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This Place is Magic #2
This Place is Home
In this sequel to the critically acclaimed
This Place is Magic
, holding on to one another might mean letting go of dreams old and new.
One missed flight was enough to change everything for Eunjae. After almost a decade in the K-pop industry, he's won the chance to pursue happiness and chart a different course. Unfortunately, it won't be easy. At every turn, he's reminded that idols are supposed to belong to their fans, their agency, their fellow members. Hiding his relationship with Jiyeon feels nonnegotiable. And with Apollo on the verge of signing a new contract, Eunjae's hard-won choice carries more weight than ever.
Jiyeon has been focused on the same goal since she was only eight years opening her own salon. Falling for Eunjae isn't the first detour she's ever taken along the way; she didn't expect to be back at Wanna Waffle full time, either. Being with him could drag her back into the harsh glare of the spotlight, threatening the quieter life she's chosen and the dream she's been chasing for so long. Still, she’s determined to make it work.
There's no question that what they have is worth the risk. But when an unexpected development shoves Eunjae and Jiyeon in front of the cameras, past traumas collide with the uncertainties of the future. Pretending they're not in love becomes a performance played out for a global audience. And as paths begin to diverge, Apollo must decide which direction to take, together and apart.
Step through the orange door one more time as award-winning author Irene Te brings this duology to a close, examining the price of fame, the complexities of family, and the resilience of love. Luminous and heartfelt, it's the perfect read for K-pop fans, K-drama enthusiasts, and anyone who has ever longed for a place that feels like home.
One missed flight was enough to change everything for Eunjae. After almost a decade in the K-pop industry, he's won the chance to pursue happiness and chart a different course. Unfortunately, it won't be easy. At every turn, he's reminded that idols are supposed to belong to their fans, their agency, their fellow members. Hiding his relationship with Jiyeon feels nonnegotiable. And with Apollo on the verge of signing a new contract, Eunjae's hard-won choice carries more weight than ever.
Jiyeon has been focused on the same goal since she was only eight years opening her own salon. Falling for Eunjae isn't the first detour she's ever taken along the way; she didn't expect to be back at Wanna Waffle full time, either. Being with him could drag her back into the harsh glare of the spotlight, threatening the quieter life she's chosen and the dream she's been chasing for so long. Still, she’s determined to make it work.
There's no question that what they have is worth the risk. But when an unexpected development shoves Eunjae and Jiyeon in front of the cameras, past traumas collide with the uncertainties of the future. Pretending they're not in love becomes a performance played out for a global audience. And as paths begin to diverge, Apollo must decide which direction to take, together and apart.
Step through the orange door one more time as award-winning author Irene Te brings this duology to a close, examining the price of fame, the complexities of family, and the resilience of love. Luminous and heartfelt, it's the perfect read for K-pop fans, K-drama enthusiasts, and anyone who has ever longed for a place that feels like home.
397 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 11, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
November 13, 2025
I immediately went into hibernation mode (as much as I could while working full-time!) to catch up on This Place is Magic and The Song is Ours so I could dive into This Place is Home as soon as possible—and wow, it was absolutely worth it.
Reuniting with Eunjae, Jiyeon, Apollo, Denny, and the rest of this world felt like stepping back through the orange door into something both familiar and new.
Irene once again captures the heartache and beauty of fame, love, and the longing for a place to belong. The dual POVs are perfectly balanced, and the emotions hit deep. That plot twist near the end? I did not see it coming, but it made everything land even harder. All that glitters in the industry isn’t gold. As fans, we see the glory — not always the shadows behind it.
Eunjae’s struggle to redefine happiness after years in the K-pop industry, Jiyeon’s determination to chase her dream while dealing with everything, and Apollo’s quiet strength—all of it comes together in such a raw, human way. Irene really put these characters through the wringer, but the journey was so worth it. The banter still sparkles, the found-family moments warmed my heart, and the bittersweet reality of what they each have to sacrifice for love and fame made this story unforgettable.
If you’re a fan of K-pop, K-dramas, or stories that blend light romance with emotional depth and a touch of cozy familiarity, This Place is Home is the perfect read. It’s heartfelt, hopeful, and the perfect sendoff to a duology that I’ll be thinking about for a long time.
I received an e-ARC of This Place is Home from Irene. This review is voluntary and 100% honest.
📷 K-pop 🏵 K-drama vibes 📷 Dual POV 🏵 Light romance 📷 Found family
If you need a refreshing and cozy read, definitely pick this one up!
Reuniting with Eunjae, Jiyeon, Apollo, Denny, and the rest of this world felt like stepping back through the orange door into something both familiar and new.
Irene once again captures the heartache and beauty of fame, love, and the longing for a place to belong. The dual POVs are perfectly balanced, and the emotions hit deep. That plot twist near the end? I did not see it coming, but it made everything land even harder. All that glitters in the industry isn’t gold. As fans, we see the glory — not always the shadows behind it.
Eunjae’s struggle to redefine happiness after years in the K-pop industry, Jiyeon’s determination to chase her dream while dealing with everything, and Apollo’s quiet strength—all of it comes together in such a raw, human way. Irene really put these characters through the wringer, but the journey was so worth it. The banter still sparkles, the found-family moments warmed my heart, and the bittersweet reality of what they each have to sacrifice for love and fame made this story unforgettable.
If you’re a fan of K-pop, K-dramas, or stories that blend light romance with emotional depth and a touch of cozy familiarity, This Place is Home is the perfect read. It’s heartfelt, hopeful, and the perfect sendoff to a duology that I’ll be thinking about for a long time.
I received an e-ARC of This Place is Home from Irene. This review is voluntary and 100% honest.
📷 K-pop 🏵 K-drama vibes 📷 Dual POV 🏵 Light romance 📷 Found family
If you need a refreshing and cozy read, definitely pick this one up!
December 16, 2025
This Place is Home is a wonderful follow-up to This Place is Magic! This book gave me more of what I loved in the first book - shenanigans and banter from the members of Apollo, Eunjae's angst as he tries to do the right thing, and of course, the romance between Eunjae and Jiyeon. The novel also dives into a behind the scenes look at a K-pop group making a reality show for their fans.
I love how this book dives a little deeper into the world of K-pop and what it means when they need to be 'for the fans'. It celebrates how the fans raise up their idols, but doesn't shy away from the fact that it comes at a great cost for the members. Eunjae and Jiyeon must hide their relationship, and it's especially heartbreaking because it really feels like there are no alternatives for them as a couple. (There is a resolution to this though!)
What I found most surprising about this installment is in how the company that manages the idols gets featured. The levels of control the company exerts to manage their idols' image is mind boggling, but so well explained. I don't want to spoil anything about the plot, but it was fascinating to read about how much control the company has over the idols' actions.
The story took me on a roller coaster of emotions that encompass the highs and very definite lows of being a K-pop idol. I loved how the author found a believable way to resolve all the conflicts that were brought up in this story. There were sweet moments, and some moments when I wanted to hit some characters over the head with my frustrations. But the cozy vibes are still here, and relationship between Eunjae and Jiyeon is developed beautifully. This was the perfect way to wrap up their story.
(Thanks to the author for an advance reader copy of the book!)
I love how this book dives a little deeper into the world of K-pop and what it means when they need to be 'for the fans'. It celebrates how the fans raise up their idols, but doesn't shy away from the fact that it comes at a great cost for the members. Eunjae and Jiyeon must hide their relationship, and it's especially heartbreaking because it really feels like there are no alternatives for them as a couple. (There is a resolution to this though!)
What I found most surprising about this installment is in how the company that manages the idols gets featured. The levels of control the company exerts to manage their idols' image is mind boggling, but so well explained. I don't want to spoil anything about the plot, but it was fascinating to read about how much control the company has over the idols' actions.
The story took me on a roller coaster of emotions that encompass the highs and very definite lows of being a K-pop idol. I loved how the author found a believable way to resolve all the conflicts that were brought up in this story. There were sweet moments, and some moments when I wanted to hit some characters over the head with my frustrations. But the cozy vibes are still here, and relationship between Eunjae and Jiyeon is developed beautifully. This was the perfect way to wrap up their story.
(Thanks to the author for an advance reader copy of the book!)
January 3, 2026
"This Place is Home" is the perfect sequel to "This Place is Magic"! It was so much fun getting to spend more time with the characters we know and love. The setting, characters, character development, wit, humor, and antics in this book and series are amazing! As is the emotional depth, sweetness & heart present in this story. This book and series is a must read especially if you love books with, kpop, waffles, and the best and coziest found family! This author has done wonderful work taking us with these characters on their journey as we follow them as they navigate their lives and paths with the people they love. This book has it all: beauty, fun, humor, crazy antics, and an emotionally deep and original story with a cast of characters you will absolutely love! I cannot recommend this book and series highly enough. You really must read these books at any time of year! But I think now is the perfect time. As we are all just winding down from the holidays with the weather and mood still carrying that feeling of coziness, family, and heart. Read these books! If you read only one book I recommend published in 2025 it really must be this one (but read book 1 first)! I love these books! And look at that cover art. So beautiful!
Thank you very much to the author for the wonderful opportunity of being a part of her ARC Team again and for providing me with a digital copy to read and review honestly.
Thank you very much to the author for the wonderful opportunity of being a part of her ARC Team again and for providing me with a digital copy to read and review honestly.
November 11, 2025
It really is a roller coaster. Because things are getting better, but also Eunjae just has terrible luck (or, I suppose, just Irene as an author), and bad things happen, but I like the way he deals with it, because it doesn't feel like he's this perfect person who doesn't make mistakes and who just happens to be involved. It also isn't like he's selfish or annoying. I think generally, just all the characters are really well written. I don't know if I am biased because I just really like them, but I just do, and I want all of them to be happy with the contract (and in general, obviously)
Also, I really liked reading Jiyeon's POV (it's just so frustrating that of all people who could come to wanna waffle it had to be an idol) anyway, i also really liked her (i know it sounds unrealistic that there's a book where all the characters are this great but that's just because I don't want to mention Leila)
I don't know what to write honestly, but I just wanted to show how excited I am about this book and this universe, it's just so good (plus it got me out of a reading slump, and that's always great)
And I obviously have to mention Denny because he's amazing and the best manager any Kpop group could ever wish to have
5 stars
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Also, I really liked reading Jiyeon's POV (it's just so frustrating that of all people who could come to wanna waffle it had to be an idol) anyway, i also really liked her (i know it sounds unrealistic that there's a book where all the characters are this great but that's just because I don't want to mention Leila)
I don't know what to write honestly, but I just wanted to show how excited I am about this book and this universe, it's just so good (plus it got me out of a reading slump, and that's always great)
And I obviously have to mention Denny because he's amazing and the best manager any Kpop group could ever wish to have
5 stars
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 24, 2025
thank you 3000 to the author and colored pages blog tours for the early physical copy!! all opinions are my own!
this series needs more love, istfg
yes, the short story is necessary for some extra content and to recognize the Apollo members if you're still a bit lost. and besides, i don't think i would've enjoyed it as much if i hadn't read it before hand. now i knew why they were so important to both Eunjae and Jiyeon and i loved how much they helped the story progress. this one is a bit more emotional: it talks about dreams and where life takes you and that you have to stand up for the important things and that it's not too late to reach out to people who hadn't reached out to before. it's emotional, it's heartbreaking, it's freaking funny because it's impossible not to smile when the members are on the page. i adored Denny and all the side characters, i want them all to have a proper book. and all the titles have meanings, and when i read the meaning of this one, my heart almost broke :O
anyways, can i add that I AM IN THE AWKNOWLEDGEMENTS OF THE BOOKS AND WITH THE ACCENT ON MY NAME???? only for that reason, you have to read the whole series now, specially after knowing Max's book is next and i will be paitiently waiting for it <3
this series needs more love, istfg
yes, the short story is necessary for some extra content and to recognize the Apollo members if you're still a bit lost. and besides, i don't think i would've enjoyed it as much if i hadn't read it before hand. now i knew why they were so important to both Eunjae and Jiyeon and i loved how much they helped the story progress. this one is a bit more emotional: it talks about dreams and where life takes you and that you have to stand up for the important things and that it's not too late to reach out to people who hadn't reached out to before. it's emotional, it's heartbreaking, it's freaking funny because it's impossible not to smile when the members are on the page. i adored Denny and all the side characters, i want them all to have a proper book. and all the titles have meanings, and when i read the meaning of this one, my heart almost broke :O
anyways, can i add that I AM IN THE AWKNOWLEDGEMENTS OF THE BOOKS AND WITH THE ACCENT ON MY NAME???? only for that reason, you have to read the whole series now, specially after knowing Max's book is next and i will be paitiently waiting for it <3
November 29, 2025
This Place Is Home by Irene Te is a beautiful and apt sequel to This Place Is Magic where it follows the blossoming love between Eunjae— one of the many members in the Kpop boy group Apollo and Jiyeon— an once aspiring hair stylist and now the guiding star who gave Eunjae to stand up to the injustice faced by his previous company.
This book quietly explores the difficulties Eunjae and Jiyeon face while maintaining their idol-commoner secret relationship. The POVs add layers to the sweet, meaningful, yet complex relationship between the two.
I loved the recurring characters in the book and it's always a treat reading how the members of Apollo are always bickering yet so fiercely protective of each other. This book also brings in Eunjae's family relationship on the table and reading about the relationship he has with his mother made my blood boil. His younger brother is the sweetest though.
I also love love love the narration in the book— from POVs, to interviews, to text messages, to magazine clippings, and to audio/video transcriptions. I felt pure joy while reading the book and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a cozy romance this season.
This book quietly explores the difficulties Eunjae and Jiyeon face while maintaining their idol-commoner secret relationship. The POVs add layers to the sweet, meaningful, yet complex relationship between the two.
I loved the recurring characters in the book and it's always a treat reading how the members of Apollo are always bickering yet so fiercely protective of each other. This book also brings in Eunjae's family relationship on the table and reading about the relationship he has with his mother made my blood boil. His younger brother is the sweetest though.
I also love love love the narration in the book— from POVs, to interviews, to text messages, to magazine clippings, and to audio/video transcriptions. I felt pure joy while reading the book and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a cozy romance this season.
November 11, 2025
I’m so happy to be back in Apollo’s universe with this band of lovable goofballs!! This Place is Home pulls back the curtain on the K-Pop Idol industry, showing the nitty gritty side of show business while also remaining lighthearted, swoon worthy and absolutely hilarious! I had the pleasure of watching this installment unfold via beta & arc reads and I could not be more excited for everyone to experience the magic of This Place is Home!!
🎤 K-Pop
📜 Contracts
💖 Romance
🫶🏼 Found Family
🥞 Pancakes
🧭 Finding Yourself
📺 Television Series
📱 Group Texts
😹 Hoot & a Half
♥️ Heartfelt
🫖 Cozy
🕶️ Denny (iykyk)
🧇 Waffle Supremacy
🐾 Puppy Love
I love this series so much and 100% recommend picking up This Place is Home as well as This Place is Magic & This Song is Ours! 🧇
🧇🎤🥞📺 Warning - This series will have you craving waffles & pancakes while listening to K-Pop & binging K-Dramas! 📺🥞🎤🧇
🎤 K-Pop
📜 Contracts
💖 Romance
🫶🏼 Found Family
🥞 Pancakes
🧭 Finding Yourself
📺 Television Series
📱 Group Texts
😹 Hoot & a Half
♥️ Heartfelt
🫖 Cozy
🕶️ Denny (iykyk)
🧇 Waffle Supremacy
🐾 Puppy Love
I love this series so much and 100% recommend picking up This Place is Home as well as This Place is Magic & This Song is Ours! 🧇
🧇🎤🥞📺 Warning - This series will have you craving waffles & pancakes while listening to K-Pop & binging K-Dramas! 📺🥞🎤🧇
November 24, 2025
Thank you to Irene Te and Colored Pages Book Tours for a gifted copy of this book.
Can we talk about how much I love Irene’s writing? It felt so good to be reunited with Eunjae, Jiyeon, Denny, and the lovable but chaotic Apollo.
I love these characters so much. They are chaos personified but in the most charming way. This book was more emotional for me. Irene really put all the characters through it, but still manages to pull off a heartwarming and cozy story. Her writing pulls you distinctly into each character’s world, and she does such a great job making you feel like you are there with the characters.
There were some poignant sections that really pulled at my heartstrings -especially examining the “star mom” personality who puts fame and fortune above her children’s wellbeing. We all know this exists, but it still breaks your heart to see it happen on page.
My favorite character will always be Denny, and we see more of his story here which I loved so much. If you love cozy, found family stories that are chaotically charming with KPop idols thrown in, you have to pick up this series. This story examines what it means to choose the life you dream of and figuring out exactly what that means for you and what you’ll have to sacrifice for the ones you love mixed in with humor and fun moments. It’s so good and definitely a story you don’t want to miss.
Can we talk about how much I love Irene’s writing? It felt so good to be reunited with Eunjae, Jiyeon, Denny, and the lovable but chaotic Apollo.
I love these characters so much. They are chaos personified but in the most charming way. This book was more emotional for me. Irene really put all the characters through it, but still manages to pull off a heartwarming and cozy story. Her writing pulls you distinctly into each character’s world, and she does such a great job making you feel like you are there with the characters.
There were some poignant sections that really pulled at my heartstrings -especially examining the “star mom” personality who puts fame and fortune above her children’s wellbeing. We all know this exists, but it still breaks your heart to see it happen on page.
My favorite character will always be Denny, and we see more of his story here which I loved so much. If you love cozy, found family stories that are chaotically charming with KPop idols thrown in, you have to pick up this series. This story examines what it means to choose the life you dream of and figuring out exactly what that means for you and what you’ll have to sacrifice for the ones you love mixed in with humor and fun moments. It’s so good and definitely a story you don’t want to miss.
November 10, 2025
This series will forever hold my heart. As a veteran kpop stan, I love the realistic peek into what it could be like to fall in love with a kpop idol, as well as the joys and pains that can come with it.
Nicky still haunts me with his “ahjumma” and Denny still deserves his own book about being married to the business. Also won’t complain about seeing more of my fave Jaehwan.
But as far as Eunjae and Jiyeon? Yeah. I love them and their love.
10/10 will reread in the future again and again. Irene, I can’t wait for you to unblock these boys again. Thank you for letting me read all of the books early. I hope to get the honor again soon.
Nicky still haunts me with his “ahjumma” and Denny still deserves his own book about being married to the business. Also won’t complain about seeing more of my fave Jaehwan.
But as far as Eunjae and Jiyeon? Yeah. I love them and their love.
10/10 will reread in the future again and again. Irene, I can’t wait for you to unblock these boys again. Thank you for letting me read all of the books early. I hope to get the honor again soon.
November 11, 2025
WOW what a wonderful conclusion. Not all sequels can live up to the hype, but this was beautiful. And painful.
I do highly recommend reading TSIO before this to really appreciate each side character more. Those characters absolutely made this book into more than a book, but a world.
There was more than one antagonist, but all of them were distinct voices with their own agendas and sympathies. All of the characters had a distinct voice, the world building was great, and real, the plot was smoothly executed, and the hurt was all intentional but made the happiness deeper.
Highly recommend!
I do highly recommend reading TSIO before this to really appreciate each side character more. Those characters absolutely made this book into more than a book, but a world.
There was more than one antagonist, but all of them were distinct voices with their own agendas and sympathies. All of the characters had a distinct voice, the world building was great, and real, the plot was smoothly executed, and the hurt was all intentional but made the happiness deeper.
Highly recommend!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews