I received a digital copy off Netgally for an honest review.

I have to say, it's not very often that we get actual Korean-American/Korean-American romances. This was very much an #ownvoices rom-com, and I think that really does show in the authenticity of the relationships between the characters and their families. Seth's family is a little more open-minded than Tara's, but I enjoyed the interactions overall. I really loved that Tara's family owned a brewery, and it was very obvious that this was Tara's passion. It shined when she talked about all the different types of brews and concoctions she made up. I really enjoyed Tara and Seth as characters. I did think their chemistry could have used a bit more work. I didn't really feel it, even when things got steamy.

I found the sudden addition of Tara's ex being abusive to be verbal whiplash, and I don't know why that was even added. He already did a number on her emotionally, there was no reason to add that he was physically abusive as well. It just felt tacked on and added nothing to the story. I believe there was a fade to black scene of their first kiss that I didn't understand AT all. Fade to black for sex? Sure. But for kissing? I'm not sure if the author just wasn't feeling like writing out the kiss, but first kisses are important. They help us readers see the chemistry and feel that these two at least are compatible in the bedroom. When you fade to black for a KISSING scene, you damage that connection we readers need with the characters. I need to get invested in them as a couple or I'm not going to care if they become HEA.

The dialogue also felt a bit stiff in some places as well as the writing. This clearly isn't the author's first rodeo, but this feels like a first book. The story was cute, and I'm always down for more #ownvoices, but this story came and went for me. I wish the author all the best, though.