Book Review
Title: Begin Again by Marilyn Jeulin (Seoul Stories Book 4)
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Rating: 4.75 Stars
So these stories if I read it correctly are companion novellas which means you can read these out of order which is a good thing since I started with book four. From the synopsis this screams second chance romance and while I don’t read a lot of romance it is one of my favourite romance tropes. We are introduced to K-Pop’s resident bad boy, Cho Tae-Hyung, an idol in a second gen group called Talisman and his complex relationship with his bandmate’s twin sister, Seok Sarah. Early on we learn Sarah was in an open relationship with Spencer and sleeping with Tae since she didn’t want to be tied down and when Spencer wanted more she ended their relationship and moved back to Seoul opening a business with Tae but she didn’t want to settle down with him either.
In the beginning we see that Tae has clear feelings for Sarah and despite her rejecting his offer of being together more than once he doesn’t force the issue even though it hurts him. Tae also has to consider his reputation since he has done some questionable things in the past such as releasing a sex tape her made with his bandmate’s now wife which has caused a lot of tension between them and within the group. As Tae goes on tour with the band we get to see how both are wanting more from life as they are entering their forties, Sarah’s parents are pushing her for marriage and children which isn’t something she wants as she wants to be a career woman and Tae is envious of Simon’s relationship since he wants to settle down and having a family but only with Sarah so they reach an impasse until Spencer arrives in Seoul determined to win Sarah back.
Sarah quickly realises when Spencer shows up again that despite being perfect for her on paper she isn’t want she wants and he has proven he won’t be a good partner since he wasn’t with her when she had a miscarriage but Tae was. However, convincing her parents to approve Tae is going to be difficult because of his past but we learn this was in part because of the abuse he suffered at the hands on his mother and uncles. Tae is such a softie really being extremely close to his grandmother and continuing to suffer the physical, emotional and financial abuse of his mother so that he can remain in contact with his dying grandmother and when she eventually passes Sarah is at his side. This was short and sweet, I read it in a single sitting and I can’t wait to get into the other books in the series and learn more about the other characters. The only drawback for me was its length since a lot of the backstory was glossed over and we didn’t get to know the side characters really and the Korean culture was kept basic but I would have like more depth there. If Jeulin writes a full length novel in this setting then I’ll definitely pick it up.
Buy it here:
Kindle Edition: amazon.co.uk amazon.com
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