Review - - Give Me a Reason

Give Me a Reason: A Novel

by Jayci Lee

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin

Release Date: July 29, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

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. He 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.

PJ's Thoughts:

I love a second-chance romance. Give me that trope with a Korean-American cast of characters, dysfunctional family, firehouse chosen family, and a K-drama actress/Fire Captain main couple all wrapped up in a story by Jayci Lee that's a modern retelling of Jane Austen's Persuasion? I couldn't wait to dive in!

I've enjoyed every book I've read by Jayci Lee and this one was no exception. I love how she immersed me into this Korean-American extended family and their culture. My heart ached for Anne and the way she was treated by her father and sister, not only in the present but also in the past when she sacrificed her happiness for those who would never have done the same for her. I appreciated the time Lee took to show the inner workings of Anne's family and the impacts - both intended and unintended - their actions caused. 

Giving readers a dual POV gave me insight into Frederick that I might not have had if this story had only unfolded within Anne's frame of reference. I could feel the pain he suffered in the past and how that had shaped him and his relationships in the present. There were times when I wanted both Frederick and Anne to get out of their heads and talk to one another but I also think watching them work through their issues internally helped me understand them better and be more appreciative of their relationship when they finally open their hearts again. 

Lee does a good job of blending emotion, humor, and slow-burn romance in this book. I enjoyed the friendships depicted, especially Frederick's friends and how staunchly they protected and supported him. I also appreciated the love and support among Anne, her younger sister, and her cousins as she reestablished herself within the family unit after her return from Korea. Certain events added elements of awkwardness, humor, and angst to the journey which, for me, gave it more of an authentic feel. I'm glad Anne cleared the air with one family member but would have liked to have seen her do the same with another as well. Still, I felt like she found her strength and would not be walked over again. 

If you enjoy Austen retellings or just enjoy a good, second-chance, contemporary romance with intriguing characters, family dynamics, and Korean-American representation, add Give Me a Reason by Jayci Lee to your reading list.