Give Me a Reason

Lee (That Prince Is Mine) unsuccessfully riffs on Jane Austen’s Persuasion in this overwrought celebrity romance. After 10 years away, famed K-Drama actor Anne Lee returns home to Los Angeles, feeling disconnected from and resentful of her narcissistic family, whom she saved from financial ruin. Her biggest regret in leaving L.A. was breaking the heart of Frederick Nam, who offered to come with her to Korea but whom Anne suspected would have been miserable there and so she broke up with him for his own good. Frederick, now a fire captain, has never forgiven her and wrestles with lingering anger and hurt—especially when the pair are forced together as part of the wedding party for the marriage of Anne’s cousin and Frederick’s dear friend. Determined to be cordial and leave the past behind them, Frederick and Anne decide to be friends, despite their lingering passion. But when Anne plans a co-ed bachelor’s and bachelorette’s weekend, their feelings boil over. Complicating their reunion are copious communication issues and Anne’s fear that her favorite cousin, Bethany, might have feelings for Frederick. The mutual pining between the leads will please those who like their romances on the angsty side, but the drawn-out miscommunication between them grows frustrating, and Anne’s jealousy of Bethany feels out of left field. Only die-hard Lee fans need apply. (July)