Member Reviews
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me an ARC of this book.
As always, I'd like to start saying I enjoyed this book. Not the best romcom I've read, that's for sure but it was still fresh in my opinion. At least for me since I haven't read much of this kind of dynamic between famous superstar and normal girl.
Still i enjoyed it and I really liked the female main character.
Thanks to Tandem Collective and Canelo for my copy I have really enjoyed taking part in this #readalong of #StillUnwrittenReadalong
Right from the get go I wanted to devour Still Unwritten I feel instantly in love with Fran and Jae_seung and thier chemistry. I said so many 'awws' in those frist few chapters as its so sweet and cosy . Every chapter transports you to this cosy romance and you get that warm fuzzy feeling inside. As we follow Fran and Jae-seung I feel thier connection deep even I'd there is some misunderstanding there.Both of there past had some complications and it made me sad at times and I have loved getting to know thier backgrounds I want tk be friends with both Fran and Jae_seung. The relationship of Fran family are so relatable and complicated at times but I felt for her through with all thr struggles. This js a book I'd highly recommend reading a 5 star 🌟 read from me . It takes you in an emotional and mental journey . Furthermore the friendship in this book are spot on.
A perfectly fine romance without much connection and a not very exciting protagonist. Didn’t really love this one unfortunately
I wanted to like this book but it didn’t work for me. Although I was intrigued by a woman falling for a K-pop star the story went from sorta cute to unrealistic and corny real fast. The two MC’s were wounded souls that still managed to only come across as bland at best. The chemistry between them was also very much lacking no matter how many side characters stated otherwise. I wasn’t a fan of Francesca’s bestie as it was obvious she was solely there to move the plot forward. All the traveling felt unnecessary and the lyrics were just not it. The book didn’t seem well researched as no New Yorker is calling a hurricane a typhoon. I was also really disturbed by a person who is a HCP attempting to sleep with someone clearly suffering with their mental health. She should have been encouraging him to seek help instead of thinking she could solve all his problems. This book is a pass for me.
Thanks to NetGalley for the arc.
DNF @ 40%
The whole idol industry is endlessly fascinating to me, so when this book about a struggling actress and a K-pop star appeared on NetGalley, I raced to get my grubby little hands on it.
I‘m glad I got to read the first half of it, because there really aren‘t that many Asian MCs in romance novels (apart from in Ana Huang or Helen Hoang‘s books, among others of course, but these come to mind right now). According to the author, Jae-seung was inspired by Kim Soo-hyun, an excellent choice (I was obsessed with „It‘s okay to not be okay).
I did end up DNFing this book though. There are several reasons for that.
I do wish there would have been more research though. I honestly don‘t know too much about K-pop, but having an opening act when there usually are none, just so the FMC can realise that he‘s an idol seems like a bit of a lazy plot device so me. I also don‘t think it likely that he‘s spend hours dancing at a club with people watching him. Even if it‘s in London - the world‘s small and K-pop fans are everywhere. There were no sasaeng (the obsessive fans) in sight, which seems highly unlikely.
There was also nothing that kept me particularly hooked about the characters. The MCs were sweet, albeit a bit bland. I couldn‘t stand the bestie.
If you‘re in your rom-com era though, then this is the book for you. I‘m sure there are tons of people who will love this.
Thank you to the publisher for letting me read this eARC!
I loved this book with my whole heart!
So much more than just a boy meets girl romance, Still Unwritten takes us on a journey all around the world! A journey of exploration and self discovery that tugs at the heart as much as it warms it.
I love a story that takes me to different parts of the world with little glimpses into different cultures, and this book does exactly that. From Sicily, to Korea to America, there is so much packed into this story.
The romance is swoon worthy, but both main characters have their own unique stories and problems standing in their way, and I enjoyed watching these unravel and be pieced back together. I'm a sucker for a character with flaws, what can I say. Families and relationships are messy, and I love seeing this depicted authentically.
Still Unwritten is a story of love, loss and everything in between... go read it!
I'm only going to say one positive thing, this book is for swifties that live their lives by Taylor Swift songs. Like have a bad day, listen to Taylor Swift. Have a good day, listen to Taylor Swift. '
Now what I didn't like. First, I didn't like that in the first chapter wanna be actress thinks the role is perfect for her because she looks "Latin" whatever the hell that means. I firmly don't believe there is a thing as looking "Latin".
Secondly, this book touches I think way too many thought topics at the same time. Example, parent suicide, losing your dad at a young age, abandonment from your parent at a young age, taking care of a family member with a terminal illness. I do think the author did a good job of creating a friendship between the MCS, and the FMC has a great friend. I just felt like it was too many hard topics and it felt like they were added to add some depth I didn't feel.
Third, we don't find out FMC is technically in a relationship until she comes back to her home town. Like she does make a reference of going back home and getting married to him but not like "oh we agreed that when were apart we can do whatever the fuck we want but when we are together we are together." ICK. Especially the guy was so aggressive with his affection and he was ready, didn't care if she was, he was ready to take their relationship to the next step.
I just felt a disconnect with this book. It just wasn't for me. I didn't talk about the K-POP aspect because it's not for me to talk about.
I got an e-arc of this book on NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Insta love is really not for me, so this book was not my favorite. I love the idea of a K Pop star love interest, but I feel like it wasn’t realistic enough to enjoy the idea of the world of K Pop. Everything also happened SO fast. It’s like the outside world didn’t exist in this story.
Sadly, I didn't love this one. Insta-love is not for me, and I will stand by that. But if it is your cup of tea, I would recommend it.
insta-love, no thank you.................................................................................................................................................................
There was a lot going on in this story. I would have liked a bit of a simpler plot. The heroine is trying to make it as an actress when she gets help from an attractive Korean guy who turns out to be a K-Pop superstar who can’t have a girlfriend. And he’s troubled by his guilt over his family history. She’s troubled by her mother having abandoned her when she was 12. So she ends up flying all over the world to try and find her mother and help out the hero come to terms with his problems. I was exhausted just reading about their flights every few days around half the world and back.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.
Fairly predictable rom com but it was still a good read that I enjoyed. And an awesome title because life is still indeed unwritten.
Venturing into the realms of Fran's struggle to secure a pivotal TV role and Jae-seung's complex life as a global sensation, this book promised a tantalizing journey of love and self-discovery.
What Drew Me In:
The premise of Fran's audition and the unexpected assistance from Jae-seung, a character torn between a rockstar life and his personal struggles, captured my attention. The prospect of a forbidden romance added an element of intrigue.
Thoughtful Reflections:
While the chemistry between Fran and Jae-seung sizzled, certain aspects of their connection felt hurried. The forbidden romance theme, although enticing, seemed to skim the surface rather than delving into the deeper emotional layers.
Final Musings:
Still Unwritten unfolds as a swift-paced, forbidden romance that unfolds against the backdrop of pursuing one's passion amidst the chaos of fame. Fran and Jae-seung's journey, while providing moments of intensity, might benefit from a more profound exploration of the emotional intricacies. An engaging read for those seeking a love story intertwined with the glitz of glamour.
This was my second read by Caroline, and I was just as hooked as the previous! I loved the forbidden love concept. The main characters had such interesting backgrounds and storylines, and there was so much mystery to them that you couldn't help but read on in anticipation of finding another piece of the puzzle to explain what was really going on. I enjoyed reading about the different cultures, Caroline had clearly done her research here! This would be a great summer read.
I absolutely really love a good entertainment romance and this one did not disappoint. Plus I loved the added K-pop element. I loved the writing and storyline. I think the mains had excellent chemistry and I was hooked u til the very last page. I will be sharing much more of a full review soon!
A great book with a healthy dose of feel good thrown in along with some ups and downs. An easy read that keeps you hooked in and invested in the story.
Still unwritten by Caroline Khoury is a light, short read about an aspiring actress and a k-pop idol that find each other when they needed it the most.
I really liked the diversity in the book, there were characters from Korea, Italy, Brazil, England and the journey of the fmc took her in many countries over the time span of one week. The author manages to describe each of this places beautifully and that helped me feel more connected to their sotries.
The story was a bit unrealistic at times. I feel like their relationship was too intense and not written about enough to make me belive it. The mcs stories unravels in the second half of the book and i think it made the book seem more real. But the end felt a little bit rushed.
And also Taylor Swift was mentioned too much.
The genuine and relatable friendship between Francesca and Clara was the standout highlight for me in this book. Their connection added profound depth to the narrative, portraying a bond that felt authentic and tangible. Beyond being heartwarming, their moments together radiated a remarkable strength that enriched the overall storytelling experience.
Francesca's journey of self-discovery and personal growth emerged as a captivating thread throughout the book. Witnessing her evolution, maturation, and the opening of her heart added layers of complexity to her character, making her narrative truly compelling. Simultaneously, Jae-seung embarked on his own quest, navigating his past and unraveling a deeper sense of self-awareness.
As the story unfolded, it transitioned into an easier, more relaxed read, creating a laid-back vibe towards the end. This shift in tone contributed to the book's overall enjoyability, making it an accessible and engaging read for those seeking a more leisurely literary experience.
This is a first for me by the author and one I enjoyed and I would read more of their work. The book cover is eye-catching and appealing and would spark my interest if in a bookshop. Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.
The standout highlight for me in this book was the genuine friendship shared between Francesca and Clara. It felt relatable and real—a bond that added so much depth to the story. Their moments together weren't just heartwarming; they exuded this incredible strength that truly enhanced the narrative.
Fran's journey of self-discovery and growth was a captivating aspect throughout the book. She evolved, matured, and opened her heart in a way that felt truly compelling. Meanwhile, Jae-seung was on his own quest, navigating his past and discovering a deeper sense of self-awareness.
As the story unfolded, it became an easier, more relaxed read. Towards the end, it offered a laid-back vibe, making it an enjoyable and accessible book to dive into.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book.
Still Unwritten follows Fran, an aspiring actress in London trying to accomplish her dream and find her MIA mom, when her path crosses with K-Pop idol Jaeseung and romance ensues,
Except, it falls short of becoming a romance you feel for.
While I found Jaeseung loveable and Fran sweet, and I did like their chemistry, the book's pacing becomes its major weak link: the romance is incredibly insta-lovey and there is simply an unrealistic and awfully convenient lot of traveling for a broke actress (Seoul, Sicily, New York in just ONE WEEK? girl.)
The book's pacing is simply too hectic and fast to develop any strong foundation for an impactful romance, it feels like the author wanted to write three different books and packed it all in one. Even then, the bond between the characters was cute, just too rushed for my liking.
My other big gripe with this book is how it discusses the world of K-Pop. At first, I thought maybe I was just too knowledgeable and invested in the subject matter but if K-pop fans can't enjoy this book because of the way it's handled, then who will? My guess is this book is aimed towards K-pop fans so it feels like this book doesn't recognize its audience. Ranging from simply incorrect facts (such as K-Pop acts ever opening for other groups or needing openers) down to some stereotypical assumptions ("his physique was manufactured" "idols can't write their own songs") which frankly made me uncomfortable, and the use of real artists (BTS) as a HEAVY plot point to the point where it almost feels like fanfiction ("I remember Jungkook talking about the pressure he felt as the main vocalist of BTS" like...) which also made me uncomfortable: it almost felt like the author hates kpop but wanted to write about a hot idol.
All in all, the characters were fine, but there is not much else that grabbed my attention or made me fall in love with the book, more like turned me a bit off from the general story. 2.7.