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Towels In Daegu: A South Korean- Based Romance
Darnell Harris didn’t come to Daegu, South Korea for Napjack Mandu, kimchi, or K-pop. He came to teach English, escape his overbearing parents, meet beautiful women, and embrace new cultural experiences. He promised his parents he’d only be gone a year after graduating, as a means to decompress before working the family business. However, his new carefree way of life pushes the idea further from his mind with each exciting experience he has.
When Darnell meets Teagan, an intriguing recluse, the promise he made to come home becomes something he wishes he never made. Then, Darnell encounters Shaina. She’s a spirited, sultry vixen that feeds his sexual appetite in a way he’s never experienced. With juggling both women and a new possible job opportunity, how can he remember promising his parents anything at all?
Although mastering the oddities of Korean work culture, while juggling a carefree social life offers the thrill and appeal, Darnell’s journey is about setting familial boundaries and figuring out if choosing the best partner means slowing down and missing out on what, so far, has been the best time of his life.
When Darnell meets Teagan, an intriguing recluse, the promise he made to come home becomes something he wishes he never made. Then, Darnell encounters Shaina. She’s a spirited, sultry vixen that feeds his sexual appetite in a way he’s never experienced. With juggling both women and a new possible job opportunity, how can he remember promising his parents anything at all?
Although mastering the oddities of Korean work culture, while juggling a carefree social life offers the thrill and appeal, Darnell’s journey is about setting familial boundaries and figuring out if choosing the best partner means slowing down and missing out on what, so far, has been the best time of his life.
193 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 5, 2024
25 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
E.J. Jordan
2 books3 followersEJ :
✈️ Writes Black travel fiction with heart and authenticity.
✈️ Former expat.
✈️Certified nostalgia specialist
✈️ Storyteller on a mission to bring Black journeys to the page.
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✈️ Writes Black travel fiction with heart and authenticity.
✈️ Former expat.
✈️Certified nostalgia specialist
✈️ Storyteller on a mission to bring Black journeys to the page.
Sign up for my newsletter I sometimes give away free things there :)
https://mailchi.mp/e235c6f1eb1b/ej-jo...
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
May 3, 2025
Real
This story is a great reflection of the dynamics between black men dating and black women dating. Told from the guy's perspective, you see his perspective on how the relationship develops. Not all black men are like this while dating but this represents a good amount who are. While reading, I was calling the male lead all kinds of names. Then seeing the difference between logical approach (his - they were not in a committed relationship) versus emotional (her and my - if you are seriously considering commitment then no non platonic relationships; who wants STDs and sharing). His friends tried to warn him and his selfish behind got him in trouble. This is the real in relationships.
This story is a great reflection of the dynamics between black men dating and black women dating. Told from the guy's perspective, you see his perspective on how the relationship develops. Not all black men are like this while dating but this represents a good amount who are. While reading, I was calling the male lead all kinds of names. Then seeing the difference between logical approach (his - they were not in a committed relationship) versus emotional (her and my - if you are seriously considering commitment then no non platonic relationships; who wants STDs and sharing). His friends tried to warn him and his selfish behind got him in trouble. This is the real in relationships.
January 11, 2026
It was so refreshing to read this travel-romance, based in South Korea, from EJ Jordan! What a treat to read a book that exudes an author’s love of travel. I was hooked from page one, and hungry for all the Korean language and culture.
Towels in Daegu (pron. Taegu), is told by Darnell, an English language teacher. While his is a story with romance, it’s also a story with real life and all the mess that comes with it. Die-hard romance readers might struggle to see Darnell with other women, but if you like whole characters who are real and raw, Darnell does not disappoint. The author was intentional in the exploration of being black and dating in Korea, and I really enjoyed this perspective.
Darnell loves life in Korea: the teaching, the Korean staff, and partying with foreign friends. Plus, he’s miles away from his family and their stifling vision for his future.
When Teagan joins the staff, Darnell thinks he knows what he’s getting into, but their connection ends up changing him in ways he didn’t expect---forcing him to reflect and make choices he wasn’t prepared for.
If you have taught overseas, love travel, and are here for romance, bro-mances, growth, and mistakes and make-ups, then take a chance on Daegu.
Well done, EJ Jordan on this tale, part of the SOKO Series. I am looking forward to reading more!
Towels in Daegu (pron. Taegu), is told by Darnell, an English language teacher. While his is a story with romance, it’s also a story with real life and all the mess that comes with it. Die-hard romance readers might struggle to see Darnell with other women, but if you like whole characters who are real and raw, Darnell does not disappoint. The author was intentional in the exploration of being black and dating in Korea, and I really enjoyed this perspective.
Darnell loves life in Korea: the teaching, the Korean staff, and partying with foreign friends. Plus, he’s miles away from his family and their stifling vision for his future.
When Teagan joins the staff, Darnell thinks he knows what he’s getting into, but their connection ends up changing him in ways he didn’t expect---forcing him to reflect and make choices he wasn’t prepared for.
If you have taught overseas, love travel, and are here for romance, bro-mances, growth, and mistakes and make-ups, then take a chance on Daegu.
Well done, EJ Jordan on this tale, part of the SOKO Series. I am looking forward to reading more!
October 24, 2024
Fun, Relatable Adventure Abroad
Towels in Daegu is a fun, laid-back story that pulls you right into Darnell Harris’s life as he moves to South Korea for a fresh start. He’s supposed to be there for a year to decompress before returning home to help with the family business, but with every new adventure, that plan starts to feel less important. Darnell’s encounters with Korean culture and the people around him make for an interesting and entertaining journey.
What really makes the story stand out is Darnell’s relationships—especially with Teagan, the quiet recluse, and Shaina, the wild and exciting one. The push and pull between these two very different women add a lot of fun and drama to the mix. Plus, it’s not just about romance; it’s also about Darnell figuring out how to balance his freedom with the expectations his family has for him. It’s relatable, especially if you’ve ever felt torn between living for yourself and making others happy.
Overall, It’s a great read.
Towels in Daegu is a fun, laid-back story that pulls you right into Darnell Harris’s life as he moves to South Korea for a fresh start. He’s supposed to be there for a year to decompress before returning home to help with the family business, but with every new adventure, that plan starts to feel less important. Darnell’s encounters with Korean culture and the people around him make for an interesting and entertaining journey.
What really makes the story stand out is Darnell’s relationships—especially with Teagan, the quiet recluse, and Shaina, the wild and exciting one. The push and pull between these two very different women add a lot of fun and drama to the mix. Plus, it’s not just about romance; it’s also about Darnell figuring out how to balance his freedom with the expectations his family has for him. It’s relatable, especially if you’ve ever felt torn between living for yourself and making others happy.
Overall, It’s a great read.
February 5, 2025
Towel in Daegu is a sweet, fast paced love story. Darnell is a typical young man navigating his way through life while living abroad. He meets two women who are on opposite ends of the spectrum in certain ways and he must choose who he wants more. As if that’s not enough to ponder, he is also dealing with overbearing parents who want him to take over the family business.
The storyline takes us through his thoughts and emotions on a day to day basis while he learns the true meaning of love and relationships. I will admit that his “mannish” ways made me dislike him early on in the book, but the overall storyline was engaging and had me ready to move to Daegu to explore life living in another country.
The storyline takes us through his thoughts and emotions on a day to day basis while he learns the true meaning of love and relationships. I will admit that his “mannish” ways made me dislike him early on in the book, but the overall storyline was engaging and had me ready to move to Daegu to explore life living in another country.
August 13, 2025
Towels In Daegu had me hooked from page one. As a young woman, I felt so connected—Jordan captures South Korea’s vibe perfectly, and the romance? Pure butterflies.
The main girl was messy and real, and the love interest? Literal dream. Their chemistry was fire, and I was screaming, crying, and swooning all at once. It’s not just a love story—it’s about identity, family, and finding your place.
If you love K-dramas, emotional chaos, and heart-thumping romance, this book is your next obsession.
The main girl was messy and real, and the love interest? Literal dream. Their chemistry was fire, and I was screaming, crying, and swooning all at once. It’s not just a love story—it’s about identity, family, and finding your place.
If you love K-dramas, emotional chaos, and heart-thumping romance, this book is your next obsession.
March 24, 2025
Exciting!
I'll definitely be following this author. As a KDrama fan myself, having characters that look like me have these types of adventures, tickles me excited. What an intriguing and fun ride
I'll definitely be following this author. As a KDrama fan myself, having characters that look like me have these types of adventures, tickles me excited. What an intriguing and fun ride
February 3, 2025
The banter and fast pace chefs kiss !
March 2, 2026
A great read
A smooth read that keeps you engaged. I can’t wait to read more from this author. I know next story will be great!
A smooth read that keeps you engaged. I can’t wait to read more from this author. I know next story will be great!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews