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H3RO #3

Idol Gossip

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When I didn't know I needed a H3RO, I got six...

Six sexy, talented guys: H3RO's popularity is rising and everyone is falling in love with them.

But no one as much as me.

I knew it was wrong. No one thinks all of us could be in a relationship ... Until Jun suggests we try.

Before we can begin to figure out how that would work, we're whisked away to a tropical island. We've overcome my demon-spawn half-brother's evil schemes until now, but this time the Vice Chairman has outdone himself. With storms, sasaengs, and anti-fans, these comeback distractions are hitting us from every angle.

It's not just our careers we need to save. Friendship, loyalty and love are being tested. H3RO have survived everything so far - but can they survive me?

More importantly, will they want to?** IDOL GOSSIP is a full-length, slow-burn Reverse Harem novel. There are steamy scenes and super-hot Korean idols. This is the last book in the series and does not end in a cliff-hanger.**

247 pages, Paperback

Published December 29, 2018

99 people are currently reading
230 people want to read

About the author

J.S. Lee

20 books129 followers
Ji Soo Lee is the Korean name of this Texan Korean-American author. She spends most of her days lost in a K-Pop haze, which inspired her to start writing stories about her idols at Atlantis Entertainment.

​Under the name Ji Soo Lee, you will find YA contemporary romances, with romance levels like a K-Drama.

Under J. S. Lee, Ji Soo writes steamier stories, mainly of Reverse Harems.

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5 stars
177 (34%)
4 stars
187 (36%)
3 stars
123 (23%)
2 stars
24 (4%)
1 star
8 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
Profile Image for Kayla Brunson.
1,595 reviews274 followers
February 27, 2019
I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to these characters or this story! Things are getting out of control and on top of that, the cat is out of the bag! We got so much drama throw into this story and it tied in with the romance perfectly.

My only negative thing about this series was the ending. There was nothing wrong with it per se, I just would have liked an epilogue set a little bit further down the road. Just to see what their lives together would have looked like.

All in all, this series will become one of my favorite RH series. I need to get all of these in paperback and cherish them. If you are into RH or K-Pop, I highly recommend this series!

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Profile Image for Daisy Delfin.
1,486 reviews179 followers
February 16, 2023
I was really curious, to read a book about K-Pop and Reverse Harem.
I read the whole series about H3RO. I liked that the author gave some inside to the korean culture. I don't know much about Korean, Chinese or Japanes culture, so I enjoyed all the inside knowledge. The series was okay, I saw some of my friends left good reviews. I genuinely hope the Mrs. Lee will be successful with her books and I know there are more.

The books entertained me okay, but they did not really catch me. Some things were pretty unbelievable for me, like Holly becoming a good manager in a few day without much help. I think maybe the topic is not for me. Also how things went down was not for me. I will give all books a 3 stars rating.
Profile Image for Soo.
2,928 reviews346 followers
February 1, 2019
Mini-Review:

And that's a wrap! I like the tidy way the author tied up the loose plot lines. Sex scenes were much better! I wish there was more about them finding a way to be in a relationship together. It seemed like this story was more about the work and crazy than the blossoming relationship between seven people. Not bad. It was a fun little romp into K-Drama in print form.
Profile Image for Abi.
2,276 reviews
January 7, 2019
Idol Gossip Separate Review

I enjoyed the conclusion to the series, as it ended with the characters together. It was tumultuous for a bit, both with the relationships and idol life, but it had a satisfactory, if slightly open-ended, ending, as this series is part of a continuing universe. 5 stars.

H3RO Trilogy Review

I really enjoyed reading this trilogy. I know almost nothing about K-Pop and Korean culture, so it was really interesting for me to learn about. I also very much enjoyed getting to know each of the characters, and seeing how their relationship with the main character, Holly, formed. Dante, Nate, and Jun were probably my favorites of the six. Throughout the series, I enjoyed seeing Holly form more of a relationship with her father, and I am okay with the outcome of the issues with her brother Anyway, I think that spreading this story out over three books (which I binge-read in a day) worked very well. It was especially an advantage for forming the relationships between Holly and the members of H3RO, because it allowed the characters and relationships to actually be fleshed out. Oh, and I really loved the unconventionality of the plot: having the main characters be Korean idols was incredibly fun and entertaining, and I am definitely going to read more in the Atlantis Universe. J.S. Lee is a gifted writer. 5 stars!
Profile Image for Adena.
83 reviews
January 8, 2019
So far I have loved this series and book 3 did not disappoint! As with the previous books, Holly and H3RO don't get a moment to catch their breath as they find themselves in one crisis after another. It's bad enough that Holly's half brother has it out for her, and tries to sabotage H3RO at every chance. Now there's a stalker on the loose, and it's the murder-y type, not the obsessed-love-y type. Meanwhile the K-pop fan base is unforgiving, and any hint of a scandal might ruin everything at any moment.

As if that weren't enough drama, there's also the fact that Holly has fallen in love with all six members of the band, and now they've all found out about it. They need to decide what to do, but between shooting commercials, releasing another comeback, and modeling for sponsors, all of that gets pushed to the backburner where it threatens to burn the entire house down if it goes on being ignored. But there's plenty of opportunites for steamy romance and stolen intimate moments to go around.

This world that J.S. Lee has created is so rich and fascinating - not only has she told H3RO's story, but she's dropping hints about other members of the Atlantis Entertainment family, paving the way for future books about other idol groups. The entire series feels almost like a k-drama, and I found myself reading parts aloud and picturing them on-screen. The characters are well developed and very different from each other. The story alternates and is told from different perspectives, but each voice is distinguishable and each character reacts differently to the situations that arise. It's so different from other RH novels I've read, most of which are paranormal instead of mundane. But it also feels like part of a very real world, one that I can't wait to visit again! In addition to upcoming series' about other idol groups, I'm hoping to also see some side stories about the members of H3RO that Holly, and all of us readers, have come to know and love.

I volunteered to review an ARC of this novel.
Profile Image for Kira.
1,636 reviews
April 11, 2019
I can't believe it is over! I fell in love with the characters in this series. Holly was such a strong and funny heroine to follow, also she was one lucky girl! Having all 6 of the H3RO boys to herself... I still can't pick a favorite. I enjoyed seeing the dynamic between all of the characters. Each of the K-Pop stars were so different and unique and just perfect! Idol Gossip had many crazy moments with death threats and attempted kidnappings throughout, but also tons of hot moments with Holly and her boys Tae, Dante, Minhyuk, Nate, Kyun and Jun. I know that this story line is done, but I hope to see more of these characters, even just snippets of how things are going with them, in the other series Onyx, which I will be starting as soon as possible. I highly recommend this series!
271 reviews6 followers
January 19, 2019
I want more!

This book was great! H3ro are finally getting to the top, where they deserve to be. The issue I had with Holly was worked out nicely. I wish there was another story about H3ro and Holly, I feel like they can definitely have more there ;) I love the amazing world J.S Lee has built! And I am so looking forward to the next books in this world. We'll definitely be seeing more Holly, hopefully, since she is a major player in the company now, but I hope to see her with H3ro again as well. I wish Sejin had ended up in jail...but this outcome was definitely more realistic. At least he's out of the way now. KPop reverse harem! Can we get more, please? Loving it!
5,411 reviews
May 19, 2019
Although I was not entirely convinced by the romance, or that SIX guys would be into Holly, I loved the look into the life of the idols so my 4 stars are pretty much for all the business-side of things, and getting to know the guys. I've finished this series not feeling like I really know Holly, or seeing any character development for her. I also feel like some of the H3RO members maybe had feelings for her because of how much she did for them career-wise, rather than because she's an amazing person, which is not really what you want from a romance. Is this a series I would read again? Probably not. But I'm looking forward to more books set in this world.
Profile Image for LeiT.
382 reviews5 followers
January 18, 2019
👌🏻

I’m a big fan of RH & a huge fan of Kpop. When I saw a RH Kpop book I was very intrigued. Not going to lie I didn’t think I was going to like it. I didn’t think we were going to get steamy scenes and I didn’t see how she was going to have a relationship with Kpop Idols which is next to impossible. However the author did a great job writing a completely different and interesting story. I loved this book, but I think this is the last book of Holly and I’m kinda sad about it. Hopefully we can get more books...

Recommend 100%

Profile Image for Samantha.
595 reviews6 followers
March 13, 2019
Light and lovely

This is the seeming final installment of the reverse harem series H3RO. It’s based on Kpop life and it’s idols. As a Kdrama and Kpop fan I loved the thought of
Holly not having to choose between her delicious men! There is some action and suspense but like the lighter side of Kpop it’s not so horridly intense and dark that you can’t just let it spice things up and continue with the love.
Profile Image for Brianna Taylor.
12 reviews2 followers
November 15, 2019
Ooh, what a good ending to a terrific series! Not exactly perfect (I don't know if the reveal of the relationship between Holly and the boys was a total success) but their Jeju Island hide-away and all the disasters that kept hitting them did make for an exciting read. The loose ends were tied up very well, at least. I have loved series and I am sad to say goodbye. Now I need to find more K-pop romance to read, though I can't imagine it will measure up to this one!!
Profile Image for Erin Danzer.
Author 19 books44 followers
January 6, 2019
The perfect ending!

After the way the first two books of this trilogy ended I was truly worried the would be another cliffhanger. But everything ended as it should. I loved this series so much! It was exactly what I was looking for, when i didn't know i needed it. I look forward to everything that comes from the world of Atlantis Entertainment!
Profile Image for Leanne .
121 reviews3 followers
February 9, 2020
Holy smokes that was a fab series..... I can't believe it's over though!!!! At least they had a happy ending. I might not have survived if they didnt!! I'm glad they all worked out even if I am major angry at Sejin and Woojin!!!!!!! Definitely recommend to everyone!!! So cute and not too steamy if you don't like the smutty stuff!
Profile Image for ♠ TABI⁷ ♠.
Author 15 books513 followers
November 5, 2021
Yes, I read 3 kindle books in a night . . . this series is just that addictive. It's the GOOD trash and obviously I'm here for it.
Profile Image for Rachel.
258 reviews4 followers
July 21, 2025
This is book 3 in the series, and while nothing has changed with the format, I'll go ahead and include that as usual to keep my review formatting intact!

POV: First person
POV Character: Holly Lee
Verb Tense: Past
Trigger Warnings: kidnapping, violent outbursts, assault, bullying
Spice Level: High, multiple scenes laid out in detail
Content Warning: Reverse Harem

I'm just going to come out and say that it's probably for the best that J.S. Lee didn't leave this as a trilogy or else it would have been such a disappointment. As a reader who did come for the reverse harem but also wanted the plot, the story needs much more than the three books we've got, so I'm glad to know the author continued the series.

This series has been rather fun, honestly, and not just for the spice, which I do enjoy. It's been fun because I like getting a look at what the world of a K-pop band is like, even if it's not exactly an accurate portrayal. The plot has actually been quite fun, despite being unbelievable, but if I was here for believability, I wouldn't have even started the series.

I'm a big fan of the characters. The author manages to give them all separate personalities that feel distinct and interesting, and if you wanted to, you could easily slot each of Holly's men into a trope-y role. There's the cinnamon roll, the brooding one, the protector, the joker, etc. They're all distinct, which I appreciate. I can only imagine how hard it would be to write different flavors of romantic interests like that, and so I'm having fun deciding which one I like the most.

The plot has gone from "okay, sure, that could happen" to "I'm sorry, what is this nonsense" and yet still keeps me reading.

The story outside the relationships between Holly and her men has kept me interested, and I appreciate that the author didn't just bring them all together and then drop any external plot threads. So far, however, it does feel a bit heavy-handed on the bullying aspects, though I do realize there are a lot of anti-fans and pressures that an Asian pop band faces. So to some degree, I can roll with that.



I was finally gratified to see the reverse harem aspects of the story come into full play in this installment, too. While I went into this wondering how it would play out, I've been wanting to see it actually develop and for the group to figure out logistics and navigate the relationship aspects and was feeling a bit irked they hadn't gotten there yet.



Overall, I'm still highly entertained by this series and plan to read the rest of the books soon.
Profile Image for Angelica.
204 reviews14 followers
February 9, 2021
After finishing all three books in this series, I am reviewing this series as a whole. I don’t feel like taking the time to review each book individually but wanted to put my review out there for anyone curious about this series so you all can know what to expect. I for one did not get the reverse harem I was hoping for but just because I didn’t fall head over heels for it, doesn’t mean others won’t.

First off, I am a lover of all things reverse harem AND am a big fan of K-Pop and K-Dramas so when a friend told me about this series my excitement just about skyrocketed because it promised to give me two things I love, a reverse Harem with a K-Pop band. Did it deliver? Mmmm I’m gonna have to say sort of. It wasn’t what I expected from a reverse harem and I’ll explain why.

I honestly didn’t hate or love this series. It kept me hooked and wanting to know what was going to happen next and I honestly surprised myself with how fast I read through it. It’s not necessarily a quick read, especially since its 3 full-length novels but I managed to get through all three books in a matter of days. By the time I reached the end, I was happy for the characters but at the same time I was honestly disappointed.

When I read RH, I expect the protagonist to eventually wind up with all the guys in one big “pile” as my friend likes to put it. She knows who she is. Lol

I personally don’t like when the protagonist, in this case Holly, only gets with them individually. Like what is the fun in that? That’s not reverse harem to me. XD That’s just a girl who wants a bunch of boyfriends. I need my reverse harem sandwich or pile or whatever you want to call it. And if you have anything to say about that, just go away. I don’t have time for judgey Suzies. I like what I like and know this would be a major disappointment not just for me but for many others, so if you’re looking at this series and considering reading it, just know Holly never ends up with all the guys from H3ro at once. If that’s not an issue for you, I can honestly say I think you would enjoy this series.

This series has romance and steamy moments that would make any romance lover happy, BUT as a reverse harem snob, I felt there were SO many missed opportunities where so much more could have happened between the main characters. I honestly think it would have made the series ten times better. Now, I’m not trying to hate on the series. It was good and well written and I did enjoy it, it just didn’t give me what I wanted and hoped for by the end so I’m feeling just a little bitter. But I’ll get over it. I always do.

Overall, I think this series was good and an easy read but I don’t see myself continuing it because I honestly doubt they’re all eventually going to be together. So if you’re reading this and considering writing your own reverse harem, please make sure they all end up together by the end. It is SO important for most of us romance readers. I know this isn’t an issue for all but it definitely is for me, so thanks for coming to my Ted Talk. I hope you all enjoyed my long ranty review and if you choose to read this series, I hope you enjoy it. Happy reading!
Profile Image for Mika.
792 reviews14 followers
April 25, 2020
This series started off fun but ended so disappointingly.

Pros:
I actually liked the idol stuff, with the producing, preparing a comeback. The first time more than in the third book, but still. It's detailed and celebrates the hard work done by all idol groups.

I thought Jun, Kyun and Tae were done well in the story. Especially Tae and Kyun's friendship. (though the CONSTANT "no homo" bothered me, a BIG HOMO =_=)

I liked that Jun, and Dante were very down to do a reverse harem, and that Nate/Jun were kinda aware of it in book two. I liked the kisses in front of other members and the cuddle puddles.

Nate apologized, like 15 times for accidentally hitting our heroine. She waves it off, but I, on the other hand was like, good. He SHOULD apologize. 100% Regardless of the circumstances, that's scary af.

Cons:
Oh dear lord, the pacing and plotting were very weak. It felt like we'd leap from problem to problem, have weird time skips, dropped b plots... it's just a weak, weak trilogy, far too short in some way.

I, personally, feel like Nate, Dante and Minhyuk were not given as much dimension. Dante is what he appears, The Sexy One. Nate is The Relatable One. Minhyuk is The Mom. Personally, I feel that the author gave plot lines to the "deeper" members, but let these guys just fill the roster.

The way the stalker plots were handled. I HATE that the reason these people did that they did was that the Evil Brother hired them. HATE. IT. This destroys the points I gave book two for addressing this issue in kpop! These types of people who dehumanize idols are a real problem. Like, 100%, in real life, antis and stalkers aren't hired by a Bad Guy. They act like these people aren't humans, and justify it to themselves because idols are ~famous~ Even "good" fans can fall into the trap of treating idols like they owe fans anything, as people. Instead of going there, we get...lazy melodrama. SO dissapointed.

I was cool w whats his face being punted to China, but...literally a chapter or two after he's already hired a new person to try and kill a member. And his punishment remains the same. Am I to believe this is a happy ending? A happy for now? Like...dude still managed to almost kill one of our heroes, I don't feel like the end was a victory. If he'd been punted away AFTER he did stuff, I'd believe it more. :/

Overall, I don't regret reading the first one, but I really only finished book three just to have it finished. Wish it was better than it was. I feel slightly slumpy now.
Profile Image for carrotitties.
99 reviews
March 1, 2024
4.6

I love cliffhangers, at least the ones in this series. Makes me keep wanting more and that’s so satisfying! I have never been so entertained while reading, I’m feeling so… weightless, free, y’know? I don’t think I can explain better… but yeah, I’m currently at my best right now, and it’s nice. Looking forward to uri business woman unnie, you go girl!
Also, there were some grammatical proofreading issues, but nothing that interfered with the reading, just kinda noticeable. It happened in the last book too, but in this one it was more than four, so… yeah.
Minhyuk is so cute and so baby boy, huff… please arrest him before he kills me with their first time… I’m begging here…!
Dante is a teasy, and you know what kinda of tease I’m talking about heheheh the best of the best, my guys. Btw, his jealous moment was so tiny but made me so warm inside… my heart, okay!? Made me happy… omg… anyway!
Tae is so husband material, I… I swear… I’m just so thirsty for his steamy scenes, man… you don’t understand, I’m literally dehydrated!!!
Kyun is a puppy, there’s no more. His duality is just so, so GOOD, that I catch myself gaping sometimes lol
Jun is still a little devil, and with so much charisma and personality, I love him! Btw, I can’t unseen him as Kang Insoo, help
Nate is a momma boy… so adorable argh! Reminds me of Joshua, kinda of… missing GOSE so bad… anyway, to the next book!
Profile Image for Angela.
990 reviews
January 27, 2019
Frankly, this third book has a ridiculous, mostly disappointing ending, though I didn’t expect the plot to go somewhere much different. I did expect there to be fewer grammatical errors though. I found plural versus singular errors, incorrect verb shifts mid sentence, and a lack of care in the descriptive language or dialogue tags. Additionally, while the story is told in 1st person and the conversational tone can, therefore, mostly be excused, the author uses an over abundance of passive “to be” verbs. The author would benefit from stronger writing, eliminating several had, have, been, etc. words along with the word gotten. “I had gotten talking to her...” Just say, “I talked.” My point is the grammatical mistakes and verb usage could be so distracting, it took interest away from the plot. I think, based on the author’s planned publication of a book in February and another in March, that she is writing so quickly, she’s a little careless with the content.
Profile Image for Kristina.
1 review
December 5, 2019
Loved it

I really enjoyed this book. I've become quite the RH fan once I gave the genre a chance. Although I typically go for paranormal books, this one truly intrigued me. I finished the series within a day and a half (and that's only because I had to work or I would've finished quicker!). I loved the characters and the only thing I was a disappointed about was Holly not having as many intimate scenes with Jun, Tae, and Minhyuk. Don't get me wrong they have plenty, and I can feel the love for each other in each interaction. But I was really looking forward to those 3 having their own moments with her. Regardless, I still enjoyed this book and would read it again! I am hoping maybe you might add a short Christmas/Holiday special for these characters just so we can have a glimpse of what they have been up to and accomplished.
Profile Image for Trisha.
41 reviews
February 1, 2020
Excellent first Idol read

I am so pleased that multiple people recommended this book series to me! I had wanted an RH series that featured some delicious Asian males. Especially since many RH’s don’t feature them as often (for shame really). I was hesitant with an Idol read since I hadn’t really ever listened to K- Pop but do watch Korean and other Asian dramas (I mean really they’re amazing and I have been to Korea and lived in Japan for a few years).

But taking a leap of faith with this series was definitely worth it! Now I have an entire k-pop play list and I am reading up on all the popular singers! Who knew I would become even more obsessed with this amazing culture. I definitely will be recommending this in the future!
Profile Image for Maggie BB.
771 reviews5 followers
June 22, 2024
I liked this book, but definitely not as much as other books by JS Lee. I enjoy the characters for the most part, but Holly annoys me a lot in this one and I don't want to get into specific plot points because I try to avoid spoilers in reviews.... but basically, this book made me frustrated more than once, and annoyed me even more, so I can't go higher than 3 stars.

This installment is definitely trying to be more plot driven and there is more focus on the challenges h3ro is facing and a little lighter on the romance side. Not a criticism, really... it is still very readable, and I am still looking forward to continuing in this world, just when the plot devices annoy me and they are more centre stage they are harder to ignore.
Profile Image for Britt B.
408 reviews
April 28, 2020
Overall good series

This was a good series though a bit lukewarm in the love aspect. It was cute and drama filled as any Kdrama can be. It was also refreshing to see a diverse RH as well. Love the Kpop concept and it held so much detail about the life of a busy idol. The only complaint overall is that the FMC and her H3RO guys don't have equal time with her. I know Minkyuk wanted slow and thats fine, but little happened with Tae and even Jun- that ending was a big tease. Finally had her and Jun after book 1, then it ends. Happy Dante made an appearance again. Overall the book was a 3.5 and the series is between that and a 4/5. I would definitely recommend it.
Profile Image for Mary Rose.
882 reviews53 followers
February 20, 2023
The drama really amps up in this one. Holly continues to impress me with her ability to rebound from all the ridiculous and now increasingly dangerous things her "demon spawn" half brother throws at her. I wanted to pop her dad for his unwillingness to see what was right in front of him, but at least by the end, he realized his son was working against not just Holly, but the company itself too. He still didn't do enough, imho, but it's a start. Kyun really shines in this one, his past keeping him down for years, but he's trying to work through it. Oh, and he's a biter. Love that. 😉 It finally seems Holly might just get it all...
Profile Image for Kristine Bodolay.
25 reviews21 followers
November 1, 2020
Love the k.pop drama

I love k dramas and have always been a fan of manga and anime. Plus I love reverse harem books. So this series is a match made in heaven! I love how theatre is an explanation of Korean words in the beginning and that there is a description of the characters in the back. It reminds me of reading manga and seeing height and blood type. The story has everything you could want in a Korean drama, including a hospital scene! There are steamy scenes and I love the slow burn the cream on top is that each book has a playlist! I found some new bands to listen to!
Profile Image for Sydney.
467 reviews11 followers
November 25, 2019
The fans be crazy...

In the final H3RO book, we get to see the lengths fans and family will go to see our beloved K-Pop group succeed or fail. Lives are literally on the line and I loved every minute of it. The characters have changed and experienced so much since the first book, I couldn't be happier with the ending. I'm excited to read more books in the Atlantis Entertainment world, and I really hope there's a spin-off series for Holly's younger brother's band.
Profile Image for Angie.
2,367 reviews251 followers
May 16, 2020
YES!
+While I don't like the term "reverse harem," I am all over that concept! Especially when applied to a boy band!
+A last minute tropical getaway! Business or pleasure? BOTH!
+H3RO is secretly dating their manager and they all know about each other! Gasp!
+I'm a sucker for stalker stories. It adds some interesting tension.
+Happily ever after! For now...

NO!
-Same typos as the previous book?
Profile Image for Eli.
4 reviews
September 19, 2020
Good ending to the series. It was my first reverse harem story and I didn't really know what to think of it but it's actually really good! The relationship between her and the guys is really well balanced. The one star is missing because the ending seemed a bit.. Rushed and I was kinda missing a real peak in this book. Other than that rly good book. If you actually like reverse harem and know a bit about kpop i recommend you read that book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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