Gumiho Kiss

by Claire Kohler

He’s the bodyguard her fiancé hired. She’s the vigilante he swore to take down.

In the early Joseon dynasty, noblewoman Lee Chin Sun excels at wearing masks. Not only is she an outlaw fighting for justice, but she’s also secretly a gumiho, a nine-tailed fox shapeshifter with a kiss that can kill. But masks are hard to maintain, especially after her fiancé hires a bodyguard to hunt down her alter ego. And when a violent confrontation ends with her guard unknowingly swallowing the source of her magic, she fears a kiss is the only way to get it back.

Park Hyun Soo has hit rock bottom. Wrongfully discharged from the king’s service and disinherited, he’s on a mission to restore his reputation by killing the infamous vigilante threatening his friend’s fiancée. Except Lady Lee is far from helpless, and the vigilante has him questioning if he’s fighting on the wrong side.

As Chin Sun does her best to retrieve her magic and Hyun Soo’s walls begin to cave to the fascinating beauty, a greater enemy stalks them from the shadows. Chin Sun’s magic could be devastating in the wrong hands, and if they don’t find a way to work together, a stolen kiss will be the least of their worries.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance

316 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 6, 2025

About the author

Claire Kohler spends her days swimming with selkies, sword fighting nine-tailed foxes, and fulfilling fairy bargains—all from the comfort of her office chair. She loves monsters, culture, and spice-free yearning that makes you scream at the couple to get together already. But since that combination of obsessions is hard to find, she decided to create clean, historical romantasy worlds of her own.

When she’s not stuck in her own neurodivergent head, she shapeshifts into a variety of people: editor, Bible study leader, homeschool mom, Peter's true love, and occasionally, housecleaner.

Claire is currently working on book 2 in the Realm of Eternal Blossoms series.

To connect with her, visit her website or find her on social media as @clairekohlerbooks.

Reviews

[Sarah]

This was such a fun story. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and now I need to actually watch a K-Drama 🤣 I also need to find out what happens next! Nine tailed fox for the win!

[Martha Braebuck]

I have been waiting for this book for ages since it was announced and it completely fulfilled and exceeded all of my expectations. The Korean setting was so perfect. Personally, I don't know much about Korean culture or language, but I am really interested in learning. I really enjoy books that take place in Korea and this book is honestly one of the best books that I have read that take place in Korea. I love how it was also historical Korean, rather than contemporary. This book was highly informative, but also incredibly entertaining. The story was so thrilling and I loved Chin Sun and Hyun Soo. Their relationship was so sweet, there was so much intrigue and danger, and the entire story was just so gripping. I loved Chin Sun's relationship with Sang Mi and I completely loved how Claire Kohler created her vigilante personality. This book was everything I could ask for an more and I am so upset at the cliffhanger ending. I really need the next book!!!
Overall, I would 100% recommend this to anyone who loves fast-paced books, well-crafted characters, incredible relationships (both familial and romantic), Korean culture, and secret/double identities!

I received an ARC from the author. All opinions are my own.

[Kiana]

Gumiho Kiss by Claire Kohler is a fantastical Korean folk-lore book that you just can't put down.

The writing is phenomenal and well researched. Who doesn't love an action book, as well? I seriously couldn't put it down!! And the dedication? For those K-Drama fans that wished the bodyguard would get the girl, simply amazing. This book had a lot of twists and turns that I didn't expect, and Claire really didn't let me down.

There was banter, and there was such a strong back story for all of the characters, this book was soooo well constructed I loved it. I loved the strength of the FMC, and the dedication of the MMC! I seriously didn't see the ending twist! This book was amazing hands down...!

Where is the second book??? I need it yesterday.

If you want a well-written Korean Fantasy Romance, this is the one for you.

Thanks Claire Kohler for the free book.

[Tiffany Goldman]

I was an early reader for this swoony, fun story! More detailed review coming closer to the release date, but just go ahead and preorder this one if you like:

*Swoony, No-Spice Romance

* K-Dramas

* Shapeshifters with secrets

* Hunky, uptight bodyguards

* Close familial bonds

* Fascinating worldbuilding that doesn’t bog you down

and

*Enemies To Lovers romance

That ENDING. I need the sequel asap!!

[No Spice More Story]

Wow! This is the first book by this author that I've read...and it was SO good! I need more stories like this! I was on the edge of my seat...and still am because...you'll just have to read it!
I'm not a big Korean movie, shows, or music fan, but I could become more interested in books if they are like this one!
The love story is great, the suspense kept me guessing, and the ending...well, when does the next book come out?! 😄

[Liz Chapman]

Gumiho Kiss is an addictive, high stakes Korean historical romantasy 🌸

I’m usually a slow reader but I devoured this story within two days.

Now I feel like I to need to buy the stunning paperback to grace my bookcase so I’ll have a keepsake from my adventures in the Joseon Dynasty💜

Also… I NEED book two! 😍

[Emma Bahnmiller]

Gumiho Kiss is a high stakes book that read just like a historical Kdrama, which I absolutely loved!

The characters were well written, the plot was exciting, and the world-building was excellent.

If you like Kdramas, you'll absolutely love this book!















I was given an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Storm Shultz]

Absolutely loved Gumiho Kiss! I’m a fan of Asian fiction (especially fantasy) and this was a perfect read with lush descriptions, beautiful culture, and the best slow burn romance. I’m highly anticipating book 2!!

[Alexa Declercq Barnard]

I absolutely loved this! 🌸🦊

Gumiho Kiss is such an addictive combination of Korean folklore, historical fantasy, romance, action and suspense. I was completely absorbed in the story and found myself wanting to keep reading because there was always something happening.
One of my favourite things about the book was Chin Sun. She is such a fantastic : strong, intelligent, capable and wonderfully complex. I loved the contrast between the different sides of her life and the way her character develops throughout the story.

And then there is Hyun Soo. ❤️

The bodyguard dynamic between him and Chin Sun was so much fun. Their chemistry was believable, and I really enjoyed the tension and banter between them. Their relationship has plenty of obstacles, which made watching them slowly get closer even more satisfying.

The Joseon-era Korean setting was another highlight for me. I loved how the Korean folklore and historical elements were woven into the fantasy rather than simply being used as decoration. It gave the story its own identity and made the world feel fascinating.

The pacing was also fantastic. I never felt like the story was dragging, and the action, romance and mystery kept pulling me forward. There were several moments that genuinely surprised me, and I definitely didn't predict everything that was coming.

And that ending... 😭

I obviously won't say anything because this is completely spoiler-free, but I NEED THE NEXT BOOK.

Overall, this was exactly the kind of fantasy romance I love: strong characters, believable chemistry, mythology and folklore, danger, secrets, action and enough twists to keep me guessing.

If you enjoy historical romantasy, Korean folklore, secret identities, bodyguard romance and strong female characters, I highly recommend giving this one a try.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[funkelbunt.liest]

4,5 stars rounded to 5

Gumiho Kiss is a fast paced historical romantasy with a Korean setting and magical elements.

The worldbuilding of this new series is rich and vivid. I loved to learn about history and mythology completely foreign to me. Claire’s writing brings this fascinating world to life and like with her other series Betwixt the Sea and Shore her world comes with native magical creatures that were new to me.

The stakes are high in this bodyguard romance that comes with tropes like hidden identity (one of my favorites) and enemies to lovers.

I have to admit that I have never watched a K-drama nor have I listened to K-pop. So maybe this is due to my ignorance/lack of knowledge, but the many different names, titles, social classes and Korean terms in general made it a bit hard for me to follow the story at the beginning and I still had to go back a few pages further into a book when I forgot who was who and what was what. Since a lot of other reviewers were praising this book as amazing fiction for lovers of K-dramas, I guess this is really a me-problem.

I love Claire’s writing, her characters and the worlds she creates and I enjoyed this book a lot - even though it was maybe a bit overwhelming for a K-drama-newbie.

Definitely looking forward to the next book, this ending makes it hard to wait for the sequel!

* Thank you to the author for letting me read an advanced copy of this book. I leave this review voluntarily and the expressed opinions are my own.

[R.S.05]

Pages📄: 285 pages (BookFunnel)
Main trope: Bodyguard trope🥷🏼, Shapeshifter🦊, “Enemies” to lovers
Spice💋: Tame (not present - only kisses)
Ending: Cliffhanger
Overall rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Claire Kohler, WHAT DID YOU PUT IN THIS BOOK😩

The second I got into the story, I. Couldn’t. Put. The. Book. Down.

I loved the dynamic between our main characters. Hyun Soo and Chin Sun were just perfect.

Their enemy/dislike stage was superb, the banter was great, and the plot was super unique and interesting.

I already NEED MORE.

And the ending! I actually screamed when I read it, and then flipped to the next page just to see that the book was done.

I’m already begging for the sequel.

The only minor issue I had in the start was the Korean words. I was at times too lazy to flip to the end of the book to read the translated general terms. But, with time, I quickly memorized the words, which made it that much more enjoyable.

All in all, I did adore Chin Sun and Hyun Soo’s story.

Claire, I’m already itching for book number two…. GET TO WORK!😭❤️

Can’t wait for the sequel, I’m already waiting for the time when it’s in my hands and I can continue reading their story.

I received an ARC from the author, and this is my honest review on this book!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Amy]

A cute, emotional rollercoaster of a K-drama for your eyeballs!

The writing flowed smoothly, and I could easily picture where each of the episode endings would be if this story were a televised K-drama, complete with all the drama of relationship triangles, betrayals, reveals, heartbroken moments, and non-stop events that pair our duo in various scenarios. Can't forget the banter and the tug-of-war between our main protagonist and love interest as they learn to understand each other and their personal circumstances that motivate them.

I'm looking forward to the next book! Quite easy, breezy type of read that will make you possibly squeal if you're into romance!

Thank you to NetGalley, the author Claire Kohler, and the publisher Scattered Light Books for giving me an eARC to read and review!

[Ebimobo-ere Faith]

Claire Kohler's Gumiho kiss is fast-paced, action-packed, and filled with believable characters that you find yourself rooting for. This book gives a nod to all the favorite things we love in a K-drama. I absolutely devoured it.

The characters are my favorite things about this book. Hyun Soo's loyalty and his sense of justice made me love him.
I loved how Chin Sun is strong and empathetic. Especially the way she cares for the people around her. Her relationship with Sang Mi got to my heart.

I highly recommend this book, especially if you're a fan of K-drama.

*Thanks to the author for this ARC. All opinions expressed are my own

[Rebecca Lee]

This book is way outside my normal read, but WOW OH WOW, was it worth it.
From the very introduction of Mr. Park to Lee Chin Sun you could just feel the sparks between them, and their swords as well.
There were so many twists and turns throughout that kept you saying "oh wow, that makes sense".
Claire did a great job of keeping me guessing in this book, just when I thought I had it figured out, here comes a new twist .
I was sad to come to the end of the book, but am eagerly anticipating book 2.

[Susan]

A clean fun read! The story of Chin Sun and Hyun Soo is engaging with its strong familial bonds, enemies to lovers troupe and fun plot twists. The world building is excellent. The clarity and presentation of Korean mythological creatures keeps the story flowing smoothly despite a few being new to me. The quick outline of the Josean Social Classes at the beginning of the book is helpful. Looking forward to the next book!

ARC

[Martelize Schütte]

I loved this book! Hyun Soo and Chun Sun is amazing! Hyun Soo have a strong moral line about what is wrong and right while Chun Sun uses that line like a jumping rope!🤣🤣🤣 The banter between Gwishin and her opponents is absolutely hilarious 😂

I can't wait to read the next book. I also like the Korean terms in between making it more like K-dramas. This is a no-spice book so great for younger readers.

[Ami Jacobs]

I really enjoyed this book right up until the end. It was either an ending with no closure or a cliffhanger. I’m just not sure which one it was!
This oriental style Robin Hood retelling was clean, it did have a lot of violence but no foul language. The romance consisted of a couple of kisses, and some sword fights with each other. The eastern culture was well written, and the character growth was well defined for both main characters. I received an ARC copy and this is my review.

[Candice Yamnitz]

This is for the historical K-drama fan. It will keep you guessing and loving the characters. The scenarios were on point for amazing romantic tension. I couldn't recommend this book more. Be prepared for the cliffhanger.

[Ilja Nijdam]

As a fervent K-drama enthusiast I of course had to read this book and the author did not disappoint. One of the phrases that got me was: for all the fans who wished the handsome bodyguard got the girl.
I loved it and can't wait for the sequel!

[Christine]

What a unique story! I was interested in the twist on Korean folklore, and I loved how the author tied in so many little tidbits into the story.

Obviously, I'm going to need the sequel...