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H3RO #2
Idol Worship
The hardest part of being in love with K-Pop stars is having to share them.
I had one job: get K-Pop group, H3RO, a number one single. Then I had to open my mouth and promise two. It’s only because of a technicality that the Vice Chairman of Atlantis Entertainment, (AKA my demon-spawn-half-brother, Sejin), didn’t terminate their contracts.
Now, more than ever, H3RO need to keep their focus.
Tae, Dante, Minhyuk, Nate, Kyun and Jun are idols, working hard to maintain their rising fame. Caught in the public eye with fan meetings, promotions and performances, somehow, no one has noticed their attention is on me. Even if I wasn’t their manager, I know I need to back away. A dating scandal will end their careers quicker than Sejin. The guilt is eating me up, but I can’t stay away.
And neither can they.
** IDOL WORSHIP is a full-length, slow-burn Reverse Harem novel. There are steamy scenes, super hot Korean idols, and there may or may not be a cliff-hanger. **
229 pages, Paperback
Published December 13, 2018
118 people are currently reading
232 people want to read
About the author
J.S. Lee
20 books129 followersJi 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.
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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
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.
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.
February 26, 2019
This series is starting to become an addiction. Like seriously! Holly still has her work cut out for her being H3RO’s manager. Now that they are actually getting a fandom things are getting out of control. We all know how fangirls can be! On top of that, she still has her terrible half-brother trying to ruin her at every turn.
I spent the majority of this book either swooning or laughing my butt off at Jun’s jokes. We got so much more steam and I can’t get enough! Also, Kyun is such a cinnamon roll! We get more backstory on him and I swear my heart melted instantly.
Book three is the last book in this series and I am totally not ready to say goodbye but at the same time, I need to read it. The way this one ended left me wanting more!
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I spent the majority of this book either swooning or laughing my butt off at Jun’s jokes. We got so much more steam and I can’t get enough! Also, Kyun is such a cinnamon roll! We get more backstory on him and I swear my heart melted instantly.
Book three is the last book in this series and I am totally not ready to say goodbye but at the same time, I need to read it. The way this one ended left me wanting more!
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February 1, 2019
Mini-Review:
One more book to go. I'm not sure if the next book is the last for this series but it's the last I'm willing to read for now. The story went a bit sideways and took a turn for a more melodramatic approach. Two thumbs up for making each of the band members a different type & pulling it off. The sex scene ideas have promise but the writing isn't really meeting the potential. The could be hot scenes come off as steamy rather than sizzling.
One more book to go. I'm not sure if the next book is the last for this series but it's the last I'm willing to read for now. The story went a bit sideways and took a turn for a more melodramatic approach. Two thumbs up for making each of the band members a different type & pulling it off. The sex scene ideas have promise but the writing isn't really meeting the potential. The could be hot scenes come off as steamy rather than sizzling.
January 7, 2019
Idol Worship Separate Review:
I didn't like this book as much as the previous one. The relationships got tested more, and things just were more tense, which wasn't as enjoyable. However, it was overall a solid read, and I moved right on to the next book. 4 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!
I didn't like this book as much as the previous one. The relationships got tested more, and things just were more tense, which wasn't as enjoyable. However, it was overall a solid read, and I moved right on to the next book. 4 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!
January 3, 2019
I'm loving this series.
November 24, 2019
K-Pop-Drama!
This is an addictive series! I love how well it explores social media bullying, stalking, and self-esteem issues. Holly is less likeable in this book as I spent most of the book wishing she would just come clean with the guys. It does promise for some juicy drama in the next book though. The guys get more character development and they get some genuinely hilarious lines. I also enjoyed the progressing relationship between Holly and her father. There's work to do there, but it's a good start for them.
This is an addictive series! I love how well it explores social media bullying, stalking, and self-esteem issues. Holly is less likeable in this book as I spent most of the book wishing she would just come clean with the guys. It does promise for some juicy drama in the next book though. The guys get more character development and they get some genuinely hilarious lines. I also enjoyed the progressing relationship between Holly and her father. There's work to do there, but it's a good start for them.
December 13, 2018
This series is so much fun!!!! Things are heating up for Holly, as she finds herself more and more entagled with each of the members of H3RO, the K-pop band she is managing for her father's entertainment company. Between the fan frenzy and overeager tabloids, to her scheming half brother, it seems like every time something goes right something else goes wrong. Poor Holly can't seem to catch a break, or more than a few winks of sleep for that matter. Plus there's the pressure to deliver two #1 chart toppers in order to secure the continued existence of the band.
The plot moves quickly, from one crisis to another. In Holly's brother, we have an evil villain that's easy to hate. Despite his efforts to sabotage their comeback, H3RO has proved that they are talented, capable musicians. Their fanbase is perhaps a bit too possessive, though, and they seem to want to take their animosity out on Holly. If only they knew - one by one the band members reveal their true feelings to her, but how can she possibly choose just one of them? Each has their charms, insecurities, and sex appeal, and who could say no to that?
The world of K-pop is fun and exciting, and the entertainment company J. S. Lee has created for us promises many more stories. Bands and performers are mentioned in passing, or play a supporting role in this tale. Not only am I excited for the conclusion of H3RO's trilogy, but I can't wait to read about all the other wonderful people we meet along the way. The author's love of K-pop music is evident in every word she writes, and her characters leap to life from the pages. The reverse harem theme is so unexpected in this world, and such a wonderful treat.
In case you're not familiar with the world of K-pop, the author has conveniently provided a short glossary / guide to the terms and customs surrounding the culture.
This book is the second in a trilogy - I would definitely recommend reading Idol Thoughts before this book. It introduces the characters, and you'll feel like you've been plopped into the middle of the story if you try to read this one first.
I volunteered to review an ARC of this novel.
The plot moves quickly, from one crisis to another. In Holly's brother, we have an evil villain that's easy to hate. Despite his efforts to sabotage their comeback, H3RO has proved that they are talented, capable musicians. Their fanbase is perhaps a bit too possessive, though, and they seem to want to take their animosity out on Holly. If only they knew - one by one the band members reveal their true feelings to her, but how can she possibly choose just one of them? Each has their charms, insecurities, and sex appeal, and who could say no to that?
The world of K-pop is fun and exciting, and the entertainment company J. S. Lee has created for us promises many more stories. Bands and performers are mentioned in passing, or play a supporting role in this tale. Not only am I excited for the conclusion of H3RO's trilogy, but I can't wait to read about all the other wonderful people we meet along the way. The author's love of K-pop music is evident in every word she writes, and her characters leap to life from the pages. The reverse harem theme is so unexpected in this world, and such a wonderful treat.
In case you're not familiar with the world of K-pop, the author has conveniently provided a short glossary / guide to the terms and customs surrounding the culture.
This book is the second in a trilogy - I would definitely recommend reading Idol Thoughts before this book. It introduces the characters, and you'll feel like you've been plopped into the middle of the story if you try to read this one first.
I volunteered to review an ARC of this novel.
January 3, 2019
Idol Worship continues where we left off from book 1 and things are heating up left, right and center. We see that H3RO and Holly try to overcome every obstacle that came their way, which mostly by her stepbrother’s doing. However, it only serves to cement her relationship with each of the guys. But with their crazy fandom and Holly being the boyband’s manager, I’m dying to know how the author will close this one. There are scenes in this book that got me squealing like a highschool girl. It is safe to say that this book brings out the fangirl in me. I highly recommend this to all KPOP lovers out there.
I received an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
January 19, 2019
I enjoyed reading about H3ro
The group is finally starting to get the recognition it deserves, but there's still the half-brother from hell trying to mess things up. I had to very reluctantly take off one star because of Holly. I like her, but I didn't like how she was with all the guys...even though it is reverse harem, it felt like cheating and that made me feel bad for the guys. I love the story though, and I like how well written it is. Let's see how the final book turns out, especially now that the cat is out of the bag and we have it all out in the open between the guys
The group is finally starting to get the recognition it deserves, but there's still the half-brother from hell trying to mess things up. I had to very reluctantly take off one star because of Holly. I like her, but I didn't like how she was with all the guys...even though it is reverse harem, it felt like cheating and that made me feel bad for the guys. I love the story though, and I like how well written it is. Let's see how the final book turns out, especially now that the cat is out of the bag and we have it all out in the open between the guys
January 1, 2024
I devoured book 1 and quickly did the same thing with book 2! This series is wild! Holly is the new manager of the K-Pop group H3RO, a group that was close to being disbanded because they were not popular. With Holly's help they have now soared beyond what they had hoped for! Now if only Holly can figure out which of the 6 group members to choose to be her one and only because things have gotten very complicated. If only she didn't have to choose! Maybe she won't! We will have to see in book 3!
December 19, 2018
I moved directly from Idol Thoughts, book one, right into Idol Worship, and was glad I had the second book on hand due to the prior books' clifffhanger-ish ending. The story picked up right fro the end of book one, and was a fast-moving storyline. I love the progression of the relationships and the additional character development.
February 9, 2020
Well dammit! She did it again!!! Ji Soo is an amazing author and her characters are amazing! I love this series so far especially since it combines 3 of my favourite things! Rh! Hot guys! And kpop!!!
H3ro are getting the attention that they deserve but not always the right kind of attention. I hope they sort everything out with holly because I need some more books!!!!!
H3ro are getting the attention that they deserve but not always the right kind of attention. I hope they sort everything out with holly because I need some more books!!!!!
December 28, 2018
Awesome
Things are heating up for H3RO on a professional level as well as a personal one. How long before it all goes up in flames?
I love this series. I can't wait for the next one.
Things are heating up for H3RO on a professional level as well as a personal one. How long before it all goes up in flames?
I love this series. I can't wait for the next one.
January 4, 2019
I am inspired to listen to k-pop now
I knew nothing about K-pop but feel like I do a little bit now. I liked the characters and how you get to know their stories gradually as Holly does. It is a good read.
I knew nothing about K-pop but feel like I do a little bit now. I liked the characters and how you get to know their stories gradually as Holly does. It is a good read.
May 23, 2019
Hyper super fun amazing book
I want to step into the girl's life! This series is fun, entertaining and enthralling ! The guys are hot and funny. I'm so happy there's a 3rd book out to but NOW!
I want to step into the girl's life! This series is fun, entertaining and enthralling ! The guys are hot and funny. I'm so happy there's a 3rd book out to but NOW!
November 15, 2019
Oh, I loved this one just as much as the first one! The boys of H3RO are the actual best, especially Jun, who is my bias, and Kyun, who is my wrecker. Love this series so much!!! Am going to buy the next one right away.
November 5, 2021
consistently enjoying these despite the crazy-huge amount of drama and easy acceptance of polycule life?? the boys are fun characters to read about & though they feel a bit pasted-in at times, the smut parts are 👌🏻👌🏻 good soup
December 21, 2018
Honest I hope this series continues after book 3
February 3, 2019
Just like a kdrama
But sexier. It goes that extra step we all secretly want. Great flow and storyline. Surprised by some of the plot twist. Highly recommended.
But sexier. It goes that extra step we all secretly want. Great flow and storyline. Surprised by some of the plot twist. Highly recommended.
March 5, 2019
Loved this one just as much as book 1! Holly and the guys can't catch a break. Sejin is just the worst. I can't wait to see what happens in the next one!!
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!
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!
July 17, 2025
Book two in this series is done and dusted, and now I'm ready to move on to the next one. But before I can do that, I need to drop the review here, mostly so I can come back to it later and read it.
Let's begin!
POV: First person
POV Character: Holly Lee
Verb Tense: Past
Trigger Warnings: bullying, social media bullying, obsessive fans/stalking, physical assault
Spice: Hot, sexual scenes in detail
Content Warning: Reverse harem
So let's get into this again... as this is book two, I was definitely expecting Holly to start getting closer to the rest of H3RO by the end of the book, and the author did not disappoint. After having teased readers with Dante's shamelessness, she finally gave us a scene in which Dante showed himself in all his glory as the ravenous guy he is.
And in this installment, we learned more about Tae and Kyun's relationship, which was fun. They have a relationship that goes back before their debut with H3RO, and it turns out they've known each other since they were kids, and Kyun has followed Tae's lead throughout adolescence, thus why he's in H3RO now.
Holly is still fighting for the group against Atlantis Entertainment's seeming doubt that anyone would ever like the six guys in this K-pop band. And the truth is: her fight is truly against her half-brother Sejin, whose interference at every turn has been the thing that keeps coming between her and the guys as she's trying to figure out what she wants--or rather, who she wants.
I like that there's still a lot of outside plot here. It's not just a reverse harem where everyone's on each other 24/7 and indulging in smut mania. I like Holly's struggle to get someone at Atlantis to listen to her, even if she has to go over Sejin to the father she doesn't want to be beholden to. There are lots of things happening in the background in this book, and it's setting us up for what sounds like yet another crisis where Sejin has done his darnedest to make it impossible for Holly to secure a win.
So far, the series has been ridiculous but fun, and I love the undercurrent of tension throughout, whether it's the tension of Holly's coming choice regarding the guys she's grown close to, the tension of further attacks from someone who may or may not have been hired by Sejin to play the role of an obsessive fan, or the tension of having to navigate tricky business waters when Holly's "boss" is undermining her at every turn.
It's a fun, quick read, and I'm going to just plug along and read the next book when I get a break from my fantasy books.
Let's begin!
POV: First person
POV Character: Holly Lee
Verb Tense: Past
Trigger Warnings: bullying, social media bullying, obsessive fans/stalking, physical assault
Spice: Hot, sexual scenes in detail
Content Warning: Reverse harem
So let's get into this again... as this is book two, I was definitely expecting Holly to start getting closer to the rest of H3RO by the end of the book, and the author did not disappoint. After having teased readers with Dante's shamelessness, she finally gave us a scene in which Dante showed himself in all his glory as the ravenous guy he is.
And in this installment, we learned more about Tae and Kyun's relationship, which was fun. They have a relationship that goes back before their debut with H3RO, and it turns out they've known each other since they were kids, and Kyun has followed Tae's lead throughout adolescence, thus why he's in H3RO now.
Holly is still fighting for the group against Atlantis Entertainment's seeming doubt that anyone would ever like the six guys in this K-pop band. And the truth is: her fight is truly against her half-brother Sejin, whose interference at every turn has been the thing that keeps coming between her and the guys as she's trying to figure out what she wants--or rather, who she wants.
I like that there's still a lot of outside plot here. It's not just a reverse harem where everyone's on each other 24/7 and indulging in smut mania. I like Holly's struggle to get someone at Atlantis to listen to her, even if she has to go over Sejin to the father she doesn't want to be beholden to. There are lots of things happening in the background in this book, and it's setting us up for what sounds like yet another crisis where Sejin has done his darnedest to make it impossible for Holly to secure a win.
So far, the series has been ridiculous but fun, and I love the undercurrent of tension throughout, whether it's the tension of Holly's coming choice regarding the guys she's grown close to, the tension of further attacks from someone who may or may not have been hired by Sejin to play the role of an obsessive fan, or the tension of having to navigate tricky business waters when Holly's "boss" is undermining her at every turn.
It's a fun, quick read, and I'm going to just plug along and read the next book when I get a break from my fantasy books.
March 16, 2020
Weaker than book one for me, this book deals with some very real issues in idol life. Dangerous "fans" who stalk and harass idols and people around them. Deals with mobs and the way a crowd of fans can become terrifying without security.
Unfortunately this suffered middle book syndrome, a lot happened but there was no plot. This felt like a transition that doesn't stand as an individual installment. Also for how short it is, I hated that the first 8 pages were a slightly re-rewritten version of the end of book one. I think the scenes individually kinda worked but they didn't work towards a satisfying conclusion, you know? It just felt directionless.
The sex scenes were fun, and I appreciated her bio-father more in this book. However, I disliked how the reverse harem aspect was handled. I've not read other RH but is it common practice to have it happen by accident to a non-poly person, who engages in grey area cheating, and BECAUSE these men all like her so much they are MADE to become poly? Cuz that's lame. It feels less natural and like a bad portrayal of poly people as greedy people who "can't choose" and paints the dishonesty as natural because "it's wrong, so why would they communicate as they continued seeing multiple partners?", like monogamy is STILL held by the story as morally superior and the default preference of most parties involved.
Even Holly gets mad when she perceives a member with another woman. Like, are we joking?
I'm not poly, but I know they exist and are real and this was just not it.
I will finish the trilogy but suffice it to say, my twinkie went sour. :( I'm hoping for a satisfying resolution and since none of my issues will be addressed, I just hope I'm not TOO mad at how the romance plot ends.
Unfortunately this suffered middle book syndrome, a lot happened but there was no plot. This felt like a transition that doesn't stand as an individual installment. Also for how short it is, I hated that the first 8 pages were a slightly re-rewritten version of the end of book one. I think the scenes individually kinda worked but they didn't work towards a satisfying conclusion, you know? It just felt directionless.
The sex scenes were fun, and I appreciated her bio-father more in this book. However, I disliked how the reverse harem aspect was handled. I've not read other RH but is it common practice to have it happen by accident to a non-poly person, who engages in grey area cheating, and BECAUSE these men all like her so much they are MADE to become poly? Cuz that's lame. It feels less natural and like a bad portrayal of poly people as greedy people who "can't choose" and paints the dishonesty as natural because "it's wrong, so why would they communicate as they continued seeing multiple partners?", like monogamy is STILL held by the story as morally superior and the default preference of most parties involved.
Even Holly gets mad when she perceives a member with another woman. Like, are we joking?
I'm not poly, but I know they exist and are real and this was just not it.
I will finish the trilogy but suffice it to say, my twinkie went sour. :( I'm hoping for a satisfying resolution and since none of my issues will be addressed, I just hope I'm not TOO mad at how the romance plot ends.
January 3, 2019
I really rate this 3.5.
Because this is the second in the series and didn’t, like the first book, have to mess with setting up the world creation, this book is even, if possible, more ridiculous than the first. That doesn’t mean it isn’t, at times, fun. It certainly is an easy, quick read; I enjoy the addition of the crazed fan adding tension to the plot but it just needs more depth.
As I already read the first book, the writing style was more expected so the simplicity and lack of detail didn’t seem so bothersome. Like the first book though, I thought this book would benefit from added length in order to develop the characters more and incorporate additional descriptive elements. There were more editing errors in this book than in the first book.
I need to start my year reading better books.
Because this is the second in the series and didn’t, like the first book, have to mess with setting up the world creation, this book is even, if possible, more ridiculous than the first. That doesn’t mean it isn’t, at times, fun. It certainly is an easy, quick read; I enjoy the addition of the crazed fan adding tension to the plot but it just needs more depth.
As I already read the first book, the writing style was more expected so the simplicity and lack of detail didn’t seem so bothersome. Like the first book though, I thought this book would benefit from added length in order to develop the characters more and incorporate additional descriptive elements. There were more editing errors in this book than in the first book.
I need to start my year reading better books.
May 5, 2021
I did feel like this was a step down for the series (I know it is only the second book). While I do appreciate that J.S. Lee manages to give each of her band members actually distinctive characteristics (a rarity in the K-pop novel) it doesn't make up for the melodrama that populates the rest of this book.
The familial tension of Book 1 is still there, but it's supplemented by more relationship drama in the form of deeply under negotiated polyamory that is effectively cheating (if no one knows they're in a polyamorous relationship, then it's just cheating), as well as some additional drama tied to the relationships between idols and fans. It was a bit much for the amount of book that we had to go through.
Still, if you're looking for a slightly soapy book with sex between a woman and a bunch of hot men who definitely want to treat her right, then this has that.
The familial tension of Book 1 is still there, but it's supplemented by more relationship drama in the form of deeply under negotiated polyamory that is effectively cheating (if no one knows they're in a polyamorous relationship, then it's just cheating), as well as some additional drama tied to the relationships between idols and fans. It was a bit much for the amount of book that we had to go through.
Still, if you're looking for a slightly soapy book with sex between a woman and a bunch of hot men who definitely want to treat her right, then this has that.
December 9, 2023
In this second book, the story thickens.... After the band's amazing comeback, their fame begins to grow again, and so new intrigues emerge in the plot, with a mysterious person threatening Holly and her life with H3RO, and new members of the band becoming interested in Holly which make her, already difficult love life, more and more complicated. Additionally, the family drama and rivalry with her half-brother Sejin continues to hurt her and the band, and he won't rest until he returns her to the US.
I'm really enjoying following the development of the story and getting to know each character better, and that's why I recommend continuing to read the story for anyone interested in learning about the process of being an idol in South Korea, what it's like to be famous and the responsibility that this entails, in addition to showing other aspects of Korean culture in general.
I'm really enjoying following the development of the story and getting to know each character better, and that's why I recommend continuing to read the story for anyone interested in learning about the process of being an idol in South Korea, what it's like to be famous and the responsibility that this entails, in addition to showing other aspects of Korean culture in general.
October 24, 2025
The pacing of this book was off. This read long-winded and dragged in a lot of parts. It’s only 200-some pages but it felt like 450, and there’s only one POV. I’m going to DNF the series after this book. Sad because the concept is SO good.
1st person POV (Holly only). MFMMM. No virgins (that we know of) no histories given.
Holly: (24/fmc) Korean-American. Hardworking, Take-No-ish personality.
Hyun-tae/Tae: (27/mmc) Korean. Group Leader. Quiet sweetheart.
Nate: (24/mmc) Korean-American. Caretaker.
Jun-ki/JunK/Jun: (23/mmc) Korean. Golden retriever energy.
Kyun-gu/Kyun: (23/mmc) Korean. Grumpy bad boy.
Guan Feng/Dante: (25/mmc) From Hong Kong. Cheeky.
Min-hyuk: (24/mmc) Korean. Motherly.
1st person POV (Holly only). MFMMM. No virgins (that we know of) no histories given.
Holly: (24/fmc) Korean-American. Hardworking, Take-No-ish personality.
Hyun-tae/Tae: (27/mmc) Korean. Group Leader. Quiet sweetheart.
Nate: (24/mmc) Korean-American. Caretaker.
Jun-ki/JunK/Jun: (23/mmc) Korean. Golden retriever energy.
Kyun-gu/Kyun: (23/mmc) Korean. Grumpy bad boy.
Guan Feng/Dante: (25/mmc) From Hong Kong. Cheeky.
Min-hyuk: (24/mmc) Korean. Motherly.
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!
+H3RO got a #1 single with Holly's help. Can they do it again?!
+Sexytimes in public!
+The fans are coming out in droves and wondering who this mystery woman is with their boys! She's their manager! Calm down! Although, yes, she's sleeping with all of them, so be jealous! But also, these girls are dangerous...
+Love and support and caring and feelings!
+Who will Holly choose? Or does she have to choose?
NO!
-More noticeable typos than the first book.
+While I don't like the term "reverse harem," I am all over that concept! Especially when applied to a boy band!
+H3RO got a #1 single with Holly's help. Can they do it again?!
+Sexytimes in public!
+The fans are coming out in droves and wondering who this mystery woman is with their boys! She's their manager! Calm down! Although, yes, she's sleeping with all of them, so be jealous! But also, these girls are dangerous...
+Love and support and caring and feelings!
+Who will Holly choose? Or does she have to choose?
NO!
-More noticeable typos than the first book.
February 20, 2023
After that cliffie from book one left us wondering where Holly would stand with the group, she had more work to do to earn back the trust of Tae especially. She's still as determined as ever to help them soar in the K-pop scene, even with all the underhanded crap her half-brother, Sejin, pulls. Relationships are developing at their own speeds, and I love the contrast between the characters because it makes them easily identifiable and likeable in their own ways. We're left hangin' again, as Sejin does his best to ruin H3RO and Holly. They're going away to an island though, and I'm excited to see what trouble they get up to there.
December 10, 2019
I didn't like this one as much as the 1st book in this series and I am a bit upset about what seems like some pretty horrible lying by Holly, who is supposed to be the heroine but is kind of cheating on the H3RO boys. I've read some reverse harem books now [the 1st h3ro book ''Idol Thoughts'' was the first one I ever read] and it seems like the whole point is that everyone knows they're sharing. I still really liked it and I still really like all the boys specially Jun who is lol. It was a bit disappointing but I'll still read the next one for sure.
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