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Verbally Yours
Not yet published
Expected 14 Feb 26Lena Santiago conducts a strict, no-nonsense English class in sunny Cebu until Jinho Park arrives. A well-known Korean actor evading a scandal at home, Jinho is strikingly handsome, full of arrogance, and seemingly resistant to doing homework. Each lesson transforms into a battle: her grammar exercises against his sharp-witted retorts. However, behind Jinho’s confident smile lies a man grappling with past hurts, and beneath Lena’s professional exterior is a heart she has carefully shielded. Amidst vocabulary drills, coffee breaks, and unexpected revelations, chemistry starts to ignite in ways that no textbook could anticipate. As Lena instructs him in English, Jinho imparts lessons in patience, bravery, and allowing love to enter her life. Yet, when the real world intrudes, will their relationship withstand the ultimate challenge?
- GenresRomance
275 pages, Paperback
Expected publication February 14, 2026
4 people are currently reading
8 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
⋆ ˚｡✎𓍯𓂃𓏧♡
ARC REVIEW<33
Verbally Yours is a slow-burn, enemies-ish to-lovers romcom set in Cebu, Philippines. Told in first-person POV, it follows Lena, a sharp-tongued ESL teacher, and her reluctant celebrity student as they’re forced into close proximity inside a face-to-face English class. What starts as verbal sparring slowly turns into unexpected vulnerability, connection, and love—one conversation at a time.
This book and I got along immediately. Like first-chapter, no-small-talk, “oh you’re fun” kind of connection. It’s easy to read (which I deeply appreciate because my attention span has the lifespan of a goldfish), and it’s fast-paced in a way that makes you forget you were supposed to do something else. Blink once and suddenly you’re already halfway through.
Everything was genuinely so good. The vibes were right. The kilig was kilig-ing. It was refreshing, light, and honestly the perfect way to start the year, like a literary palate cleanser that still gives you butterflies.
That said… it was too short. Criminally short. I finished it and just sat there like, “That’s it? You’re just going to leave me like this?” I wanted more. More scenes, more moments, more everything. And while I loved the story, there were times when it felt like something was missing. I can’t even tell you what it is, which makes it worse. It’s like losing something you never knew you had but are still upset about.
Also, I fully agree with Marcia. Let us be delulu for a bit. Life is hard. Let us romanticize, overthink, and believe in small improbable moments.
Overall, I’d 100% recommend this to anyone looking for a short, quick, kilig-filled read that hooks you fast and leaves you smiling… and maybe slightly annoyed that it ended too soon.
ARC REVIEW<33
Verbally Yours is a slow-burn, enemies-ish to-lovers romcom set in Cebu, Philippines. Told in first-person POV, it follows Lena, a sharp-tongued ESL teacher, and her reluctant celebrity student as they’re forced into close proximity inside a face-to-face English class. What starts as verbal sparring slowly turns into unexpected vulnerability, connection, and love—one conversation at a time.
This book and I got along immediately. Like first-chapter, no-small-talk, “oh you’re fun” kind of connection. It’s easy to read (which I deeply appreciate because my attention span has the lifespan of a goldfish), and it’s fast-paced in a way that makes you forget you were supposed to do something else. Blink once and suddenly you’re already halfway through.
Everything was genuinely so good. The vibes were right. The kilig was kilig-ing. It was refreshing, light, and honestly the perfect way to start the year, like a literary palate cleanser that still gives you butterflies.
That said… it was too short. Criminally short. I finished it and just sat there like, “That’s it? You’re just going to leave me like this?” I wanted more. More scenes, more moments, more everything. And while I loved the story, there were times when it felt like something was missing. I can’t even tell you what it is, which makes it worse. It’s like losing something you never knew you had but are still upset about.
Also, I fully agree with Marcia. Let us be delulu for a bit. Life is hard. Let us romanticize, overthink, and believe in small improbable moments.
Overall, I’d 100% recommend this to anyone looking for a short, quick, kilig-filled read that hooks you fast and leaves you smiling… and maybe slightly annoyed that it ended too soon.
January 17, 2026
Short and sweet, but as deep as Philippine seas. Verbally Yours is a [very] fast read that an be devoured in one sitting. Imagine waking up at 4:50AM, a day before Christmas, to finish this ovely read? What a merry Christmas, indeed!
We have Lena and Jinho. Both characters are written in pragmatic manners. No frills, no unnecessary drama. Speaking of drama, that’s exactly what we have Jinho escaping from. His lessons in grammar become his reprieve rom the demanding Hallyu scene.
Lena is a professional ESL teacher here to help our lad-in-distress learn better English speaking skills ultimately so he can land Hollywood-level roles. Lena is professionalism personified. I truly appreciate how, despite Jinho’s flirtatious avances, Lena maintained a respectable boundary and respected Jinho as a student. Definetly [ethica] boss queen moves! I would totally promote Lena if I were Director Grace.
At first, the romance parking between Lena and Jinho felt like a will-they-won’t-they ordeal but it was mostly because of how Lena wanted to respect the student-teacher relationship she had with Jinho. On that regard, respect was a virtue that shined rightly between Lena and Jinho. Lena respected Jinho’s privacy as a celebrity. She dismissed the rumors about him and didn’t believe in them, crediting how she knows Jinho as a person through their interactions than how the public chose to paint Jinho’s image. We stan a woman who’s firm with her beliefs. Overall, Lena respects Jinho as person and understood that being a celebrity is not entirely Jinho’s personality.
Jinho, on the otehr hand, also respects Lena. He respects er as his teacher and as a woman. Despite his silly classroom antics, he respected Lena’s esire to maintain a professional student-teacher relationship. Lena mentions fears of losing her job if her emotions for Jinho got in the way of her lessons with him, but Jinho’s simple solution made me admire how the story wrapped itself up. Pragmatically written. No non-sense . No frustrating ending. Just pure simple, quiet giddiness.
Moral of the story? Respect.
To summarize my long-winded review , this book is everything Jinho looked for: peace and quiet with the loudest evel of love and care. Verbally Yours is unapologetically Filipino capturing every Filipino girl reaction to “kilig” and being “kilig” for aa friend. It is a kind of romance story that isn’t loud and frivolous, but quiet and calm (with internal screams of giddiness).
Verbally Yours,
Margaux
PS: Grateful to be an ARC reader of Verbally Yours by Patrick Flores! Kudos!
We have Lena and Jinho. Both characters are written in pragmatic manners. No frills, no unnecessary drama. Speaking of drama, that’s exactly what we have Jinho escaping from. His lessons in grammar become his reprieve rom the demanding Hallyu scene.
Lena is a professional ESL teacher here to help our lad-in-distress learn better English speaking skills ultimately so he can land Hollywood-level roles. Lena is professionalism personified. I truly appreciate how, despite Jinho’s flirtatious avances, Lena maintained a respectable boundary and respected Jinho as a student. Definetly [ethica] boss queen moves! I would totally promote Lena if I were Director Grace.
At first, the romance parking between Lena and Jinho felt like a will-they-won’t-they ordeal but it was mostly because of how Lena wanted to respect the student-teacher relationship she had with Jinho. On that regard, respect was a virtue that shined rightly between Lena and Jinho. Lena respected Jinho’s privacy as a celebrity. She dismissed the rumors about him and didn’t believe in them, crediting how she knows Jinho as a person through their interactions than how the public chose to paint Jinho’s image. We stan a woman who’s firm with her beliefs. Overall, Lena respects Jinho as person and understood that being a celebrity is not entirely Jinho’s personality.
Jinho, on the otehr hand, also respects Lena. He respects er as his teacher and as a woman. Despite his silly classroom antics, he respected Lena’s esire to maintain a professional student-teacher relationship. Lena mentions fears of losing her job if her emotions for Jinho got in the way of her lessons with him, but Jinho’s simple solution made me admire how the story wrapped itself up. Pragmatically written. No non-sense . No frustrating ending. Just pure simple, quiet giddiness.
Moral of the story? Respect.
To summarize my long-winded review , this book is everything Jinho looked for: peace and quiet with the loudest evel of love and care. Verbally Yours is unapologetically Filipino capturing every Filipino girl reaction to “kilig” and being “kilig” for aa friend. It is a kind of romance story that isn’t loud and frivolous, but quiet and calm (with internal screams of giddiness).
Verbally Yours,
Margaux
PS: Grateful to be an ARC reader of Verbally Yours by Patrick Flores! Kudos!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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February 8, 2026~ARC REVIEW~
4.0 🌟
Reading Verbally Yours felt familiar in a good way. As an ESL teacher myself, there were so many moments that made me pause and think, I’ve been here (not the romantic part for sure). The story follows Lena, an ESL teacher in Cebu, and Jinho, a Korean celebrity studying English while taking a break from fame. The plot unfolds quietly, focusing on everyday classroom moments, conversations, and shared routines rather than big dramatic events. That’s exactly what made it feel real.
I connected with Lena’s character. Her discipline, boundaries, and internal struggles felt very familiar, especially the way she navigates professionalism while still genuinely caring for her students. I saw parts of my own teaching experience reflected in her, from preparing lessons, managing classroom dynamics, and holding emotional space without crossing lines. Jinho, despite being a supposed celebrity, felt refreshingly human too. He’s charming and playful, but also clearly tired, guarded, and looking for something grounding. Their interactions felt natural, full of small tensions, humor, and moments that linger longer than expected.
What really stood out to me was how the ESL experience in Cebu was portrayed. The academy setting, the staff dynamics, the casual conversations, even the emotional weight of teaching. It all felt lived-in and authentic. This is a side of ESL life that isn’t often written about, and seeing it reflected so clearly made the story resonate with me on a personal level.
I also loved how Filipino-specific English expressions were used throughout the book. The dialogue felt natural and familiar, the kind of English you hear every day in Filipino spaces. The code-switching and local phrasing weren’t explained or watered down. They were simply allowed to exist, which made the story feel more honest and grounded. It was refreshing to see Filipino English represented with confidence and care.
Overall, Verbally Yours felt less like just a romance and more like a reflection of shared experiences about teaching, language, and unexpected connections formed in everyday spaces. It felt comforting, familiar, and quietly meaningful, and it reminded me why stories rooted in real, specific experiences often resonate the most.
4.0 🌟
Reading Verbally Yours felt familiar in a good way. As an ESL teacher myself, there were so many moments that made me pause and think, I’ve been here (not the romantic part for sure). The story follows Lena, an ESL teacher in Cebu, and Jinho, a Korean celebrity studying English while taking a break from fame. The plot unfolds quietly, focusing on everyday classroom moments, conversations, and shared routines rather than big dramatic events. That’s exactly what made it feel real.
I connected with Lena’s character. Her discipline, boundaries, and internal struggles felt very familiar, especially the way she navigates professionalism while still genuinely caring for her students. I saw parts of my own teaching experience reflected in her, from preparing lessons, managing classroom dynamics, and holding emotional space without crossing lines. Jinho, despite being a supposed celebrity, felt refreshingly human too. He’s charming and playful, but also clearly tired, guarded, and looking for something grounding. Their interactions felt natural, full of small tensions, humor, and moments that linger longer than expected.
What really stood out to me was how the ESL experience in Cebu was portrayed. The academy setting, the staff dynamics, the casual conversations, even the emotional weight of teaching. It all felt lived-in and authentic. This is a side of ESL life that isn’t often written about, and seeing it reflected so clearly made the story resonate with me on a personal level.
I also loved how Filipino-specific English expressions were used throughout the book. The dialogue felt natural and familiar, the kind of English you hear every day in Filipino spaces. The code-switching and local phrasing weren’t explained or watered down. They were simply allowed to exist, which made the story feel more honest and grounded. It was refreshing to see Filipino English represented with confidence and care.
Overall, Verbally Yours felt less like just a romance and more like a reflection of shared experiences about teaching, language, and unexpected connections formed in everyday spaces. It felt comforting, familiar, and quietly meaningful, and it reminded me why stories rooted in real, specific experiences often resonate the most.
January 30, 2026
(Was given an Advanced Reader's Copy by the author in exchange for an honest review)
This novella is such a soft and easy read to get into, especially when I read it during a busy period in my life. Lena and Jinho are definitely people I want to root for with this wholesome romance! Perfect for those who love to imagine a "forbidden" romance with their favorite Korean oppa this Valentine's Day. Overall, I think this is a great place to start reading through the author's work.
Since this is more of a plot-driven story, I wish this story could be made a bit longer to explore more of Lena and Jinho's overall position in the ESL school, the dynamic they both have with their respective parents, the reason why Jinho stayed out of the spotlight, and the contrast between Lena's Cebu and Jinho's Korea.
This novella is such a soft and easy read to get into, especially when I read it during a busy period in my life. Lena and Jinho are definitely people I want to root for with this wholesome romance! Perfect for those who love to imagine a "forbidden" romance with their favorite Korean oppa this Valentine's Day. Overall, I think this is a great place to start reading through the author's work.
Since this is more of a plot-driven story, I wish this story could be made a bit longer to explore more of Lena and Jinho's overall position in the ESL school, the dynamic they both have with their respective parents, the reason why Jinho stayed out of the spotlight, and the contrast between Lena's Cebu and Jinho's Korea.
January 22, 2026
The first ever book I’ve finished reading within two days!!
To be honest, it was quite hard for me finishing this, not because the story is complicated, absolutely not, in fact it was fast paced (in an absolutely good way) that no chapter was boring. The reason why it was hard for me to finish this is because of some awkward, embarrassing, and sad experience I went through which our two characters are currently in (Student-Teacher Relationship).
I’m so happy with the fact that the story went that way and ended that way. It made me think, that if I have not pushed that person away, we might have the same ending as Lena and Jinho.
The story was really good, and I love how the events really turned out. I like the characters so much, especially Marcia. And she is right, there’s no harm in being a delulu.
Thank you so much Patch for inviting me as your ARC Reader, I really, really appreciate it. Love lots!
To be honest, it was quite hard for me finishing this, not because the story is complicated, absolutely not, in fact it was fast paced (in an absolutely good way) that no chapter was boring. The reason why it was hard for me to finish this is because of some awkward, embarrassing, and sad experience I went through which our two characters are currently in (Student-Teacher Relationship).
I’m so happy with the fact that the story went that way and ended that way. It made me think, that if I have not pushed that person away, we might have the same ending as Lena and Jinho.
The story was really good, and I love how the events really turned out. I like the characters so much, especially Marcia. And she is right, there’s no harm in being a delulu.
Thank you so much Patch for inviting me as your ARC Reader, I really, really appreciate it. Love lots!
Review of advance copy
I discovered this book from BookSirens. It was a light, short, and heartfelt. I love how the characters (Lena and Jinho) manage their connection and bond despite the chaos that they have been through in the book. Respect is one of the values that center this book. Lena's patience and respect for the company's policies on their students, and Jinho's willingness to wait for Lena while he's ending this class program at ECA. I wish the book would expand more on Jinho's scandal (how he was involved in it), Mrs. Minji's reasons why she likes Lena to her son, and Marcia's possible love interest with Manager Kang (I'm just shipping the two of them).
Overall, I love this book. It's a perfect palate cleanser read after I read a lot of thriller books for the past few months.
Overall, I love this book. It's a perfect palate cleanser read after I read a lot of thriller books for the past few months.
Review of advance copy received from Author
𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖
It was a slow-burning romance. Forbidden love between the teacher and student. Slowly, yet every punch line of the male character sends me butterflies.
It was so hard to read the book in public because I couldn't hide my smile every time he teases her.
I didn't know that it takes courage to continue reading a slow-burning romance book, but as you read it through until the end, it leaves you a satisfying feeling. A reward.
After reading the book it left me wanting more. Hoping to have a part two, yet I know it was already the end.
I really love this book, and it makes me want to know more about their love story. Worth reading.🥰💯
Thank you, Sir Patrick Flores for creating this great book.✨❤️
💭QOTD: Have you experienced falling in love with your teacher?
It was a slow-burning romance. Forbidden love between the teacher and student. Slowly, yet every punch line of the male character sends me butterflies.
It was so hard to read the book in public because I couldn't hide my smile every time he teases her.
I didn't know that it takes courage to continue reading a slow-burning romance book, but as you read it through until the end, it leaves you a satisfying feeling. A reward.
After reading the book it left me wanting more. Hoping to have a part two, yet I know it was already the end.
I really love this book, and it makes me want to know more about their love story. Worth reading.🥰💯
Thank you, Sir Patrick Flores for creating this great book.✨❤️
💭QOTD: Have you experienced falling in love with your teacher?
Review of advance copy received from Author
Verbally Yours
ARC review
Two worlds colliding, a Cebuana teacher and a well-known Korean actor are thrust together in this slow burn romcom that truly warms the heart and even makes you #delulu because after reading, you'll definitely wish it's also happening to you too ;)
Lena, a dedicated ESL teacher, is passionate about teaching. Despite having a very well-known actor as a student, who flirts with her, she remained strictly professional and I admired her for it. I can clearly see her struggle from all that teasing, making her laugh and giving her snacks. Of course she's swayed. I mean, who wouldn't struggle facing a handsome oppa everyday in a small room for a one on one lesson right? Now comes Jihon Park, a famous actor from Korea and is evading a scandal at home. He goes to the Philippines, specifically Cebu, not just to avoid the press and laying low but also to study English in hopes of landing a hollywood role in the future. In there he meets the sharp tongued Lena and that's what started this forbidden romance.
Well, i wouldn't really describe their love story "forbidden" here because boundaries were clearly set since from the beginning and they respected their role as a teacher and student. And the way it concluded was just perfect. Him suggesting they wait until the course ends so no rules will be broken, no lines will be crossed. Not only their role as a student and teacher was tested here, loyalty and trust were also tested. When people were spreading rumors about the scandal, Lena defended Jinho and waited for him to open up. Jinho really appreciated that and I appreciated that too. That's just a perfect example of dedication, patience, loyalty and the most important, respecting another person.
Verbally Yours was such a breath of fresh air. I finished this in one sitting! Easy read, light and sweet, short but full of kilig moments. What's more, the setting is in my hometown Cebu! As a fan of kdrama and as someone who dreamt of meeting an oppa someday (before meeting the husband of course), I am living vicariously through Lena! I picked up the book at the right moment, a perfect break from all the heavy fantasy that i am reading. Quick and sweet and has me kilig all over! Overall, i would recommend! This gave me butterflies and made me feel nostalgic with all the kdrama vibes happening.
📖 themes:
slow burn
celebrity x civilian
grumpy x sunshine
forced proximity
teacher x student
P.S. Thank you to Patrick Flores for picking me as one of your ARC readers. Kilig too when i saw my name on the dedication.
SAVE THE DATE ~ February 14, 2026 ♡
ARC review
Two worlds colliding, a Cebuana teacher and a well-known Korean actor are thrust together in this slow burn romcom that truly warms the heart and even makes you #delulu because after reading, you'll definitely wish it's also happening to you too ;)
Lena, a dedicated ESL teacher, is passionate about teaching. Despite having a very well-known actor as a student, who flirts with her, she remained strictly professional and I admired her for it. I can clearly see her struggle from all that teasing, making her laugh and giving her snacks. Of course she's swayed. I mean, who wouldn't struggle facing a handsome oppa everyday in a small room for a one on one lesson right? Now comes Jihon Park, a famous actor from Korea and is evading a scandal at home. He goes to the Philippines, specifically Cebu, not just to avoid the press and laying low but also to study English in hopes of landing a hollywood role in the future. In there he meets the sharp tongued Lena and that's what started this forbidden romance.
Well, i wouldn't really describe their love story "forbidden" here because boundaries were clearly set since from the beginning and they respected their role as a teacher and student. And the way it concluded was just perfect. Him suggesting they wait until the course ends so no rules will be broken, no lines will be crossed. Not only their role as a student and teacher was tested here, loyalty and trust were also tested. When people were spreading rumors about the scandal, Lena defended Jinho and waited for him to open up. Jinho really appreciated that and I appreciated that too. That's just a perfect example of dedication, patience, loyalty and the most important, respecting another person.
Verbally Yours was such a breath of fresh air. I finished this in one sitting! Easy read, light and sweet, short but full of kilig moments. What's more, the setting is in my hometown Cebu! As a fan of kdrama and as someone who dreamt of meeting an oppa someday (before meeting the husband of course), I am living vicariously through Lena! I picked up the book at the right moment, a perfect break from all the heavy fantasy that i am reading. Quick and sweet and has me kilig all over! Overall, i would recommend! This gave me butterflies and made me feel nostalgic with all the kdrama vibes happening.
📖 themes:
slow burn
celebrity x civilian
grumpy x sunshine
forced proximity
teacher x student
P.S. Thank you to Patrick Flores for picking me as one of your ARC readers. Kilig too when i saw my name on the dedication.
SAVE THE DATE ~ February 14, 2026 ♡
Review of advance copy received from Author
Verbally Yours won my heart in a way I didn't expect. It's not about grand romance or dramatic moments, it's about words, pauses, and the quiet electricity of two people circling each other without ever crossing the obvious line.
I found myself laughing at the conversation between Junho and Lena. The tension lives in control, in restraint, in the moments where silence feels louder than dialogue.
I highly recommend this book it feels like watching a Kdrama but in reading. 🫰🏻🥰
I found myself laughing at the conversation between Junho and Lena. The tension lives in control, in restraint, in the moments where silence feels louder than dialogue.
I highly recommend this book it feels like watching a Kdrama but in reading. 🫰🏻🥰
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