into K-pop, sweet romances, and stories about chasing your dreams, this one’s for you.
January 18, 2025
I loved this!! I enjoyed the characters and story from front to finish. I am so excited for book #2 to come out :) hopefully soon, I am excited for more!
January 14, 2025
What an incredible book. Binge read it in one day. The characters are very likeable (and one very UNlikeable) vibrant, funny, emotive. I cannot wait for the next instalment!!!!
July 30, 2025
OBSESSED. review to come 🥰
EDIT...
I cannot believe I spaced on writing my review! This has nothing to do with how much I enjoyed this book. I have the sequel preordered ready to be delivered to my Kindle at 12:01 on July 30th.
This was such a sweet and fun read! I am new K-Pop fan so this was feeding my need for all things K-Pop. Kaiya and Backa's friendship felt like a real friendship. Kaiya and Jihoon...adored them. The romance was well done and did not feel like insta-love or lust. It was great to see both main characters having their own plots along side the romance.
If you are a romance reader and enjoy K-Pop, you need to read this! K-Pop romance is now my fave sub-genre because of this book.
EDIT...
I cannot believe I spaced on writing my review! This has nothing to do with how much I enjoyed this book. I have the sequel preordered ready to be delivered to my Kindle at 12:01 on July 30th.
This was such a sweet and fun read! I am new K-Pop fan so this was feeding my need for all things K-Pop. Kaiya and Backa's friendship felt like a real friendship. Kaiya and Jihoon...adored them. The romance was well done and did not feel like insta-love or lust. It was great to see both main characters having their own plots along side the romance.
If you are a romance reader and enjoy K-Pop, you need to read this! K-Pop romance is now my fave sub-genre because of this book.
October 5, 2025
Cute for Kpop fans!
It was cute but I don’t see myself continuing this series. Any Hollywood-set industry-related love story always has some sort SA/SH in it but is either too big a deal, or just disregarded entirely and I’m kind of sick of it to be honest. The plot besides that though was adorable for any fan of Kpop.
It was cute but I don’t see myself continuing this series. Any Hollywood-set industry-related love story always has some sort SA/SH in it but is either too big a deal, or just disregarded entirely and I’m kind of sick of it to be honest. The plot besides that though was adorable for any fan of Kpop.
June 19, 2025
Listen, I'll be the first to love a delulu moment but this one didn't even have a plot.
One random girl met a kpop idol in her work place and he was so awestruck he asked you out?
This is giving "1D kidnapped me Wattpad era" vibes.
Please touch the greenest of grasses, thanks.
One random girl met a kpop idol in her work place and he was so awestruck he asked you out?
This is giving "1D kidnapped me Wattpad era" vibes.
Please touch the greenest of grasses, thanks.
November 27, 2025
1. Read: I need book two like ASAP.
2. Read: no idea why I loved this sm the first time| dnf 79% because I’m bored and annoyed😪
2. Read: no idea why I loved this sm the first time| dnf 79% because I’m bored and annoyed😪
November 26, 2025
Rating 3 stars. I JUST WROTE A WHOLE REVIEW BUT GOODREADS DIDN'T SAVE IT - ugh I can't be bothered to rewrite everything, RIP. First I need to state something that ruined my immersion in the story multiple times. Whoever copyedited this book needs to be fired and never be hired again. They missed far too many "" quotation marks between when people finished speaking and then character actions. It was extremely jarring and happened far too many times. Also there were obvious spelling errors such as 'her' when it should have been 'here.' Just sloppy copyediting and it ruined the reader's immersion in the story.
Overall I thought the story was cute enough. There were some millennial-style cringe moments (and I say that as a millennial myself), but they weren't awful enough that I stopped reading. I think Kaiya had a bit of the 'Bella Swan' syndrome as in why was she so special that an international popstar instantly fell in love with her? I just feel like she needed to be a stronger female lead so I can see why she was better or different from any other girl, and not just because 'she treats him like a real person and not just an idol' cause that just ain't enough. I thought the love story was cute and it had me giggling/smiling at some parts - so that was nice. I also found some of the points raised in the book about how a fan could go crazy when dating an idol interesting. About how being on fan forums and trying to follow every movement of the group could drive them insane - that was an interesting point.
I will be reading the second book in the series because the famous words were uttered - the ones every kpop fan at a meet & greet long to hear 'Come with me to Korea' ahhaha XD But seriously isn't that the kpop meme and dream?! So I am interested to see how the story will unfold in Korea and I hope the author includes more of the Korean language and culture in the next book because I think that adds to the story and Kaiya & Jihoon's relationship. I just hope the author got a different copywriter for this book!
Overall I thought the story was cute enough. There were some millennial-style cringe moments (and I say that as a millennial myself), but they weren't awful enough that I stopped reading. I think Kaiya had a bit of the 'Bella Swan' syndrome as in why was she so special that an international popstar instantly fell in love with her? I just feel like she needed to be a stronger female lead so I can see why she was better or different from any other girl, and not just because 'she treats him like a real person and not just an idol' cause that just ain't enough. I thought the love story was cute and it had me giggling/smiling at some parts - so that was nice. I also found some of the points raised in the book about how a fan could go crazy when dating an idol interesting. About how being on fan forums and trying to follow every movement of the group could drive them insane - that was an interesting point.
I will be reading the second book in the series because the famous words were uttered - the ones every kpop fan at a meet & greet long to hear 'Come with me to Korea' ahhaha XD But seriously isn't that the kpop meme and dream?! So I am interested to see how the story will unfold in Korea and I hope the author includes more of the Korean language and culture in the next book because I think that adds to the story and Kaiya & Jihoon's relationship. I just hope the author got a different copywriter for this book!
October 23, 2025
A World Apart: Feeding the Inner K-Pop Stan
If you binged all the Axie Oh books and are still craving that forbidden K-Pop idol romance fix, Kate Alexandra's A World Apart is here to deliver a sweet, breezy follow-up. The premise is classic: Kaiya, a music producer chasing her dreams in LA, falls for Jihoon, an idol living under the relentless glare of the spotlight. Their relationship has to be secret, setting up the delicious, high-stakes angst we all signed up for.
The best part of this book is easily the vibe. It’s light, fun and gives you those warm fuzzy feelings without being overly dramatic. I especially loved the friendship dynamic between Kaiya and her best friend, Becka, their banter is hilarious and feels incredibly real, providing a great anchor outside of the celebrity chaos. Plus Jihoon himself is a refreshing male lead, he's genuinely caring and avoids that typical arrogant idol cliché.
The critical view, though? This book is definitely leaning hard into the "fluff" territory. The central conflict, the "world apart" problem, is ever-present but some readers might find the actual plot and character development a bit flat or slow-paced compared to the emotional fireworks of other idol romances. It’s a great read if you want something sweet and easy to devour in one sitting, but if you're looking for deep cultural commentary or complex twists, you might find it a little too simple. Ultimately it’s a feel-good escape that perfectly scratches that celebrity crush itch.
If you binged all the Axie Oh books and are still craving that forbidden K-Pop idol romance fix, Kate Alexandra's A World Apart is here to deliver a sweet, breezy follow-up. The premise is classic: Kaiya, a music producer chasing her dreams in LA, falls for Jihoon, an idol living under the relentless glare of the spotlight. Their relationship has to be secret, setting up the delicious, high-stakes angst we all signed up for.
The best part of this book is easily the vibe. It’s light, fun and gives you those warm fuzzy feelings without being overly dramatic. I especially loved the friendship dynamic between Kaiya and her best friend, Becka, their banter is hilarious and feels incredibly real, providing a great anchor outside of the celebrity chaos. Plus Jihoon himself is a refreshing male lead, he's genuinely caring and avoids that typical arrogant idol cliché.
The critical view, though? This book is definitely leaning hard into the "fluff" territory. The central conflict, the "world apart" problem, is ever-present but some readers might find the actual plot and character development a bit flat or slow-paced compared to the emotional fireworks of other idol romances. It’s a great read if you want something sweet and easy to devour in one sitting, but if you're looking for deep cultural commentary or complex twists, you might find it a little too simple. Ultimately it’s a feel-good escape that perfectly scratches that celebrity crush itch.
August 13, 2025
I finished this book two days and wow—what a whirlwind! This was my first K-Pop romance novel, and I devoured it in just two days. I honestly couldn’t put it down.
The book follows a captivating story set against the vibrant backdrop of the K-Pop industry, with all its glitz, glamour, and hidden pressures. The main character, a girl with big dreams, is swept into the dazzling world - leading to a slow-burning romance that feels both refreshing and complex. I was drawn to the authenticity of the characters, especially how the author delicately explored themes of fame, personal identity, and the sacrifices people make in the pursuit of stardom.
What stood out to me was the author’s ability to balance the romance with the intense, high-stakes world of K-Pop. It didn’t feel like the usual boy-meets-girl story; there was real emotional depth and some twists that kept me hooked. The chemistry between the protagonists was electric, but there was also a strong focus on self-growth and dealing with inner turmoil, which I really appreciated.
As a first-time reader of K-Pop romance, I loved how immersive the world-building was. Kate perfectly captured the pressure and allure of the entertainment industry while keeping the romance grounded and believable.
If you're a fan of K-Pop or just enjoy an intense romance with lots of heart, A World Apart is a must-read. I’m already looking forward to picking up more from this author!
The book follows a captivating story set against the vibrant backdrop of the K-Pop industry, with all its glitz, glamour, and hidden pressures. The main character, a girl with big dreams, is swept into the dazzling world - leading to a slow-burning romance that feels both refreshing and complex. I was drawn to the authenticity of the characters, especially how the author delicately explored themes of fame, personal identity, and the sacrifices people make in the pursuit of stardom.
What stood out to me was the author’s ability to balance the romance with the intense, high-stakes world of K-Pop. It didn’t feel like the usual boy-meets-girl story; there was real emotional depth and some twists that kept me hooked. The chemistry between the protagonists was electric, but there was also a strong focus on self-growth and dealing with inner turmoil, which I really appreciated.
As a first-time reader of K-Pop romance, I loved how immersive the world-building was. Kate perfectly captured the pressure and allure of the entertainment industry while keeping the romance grounded and believable.
If you're a fan of K-Pop or just enjoy an intense romance with lots of heart, A World Apart is a must-read. I’m already looking forward to picking up more from this author!
June 7, 2025
This book simply wasn't for me. I did finish it! Which is why its getting 2 stars, but there were several parts where I came close to DNF
I do think this a book for a very specific kind of person who is looking for a very specific thing in a book and they all think it's great. And I did have fun with it until I realized it wasn't every going anywhere.
There wasn't a plot. It was just a lady telling us about the crazy hijinks she got into for the year she spent in the US. I understand that romance novels tend to not have the strongest of plots, but there was no conflict/resolution outside of the mild quarterlife crisis of the MFC. Which...made all the breadcrumbs for potential subplots all the more frustrating! It really seemed like the author was setting up some kind big thing with the mom, but it got cut. The issue with a side character, which was alluded to that there would be conflict, was resolved, but it seemed an extreme afterthought. Such an afterthought that they didn't foreshadow anything? But that is how the end of book felt. An afterthought.
And at the very end of the book the MFC and her friend have a very serious conversation where the friend brings up a lot of great points and I think we're getting somewhere and then it's gone.
And there were a bunch of dumb grammar mistakes. Quotes missing and simple words misspelled, but that's not on the author.
I do think this a book for a very specific kind of person who is looking for a very specific thing in a book and they all think it's great. And I did have fun with it until I realized it wasn't every going anywhere.
There wasn't a plot. It was just a lady telling us about the crazy hijinks she got into for the year she spent in the US. I understand that romance novels tend to not have the strongest of plots, but there was no conflict/resolution outside of the mild quarterlife crisis of the MFC. Which...made all the breadcrumbs for potential subplots all the more frustrating! It really seemed like the author was setting up some kind big thing with the mom, but it got cut. The issue with a side character, which was alluded to that there would be conflict, was resolved, but it seemed an extreme afterthought. Such an afterthought that they didn't foreshadow anything? But that is how the end of book felt. An afterthought.
And at the very end of the book the MFC and her friend have a very serious conversation where the friend brings up a lot of great points and I think we're getting somewhere and then it's gone.
And there were a bunch of dumb grammar mistakes. Quotes missing and simple words misspelled, but that's not on the author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews