Comeback by Lyn Ashwood and Rachel Rose
Comeback: A K-pop Novel by Lyn Ashwood and Rachel Rose
Comeback was a sweet YA romance novel dealing with severe grief and guilt. You all probably know by now that I’m always up for a typical romance and this one did not disappoint; but it had an added element of the intriguing K-pop world to make it more interesting.
The K-pop culture described in this book and added into the main storyline of the “will-they/won’t-they?” really helped make this book in my opinion. Coming into this novel, I knew very little of K-pop and I have to say the things I found out are pretty fascinating. The afterword did explain that Lyn Ashwood and Rachel Rose are big K-pop fans, so I am taking many of the general facts to be true along with some embellishment typical of Korea drama. (I do have to admit to a weird obsession recently with Korean dramas on Netflix. They are so over the top but so fun.)
For example, did you know what the K-pop band members sign a contract where they can’t date anyone for a certain amount of time? Mind blown! “Comeback” is also a term for any new song not just a new album nor is it based on any set period of time. So bands could have 2 comebacks within the same month. Surrounding a comeback are a whole bunch of performances, interviews, fan videos, etc. that the band itself is involved in, so it seems to be a ton of work all while they are expected to not cause any scandal whatsoever.
Sorry, back to this specific story. Ashwood and Rose did a good job of describing the emotional struggle of dealing with grief and the guilt that often comes along with it. Alana is dealing with a shocking loss, one that she feels she could have done something about and is punishing herself by ignoring what she loves most. Emery is dealing with the guilt that he may not be good enough in anything he does and is letting down those most important to him. Although it requires both of these characters meeting and understanding each other to overcome their debilitating emotions; they also find themselves on a healthier path with the help of friends and their own strength. I always appreciate characters that help themselves rather than being ‘fixed’ because they fell in love, and Comeback does add enough personal growth for both characters to satisfy me while also making their romance essential to the story.
Overall, a good YA romance and I’d be interested in reading more from these authors. Maybe even a series for each of the band members in NEON? Just a suggestion!
**I received this book in exchange for an honest review.**
Synopsis: Emery Jung, known as M, is loved by millions of fans as a member of the rising K-pop group NEON, but all fame comes with a cost, especially when one slip up can have viral consequences. Alana Kim is trying to forget and escapes to her family in Korea, abandoning her love of music along the way. However, her plans are derailed when she literally runs into M, the famous K-pop idol. When their paths collide, Emery and Alana must work together, sparking a journey of friendship, love, and healing. Unfortunately, fame and love aren’t easily compatible, especially in the world of K-pop.