Review by Booklist Review
A Korean American raised in Florida, Hana moved to Seoul with her family so she could pursue her acting dreams. So Hana's feeling the pressure to provide for them when she lands a starring role on new K-drama Fated Destiny opposite K-pop star Bryan Yoon. As an American, Hana has a lot to prove. When the show's initial ratings aren't what the producers hoped for, they suggest Hana and Bryan begin a fake relationship. But Hana remains solely focused on the show, which doesn't pick up steam until the producers suddenly hire a second female lead---Minjee, Hana's biggest rival from drama school. She's also the girl that Hana has never been able to stop thinking about, but same-sex relationships are largely taboo in South Korean culture. It's these prejudices that Lee (I'll Be the One, 2020) challenges in a narrative that's thoughtful, romantic, and bubblegum sweet. Bisexual Hana is steadfast in her convictions even when the road is tough, and readers will root for her happy endings on and off the screen.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Lee's (I'll Be the One) swoony romance, packed with classic romance tropes, centers 16-year-old bisexual Korean American actor Hana Jin. After Hana lands the lead role on the K-drama Fated Destiny and moves her family from their Florida hometown to Seoul, she's sure that her dreams have come true. But the show's ratings are lower than anticipated, so the producer decides to drum up interest by having Hana faux-date costar and K-pop group member Bryan Yoon. Despite Bryan's "jerk wad" personality, she agrees to the scheme, determined to do whatever it takes to maintain her career. When ratings continue plummeting, a last-minute rewrite casts Hana's ex-best friend, classmate, and crush Minjee Park as her on-screen romantic rival. As the show's love triangle develops, so too do Hana and Minjee's feelings for each other, jeopardizing the show, their hard-won careers, and their own hearts. Though there's space for more in-depth characterization and Hana's internal dialogue sometimes meanders, Hana and Minjee's sweet romance, behind-the-scenes peeks into K-drama productions, and richly detailed Korean culture buoy this joyous romance. Ages 13--up. Agent: Penny Moore, Aevitas Creative Management. (May)
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
A rookie K-drama actress experiences love triangles both on screen and off. After uprooting her family's life in Florida to pursue an acting career in Seoul, 16-year-old Hana Jin finally scored a leading role in a much-anticipated television series. But when the ratings for the first episode aren't what the network hoped for, Hana is thrown into a fake dating relationship with her male co-star, K-pop idol Bryan Yoon. On top of that, the network surprises everyone by bringing in Hana's former best friend, actress Minjee Park, to play Hana's on-screen rival for Bryan's character's affections. But the love triangle on the show isn't the only one that's developing. Bryan shows real feelings and interest in Hana, but she can't deny her developing attraction to Minjee. While trying to secure her position on the show, bisexual Hana must learn to navigate the harsh entertainment world and her complicated love life. K-drama viewers especially will love this lighthearted, page-turning homage to the genre that is filled with many recognizable tropes and behind-the-scenes looks at the industry. Hana's career, interactions with the network, and encounters with fans and paparazzi demonstrate the intense, often overwhelming lifestyle and pressures of being an actress in Korea. With the inclusion of LGBTQ+ themes, the story challenges Korea's heteronormative culture and media. The novel also transports readers to popular destinations in and around Seoul, beautifully highlighting Korean food and culture. A fun and boundary-pushing take on typical K-drama romances. (Romance. 13-18) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
