If you’re a fan of K-dramas and their delightful, touching love stories, you’re in for a treat!
K-dramas are famous for their charming couples, intense scenes, and plots that keep you on the edge of your seat. The great part is, there are also books that capture that same magic.
With themes like pretend relationships and hidden feelings, these romance novels will take you back to those memorable moments from your favorite K-dramas.
Here are 10 romance books that feel just like a K-drama and will make you smile, cry, and fall in love again:
1. Comeback (The Neon Series) by Lynn Ashwood & Rachel Rose
Comeback by Lynn Ashwood and Rachel Rose is a story about two people, Emery and Alana, who come from different worlds but meet by chance. Emery is a famous K-pop idol loved by many, but fame brings pressure and problems. Alana is going through a tough time and moves to Korea to heal. When they meet, their lives change. Together, they face challenges, try to stop a scandal, and discover friendship, love, and healing. But in the world of K-pop, nothing is simple, especially love.
2. Fireworks by Alice Lin
Fireworks by Alice Lin is a sweet and emotional young adult romance. It follows a girl named Lulu Li, who returns to Los Angeles for the summer and unexpectedly reconnects with Kai, her childhood best friend. As they spend more time together, old memories come back, and their friendship slowly turns into something more. The story is about love, friendship, family, and finding the courage to face your feelings. It’s warm, heart-touching, and perfect for fans of slow-burn romance.
3. Idol Gossip by Alexandra Leigh Young
Idol Gossip by Alexandra Leigh Young is a fun and inspiring story about a 17-year-old girl named Alice Choy. She moves from San Francisco to Seoul when her mom gets a new job.
One day, while singing karaoke with her little sister Olivia, Alice is discovered by a K-pop talent scout. She gets a chance to train at a famous K-pop academy where she learns to sing, dance, and speak Korean. Life at the academy is exciting but also tough. Alice has to deal with strict rules, gossip, pressure to be perfect, and even mean fans online. But with the support of her sister and new friends, she starts to believe in herself. This story shows the hard work behind becoming a K-pop star and how important it is to stay true to who you are.
4. What’s Eating Jackie Oh? by Patricia Park
What’s Eating Jackie Oh? by Patricia Park is a coming-of-age story about a Korean American girl named Jackie Oh who is trying to figure out who she really is. She feels stuck between two worlds, her Korean family’s expectations and her American life in New York. Jackie faces pressure from her mom, deals with body image issues, and struggles with her identity. The story is funny, emotional, and relatable, showing how hard it can be to find your place when you feel like you don’t fully belong anywhere.
5. Lucie Yi Is Not a Romantic by Lauren Ho
Lucie Yi Is Not a Romantic by Lauren Ho is a story about a smart, strong woman named Lucie Yi who really wants to have a baby. She tries dating but nothing works out, she even has a painful breakup. Instead of waiting for love, she uses a co‑parenting website to find someone who wants to raise a child with her. She meets Collin, who seems nice and trustworthy, and becomes pregnant. They move to Singapore, but Lucie’s family isn’t happy. Then her ex-boyfriend returns, making things even more confusing. Throughout the story, Lucie faces her family’s expectations, deals with her feelings, and learns what happiness really means, showing us how she finds love and motherhood in her own special way.
6. Seoulmates (Seoul Series) by Jen Fredrick
Seoulmates (Seoul Series) by Jen Fredrick is a story about Hara Wilson, a 25-year-old woman raised in America who was adopted from Korea. She travels to Seoul to find her birth mother and hopes it will help her feel grounded and accepted. In Korea, she meets a kind and handsome man named Yujun, someone she deeply connects with, but she soon discovers he is her stepbrother. Hara faces many challenges: fitting into a new culture, learning Korean, and dealing with coworkers who think she got her job only because of her mom. Her love for Yujun is strong, but their relationship is seen as forbidden in Korean culture. Hara must decide whether to stay with her new family and the man she loves or return to the familiarity of America. It’s a heartfelt story about discovering one’s identity, building true connections, and having the courage to follow your heart.
7. The Heart Principle (The Kiss Quotient Series) by Helen Hoang
The Heart Principle by Helen Hoang is a romance novel about a woman named Anna, who is a violinist struggling with burnout and anxiety. When her longtime boyfriend suggests an open relationship, Anna decides to try casual dating for the first time. That’s when she meets Quan, a kind and caring man with his own emotional wounds. As they get to know each other, their connection grows deeper. The story shows how love can help people heal and find the courage to be themselves. It’s emotional, romantic, and very heartfelt.
8. Night For Day by Roselle Lim
Night for Day by Roselle Lim is a heartwarming and magical story about Audrey, a woman who can see people’s emotions as colors, a gift that helps her connect deeply with others, but also makes her feel overwhelmed. After a heartbreaking breakup, she decides to go to Paris, hoping the beautiful city will help her heal. In Paris, surrounded by art, music, and new friends, Audrey slowly begins to rediscover herself. She learns to let go of pain, believe in love again, and follow her own dreams. The book is filled with hope, magic, and emotional healing, showing how even in our darkest moments, light and love can still be found.
9. Once upon a K-Prom by Kat Cho
Once Upon a K-Prom by Kat Cho is a heartwarming and fun teen romance that mixes everyday high school life with the glamour of K-pop. It follows Elena Soo, a shy and determined girl who doesn’t believe in prom or fairy-tale endings. She’s focused on real issues, like fighting for funding for her community center.
But everything turns upside down when Robbie Choi, her childhood best friend, who is now a huge K-pop idol, suddenly returns and asks her to prom in front of the whole school. At first, Elena is shocked and unsure, but as they reconnect, old feelings start to return. Robbie is kind and caring, but his fame brings drama and pressure. Elena must figure out what she really wants and if their two very different worlds can come together. The book is about love, friendship, second chances, and staying true to yourself.
10. The Colliding Worlds of Mina Lee by Ellen Oh
The Colliding Worlds of Mina Lee by Ellen Oh is a story about a teenage girl named Mina who feels like she doesn’t belong, at school or even at home. One day, she discovers that there are two different worlds, and she is connected to both of them. As the two worlds begin to collide, Mina learns about her true identity and must use her strength and courage to save both worlds. This book mixes real-life struggles, like fitting in and feeling different, with fantasy, adventure, and a powerful message about family, friendship, and finding your place.
K-Drama
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