This is a wonderful adaptation of one of Jane Austen's most romantic stories. With a healthy amount of references to the original, this novel tells its own story that doesn't feel traped by the original.

This is sure to be a hit.

This was just delightful; I thoroughly enjoyed every page. So much angst. Pinning and yearning was taken up to the highest level here. Second-chance romance but without constant flashbacks, which I rarely come across for this trope. (That is an observation but also an upside for me.) Jayci Lee’s writing style was divine, dare I say I even liked the third-person POV in this. She narrates in a way that has you feeling compassion and empathy for both MCs.

Some notes: I did not think Frederick’s old love letters fit in here, only because it felt so out of character and not in his voice. The romance was also borderline too slow-burn for me, but I do think that added to their tension, since they took their time getting to know each other again and overall, not rushing into anything. Very refreshing to see two characters with self-awareness about their attraction and insecurities. I’d say it’s hard to be all that mature and rational when dealing with any kind of facing-your-ex in a forced proximity situation, but this was executed quite well. I’d highly recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Jayci Lee for the chance to read this ARC.

Thank You NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC!

I wanted to love this book, both the premise and the cover were really intriguing, but I think this book is just not for me. There are a lot of great aspects, I think the concept is fun—retellings always are. Jayci Lee is great at writing chemistry between her characters and heartbreak that feels very real. I think she does a good job at showing the complex feelings and beliefs that linger from their break-up, especially one where both parties have good intentions and still care about each other. I love yearning, and I think that's something that Lee captures very well from Austen's novel.

That being said, there was just too much I didn't enjoy—and that's okay! This book is just not for me, but I'm sure plenty of other people would enjoy it. For starters, I should have realized that the miscommunication trope would be a big part of the story and conflict. Miscommunication is my least favorite trope and honestly ruins the story for me. I think it can be done well, but that's very rare. Additionally I felt like the story was very rushed, even from the first chapter. In chapter one, we're immediately thrust into the main characters' reunion with hardly any backstory or build up. We barely even know the Anne before we see her overcome with emotions from the past. I know some people will love how fast it moves, but it just left me feeling disconnected from the characters.

A Korean-American retelling of Persuasion set in modern Los Angeles as the two main characters meet up again after ten years apart.

Its a good premise, given Persuasion is the original Second Chance Romance, but the third person style holds the reader at arms length, never really getting in the main characters' heads or hearts.

Thank You NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC!

This was written to be a modern retelling of Jane Austen's book Persuasion. The feeling of regret of having to move on from a love that could neve blossom was something so painful it tugged at your heartstrings. There's always this seesaw of emotions where one has to put effort into their inner turmoil while the other pushes away, that just makes you glues to the pages. I loved the dynamic all the characters had, even the background characters were fleshed out. I just wished there was less of a focus on flashbacks and more of them communicating instead of thinking and not acting on them along with there being less miscommunication. But overall is a read I would recommend giving a shot.

I really loved this cover and the premise for the book!
All the tropes and then kurb really pulled me in,
But I felt like I was missing half the story , either I needed more flashbacks or more details because they way it was written, it was as if I was supposed to already know these characters
I felt like I was thrust into the middle of a story and it just kept going with zero explanation.

I think if you're a fan of the slow burn then this is a great book for you!

I loved the premise but the execution felt flat. I could sense the good chemistry buildup between the two main characters but it needed a little more. Love the author and her work in increasing AAPI rep in books. Thank you for the ARC.

If the cover doesn’t suck you in, then the story will definitely win you over. The intense pining and tension was perfect and the character growth through the story helped set the plot up for a perfect ending. I shed a few tears and fell in love with the MC’s more than I expected too. Absolutely perfect!

I like this book just fine!
It’s been years since I read Persuasion, but this felt fairly beat by beat in its retelling. Large cast of characters, miscommunication, etc etc. however, because of this, I felt like if I didn’t know anything about Persuasion going in, I would’ve been very, very confused. Austen’s work, while having some themes that remain timeless, don’t always translate to modernizations, and there was a lot in this book that seemed to me to only be written in because it was in Persuasion: Bethany’s injury, a father and older sister who kind of suck, a “rival” for Anne’s affections. These things just didn’t hit the same as they would have if I’d not known, they felt underdeveloped and relied on prior knowledge of the story, in my opinion. And the addition of Andrew to the story was at 80% of the way through, which just felt too late! It didn’t add to the stakes, and I never once believed Anne was comfortable with his attention.
I understand that miscommunication is a big aspect to the original story, but every single chapter was Anne and Frederick making assumptions about the other based ONLY on their break up, not at ALL their actions toward each other in the present. Honestly, it made me not want to root for them. They are adults! A miscommunication trope CAN be done well, but the inner monologues full of yearning every single page made it repetitive and tiring. And I LOVE a good yearn, so this was even too much for me.
Plus, I think Anne being cast in a P&P remake missed the mark? It was tongue in cheek but I think it could’ve gone full meta and done a Persuasion remake. At least it could’ve given Anne the clarity of her situation!
I liked the read but there wasn’t enough in this book that was fresh or reworked to make me excited to pick it up. I loved the other book I read from this author, but this one was a bit of a miss for me.

thank you NetGalley & St. Martin’s Press for the eARC!

this book is a modernized retelling of jane austen’s persuasion. ten years ago anne and frederick dated while they were in college, but due to her father’s financial problems, anne dropped out of college and left frederick to become a kdrama actress. cue to present day, anne is back home in los angeles and she crosses paths with frederick when they find themselves involved in the same wedding party. told in dual pov, this book is a second chance romance with a lot of drama.

i liked the cover and most of the characters.

the premise piqued my interest, but sadly the story felt flat. the biggest downfall of the book for me was the miscommunication trope, it dragged on for way too long. both main characters had more conversations with the voice in their heads than with each other… they were stuck in their past and didn’t get to know the new version of one another. i also wished the fmc would’ve spoken up more, she prioritized her family’s feelings over her own happiness.

thank you so much for the approval- i cannot wait to dive in, this is one of my most anticipated reads of the year! i will be sure to leave a review on GR/retailers to come! 💞

I absolutely adored this book. It’s tender, emotional, and so full of quiet heartbreak and hope that I found myself aching right alongside Anne and Frederick. The writing is subtle in the best way, letting the emotions breathe without ever feeling heavy handed. Every glance, every moment of tension between them carried so much weight. I could feel the years between them pressing in on every scene. The nods to Persuasion are thoughtful, but this is very much its own story too. It’s Korean-American, it’s modern, it’s cinematic in all the right ways, but it never loses the soul of what makes second chances so gutting and so beautiful. I loved how the author gave their history room to breathe and didn’t rush the healing. Some love stories take time, and this one felt like it was worth every second.

Thanks to Netgallery and St Martin's for the e-ARC of Give Me A Reason. I really wanted to like this book, as an avid K-DRAMA watcher I was so EXCITED for this one. but it was just not for me. I had a hard time connecting with the characters and the story. The writing was not my cup of tea. I really wish I had a better time with this but I just didn't.

Anne is a Korean actress, leaving Jonathan, her boyfriend behind a decade ago. She feels bad about breaking his heart and is concerned about coming home. Jonathan has never gotten over her and his hurt keeps him from discussing anything with Anne. Anne has never gotten over Jonathan as well. Jonathan is captain of the fire station and his crew care deeply about him. They are his strength and end up supporting Anne as well. Anne left him because her family needed her income to keep their home. She did not want to keep Jonathan from finding a career himself. I loved Anne’s family and how they supported her just as Jonathan’s fire family supported him. Good story with memorable characters!

Give Me a Reason by Jayci Lee is stated to be a modern retelling of Persuasion by Jane Austen. As a fan of Kdrama, I was immediately drawn in by the infusion of Korean culture, especially the FL being a Kdrama actress. The communication issue that stresses us in Kdrama appears in this book too - it's a cultural thing apparently. I enjoyed reading this - the romantic buildup was sweet.
I got the ARC from St. Martin's Press | St. Martin's Griffin via Netgalley. All opinions expressed are mine

I gave the original story, Persuasion, 2 stars so.....I already didn't love the source material, but the beautiful cover drew me in.
At the beginning I was enjoying this more than Persuasion, but it soon fell flat to me just like the original, except with more harsh attitudes and more sex.
I always hate when someone breaks up with someone "for their sake" and a simple conversation would do. Those kind of choices shouldn't be left to imagination but with mature communication. Granted they were young and such but even as an adult Frederick decided being rude and aggressive towards Anne was the right attitude to have? It was a turn off.
Yes there was pining and yearning but they, especially Frederick, didnt seem to actually respect each other enough to behave like adults. Also kinda of ridiculous how many girls were after Frederick when Anne was supposed to be the famous one and her family had originally thought him beneath them lol
I did give this one more star though because it was impressive how well it mirrored and stayed true to the original source even in the modern and different cultural setting. THAT was very well done.

I just finished Give Me a Reason by Jayci Lee, and wow—what a ride. First, huge thanks to St. Martin’s Griffin and NetGalley for the gifted ARC. As someone who counts Persuasion as my favorite Austen novel, I went into this modern retelling both excited and cautious. Could it pull off the deep yearning and emotional payoff that makes the original so beloved? For me, the answer is mostly yes.

Anne Lee is such a compelling heroine. Her choice to leave Frederick Nam a decade earlier—sacrificing her own happiness for her family—felt heartbreaking but believable. Watching her return to LA, more mature but still carrying that guilt, made me root for her all the way. Frederick, now a firefighter, brings the right blend of bitterness and lingering love to the table. Having both of their perspectives was key—I loved being inside his head just as much as hers. The tension between them is thick. Every shared glance, every moment of forced proximity at the wedding they’re both in, practically crackles with unresolved feelings. Yes, the miscommunications were frustrating at times (just talk to each other already!), but honestly, that frustration felt true to the story. After ten years of hurt, it’s not like either of them would jump straight into an honest conversation.

I also appreciated how Jayci Lee integrated Korean cultural elements and the realities of fame into the narrative without making it feel gimmicky. Anne’s background as a K-drama actress added an extra layer of pressure and complexity to her choices. The supporting characters—Frederick’s crew, Anne’s family—helped flesh out their world in a way that felt warm and real. And let’s talk about the longing. If you love slow-burn romance, this book delivers. There were several moments that had me practically yelling at my Kindle. The eventual payoff was worth it, though—romantic, satisfying, and true to the spirit of Persuasion.

A few small quibbles: some of the inner monologues did get repetitive, and Frederick occasionally felt a bit one-dimensional outside of his love for Anne. But those didn’t detract too much from my overall enjoyment. If you’re an Austen fan, a K-drama lover, or just someone who appreciates a good second-chance romance packed with angst and heart, Give Me a Reason is absolutely worth your time. I’ll be thinking about Anne and Frederick for a while.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ / 5 stars

Give Me a Reason by Jayci Lee is a breathtaking, emotionally charged second-chance romance that beautifully reimagines Persuasion with all the heart, heat, and heartbreak of your favorite K-drama.

Anne Lee and Frederick Nam’s story is full of longing, regret, and the aching hope that maybe—just maybe—you can get a do-over at the love of your life. Anne's choice to leave Frederick a decade ago in order to protect her family’s future was selfless and devastating, and now that fate has brought them back together, every glance and silence between them crackles with unresolved feelings.

Frederick’s transformation—from heartbroken college student to grounded, steady firefighter—makes him the perfect modern-day Wentworth. He’s strong, guarded, but so full of unspoken emotion, and his quiet care for Anne even when he’s trying to keep her at a distance had me swooning.

The chemistry is off-the-charts. Their reunion at the wedding is layered with tension and nostalgia, and each interaction slowly peels back their defenses, revealing that love never truly left either of them.

Highlights:

Deep emotional stakes and rich character development

A K-drama vibe that feels cinematic and immersive

Nuanced family dynamics and cultural depth

Quiet yearning and vulnerable growth

An ending that completely delivers on the promise of forever

Whether you’re a Jane Austen fan, a K-romance lover, or just a sucker for beautifully written second chances, Give Me a Reason is a must-read that hits all the right notes. Prepare to feel everything.

3.5⭐

LIKED:
- As far as Persuasion adaptations go, and I’ve read a few, this one is relatively solid, surprisingly. I saw a lot of the inspiration with the characters and plot structure that I thought overall worked pretty well. I especially thought that the choice of making Anne’s reason for leaving him in the past being that she got cast in a K Drama was fun and then Frederick being a firefighter (and still a captain) just really worked.
- I liked the full cast of characters (save for a few that I’ll talk about in the next section). They all felt unique and informative to helping get these two together for their HEA.
- I liked getting both Anne and Frederick’s POVs. I think there will definitely be complaints about the miscommunication (or rather them just not talking to each other while basically feeling the exact same thing a lot), but that is definitely because it is retelling of Austen. Not that Austen does miscommunication, but it’s because of when Persuasion was written and the differences in communication of the time. It did still get a little tiring and uninspired at times.
- I do think that this is probably my favorite Jayci Lee book I’ve read. So that’s something. I do think doing a retelling helped her quite a bit to add some structure.
- This cover is gorgeous. My only critique is that it gives off the impression of being a YA novel which it very much is not.

LAMENTED:
- My biggest critique with Jayci is always her dialogue writing and this is no exception. There is just something really clunky and unnatural in the way she writes it. There are also just some weird choices she makes in word choice even when not in dialogue, like when Frederick thinks, not in an overtly jokey way, as an adult man, the phrase “go potty.” I physically cringed. Also, minor note, but it’s 2025 and I do not believe that a 28-year-old man would have the name Frederick. I know that’s the name from the original Austen. But…it did distract me.
- I wish that I believed this as a second chance romance just due to the inherent chemistry (and utilized source material), the fact that they dated for only a few months 10 years prior and they’ve been this hung up on each other that whole time was a bit of a stretch. I think they needed to have been together initially for a bit longer to make that level of pining more understandable.
- Bethany and Tessa did not need to be two separate characters. Like I get it, I know why it was done. But they were both so annoying and I hated them both thirsting after Frederick.
- What is the timeline of this book? Why is it like 7 months. It should not have been this drawn out. It was goofy. And this is a me thing maybe, but it was totally unnecessary for there to be so many engagements, referential to the source material or not. It was wholly unbelievable.
- I don’t really get this title. Maybe it’s a reference to Persuasion that I somehow missed, but it feels pretty arbitrary.

LONGED FOR:
- Less clunky dialogue & cringey word choices
- More believability to the pining of the leads
- Slightly less repeated miscommunication

Will I read the next one? : If she does another Austen retelling I might try it out, but I’m usually a bit apprehensive with Lee’s books.

I kind of enjoyed the book. It has been a long time since I had read this kind of POV writing style. It was an easy read but the beginning of the book was great, I loved that yearning for each other. However that left really quick for me and I wasn't interested anymore. The two main characters clearly made growth in their lives being a part from each other and they definitely love each other still but it seems like they loved the past selves instead of loving and appreciating each other in their current self.

I was pulled in by the cover absolutely, beautiful, just wish I loved the book right to the end.