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TiME #1
Dae
She knew popstars. She wasn't read for idols.
When a young Canadian pop star is invited as a special guest to an awards show in Seoul, South Korea, hit songwriter Dulcie Carmichael is persuaded to go along with him. Dulcie knows nothing about K-pop, and nothing about idols, but when she meets and befriends Don Youngwon, main vocalist for worldwide sensation TiME, she is immediately drawn into his world, into his life, and soon becomes close to the other members of his popular group.
Well, close to all of them except Kyo Daesuk, their leader and visual, who does not seem to care for her at all.
But TiME's upcoming visit to LA might just change all of that...
When a young Canadian pop star is invited as a special guest to an awards show in Seoul, South Korea, hit songwriter Dulcie Carmichael is persuaded to go along with him. Dulcie knows nothing about K-pop, and nothing about idols, but when she meets and befriends Don Youngwon, main vocalist for worldwide sensation TiME, she is immediately drawn into his world, into his life, and soon becomes close to the other members of his popular group.
Well, close to all of them except Kyo Daesuk, their leader and visual, who does not seem to care for her at all.
But TiME's upcoming visit to LA might just change all of that...
355 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 12, 2019
60 people are currently reading
410 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Lee
2 books20 followersSingapore-based lover of K-, J- and V-pop, and debut author of K-pop Romance
Proud ARMY, MOA, Blink, Once, OORer -- among many others -- and unrepentant shipper of many beautiful people.
Proud ARMY, MOA, Blink, Once, OORer -- among many others -- and unrepentant shipper of many beautiful people.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
November 25, 2019
WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW!!!! This is the book I have been hoping to find ever since I learned there was K-pop romance in the world. It's funny and it's sweet AND it's full of cultural information but also brings in the international element into the story as well as an American songwriter learns all about the K-pop world. Reading about Dulcie's journey felt just like when I discovered and fell in love with it myself.
The banter in this book is incredible and I was laughing out loud (for real laughing out loud) so many times as I was reading it. I couldn't put it down for a second and I am so excited that a second one will be coming out in just a few months! I really need Won's story!
Oh, and I can't forget to mention how much I choked up at the closeness of the TiME boys (and how much my Taekook heart went crazy for the adorable Jihyun and the "oblivious" Songji) and Dae's interaction with one of their fans was just about sweetest thing I have read in a book, I think ever!!!
The only small negative in the book is that there are a lot of big words, but that is a petty complaint to make when most K-pop romance feels like it's written by teenage fanfic writers. This one is not like that at all. The dialog is the main joy of the book especially in the way the boys who don't speak English well are shown. It's really clever and I can really hear their voices. I think the lyrics of the songs are amazing, too.
If you like K-pop at all YOU SHOULD READ THIS BOOK!!!
The banter in this book is incredible and I was laughing out loud (for real laughing out loud) so many times as I was reading it. I couldn't put it down for a second and I am so excited that a second one will be coming out in just a few months! I really need Won's story!
Oh, and I can't forget to mention how much I choked up at the closeness of the TiME boys (and how much my Taekook heart went crazy for the adorable Jihyun and the "oblivious" Songji) and Dae's interaction with one of their fans was just about sweetest thing I have read in a book, I think ever!!!
The only small negative in the book is that there are a lot of big words, but that is a petty complaint to make when most K-pop romance feels like it's written by teenage fanfic writers. This one is not like that at all. The dialog is the main joy of the book especially in the way the boys who don't speak English well are shown. It's really clever and I can really hear their voices. I think the lyrics of the songs are amazing, too.
If you like K-pop at all YOU SHOULD READ THIS BOOK!!!
January 30, 2022
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An amazing, heart stopping story told in multi perspective!
Dulcie had the American dream — she is a number one hit selling songwriter with all fame and fortune,but while her name is famous she has the luxury of her face not being. Dulcie is a very humble girl and she doesn’t particularly enjoy the spotlight. With only one song left in her contract for the brat,she sees her golden ticket to wrap things up and finally be free of Bryson. There is just one catch,she has to attend an award show in South Korea with him. However, good things come out of bad. When Dulcie feels overwhelmed she heads backstage to get away from everything and this is when she suddenly meets won from the famous Koop boy band time. While dulcie has been a hit song writer she knows nothing about the Koop universe. When she meets won she has no idea he’s part of such a famous group. Instantly they connect and he invites her back for drinks with the band.
This book was an absolutely heart stopper. As far as meet cutes go, this one takes the cake! At first there is an immediate connection between Won and Dulcie. They just click, but they click in the way of friends. Dulcie and Dae,however, click romantically. Immediately you feel the tension between Dae and Won over Dulcie, but it was a good suspenseful type of tension. If you a fan of kpop like I am, this will be a very enjoyable read for you. While I was reading I almost felt like BTS was definitely the inspiration from some of these characters. Dae reminded me a lot of Jin. He was the oldest, the black hair, visual of the group. Though where as Jin is sometimes more youthful in manner, Dae was a lot more serious. Seeing as the author is a member of ARMY herself I can definitely see this being true!
Overall, this was s super sweet fun read. It had me glued to every page. I read this in less than 24hours and even read the little 50 page novella that followed after this book. Both are free on kindle unlimited so if you love kpop as much as I do, go check this one out and tell me if you who you think these characters are inspired by!!
Booktok |
My Blog |
Youtube|
An amazing, heart stopping story told in multi perspective!
Dulcie had the American dream — she is a number one hit selling songwriter with all fame and fortune,but while her name is famous she has the luxury of her face not being. Dulcie is a very humble girl and she doesn’t particularly enjoy the spotlight. With only one song left in her contract for the brat,she sees her golden ticket to wrap things up and finally be free of Bryson. There is just one catch,she has to attend an award show in South Korea with him. However, good things come out of bad. When Dulcie feels overwhelmed she heads backstage to get away from everything and this is when she suddenly meets won from the famous Koop boy band time. While dulcie has been a hit song writer she knows nothing about the Koop universe. When she meets won she has no idea he’s part of such a famous group. Instantly they connect and he invites her back for drinks with the band.
This book was an absolutely heart stopper. As far as meet cutes go, this one takes the cake! At first there is an immediate connection between Won and Dulcie. They just click, but they click in the way of friends. Dulcie and Dae,however, click romantically. Immediately you feel the tension between Dae and Won over Dulcie, but it was a good suspenseful type of tension. If you a fan of kpop like I am, this will be a very enjoyable read for you. While I was reading I almost felt like BTS was definitely the inspiration from some of these characters. Dae reminded me a lot of Jin. He was the oldest, the black hair, visual of the group. Though where as Jin is sometimes more youthful in manner, Dae was a lot more serious. Seeing as the author is a member of ARMY herself I can definitely see this being true!
Overall, this was s super sweet fun read. It had me glued to every page. I read this in less than 24hours and even read the little 50 page novella that followed after this book. Both are free on kindle unlimited so if you love kpop as much as I do, go check this one out and tell me if you who you think these characters are inspired by!!
February 24, 2020
I stopped reading kpop romance for a while because I kept finding ones I couldnt get into but the MOTS7 comeback put me in the mood for it again and I found this book by accident. I am so happy I did, I loved it!! It was funny n sweet n smart n explained stuff about kpop/korea I never understood. Dae and Dulcie are such a great couple and I ADORE Jiji!! Can't wait for the next one in the series. If you are a kpop stan and romance fan you should read this. Borahae, TiME!
August 16, 2020
New author but totally in love!
I really enjoyed the series start. I k ew nothing about the book and just randomly grabbed it after finishing some nen other Kpop books and I am so happy I did. The FMC is fanfreakingtastic and I love her confidence and self love. I can not wait to read more about the boys of TiME
I really enjoyed the series start. I k ew nothing about the book and just randomly grabbed it after finishing some nen other Kpop books and I am so happy I did. The FMC is fanfreakingtastic and I love her confidence and self love. I can not wait to read more about the boys of TiME
June 16, 2020
The BEST!!!
Lisa Lee’s first in the series is just so precious! Full of friendship, fun and love. For this group of idols to become such good friends with our favorite female writer, composer and producer was so heart warming. Can’t wait for book two in this series!
Lisa Lee’s first in the series is just so precious! Full of friendship, fun and love. For this group of idols to become such good friends with our favorite female writer, composer and producer was so heart warming. Can’t wait for book two in this series!
August 14, 2020
Great book
Great read love the characters length not bad awaiting the next book. It said that it was coming in February 2020 . I guess a misprint.
Great read love the characters length not bad awaiting the next book. It said that it was coming in February 2020 . I guess a misprint.
June 26, 2021
Excellent characters with fantastic chemistry, great description of the world, the heroine is a rich, successful, talented, person in her own right, actually attempts to have a conversation about racism, sexism, and LGTBQI issues rather than totally ignoring it. Enjoyed this a lot. Thanks!
September 30, 2021
Another K-pop book I could not put down. I keep picking these up thinking they'll be light reads, appealing to the side of me that likes escapism, fluff, romance - even fantasy. And they do appeal to that side of me - very much. Plus they help me meet personal goals of reading more diverse books. For some reason I'm equating many of the above descriptors with "easy to put down in order to go to bed" and haven't figured out yet that the equation isn't valid.
Anyway. It's interesting, this is perhaps my fifth or sixth K-pop novel in something like three weeks and so far every one of them has been completely different than the others I've read. This one features and American woman who is successful in the American music industry meeting a successful Korean K-pop idol group. She learns all about the group and about the world of K-pop right along with the reader as her friendship with the members of the group deepens.
I am a total sucker for any book that's main purpose is to explore the relationships and interactions among a small group of people. Doing so across a cultural divide is like a cherry on top of a sundae. I really liked Dulcie and I loved how each member of the group had his own distinct character, relationships, musical gifts and ways of expressing them. As an American just learning about K-pop and its role in Korea, in the world, and in the music industry, and also as an American just learning about Korean culture and how it compares and contrasts with American culture, and the degree to which K-pop is a subculture within Korean culture versus the degree to which it is representative of Korean culture, I loved being along with Dulcie as she explores these same questions and issues. I liked the romance, but in truth I loved all the relationships.
I was thrilled with this story until the end, which I wasn't as crazy about. Though there were aspects of the end I liked as well. It did end! No cliffhanger. And I liked how it ended overall - there's a happily. Ever After is left to future books or to the reader's imagination. Before the end there's a whirlwind of...mainly emotional and relational activity and events that kept me on the edge of my seat in much the same way a thriller would. It's tightly written for the most part, and the reader gets swept up and carried away with things happening to change the overall emotional climate so quickly it's hard to keep up as it builds to a climax.
Here's where the spoilers are:
I wasn't so crazy about what came right before the ending, I guess. There's a huge betrayal (Dae's text to Dulcie) that gets a lot of attention, but prior to that there's an equally huge betrayal (Won's outing the group's relationship with Dulcie) that gets quickly subsumed by the subsequent one, and never gets mentioned again. In truth, though I was gasping when it happened, I got so caught up in what happened immediately afterward that I didn't give it another thought until lying in bed some time after finishing the book. But then it bugged me. Perhaps people don't see it as a betrayal. The primary reason to keep the group's relationship to Dulcie confidential was to keep the group's fans in the dark. But a part of that was about keeping Dulcie safe from the crazy faction of fans. And separate of the group, Dulcie's lack of desire to be in the spotlight is firmly established by this point in the book. I loved it when it happened because on an intimate level it was very validating for Dulcie, and as a reader I thrilled to see a "villian" character going down. (and she was a flat one-sided villain character - brought on stage just to cause a problem and be subsequently defeated, which I guess is also a problem). Despite being thrilled, in a way, I also read it as a betrayal when it happened, because it didn't happen intimately. It happened in front of the entire fanbase, and at no point does Won acknowledge what he did, or does Dulcie or anyone else hold him accountable. I think I even understand why he did it in that moment, but it wasn't the right thing to do without Dulcie's awareness and permission, and he should have been accountable.
Also, the reason Dulcie ended up in Singapore was to write a song for someone who hated her - sort of part punishment/part revenge. It was not to go to K-pop concerts and sort out her romantic life. Yet once she's in Singapore there is zero mention of who brought her there and what she's supposed to be doing. Despite the high emotional tension, I did remember that plot point and was surprised that it was left as a loose end. I think I would have enjoyed that scene if it had been written...it could have gone many different ways, most of which I would have enjoyed. I wish it had been written though, mainly, to fill the hole in the plot.
Finally, while I understand what Dae did, interestingly enough, I hadn't seen enough of his character to predict him doing it. It packed a punch, because it was awful, but I couldn't really see why he believed the rumor so quickly, and though I could understand what Jihyun believed intellectually, I hadn't seen enough to truly buy into that reasoning either on an emotional level. So both that part and the make up scene between Dulcie and Dae felt a little off to me. Whereas I'd felt their chemistry prior to this problem in their relationship, I didn't feel it so much during this part. For me the real high point came when the other four released the video. Even though writing out the exact same exchange for a second time is probably considered poor writing, the emotional payoff was simply lovely. The reunion with Dae after that had less of an impact.
It probably would have been better to have had some reason the whole group couldn't communicate with Dulcie at all after her reputation has been smeared (either technological or cultural or schedule related, or whatever) so that she feels abandoned/betrayed by all of them even though she hasn't been, and the eventual release of that video and subsequent reunion with the group, led by Dae would have felt really good on all fronts at once. I wish it had ended that way.
I think there had been a plan to write more books about these characters and I would have been happy to read them. Still will, if it ever happens.
Just went back to reread part of the end of this book again and caught something troubling that I should have seen before. I had previously noticed there’s a white savior element … or a positive action by a white ally element in an interaction early in the book that comes up again at the end of the book, when the Korean characters use the same story to save the reputation of white Dulcie. I’m honestly not sure about that scene and would be interested in the take of a person of color, but more specifically perhaps a person of color who isn’t fluent in English or who remembers a time of not being fluent in English.
What bothered me tremendously going back in to reread part of this is that the very flat, one dimensional character we’ve never heard of before, who is apparently brought into the book just to be a means to set up the final climax of the book-an evil means of building tension and setting up conflict…is black. Is possibly the only black character in the book. And is both one dimensional and despicable. And that is terrible-a huge miss on the author’s part, and the part of any editor types she had helping her get this ready for publication. I don’t think this is on purpose…the author (to my admittedly white, English speaking, American, very privileged eyes) seems to be very respectful of the Asian characters in her cast, and of the Korean and K-pop cultures. She is open on LGBTQ+ as well, clearly setting up a future book for a relationship between two males. I think racism is that entrenched in our culture that we don’t always realize we’re committing it. So it’s doubly, triply important to ask others to check our work ahead of time-not just friends and family-not just any others. Diverse others. And absolutely others of any diverse group we don’t belong to. I’m thinking a black person asked to read this ahead of time to check on the way black people are portrayed in this book would have caught this problem. I’m guessing that the author, who seems to be trying to counter racism in her story would have caught it herself just by contemplating having a black person read her book in which the only black character is the villain of the piece, and is only given a single scene in which to be and act villainous before disappearing again forever. Very disappointing. We need to do better. Took a star off my earlier review.
Anyway. It's interesting, this is perhaps my fifth or sixth K-pop novel in something like three weeks and so far every one of them has been completely different than the others I've read. This one features and American woman who is successful in the American music industry meeting a successful Korean K-pop idol group. She learns all about the group and about the world of K-pop right along with the reader as her friendship with the members of the group deepens.
I am a total sucker for any book that's main purpose is to explore the relationships and interactions among a small group of people. Doing so across a cultural divide is like a cherry on top of a sundae. I really liked Dulcie and I loved how each member of the group had his own distinct character, relationships, musical gifts and ways of expressing them. As an American just learning about K-pop and its role in Korea, in the world, and in the music industry, and also as an American just learning about Korean culture and how it compares and contrasts with American culture, and the degree to which K-pop is a subculture within Korean culture versus the degree to which it is representative of Korean culture, I loved being along with Dulcie as she explores these same questions and issues. I liked the romance, but in truth I loved all the relationships.
I was thrilled with this story until the end, which I wasn't as crazy about. Though there were aspects of the end I liked as well. It did end! No cliffhanger. And I liked how it ended overall - there's a happily. Ever After is left to future books or to the reader's imagination. Before the end there's a whirlwind of...mainly emotional and relational activity and events that kept me on the edge of my seat in much the same way a thriller would. It's tightly written for the most part, and the reader gets swept up and carried away with things happening to change the overall emotional climate so quickly it's hard to keep up as it builds to a climax.
Here's where the spoilers are:
I wasn't so crazy about what came right before the ending, I guess. There's a huge betrayal (Dae's text to Dulcie) that gets a lot of attention, but prior to that there's an equally huge betrayal (Won's outing the group's relationship with Dulcie) that gets quickly subsumed by the subsequent one, and never gets mentioned again. In truth, though I was gasping when it happened, I got so caught up in what happened immediately afterward that I didn't give it another thought until lying in bed some time after finishing the book. But then it bugged me. Perhaps people don't see it as a betrayal. The primary reason to keep the group's relationship to Dulcie confidential was to keep the group's fans in the dark. But a part of that was about keeping Dulcie safe from the crazy faction of fans. And separate of the group, Dulcie's lack of desire to be in the spotlight is firmly established by this point in the book. I loved it when it happened because on an intimate level it was very validating for Dulcie, and as a reader I thrilled to see a "villian" character going down. (and she was a flat one-sided villain character - brought on stage just to cause a problem and be subsequently defeated, which I guess is also a problem). Despite being thrilled, in a way, I also read it as a betrayal when it happened, because it didn't happen intimately. It happened in front of the entire fanbase, and at no point does Won acknowledge what he did, or does Dulcie or anyone else hold him accountable. I think I even understand why he did it in that moment, but it wasn't the right thing to do without Dulcie's awareness and permission, and he should have been accountable.
Also, the reason Dulcie ended up in Singapore was to write a song for someone who hated her - sort of part punishment/part revenge. It was not to go to K-pop concerts and sort out her romantic life. Yet once she's in Singapore there is zero mention of who brought her there and what she's supposed to be doing. Despite the high emotional tension, I did remember that plot point and was surprised that it was left as a loose end. I think I would have enjoyed that scene if it had been written...it could have gone many different ways, most of which I would have enjoyed. I wish it had been written though, mainly, to fill the hole in the plot.
Finally, while I understand what Dae did, interestingly enough, I hadn't seen enough of his character to predict him doing it. It packed a punch, because it was awful, but I couldn't really see why he believed the rumor so quickly, and though I could understand what Jihyun believed intellectually, I hadn't seen enough to truly buy into that reasoning either on an emotional level. So both that part and the make up scene between Dulcie and Dae felt a little off to me. Whereas I'd felt their chemistry prior to this problem in their relationship, I didn't feel it so much during this part. For me the real high point came when the other four released the video. Even though writing out the exact same exchange for a second time is probably considered poor writing, the emotional payoff was simply lovely. The reunion with Dae after that had less of an impact.
It probably would have been better to have had some reason the whole group couldn't communicate with Dulcie at all after her reputation has been smeared (either technological or cultural or schedule related, or whatever) so that she feels abandoned/betrayed by all of them even though she hasn't been, and the eventual release of that video and subsequent reunion with the group, led by Dae would have felt really good on all fronts at once. I wish it had ended that way.
I think there had been a plan to write more books about these characters and I would have been happy to read them. Still will, if it ever happens.
Just went back to reread part of the end of this book again and caught something troubling that I should have seen before. I had previously noticed there’s a white savior element … or a positive action by a white ally element in an interaction early in the book that comes up again at the end of the book, when the Korean characters use the same story to save the reputation of white Dulcie. I’m honestly not sure about that scene and would be interested in the take of a person of color, but more specifically perhaps a person of color who isn’t fluent in English or who remembers a time of not being fluent in English.
What bothered me tremendously going back in to reread part of this is that the very flat, one dimensional character we’ve never heard of before, who is apparently brought into the book just to be a means to set up the final climax of the book-an evil means of building tension and setting up conflict…is black. Is possibly the only black character in the book. And is both one dimensional and despicable. And that is terrible-a huge miss on the author’s part, and the part of any editor types she had helping her get this ready for publication. I don’t think this is on purpose…the author (to my admittedly white, English speaking, American, very privileged eyes) seems to be very respectful of the Asian characters in her cast, and of the Korean and K-pop cultures. She is open on LGBTQ+ as well, clearly setting up a future book for a relationship between two males. I think racism is that entrenched in our culture that we don’t always realize we’re committing it. So it’s doubly, triply important to ask others to check our work ahead of time-not just friends and family-not just any others. Diverse others. And absolutely others of any diverse group we don’t belong to. I’m thinking a black person asked to read this ahead of time to check on the way black people are portrayed in this book would have caught this problem. I’m guessing that the author, who seems to be trying to counter racism in her story would have caught it herself just by contemplating having a black person read her book in which the only black character is the villain of the piece, and is only given a single scene in which to be and act villainous before disappearing again forever. Very disappointing. We need to do better. Took a star off my earlier review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 19, 2020
Thanks to my newfound love of K-drama, I've been reading a lot of books set in the world of K-drama and K-Pop. I confess that many of these books are extremely slight and SO predictable, with very few having anything more than a linear plot and stock characters. Luckily, I happened upon "Dae (TiME #1)," the first in a series by Lisa Lee. Because the main character, Dulcie, is a successful and well-respected musician/producer/composer in her own right, she comes upon TiME, a top K-Pop group, from a completely different direction from the usual starstruck heroine. This gives depth to the book that is missing in others of the genre. The story is complex, the characters are well-developed, and there are twists and turns that make this a pleasure to read. I immediately got the next in the series, a chapter about Dulcie's Christmas, and it was excellent as well. I'm looking forward to the next full book. And by the way, did everybody except me know that Bugs Bunny had something to do with Albuquerque? huh.
September 11, 2020
I absolutely loved this book, and I bought the mini book follow up with Dae and Dulcie, again loved it. I keep checking to see if Wons book as appeared (book 2) but cannot see it. I have also looked for an author website, but cannot find anything. I absolutely loved this series, the characters were so engaging, the book well written full of different emotions, I not only want to know about the rest of the group, but what happens to Dae and Dulcie as they had so many questions about the future and his enlistment. I would love to see the members meet dulcies family... Jiji and the twins.... and Max's boyfriend... well chaos haha (the good kind)
April 14, 2021
Ah, this was such a good read. I really love how the author knew her every detail about the K-pop world. It made it so immersive, especially for those that are reading and don't know the ins and outs of the business, and how much it differs from American music culture. I'm really hoping all of the other characters get their own stories as well, because they definitely deserve it. If I had to say one negative thing, it would be that the ending felt just a little rushed, but overall it was a good story that had me interested the entire 300 pages.
February 17, 2021
It felt almost like a insanely long prologue
So much potential, but it dragged so hard. Also I thought this was a RH so that threw me off as well. The dialogue was so hard to follow at times. It was a compelling story and some interactions were so great but. There was so much filler that it was hard to plow through the book. The first and last third are great that middle section is a snooze fest.
So much potential, but it dragged so hard. Also I thought this was a RH so that threw me off as well. The dialogue was so hard to follow at times. It was a compelling story and some interactions were so great but. There was so much filler that it was hard to plow through the book. The first and last third are great that middle section is a snooze fest.
February 15, 2023
This was okay. The K-pop fandom and info was decent but the romance was terrible. It was like middle school back and forth between kids figuring out the difference between like and and like like and that was literally a conversation that was had. Which is fine. But these are 20 something’s that have been sexually active at some point prior to the book. But some side brushing , hand holding and cheek kiss is the most intimate it gets until the very last moment and even that was so glossed over. I was like wow that’s it? But these guys are behaving in a way that could literally cost them their careers.
The text being the big plot turning point for their relationship was laughable. Like “I detest you.” Really these are adults? And then being convinced of what their feelings really were by friends opinions. Hard eye rolling here. My iced coffee nearly came out my nose. What??? Sigh. This had potential. And if a young or extremely inexperienced reader was interested in a K-pop romance maybe I’d recommend but it was a miss for me. Sorry
The text being the big plot turning point for their relationship was laughable. Like “I detest you.” Really these are adults? And then being convinced of what their feelings really were by friends opinions. Hard eye rolling here. My iced coffee nearly came out my nose. What??? Sigh. This had potential. And if a young or extremely inexperienced reader was interested in a K-pop romance maybe I’d recommend but it was a miss for me. Sorry
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 27, 2022
I have read a great many of these stories for back up on K pop. They are hit and miss and this unfortunately is a miss. Its great for younger teens but as much as I like fiction to be fiction this is a step too far. I like characters to be real and I found this female to be too much. I dont like when someone is immediately idolised and especially not in this field. The K pop world is secretive and impenetrable and this book made it all look so easy, the way the group fawned over the female lead, the way she seemed so perfect in every way was simply too much. Having read Rachel Van Dykens My Summer in Seoul I felt the differences enormously and Shine by Jessica Jung these are far more realistic, insightful and enjoyable. I hate to give bad reviews but this book was just not good
November 5, 2022
Dnf at 53%
I don't have any justification on why I picked this book other than absolute impulsiveness. At first the bookstarted off promising, but as the book went on, the characters felt flat; female character turned into a complete Mary Sue character and it physically pains me. I don't feel chemistry between MC's. The romance wasn't developed and it just clicked too fast and boring between them. If i'm being honest this story got the perfect elements for contemporary reverse harem.
Also, the concept of Dae is nothing new. I have seen this plot line in one form or another in several books about celebrity romance story. Gosh, this is not holding my interest at all so it's time to move on.
I don't have any justification on why I picked this book other than absolute impulsiveness. At first the bookstarted off promising, but as the book went on, the characters felt flat; female character turned into a complete Mary Sue character and it physically pains me. I don't feel chemistry between MC's. The romance wasn't developed and it just clicked too fast and boring between them. If i'm being honest this story got the perfect elements for contemporary reverse harem.
Also, the concept of Dae is nothing new. I have seen this plot line in one form or another in several books about celebrity romance story. Gosh, this is not holding my interest at all so it's time to move on.
March 21, 2021
I have not been having a lot of luck in the sub-genre of K-Pop romance novels until I found this one. Part of the winning formula here is that the relationship isn't fundamentally toxic and I like all of the band members; the members of TiME are treated less like side characters and more like an ensemble cast.
Does it have tropes? Yes. Is there a contrived sequence of events for them to stay in Dulcie (our female lead's) home for a good chunk of the novel? Also yes. But even with that in mind, I found this a delightful piece of fluff with characters I genuinely enjoyed spending time with. I would be happy to read more from this author in the future.
Does it have tropes? Yes. Is there a contrived sequence of events for them to stay in Dulcie (our female lead's) home for a good chunk of the novel? Also yes. But even with that in mind, I found this a delightful piece of fluff with characters I genuinely enjoyed spending time with. I would be happy to read more from this author in the future.
June 2, 2024
don’t judge a book by its cover
I almost didn’t read this because I thought the cover was a bit ugly, so it wouldn’t be that good. Boy, how wrong was I.
The first English Korean romance book I’ve read that has the Korean characters talking to each other without Americanisms and idioms. The broken English felt uncomfortable to me, but not because it was unrealistic. The characters are loveable and well thought out. A true gem of a book, even if I have terrible second male lead syndrome.
It felt real. I loved it.
I almost didn’t read this because I thought the cover was a bit ugly, so it wouldn’t be that good. Boy, how wrong was I.
The first English Korean romance book I’ve read that has the Korean characters talking to each other without Americanisms and idioms. The broken English felt uncomfortable to me, but not because it was unrealistic. The characters are loveable and well thought out. A true gem of a book, even if I have terrible second male lead syndrome.
It felt real. I loved it.
February 11, 2025
Amazing Read
Laughed, cried, swooned. This was such a great book. I loved how much I gleaned about the Korean language and k-pop in general even though I knew much of it already. I loved the relationship building and the characters were amazing! Made me wish I was apart of their world.
Laughed, cried, swooned. This was such a great book. I loved how much I gleaned about the Korean language and k-pop in general even though I knew much of it already. I loved the relationship building and the characters were amazing! Made me wish I was apart of their world.
December 24, 2025
I enjoyed this a lot and seeing how Dulcie not only got to know K-pop and learn some Korean as she went along with k-pop terms but also the friendships she built within TIME. Having her also let the boys open up in their own ways and finding the depth to each character was also really nice and helped this to stand out as a k-pop book
August 15, 2022
This was a delightful slow burn.
I loved the characters, and how the language barrier between Dulcie and TiMe was actually an issue that had to be overcome.
It was sweet and sad and beautiful in all the right places.
I loved the characters, and how the language barrier between Dulcie and TiMe was actually an issue that had to be overcome.
It was sweet and sad and beautiful in all the right places.
July 9, 2021
First and second lead syndrome
Loved that it read like a Kpop Kdrama. Learned korean phrases and the song lyrics were great. Also an interesting cast of characters
Loved that it read like a Kpop Kdrama. Learned korean phrases and the song lyrics were great. Also an interesting cast of characters
April 20, 2023
this book is so bad, but so good lol.
Loved the characters and their bonds, but the writing made me cringe more than once I'm sorry😭
Loved the characters and their bonds, but the writing made me cringe more than once I'm sorry😭
March 1, 2024
Swooning TimE
Well written well worth reading if you like k-pop and joy full characters. . The story was relatable. Loved every page I turned. X
Well written well worth reading if you like k-pop and joy full characters. . The story was relatable. Loved every page I turned. X
July 14, 2025
Hit the itch i was having after finishing my last kdrama. Now the question is, will we ever get time #2?? (also if you read this and know why we haven't yet, plz reply)
April 3, 2024
It's hardly believeable but cute nonetheless.
June 7, 2022
Pedir uma continuação é pedir muito?
March 31, 2025
As people who read my reviews are likely tired of hearing, I like doing reading challenges because they make me read some thing I might not otherwise. I have no interest in K-pop (yes, they are talented, no I don't hate them or their fans, just not my thing), but that was the challenge slot, so I randomly picked this one.
I enjoyed it. Dulcie Carmichael is someone who is generally behind the scenes in the music industry, a talented singer/songwriter and producer. She even performs at times. She goes to Korea with a client when he's a guest at an awards shoe, and meets a group called TIME. Dulcie is struck by their energy, talent, and skill, as well as their obvious closeness. She ends up bonding with them, starting some deep friendships, and more with one of them.
There's romance, the Big Misunderstanding, and getting to show up a real idiot. It was a fun light read that I enjoyed a lot more than I thought I would, which shows what I know.
I enjoyed it. Dulcie Carmichael is someone who is generally behind the scenes in the music industry, a talented singer/songwriter and producer. She even performs at times. She goes to Korea with a client when he's a guest at an awards shoe, and meets a group called TIME. Dulcie is struck by their energy, talent, and skill, as well as their obvious closeness. She ends up bonding with them, starting some deep friendships, and more with one of them.
There's romance, the Big Misunderstanding, and getting to show up a real idiot. It was a fun light read that I enjoyed a lot more than I thought I would, which shows what I know.
June 18, 2024
Songwriterin Dulcie wird nach Korea eingeladen und lernt durch Zufall die Mitglieder der Band TiME kennen. Nur mit Leader Dae wird sie nicht so richtig warm.
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Das Buch ist aus wechselnden Perspektiven geschrieben und zwar zu meiner positiven Überraschung nicht nur aus Dulcies und Daes. So lernt man nicht nur die beiden extrem gut kennen, sondern auch die anderen Bandmitglieder von TiME kommen so gut zur Geltung. Die Charaktere sind schön ausgebaut, nur Dulcie wirkt mir ein wenig zu perfekt. Ihr hätten ein paar Kanten sicher nicht geschadet. Die Lovestory zwischen Dulcie und Dae ist wirklich süß, auch wenn sie nicht super außergewöhnlich ist. Trotzdem ist es spannend, bevor es ein schönes Happy End gibt. Auch der Schreibstil ist nett zu lesen.
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Süße Lovestory
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Das Buch ist aus wechselnden Perspektiven geschrieben und zwar zu meiner positiven Überraschung nicht nur aus Dulcies und Daes. So lernt man nicht nur die beiden extrem gut kennen, sondern auch die anderen Bandmitglieder von TiME kommen so gut zur Geltung. Die Charaktere sind schön ausgebaut, nur Dulcie wirkt mir ein wenig zu perfekt. Ihr hätten ein paar Kanten sicher nicht geschadet. Die Lovestory zwischen Dulcie und Dae ist wirklich süß, auch wenn sie nicht super außergewöhnlich ist. Trotzdem ist es spannend, bevor es ein schönes Happy End gibt. Auch der Schreibstil ist nett zu lesen.
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Süße Lovestory
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