Rating: 5/5
Book Blurb: After missing his flight back to Seoul, a disillusioned K-pop idol finds love, acceptance, and the strength to fight for his own happiness at last. As a member of the internationally beloved K-pop group Apollo, Eunjae has learned firsthand that fame and fortune come at a steep price. But leaving it all behind is easier said than done, and it seems Eunjae has no choice but to continue… until he steps through the orange door at Wanna Waffle on the way to the airport, fails to catch his plane to Seoul, and upends his entire existence. Jiyeon and her family don’t know the truth about this quiet, handsome stranger who stumbled into their restaurant. Regardless, it’s clear that he needs them. And the longer he stays, the more Eunjae realizes that he might just be willing to trade the adoration of millions for home, family, and even one chance at true love. But his powerful entertainment agency will never let him go without a fight, and Apollo’s fate hangs in the balance along with his own. If Eunjae hopes to win, he must stand his ground and fight back — not only for himself, but for the brothers who have loved and supported him all this time.
Brimming with warmth, waffles, and too many brothers, "This Place Is Magic" will resonate with any reader searching for a comforting escape. Debut author Irene Te delivers a cozy contemporary read interwoven with found family and gentle romance. Step through that orange door for a heartfelt, hilarious, and irrepressibly hopeful journey of self-discovery, perfect for fans of Axie Oh and Jenny Han.
Review:
When a famous K-pop star stumbles into a waffle house, the last thing he expects is to find happiness, found family, and possible romance... that is if he can remain hidden from his agency and his band. Eunjae is part of Apollo, an extremely famous K-pop band. Eunjae is tired, he wants to leave the band but he doesn't want to hurt his bandmates who he loves like brothers. Eunjae yearns for more, he wants freedom, he wants to escape the constant pressure, the fans, the spotlight, the grueling lifestyle that he never asked for and is afraid to leave in case he disappoints people. So when he stumbles across an orange door like the one in his favorite novel he goes inside... and is immediately warmly welcomed by a sweet waffle shop family. Eunjae meets Jiyeon, a sweet and beautiful girl who works in her families waffle shop. When it's time for him to leave he realizes he missed his flight and Jiyeon and her family welcome him to stay with them, no questions asked. The longer he stays the more he yearns to never leave. But his bandmates need him back, his company is threatening him, and his fans will come after him.... can he find a way to escape it all and hold onto this little bit of happiness that he's finally found? This was such a cozy little read, there was an adorable found family ( both Jiyeon's family and Eunjae's bandmates were all so sweet and cute), and the growth that Eunjae went through was a sweet read. This book really focuses on the struggles that many K-pop stars go through and I loved that this book was from Eunjae's POV. We get to see him dealing with so much and finding a way to go after his happiness and his own freedom, how he stands up for not only himself but for his bandmates. The romance was really light but it was sweet and cute, Eunjae and Jiyeon were a light and very supportive couple with cute moments. This book just felt like a warm hug, it's a cozy read that is perfect for reading at your favorite cafe (and with a waffle of course).
*Thank you to @irenewritesthings for this heartfelt story and @literaryinspired for bringing us together for this read. Ready for an escape into a world where authenticity shines? This novel is for you. #LiteraryInspiredARCs *
