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Chen: A K-Pop Romance
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
First of all, let's talk about the cover of Chen. The ART is really eye catching and fits the story perfectly. It has that glamorous K-pop vibe, which matches his character as an idol.
I really enjoyed this book so much. It felt emotional and also very real at the same time. This is a second chance romance, but it is not just about love, it is also about timing, life choices, and the pain of losing someone without any closure.
The story follows Chen and Marisa, who met years ago in Thailand and had a deep connection in a short time. But things went wrong when they lost contact in a very unexpected way, not because they didn't care. And that honestly broke my heart because it shows how life can change everything in just one moment.
What I loved the most is how the story shows both past and present. We see their young love, full of hope and dreams, and then we see them years later, carrying pain, misunderstandings, and secrets.
Chen, on the outside, is a famous idol with everything. Fans, fame and success. But inside, he still carries the memory of his first love and the feeling of "what if." The writing is easy to read and the emotions are clear without being too complicated. Some scenes, especially from their past, feel very intimate and tender, showing how much they meant to each other even in a short time.
The best part of this book is the emotional tension, especially when they meet again. There are so many unanswered questions, secrets, and feelings that never went away. It keeps you hooked throughout the end.
Overall, this book shows that sometimes people don't leave because they want to, but because life gets in the way.
If you like second chance romance, emotional stories, and a mix of fame and real life struggles, you will definitely enjoy this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really enjoyed this book so much. It felt emotional and also very real at the same time. This is a second chance romance, but it is not just about love, it is also about timing, life choices, and the pain of losing someone without any closure.
The story follows Chen and Marisa, who met years ago in Thailand and had a deep connection in a short time. But things went wrong when they lost contact in a very unexpected way, not because they didn't care. And that honestly broke my heart because it shows how life can change everything in just one moment.
What I loved the most is how the story shows both past and present. We see their young love, full of hope and dreams, and then we see them years later, carrying pain, misunderstandings, and secrets.
Chen, on the outside, is a famous idol with everything. Fans, fame and success. But inside, he still carries the memory of his first love and the feeling of "what if." The writing is easy to read and the emotions are clear without being too complicated. Some scenes, especially from their past, feel very intimate and tender, showing how much they meant to each other even in a short time.
The best part of this book is the emotional tension, especially when they meet again. There are so many unanswered questions, secrets, and feelings that never went away. It keeps you hooked throughout the end.
Overall, this book shows that sometimes people don't leave because they want to, but because life gets in the way.
If you like second chance romance, emotional stories, and a mix of fame and real life struggles, you will definitely enjoy this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 1, 2026
I have read the previous books in the Seoul Boys series but hadn’t really thought about Chen but I loved his story and the twists and turns it took.
Marisa and Chen meet when she is on holiday before starting college. They fall hard for each other and promise to keep in touch and she has plans to return in a few months.
Both their lives change, taking them in different directions and, despite the best of intentions, they don’t keep their promises. They find that they have no choice but to get on with their lives, Marisa in the music industry and Chen auditions for a Kpop group.
A few years later Marisa’s job takes her on location with a Kpop group called Seoul Boys. She doesn’t recognise any of them initially, but Chen knows her.
The book tells how their relationship progresses - in secret, because Kpop stars don’t have relationships, they are always available to their fans. Their relationship is not the only secret that is being kept but secrets have a way of coming out no matter what.
The questions come - can this relationship survive the secrecy and then the publicity?
Can they make it work in the face of opposition and hurt feelings?
Sacrifices must be made on both sides but are they willing to go the extra mile for each other?
If you like a spicy romance you’ll love Seoul Boys.
If you like a spicy romance with a difference you’ll love Chen.
I loved the previous books in the Seoul Boys series and Chen didn’t let me me down. I recommend Chen when you need to read a nice, spicy romance but also a story that gives you a different perspective on how a Kpop star might be able to have (what most people would consider) a normal life.
Marisa and Chen meet when she is on holiday before starting college. They fall hard for each other and promise to keep in touch and she has plans to return in a few months.
Both their lives change, taking them in different directions and, despite the best of intentions, they don’t keep their promises. They find that they have no choice but to get on with their lives, Marisa in the music industry and Chen auditions for a Kpop group.
A few years later Marisa’s job takes her on location with a Kpop group called Seoul Boys. She doesn’t recognise any of them initially, but Chen knows her.
The book tells how their relationship progresses - in secret, because Kpop stars don’t have relationships, they are always available to their fans. Their relationship is not the only secret that is being kept but secrets have a way of coming out no matter what.
The questions come - can this relationship survive the secrecy and then the publicity?
Can they make it work in the face of opposition and hurt feelings?
Sacrifices must be made on both sides but are they willing to go the extra mile for each other?
If you like a spicy romance you’ll love Seoul Boys.
If you like a spicy romance with a difference you’ll love Chen.
I loved the previous books in the Seoul Boys series and Chen didn’t let me me down. I recommend Chen when you need to read a nice, spicy romance but also a story that gives you a different perspective on how a Kpop star might be able to have (what most people would consider) a normal life.
May 29, 2026
As a fan of romance novels and K-pop, being able to ARC read this book was truly amazing. Although I haven't read all the other two Seoul Boys books, I will be doing that now that I've completed Chen.
The book stands out for its emotional depth, exploring the personal struggles of K-pop idols. Themes of love, secrecy, and the pressure to maintain a public persona are woven into storylines that often focus on characters navigating love's complexities. The secret pregnancy subplot adds intrigue, keeping readers emotionally invested.
AJ Kim’s writing excels at conveying the raw emotions and longing of a second chance romance. The relatable, well developed characters make it easy to become attached to their journeys. The exploration of love found before stardom and its challenges is both poignant and refreshing.
In conclusion, Chen is a gripping exploration of romance and the K-pop industry. It's an emotional rollercoaster that will have readers rooting for the characters’ happiness. AJ Kim has created a world that is as entertaining as it is touching, making this series essential for romance and K-pop enthusiasts alike. I’m eagerly anticipating the next book and recommending this series to everyone.
Thank you A.J. Kim for letting me ARC read this book, it was a pleasure!
The book stands out for its emotional depth, exploring the personal struggles of K-pop idols. Themes of love, secrecy, and the pressure to maintain a public persona are woven into storylines that often focus on characters navigating love's complexities. The secret pregnancy subplot adds intrigue, keeping readers emotionally invested.
AJ Kim’s writing excels at conveying the raw emotions and longing of a second chance romance. The relatable, well developed characters make it easy to become attached to their journeys. The exploration of love found before stardom and its challenges is both poignant and refreshing.
In conclusion, Chen is a gripping exploration of romance and the K-pop industry. It's an emotional rollercoaster that will have readers rooting for the characters’ happiness. AJ Kim has created a world that is as entertaining as it is touching, making this series essential for romance and K-pop enthusiasts alike. I’m eagerly anticipating the next book and recommending this series to everyone.
Thank you A.J. Kim for letting me ARC read this book, it was a pleasure!
May 25, 2026
As a fan of second chance romance and K-pop, I was genuinely happy to receive this arc for an honest review. I loved the first 2 books in the series and knew this wouldn’t disappoint. The author really does a superb job of describing the life of a K-pop idol and their world, plus what it’s like to deal with fans and the parasocialism that entails. Imagine what it would be like to find love in a world that expects you to be free and available and everyone’s “boyfriend?” Perfect in every way.
This book deals with an idol finding love before even thinking of becoming an idol and due to unforeseen circumstances separated until fate sees to bring them back together again. All the while, one is holding a really big secret that could destroy everything they’re trying to rebuild. The emotional rollercoaster was too good to put down and I can’t wait to see who’s story is coming up next!
This book deals with an idol finding love before even thinking of becoming an idol and due to unforeseen circumstances separated until fate sees to bring them back together again. All the while, one is holding a really big secret that could destroy everything they’re trying to rebuild. The emotional rollercoaster was too good to put down and I can’t wait to see who’s story is coming up next!
Review of advance copy received from Author
As a romance reader and a kpop fan, when I found this series I knew I was in for a good time. What I didn’t expect was to fall in love with the characters as much as I did. Each book is so well written, the story is well laid out and each chapter leaves you gripped. I didn’t want this one to end at all and Im already desperate for the next one!
I’m already shouting about this series to anyone and everyone who will listen. It’s gripping, it’s full of emotion and longing, it’s just beautiful.
I’m already shouting about this series to anyone and everyone who will listen. It’s gripping, it’s full of emotion and longing, it’s just beautiful.
Review of advance copy
This book pulled at my heart strings hard. Chen is so sweet and caring! Seoul Boys has been such a great read so far. I’m so excited for the next book! Also I am loving the covers of the boys with their partners. This series is a definite must for everyone!
May 31, 2026
I've read the rest of this series, and the writing just keeps getting better. This one was a tad less spicy than the other two, but the story was incredibly sweet.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 3, 2026
Have loved all the books in this series and also love a second chance romance! Well written and I couldn’t put it down, looking forward to the next book already!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A beautifully written Kpop romance.
AJ Kim is a new author to me and this is the first of their books I have read. I have been a fan of Kpop and it's culture for a number of years, so I had a vested interest in this and it didn't disappoint.
This is a beautiful secret, second chance romance that will tug at your heartstrings and have you routing for the characters to get together.
With the added complication of a secret pregnancy and the pressure for Kpop idols to keep their relationships secret, this story will pull you in all directions. It makes for a great read and I will definitely be catching up on the other books in the series.
AJ Kim is a new author to me and this is the first of their books I have read. I have been a fan of Kpop and it's culture for a number of years, so I had a vested interest in this and it didn't disappoint.
This is a beautiful secret, second chance romance that will tug at your heartstrings and have you routing for the characters to get together.
With the added complication of a secret pregnancy and the pressure for Kpop idols to keep their relationships secret, this story will pull you in all directions. It makes for a great read and I will definitely be catching up on the other books in the series.
Review of advance copy
I have loved every book in the series so far. I adored the second chance romance trope of this one. The journey that Marisa and Chen had to take to find their way back to each other made the story such an engaging read. You were rooting for them from the very beginning for so many reasons. I love how the K-pop culture is intertwined with the romance story and how they have to maneuver both worlds. Such a great ending!
June 3, 2026
I loved Chen! Every book in the Seoul Boys series has kept me up reading into the wee hours, and Chen was no exception. I’m a big fan of second chance romances, and their story was a juicy one - there was pain and confusion but real love between them. Can’t wait for Kiki’s book!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews