Book Description 

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.

My Review 

I am not nearly as familiar with Persuasion than I am with Pride and Prejudice, but I’m familiar enough with the plot to appreciate the parallels. This entire book is a love letter/homage to the source material— even the title is an allusion! 

I loved the ways that the two hundred year old story was subtly shifted into a modern day romance. I especially loved that Captain Frederick is a firefighting captain rather than a naval officer. Anne and Frederick have been apart for over a decade and now they are meeting again under very different circumstances. 

The one potential downside is that there are some aspects of the plot that don’t translate as well and come off as dated. For example, Anne’s aunt forbade her from seeing Frederick ten years ago.  This anachronistic plot point might raise some eyebrows when viewed through a modern lens, but it’s important to remember the source material. You can’t have a modern-day Persuasion without the couple being forced apart by a meddling relative. 

In addition to the second chance trope, there is also a slow burn romance. This is understandable, as there are a lot of big feelings to process. Frederick and Anne both grieved the end of their relationship and moved on with their lives. They aren’t going to be able to simply pick up where they left off. Long story short, it takes time for them to acknowledge the possibility that the tender feelings are still there after all these years. 

I would absolutely recommend Give Me a Reason. This book is perfect for fans of Jane Austen and Korean dramas. I’ve read a couple of Lee’s books, and I’ve started to look forward to a new one every year. 

I received a digital ARC of this book from St. Martin’s/NetGalley.