Romance Is a Bonus Book (2019) User Reviews

A Quiet Romance Novel in Video Form

[nishera · 9/10 · 10 March 2019]

Some love stories are about passion: the need, longing and desperation. This one is not. It is more of a warm blanket than a raging fire. As most k-dramas do, this one recycles a familiar plot, but the storytelling is so deep and personal that it feels fresh. It is beautifully shot, emotional and heart warming. The acting is excellent and matched with a moving soundtrack. Also, mad props to the person(s) behind the 'trenchcoat' scenes. They were awesome and hilarious and I laughed at every single one!

Unlike many book-to-movie adaptations, this show retains the feel of book reading, and includes several touching "story quotes" at the end of each episode. It really feels like you're reading a romance novel. For me, the only disappointment was that the romance itself stayed firmly in the "G-rated" category, and lacked any sort of sexual tension. However, if that's your cup of tea, then this is right up your alley!

ROMANCE RATING: 7/10. Dan-i and Eun-ho are really adorable together and do have chemistry, though it is more on the level of a teenage crush. They share a number of kiss scenes, but the kisses all lack intensity (I wish there would have been at least one really "invested" kiss).

All in all, highly recommended for k-drama lovers!

Great Storytelling!

[ljlove3 · 9/10 · 23 February 2019]

I find myself totally immersed in this love story. I have never been a fan of movies/shows where I had to read subtitles- but it popped up on my Netflix feed and I ended up binge watching the first 8 episodes. I can't wait until the next one. Loving the love.

Funny and Sweet, but not Melodramatic

[fayandray · 7/10 · 23 February 2019]

So I've heard about K-dramas for years, but only started trying them (and J-shows) recently because of their availability on streaming services. I loved Train to Busan and mostly enjoyed the Along with The Gods movies.

I got into the last TV series I binged, but as I neared the last third, I found myself fast forwarding and wishing it would just stop - it was SO melodramatic. I'd come so far, though, that I just wanted to see the end. Romance is a Bonus Book isn't melodramatic - it's funny, sweet and evenly-paced. I'm enjoying it unfold as it is and I haven't gotten antsy.

I genuinely laugh out loud and simultaneously love/hate that the two leads aren't together. I want them together, but drawing it out just makes it all the more enjoyable.

I won't ask for more than this in a show, no matter the nationality. It's the new reality of on-demand, and it works.

the moon is beautiful

[laudelpino · 10/10 · 19 March 2019]

A captivating story of family, hardship, life, friendship and overall love and honesty. I cannot yet believe how much I have enjoyed this serie. I was captivated by the storyline from the first episode all the way to the end.

I have learnt to love every character and must say is hard to say goodbye to them.

I travelled alongside with them and fell in love with the language so much I forgot I had to read subtitles.

I definitely recommend watching this show, you will end loving the story and thinking of working in a publishing company...maybe move to Korea?

For the mind, for the heart and for all dreamers

[janpkehl · 10/10 · 23 February 2019]

I'm in love!!

Couldn't stop watching, and fell totally in love with the characters, storyline, and all scenes.

The best romantic series

[kaungkhantkyaw-79097 · 10/10 · 4 February 2019]

This drama is so attractive.And I can't wait to watch next episode and it ost song is so sweet.I think this series is not only show love story and it show how to keep the book well.I like this series more than Encounter.tvn is the best that produce korea drama on the air.

Great story and characters well created. Loved it.

[hanalisss · 10/10 · 9 July 2020]

Great script, deep story and characters, funny and warm and also very credible storylines, not everything is perfect and nothing is black or white, the fact that there is not a super evil or super dumb or perfect character is the best thing about this show. Loved it and I wouldn't change anything.

Never judge a book by it's cover!

[archergem-64545 · 6/10 · 24 March 2019]

It started off quite well but towards the end, for me it tailed off, maybe because it wasn't quite dramatic enough for me and I have watched loads of kdramas, romance, thrillers, action and historical but I found this one a bit insipid. Nice characters and interesting to see how a publishing company operates. Personally, I found the male and female leads didn't gel at all, no chemistry there, it was like watching brother and sister!

Love! Love! Love!

[ericababy-56617 · 10/10 · 30 August 2019]

I totally binge watched this show. IT was the first Korean show I decided to watch. The word book sparked my interest. The trailer was a bit confusing, but I went for it and I am so glad I did.

It doesn't revolve only around love and mushy-mushy- stuff. IT covers so many different lives!!

The best part? It's set in a publishing company! I was not expecting that. I learnt so much about books. I am a reader/writer and it is my dream to work in a publishing house so this was THE show for me!

Thank you for creating this!

expected more

[somethingintheair · 6/10 · 24 March 2019]

Jong-Suk Lee is such a sweet and charming actor and I loved his acting in some of this past TVshow. He was the reason I watched all episodes. However, this K-drama is just nice. Full stop. Don't expect anything special just a good feel time. Sometimes a bit too cheesy. It doesn't really deliver an interesting story. I fast forwarded quite a bit. There is absolutely no chemistry between this handsome man and the femal lead role which I found unconvincing. Its like a play between brother and sister. I hope to see Jong-Suk Lee soon in a more interesting story!

an uplifting dramatic epic

[aminifatimaaa · 8/10 · 29 March 2019]

Romance is a bonus book is a heart-warming rare drama full of suspense and meaningful quotes interweaved throughout. This was so beautifully written and perfectly unfolded just like a perfect book. The storytelling had an artistic aspect and flowed almost fluidly. The cast were exceptional in portraying the passion the characters had towards books. An enjoyable drama complemented with amazing performances

Good Enough

[PennyReviews · 6/10 · 18 March 2019]

Romance is a bonus book uses books to paint the story of a woman who didn't give up and tries still to survive. The drama at first, was really sweet and "cozy", as we watched the leading lady strugle to get by after her life has turned upside down after her divorce. The friendship dynamics were top notch and the subtle romance was just enough to ignite one's imagination. Also, the office story was really good as well. So, if you like books, you'll probably love the first part. However, halfway through, it was clear that the drama didn't have anything else to say. You'll just watch the characters live their lives with nothing interesting happening to them. The small twists were blunt and the romance lacked intensity. Also, I really hated the fact that the leading lady was always thinking of her daughter at first, but she just forgot about her after a while and it was like she never existed. I mean, what happened to her? Why wasn't she part of the story anymore? On a more positive note, the performances were good and the bookish refrences nicely done. The side characters' stories were interesting as well. So, 6 out of 10, because I loved the first part, but the second one was boring.

Disappointing and Boring

[fake_moviestar · 4/10 · 27 November 2020]

I am definitely in the minority here as most people seemed to really like this show, but I found it to be extremely dull. I'm not sure why they like to cast Lee Jong-Suk in Noona romances, but this one didn't work for me either. I have to say that this one had more chemistry than "I Hear Your Voice," but that show at least had a more exciting plot. I found the sub-plot of the mystery of the famous author's disappearance to be somewhat exciting, so I skipped through to find out what happened, but other than that I was extremely bored. This is a very hum-drum slice of life genre piece, and for those that like that type of show this will probably be a nice show. But I just didn't like it.

Not just a love story but a life lesson...

[kumarpunit-65787 · 8/10 · 30 March 2019]

Live your life to the fullest no matter what... Each & every scene of the series makes you fall in love with it. It's not just about romance but a lesson for life that whatever the situation comes in your life you should always face it with a pinch of smile. Each & every characters are lovable whether it's the Soft hearted President Kim or the stubborn Ms. Go every character has later which leaves an impact. But the character played by Ms. Song Har rin is just wow every times she appears on screen you are in for a wonderful moment on screen. She is just legit though not being the main lead. This is book which every one should read whether you are romantic or not. Beautiful...

Romance At Its Best!!!

[Chaokage · 10/10 · 17 October 2020]

If you are looking for a romantic focused series then this one will satisfy. I had my doubts about it when I watched the trailer but, finally, I gave up and I 'm happy I did. I appreciated how they deal with job hunting, job market and the working environment. The romantic relationship between the two leads also deals with issues like age gap and how people perceive one another even after many years of being together. I loved the series and I recommend it to anyone who is a fan of Korean Dramas.

Hope is a powerful thing

[apixielife · 10/10 · 17 July 2022]

Absolutely fantastic. I cried, got mad, walked away from it, came back, was joyful, cried some more then realized I had loved it all along.

From cast to music to story to every bit in-between it is beautiful and a treasure to watch it unfold.

Perseverance,, unity, love . I highly recommend this series. Though short, it will leave you unable to look away. One of the best shows I have seen this year. Bravo to all.

A much more complex story than the title or descriptions suggest

[leahcubed · 9/10 · 21 January 2020]

Cha Eun Ho (Lee Jong-suk) is charming, handsome, and good at practically everything. He was a successful author at a very young age and was invited to be a senior editor at a start up book publishing company that gains success utilizing Eun-Ho's works as one cornerstone. Kang Dan-i is Eun-ho's childhood savior and friend who, after a failed marriage, seeks Eun-ho out with nowhere else to go. She has a child who she is solely supporting after her dead-beat ex husband left the sole care to her. Prior to becoming a wife and mother she had been a very successful copywriter, however she is finding no-one wants to give someone who has taken such a long pause a chance to show her abilities in a position. After being homeless, Dan-i returns to Eun-ho, her friend, with a plan to stay just long enough to get her life together. Eun-ho is a player who has never taken any relationship seriously largely because he has deep feelings for Dan-i. Will their love get another chance? Can Dan-i prove to the world that her career break and current single motherhood does not mean she cannot recapture her former brilliance in advertising.

I put off watching this one for a long time because the title, description, and pictures made it look rather dull. However, after reading some rave reviews I decided to give it a try and am not at all sorry I did. Honestly I should have known that Lee Jong-suk would not take anything but a very deep and compelling role. I think he is an extremely talented actor. I thought the female lead looked unattractive in some of the cover pictures but she is actually very pretty and the character she plays if very sweet. Since Lee Jong-suk is so handsome it is hard to buy that he would pursue someone that was not attractive so that was off putting and I thought the story would not hang together until I realized that the promotional pictures did not do the female lead justice. I also did not realize that the character would be so interesting and that it would explore cultural biases around single motherhood, the competitive nature of certain jobs, and how sometimes the perfect person for someone is the person they never imagined in that light.

The story is further compelling as you get a glimpse into the book publishing world. So do not let the short descriptions be offputting as this is actually very interesting and well developed. The friendships of the side characters are also well done and interesting. The main romance is super cute, heartwarming and very believable. There is no super evil villain in this one which is kind of refreshing in a way. The villain, if there is one, is more the circumstances that make it difficult for a woman or a man who took a career break to get back into their field of choice. Highly recommend this one.

The first episode is a mess

[perperuna · 6/10 · 23 August 2020]

The first episode is a mess but as soon as you are finished with the second one there is no going back. I've never binge-watched anything so fast. If you're a sucker for heart-warming k-dramas and a bookworm you will enjoy this one.

In love with this show

[briannaclarke-47409 · 10/10 · 5 June 2020]

I want to write as many reviews as i can lol. I want this show to get a lot of views so it could be renewed for a second season!! I wish to see more of the characters and their lives. I fell in love with this show, the characters and the story line. I'm glad i came across it on Netflix. I'm hoping for a season 2 and to see Cha Eun Ho as a father figure to Kang Dan-I's daughter! I definitely recommend this show, made me feel happy :).

The leading male actor was an unable-to-overlook wrong cast

[MovieIQTest · 11 March 2024]

This great review by Des81022 November 2020 needs to be read when you decide to write a drama or movie review after you've watched it. It's what I call a "Thinking" one when you don't put your brain and your logic abilities at rest, taking everything for granted.

"I finished watching the series last night and I have to say that I only watched it because on the one hand, I wanted to find out what will happen to the secondary characters and the Ha-Joon Wi's character regarding his relationship with the dying writer and on the other hand, I'm a true book lover and I liked watching how things work in a publishing house. Other than that, this TV show failed to allow myself get immersed because of dune flaws that I couldn't shake off:

1. Too much product placement!!! I get it that Tv shows need sponsorship to get them up and running and it is something that you often see in Kdramas but this time it was quite distracting and annoying, especially some close-ups of specific logos and coffee brand!!

2. And let's not forget how often the main male character got in and out of different outfits, some quite outrageous (I'll never forget that awful leafy coat when they went to look at the apartment), that it was more about making fashion statements than adding anything at all to the character!!

3. Having watched Lee Jong-Suk in W and Pinocchio right before watching RIABB, I was really disappointed with his acting in this one. It felt like he was doing it just for the sake of it, like he wasn't very invested in his character, and he looked very fake; maybe because of the clothes he was wearing and the makeup he had; he didn't look like a man who's head over heels with his best friend; to be more precise, he didn't look manly at all!!! And those silly, goofy, trying-to-be-cute antics and declarations of love were so cringy that made me feel uncomfortable to watch!!! In one word, they were ridiculous!

4. NO chemistry whatsoever between the 2 main leads!!! No passion, no longing, no desire, no romantic/sexual tension! Their interactions were very blunt and more sibling like! So, that was a major turnoff!

All in all, if you have nothing better to watch, then go for it... but keep your expectations low."

I have decided to check out what Des81022 had pointed out about this series' flaws anyway. But after patiently watched it, I think that Des81022 gave it a 5/10 rating is still too generous. The leading male actor actually ruined it.

Lovely!

[wheatley-20230 · 7/10 · 24 May 2021]

This series was so lovely that I might have given it a 10. The credit for that belongs primarily to the lead actress, Lee Na-Young, who gives us a very likeable character indeed. You cannot help but root for her as she confronts the challenges that come her way.

I actually planned on giving it a 9 though. The reason being that the challenges are insufficient to engage my emotions as deeply as have some other Korean dramas - Mr Sunshine and Crash Landing on You in particular.

And here I am awarding it an 8. With the passage of time loveliness alone does not create a solid space for this drama in my memory.

But still .... watch it and enjoy!

Amazing story and movie

[ana_maria_dinca · 10/10 · 14 July 2021]

Truly impressed about the acting and the chemistry of all actors...... well done.

Average watch

[namrathanachappa · 7/10 · 13 June 2021]

This is an average watch.. its a fun romcom with a good set of actors. I basically managed to finish the series thanks to the cast. Really loved the female lead!

How is this rated so high

[tester-84146 · 4/10 · 12 February 2020]

This was good in the first 10 episodes when the female lead was trying to get her life together and the interaction with the supporting male lead played by Wi Ha-joon. He was funny and handsome, and there was a bit of chemistry between them

The main male lead cannot convince me he like girls at all lol, and there was zero chemistry between the leads. The romance was not believable at all... terrible, ditzy, fake

I almost abandoned this multiple times...

The story is somewhat okay but i like to see solid romance in a romantic k-drama.

LOVE LOVE LOVE IT . I LIVE FOR IT

[bclarke-26651 · 10/10 · 5 June 2020]

It's a really good series, and the cast had such great chemistry !! I WISH TO SEE MORE, pleaseee make a season 2! I want to see more of Kang Dan-I & Cha Eun Ho. I also want to see more of Kang Dan-I's daughter !! Overall this show is really good and i fell in love with the romance. I fell in love with the characters and this show brought me happiness. I cried on a couple parts of course lol, but i loved it. I definitely recommend watching.