If you’ve been craving a romance that combines the wild energy of rock ‘n’ roll with the polished glamour of K-pop, Hamartia by Scarlett Drake delivers a fiery, emotionally charged journey you won’t forget. With a bisexual awakening, opposites-attract tension, and two flawed yet magnetic leads, this MM romance is a standout in the celebrity romance genre. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dig in.
Hamartia by Scarlett Drake Series: Famous Young Things #1
Genres: Contemporary, MM Romance
Buy Links:Buy on Amazon
Raphael
We met once two years ago - a few awful moments I’d rather forget - but he’s lived in my head ever since. Lee Jaehyun. K-pop idol and star of every filthy fantasy I have these days.I should be thinking about the fact we just won our first Grammy, I should be focussing on our next album. I should be planning my wedding. But I’m not; I’m thinking about him. About what his mouth might taste like and what that body might look like under those carefully curated clothes. About how he might feel in my arms and what my name might sound like from his mouth when he’s turned on.
I’m not sure what this is; the near obsession I have with this guy, but it’s burrowed itself deep and refuses to give an inch. I’ll go insane if I can’t have him just once. Once to scratch the itch, douse the flames.
Except, it turns out once isn’t enough, and it’s not dousing the flames it’s striking a match and I’m about to blow my entire life up.
Jaehyun
Raphael Scott is going to break my heart.
He’s an American rockstar, engaged to be married, and straight. He’ll get tired of whatever this is soon enough. Then he’ll go back to his beautiful actress girlfriend and I’ll be alone again. I’m fine with that.
But it doesn’t mean I won’t take what he’s offering me right now. His shining American smile, his beautiful open heart, the desperate kisses he presses into my skin.
No, Raphael Scott won’t break me, nothing can. I’ve fortified myself against this sort of thing. My body, my art; all of it is armour. This soft American boy has no hope on earth of breaking it.
Hamartia is an opposites-attract, bisexual awakening, Rockstar x K-pop idol mm romance featuring sex, drugs, and rock and roll… and some K-pop. It features themes of a mature nature.
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Was Hamartia worth the hype? In my opinion: absolutely. 😻
It was so refreshing to step away from the usual sports romance trope (don’t get me wrong, I love it!) and dive into something bolder and more glamorous. Hamartia gives us a deliciously messy romance between a Grammy-winning rockstar and a K-pop idol. Honestly? I was sold from the premise alone.
The story follows Raphael, lead singer and guitarist of the band Dead Poets, who first crosses paths with Jaehyun during an awkward, borderline offensive moment. A bathroom. A group of bandmates. A homophobic joke. And Jaehyun overhears it all. Cue internal chaos. From the moment Raphael lays eyes on Jae, something shifts, like his personal aurora borealis just exploded in his chest.
From then on, Raphael can’t stop thinking about Jaehyun. He spirals into obsession, stalks Jae’s Instagram, and begins questioning everything he thought he knew about himself. Is this lust? Is it curiosity? Or something deeper?
The book is mostly told from Raphael’s POV, but we get four interludes from Jaehyun’s perspective and let me tell you, they are vital. Through Jae’s voice, we understand the guarded vulnerability behind the idol smile. He’s a quiet force, and honestly? I just wanted to wrap him in a blanket and keep him safe forever. ❤️
I’d been missing that feeling of being swept up in a book, staying up late, racing through chapters, mourning when it’s over. This book brought all of that back for me. Raphael drove me nuts at times (you’ll understand), but I felt every ounce of his confusion, desire, and growth. And Jaehyun? He deserves the world.
Why not a full 5 stars? Around the 88% mark, a new plot twist hits and for me, it felt unnecessary. The story already had enough drama, and this twist made the ending feel rushed. I also wish we’d had more closure with side characters who were a strong presence throughout the book.
Still, the emotional impact, the spice, and the chemistry between Raphael and Jaehyun made this read totally worth it. If you’re a fan of slow-burn queer romances with fame, angst, and complicated heartbeats—this one’s for you.
Final Rating: 4.5 stars!
Did Hamartia keep you up all night too? Were you obsessed with Jae like I was? Tell me all your thoughts in the comments! 🖤
