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Idol Prize: A Gay K-Pop Romance
The only thing worse than losing to your rival? Falling for him.
Andy Kim has one last shot to make his lifelong dream a reality. But he’s hiding a secret that could end his career before it begins. Driven by a past he’d do anything to keep buried, Kwon Min Jae’s only goal is to debut, no matter the cost.
The last thing either of them needed was each other.
But when the two top-ranked rivals on Korea’s biggest, most brutal idol survival show are forced to perform together, their intense chemistry ignites a fan obsession. Suddenly, they’re not just competitors. They’re the show’s hottest ship.
The fans want a fairytale. The competition demands a rivalry. And in the quiet moments behind the scenes, Andy and Min Jae discover something else entirely—something that feels more real than their dreams and more dangerous than their secrets.
Now, with the eyes of the world watching, they must navigate their real, confusing feelings for each other. In a competition where every alliance is temporary, can a rivalry born in the spotlight survive a forbidden connection that could cost them everything?
Don’t miss the next chapter in the scinitlating Idol Romance Series!
Andy Kim has one last shot to make his lifelong dream a reality. But he’s hiding a secret that could end his career before it begins. Driven by a past he’d do anything to keep buried, Kwon Min Jae’s only goal is to debut, no matter the cost.
The last thing either of them needed was each other.
But when the two top-ranked rivals on Korea’s biggest, most brutal idol survival show are forced to perform together, their intense chemistry ignites a fan obsession. Suddenly, they’re not just competitors. They’re the show’s hottest ship.
The fans want a fairytale. The competition demands a rivalry. And in the quiet moments behind the scenes, Andy and Min Jae discover something else entirely—something that feels more real than their dreams and more dangerous than their secrets.
Now, with the eyes of the world watching, they must navigate their real, confusing feelings for each other. In a competition where every alliance is temporary, can a rivalry born in the spotlight survive a forbidden connection that could cost them everything?
Don’t miss the next chapter in the scinitlating Idol Romance Series!
346 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 21, 2025
14 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
About the author
K.T. Salvo
4 books74 followersKT Salvo (they/he) is a 퀴어, non-binary author obsessed with crafting steamy romance novels that blend K-pop vibes and messy, heartfelt love stories. Their work celebrates the beauty of diverse queer relationships fueled by a deep love of anime, K-dramas, and an unhealthy caffeine addiction. If you crave romance with a side of K-drama worthy angst and characters who feel like your new best friends, dive into KT's world!
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Currently reading
December 25, 2025I’m on BookTube now! =)
I can always count on K.T. Salvo to give me exactly what I need!
And this time around they gave me "Idol Prize", a k-pop idol romance with two men that are the epitome of the rivals-to-lovers trope! XD
Gosh! I’ve been dying to read this and Christmas is the perfect time to start with this story!
Andy Kim and Kwon Min Jae, I can’t wait to read about you!!! <333
Find me on:
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I can always count on K.T. Salvo to give me exactly what I need!
And this time around they gave me "Idol Prize", a k-pop idol romance with two men that are the epitome of the rivals-to-lovers trope! XD
Gosh! I’ve been dying to read this and Christmas is the perfect time to start with this story!
Andy Kim and Kwon Min Jae, I can’t wait to read about you!!! <333
Find me on:
My Blog
January 15, 2026
close enough, welcome back heated rivalry!!
all joke aside though i really enjoyed this book and ate it tf up!! the descriptions of the dance routines were really stunningly written. i almost wish there weren’t any spicy scenes since i didnt love the sexual chemistry between these two but i loved their rivalry turned love affair! will definitely be reading more of this author in the future, what a gem of a find for my last book of the year ✨
all joke aside though i really enjoyed this book and ate it tf up!! the descriptions of the dance routines were really stunningly written. i almost wish there weren’t any spicy scenes since i didnt love the sexual chemistry between these two but i loved their rivalry turned love affair! will definitely be reading more of this author in the future, what a gem of a find for my last book of the year ✨
October 22, 2025
What a hot new entry into this series, with a salacious and sometimes heartbreaking look behind the scenes of a Kpop surivival show. The tension was delicious, but the real meals were the dancing scenes, so vividly illustrated in precise prose. Andy and Min Jae were the stars, of course, and their chemistry made me swoon more than once. But the surounding cast deserve their own mention. I want to enjoy a nice, piping hot bowl of Min Jae's grandmother's doenjang jjigae!
October 2, 2025
KT Salvo has hit another home run with "Idol Pr!ze", the fourth book in the Idol Romance Series. KT's writing was always good, but it has become A-Mazing. Taut, descriptive, flowing. I couldn't put this book down. And I read it. Actually read it on my Kindle. I'm an AudioBook Kween!
"Idol Pr!ze" is the story of Andy Kim, an American singer and dancer who dreams of becoming an idol. He's a dance instructor in Sacramento, California. He travels to Seoul to compete in a televised talent show. There, he meets another contestant, Kwon Min Jae. Min Jae is a 'near miss idol' whose dreams were shut down by a devastating knee injury. And, oh yeah, he's been working as a high-class rent-boy to make ends meet.
Sparks fly and fires start when these two are forced to dance together in a "Mission" and discover they have real chemistry. The unexpected twists and turns, the hot hot romance, the dance scenes? Fire. This book is a page-turner that delivers. I can't say more without giving away the plot. I'm going to reread it.
"Idol Pr!ze" is the story of Andy Kim, an American singer and dancer who dreams of becoming an idol. He's a dance instructor in Sacramento, California. He travels to Seoul to compete in a televised talent show. There, he meets another contestant, Kwon Min Jae. Min Jae is a 'near miss idol' whose dreams were shut down by a devastating knee injury. And, oh yeah, he's been working as a high-class rent-boy to make ends meet.
Sparks fly and fires start when these two are forced to dance together in a "Mission" and discover they have real chemistry. The unexpected twists and turns, the hot hot romance, the dance scenes? Fire. This book is a page-turner that delivers. I can't say more without giving away the plot. I'm going to reread it.
October 23, 2025
Wow, what a ride. I devoured this book in almost one sitting and had to go back for a second read right away. While this is the 4th book in a series, it's a new set of MCs and a great entry point for new readers. I'm still trying to decide if Andy or Min Jae is my bias. I love Andy's bouncy, puppy dog, sunshine energy, but I can't resist a brooding bad boy like Min Jae, either. Like the other books in this series, this one has all the juicy, gritty details to make the setting feel real and lived in. I've never watched a K-pop reality show besides Popstar Academy but I feel like I should watch one now.
October 22, 2025
Wow! This book was a romp. K-pop goodness with two perfectly imperfect characters. Min Jae and Andy were never going to be able to resist each other, but it's cute that they tried to fight it.
NOTE: I have heard rumblings that the cover was created using AI. If these claims are substatiated, I will be removing my review from all platforms, as I do not endorse AI use in any capacity.
NOTE: I have heard rumblings that the cover was created using AI. If these claims are substatiated, I will be removing my review from all platforms, as I do not endorse AI use in any capacity.
October 26, 2025
Idol Romance Series Book 4
Sloooooow burn ✅
K-pop world of trainee’s, debuting , fan service and Idols ✅
Korean culture and lifestyles ✅
Lights ! Camera ! Action!
The Dream Boy Project in Seoul has 100 guys competing to be Idols, including our main characters and rivals Andy and Kwon Min Jae.
Lots of hard work being in this competition. Challenges. Cameras EVERYWHERE. Interviews . I trust no-one. (Sorry Leo, hope you are a good guy but this is show business)
“Min Jae shot a quick glance at Andy. Perhaps sensing the attention, Andy turned to meet Min Jae’s gaze at the same moment. And, just like he’d done during the field day game, he winked. Min Jae inwardly groaned, already picturing the fan-made GIFs.”
This is going to be a slow burn. I’m so not a fan of slow burn. I’m at 33% and they finally have some sort of romantic awareness of each other.
It’s down to 50 contestants.
Andy and Min Jae’s team do a lustful performance, with the choreography spotlighting the chemistry between them. Full-on, high-stakes, dramatic angst. I kinda wish I could see it myself 🤣
“Andy had been terrified of that performance, of laying his true feelings so bare on a global stage for everyone to see. But he hadn't been alone. Min Jae had been right there with him, taking the same insane risk, matching his fire with a heat he hadn’t known the guy possessed. ”
“ …slow-motion clip of Min Jae and Andy, their faces inches apart during the final pose of their duet. The hashtag #MinDy exploded on the screen in a burst of animated hearts. Min Jae’s stomach tightened. A montage of fan-made videos played—their performance reedited and set to a heart-wrenching ballad, compilations of every glance they’d shared on stage, and endless, scrolling comments from fans losing their minds.”
Min Jae is totally latching onto the #MinDy ship to get ahead in the competition. Andy is not impressed.
Finally, at 62% , admissions of feelings and their first kiss. Sexy times.
Omg this line 🤣🤣 “Time to free the beast.” He reached for the top of Min Jae’s shorts. “Ready?”
Min Jae opens up to Andy about his sex work before the show. Andy is over all his secrets and manipulations. But he also thinks it’s brave and sexy of
Min Jae., don’t is round two for sexy times and orgasms.
They are back at the competition and a contestant has been outed as gay, and has left the show.
It’s down to 25 contestants.
SCG’s VP of Artist Development ,Director Choi, is determined for no more gayness.
“As I said,” Choi continued with all the charm of a python squeezing its prey, “a rivalry is a much safer, more manageable story. You will give me that story. You will be rivals again. And this footage," he gestured to the screen behind him, "will just stay between us. Are we clear?”
Ooh blackmail. They are in violation of their contract’s morals and propriety clauses.
“He and Andy had played their part well enough for the day. The other contestants had co-signed on their renewed rivalry. The editors had plenty of footage to confirm it for the unwary Dream Makers. As long as they weren’t seen directly, there was no issue.”
Allies turning against Andy, public blowups, backstabbing, gossiping - it’s all happening.
Weeks of grueling evaluations have led to the last mission to be in the Final Eight and debut as a member of Pr1ze.
“There’s nothing more that I want than to finish this by your side.”
It ends with Andy and Min Jae together and a career cliffhanger of sorts.
Sloooooow burn ✅
K-pop world of trainee’s, debuting , fan service and Idols ✅
Korean culture and lifestyles ✅
Lights ! Camera ! Action!
The Dream Boy Project in Seoul has 100 guys competing to be Idols, including our main characters and rivals Andy and Kwon Min Jae.
Lots of hard work being in this competition. Challenges. Cameras EVERYWHERE. Interviews . I trust no-one. (Sorry Leo, hope you are a good guy but this is show business)
“Min Jae shot a quick glance at Andy. Perhaps sensing the attention, Andy turned to meet Min Jae’s gaze at the same moment. And, just like he’d done during the field day game, he winked. Min Jae inwardly groaned, already picturing the fan-made GIFs.”
This is going to be a slow burn. I’m so not a fan of slow burn. I’m at 33% and they finally have some sort of romantic awareness of each other.
It’s down to 50 contestants.
Andy and Min Jae’s team do a lustful performance, with the choreography spotlighting the chemistry between them. Full-on, high-stakes, dramatic angst. I kinda wish I could see it myself 🤣
“Andy had been terrified of that performance, of laying his true feelings so bare on a global stage for everyone to see. But he hadn't been alone. Min Jae had been right there with him, taking the same insane risk, matching his fire with a heat he hadn’t known the guy possessed. ”
“ …slow-motion clip of Min Jae and Andy, their faces inches apart during the final pose of their duet. The hashtag #MinDy exploded on the screen in a burst of animated hearts. Min Jae’s stomach tightened. A montage of fan-made videos played—their performance reedited and set to a heart-wrenching ballad, compilations of every glance they’d shared on stage, and endless, scrolling comments from fans losing their minds.”
Min Jae is totally latching onto the #MinDy ship to get ahead in the competition. Andy is not impressed.
Finally, at 62% , admissions of feelings and their first kiss. Sexy times.
Omg this line 🤣🤣 “Time to free the beast.” He reached for the top of Min Jae’s shorts. “Ready?”
Min Jae opens up to Andy about his sex work before the show. Andy is over all his secrets and manipulations. But he also thinks it’s brave and sexy of
Min Jae., don’t is round two for sexy times and orgasms.
They are back at the competition and a contestant has been outed as gay, and has left the show.
It’s down to 25 contestants.
SCG’s VP of Artist Development ,Director Choi, is determined for no more gayness.
“As I said,” Choi continued with all the charm of a python squeezing its prey, “a rivalry is a much safer, more manageable story. You will give me that story. You will be rivals again. And this footage," he gestured to the screen behind him, "will just stay between us. Are we clear?”
Ooh blackmail. They are in violation of their contract’s morals and propriety clauses.
“He and Andy had played their part well enough for the day. The other contestants had co-signed on their renewed rivalry. The editors had plenty of footage to confirm it for the unwary Dream Makers. As long as they weren’t seen directly, there was no issue.”
Allies turning against Andy, public blowups, backstabbing, gossiping - it’s all happening.
Weeks of grueling evaluations have led to the last mission to be in the Final Eight and debut as a member of Pr1ze.
“There’s nothing more that I want than to finish this by your side.”
It ends with Andy and Min Jae together and a career cliffhanger of sorts.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 21, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
(ARC)
Let's talk about this book cause i have things to say. First things first, as a K-pop stan/survival show enjoyer, i will say that it is so obvious that the author is a member of this community. The way this book is written, you can tell that the person writing this has so much love for k-pop and idols and you can tell that they have the knowledge to make everything so believable. Similar to what i said about the previous books in this series, i love that it also shows the dark side of this industry as well, with its insane schedules, predatory business practices, and overall manufactured-ness involving certain things like relationships and drama and image. Now the characters were really fun to read about too; i loved the black cat x golden retriever dynamic between Min Jae and Andy and i loved how they felt really different from jason and tae hyun as well. I can't wait for the next book to come out cause i can not wait to see what comes next. Now the reason that i removed a star for this book, though, is because of the ai use with the cover, it wasn't enough that i stopped the book completely but i am always wary when i see ai covers because i fear that ai is being used to write the book as well, which i am firmly against, from what i read it doesn't seem to be the case but i can never be too sure and the thought will always be in the back of my mind.
🌶️🌶️
(ARC)
Let's talk about this book cause i have things to say. First things first, as a K-pop stan/survival show enjoyer, i will say that it is so obvious that the author is a member of this community. The way this book is written, you can tell that the person writing this has so much love for k-pop and idols and you can tell that they have the knowledge to make everything so believable. Similar to what i said about the previous books in this series, i love that it also shows the dark side of this industry as well, with its insane schedules, predatory business practices, and overall manufactured-ness involving certain things like relationships and drama and image. Now the characters were really fun to read about too; i loved the black cat x golden retriever dynamic between Min Jae and Andy and i loved how they felt really different from jason and tae hyun as well. I can't wait for the next book to come out cause i can not wait to see what comes next. Now the reason that i removed a star for this book, though, is because of the ai use with the cover, it wasn't enough that i stopped the book completely but i am always wary when i see ai covers because i fear that ai is being used to write the book as well, which i am firmly against, from what i read it doesn't seem to be the case but i can never be too sure and the thought will always be in the back of my mind.
October 6, 2025
As someone who engages in kpop content (and shamefully encourages ships) from the songs to variety shows to survival shows this book blew my mind. I felt like my delulus have finally come true. I had fun in this book. It felt like I was witnessing a real survival show and that did things to my heart. I will be looking into more of K. T. Salvo's kpop books because my oh my I have finally found a place to let my kpop ship delulus run free.
October 23, 2025
Enjoyable behind-the-scenes reality show, choose-the-next K-pop idol dream group story, with authentic and complex characters and a situation that should have Noped me out, but…didn’t. I liked the author’s approach.
Andy is from Sacramento, CA/the US. Min Jae is from a Seoul suburb. Both aspire to be #1 in the competition to be part of the the next Kpop idol group. Both are supremely talented. They sing, dance, act, and are of course gorgeous/adorable.
Lucky for them, they’ve been accepted into the 100 competitors to form the next superstar boy band for the Dream Idols competition in South Korea….
Andy’s genuine charm is a great contrast to Min Jae’s careful act. Min Jae’s secret—not a spoiler, his first chapter starts there—he’s been doing sex work anonymously/with a mask, to pay the bills/support his grandmother—is explosive, and he’s used to putting on a carefully crafted show of seduction. Andy is a dance instructor with talent to spare. The two immediately rise to the top of the rankings…and the tension between them sparks a ‘ship (#MinDy) and complications all around.
I enjoyed so much of the story, even though this book is undercooked, so to speak. Their relationship could have used more time to develop, and feelings and admissions happen a little incredibly fast, though I could believe they’d get there. Min Jae’s past is rich with potential for tension and drama, but isn’t used that way so much as for an interesting dynamic in which he struggles with the performative nature of sex work v the authentic chemistry and connection he has with Andy. I found it interesting rather than a turn off (because, Me, he actually committed to stopping for the competition/can’t do it if he’s an idol) and I actually wished the author had leaned into its effect on him more, because it brought out a powerful theme of intimacy v performing and things Andy was picking up on, when Min Jae was being authentic and when he was putting on a show. I wanted more of that.
I, of course, HATED the few times it came up in Min Jae’s head when they were close to/being intimate. It bumped me out of the moment, and it was annoying that we’d get his comparisons to Andy with former clients, but never got Andy’s comparisons bt Min Jae and former hookups/lovers. But it was also written authentically, and I muscled through. Just…more balance would have been stronger. Andy’s acceptance was…well, in character for him, if rather conveniently easy. I appreciated the attitude that it didn’t impact his feelings for Min Jae, but, the message that it’s just work like any other work hit wrong, because it really isn’t. the intimacy involved changes the worker, whether they enjoy it or not, in ways that other work does not, and exposes them to unsafe physical situations that (hopefully) other work does not/should not. The vulnerability to strangers is real, the impact on sense of self happens, and I hated that it was downplayed. But I digress.
The competition itself is engaging to read about, the dancing, both Andy and Min Jae stepping up as leaders with different styles, and the chemistry between them as group partners, the cast of secondary characters adding to the tension, showing fast friendships and annoyances and probably went better than one might expect. The way one SC was dealt with seemed too glossed over—one leaves the competition after, and I didn’t like the way both MCs shrugged it off and moved forward; it wasn’t used enough for reflection and evolution, more for raising stakes. Hrmph. Min Jae’s grandmother was awesome! I wish we’d gotten to know Andy’s family/connections, they are pretty much absent from the story apart from text communications.
I had a good time reading this and find this author to be quite talented and insightful.
I’m not sure if this is intended as book 1 of a series about these two; the previous Idol books were a trilogy, and I loved them. Because this feels too much too fast, I’m hoping it really is just the beginning and they’ll face more challenges together, including potentially Min Jae’s past coming back to haunt them and how that would be dealt with. A lot felt overly neat and tidy here, but, I still had a great time reading their story. Andy’s decision at the end had me cheering! And the final phone call…! That’s why I’m hoping there’ll be more.
HFN. Reality show competition, K-pop idols, rivals to lovers. NO OM drama in the book at all; Min Jae’s secret past is his main conflict. His POV does open with him showering/leaving a client's room for the final time. Safe enough for me, and handled pretty well. Recommended, as are the previous Idol books!
My thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for the ARC; this is my free and impartial opinion.
Andy is from Sacramento, CA/the US. Min Jae is from a Seoul suburb. Both aspire to be #1 in the competition to be part of the the next Kpop idol group. Both are supremely talented. They sing, dance, act, and are of course gorgeous/adorable.
Lucky for them, they’ve been accepted into the 100 competitors to form the next superstar boy band for the Dream Idols competition in South Korea….
Andy’s genuine charm is a great contrast to Min Jae’s careful act. Min Jae’s secret—not a spoiler, his first chapter starts there—he’s been doing sex work anonymously/with a mask, to pay the bills/support his grandmother—is explosive, and he’s used to putting on a carefully crafted show of seduction. Andy is a dance instructor with talent to spare. The two immediately rise to the top of the rankings…and the tension between them sparks a ‘ship (#MinDy) and complications all around.
I enjoyed so much of the story, even though this book is undercooked, so to speak. Their relationship could have used more time to develop, and feelings and admissions happen a little incredibly fast, though I could believe they’d get there. Min Jae’s past is rich with potential for tension and drama, but isn’t used that way so much as for an interesting dynamic in which he struggles with the performative nature of sex work v the authentic chemistry and connection he has with Andy. I found it interesting rather than a turn off (because, Me, he actually committed to stopping for the competition/can’t do it if he’s an idol) and I actually wished the author had leaned into its effect on him more, because it brought out a powerful theme of intimacy v performing and things Andy was picking up on, when Min Jae was being authentic and when he was putting on a show. I wanted more of that.
I, of course, HATED the few times it came up in Min Jae’s head when they were close to/being intimate. It bumped me out of the moment, and it was annoying that we’d get his comparisons to Andy with former clients, but never got Andy’s comparisons bt Min Jae and former hookups/lovers. But it was also written authentically, and I muscled through. Just…more balance would have been stronger. Andy’s acceptance was…well, in character for him, if rather conveniently easy. I appreciated the attitude that it didn’t impact his feelings for Min Jae, but, the message that it’s just work like any other work hit wrong, because it really isn’t. the intimacy involved changes the worker, whether they enjoy it or not, in ways that other work does not, and exposes them to unsafe physical situations that (hopefully) other work does not/should not. The vulnerability to strangers is real, the impact on sense of self happens, and I hated that it was downplayed. But I digress.
The competition itself is engaging to read about, the dancing, both Andy and Min Jae stepping up as leaders with different styles, and the chemistry between them as group partners, the cast of secondary characters adding to the tension, showing fast friendships and annoyances and probably went better than one might expect. The way one SC was dealt with seemed too glossed over—one leaves the competition after, and I didn’t like the way both MCs shrugged it off and moved forward; it wasn’t used enough for reflection and evolution, more for raising stakes. Hrmph. Min Jae’s grandmother was awesome! I wish we’d gotten to know Andy’s family/connections, they are pretty much absent from the story apart from text communications.
I had a good time reading this and find this author to be quite talented and insightful.
I’m not sure if this is intended as book 1 of a series about these two; the previous Idol books were a trilogy, and I loved them. Because this feels too much too fast, I’m hoping it really is just the beginning and they’ll face more challenges together, including potentially Min Jae’s past coming back to haunt them and how that would be dealt with. A lot felt overly neat and tidy here, but, I still had a great time reading their story. Andy’s decision at the end had me cheering! And the final phone call…! That’s why I’m hoping there’ll be more.
HFN. Reality show competition, K-pop idols, rivals to lovers. NO OM drama in the book at all; Min Jae’s secret past is his main conflict. His POV does open with him showering/leaving a client's room for the final time. Safe enough for me, and handled pretty well. Recommended, as are the previous Idol books!
My thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for the ARC; this is my free and impartial opinion.
October 23, 2025
Idol Prize is the newest Kpop MM Romance by KT Salvo. I thought this book was wonderful. I have been in a reading funk lately and this story totally pulled me out of it. It's the first time in a long time I didn’t want to put a book down! This is the story of Andy and MinJae, both contestants on a Korean Kpop Survival show trying to debut. The lengths that they are willing to go to reach their dream and the sacrifices that they have had to make to try to reach that height but still support who they need to support are on a different level than most people can even comprehend. Starting out as rivals, their emotions and connection towards each other start to have a profound effect on the journey they both decided on long before they ever met. The choices the characters are forced to make in the long run represent having to choose a path in life. Both decisions will lead to personal fulfillment but when you’ve worked so hard for one goal, how do you choose between that goal and maybe the more important emotional one. As a K-pop fan and a survival show viewer, this book gave us insights into the hidden side of these shows. I don’t think what happens behind the scenes would surprise any of the actual viewers of these shows but some of the scenes definitely made me think back to some of the Idol hopefuls that I remember watching and thinking that these boys and men had so much more to deal with than just performing. The millions of little things beyond performance that goes into the making of an idol is nothing short of mind boggling and the Author pulled all of these things together into a story that was both heartwrenching and heartwarming at the same time. And for those readers who have read the series that started with Idol Minds, I don’t think you will be surprised by the little twist at the end. I was actually hoping for it by mid-story. A highly recommended read!
November 8, 2025
'Andy's breath caught in his throat. He suddenly had no witty comeback, no charming deflection. He'd just been seen. Completely and totally seen. Min Jae had him pinned, and all he could do was stare like an animal caught in the headlights. Min Jae's gaze softened, his eyes sparkling in the bright moonlight. Eyes that Andy was immediately drawn towards. "So," he finally said, his voice so strained it almost cracked, his cheeks so warm they practically burned. "You really have been watching."
Min Jae took the smallest step forward. Andy held his ground, suddenly powerless to respond or even move, as Min Jae slowly lifted a hand, the motion hesitant, almost questioning. His fingertips, warm and slightly rough, gently brushed against Andy’s cheek, his thumb coming to rest just at the corner of Andy’s mouth. The unexpected, tender touch was a jolt, completely short-circuiting Andy's brain. Everything else fell away, leaving only the cool night air on his hot skin and the shocking, gentle warmth of Min Jae’s hand on his face. Min Jae’s gaze dropped to his lips, and the world seemed to stop.'
I really enjoyed this book. Good world building and wonderful characters. I loved both Andy and Min Jae. The chemistry between them was sizzling and at times the tension thick. This story was a journey for them both- as rivals competing towards their goal to debut, but then connect emotionally behind the scenes. They each are on short leashes in terms of their actions and appearance. After working so hard and getting so close to their dreams, what is the right path to follow? 4 stars
Min Jae took the smallest step forward. Andy held his ground, suddenly powerless to respond or even move, as Min Jae slowly lifted a hand, the motion hesitant, almost questioning. His fingertips, warm and slightly rough, gently brushed against Andy’s cheek, his thumb coming to rest just at the corner of Andy’s mouth. The unexpected, tender touch was a jolt, completely short-circuiting Andy's brain. Everything else fell away, leaving only the cool night air on his hot skin and the shocking, gentle warmth of Min Jae’s hand on his face. Min Jae’s gaze dropped to his lips, and the world seemed to stop.'
I really enjoyed this book. Good world building and wonderful characters. I loved both Andy and Min Jae. The chemistry between them was sizzling and at times the tension thick. This story was a journey for them both- as rivals competing towards their goal to debut, but then connect emotionally behind the scenes. They each are on short leashes in terms of their actions and appearance. After working so hard and getting so close to their dreams, what is the right path to follow? 4 stars
October 16, 2025
I loved diving back into the K-pop world through KT Salvo's eyes. Debuting as an idol has been the life long dream both of American Andy Kim and his co-competitor on the Dream Boys reality show, Min Jae. Min Jae has had a chance before that was ended by a brutal knee injury. He's spent the intervening years caring for his mother who died of cancer and now his grandmother. To make those ends meet he's turned to sex work but has never given up the dream of making it in the brutal K-pop world. Andy has focused most of his life and reaching that pinnacle as well, going as far as leaving the US to pursue his shot at being a star. The K-pop machine (both in real life and in the story) runs on closely curated appearances. Controlling where you go, what you wear, and even your personal relationships. Andy and Min Jae are meant to be playing up their roles as rivals when in reality they are hopelessly attracted to one another. Those feelings deepen and grow as the show progresses and they are the top 2 competitors. I really enjoyed this book and the 2 MCs. The juxtaposition of American and Korean attitudes was very interesting too. I was rooting for these 2 to make it through and the climax where real choices have to be made was very satisfying. And also, Andy and Min Jae are straight fire together. I can't wait to read more and hope that I get to see more of Jason and Tae Hyun from the earlier books.
October 22, 2025
This was a wonderful, but disturbing, look behind the production of a competitive entertainment show.
Those in charge manipulate the competitors in order to fulfill their own agenda...usually for the sake of ratings.
Seeing the inside of Korea, through the eyes of an American, was interesting.
There was a lot of information about the food, places to visit, and their living situations.
Also, what they needed to do to succeed in raising themselves to higher levels of income.
Andy, an American, and Kwon Min Jae, a Korean, find themselves becoming rivals on a show where they compete with each other, and 98 other young men.
All need to be able to sing, dance, act, and rise above everyone else, while also working and living with each other, as well as becoming close friends with each other and several others in their group.
Things are especially complicated when they find themselves in vying for the top 'spot' and 'management' becomes involved!
You're going to love both men and Min Jae's grandmother.
Thanks to GRR for this ARC.
It was great!
Those in charge manipulate the competitors in order to fulfill their own agenda...usually for the sake of ratings.
Seeing the inside of Korea, through the eyes of an American, was interesting.
There was a lot of information about the food, places to visit, and their living situations.
Also, what they needed to do to succeed in raising themselves to higher levels of income.
Andy, an American, and Kwon Min Jae, a Korean, find themselves becoming rivals on a show where they compete with each other, and 98 other young men.
All need to be able to sing, dance, act, and rise above everyone else, while also working and living with each other, as well as becoming close friends with each other and several others in their group.
Things are especially complicated when they find themselves in vying for the top 'spot' and 'management' becomes involved!
You're going to love both men and Min Jae's grandmother.
Thanks to GRR for this ARC.
It was great!
October 25, 2025
This series is so good. It really takes a look at the other side of the quest to make it and what it takes to get yourself there and to compete to reach your goal. It also has done a great job of having its main character come to realize that although fame and notoriety is the goal, it is so much better when you are striving for it with a trusted partner. Andy Kim and Min Jae are good characters, as have been all of the leads in these stories. They start as rivals but over time they become so much more and I absolutely loved the ending. Read this. Read the whole series. It is really good.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 30, 2025
Even if you have never seen a Kpop reality show or even if you know nothing about Kpop, you'll love this story about Andy and Min Jae and their appearance on a reality show. The behind the scenes details take you right into the on stage performances and the behind the scenes drama as these two competitors ignite a massive fan reaction and find themselves drawn to a real relationship. There are secrets and obstacles to overcome and I was hooked from the first page.
October 21, 2025
Idol Prize is the fourth book in the Idol Romance series, it can be read as a standalone but seems like it might be better read in order. I really enjoyed reading this rivals to lovers story and the wonderful characters.
October 15, 2025
This is another great k-pop read from this author, this is Andy Kim and Kwon Min Jae’s story and is based around a k-pop survival show and it covers several tropes in this slow burn romance story.
October 21, 2025
I enjoyed this book it was the first in the series I've read but was very entertaining.
November 1, 2025
The book set amongst a KPop survival show is such a fun read.
December 12, 2025
If you have ever slogged your way through endless hours of a survival competition show to watch a baby k-pop group being born, read this and heal your soul. Personally, I don’t like reality TV, but I love k-pop, so in 2024 I watched my first, and last, k-pop survival show. That viewing experience added a layer to my enjoyment of IDOL PR1ZE, but it is not a requirement.
Andy Kim and Kwon Min Jae are two of the one hundred contestants that are part of the Dream Boy Project. This competition show will element these boys in large chunks until there are only eight survivors. Those lucky eight will become the members of a brand-new k-pop group, PR1ZE.
Long time readers of the IDOL ROMANCE SERIES will find many nods back to our OG kings, Jason Park and Woo Tae Hyun, and their story. I loved the hunt for names, places, and references from the other books. (CheezyFish are EVERYWHERE. 😄)
Did someone tell KT Salvo all of my favorite romance tropes? Because this book delivers rivals-to-lovers, slow burn romance, forbidden love, and grumpy sunshine. If they could have smashed in fake dating, my trope checklist would be complete! Or maybe fan service counts…? #MinDy 💙💜
I will return with favorite quotes and moments after I get my hands on the published book.
Thank you to KT Salvo and Jetspace Studio for an advanced copy of this book. I can’t wait to get my hands on the official release so I can enjoy this story all over again.
Andy Kim and Kwon Min Jae are two of the one hundred contestants that are part of the Dream Boy Project. This competition show will element these boys in large chunks until there are only eight survivors. Those lucky eight will become the members of a brand-new k-pop group, PR1ZE.
Long time readers of the IDOL ROMANCE SERIES will find many nods back to our OG kings, Jason Park and Woo Tae Hyun, and their story. I loved the hunt for names, places, and references from the other books. (CheezyFish are EVERYWHERE. 😄)
Did someone tell KT Salvo all of my favorite romance tropes? Because this book delivers rivals-to-lovers, slow burn romance, forbidden love, and grumpy sunshine. If they could have smashed in fake dating, my trope checklist would be complete! Or maybe fan service counts…? #MinDy 💙💜
I will return with favorite quotes and moments after I get my hands on the published book.
Thank you to KT Salvo and Jetspace Studio for an advanced copy of this book. I can’t wait to get my hands on the official release so I can enjoy this story all over again.
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