Breaking Free - Rise of the Dragon Vol. 1

In her debut novel, J.E. Maier mixes Korean drama with modern America in this series about fate, love, and fame.

In the aftermath of a messy divorce, Jenilyn thinks she has the next chapter of her life all figured out. With ten years of unorthodox experience, she creates what she believes is the perfect business model, with plans to move the entire operation to Chicago.

The only thing she hasn't figured out? Dating in a technological world. She doesn't know if she wants to find love again, and with her native language on the verge of extinction, begins to think her late grandmother was right; she must cast aside the idea of love and contribute to the matriarchal lineage with a member from the quickly fading tribe. After all, if love isn't an option, folk preservation is the next best thing.

Until a chance encounter changes her life's trajectory, that is. When the five zany members of an internationally famous musical group, Blackmirror, walk into her life, her world quickly gets turned upside down. Fascinated by the group's boyish charms, she's invited to attend their concert, where she learns just what it takes for the five mates to put on a show. Unfortunately, the joyful moment is cut short when one of the musicians gets injured, and eager to help as always, she offers her assistance.

Her counterproductive helpfulness lands her in a meeting with the band's manager, who asks her to join the agency. With the fresh location comes a new job and a unique living situation, further pushing her boundaries and limitations. Hellbent on making memories and mistakes, she discards conventional notions and relishes a bit of calculated hedonism when a fake romance forces her into the spotlight.

While finding her footing at a new company, learning the nuances of a foreign culture, and tail-spinning into the entertainment industry, she finds herself embroiled in a cultural conspiracy and discovers her past might not be what it seemed.