What do you think?
Rate this book
Stay
Graphic novelist, Violet Winter, is beginning to taste success when her publishing company suddenly holds the future of her book series for ransom. If she wants her next three-book deal she needs to create a graphic novel for an undisclosed band’s tenth anniversary.
Reluctantly hopping on a plane to South Korea, Violet comes face to face with one of the biggest K-pop bands in the world and Seojun- the boy she had a chance encounter with 2 years ago.
Violet’s feelings for Seojun grow as she uncovers the band’s origin stories and circumstances keep throwing them together. But how does Seojun really feel? Things always seemed much clearer on the K-dramas she loves. With mistakes and misunderstandings getting in the way, will she stay?
Reluctantly hopping on a plane to South Korea, Violet comes face to face with one of the biggest K-pop bands in the world and Seojun- the boy she had a chance encounter with 2 years ago.
Violet’s feelings for Seojun grow as she uncovers the band’s origin stories and circumstances keep throwing them together. But how does Seojun really feel? Things always seemed much clearer on the K-dramas she loves. With mistakes and misunderstandings getting in the way, will she stay?
348 pages, Paperback
Published December 29, 2025
About the author
Amy Kereth
2 books3 followersAmy Kereth writes the romance novels she loves to read: stories that are sometimes heart-wrenching, sometimes sweet, but always deeply felt. Based in New Zealand, she is a genuine K-pop and K-drama fan who loves setting her stories in authentic locations, enhanced by just a touch of imagination.
If you love stories built on the ache of 'almost' and hard-won happy endings, you will feel right at home in Amy's world. When she isn't writing, Amy can be found appreciating the finer things in life, like travelling with her husband and doting on cats.
If you love stories built on the ache of 'almost' and hard-won happy endings, you will feel right at home in Amy's world. When she isn't writing, Amy can be found appreciating the finer things in life, like travelling with her husband and doting on cats.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
June 6, 2026
Spoilers ahead, read on with caution, you've been warned. etc etc
So this book found me when I was already sleep deprived and I said hey why not. So I read the whole thing. It was fun and everything that I needed in a book. I WAS hoping it would make me cry (because I feel like I need a big middle of the night cry) but it didn't. There were a few things that I wish had been a little more fleshed out, and I really didn't like how *spoiler redacted* reacted to certain things and just, like, refused to have a conversation.
I also really liked the way things ended up wrapping up. I know some people find it unrealistic because irl that would have caused a huge scandal. But this is FICTION. It's meant to make us happy, it doesn't HAVE to follow the rules of real life (even though those rules are crazy)
It did deal with flu-c (or something like that) that was very much a covid themed outbreak. That was a little jarring just because I wasn't expecting it.
My chosen bias is Taemin. He's the best. I think, perhaps, second would be Sun? I love Luci (lol) and would love to learn more about her. I also wish that it looked like we were getting MORE books for each of the guys, but it doesn't seem that way.
Oh well, I thoroughly enjoyed this one.
Too early in the morning, immediately after finishing:
It's late (early) i was hoping I'd be finished by 3 but it's almost 4 and I have to be at work soon.
But hey!
I finished a book in ONE SITTING (Laying down?)
Who even am I?
Will add to this review once I've slept at least a little.
So this book found me when I was already sleep deprived and I said hey why not. So I read the whole thing. It was fun and everything that I needed in a book. I WAS hoping it would make me cry (because I feel like I need a big middle of the night cry) but it didn't. There were a few things that I wish had been a little more fleshed out, and I really didn't like how *spoiler redacted* reacted to certain things and just, like, refused to have a conversation.
I also really liked the way things ended up wrapping up. I know some people find it unrealistic because irl that would have caused a huge scandal. But this is FICTION. It's meant to make us happy, it doesn't HAVE to follow the rules of real life (even though those rules are crazy)
It did deal with flu-c (or something like that) that was very much a covid themed outbreak. That was a little jarring just because I wasn't expecting it.
My chosen bias is Taemin. He's the best. I think, perhaps, second would be Sun? I love Luci (lol) and would love to learn more about her. I also wish that it looked like we were getting MORE books for each of the guys, but it doesn't seem that way.
Oh well, I thoroughly enjoyed this one.
Too early in the morning, immediately after finishing:
It's late (early) i was hoping I'd be finished by 3 but it's almost 4 and I have to be at work soon.
But hey!
I finished a book in ONE SITTING (Laying down?)
Who even am I?
Will add to this review once I've slept at least a little.
December 20, 2023
I’m a huge fan of k-pop and k-pop books, so when I found this one I was ecstatic. I love that the protagonist is a graphic novelist (a unique career choice not often portrayed). I adored the romance and all the hijinks.
I truly hope the author continues writing within this world; I’d love to see the other boys get their romances too!
I truly hope the author continues writing within this world; I’d love to see the other boys get their romances too!
April 14, 2026
Rate: 3.5⭐
I spent half the book wondering if this was MF or a reverse harem. The vibes between Violet and the TSK guys are so blurry; they’re definitely more than friends. The amount of skinship was a bit much for me, especially considering the cultural context. It’s basically a love triangle wrapped in RH vibes.
The plot relies heavily on Seojun’s inability to communicate. He’s the type to stay silent, only to then get mad at Violet for no reason. His constant push-and-pull left Violet totally lost. It ends on a sweet note, though it's pretty unrealistic; that concert stunt would’ve ended in a PR nightmare from the label and Violet getting bullied into oblivion by the Korean fans.
I spent half the book wondering if this was MF or a reverse harem. The vibes between Violet and the TSK guys are so blurry; they’re definitely more than friends. The amount of skinship was a bit much for me, especially considering the cultural context. It’s basically a love triangle wrapped in RH vibes.
The plot relies heavily on Seojun’s inability to communicate. He’s the type to stay silent, only to then get mad at Violet for no reason. His constant push-and-pull left Violet totally lost. It ends on a sweet note, though it's pretty unrealistic; that concert stunt would’ve ended in a PR nightmare from the label and Violet getting bullied into oblivion by the Korean fans.
April 30, 2023
Cute kPop novel
Being hugely obsessed with kPop at the moment, I really enjoyed this book! While the two love interests are immediately attracted to each other, there are interactions and situations that make their feelings believable. There was no "insta love", which I despise in romance books. Instead, they built feelings for each other over time and getting to know each other. Overall a good romance, that also gives excellent details about an Idols life and about Korea.
Being hugely obsessed with kPop at the moment, I really enjoyed this book! While the two love interests are immediately attracted to each other, there are interactions and situations that make their feelings believable. There was no "insta love", which I despise in romance books. Instead, they built feelings for each other over time and getting to know each other. Overall a good romance, that also gives excellent details about an Idols life and about Korea.
March 1, 2026
Spoiler-free 🫖 that helps you decide whether this book is a yes, a no, or a “maybe later.”
📌 Quick Info:
✨ Pages: 350
✨ Genre: Contemporary Romance / K-Pop Romance
✨ Format Availability: Ebook, Paperback
✨ Standalone or Series: Standalone
✨ POV: Single POV
✨ Read If You Like:
• K-pop idol x normal girl romance
• Behind-the-scenes celebrity life
• K-drama misunderstandings & emotional tension
• Slow-burn with longing glances
• Found family band dynamics
• Debut novels that absolutely deliver
✨ Overall Opinion:
Okay so let’s start with a confession.
I recently read a K-pop romance for the first time ever. Which is wild considering I love romance in basically every genre and K-pop. I genuinely did not know the worlds could collide like that.
The first series I tried didn’t quite hit the way I wanted it to. Enter Amazon suggestions. BOOM. Stay.
And I was immersed from the get go.
This is Amy Kereth’s debut novel and honestly? That makes it even more impressive. The writing felt natural, emotional, and easy to sink into. I loved both the main characters and the supporting cast. They felt real. Relatable. Believable.
And yes… we absolutely get the classic K-drama tropes. Misunderstandings. Longing. Emotional tension. That soft, aching slow burn that makes you want to scream at the page. I laughed. My heart broke a little. I smiled like an idiot.
The only thing that would have made this better for me personally? More spice. I know, I know. Spicy and K-drama usually do not go in the same sentence. But listen. Let me dream 😏😈
Now here’s where I debated my rating.
For me, 5 stars usually means I would not change a single thing and I would immediately reread it. 4 stars means it was really bloody good, probably a reread, but there are a few small things I’d tweak.
This honestly sits around a 4 to 4.5 for me.
But purely because this is a debut novel, and because of how incredibly strong it is for a debut? I bumped it to 5 stars. It deserves the love.
And I really hope she writes stories for the supporting characters because I would absolutely follow along in this world.
✨ Spice: Closed-door / K-drama level romance.
✨ Trigger Warnings:
While I personally have no triggers, you might, so I always recommend checking the book or author’s website before reading.
📌 Quick Info:
✨ Pages: 350
✨ Genre: Contemporary Romance / K-Pop Romance
✨ Format Availability: Ebook, Paperback
✨ Standalone or Series: Standalone
✨ POV: Single POV
✨ Read If You Like:
• K-pop idol x normal girl romance
• Behind-the-scenes celebrity life
• K-drama misunderstandings & emotional tension
• Slow-burn with longing glances
• Found family band dynamics
• Debut novels that absolutely deliver
✨ Overall Opinion:
Okay so let’s start with a confession.
I recently read a K-pop romance for the first time ever. Which is wild considering I love romance in basically every genre and K-pop. I genuinely did not know the worlds could collide like that.
The first series I tried didn’t quite hit the way I wanted it to. Enter Amazon suggestions. BOOM. Stay.
And I was immersed from the get go.
This is Amy Kereth’s debut novel and honestly? That makes it even more impressive. The writing felt natural, emotional, and easy to sink into. I loved both the main characters and the supporting cast. They felt real. Relatable. Believable.
And yes… we absolutely get the classic K-drama tropes. Misunderstandings. Longing. Emotional tension. That soft, aching slow burn that makes you want to scream at the page. I laughed. My heart broke a little. I smiled like an idiot.
The only thing that would have made this better for me personally? More spice. I know, I know. Spicy and K-drama usually do not go in the same sentence. But listen. Let me dream 😏😈
Now here’s where I debated my rating.
For me, 5 stars usually means I would not change a single thing and I would immediately reread it. 4 stars means it was really bloody good, probably a reread, but there are a few small things I’d tweak.
This honestly sits around a 4 to 4.5 for me.
But purely because this is a debut novel, and because of how incredibly strong it is for a debut? I bumped it to 5 stars. It deserves the love.
And I really hope she writes stories for the supporting characters because I would absolutely follow along in this world.
✨ Spice: Closed-door / K-drama level romance.
✨ Trigger Warnings:
While I personally have no triggers, you might, so I always recommend checking the book or author’s website before reading.
January 29, 2026
I really enjoyed Stay by Amy Kereth. It has that comforting, easy-to-sink-into romance flow, and even when I could sense where things might be heading, I was still happily along for the ride.
The biggest standout for me was the chemistry between Violet and Seojun. Seojun is a K-pop sensation, and Violet feels grounded and relatable, so watching their dynamic develop was genuinely fun and emotionally satisfying. The story leans into the push and pull of navigating feelings in the middle of fame, pressure, and all the noise that comes with being in the public eye.
There are a lot of misunderstandings and moments that could be cleared up quickly with an honest conversation, which is usually the trope that makes me sigh, but I stayed invested because the relationship worked and I cared about them. If you like romance with strong chemistry, celebrity complications, and a little messy tension along the way, this was a satisfying read.
The biggest standout for me was the chemistry between Violet and Seojun. Seojun is a K-pop sensation, and Violet feels grounded and relatable, so watching their dynamic develop was genuinely fun and emotionally satisfying. The story leans into the push and pull of navigating feelings in the middle of fame, pressure, and all the noise that comes with being in the public eye.
There are a lot of misunderstandings and moments that could be cleared up quickly with an honest conversation, which is usually the trope that makes me sigh, but I stayed invested because the relationship worked and I cared about them. If you like romance with strong chemistry, celebrity complications, and a little messy tension along the way, this was a satisfying read.
March 14, 2026
I loved Stay. I started it during the day thinking I’d just read a few chapters, and suddenly I was halfway through because I couldn’t put it down.
The story follows Violet and Seojun, a K-pop idol whose life is basically the complete opposite of hers. I really liked how the book showed both sides of that—Violet trying to navigate this totally new world, and Seojun dealing with the pressure and lack of privacy that comes with fame. Their chemistry was immediate, but the story still lets their relationship grow in a way that feels natural.
There were a lot of sweet moments, but also some tension because of the reality of his career and what that means for their relationship. It made the story feel a lot more real than just a typical celebrity romance.
Overall, this was such a fun read. I flew through it in a day and was completely invested in Violet and Seojun
The story follows Violet and Seojun, a K-pop idol whose life is basically the complete opposite of hers. I really liked how the book showed both sides of that—Violet trying to navigate this totally new world, and Seojun dealing with the pressure and lack of privacy that comes with fame. Their chemistry was immediate, but the story still lets their relationship grow in a way that feels natural.
There were a lot of sweet moments, but also some tension because of the reality of his career and what that means for their relationship. It made the story feel a lot more real than just a typical celebrity romance.
Overall, this was such a fun read. I flew through it in a day and was completely invested in Violet and Seojun
July 5, 2025
Why did you have to make me cry? I loved this book from the beginning to the end. I’m very new to reading Kpop related books ( I just say SKZ in June 2025) and I’ve been on a Kpop adventure since.
I loved the innocence at the beginning and then the relationship developments with the group, solid friendships. I loved it all. Can’t think of one bad thing. I need another story, I need to know what happens next!
I loved the innocence at the beginning and then the relationship developments with the group, solid friendships. I loved it all. Can’t think of one bad thing. I need another story, I need to know what happens next!
Read
January 8, 2026The absolute irony of the MC in this book being a graphic novelist and the author updating the book’s cover with AI art is not lost on me.
I really wish I would’ve known about the updated cover before I wasted my time on this one.
I really wish I would’ve known about the updated cover before I wasted my time on this one.
March 7, 2026
Entertaining story. I liked how all the characters interacted. The romance took a long time to get to and then was quickly dismantled by a misunderstanding that lasted until the last chapter. It did have a wonderful happy ending.
Definitely worth the read.
Definitely worth the read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 13, 2025
wow
It pulls you in from the first chapter great story!! I devoured this very quickly I couldn’t put it down.
It pulls you in from the first chapter great story!! I devoured this very quickly I couldn’t put it down.
April 11, 2026
This book was so good. I really enjoyed it and couldn’t put it down. I loved the ending. It was perfect :)
April 30, 2026
Good plot. Good characters. Writer sounds very very very young and new though. Would be excellent if keep editing and developing craft. Potential lots.
May 26, 2026
this was so cute! i loved this one
June 10, 2026
Great page turner….finished in one day!! Truly a book for all those K-pop fans…Army, Stay, Blinks and more!!!
May 27, 2026
absolutely loved it
If it wasn’t for work, I would’ve had this done in one day, but it turned out that life wanted me to work to make money for silly little things in life like rent and food lol. I love the story. I love all the characters. I’m hoping that the rest of the band will get their own story.
If it wasn’t for work, I would’ve had this done in one day, but it turned out that life wanted me to work to make money for silly little things in life like rent and food lol. I love the story. I love all the characters. I’m hoping that the rest of the band will get their own story.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews