Heartwarmingly sweet and utterly swoon-worthy, the highly anticipated companion novel to XOXO was an absolute joy from start to finish! With the elusive world of K-pop idols and the Korean entertainment industry as a backdrop, not to mention the intoxicating chemistry between our protagonists, I was thoroughly hooked! 

Having enjoyed Axie Oh’s XOXO (and loved soo many of the characters, but especially Sori and Nathaniel) I was soo excited to find out my faves were finally getting their own companion story. And having just finished I’m happy to report that it was everything I hoped it would be.

The setting was delightfully rich in detail with a behind the scenes-style view of what life in the spotlight can actually entail for women, (rehearsals, daily schedules, loss of privacy and intense public scrutiny) that I found incredibly interesting. But there’s plenty of glamorous stuff too like radio interviews, TV Cameos and glitzy award show appearances that really amped up the swoony K-drama aesthetics, which (in my opinion) would make for a pretty amazing TV (or movie) adaptation. 

The character development of our protagonists was also wonderfully detailed— particularly for Sori who’s beautifully written story arc captures more than just her conflicted feelings for ex, Nathaniel. Gifting us a front row seat to the softer more emotionally vulnerable (and plushie loving) person hiding behind the glamorous “bad girl” exterior. 

Our endearing cast of supporting characters were all fabulously full of depth as well, and I loved that besides some of the newer faces (Sori’s adorable mentee Hyemi and Nathaniel’s sister Nadine) several old faves also make an appearance (specifically Jenny, Jaewoo, Youngmin and Sun.) But I think, of all the cameos, I was especially excited to see more of Sun, who is slightly more candid (and likeable) than the mysterious figure we met previously. 

As the grandson of a billionaire, he understands Sori’s complicated thoughts surrounding duty and family in a way that no-one else seems to, and was a great sounding board for Sori in working out her feelings. I kinda hope, should there be another companion novel, that it centres around him. 

Of course, the main draw was definitely the sizzlingly delicious chemistry between Sori and Nathaniel, that’s been noticeable since XOXO—and boy was it even more electric! I don’t want to spoil anything but just know that it’s veritable rollercoaster of emotions that will have you glued to your seat. 

Overall, this was a pacy second chance (forbidden) romance that will appeal to fans of K-drama, YA Romance and adorable MCs you can’t help but root for. 

Also, a huge thank you to Nina Douglas & Harper360YA for the stunning proof