Couldn't finish the first installment, because the writing was not engaging enough to make a case for extremely unlikable characters. Didn't start this one as a result.

Idol Moves was a more dark and action filled story that I did not see coming as the sequel to Idol Minds. I loved seeing Taehyun and Jason’s relationship grow and strengthen with everything that they went through in this book. I also LOVED how good they were at communicating with each other and that even if they got into fights, they still talked it through together. The drama is this book was like watching a kdrama and all the twists and turns definitely kept me on my toes. A big thing I loved in this book was Salvo showing that even though people supported Taehyun and him coming out, they still had stipulations about it, like not being loud and proud about his queerness. That was because, like him, they grew up in an environment that raised them to think that way. Once he figured this out though, Taehyun grew as a person and it definitely took a lot of weight off his shoulders and let him enjoy life to the fullest. The book ended on a cliffhanger so I hope that means there will be a third book!!

Following straight on from Idol Minds, we follow Woo Tae Hyun trying to make it big as a solo K-Pop star with the help of Jason Park his now boyfriend.
First up I loved this book, there was suspense, action and romance all bundled together for a great read.
Tae Hyun was a strong character but with the love and support from Jason he was even stronger. As I was reading I was willing them to succeed, despised the character that were out to get them. As I was reading it I could not believe how low Tae Hyun's former record label would go to see him not succeed and I was wishing that they would be out in their place,
I even got a few more favourite characters and if there was a story about the Song's older brother I am up for that.
I hope there are more in this series especially as we met new dancers and former band members 5*s

Thanks to Jetspace Studio Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

-- I don't get the romance and the "feels" here and this was similar in #1. It's described but I don't feel it. It seems to stay on the descriptive level.
-- Tracking the many names is confusing and frustrating. I can't tell if it's because there are too many characters, the use of Korean naming protocol (generation plus specific individual names), or that several are very similar.
-- The "racial code" in how Naomi and Raven are depicted is very stereotypical and flat.
-- The whole KBR conquer the world and/or crush TH got to be tiresome. The intrigue had potential but their "evil empire" pursuits weren't presented well. What is their motive? Some testosterone-fueled fragility slash vengefulness?

I had higher hopes for a M/M and esp. an AM/AM series here. I won't be reading #3.

The first thing I have to say about “Idol Moves” is that this book strengthened not only my love for Tae Hyun and Jason as a couple, but also for KT Salvo as an author! This story was amazing and even though I already loved the first book “Idol Minds”, this second instalment really knocked it out of the park for me. I loved every second I spent with this book and right now all I want is a third book so I can get more of those two awesome men and their friends! Jason and Tae Hyun effortlessly moved into my heart and they came to stay. I mean the mere fact I requested both books as an e-ARC and read them in the very same year they came out as ARCs should tell you enough about my enjoyment. I never do that. Ever. But I did it with this series, because it’s exactly what I craved for and wanted to read for ages: A book about two male idols that fall in love and fight for their HEA with everything they have.

And boy, did they fight for it! In the first book Jason and Tae Hyun were outed by the press and after years of denying who they truly were they decided they didn’t want to hide anymore and openly admitted they were in love and dating. So in the first book we got a little bit of the falling-out between them and their companies, but the story was more focused on how the two men fell in love and less on the repercussions they would have to face. In “Idol Moves” however we’re confronted with the harsh reality of what it means to be out and proud when you’re a k-pop idol in South Korea. Tae Hyun and Jason are working on Tae Hyun’s solo career and KBR certainly doesn’t make it easy for him to start one. They are everywhere and they use all their power in order to keep him away from the big stages in his home country.

Jason and Tae Hyun wouldn’t be the men they are if they’d allow them to thwart their dreams, though. Both of them know what they want and how to achieve it and they decided they wouldn’t back down. No matter how hard Tae Hyun’s former company tries to silence them, they fight back as good as they can. At times this was really frustrating to witness, though, and I felt so much for Tae Hyun and his helplessness whenever he was confronted with another obstacle that was put in his way. Still, their struggles felt very realistic and I’m pretty sure that things like this would actually happen to openly gay idols in South Korea. Being a part of the LGBTQIA+ community is still not easy over there. You only have to read articles about real idols that came out and you’ll know what I mean. Korean society is very traditional and as always, it needs time to grow and to evolve. I really liked that KT Salvo didn’t shy away from addressing those issues and gave them room in this book. The pushback Jason and Tae Hyun received made this story feel so much more realistic and showed how much work still needs to be done.

Anyway! What I really loved about this book was the fact that Tae Hyun and Jason fought for their love but also allowed themselves to acknowledge their powerlessness and weaknesses. They struggled, but they spoke about it and they let themselves feel their disappointment and resentment for the people they’d known and who let them down. They grieved the loss of their lives before they came out, yet at the same time they embraced the freedom that came along with it. The way KT Salvo wrote their character arcs! It’s amazing. Chef’s kiss! Perfection! And yes, Jason and Tae Hyun changed so much from the first book but they still didn’t lose their essence and what made them, them. If that makes any sense?!

Those two men were so strong and my heart broke for them whenever they were confronted with another fight they didn’t see coming. No matter if it were Tae Hyun’s parents or his close friends, there was a lot of resistance and at times it seemed like all those obstacles would suffocate them and their love. Thankfully, there was a lot of unexpected solidarity as well and that made it a little easier for them to push through and to carry on. Still, to read about the pushback from within their own rows was extremely painful and after reading this book I love Naomi, Yun Seo (Tae Hyun’s sister) and the Song brothers even more! No, seriously, Seong Min and Seong Hyeon are the best bodyguards and human beings ever!!! My love for them is as deep as the ocean and their friendship and bonds with Jason and Tae Hyun are everything.

Due to all of those experiences, Tae Hyun as well as Jason came such a long way and I can’t say how much I love them for finding their own way and accepting themselves. They found their voices and I’m so invested in them and so proud of how far they’ve come. I know, the way I talk about them you’d think they are actual people, but to me they feel so real they might as well be. ;-) After everything they went through, it’s a miracle they still didn’t lose their humour and I was happy to see that we got a lot of funny scenes as well. Of course, we also got steamy ones and they always fit so perfectly into the storyline. For me they emphasised the strong relationship between Jason and Tae Hyun and their additional small and tender moments throughout the entire book had me on my knees. The love between those two men knows no boundaries.

All told, I absolutely loved and adored “Idol Moves”! This book was amazing and the character arcs were so well done, it was pure pleasure to read about Jason and Tae Hyun’s journey. Just like with the first book this story had everything, I ever wanted and craved for and it’s still the only written m/m k-pop/k-drama I know. KT Salvo is definitely a pioneer of that genre and I can’t wait to read more of them. The lives of idols, the LGBTQIA+ rep, the steamy scenes, the deep love of the two protagonists, the awesome side characters, the humour and the suspense made this one hell of a ride and all I can say is: I want more! Can I have a third book, please?

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

I was lucky enough to receive a copy of this book from NetGalley and after reading the first book in this series I was so excited to get into this one. I can without a doubt say that this book completely blew my mind. This book was an experience and a ride I loved from beginning to end. I love how the story builds on the characters and their relationships. I loved Jason and Tae Hyun in the first book but this one truly cemented their spots in my heart. The plot in this book fully consumed me and I found myself moved to emotion multiple times within this book. I overall had such a fun time reading this book and will definitely put KT Salvo on my auto-read authors list.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

In the sequel to Idol Minds, Jason and Tae Hyun are facing the fallout of being outed in the press. In planning Tae Hyun’s solo tour, they quickly find out who their real supporters are and how many powerful enemies they have collected.

As many romances do not get sequels, it was kind of refreshing to see more of the story after the “happy ending”. That said, it also meant less romantic tension and more real relationship hardships. While it may not be quite as much fun as the initial butterflies stage, I liked how we got to explore more of the characters insecurities and how they are growing as two people recovering from trauma. One of the highlights for me is how well the characters communicate with each other, which makes the relationship seem more real. I also love the dynamic with the side characters, especially the Song brothers! Anyone else feel an inkling of a spin off series in our future?

I do not know how accurate certain aspects of the book were in terms of the K-pop industry and modern Korean society, but from what I know as a K-pop fan, it is sad to consider that some of these things are even remotely true; for instance, how Tae Hyun was trained, how controlled his life was, how much the industry upholds homophobic ideals, and how his family treats him.

The book was action-packed and steamy, and I recommend this series for fans of K-pop and queer romance!

this was so sweet, hopeful, cute and loving while also dealing with struggles in a relationship which are so fair. however, personally, i couldn't mesh with this sequel as much as i enjoyed book one. it just didn't manage to hook me as much as that. the slowly cultivating romance was beautiful to see develop though. overall, this was such a lovely series, however! would definitely recommend.

Idol Moves took all the things I loved about Idol Minds (QPOC leads, smart dialogue, great characters, fiery sizzle) and infused a surprising K-drama twist with some intense, thrilling action. I was already invested in Jason and Tae Hyun's love story but now I'm hooked.

Idol Minds was a book I immediately fell in love with and never wanted to put down. I legit squealed when I found out it was going to have a second book. Some second books fall flat, but this one didn't at all. I love these characters, and the story is so enjoyable. It feels like I'm reading a kdrama or something like that, and I truly love it. Idol Moves was so good! I never wanted it to end. Thank you NetGalley for an arc of this book.

Idol Moves reads like a soap opera. It is mildly spicy and the characters are well thought out and developed. Jason Park and Woo Tae Hyun complement each other and so growth through out the book. It’s a fast-passed romance with just the right amount of suspense. While it would be best to read Idol Minds first, it does well as a stand-alone. I adore how committed to communication Jason and Tae Hyun are. It keeps the tense moment grounded with-out lessening the struggles they are going through. Anyone who enjoys celebrity romances will feel right at home.

Idol Moves dips even further into the magnetic romance of K-pop sensation Woo Tae Hyun and American actor Jason Park, delivering a narrative that bows to the authenticity of their relationship. This book weaves classic romance and K-drama vibes with a thrilling twist, spotlighting the tough choices and challenges often faced by high-profile queer couples.

Idol Moves, the scorching sequel to KT Salvo's debut, Idol Minds, continues the electric romance between Jason and Tae Hyun. Finally together, it's the star-crossed couple against the world, as everyone from close family to corporate entertainment empires seems to stand against them. I thought Salvo's cinematic writing style would suit action thrillers as much as grounded romances, and I was right. While the book includes some tension-filled action scenes that ramp the excitement up to 11, the deep and profound love and support between Tae Hyun and Jason keeps the story grounded. If you always wanted to see a fiery gay romance in your fave K-drama, Idol Moves is for you.

I really enjoyed the first book in this series, and was excited when I saw that it would be getting a sequel. I really liked the characters and was looking forward to where this new book would lead them.

I had a fun time reading Idol Moves, and was so excited to get more of Jason and Tae Hyun (I love him so much). After his very public coming out Tae Hyun is excited to start pursuing his solo career as his authentic self. Despite homophobes and his old music label trying to stonewall him at every turn. With the support of his loving LA boyfriend, Jason, they continue to push forward despite all the negativity.

I enjoyed their romance, and there was a surprising amount of action in this book as well! The author definitely set the book up for a 3rd, because it leaves us on a bit of a cliffhanger. I look forward to seeing where Salvo takes the story and the characters in the next book.

Just when Jason and Tae Hyun announced their love to the world, the world pushed back. Idol Moves is a sizzling, surprising romance sequel showing how deep and profound that love can get. Salvo takes us on a darker journey, forcing Jason and Tae Hyun to deal with the sometimes painful realities of bucking the system. Tae Hyun, finally on his own, struggles to define himself as his own man. Jason, taking on an unfamiliar professional role, struggles to deal with what it means to be in a relationship. But the two have each other's backs throughout, riding the twists and turns to a surprising climax. Salvo fleshes the story out with the returning side characters, giving them more depth and growth. A special shoutout to my bestie, Yoo Mi, who even had her own character arc!

I liked seeing the story of Jason and Tae Hyun develop in this second novel. This book is a good exploration of how queer relationships weather adversity, especially in the public eye, under scrutiny and while experiencing pressure from the entertainment establishment.

Jason and Tae Hyun are thrown further into this world that both idolizes them but seems to want to tear them down, and they have to find a way to navigate it themselves. They seem inundated with pressures from all sides that could end their relationship, and they need to learn how to rely on each other to find a way through or make the decision that it's easier to let the other go.

It really is a sweet, beautiful, and hopeful book about loving one-another and being who you are when the world seems to have a specific idea of who you should be.

Idol Moves brings us further into Jason and Tae Hyun's evolving romance, presenting a deeper portrayal of their relationship. The story highlights the struggles faced by queer couples in the face of conservative family and society while effectively blending common romance tropes with the tension and flash of popular K-dramas. I love Salvo's sharp writing style as much as their unflinching willingness to shine a light on the pitfalls of fame, fortuune, and family.

The second book in KT Salvo’s Idol Romance series, Idol Moves, makes another dive into the glamorous worlds of K-pop and Hollywood as K-pop idol Woo Tae Hyun and notorious American actor Jason Park’s passionate romance continues to evolve. Salvo portrays their relationship as beautifully human. Their storytelling spotlights the complexities of a same-sex, high-profile relationship, offering a love story that is both passionate and grounded. With a thrilling narrative and thought-provoking themes, Idol Moves is a captivating sequel, emphasizing the enduring power of love, resilience, and strength in adversity.

This was a great addition to the first book. I wanted to read more about these characters and I was excited to read that there are more stories for this pairing. I love K-pop Idol stories and this did not disappoint. I can't wait for the third book. Jason and Woo Tae Hyun are building their lives together, learning to manage their new paths and deal with Tae Hyun old record label's interference. New opportunities open as others try to bring them down. They learn who their enemies are and what friends will have their backs.

Recommended

Delving into the intricacies of a relationship between Woo Tae Hyun, a K-pop idol, and Jason Park, an actor, and the challenges they face when their love becomes a public spectacle. As their love grows not everyone supports their relationship. Troubles and the public strain their relationship.

“Idol Moves” by KT Salvo is a good book that represents the Korean idol scene. I thought Tae Hyun and Jason’s relationship was sweet but also realistic. I loved the idol complications which are realistic to what idols deal actually deal with. The characters’ development and growth in the book was really good. I loved it more because there aren’t a lot of books on Korean life. 4 out of 5 stars.