When Worlds Collide

by Kate Alexandra

The highly anticipated continuation to A World Apart. More romance, more drama, and even higher stakes.
Kaiya and Jihoon’s story is far from over.

Kaiya once crossed the world for her dream of becoming a music producer, but when reality set in, she realised she wasn’t sure what that dream was anymore.
Now she’s crossed the world again – this time for love – but she’s discovering that sometimes, it takes more than love to build a life worth living.
As Kaiya begins to unravel under the weight of invisibility, and devastating revelations from Jihoon’s past expose cracks in their relationship, will it prove too much?
And when scandal looms, threatening the fragile peace they’ve built, Kaiya and Jihoon must decide if a love kept in the dark is worth the price it demands. Love brought them together.
Reality might tear them apart.





Praise for A World
"This book had me crying, laughing and fist bumping the air along with Kaiya and Jihoon and I know that I am going to be consistently revisiting this beautiful story in my mind until I can get my hands on book 2." -Goodreads

"I really loved this book! It was so well written and you really ended up falling in love with the protagonists and their story. I laughed, squeed, kicked my feet and had a few tears in my eyes at times." Amazon reviewer

Genres: Romance

563 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 30, 2025

Reviews

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Worlds Collide was an interesting read, but I only gave it three stars. Honestly, it felt more like a fanfiction than a polished, stand-alone novel. The writing leaned heavily on tropes and over-the-top moments, which sometimes pulled me out of the story instead of keeping me invested.

One thing I wish I’d known before starting is that this is actually Book 2 in a series. That definitely threw me off—I kept feeling like I was missing important context and backstory. If I’d read the first book, I might have connected more with the characters and their journeys.
Overall, it wasn’t bad, but it didn’t quite live up to what I was hoping for.

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.7/5
I'm a big sucker for crying in novels, and let me tell you I cried in this volume! The struggles Jihoon and Kaiya faced together is so raw it was inspiring! There relationship is far from perfect, but the pure connection is real.

I am truly shocked by how invested I was with their story! Hana....when I catch you Hana, we have a few words we need to share! You're kind of evil! Now I have to wait till February for vol 3.

[Lexa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this in less than a day. Obsessed to say the least!

[HegeBea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kaiya and Jihoon - a love story my delusional K-pop obsessed mind just loved diving into. It’s exactly what I think a love story between a stan and an idol would look like (and then some). It’s beautiful and a little angsty (is that a word?), and the spice was spicy😋
I truly love that this story is set in this world, this timeline. It only makes it more believable. And that just makes my delulu even more ridiculous. At least I’m aware of my delusions right?😂 It took me some time to finish this book, but that’s only because I didn’t want it to end yet. It made me laugh and cry though, and that’s proof for me that the book is worth reading.
This book is beautifully written, and I can hardly wait for the next one. Thank you, Kate, for writing this piece of art. It’s magnificent, and you are the sweetest person. Oh, and thank you endlessly for walking half of Tottenham Stadium over just to deliver your first book over to me in person❤️ Lightsticks up!

[lynette clarke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Addictive and takes you on a massive rollercoaster of emotions

Loved how it showed you the good and the bad in a relationship of how they navigated their love story , and showed the not so glamourous side of kpop , each chapter pulled you in and kept you on the edge of your seat ,i ended up not liking hana , and was crying when ky couldnt decide on wether to go back home and see mum or stay with jihoon , cant wait to find out what happens next in book 3 please tell me we dont have to wait too long for that ,but yeah loved every minute of when worlds collide , made me giggle out loud on some chapters and cry at 1am on the sofa towards the end , fantastic book loved it 🥰🥰

[Emily G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Kaiya and Jihoon’s first story so quickly and was desperate for more. This book made me laugh, blush, and cry. I tried so hard to make this book last, but I devoured the story. I am waiting (impatiently) for the next one.

[Kimberlee Housey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate Alexandra knew what she was doing with this book. Ugh…the emotions, the questionable characters (what is Hana up to?????), the love, the mystery and even the opulence of the entertainment industry…amazing! This series is so amazing I can’t wait to see where she takes us next!

[Kaci read-and-be-merry · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5

Oh god it was so long 😭 Confounding that I had to keep picking it back up considering how much I wanted slap both of them repeatedly. Joon finally shows the expected emotional maturity of a man who’s only ever lived with men and has never had a girlfriend, which was at least realistic while it pissed me tf off. The way that man would have has a light stick up his ass…
Also is she absolutely fucking kidding taking ANY time to decide to go home??? Girl the fuck?? I already didn’t respect her very much but that was INSANE. You can be sad and upset about having to leave while instantly booking that flight. The fuck at both of you. Needy ass bitch of a boyfriend…
Again the side characters save my sanity. The boys of the group, love them. Becka, always welcome (yes she’s stupid about Ben but let the woman make one bad decision, her best friend makes all of them). Hana, what a cunt. OH AND WHEN DIRECTOR KANG READ HER TO FILTH ABOUT HER SELFISH LITTLE LIFE JOURNEY, god what a slay.
Omgggg if they had the same fight ONE MORE GODDAMN TIME. Secret, jealous, secret, jealous, GO TO THERAPY. Also why do these people cry laughing constantly? Everything is NOT THAT FUNNY, especially you people. Not exactly throwing out comedy zingers on the daily.
Guys I actually did enjoy the other stuff and I did laugh occasionally and the plot was at least more twisty than the last book. And I will read the last one but know it is against my own will and I will be side-eyeing my brain the whole time, yet again.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I will be honest, I liked the first book more. This one just seemed to drag with some details and had it a bit bogged down. But we also saw a different side of Jihoon. I know since we didn't have as much screen time with him in the first book, we are seeing him from a completely different angle now.

That being said, the emotions that this book brought out in my while reading... spot on. My heart was breaking for her at every turn while trying to navigate a new relationship, in a different country and also it having to be completely hidden.

I do think Jihoon needs to address his issues before they can progress in their relationship. Both of them are still very young and communication isn't either of their strong suits.

Overall, I'm hoping this story wraps up on the next book because I would love for the author to explore more of the idols stories. Plus I need Becka to take a chill pill and hoping if she gets with an idol that will mellow her out because she is a bit much and harsh at times. I feel like she is that way because on one level she is a bit jealous after her relationship imploded without any explanation.

[Mary Mason · Rating 4 out of 5]

No no no no noooooo Spoiler ahead proceed with caution

I was expecting a happy ending but alas my heart had been ripped out my chest hence my 4 star rating.
I will start with what I love about this book. I love how realistic this book feels. Kaiya and Jihoon felt like a real life couple to me going through real life problems. The argument was realistic the concerns wholesome it didn't seem forced it felt human. I could tell the author put a lot of time research and effort into this story. The life of a Kpop idol we have seen how toxic they are treated when they date someone the fact that this happens in real life pisses me off so badly. At time I felt like Jihoon could of been better at communicating his feelings with Kaiya like sir this woman moved across the world for you show some appreciation. I applaud Kiaya for standing her ground putting her foot down and saying exactly how she felt kudos my girl. And please stop questioning and spend that man money he got it in excess.
I see we come a long way with the spice it had me giggling at 2 am Jihoon had me blushing like a school girl the part way he tells her to stop holding back her screams he working hard chile I swear I melted.
Her meeting the rest of the group was cute I wanted more interaction with them but I'll take the crumbs. I live for jealous Jihoon but he was kind of an ass something and it's a reminder that no one is perfect which also made the book more realistic.
Hana stay pissing me off like I knew she was trouble from the moment she appeared on the pages.
That been said was it a good read absolutely. Kate is a brilliant writer I could convey ever emotion with ease nothing was over down or over written I could fill in the blanks where need be. I'm a bit sad it ended the way it did but it enjoyed the book to much to complain.
I love the character development between our characters the relationship felt real I was happy to see them fall more in love with each other and experience the highs and lows of relationship bcuz alas no relationship is perfect. I love that nod to where they met Pisces when Joon got her the bracelet for her birthday. And all the little Easter egg from the first book.
I can't wait for book three and I hope it drops soon like tomorrow 🤭

[Erica L · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am currently laying in my bed crying my eyes out because of this book. I has absolutely, crushed me. The way Ky and Jihoon love one another but everything and everyone including themselves keep getting in the way of that is devastating.
I will say this I am not big on contemporary romance but this book, god this series will forever be on my Top Favorites. it has me in a complete chokehold and I will definitely be battling a book hangover until the next book comes out.
Kaiya giving up everything to go be with the man she loves, moving around the world for him even though no one wants them to be together is absolutely one of the most incredible things because even with everything fighting against them she provides she loves him over and over. Now don't get me wrong, there are times she acts a bit childish and lets others and their situation get in-between them and It is truly heartbreaking. Though, I can't say I would handle it any better. Yes she knew what she was signing up for but having to be kept a secret would hurt so much.
Jihoon, is totally head over heels for her but there are times that he really pisses me off with his reactions. like dude come on already fix this before you lose everything. He needs to work through the trauma of his past and realize that love is worth more than a contract, fame, or fans. They come from different worlds but they are made for one another.
I will say that there are certain people in this story that I didn't like from the jump and I really hope that soon they get what is coming to them. But most of all, I hope more than anything that their love can make it through the rough road ahead.
I want to say this as well, this series has been so real and eye opening. I don't think I have ever read anything that has been so honest with how things really are in reality. from family dynamics, friendships, enemies, contracts, pain, and even leaving socks around the house lol. I loved every second of this book and can't wait for what's to come. Thank You Kate Alexandra for writing a beautiful story and amazing characters. They will forever hold a special place in my heart

[Charli · Rating 3 out of 5]

I will be honest, I liked the first book more.

When Worlds Collide seemed to drag on a little at some points, some details had it a bit bogged down. However there were some very sweet moments in amongst all that which stood out, Kaiya meeting all the other members of GVibes for example and her experiences at the ball were lovely moments scattered amounts the "boggy down" ones.


We saw a different side of Jihoon in this part also, I know since we didn't have as much time with him in the first book, but we are seeing him from a completely different angle now. I've come to understand that Jihoon is very stunted when it comes to emotion and connection outside of the people he already knows, he's less trained and knows exactly what to do and say but they way he acts toward Kaiya quite often is frustrating. My heart was breaking for her at every turn while trying to navigate a new relationship, in a different country and also it having to be completely hidden.

Whilst Jihoon just lives his K-Pop Idol life and can sit happy coming home to a woman he loves, who he can have sex with....Kaiya is torn apart by having to be none existent in his world outside the apartment.

The lack of both Johoon and Kaiya ability to sit down and have a serious conversation before they both jump in head first feels so immature and none commendable to me. They do discuss things, but it's all "what about this-isms" and they more often than not don't figure out ways to sort their problems out. Just tantrum, makeup and leave it until the next problem arises. It's very hard to connect with them both because of it.

Overall, I'm hoping this story wraps up on the next book because I would love for the author to explore more whilst having her main characters grow and develop from their new distance.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmm I don’t think I liked this one as much as the first in the series - certain aspects were definitely more interesting, such as the info about Seoul (as someone who recently visited Seoul, it was fun to recognize the places mentioned) but like other bits were just baffling to me. So like why was Jihoon acting like a dickbag for most of this book? He had many questionable moments where I was like is he actually a good guy? Idk he was acting very possessive and dismissive of Ky too much for my liking - and I know that makes him more real cause like kpop idols probably do act that way with their whole style of life, but I personally wasn’t a fan at some parts, but like I said, it seemed reasonable within the scope of the character. Also this book ended really badly, not really a cliffhanger and instead just felt like the story was broken in half. I know it’s to get readers to go on to the next in the series, but that is not the proper way to do it. The first book felt whole and made you want to keep reading, but this second just like felt interrupted and didn’t feel finished - it was too sudden to just end the book. So I was going to rate this 3.5 because I liked it for the most part, but the ending dropped it down to a straight 3. Which means I liked it but I don’t think I’d read it again or recommend it to friends unless they were really into kpop (like myself). So yeah decent book but the ending let it down wayyyy too much!

[Annina R · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read the first book and wasn’t impressed, so I didn’t rate it. Still, I was curious enough to pick up this one—I wanted to see how the couple would navigate life in Korea and what it would actually mean to be in a relationship with a celebrity. Instead, all I got was this: she flies to Seoul with no job, no money, no plan. He bankrolls her, sticks her in a hotel and then a fancy apartment. They shop. They eat with his bandmates. They decorate a Christmas tree. They have sex and more sex. She gets a job with zero struggle. They take turns being jealous. A video of them kissing leaks, nothing happens. No fan backlash. He denies her at a press conference, also nothing happens. Eventually, a vague family issue sends her back to London. The end.

What's the plot, you ask? There isn't one. The first book didn't have one either.

It reads less like a novel and more like someone’s endless diary entries—tedious hi-jinks strung together with no stakes, no fallout, and no real reason to keep turning pages. The pacing drags like walking through wet cement, the writing style is juvenile, and honestly the boyfriend could’ve been an accountant and the book would’ve been exactly the same.

Apparently there's more to come. But not for me. I'm out.

[Kate Foliage_and_Fiction · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 stars, 2 spice

I can't recommend this unfortunately. It was actually ticking me off so bad.
He has trauma and won't go to therapy. They keep having the same fight over and over and the reaction is getting worse and worse.
Both of the main characters are completely blank characters.
It feels like there was the overarching concept of the FMC being with a MMC k-pop idol but then all the details were never filled in.
What are their likes? dislikes? hobbies? What happened to her Korean class?
Also, I get that her dad was Japanese and her mom was not, but I find it strange that she doesn't know how to use chopsticks???

This had more spice than the first, but it doesn't move the plot or their relationship forward, it also feels very repetitive, and always happens after they have the same fight again (her being a secret, but she doesn't want to be a secret, but also doesn't want to be known, and him not being able to admit to a relationship for fear of fan backlash)

I don't even know how many times she talked to her friend back in LA, and her friend is hooking up with her ex ben again, and rather than that moving forward at all every time we are told 'Ben is her ex who up and left years into the relationship' I GET IT, we know who Ben is. Why is nothing progressing???

Additionally by the end of this book covid is about to hit & go into lockdown. I have no interest in reading them being separated again when they couldn't communicate and figure out their stuff together in person.

Just overall very disappointed.
(I didn't give it a 1 star simply because I reserve that for books like are legitimately problematic.)

[Karolien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh boy
..


I didn't thought I was going to be speechless after this book.

I started this romance series without any expectations, and I had not thought I was going to be so addicted, so devoured in it.. but here it is, at the end of a day, a working day no less, I just finished reading When Worlds Collide. Within 24 hours... no, within 15 hrs...

And let me tell you, I'm totally devastated, I cried, I felt compassion and I cried some more..

The story about a regular girl Ky and her BF Jihoon, a Kpop star, goes on but not in LA anymore. She follows him to Seoul and what a time they have, even she still has to be a secret. When she gets bad news from her parents, she is litteraly torn in 2...
And the timing isn't wonderful either... we all remember 6 yrs ago, when that not so regular flu came and surprised everyone with a lockdown as a result...

I'm still crying btw!

Kate Alexandra.... you're deserving more than a 5 star review and rating. 🥰 And I will be eagerly waiting for part 3.

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the ending. The angst, stress, and anxiety. Kaiya’s choice to be okay with remaining a secret really bothered me and was a constant sense of turmoil for me. So, I’m glad world events outside their control essentially forced them apart. Kaiya, generally, does not make good decisions and does not demonstrate much forethought. I think Joohin is co dependent on Kaiya, and it’s not good for Kaiya as an individual. Regardless of how much they care for each other, they are healthy partners for each other. I hope this separation either makes both of them grow into more mature and secure humans, which can bring them closer together in a healthy way later on. Or, they realize they care for each other, but they are not right for each other. I love a good not happily ever after every now and then. It’s more realistic, and sometimes I need that dose of reality.

[Katie Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well she’s done it again! I absolutely adored A World Apart, it’s a book that helped me through a very dark time in my life and I still think about the book and characters on the daily. I read When Worlds Collide VERY slowly as I wanted to savour every moment and stay in this world for as long as I could possibly get away with and that way, I wouldn’t have to wait quite so long for book 3. That being said, I am completely bereft and I need it to be February already! What a way to end a rubbish year with dare I say it, my favourite series/reads of the year! Easily, hands down my favourite K-Pop book series I’ve read and I’ve read a fair few!

If you love K-Pop and reading, I implore you to pick this series up! Also, Kate Alexandra is adorable and an absolute legend! Thank you for bringing Kaiya and Jihoon’s story into the world! 💜

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is so bingeable - I’ve loved reading about Ky and Joon and seeing their life unfold in Korea! The insight into the world of idols and the management companies behind them is so interesting.

I felt so sorry for these two in this 😭 joon with his deep rooted trauma from the media and ky having to grapple with the secrecy - there are some really introspective moments this brings out around purpose and power imbalance.

The ending of book one made me think this was going to be a covid story (which made me realise I don’t know how I haven’t read one before), but that seems like it’s more of a book three deal. The ending of this one did me so dirty though, i’m very glad book three is out at the end of the month 😂

Some of this one did feel like it was setting up elements for the finale, but I really enjoyed reading it!

[Amy Sutherland · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Kate’s writing and this book was no exception! The only thing I can really hate on was Jihoon’s attitude towards her this entire book. I get that he’s trying to protect her in the only way that he knows how but to openly pick at things that he knows are her insecurities is just plain wrong.

The reason I gave it a 4 stars was not because of the writing but because my friend kept pressuring me to read it faster and I didn’t really get to enjoy the book so it will be re-read and consumed properly - listening to Stray Kids, Ateez and all the other amazing k-pop groups and with a good cuppa ☕️

Can’t wait for the next instalment ❤️❤️

[Kristal Lawrence · Rating 3 out of 5]

love me a good k-pop romance so of course I had to read this one. Although I love the plot and story line, the characters gave me some frustrations. For them to be in such a committed and long distance relationship, they sure don’t like to talk to each other about what the heck is going on in their minds. How am I supposed to believe this relationship would’ve even survived this long without the hard conversations ever being had? I just need it to be a little more believable for the commitment they’ve placed on each other.
I am ready for the third book so I can finish this story. I just hope Kayia and Jihoon have a huge character development and the tough questions ACTUALLY get asked.

[Fiona Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me feel all the feelings to be honest, what makes it 100% fantastic though? How real it is. The reality of dating a idol when a normie? The scandal? The pressure, the not knowing if you'll ever not be just the secret. The arguments of discussing just that. The not knowing you can trust. But always having your best friend who you know will give it to you straight. I love hate their relationship tbh. The way he treats ky, how she does have to put him first over her feelings. Esp even at the end! I love becka and need more of her honestly!

[Tamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need book 3 like yesterday.

How did I end up here? I NEED someone to talk to. Like a therapist. My last few days were consumed by this series. It isn't healthy.

I am not a K-Pop fan. I do not like series where I have to read about the same couple in every book.One book one couple. Interconnected series. Normally around book two I have enough of the drama. And yet. HERE I AM. Can't get enough. Against all odds. So I freaking hope the next one will bring us our happy ending. And bring it fast. Because I am unwell.

[Lysandra White · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me feel all the feelings to be honest, what makes it 100% fantastic though? How real it is. The reality of dating a idol when a normie? The scandal? The pressure, the not knowing if you'll ever not be just the secret. The arguments of discussing just that. The not knowing you can trust. But always having your best friend who you know will give it to you straight. I love hate their relationship tbh. The way he treats ky, how she does have to put him first over her feelings. Esp even at the end! I love becka and need more of her honestly!

[Sam · Rating 1 out of 5]

Oof what a downgrade from book one.

The whole book had no plot, just a day by day description of what was happening.

HATED the bringing up of covid in the book. I read books to get away from the real world, I don't need a reminder of those years or need to know what year this book is taking place.

All Kaiya and Jihoon did was fight. She annoyed the hell out me. All she did was cry, complain, and not realize that Hana was literally the worst.

I will begrudgingly read the next book to see what happens

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

After absolutely loving A World Apart, I couldn’t wait to dive into the sequel, When Worlds Collide, and it did not disappoint! This book took everything I loved about the first and cranked it up a notch.The relationship between the Jihoon and Kayia deepens, and the stakes get higher, with new obstacles threatening to pull them apart.

After the emotional damage of the ending I am already counting down to book 3.

[Mich · Rating 5 out of 5]

absolutely fantastic sequel

Sequals are usually bland and not as good as the first book. I can tell you without a shadow of a doubt this book is absolutely beautiful. The story goes from joyous to sad, watch out for those kpop Easter eggs folks they made me laugh!! I am
Thoroughly looking forward to the. Ext installment of Kaiya and Jihoons story xox

[Amanda Boston · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a rollercoaster lool, a beautiful one I have to say. I fell in love with the characters in the first book and re-fell in love with them in the second one. I loved seeing all their flaws and them going through challenges together and separately. My heart goes out to them both and cant wait to hear the rest of their story. Till next time

[Caitlin Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful continuation of Ky and Joon’s story. Getting to see them develope a routine and spend real time together was perfect. The moments with Gvibes were cute and funny, I could not keep the grin off my face. The ending had me crying and desperately wanting to know when the next book is coming. I’m unwell in the best and worst way.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Again, this is not the genre I normally ready but I had to read the first one for a book club pick and I was invested enough to continue the story. However, I didn’t know that there was going to be a third book and I don’t know that I will continue. This book was just ok in my opinion- I liked the first book better.