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Joon: A K-Pop Romance
He’s K-pop’s golden boy. She’s the journalist who was never supposed to get too close.
One city. Two nights. A secret they can’t forget.
Joon is the youngest member of Seoul Boys, the hottest K-pop act on the planet. Worshipped on stage, controlled off it, he’s always done what was expected—until Paris. Until his first solo appearance at Fashion Week. Until her.
Sophia Janson is a British fashion journalist who’s seen it all. But the moment she meets Joon—gorgeous, reckless, and too young for her to want this badly—everything burns. What starts as two stolen nights in Paris becomes an obsession neither of them can shake.
When fate—and work—bring them back into each other’s orbit, desire turns dangerous. With cameras lurking, careers on the line, and rules neither of them made, the cost of giving in could be everything.
Fame has rules.
Love doesn’t care.
A wildly steamy, emotionally charged forbidden romance set in the glamorous—and ruthless—world of global K-pop.
Joon is the first book in the Seoul Boys series.
One city. Two nights. A secret they can’t forget.
Joon is the youngest member of Seoul Boys, the hottest K-pop act on the planet. Worshipped on stage, controlled off it, he’s always done what was expected—until Paris. Until his first solo appearance at Fashion Week. Until her.
Sophia Janson is a British fashion journalist who’s seen it all. But the moment she meets Joon—gorgeous, reckless, and too young for her to want this badly—everything burns. What starts as two stolen nights in Paris becomes an obsession neither of them can shake.
When fate—and work—bring them back into each other’s orbit, desire turns dangerous. With cameras lurking, careers on the line, and rules neither of them made, the cost of giving in could be everything.
Fame has rules.
Love doesn’t care.
A wildly steamy, emotionally charged forbidden romance set in the glamorous—and ruthless—world of global K-pop.
Joon is the first book in the Seoul Boys series.
323 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 7, 2025
95 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 1, 2025
I really wanted to like Joon. I went in with an open mind and came out with nothing but disappointment and secondhand dehydration.
The characters meet → immediately hook up → then repeat. Somewhere in between all that, a plot tried to peek through the window but got hit in the face by another sex scene and staggered back like it needed medical attention.
I wanted chemistry. I got… biology.
I wanted a plot. I got… cardio. LOTS and LOTS of cardio.
Every time I thought “OK, now we’re getting into emotional depth,” the book said, “lol no” and threw them back into bed.
If you’re looking for a meaningful connection, this book offers… vibes. Just vibes. And a lot of sheets to wash.
Cute cover though 😉
The characters meet → immediately hook up → then repeat. Somewhere in between all that, a plot tried to peek through the window but got hit in the face by another sex scene and staggered back like it needed medical attention.
I wanted chemistry. I got… biology.
I wanted a plot. I got… cardio. LOTS and LOTS of cardio.
Every time I thought “OK, now we’re getting into emotional depth,” the book said, “lol no” and threw them back into bed.
If you’re looking for a meaningful connection, this book offers… vibes. Just vibes. And a lot of sheets to wash.
Cute cover though 😉
November 12, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. It was fast paced and had everything I was hoping for when I saw it. The age gap surprised me but I am so excited for the next book and can’t wait for Jay’s story!! (I also didn’t read the blurb before hand, I just started reading)
September 17, 2025
I found this book through Instagram and my very fast slide from KPDH into the delulu of being a K-pop stan (not a sentence I thought I'd know last month but here we are) and I have to say, it was fun.
Joon is the maknae (youngest) member of popular K-pop group Seoul Boys. He has the image, the dance moves and the talent, and has spent the previous 7 or so years doing what he's told.
On the runway at Paris fashion week Joon spots Sophia, fashion reporter sent to cover the involvement of three idols in the show. Sophia is older (39 I think) which I found very refreshing for a romance novel.
Instalust ensues and after two nights of steamy scenes, the two part, never to see each other again.
But not really - because both of them can't stop thinking about each other. Joon eventually folds and reaches out - in secret because idols are not allowed girlfriends. Their relationship builds through furtive calls and texts over a period of time and escalates into secret meet ups when Sophia comes to Korea for her job.
A few points - the age gap of 15 years is mentioned multiple times but never really addressed. In some ways it was odd to even have it, other than Joon being able to call Sophia "noona" (a respectful term for an older woman). Or it was just to feed the fan concept of an idol looking at you and immediately falling in love regardless of the age gap. I'm not even annoyed about it tbh.
On the other hand, one of my biggest annoyances with spicy romance books is the jump into the sex scenes without any conversation about protection and contraception. Like at all. They were going bare from the first moment and it was not brought up at any time through the whole book. Sophia is 39 but she could still get pregnant. Both of them could have an extensive sexual history. Who knows? So, it loses a whole star for that alone.
On the opposite side of this - I loved the Seoul Boys. I want to know more about them. I loved the banter and the clear sense of family - even when Joon was keeping secrets. The depiction of their schedules and work felt realistic - with references to long days of dance practices, multiple shows in multiple cities and limited breaks between releases.
I also really liked both Joon and Sophia. Too many authors feel a need to make their FMC "feisty" which really just translates onscreen as awful, however, Sophia felt real. I felt her introspection and her personality. I probably would have liked more background - like her family, where she was from, what she liked etc but it was also a shorter book with a lot of spice so there's only so much you can do with that.
There is a third act break up, but it's a HEA and as the couple actually communicate I'll forgive it.
4 stars and I look forward to the rest of the series.
Joon is the maknae (youngest) member of popular K-pop group Seoul Boys. He has the image, the dance moves and the talent, and has spent the previous 7 or so years doing what he's told.
On the runway at Paris fashion week Joon spots Sophia, fashion reporter sent to cover the involvement of three idols in the show. Sophia is older (39 I think) which I found very refreshing for a romance novel.
Instalust ensues and after two nights of steamy scenes, the two part, never to see each other again.
But not really - because both of them can't stop thinking about each other. Joon eventually folds and reaches out - in secret because idols are not allowed girlfriends. Their relationship builds through furtive calls and texts over a period of time and escalates into secret meet ups when Sophia comes to Korea for her job.
A few points - the age gap of 15 years is mentioned multiple times but never really addressed. In some ways it was odd to even have it, other than Joon being able to call Sophia "noona" (a respectful term for an older woman). Or it was just to feed the fan concept of an idol looking at you and immediately falling in love regardless of the age gap. I'm not even annoyed about it tbh.
On the other hand, one of my biggest annoyances with spicy romance books is the jump into the sex scenes without any conversation about protection and contraception. Like at all. They were going bare from the first moment and it was not brought up at any time through the whole book. Sophia is 39 but she could still get pregnant. Both of them could have an extensive sexual history. Who knows? So, it loses a whole star for that alone.
On the opposite side of this - I loved the Seoul Boys. I want to know more about them. I loved the banter and the clear sense of family - even when Joon was keeping secrets. The depiction of their schedules and work felt realistic - with references to long days of dance practices, multiple shows in multiple cities and limited breaks between releases.
I also really liked both Joon and Sophia. Too many authors feel a need to make their FMC "feisty" which really just translates onscreen as awful, however, Sophia felt real. I felt her introspection and her personality. I probably would have liked more background - like her family, where she was from, what she liked etc but it was also a shorter book with a lot of spice so there's only so much you can do with that.
There is a third act break up, but it's a HEA and as the couple actually communicate I'll forgive it.
4 stars and I look forward to the rest of the series.
January 18, 2026
Joon is a fast-paced Kpop stan fantasy. I’ve never read Kpop niche romance, this was my first, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. This is an easy read, the characters are really likeable, the world is well-written, the descriptions are wonderful. It truly has it all – drama, hot romance, and a HEA. Gorgeous cover, too! Joon is beautiful, he reminds me of IN from Stray Kids.
The age gap between the MMC and FMC was surprising, but I liked it – it’s not often you get an older woman with a younger man, especially 15 years younger! Joon and Sophia’s age gap is mentioned a couple of times, but it isn’t the main theme of the story, which is also fab.
Now let’s talk spice because DAMN, this was some hot stuff. Joon and Sophia are hot and heavy from the get-go! I really don’t care for instalove, but I do enjoy romance erupting from what is supposed to be a good one-night-stand. Their hookups were frequent and often, and intense. Definitely no closed doors here.
I didn't want to mention it because I don't want to be that person, but the copious use of em dashes, two-sentence paragraphs, and clipped, short sentences made me wonder whether AI may have been used to some degree in the writing of this book. Again, I could be wrong and overly suspicious; I think everyone is on high alert for AI usage in writing nowadays.
Ultimately, Joon is a great story for Kpop stans and steamy romance readers. Great first book in the Seoul Boys series!
The age gap between the MMC and FMC was surprising, but I liked it – it’s not often you get an older woman with a younger man, especially 15 years younger! Joon and Sophia’s age gap is mentioned a couple of times, but it isn’t the main theme of the story, which is also fab.
Now let’s talk spice because DAMN, this was some hot stuff. Joon and Sophia are hot and heavy from the get-go! I really don’t care for instalove, but I do enjoy romance erupting from what is supposed to be a good one-night-stand. Their hookups were frequent and often, and intense. Definitely no closed doors here.
I didn't want to mention it because I don't want to be that person, but the copious use of em dashes, two-sentence paragraphs, and clipped, short sentences made me wonder whether AI may have been used to some degree in the writing of this book. Again, I could be wrong and overly suspicious; I think everyone is on high alert for AI usage in writing nowadays.
Ultimately, Joon is a great story for Kpop stans and steamy romance readers. Great first book in the Seoul Boys series!
July 15, 2025
I’m an avid reader of romance stories across different genres, and after recently reading a novel featuring a K-pop star, I knew I wanted to explore more in that niche.
I’m glad I came across Joon.
Joon is a member of one of the biggest K-pop bands around – Seoul Boys. While he’s content with his glitzy, glamorous life, he knows something’s missing. As he branches out into the fashion world, he meets Sophia – and suddenly, his wildest dreams start to come true.
Secretly, Joon has always fantasized about meeting someone older, more experienced, sexy, and alluring – and Sophia is all of that. What was meant to be a brief adventure during his time away from home quickly turns into something more, as their steamy passion deepens into real feelings.
The catch? As a K-pop idol, Joon isn’t supposed to have a girlfriend. Careers have been ruined for less. Now, torn between his loyalty to his bandmates – who are like brothers – and his growing connection with Sophia, Joon finds himself at a crossroads.
This was such a fun book to read. I don’t know a whole lot about the world of K-pop or Korea in general, but the story had just the right amount of world-building without being overwhelming. At first, I was worried the many members of the band would be confusing, but the author does a great job distinguishing them. Some members stand out more than others due to their closer relationship with Joon or their roles in the band, and I’m sure we’ll get to know the others better in future books.
That said, the main focus is definitely on Joon and Sophia, with the band serving as an entertaining and colorful backdrop.
The romance unfolds in an interesting way — it’s not instant love, but instant passion, with love growing as the story progresses. It’s a wild ride with a satisfying ending.
I was surprised by how steamy it got, but the scenes are handled really well — each one feels fresh and avoids repetition. This is a fun, spicy read that I’d recommend both to seasoned K-pop fans and newcomers like myself.
I’m glad I came across Joon.
Joon is a member of one of the biggest K-pop bands around – Seoul Boys. While he’s content with his glitzy, glamorous life, he knows something’s missing. As he branches out into the fashion world, he meets Sophia – and suddenly, his wildest dreams start to come true.
Secretly, Joon has always fantasized about meeting someone older, more experienced, sexy, and alluring – and Sophia is all of that. What was meant to be a brief adventure during his time away from home quickly turns into something more, as their steamy passion deepens into real feelings.
The catch? As a K-pop idol, Joon isn’t supposed to have a girlfriend. Careers have been ruined for less. Now, torn between his loyalty to his bandmates – who are like brothers – and his growing connection with Sophia, Joon finds himself at a crossroads.
This was such a fun book to read. I don’t know a whole lot about the world of K-pop or Korea in general, but the story had just the right amount of world-building without being overwhelming. At first, I was worried the many members of the band would be confusing, but the author does a great job distinguishing them. Some members stand out more than others due to their closer relationship with Joon or their roles in the band, and I’m sure we’ll get to know the others better in future books.
That said, the main focus is definitely on Joon and Sophia, with the band serving as an entertaining and colorful backdrop.
The romance unfolds in an interesting way — it’s not instant love, but instant passion, with love growing as the story progresses. It’s a wild ride with a satisfying ending.
I was surprised by how steamy it got, but the scenes are handled really well — each one feels fresh and avoids repetition. This is a fun, spicy read that I’d recommend both to seasoned K-pop fans and newcomers like myself.
July 7, 2025
A great introduction to a new series!
Joon is the first book in the Seoul Boys series, which covers the lives and loves of a fictitious South Korean boy band.
The series kicks off with Joon, the youngest member of the group. He’s grown up in the spotlight and spent the past seven years doing what he’s told. A solo trip to Paris gives him the perfect excuse to break free and live out his fantasies.
What he doesn’t expect is to fall for Sophia, a reporter sent to cover Fashion Week thanks to her Korean language skills. She’s assigned to interview three idols who are walking the runway.
The chemistry between Joon and Sophia is electrifying, and they embark on a steamy two-day affair. And yes, there is a lot of steam. But it never feels gratuitous. Instead, it sets the stage for everything that follows.
Of course, you can’t have a relationship without communication, and Joon, bound by strict restrictions, is locked down tight. When they part ways, it seems final. But love (or lust) always finds a way.
When Sophia is sent to Seoul on another assignment, their paths cross again. But this time, staying apart proves impossible, even if it means putting everything at risk.
The HEA is sweet and satisfying, showing how something that began as a lust-driven hookup slowly blossoms into real love.
Though centred on Joon and Sophia’s relationship, this is very much an ensemble story. We meet the other Seoul Boys and get a glimpse into their dynamics and personal lives. The world of K-Pop feels well-researched and authentic. Even if you’re not a fan, the story is totally accessible - and there’s a helpful glossary at the back for any unfamiliar terms.
All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this book (ended up devouring it in one day) and I’m looking forward to the next in the series!
Joon is the first book in the Seoul Boys series, which covers the lives and loves of a fictitious South Korean boy band.
The series kicks off with Joon, the youngest member of the group. He’s grown up in the spotlight and spent the past seven years doing what he’s told. A solo trip to Paris gives him the perfect excuse to break free and live out his fantasies.
What he doesn’t expect is to fall for Sophia, a reporter sent to cover Fashion Week thanks to her Korean language skills. She’s assigned to interview three idols who are walking the runway.
The chemistry between Joon and Sophia is electrifying, and they embark on a steamy two-day affair. And yes, there is a lot of steam. But it never feels gratuitous. Instead, it sets the stage for everything that follows.
Of course, you can’t have a relationship without communication, and Joon, bound by strict restrictions, is locked down tight. When they part ways, it seems final. But love (or lust) always finds a way.
When Sophia is sent to Seoul on another assignment, their paths cross again. But this time, staying apart proves impossible, even if it means putting everything at risk.
The HEA is sweet and satisfying, showing how something that began as a lust-driven hookup slowly blossoms into real love.
Though centred on Joon and Sophia’s relationship, this is very much an ensemble story. We meet the other Seoul Boys and get a glimpse into their dynamics and personal lives. The world of K-Pop feels well-researched and authentic. Even if you’re not a fan, the story is totally accessible - and there’s a helpful glossary at the back for any unfamiliar terms.
All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this book (ended up devouring it in one day) and I’m looking forward to the next in the series!
February 22, 2026
Definitely not a book that was on my tbr for me to read but it is a type of storyline that I hadn’t been able to find until now. Up until a couple of years ago, I listened very casually to Kpop music but then I got into the Kpop group BTS and let’s just say I’m obsessed with Kpop music moreso now than ever before. I’m a multistan of various groups like BTS, Stray Kids, Ateez, BigBang, Idle, SHINEE and Tomorrow by Together (TXT) and Kdrama OST songs as well as some songs from other groups such as Seventeen.
As for this story, I’m excited to find it about a Kpop Idol having to navigate a secret love interest behind closed doors with a British fashion journalist who is 15 years older while working in a very closely watched world of the music industry.
This was a relatively quick read for me that pulled me in. It had a lot of spice for all my book girlies out there that love spicy scenes. Surprisingly it made me cry in a couple of chapters despite feeling like the plotline didn’t really dig too deep into getting to develop the characters and getting to know them. The romance wasn’t necessarily rushed but definitely felt like it was more lust based than a genuine falling in love between the characters. However, I love Joon, the MMC Kpop idol, genuine connection with his fellow members of his group. Overall, the story was cute and gave me the exact kind of plotline I wanted involving a Kpop idol and having a love interest. I gave it a 3.5/5 star rating because I need a bit more development on the two main characters and more of a deeper connection between them other than lust to feel like the romance was more real. But I am interested enough to want to read book 2 featuring Jin out of the kpop group Seoul Boys.
As for this story, I’m excited to find it about a Kpop Idol having to navigate a secret love interest behind closed doors with a British fashion journalist who is 15 years older while working in a very closely watched world of the music industry.
This was a relatively quick read for me that pulled me in. It had a lot of spice for all my book girlies out there that love spicy scenes. Surprisingly it made me cry in a couple of chapters despite feeling like the plotline didn’t really dig too deep into getting to develop the characters and getting to know them. The romance wasn’t necessarily rushed but definitely felt like it was more lust based than a genuine falling in love between the characters. However, I love Joon, the MMC Kpop idol, genuine connection with his fellow members of his group. Overall, the story was cute and gave me the exact kind of plotline I wanted involving a Kpop idol and having a love interest. I gave it a 3.5/5 star rating because I need a bit more development on the two main characters and more of a deeper connection between them other than lust to feel like the romance was more real. But I am interested enough to want to read book 2 featuring Jin out of the kpop group Seoul Boys.
September 13, 2025
This book is electric from page one! Fast-paced, sultry, and dripping with tension. The chemistry between Joon and Sophia practically sizzles off the page, but what really hooked me was how layered and human both characters are beneath all the glitter and chaos surrounding them.
The author does a great job balancing glamour with grit, showing the cost of fame without ever losing the emotional heart of the story. The Paris scenes felt cinematic, and every stolen moment between the leads had me holding my breath, waiting for the fallout.
If you love forbidden romance with high stakes, emotional angst, and a mix of glitzy settings and raw vulnerability, this one will keep you glued to the page (and maybe up way too late).
The author does a great job balancing glamour with grit, showing the cost of fame without ever losing the emotional heart of the story. The Paris scenes felt cinematic, and every stolen moment between the leads had me holding my breath, waiting for the fallout.
If you love forbidden romance with high stakes, emotional angst, and a mix of glitzy settings and raw vulnerability, this one will keep you glued to the page (and maybe up way too late).
February 17, 2026
I have mixed feelings about Joon by AJ Kim. I did like the book overall, the writing was engaging and the emotional depth of the characters felt authentic. However, the story carried a heavy sense of sadness that made it a difficult read at times. The emotional weight lingered more than I expected for a romance.
I also found the heat level a bit higher than my personal preference. It wasn’t poorly written, just more intense than what I usually gravitate toward. I tend to prefer romances with a softer, more understated tone.
In the end, Joon is heartfelt and immersive, but also quite heavy. It’s the kind of story readers may need to be in the right mood for.
I also found the heat level a bit higher than my personal preference. It wasn’t poorly written, just more intense than what I usually gravitate toward. I tend to prefer romances with a softer, more understated tone.
In the end, Joon is heartfelt and immersive, but also quite heavy. It’s the kind of story readers may need to be in the right mood for.
July 15, 2025
I enjoyed this novel very much.
The world is crafted well and should be easy to get into even for those who are not that familiar with K-Pop.
Joon is very likable and has quite a lot of surprising sides to him.
I liked the friendship with his bandmates as well we as the romance.
Sometimes I wanted to shake him to bring him to his senses, haha!
It is quite steamy but that is part of the fun.
Highly recommended.
The world is crafted well and should be easy to get into even for those who are not that familiar with K-Pop.
Joon is very likable and has quite a lot of surprising sides to him.
I liked the friendship with his bandmates as well we as the romance.
Sometimes I wanted to shake him to bring him to his senses, haha!
It is quite steamy but that is part of the fun.
Highly recommended.
February 27, 2026
I picked this book from Kindle Unlimited just because of the pretty cover, but I really wasn't expecting to like it as much as I did.
The romance was beautiful, the steamy scenes were very steamy, and the angst was enough to make you tear up and the ending.... wonderful.
All in all, a fantastic book! Definitely on my to own list.
If you like K-dramas and the Harlequin Blaze type of romance books, then you will love this one.
The romance was beautiful, the steamy scenes were very steamy, and the angst was enough to make you tear up and the ending.... wonderful.
All in all, a fantastic book! Definitely on my to own list.
If you like K-dramas and the Harlequin Blaze type of romance books, then you will love this one.
August 18, 2025
I typically read a lot of dark romance, but I am also a huge Kpop fan. I saw the author comment about their book on threads, I believe, and I had to check it out. I really enjoyed it. It fed my delulu kpop stan heart. The instalove is exactly what some fans wish would actually happen. It was cute, steamy and dramatic. I look forward to the next book!
July 19, 2025
ARC review, all thoughts are my own. This book is enjoyable, a nice easy read. The plot was good, although I was hoping for a plot twist of some sort! Pretty descriptions. The characters were likeable. Patiently waiting for the next book in the series
November 23, 2025
Steamy, sexy and a lot of Heart.
This book grabbed me from the beginning! The characters are so well written, I wanted to be friends with Sophia. As a voracious reader and also avid K-Pop fan this book was a great read!
This book grabbed me from the beginning! The characters are so well written, I wanted to be friends with Sophia. As a voracious reader and also avid K-Pop fan this book was a great read!
January 28, 2026
Joon-OH-Joon
Unexpected and thoroughly enjoyable, I read it in one sitting. The story is sweet and emotionally engaging, with a fast-burn romance that feels different from what you get from typical K-dramas and real life; but is just as effective and well written.
Unexpected and thoroughly enjoyable, I read it in one sitting. The story is sweet and emotionally engaging, with a fast-burn romance that feels different from what you get from typical K-dramas and real life; but is just as effective and well written.
September 30, 2025
Couldn't put it down!
Love the details of the interaction between male and female lead. Great story. Ready to dive into another book of yours!
Love the details of the interaction between male and female lead. Great story. Ready to dive into another book of yours!
October 27, 2025
Well, it wasn’t instant love and that was good enough for me. Story moved pretty fast and the spice was spicing.
December 11, 2025
Steamy Kpop Romance
This has been on my TBR for a while now and I regret having it there so long. It was a great read. Probably a fantasy come through for a lot of Kpop fans.
This has been on my TBR for a while now and I regret having it there so long. It was a great read. Probably a fantasy come through for a lot of Kpop fans.
January 17, 2026
I know I'm not the only one in their K-pop era, so this book was a wonderful way to merge two worlds. You get a dual POV from the idol and the woman who has caught his attention. What I love about this book, is you not only get the POV of the idol, but you get a glimpse into the idol life. The book gives a glimpse of what it is like to try to have a life outside of the idol identity and what can happen when those two worlds clash. This is a spicy book but it really does compliment the story, which is insta-lust at the start. The book does have a HEA, so even though there are challenges and a bit of angst, you do get a feel good ending! I can't wait to read the next book in the series!
December 12, 2025
This was a great read very steamy in places. I am glad I read it and will recommend it.
November 4, 2025
DNF….. I did like the concept, but the execution wasn’t for me.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews