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In this modern retelling of Jane Austen’s PERSUASION, a K-drama actress gets her second chance at love with the man she left to save her family, if only she can work up the courage to risk her heart on forever…one last time.
For ten years, Anne Lee told herself that Frederick Nam was her past. To save her father from bankruptcy, she dropped out of UC San Diego to pursue an acting career in Korea. Anne had to stop Frederick from following her and ruining his future. Breaking up with him was the best way she could love him.
After Anne left him, Frederick spent years loving her, missing her, and hating her until he decided to live his life for himself. Fredrick followed his dream and became a firefighter in Culver City. He didn’t need romance. He had his work and his friends.
When she returns to Los Angeles, Anne and Frederick find themselves in the same wedding—she as her cousin’s bridesmaid and he as his friend’s groomsman. Even though he is cold and distant with her, Anne can no longer deny that she never got over him. Not even close. As for Frederick, needing to take care of Anne is a habit he can’t seem to kick, but that doesn’t mean he has to forgive her.
Book Review: Give Me a Reason
Genre: Romance
A new modern retelling of Jane Austen’s PERSUASION, from author Jayci Lee, GIVE ME A REASON is a second chance romance filled with ample pining and family drama romance readers will want to keep on their radar.
The novel borrows from the main storyline of Austen’s novel, however, Lee includes two POV’s, one for Anne, and one for Frederick. It’s very clear early on that these two still harbor feelings, but awkwardly tip-toe around each other. Lee includes the family dynamics, Anne’s father, sisters and extended family, with the love triangles (which, I’m never a fan of, but it works, since I knew the reasoning from the original), the unposted letters, and all the unrequited feelings that go unsaid because Anne and Frederick haven’t found a way to fully express how they feel, until close to the very end.
For those readers in need of a second chance love story that includes some spicy chapters, with a new version of Austen’s PERSUASION, try GIVE ME A REASON for your next summer read.
Happy Reading ~ Cece
RATING: 
– Satisfyingly Inked
About the Author
JAYCI LEE writes poignant, sexy, and laugh-out-loud romance featuring Korean American main characters. Her books have been in O, The Oprah Magazine, Cosmopolitan, Entertainment Weekly, Hollywood Reporter, E! News, and Women’s World. Jayci is retired from her fifteen-year career as a litigator because of all the badass heroines and drool worthy heroes demanding to have their stories told. Food, wine and travel are her jam. She makes her home in sunny California with her tall-dark-and-handsome husband, two amazing boys, and a fluffy rescue.
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publication details
| Pub Date | ISBN | Page Count | Publisher | Age Group | Source & Format | Review Posted Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29-Jul-25 | 978-1250907783 | 336 | St. Martin’s Griffin | Adult | NetGalley, Digital ARC | March 22, 2025 |
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I’m Cecelia and I’m so glad you’re here! You’ll find honest reviews, book recommendations, along with other bookish essentials. So happy you stopped by!
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ABOUT THE CREATOR
CECE BECKMAN
Cece holds a Bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing from California State University, Long Beach. She lives in California with her husband and children. When she’s not reading or writing reviews she can be found wandering book aisles at local bookshops, drinking iced cold lattes with cold cream foam, or passing the time with her cats.
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