10 Books That Nail the Vibes of One of the Best Romance Kdramas, What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim

Your go-to list of cozy, slow-burn reads inspired by one of the best romance Kdramas — because your next book crush is just a page away.

Picture this: You just binged What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim—again—and now your heart’s doing the full K-drama rollercoaster, complete with swoons, eye-rolls, and “OMG, same” moments. Young-joon’s suits? Impeccable. His emotional vulnerability? Chef’s kiss. The slow-burn banter? Pure addictive gold. But now you’re stuck in that weird romantic hangover where no one quite measures up.

Fear not, my fellow drama addict. I’ve scoured the bookish universe to bring you ten novels that serve up that exact Secretary Kim vibe: grumpy boss meets queen-level assistant, hidden trauma with a side of banter, and a whole lot of heart. Think of this as your prescription for the feels—plus, no awkward elevator moments or accidentally spilled coffee (well, maybe just a little).

Grab your favorite mug, put your phone on airplane mode (I know, I know, but trust me), and let’s dive into some page-turning office romance that’ll fix your K-drama blues.

☕ 1. The Hating Game by Sally Thorne

The vibe: Office enemies-to-lovers but make it spicy enough to roast marshmallows.

The synopsis: Lucy and Josh are coworkers who excel at one thing: hating each other with Olympic-level intensity. Their desks face off like sworn enemies, their banter cuts sharper than a sushi knife, and the promotion they’re both chasing? The ultimate prize… or ultimate betrayal? As the tension ratchets up, so do the feels—and honestly, it’s a slow burn that might just melt your cold, cold heart.

Why it fits:

This one screams Secretary Kim with the workplace power struggle, that simmering sexual tension, and the kind of banter that will make you snort-laugh at your desk. Josh might be the grumpiest CEO-wannabe, but beneath all that sass? A guy who’d protect you like a loyal puppy. Also, if you love awkward flirtation, you’re in for a treat.

K-Drama Tropes Hit:

✅ Workplace romance

✅ Banter that should be illegal

✅ Slow burn with payoff

✅ Emotionally unavailable man (but don’t worry, healing ahead)

✅ Protective gestures that make your heart do backflips

Extra spice: Enemies to lovers, forced proximity, elevator-eyes-contact energy (minus the awkward spills)

📖 2. The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas

The vibe: Fake fiancé drama meets “Why is he so grumpy but also kind of hot?” energy—because who needs normal when you’ve got awkward airport moments?

The synopsis: Catalina’s got a wedding to survive—her sister’s, to be exact—and a seriously annoying ex to avoid. Enter Aaron, her tall, dark, and absolutely infuriating coworker who volunteers to be her fake boyfriend. Cue snark, unexpected feels, and a trip to Spain that’s less about sightseeing and more about figuring out if fake can actually turn into forever.

Why it fits:

This book practically wears Secretary Kim vibes like a designer suit. There’s the grumpy guy/sunshine girl dynamic, family drama (because what’s a K-drama without it?), and a slow-burn that’ll have you clutching your phone like it’s a life raft. Bonus: it’s a whirlwind with enough sass to fuel your next binge session.

K-Drama Tropes Hit:

✅ Fake relationship

✅ Boss/coworker tension

✅ Protective, closed-off male lead

✅ Banter + slow burn = iconic combo

✅ Family baggage that makes you root harder

Extra spice: Travel adventure, found family feels, and wedding shenanigans that could rival any K-drama reception.

💡 3. The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood

The vibe: STEM nerd meets brooding professor, with more chemistry than your last lab experiment.

The synopsis: Olive just wants to convince her bestie she’s moved on from her ex, so she kisses the scariest guy in the department—Professor Adam Carlsen. What starts as a fake relationship spirals into all kinds of awkward feelings, stolen glances, and yes, some seriously swoon-worthy moments under those lab coats.

Why it fits:

Think Secretary Kim if the office were a research lab and the CEO was a science god with commitment issues. This book hits all the sweet spots: slow burn, grumpy sunshine vibes, and a hero who’s protective but clueless about his own heart. Plus, there’s just enough awkward to make you feel like you’re eavesdropping on the best kind of office romance.

K-Drama Tropes Hit:

✅ Fake dating, because why not?

✅ Grumpy sunshine banter

✅ Power imbalance that’s lowkey hot

✅ Slow burn with all the feelings

✅ Protective energy, yes please

Extra spice: STEM vibes, awkward nerd charm, and emotional growth that hits like a caffeine boost.

💍 4. Terms and Conditions by Lauren Asher

The vibe: Billionaire CEO meets his whip-smart assistant in a contract marriage that’s anything but boring.

The synopsis: Declan is the kind of CEO who wears ice in his veins and keeps everyone at arm’s length. Iris, his assistant, is brilliant and tired of his coldness. When a contract marriage pops up as the solution to his PR nightmare, they agree to play along—but emotions have a funny way of crashing even the best-laid plans.

Why it fits:

You get all the Secretary Kim chaebol CEO vibes, mixed with assistant power moves and a contract that’s slowly melting ice walls. Declan’s tragic past? Check. Iris’s quiet strength? Double check. This book gave me all the feels, the kind that sneak up and sucker punch your heart.

K-Drama Tropes Hit:

✅ Contract marriage (hello, classic)

✅ Boss-assistant slow burn

✅ CEO with a tragic backstory

✅ Protective love with layers

✅ Secret softie revealed (we stan)

Extra spice: Billionaire drama, family secrets, and emotional rollercoasters that’ll have you screaming in a good way.

💋 5. The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang

The vibe: A total reverse Pretty Woman situation—with math, escorting, and a heck of a lot of heart.

The synopsis: Stella’s brilliant and has her life together… except when it comes to romance. So she hires Michael, an escort, to teach her how to date. What starts as a business transaction quickly turns into something way more complicated—and way more swoony. Bonus points: Michael’s got that Young-joon vibe of cool confidence hiding some serious feels.

Why it fits:

Michael’s protective, charming, and so emotionally on point it’s like he’s read Secretary Kim and took notes. This book is tender and honest, with a slow-burn romance that feels like a warm hug after a rough day of adulting. Plus, it’s packed with all the emotional healing and cheeky banter you crave.

K-Drama Tropes Hit:

✅ Hidden trauma

✅ Protective male lead (yep, that Young-joon energy)

✅ Emotional healing

✅ Banter and warmth

✅ Slow, oh-so-careful romance

Extra spice: Neurodivergent rep, fake-to-real feelings, and enough swoon to power a K-drama marathon.

🩸 6. Set on You by Amy Lea

The vibe: Gym wars, body positivity, and slow-burn sexual tension so thick you might need a towel.

The synopsis: Crystal’s a confident fitness influencer owning her curves and her hustle—until Scott, the brooding firefighter, starts encroaching on her turf. Their initial clashes simmer into friendship, flirtation, and then something way deeper. Both are carrying scars, but together? They might just heal each other.

Why it fits:

Like Secretary Kim, this one balances sexy banter with genuine growth and emotional depth. Scott’s cold on the outside but melt-worthy on the inside—basically, your classic grumpy boss vibes. Crystal’s body positivity and fierce independence make this romance feel fresh and empowering.

K-Drama Tropes Hit:

✅ Enemies to lovers

✅ Banter-rich tension

✅ Hidden vulnerability

✅ Healing through love

✅ Mutual respect and growth

Extra spice: Gym romance, firefighter hero points, and body-positive feels that hit home.

🌺 7. Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan

The vibe: Real-life messy second chances, with all the emotional feels and grown-up grit.

The synopsis: Yasmen and Josiah are divorced, co-parenting, and co-owning a restaurant—a recipe for awkward reunions. But when life throws them back together, the chemistry is undeniable, and the past wounds are raw. Can they rebuild love when everything else seems broken?

Why it fits:

This book dives deep into adulting with all its messiness—think grief, mental health, and love that’s earned, not given. The slow reconnection and emotional vulnerability hit that same Secretary Kim chord of healing and heart. Be prepared for tears, hugs, and the kind of love that feels like a soft landing.

K-Drama Tropes Hit:

✅ Emotional healing

✅ Past trauma

✅ Soft moments of reconnection

✅ Protective gestures

✅ Deep, slow rekindling

Extra spice: Therapy-positive vibes, food-as-love metaphor, and a cast of beautifully flawed characters.

🐾 8. The CEO, the Puppy and Me by Jennifer Faye

The vibe: Billionaire CEO charm + rescued puppy cuddles = total heart-melter alert.

The synopsis: When Gia stumbles upon a trapped puppy in an abandoned mansion, she never expects the gruff and guarded CEO, Riccardo, to show up—and accidentally adopt the little furball. What starts as a reluctant rescue mission quickly turns into a deliciously slow-burning game of wit, warmth, and puppy-powered connection. Beneath Riccardo’s sharp suit and steely gaze lies a man who’s all soft spots—especially for Gia and her unexpected four-legged companion.

Why it fits:

If you’re obsessed with that boss-and-heroine slow burn, packed with tender moments and playful banter, this book delivers the feels in spades. Expect swoony protectiveness, emotional breakthroughs, and a love story that’s as heartwarming as a puppy cuddle session. Plus, who can resist a CEO who’s tough on the outside but melts around a furry friend?

K-Drama Tropes Hit:

✅ Boss-heroine chemistry with a puppy twist

✅ Protective alpha male

✅ Slow burn romance that keeps you hooked

✅ Playful banter with bite

✅ Hidden vulnerability revealed

Extra spice: Puppy rescue missions, accidental heart openings, and swoons that feel like a cozy embrace.

😅 9. Funny Feelings by Tarah DeWitt

The vibe: A perfectly awkward and heartfelt office romance that’s as real as your third cup of coffee.

The synopsis: When socially anxious Alice is unexpectedly partnered with the charismatic, slightly chaotic Zane on a work project, sparks fly—in all the messy, hilarious ways. They’re polar opposites, but their growing connection is the kind of slow burn that makes you root for awkward love every step of the way.

Why it fits:

This book is basically your go-to if you love the best romance Kdrama formula with a dash more awkward and a ton of heart. The banter is sharp, the emotional growth is raw, and the chemistry sneaks up on you like your second espresso shot. If you want a romance that feels cozy but also messy and lovable, this is it.

K-Drama Tropes Hit:

✅ Workplace romance

✅ Grumpy/sunshine energy

✅ Slow burn

✅ Banter that feels like a warm blanket

✅ Emotionally unavailable guy learning to open up

Extra spice: Anxiety rep, messy-but-adorable romance, and laugh-out-loud moments.

💕 10. Twice Shy by Sarah Hogle

The vibe: Enemies-to-lovers with a twist of emotional baggage and small-town charm.

The synopsis: Olivia and Ezra have a history that’s as complicated as it is combustible. When they’re forced to work together again, the walls come down—and so do the sparks. It’s a story about second chances, owning your past, and realizing that sometimes love is worth the risk.

Why it fits:

If you live for the best romance Kdrama slow-burn tension and emotional growth, Twice Shy will totally deliver. The banter is witty, the feels are real, and those protective moments? Chef’s kiss. It’s that perfect mix of “I can’t stand you” and “I can’t stop thinking about you.”

K-Drama Tropes Hit:

✅ Enemies to lovers

✅ Slow burn

✅ Protective gestures

✅ Past trauma and healing

✅ Banter to end all banter

Extra spice: Small-town vibes, messy history, and all the heart-eyes.

And there you have it! Ten books that will swoop in and save you from your What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim withdrawal with all the slow burns, banter, and feels you crave. Your next binge-worthy book boyfriend (or girlfriend) is just a page-turn away.

Ready to dive in? Because honestly, these books will wrap you up in all the good vibes and maybe cause some serious heart-eye emojis.