[NOVEL] A Dangerous Collaboration by Deanna Raybourn

Veronica Speedwell Book 4, where we have gothic vibes, island with a castle with a foggy weather and rains, stone and gloom, old velvet nibbled by moths and even a garden with poisonous plants (used, but not in a sense you'd expect). The habitants are living under the impression that the owner's bride escaped the island on her wedding day because he girl vanished into thin air. Some believe she never left and her ghost still haunts the halls of the castle.

Victorian adventuress Veronica Speedwell is whisked off to a remote island off the tip of Cornwall when her natural historian colleague Stoker's brother calls in a favor. On the pretext of wanting a companion to accompany him to Lord Malcolm Romilly's house party, Tiberius persuades Veronica to pose as his fiancée—much to Stoker's chagrin. But upon arriving, it becomes clear that the party is not as innocent as it had seemed. Every invited guest has a connection to Romilly's wife, Rosamund, who disappeared on her wedding day three years ago, and a dramatic dinner proves she is very much on her husband's mind.

As spectral figures, ghostly music, and mysterious threats begin to plague the partygoers, Veronica enlists Stoker's help to discover the host's true motivations. And as they investigate, it becomes clear that there are numerous mysteries surrounding the Romilly estate, and every person present has a motive to kill Rosamund...

Veronica Speedwell. Book 4

I must say I quite liked the atmosphere of this book. Even the prose and descriptions tended to give the story more gothic feel.

But before that we have an intro where Veronica takes off for half a year, just after she and Stoker were on the verge of confessing. Veronica, being interrupted, backtracked a lot. And upon her return said something ridiculous that they should stay as collegues. Bless Stoker for his stubborness and actually covertly fishing for Veronica's feelings, because the girl eventually started to regret her choices, no matter how sensible they were.

As mentioned in the summary Veronica is traveling to an island where she meets the Romilly household. Each member has a story with the missing bride, but it all happens to be dust thrown into reader's eyes as a distraction.

The owner of the castle is set to finally find out the truth about what happened to his bride, occupied by the main questions:

- What happened to his bride?

- Where is her body if she never left the island?

- Whodunnit? 

Veronica and Stoker are just passer-by in the situation, but Veronica's desire to snoop around wins her over and while doing so they uncover more and more details that help solve the case. Also each member of the house is pretty mysterious in their own connection to the missing bride.

I came to terms that these two are not truly methodical in their actions and some of the mystery solving comes with the feel of convenience I'd say. You can also give it all an explanation of course, if you are inclined to do so.

My list of suspects by the time we're introduced to all the members was always around 3 and when it came to one particular event at least one person was always on the list of guilty.

After reading of course you can return back and trace the personal motive, but while reading these things are not as obvious, they're kinda tossed among the others.

What I was partially disappointed about is how perpetrator gave themselves away at the end, so it wasn't like Veronica and Stoker calling everyone to one room and pointing fingers of - you've done it.

Another interesting part I think is about Rosamund and the perspective. We never know her personally, only from the words of other people and she gives completely different impression, but what I was inclined to believe is testimony of women who were close to her. In stark contrast came the adoration of men.

But I honestly was thinking I'm given Stoker's ex-wife flashbacks 2.0.

Overall I liked the story, the relationship question was finally solved in a flashy way. The mystery was also solved, not without a moment of enlightment from Veronica I must admit.

More about in spoilers.

SPOILERS

Part 1. Introduction / setting

The castle is situated on top of the St Monnard's island, it has a layered structure with many gardens, including vegetable and medicinal, the even have one closed garden with poisonous plants, also they have an orchard and vineyard. A bit away is a village with many fishermen living there. The legend says the Romilly family started from a union between a mermaid and a man. Not far from the island you could see three small islands that were called three sisters. With high tideas they disappear. Like any castle it also has many underground secret tunnels that lead different ways and with high tide some of them get submerged in water.

The Romilly family lived with conviction that Rosamund disappeared on her wedding day and no one knows what happened to her. There are several theories covered in press that discussed this case extensively, from getting cold feet as a new wife, to escaping with a lover and the cornish folk that lives on an island even believe she became a dove and flew away (not helpful). If she's dead or alive is not known. But she's missing, no missing boat was reported though, she simply vanished.

At first no one speaks of her, only with time we realize that each member has some connection to Rosamund in one way or another. I had three strong suspects at first, but eventually perpetrator gave themselves away, it was my only doubt if they had accomplice or not.

During the dinner upon their arrival Malcolm Romilly (the owner of the castle) brings up an evidence that Rosamund might have never left and if she didn't then she must be dead. The evidence is her travel bag with her personal things.

Part 2. Mystery

So if she's still on the island then where is her body? Can it be found? the island was searched not once, she must be somewhere still. And if she's dead then who killed her? because accident is unlikely in such scenario.

Part 3. Investigation

Mainly comes in a form of asking the members of this family questions, if they had conflicts with the girl or if they've seen or heard anything in particular. Veronica and Stoker don't have much progress because people themselves are not willing to share a lot of details and some even say to give it a rest.

What gives the investigation a push (and us readers with a perfect suspect) is what happens during the seance by one of the members, Helen Romilly. When the small company of people was gathered together and the light went out they could hear the sound of harpsichird, the instrument Rosamund played when she lived in the castle. But when they reach the musc room it happened to be empty (theatrics). Each member is shaken to the core and everyone have their own reasons to be disturbed. On the other hand Veronica and Stoker discover a secret passage that connects the room with library. It's a castle with a lot of nooks and crannies.

To me that highlighted the housekeeper at least as participant of the murder right away. Only she was absent from the room and she's the one with motivation as well. if she had any accomplice, I had no idea.

What happened next dropped shade on every member of the family, even on Stoker's brother, Tiberius. But it all happened to be nothing compared to sudden disappearance of the host. Where had he gone? He vanished like his bride. before that I kinda suspected hima  bit, because with novels like these you sometimes never know what might happen next, but after he disappeared I knew he was surely innocent and all the details that were dropped bit by bit were nothing more but a distraction. It would have been too stupid to start it all and then disappear.

All before Mrs Trengrouse herself showed up, the housekeeper, with a gun and made our trio swim towards the First Sister, because the boat was faulty it drowned and because of the high tide our trio thought they were done. Stoker swam all the way to the village to ask for help. Although it seemed a high stake moment but it was resolved pretty fast and veronica with Tiberius were saved. It was also the moment when Stoker confessed that he loved Veronica enough to die for her (trying to swim in such dire conditions). This is the part which I found silly, like what she would say if they really disappeared? Would she claim they were searching for Rosamund and met with accident, too many to count.

When Veronica came around she had epiphany that when they found the Rosamund bag in malcolm's room, they found it in a secret place, they missed the part that it was a double layered one. So they rushed to break the pannel finding exhausted Malcolm and unlucky Mrs Trengrouse with him.

Malcolm shares the reason his housekeeper held him captive for several days, that he guessed she was at fault. Mrs Trengrouse was grabbed by him and the door closed with the two of them trapped.

The housekeeper also confesses to her deeds, but she never says where the body of Rosamund is. It came to Veronica afterwards and they tried their theory eventually finding the body in a wine barrel.

Note: I have no idea about the decomposition in alcohol, because it was described as if she was preserved in good condition (3 years passed btw). Also I have no idea how housekeeper danced around the barrel itself, they had wines, but she surely didn't feed other one from Rosamund's barrel, I hope, otherwise you can imagine what would happen.

Part 4. Characters / motivation

Malcolm Romilly (grieving owner) was geniuninely searching for answers. He fell for Rosamund and was happy to have her as his wife, so it drove him quite mad that it was unknown for so long. The finding of the bag was the key to solving this puzzle. The dust in the eyes of the readers I was talking about is how he was described as a bit of a violent man, he was expelled for it during school days. he also could have done something in a heat of the moment because we as readers eventually find out that Rosamund had an affair with Tiberius during her weeks preparing for the wedding and she also became pregnant, so she was with a bastard child when she married.

Rosamund. Let's start from her, since she is such a peculiar character. She never appears and only exists in memories. She is, as we find, ambitious and calculating, also manipulative and almost demanding. She befriended malcom's sister during school days and eventually milked that friendship to her own advantage. She almost demanded to be invited to the island where she soon became engaged to Malcolm. Otherwise her birth is not noble, she was a governess that was not satisfied with her fate. When she finally settled down it was also not enough for her, since she met with Tiberius who fell madly in love with her (why? don't ask, what men saw in this vile creature I don't know) and she had an affair with him. Finally bearing his child. But she refused to marry Tiberius, since he was not as easy to manipulate. Her plans were vast, she openly said what she's going to destroy Mertensia's gardens and even send Mrs Trengrouse away. To women she was nasty. So here we have it, ambitious gold digger and a bitch who was unfaithful to her betrothed.

Mertensia Romilly (loves her plants, even poisonous). her main motivation of harming Rosamund can only be directed at their one big fight when Rosamund claimed she wants roses and peonies around the gardens and not all that junk Mertensia worked for. You need to know that Mertensia is more than a scientist, she cares not only for decorative flowers, but knows remedies. It's her one big passion and Rosamund, who used their early acquaintance and openly now hated Mertensia, threatened to destroy all her years of hard work and even her own existence. With poisonous plants in her garden, ooh I even imagined what would it be if she Rosamund was there.

Helena Romilly (fake medium) she is a widow of Romilly's second son. She has no real reason to wish Rosamund harm, but if she was not there her own son would inherit the island as the only surviving male. But it was obvious she was hardly any threat. We find she became a fake medium to support her son, since Malcolm had his own period when he was unreliable. Her own seance scared her too, since she never planned the harpsichord part and geniunely thought it was real.

Her son Caspian is nothing but a cuddled young man with too many dramatics. Not important character.

Mrs. Trengrouse, the housekeeper of the household. Has been there since Mr Marlcolm was little. She is truly proud of their place and how it runs. She is very protective of every member. So her loyalty runs really deep. But it's because she is a woman of service it was easier for her to see things. Such as Rosamund's true nature and the secret of her pregnancy with a bastard child.

Her motivation was actually protection, she couldn'y see a woman with a bastard child making the whole house restless. Who knew, maybe Mr Malcom would even forgive her because fo his deep love for her (after all the instant reaction Malcolm had when he figured Mrs Trengrouse was at fault, was to strangle her). I also think it's crime of passion, she herself said that she saw red and before she knew it it was a done deal. Because she knows everything about the castle she concealed her body in a wine barrel where it was later found (the hint was that Mrs Trengrouse never drank the local vintage herself, while she drank liquor). I tend to think that if se was given time and was more methodcal about it, she'd just use something from the poisonous garden, she knew her way around it a bit. But she gave herself away because she wanted the topic of Rosamund to be buried and forgotten, she never expected that the bag would be found.

Tiberius (heartbroken lover). Honestly, he can go fuck himself. I honestly think veronica is too easy on the understanding side when Tiberius finally revealed the entire backstory. because of his resemblance on the harpsichord art they figured he had conenction to Rosamund, so they were lovers, so he had an affair with his best friend's bride, okay?! Next is he left the island and was absent during entire wedding and missing part, since he traveled to other country and married by the demand of his father. He was abusive to his wife, not physically but emotionally, so he's a scum, since his wife died in childbirth. At that time he got telegram from Rosamund about the pregnancy and that child was his, so he missed the crucial time. Honestly, I couldn't see anything good about Rosamund, but this guy was head over heels for her, like.. why. But whatever. He himself is not the greatest example of high morals. Rosamund suits him best since she's similar to him. But what got to me is how Veronica was too quick to forgive I suppose, he saw him grieving for everything he had done, especially to his wife and she said everyone needs a second chance, sure, but let's not make it so quick. Don't know, didn't like her there.

Not to mention we have more and more details about Stoker and Tiberius' childhood and it was not good of course, since Stoker is the result of their mother's affair. They were hating on each other since childhood, but were too similar at the same time.

Conclusion: Mrs Trengroouse was actually given poison by Mertensia, she was the one most devastated by the truth, yet she didn't want it all come to light and become another family scandal the press can chew on.. Malcolm was beyond himself because of that period and the truth, he was eventually taken away traveling. Mertensia stayed as the head of household. Tiberius acted like a domineering CEO during last parts before they found the body. Honestly the more you know how manipulative Rosamund was the more you don't understand his choice. She is described as such a poor soul as if she's the only one like that, but she's nasty to others and this is why I'm so harsh about her.

Well, and Veronica and Stoker were finally happy in love.

RATE: 4/5.

[SHORT REVIEWS] #34

BOOKS

CHN

Lin An Si, it's your turn again to be ranted about. No really, what is wrong with this author.

[BL] 穿书成隐藏大佬堆的幼崽 by 林盎司 *JJ

Yu Qingye transmigrates and become a "fake" master, but he is only 5 years old (15yo before transmigrating, which honestly doesn't matter she can't pay attention to her own settings, while the beginning was more believable, later he instantly felt like he fell into IQ loss and then he just acts too mature, in the span of mere 10 chapters mind you) and the real master is actually reborn. Yu Qingye's plan is to see what this body's real family looks like, because he doesn't trust the real young master retelling of his life and actually exchange early on while they're still little.

The real young master isn't actually a good person as well, which is very cliche, he is of course hypocritical and ungrateful, only remembers his rich aunt that spent money on him, while pours dirt on his uncle who took care of him and protected him with his life in a car accident. His parents who brought up the young Yu Tian (his name in this universe) are the same as their kid, they start to treat badly their kid even before they received the paternity test. Honestly the entire chapter about the dinner will go into annals of her writing, since you can't be more old-fashioned when describing the parents of the real young master, of course they're homophobic when it comes to uncles raising the boy, also prejudiced towards them so much, don't even question or want to see for themselves how exactly they treat the kid, they just go along with a kid. Any adult knows that kids can say as it is, but also say as they see it. I wasn't even surprised at her portrayal by that point. And of course it's done for one purpose only.

Very cliche plot where a baby who is so good and sensible will turn out the darling of the family and family will reveal that they're actually not a simple family, that both his unces (uncle and his lover) are successful people who don't reveal their true identity for some reasons, also other members who are some prominent figures in disguise will show their tail as well I'd say.

Maybe Lin An Si thought that previous story was so successful that she's going to repeat it. Because in her previous story we had a troubled young man who only turned I don't remember how old he was, 18 maybe? she decided it's going to be super tragic to let the boy be unloved by his two parents who used money he earned when filming as a child star on their two new families the boy had no idea about and she decided to add the snot by making the boy pass being hit by a car. Here the beginning is same tragic, the MC is unloved in his family, his parents divorced and he had to stay with his dad, his mother left him with no strings attached and not looking back, he lived under the same roof and felt like a bag for punching and of course be servile to his younger brother. Of course his dad was such a scumbag that he will make him drop out of school and turn to work (did not work because at the same night MC transmigrates). Stuff like that Lin An Si seem to come to love so much. But the thing is she likes to do it to showcase the contrasting lives where now they'll be loved and cherished just for who they are.

But I don't buy it, the parents of these kids don't get their comeuppance and the kid, which was a problem for them is gone and they get no retribution (maybe they do, I DNF'd the previous work pretty quickly).

The next thing I predict for this story is that it'll be long, it'll be so long that you'll be surprised. I already saw through the style of this author few novels ago, she likes to add unnecessary stuff, it's my ongoing joke about 30 shower scenes and it came from this author. So the story is not only long but watery af. Imagine this, the famous Heaven Official's blessing is just 200+ chapters, my favorite Nightmare Live is 700+ but it is a complex multi-arc novel, Lin An Si ballooned her previous work to be 500+ chapters of family drama.

This time around she decided to make MC even younger before he transmigrates, well, I could get his reactions and fear at first. I thought "wow, is she going to make a different MC and make him really sound like a teen?" was my naive thought. But honestly it's like his IQ jumped around. At some parts he feels clever and mature, at other times author tries really hard to make you believe that he was so socially inept that he doesn't understand if the actions of "real" young master are common or not, as if he never communicated with anyone before or even witnessed his own family's relationship. He may had no friendly relationships before, but the kid does not live in isolation, we've all been there, where we can sit in our own corner but still see what others are doing or how they interact. And also have our opinion on it. She made it sound as if the boy lived under a rock all this time. And I don't believe it as always. So many stories she wrote and her portrayal is still on that level, but she built a following that supports her so props to that. If you like their repetitive stories then you're welcome to know their new story is being published. But any interest I had in her vanished when I realized she just recycles her own stuff.

[BL] 民国花旦重生后爆红娱乐圈 by 折吱*JJ

(mtl:A Republic of China actor becomes a sensation in entertainment industry after his reborth)

The story covers the life of Chu Jiu who has struggled in times of unrest and became a popular performer desired by many, but then he met his tragic end at the hands of invaders. But his life did not end at that, he found himself traveling to the future and becoming a celebrity embroiled in scandlas. Chu Jiu takes pity on Xiao Chu as he calles the owner of the body, because the person is not without acting talent, but his mentality of being stressed and not being keen on social relatiosnhips led him into the trap. The same person who claims tot ake care of him on the show is the one sending the most negative news about him. And this could have been Xiao Chu's last stage if Chu Jiu hasn't arrived in time.

What things Chu Jiu hasn't seen in his life? This actor named Ning Xi who thoroughly used Xiao Chu's popularity to his advantage certainly is not getting away. He is a pro at playing along. He will show him what a talent means.

The internet that was buzzing with news saw new episodes of the acting variety show and found themselves being attracted to the changes in Chu Jiu and his acting skills improving. Chu Jiu was not bothered and might have continued like he always did, but among the judges was a guest star renowned for his acting skills - Lu Hanzhang.

Being very experienced at flirting Chu Jiu didn't mind approaching the aloof actor, even if he met the rejection he was still intrigued because he never saw a person as Hanzhang before. But as their relationship develops he finds that their roles changed.

Let's start from the good part. I liked the relationship.

It starts with Chu Jiu openly flirting with Hanzhang, but Hanzhang acts like a gentleman, he doesn't get angry or gets petty. Because in Chu Jiu's mind no strings were attached is when he was the most firvolous. But later on the more he got together with Hanzhang he realized that Hanzhang is the type of person who once he gets serious it will be because of deep affection that won't be easily dispelled. So when Chu Jiu decides to cease his flirtations, because he knew he couldn't commit to a relationship he is confessed by Hanzhang.

Hanzhang is actually very prejudiced towards Chu Jiu, but later when they work more together he is surprised to find more new sides to Chu Jiu he knew nothing about. He knew that flirting won't go anywhere and actually thought of making himself clear one day, but eventually realized that he took care of Chu Jiu like no other person and he might have come to like him. This is why he decided to confess his feelings, being surprised that Chu Jiu did not agree. He knew and felt that Chu Jiu is not indifferent, but their level of affection is different. But he didn't give up.

Chu Jiu found that no one else in the world would fit him like Hanzhang, he makes him so comfortable, he is so caring. He let the feelings in his heart grow and the more time passed he found that feelings became more profound. The only question left was... it seems he is not the one who will end on top.

I did not finish it. An I'll tell you why. It would have been interesting and the relationship would really pull through if the style of sriting wasn't this meandering. I can't even express well how tedious it was to read and I started skipping parts before decided that I had enough and finished the last chapters.

The relationship and storyline unfortunately get lost in unnecessary details. It's funny to me because when things needed details they lacked them, but when it came to some basic stuff it went on and on without stopping. And it's not like those details were important, but some important parts would get lost in such heavy text.

Also the problem it seems in author treating readers as kindergarteners, not only writing something basic, but also explaining in details the motivation for actions or words.

Because of the barrage of words I'm sure I missed several illogical parts. It was just too much. Such meticulousness should have a purpose, but the only purpose I found here is basically watering down the content.

This story is 188 chapters long, okay?!

Imagine my frustration that they get together around 80th, then some action happens around 105, but by that time I'm so tired of this style of writing that I can't muster any excitement.

The story covers the variety show, which is the one that lacked details, even if it was described so extensively. Then filming. And on-going confrontation with Ning Xi and one of the mentrs, director Xu Wenhao who had his eyes on Chu Jiu.

As for the show, it seemingly describes a lot of scenes, but you know what? I still have no idea what type of format they used and what's the logic. At times it feels like it describes a theater type, they have background and wear mikes and also there were scenes where public reacted and distracted actors, not to mention mentors describe it as production that needs to be adapted to the scene. But then it suddenly says that there are pre-recorded parts. Some parts require a lot of extras, space and backgrounds etc. I just got so confused. Also the "adapted works" felt like too much going on and it did not connect the dots. Whatever, what do I know.

It could really win from editing and cutting down at least half of that text, but imagine when it all depends on word count to edit all that. Of course no one would be willing to do it. But it only proves that the work becomes flawed and overblown.

As for the logic flaws. I was sitting and thinking that the situation with the director was blown out of proportions and it was unrealistic.

So we have with director Xu Wenhao who is supposed to be a big director, but I haven't seen him described as a true pillar, because wen he was pushed he fell too quickly. He wanted to get Chu Jiu or otherwise destroy his prospects, and the guy is experienced. But the thing is every mentor is described as if they fear him and the troubles they can get into, so they dance around his ego a lot. Which is unrealistic, no director can hold so much power and not to mention there are so many directors in the industry, even if they're interconnected some may have conflicts, you can always find a way out. he was only described as such, but we don't see anything to prove that fear. But to me the strange part was, one of these mentiors is a wife of entertainment company, she married the boss and is now the boss' wife, they lived together for so long, yet she still acted as if the guy is more important. But director does not live in isolation, without capital he's nothing. The way he was brought down was too easy. And the guy stuck around for so long, I think it was chapter 96 when the things went down for him. But this type of storytelling is unsatisfying.

The best part of it are two main protagonists and their relationship. But I couldn't care less about meandering. Quote from our intelligent MC:

- "It's good for a person to be confident in themselves, but if that confidence goes too far and they fail to see the progress of others or realize the gap between themselves and others, then it becomes arrogance."

[BG] 快穿之男神苏炸天 by 姩潇潇 (*Qidian)

(mtl: Quick transmigration: The male lead is so charming)

Another masterpiece from this site. I ommit many ones that I open and close with the first chapter, this one I read a bit more because I was kinda shocked?

What brought me to mention it are author's words how they see the rating drop and they don't know why. I don't want to disappoint but... author maybe doesn't realize that they wrote an unlikable and gaslighting female lead.

FMC is supposed to be a dragon or smth, so she excuses her behavior with it a lot, like she doesn't understand human feelings. Yes, it may be right, but it feels like a dragon has no feelings of her own. Her description of feelings often comes across as cheap.

Plots are not worth of mentioning they're too over the top, they're just galloping without stopping and many things look as a draft. So it's easy to get tired of it. I got tired pretty quickly.

MC for some reason falls in love with this girl. Although she treats him poorly I'd say, gaslights him all the time (by the way she speaks). The way she treats romance is cringe-worthy with only words like "You like me. I like you. We can date. When do we marry" when they know each other for a short while. MC bends and stretches to follow this. She never lingers, never responds to unspoken words and never appreciates anything. Going on a date? She hates it because she'd rather stay home. Okay. A big bouquet of flower? Cumbersome to hold. She appreciates, she will say so, but also will add it's cumbersome. Too straightforward. And often repeats one and only answer wen asked if she ever loved the man when they're at the end of their lives, she says - what do you think? I am so rich and beautiful and men would line up after me but I was with you. She always answers with a question of this type. She can barely say I like you. I read few arcs, laughed at how silly it is and then decided that it was time to press 'x'.

Mentions:

I did re-read [BL] 我可怜，我装的 by 薄夭 (*JJ), since it's entertaining trashy read. I made a review on it long time ago.

[BG] 快穿：病娇大佬吃起醋来真要命 by 把你饭叼走 (*Qidian). Thought it'd be sweet and maybe trashy entertainment type, but honestly some writers don't realize how their characters look when they write. Thus it ends up looking bad. Plus the FMC is just the silly type, even though when I first read the introduction that she travels to collect soul pieces of her beloved husband I thought it was nice for a start, but then her reactions to some things were weird to me (either I think the timing was wrong or they looked not good), because the guy fell for her, it's all fine and dandy before you realize he is following her every move. The original storyline doesn't matter since it is solved instantly as if the male lead of the story is that insignificant. The tw easily get together and it's a happy life, nothing else matter but romance.

DNF'd [BL] 禁止歧视幼崽！ by 樱满庭 (*JJ) It's a story of MC who lands as a ..cub. And it's significant in every world, but I do not care to continue. It just didn't grab my attention. What weirds me the most is that this lands into BL category, it's put into category by the author. Maybe something will happen in the future how do I know, MC was still a cub at the end of arc 1. 

DNF'd [BL] 向导伴侣印记消失后 by 樱满庭 (*JJ) Thought the premise was interesting, but later realized that characterization is just... Anyway it's not my cup of tea and I wanted to punch author in the face a bit.

US

Lady Ludmilla's Accidental Letter by Sofi Laporte

1st book in Merry Spinsters, Charming Rogues series. The title is self-explanatory, Lady Ludmilla indeed wrote a letter to her friend, but had no idea that tenants changed and she was answered by a man. Instead of severing the exchange then and there she continued this exchange of letter for several years, before fate made her return to London. And she hated London so much.

It's perfect for readers who like the theme of misunderstanding that will be present for entirety of the book. Readers as much as Ludmilla, shortened and lovingly called Lu, are chasing the red herring for most of the story, because author likes to throw dust in your eyes.

When Lu comes to London she is overwhelmed by the idea of meeting her Addy or staying in disguise. But coincidences keep happening that always lead her astray. At first she felt she got it right when thought that St Addington, the person she disliked, is her Addy. But then she finds out that he also has a cousin living in his house who is called Adam Adey. Even the reader may become confused since Adam mentions "writing a letter" or "waiting for a letter" several times, very much when mentoning such activity will lead us to believ he may be our Addy. So the whole thing is more like going back and forth before protags are honest with each other.

Oh, another thing is why Lu despised St Addington at first, although he was nto exactly the person she should loathe. When she oly debuted she was approached by a man, Matthew, but then accidentally she finds out he wants her money as a daughter of a Duke and all that flirting was nothing but a pretence. She disliked St Addington because he enticed Matthew to bet, though she saw that matthew wasn't against betting himself.

Of course as time went by and they came to know each other more such harsh feelings changed. He on the other hand was remorseful, since he liked her a lot for a very long time.

Very easy to read book, you can breeze through it. But again, the problem with modern HR romance is that it reads too modern. The way people speak and act.

Also author's humor, if there was such, passed me by so hard. I really didn't see anything funny with what characters found funny.

The last part where Lu goes back to Bath with her aunt she is rumored to be a fallen woman since she kissed St Addington in public (on his cheek), but then she said some random stuff like what a spinster to do and became a sensation after some passing Duchess told her she is something. I was baffled kinda.

I decided I won't continue with other books from this series.

RATE: 3/5.

I started reading the fourth book from the series and am around 25% in. I really have no idea how it happened, but I won't be dwelling on it. We start from sudden departure of Veronica on a longest vocation. Just after she and Stoker might have broken the barrier of friends to lovers, but they were stopped and Veronica backpedalled. Anyway Stoker's older brother comes to Veronica (since he is one of those gentlemen who is charmed~ by her, though who knows why) with a deal, so she will travel with him for a visit (she sold herself for butterflies but this time she feels more and more inclined to have live butterflies instead of making specimens). I think the name of butterfly was sompletely fabricated. Shocker I know, I'm sarcastic because I remember I googled on of the names and got some really random butterfly that can be found anywhere. Anyway, they travel and this man asks her to pretend to be his fiance, since it will not tarnish her reputation. Stoker actually arrived separately, but with same destination, but honestly girl hurt his feelings so much already by refusing and dancing around the topic.

As for what happens on this island is that it has a castle and it all gives gothic vibes, they even have poison plants garden. Locals believe in mermaids and ghosts. Since one of them is rumored to haunt the halls of the castle. I hope it won't go into supernatural or something odd that will have no good reason but something supernatural.

Also this bad boy here. I found this on IG and thought it's such a cool idea to have a whole book of puzzles like that. It was like a door opened to a new world. So there is a niche with books like that. It's so interesting. I love the interactive idea of it.

After seeing there are also other puzzles like Murdoku I actually ended up staying so late at night on their site ennamored in the puzzle-solving.

This one caught my attention because the FMC after the death of her husband finds he might have deceived her and she had no idea about his secrets. This way a person is brought in into investigating in a logical fashion. 

This one chosen because I wanted to try something new and from recommended, will see how it goes.

FUTURE RELEASES

           

Most of these come from the lists of recommended future releases. I'm so obvious that I go for covers and titles. Except Bodies of Magic, that came as rec from YT. I thought that Revenge plot itself sounds amazing, I'd like to see the story which promises mystery thriller and really inteesting premise of author who wants to be published and will not take no for an answer. Kiss, slay, replay is a loop novel and I want to try it, it sounds fun. If it's going to be unhinged I'm wlecoming it. As for I hope this email finds you in hell it reminded me of some fun stories when I was reading about metaphysics and connecting the two sounds fun. I think I remember one especially which was a BL story where a programmer joined the hell company and later they together invented many things, it was light-hearted and humorous.

I haven't watched anything these days except catching up with Running Man show. The only variety I still watch.

[NOVEL] Managing the Vampire's Mansion by K.M. Shea

As it turns out this is a part of author's Magiford universe, but does not require the knowledge or reading of previous books, since it's a stand-alone.

Starting over as a house manager in a charming small town sounded perfect. Until my new boss turned out to be a vampire.

After burning myself out at my corporate career, I take a job managing a mansion in a picturesque tourist town to reset my life.

The house is historic. The town is charming. The locals are welcoming. And, as I accidentally discover, my unfairly handsome employer, Beckett Kinge, is a vampire in hiding.

Beckett prefers order, privacy, and absolutely no supernatural mishaps.

Unfortunately for both of us, a rogue vampire is attacking the locals. The same people who have been nothing but nice to me. As attacks escalate and secrets unravel, staying uninvolved is no longer an option.

And somehow the only person who steps up to find the vampire is me—the mansion manager with poor people skills who knows absolutely nothing about supernaturals.

At least… I think I’m the only one working this case. But somewhere between tracking a killer and trying not to die, I realize Beckett isn’t just protecting his secret. He’s protecting me. And that might be far more dangerous for my emotional well-being.

Regardless, the rampaging vamp has to be found, or no one in town will be safe. Not even me.

#cozy, paranormal, urban, fantasy, romance

Very short and easy read, I think such story is perfect for someone who wants paranormal, but cozy story and don't want to stress. I realized I might want a bit more stress and a plot that is not so obvious.

Though partially I found it kinda silly. Especially the gnomes part.

But I'll be honest, when there is "managing the house" in the title I'd expect more about the house, which isn't completely true (well, to be hoenst, except the fact that Abi is managing the house indeed, the house itself or the topic of managing it are not relevant to the story, you can disagree). If someone remembers books by Douglas Adams and his "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy", which I think should be called like self-explanatory title? Yeah, the one that made so many similar titles when someone guides to something. But at least it gives you an idea of what's going on, partially. Here it is used in the same fashion.

Some of the titles I noticed lately start to sound like what Chinese and Japanese markets prefer, they love titles that explain what is going on, instead of using short or concise title that is abstract. E.g. using "I am attracted to my arch-nemesis" instead of something vague like "Shards of ice" (which can be story about anything, except ice ahaha).

I got used to this trend so much that started expecting what title promises to be the central theme. And it's on me. If you read the blurb you will know that main thing happening isthis rogue vampire causing troubles and it threatens both sides. But cozy stories always give you a feeling like it's no big deal, at least I read them as such (maybe because I know it's a cozy story and nothing will happen so I don't really expect anything too intense happening and if something happens I'm not worried at all).

I still don't know much about the house tbh, only that it's old and big and has a library you'd marry a beast for (which I think was a witty reference to beauty and the beast in the book and I couldn't help quotting it). But in general it's the story of Abi, who moved cities to get here and change pace, and Beckett who lives in pretty much seclusion and doesn't want to get involved in paranormal activities.

Thanks to author at least through actions and dialogues it was partially shown why the two got hots for each other. instead of one of the characters simply saying - oh, she's so smart, so intelligent, so witty, so this, so that. There were parts like this of course, but they were supported by something more than empty words. They both acted as they deserve those compliments ahaha.

The story is pretty cozy and not demanding at all. Easy to guess plot, so if you expect some twist I am sad to say it won't happen. They start as employee and employer, slowly become friends and then fall in love, while things happen in their small town that threaten the locals. Rogue vampire is never good news. There is a dilemma about Beckett not wanting to get involved, but he still does, because he cares about Abi's well-being. But overall some may find such books not "deep" enough in terms of relationships and such.

Not much to add.

RATE: 4/5.

[NOVEL] A Treacherous Curse by Deanna Raybourn

This is the third book in Veronica Speedwell Mystery series. If we talk about unexpected I really didn't plan to continue with the series. I was not impressed by the mystery and also the main protagonist Veronica in book one. Giving second book a chance was just to solidify my opinion of her an dthe mystery aspect. But then I was seeing it from now and then and eventually opened the third book and I don't know what happened, but as if something clicked in my brain, I was not as mad at Veronica as I did previously and the girl didn't do anything to salvage my opinion of her (I also stand by everything I've said about her) and I just didn't mind at all. So what if the motivation for these two to investigate is flimsy at best. So what if the main character sound too modern thinking and acts as such. So what if there are too many illogical or convenient parts. Most of my attraction was because of her partner in investigation - Stoker, which is the sound mind between the two. Despite the self-praise that Veronica loves to output so much, to me Stoker is the person of reason, also managed to be correct.

Then I just let it go that Veronica is not perfect. I did not expect her to be. But she was too self-absorbed and a bit of a hypocrite when it came to women. Yet either things start to change in the third book or Veronica just stopped criticizing other women aloud. I'll be honest she does have good moments in this one. 

London, 1888. As colorful and unfettered as the butterflies she collects, Victorian adventuress Veronica Speedwell can’t resist the allure of an exotic mystery—particularly one involving her enigmatic colleague, Stoker.

His former expedition partner has vanished from an archaeological dig with a priceless diadem unearthed from the newly discovered tomb of an Egyptian princess. This disappearance is just the latest in a string of unfortunate events that have plagued the controversial expedition, and rumors abound that the curse of the vengeful princess has been unleashed as the shadowy figure of Anubis himself stalks the streets of London.

But the perils of an ancient curse are not the only challenges Veronica must face as sordid details and malevolent enemies emerge from Stoker’s past.

Caught in a tangle of conspiracies and threats—and thrust into the public eye by an enterprising new foe—Veronica must separate facts from fantasy to unravel a web of duplicity that threatens to cost Stoker everything.

Veronica Speedwell. Book 3

I'll start from what I consider the main issue - 1st person point of view.

First of all we are always in Veronica's head, but to be precise we are in her descriptions of the events. We do not even hear her thoughts, thus the intrigue is saved for the last minute. The second downside of this is that we do not leave her side at all times and see everything through her own lense. And it feels like author did give us something, but at the same time gave us too little to justify things.

For example, it was easy to point at who possibly was responsible for the disappearance of Mr. de Moragn, the photograppher, but it was harder to deduct the motivation. The story behind the mystery is not bad, it's just not the reader's turn to guess those things until the very end. More about it in spoilers.

But overall the mystery feels like a by-product in the books. They investigate not because they feel the passion for the craft, they have heir own things to do, it just happened. And we spend a lot of time around these two. This is why I think it requires some new blend of genre, a new naming. Like in recent years the genre romantasy appeared, so I think there should be something similar in other genres, why not? Mystery and romance, but here a lot of time is spent actually on Veronica and Stoker. I appreciate it actually, since I liked him as a character from the beginning. We finally know what happened back in Amazonia and how his wife left him.

Wife, yeah same wife that married Mr. de Morgan, the missing photographer. I was so hooked on this part. Maybe I become more nosy and gossipy.

Before diving into spoilers I want to give my overall impression. I was in a better mood and enjoyed it more. The mystery part did better, the characters did well, especially Veronica showed more better sides of herself. Leaving several obvious plot mishaps that are too convenient the rest was quite okay. Don't expect it to become something it isn't is the main principle.

SPOILERS

Part 1. Introduction / setting

A big case is discussed in newspapers - Tiverton expedicion was a great success, they acquired some good load of goods, but also got a curse that propelled the popularity among the masses.

Then big news break - Mr. de Morgan, the photographer, left the expedition early, along with the diadem missing at the same time. But when it comes to his wherabout no one knows since de Morgan disappeared from the hotel.

note: becomes obvious that the hotel is connected somehow, since you can't have a paranormal change of the wallpapers in a basic hotel without a human hand, we're reading a mystery here, not a paranormal novel, thus we judge it by its' own standards.

His wife insists the room changed, but others of course either do not believe it or attribute it to the curse.

Veronica and Stoker would have continued to read about the story from the newspaper if it wasn't for Stoker's connection to de Morgan. He had all the reasons to at least hurt the man. But the motivation is flimpsy since both de Morgan and diadem disappeared at the same time. Yet it is enough for our kids to get involved.

Part 2. Mystery (not yet murder)

Sometimes I need to pull at myself that mystery can happen without a human body. Here, spoilers of course, a body will appear but almost at the end of the book.

At the very beginning it is established and repeated many times that photographer disappeared and absconded with the diadem (maybe to get a new life), but what became of him is unknown. The insistence of it makes you think that something must have happened, but what and why will stay as a mystery till the very end before it is explained.

I'm laying it all out.

De Morgan was just murdered, which should not come as a surprise, the body was spirited away in a sarcophagus, which was real btw, but the whole expedition was faked. No, the excavation and the travel it all happened, but the finds were faked.

Meet the Trivertons, especially Leicaster Triverton who is at the helm of this expedition, he is supported by his wife (who is his second wife) and a young daughter. And let's not forget the main mastermind, Patrick Fairbrother, who talked Triverton into this affair and was reportedly responsible for many wrongs, including the death of two people.

So their plan was simple, they come to Egypt, get the rights to dig, pretend they find some princess and transport the goods back, have an exhibition and sell the stuff to unknowing folk who will never know if it's authentic or not.

For the hype they created the "curse" of the princess. Patrick dressed as Anubis and paraded at the dig at night with a mask. It spread the word, but it wasn't enough. One member of the dig named Fowler is believed to have died of heart failure, but was poisoned by arsenic. Mr de Morgan have noticed the foul play and wanted to report it with the fake diadem he took away from the dig. The motivation for his murder.

note: which begs the question, this is the part that was completely ommitted and we never knew what happened, except the fact that the guy returned and wanted to report it, but with how he was described to have issues they could have bribed him or smth, it just never describes how and what happened so he decided to put himself at risk, like did he realize the Mr Fowler at the dig died not because fo weak heart or smth. Never explained.

The plan was fine, until you ask yourself, well, what will happen if true Egyptologists will dig into those finds. They're partially true artifacts and they wanted to sell it to fools who will buy the story. Of course they were afraid of being discovered, but at the same time Patrick Fairbrother was definitely planning to escape before it got too hot. Since we're always with Veronica we have little scene of final confrontation between two men and where Triverton shoots the guy and himself for the sins. Good for them the public was not keen on what really happened and they all thought it's a curse at work.

Again it was not hard to connect the Triverton group for something foul, but you don't know that the dig was completely faked before they explain it among themselves at the end.

Veronica and Stoker have no idea about fake or authentic goods, thus they were completely blind to the fact that the diadem was fake, only when Triverton's former partner said those things we arrive at the ralization that the dig was faked to get money.

Maybe other bright minds had considered this option, but I can't say the same for myself. 

Part 3. Investigation

So our two dolls decide that to clear the name of Stoker which was dragged by hateful gossip rag they need to take action.

they visisted the main participants - Trivertons, and heard their side of the story.

Then we meet the Mrs de Morgan (or Stoker's ex-wife) and we don't get any decent information, it was more about Stoker himself.

But by the laws of this genre the guy is long gone, but his wife still believes he willr eturn.

Then we also pay a visit to former partner of Triverton. Also a peculiar fight right at the time the princess was found.

And here is the point when I was wondering why it took them so long to travel to Dover and see the hotel with changing walls. They find the room, find it was indeed plastered with new wallpaper (I know that changing wallpaper so quickly is a miracle). But they also meet a man-made accident. The proprietess obviously almost murdered them two, but they did nothing to her. I wish they just vocaled why they did it, otherwise I'm just sitting here guessing that too much noise will attract unwanted attention to the fact they were together and unmarried.

note: Veronica lives with him in the same place without maid or companion to protect her reputation, I find it strange how she remembers such things.

But I also think she might have playd dumb, this hostess, and denied anything or even more - frightened the main bird.

The above-mentioned diadem appears on its' own, broght in by the Mrs de Morgan, she found it after so many days in the fake bottom of her bag. I don't really like such turns, but whatever, it fits what they said. But because they know nothing about Egyptology they didn't click it's a fake. before they got to exhibition, the diadem was stolen (like why dude) and they turned to the one who grabbed it - mr former partner. He knew the real deal and told them it's fake and this is where we get the whole fake dig info.

What I find baffling is that mostly these two feel like they just happened to be in a right place at the right time, that's all.

The final stretch is the chase after two men who were in a conflict, because Triverton got proof Fairbrother will leave with everything. And of course Fairbrother will leave, Veronica and Stoker found the body of de Morgan in a sarcophagus after they realized the full dig was faked.

Part 4. Characters

Most we get is the info about Stoker, his past and how he was betrayed by his wife who married him for status and money, but was after his best friend she madly fell inlove with. She cheated on him during their first travel and when Stoker was deadly wounded both left him to die. They returned to England and spitted nonsense to discredit him so she could divorce him on charges of cruelty. Stoker was not there to defend himself, thus his reputation was in tatters when he finally returned. I actually liked this part of the story and how fierce Veronica protected Stoker. Even if she might have something romantic towards him, you can still feel her appreciation not only for his physique (which I think was mentioned far too often previously, as if Veronica was teh thirstiest).

Veronica herself also does not show much of her insufferable side which was there before. I din't mind, she toned it down and I felt it was far better.

As for the rest of those characters that appeared. Well, those temporary ones do not matter if we're being honest. As for the rest they're kinda like mascots. I still feel like the two exist in their own world for the ntirety of the book. Not mad at it.

So despite the conveniences and lack of details I pretty much felt it was good. Compared to previous ones it is much better.

RATE: 4/5.

[Chinese BL novel] 权臣穿进豪门养子文学 by 二月竹 / A Powerful Minister Transmigrates Into the Adopted Son of a Wealthy Family

Xiao Lanchui was the youngest Grand Secretary of the Great Li Dynasty. After helping the newly enthroned emperor pacify the realm, he was poisoned to death.

After his death, Xiao Lanchui transmigrated into the world of a wealthy-family novel, becoming its frail, sickly adopted son, someone everyone could bully without consequence.

The doctors had already given up on him. They declared he would not survive the coming winter.

Beneath the glamorous facade of the powerful family lurked danger at every turn.

The loving adoptive father, the indifferent adoptive mother, the dignified and taciturn eldest young master, the refined and courteous second young master, and the cheerful, seemingly innocent fourth young master…

Every one of them wanted him dead.

Because he was never the “adopted son” described in the novel.

He was the family’s biological son.(NU)

TW: Mr Xiao is a disgusting piece of p* garbage, self-harm, violence, relationship between non blood-related siblings, attempted r*, abuse.

It's a thrilling ride with violence and melodramatic plots, pretty upbeat story with a lot going on, intelligent MC (morally gray) and obsessed ML (pitch black) among other character that were not spared. The only innocent person might be OG Lanchui (I am used to call him Lanyue due to MTL)

I'll warn you at once, the relationship between MC and ML is not the healthiest one. It is more of obsessive love where they can do a lot of shit for each other and can't see a single person except for each other as a partner.

IT HAPPENED! I FINISHED. And I am very glad I waited for so long, mentioned it so many times, basically hyped myself up, which isn't good, especially if the story will fail. But author did it again. Trashy entertainment at its' finest.

Author did not spare anyone, even protags. It's a wild ride of a slow build-up with a great pay off.

This is a story of Revenge, capital letter, where MC who traveled from the past is now in the body of a poor young man whose fate can't be more pitiful, a victim of a grand scheme of his own father.

And the situation is... complicated.

MC navigates the situation with his own knowledge and what he knows from the "plot" to weave a big trap for the two biggest perpetrators of his case, while also having a dilemma of what to do with a person who looks exactly like the Emperor he brought from nothing to the highest position in his previous life.

The story held me in its' grip from start to finish. I know this author, Backtracking and Infernal belong to them and actually I noticed I might have read some other stories from them, but because it was a long time ago I hardly remember. 

But these three, they've become my big three. I may like Infernal less, since it involves school violence and not only, it's the darkest of them all and just makes you depressed. This one does not shy away from dubious content and is full of blood and visits to the hospital. But it was not as hard to digest.

(click to enlarge. if I butchered someone's name, I'm sorry)

So let's start from the beginning. MC wakes up in a body that barely survived drowning. The one who pushed him was his own father, only because OG witnessed him doing naughty stuff, but the object of it all was his second brother Xiao Anfeng. Two members of the Xiao family for the longest time kept a secret that Xiao Anfeng is not Xiao's biological child, he belonged to Mr Xiao's ex-lover who made Mr Xiao swear that he will take care of him. Mr Xiao's most "brilliant" idea was to swap the babies first, then take OG back home as "adopted child", but then reveal that he was probably illegitimate. His psychological manipulation included making the entire family hate OG instead of Anfeng and not pay attention that little Anfeng does not look like his parents. But the older Anfeng got the more he resembled his dead father and Mr Xiao had other thoughts about this child.

And he got the scheme working. The family fel they were torn apart because of a child. Since Mr Xiao always showed his love and bias. At the same time it drove others crazy, especially Anfeng who thought the love of his father was stolen and he always wanted to win it back. 

The one who also helped to cover it up was the eldest son - Xiao Linqi. At very young age he figured both are not biological brother and as time passed by he aslo developed feelings for Anfeng. But to get the precious person away from harm he constantly brainwashed his younger brother to make him violent towards OG, while his mother came down with hysterics at the mere sight of OG.

This is the situation Lanyue found himself in. His health was also fucked like in previous life, thanks to chronic poisoning by Xie JingFang, the mother who has no idea that she poisoned her own child. What a cruel fate.

In the past Lanyue rose from ashes. His mother was an unknown person, but he was talented and became prominent for a short while, the Xiao family did not want to see him suceed, this is how they devised a simple plan, ruin Lanyue's life but eventually the man-made accident ruined his legs. With disability his path came crashing down. Xiao family even had the excuse to get rid of him and sent him to some small temple for "recuperation". This is where his path started, from him and unloved prince Lu Ao rising to power. 

Their relationship covers a lot of this story, it's actually intense how much they went through together, from the moment Lu Ao was just a bean sprout with unkept hair filled with lice to an Emperor. Lanyue was Lu Ao's advisor and biggest support, they went through many calamities before they succeeded, they thought they'll be ruling together (Lanyue even exterminated entire Xiao clan), but one day Lanyue was poisoned and the fruit he ate was said to be sent from the Emperor.

By that time Lanyue had many concerns and misunderstandings. He thought the Emperor had a lover, he even believed that Emperor got rid of him because every Emperor does that or that he never relayed the last words of his "lover" or any other reason. He has not realized that he actually loved Lu Ao and that development bothered him a lot.

This is why he was very wary of Lu Ao in this life, not only because he tried to kill him when he first saw him (actually confirmed his thoughts that Lu Ao hated him), but also because.. the hostory was almost entirely erased during the reign of Lu Ao who is mentioned as a tyrant and that he erased history because of his dead lover. Lanyue almost guessed it right, just got the person wrong.

I loved the slow manipulation and plucking strings that let the story slowly unfold. I loved that once again the MC does it all himself, he is intelligent and is completely capable of doing things on his own. Because of his origins I believed in his character and this story (although some of it may sound like a convenience).

But one must remember that in many cases Lanyue did it all with detached attitude, he is doing it all for someone else, not for himself. So even if it feels like he has attitude, but then you realize no he's not. The one thing that ever got him somewhere was always the thought of Lu Ao.

I liked the conclusion of it. Where the characters ended in the end. And how the story had a simple plan that worked.

Although the story has a lot of secondary characters that do not really matter, thus I won't go into detail about them.

SPOILERS:

Where we started and where we ended...

The Xiao family (excluding Lanyue since he succeeded in his scheme):

• Xie Jingfang, at first of course she hated Lanyue, but new Lanyue planted the seed of doubt into her and let it sprout with time. The first culmination came when the scene of revealing Xiao Anfeng's status rolled in. She realized with horror that she cared for someone's child while she poisoned her own. She cared for Lanyue and was very protective after the reveal, but in the end she realized he won't really forgive her. Lanyue couldn't actually forgive her since he wasn't her child, the OG died in that sea. She and the youngest left for his study, she decided to give Lanyue space and time in hopes that one day some things may change. Although the things she did were outrageous, she also has the image of a fierce mother. It doesn't mean she has a redeeming arc. It was kinda looking like one, but not entirely.
• Xiao Miao. The youngest son. Was too brainwashed and physically harmed OG Lanyue. With time after MC arrived he started to change his attitude, especially after knowing the truth. But his sins are still there, so he had to take responsibility for his actions, he and Xie JingFang are only two characters who are "spared". After all their fate is emotionally tormenting, but at least they were not retaliated against.
• Xiao Linqi. The eldest tried to cover for Anfeng, but during the reveal he got caught in the act and thus cam the dilemma of choosing between his birth mother and person he loves, the choice is always easy for him he chose Anfeng, always him. At first he wanted to use something similar to his father's tactic, isolate Anfeng from others, make him believe he's the only one he can have (it worked) and reveal that they're not biological. Later when Lanyue saved and made Anfeng disappear from the country he lost his mind, this is why he was easily caught in Lanyue's plan, to invite him to cruise, and make father and son confront each other, during which Linqi pushed his father overboard and was later arrested for it. Because he disappointed his mother so much, she stopped caring about him. The last thing he asked about was Anfeng.
• Xiao Jing Li, the biggest scumbags of all scumbags, the disgusting piece of shit, the dirt that crawled, no one can reach the same level as low as this guy. Father of the year. Who married to have a wife to shield him. Never cared for a single child of his. His thoughts were obsessively on Anfeng. When the truth about Anfeng was revealed he at first wanted to take him away, but got caught up in Linqi's scheme (his own son knew him well, he prepared a special person who learnt to be Anfeng's stand-in), while the lover and Anfeng lived just few apartments away the lover befriended Anfeng and his goal was to let Anfeng witness what his father is like during s**. Traumatising. Later Linqi took him away, told him the truth truth. That they're not biological. Eventually he made a move, so when the entire family appeared they were doing it. JingLi went berserk. Truth came out for the rest of the family. Afterwards Mr Xiao moved Anfeng and imprisoned him in a villa. Lanyue and Lu Ao saved him from it and let him move abroad. To let the two worst humans possible go against each other Lanyue devised a plan, He got back a person who was a stand-in in the OG story, Sun Xiao, he was an auction house worker, he hired him for few days, because he was with Lanyue he was noticed by Mr Xiao's men. When Sun Xiao revealed his face they believed it's Anfeng (they were so alike). The final grandfinale scene is on the cruise. Five board: Lanyue, Lu Ao, Sun Xiao, Mr Xiao and Xiao Linqi. After short while Sun Xiao is sent via boat back. Lanyue changes into Sun Xiao's clothes (he and Anfeng have similar build), he left Linqi waiting since he promised to take Anfeng to meet him. He came to his room, of course with no Anfeng. With few words Mr Xiao barged in. He was told "Anfeng" is here, he sees Anfeng's coat. He thinks Linqi made a move, the two get into fist fight, conflict escalates. To his question where is Anfeng Lanyue looks at the open balcony. The two move there and during the conflict Mr Xiao is pushed overboard. Mr Xiao was found by rescuers but he was already dead. Linqi was taken for his murder. Although Linqi planned to harm Lanyue as a witness, but Lu Ao appeared in time to prevent it. The plan against the two worked. Lanyue didn't even need to move a finger.
• Xiao Anfeng, the one tormented young master. Actually did a lot of underhanded things to OG Lanyue. But later was tormented by father and son. I don't mention his first involvement with a man (brother of Lu Ao's body) Lu Siye, because that part is not important. But when he was with Linqi he had a morbid idea that at least with him he can win against Lanyue. He always competed and felt like he lost. Knowing he has biological mother alive he left the country with her to never come back.

Relationship between Lu Ao and Lanyue takes a big chunk of this story, from their past to the present life.

Lu Ao's family is nothing to mention, we concentrate more on his life with Lanyue after he recognized that his lover is alive. But this guy is insane.

So Lu Ao woke up, in the story OG Lu Ao dies in fire, he doesn't. He sees Lanyue and thinks this person does not deserve the face of his beloved and tries to kill him, he is tranquillized and sent away to mental hospital.

Lanyue also thinks this is the true reaction of Lu Ao and that he hates him for never bringing last word of his supposed love (eunuch Qi Ying). This misconception existed for a long time.

But since two looked so much alike Lanyue had to make sure he is not the Emperor.

Lu Ao gets out of the hospital with time with two main goals: kill the fake, kill himself. He didn't want to live in this world. he found the real tomb of him and Lanyue. Here we find the truth that he erased teh history so that no information of his real tomb will be leaked. This is how extreme he is to protect their peace.

he followed Lanyue and wanted to kill him, but saw a scene of kidnapping and thought how great, he won't need to touch the fake. But imagine his anguish when he saw Lanyue not only saving himself from the situation but also checking his own pulse with all too familiar gesture.

Lu Ao was happy, but next second felt devastated. Wtf did he just do.

Later Lu Ao is said to have a broken arm, but we know Lu Ao has almost unreal physical strength, no one can hurt him.. except himself. He broke his own arm, he punishes himself.

Lu Ao as obsessive ML is on a different level. He was so afraid that Lanyue will dislike him, that he played the silly guy. And continued being jealous of himself. That some idiot had all the attention from Lanyue he didn't have. On the contrary Lanyue wanted someone simple who would never betray him.

The two slowly developed feelings for each other. Mainly Lu Ao was crazy and Lanyue finally was enlightened that he loved Lu Ao even in previous life.

The whole act continued till the very end. It actually made sense. With final misunderstanding resolved they continued to be happy.

This is the frame of it all. Many of the fill-gap characters I skipped them over. The full galore should be experienced by yourself.

I'll be honest I liked how Lanyue made the two father and son slowly go crazy and run around like headless flies. They thought they were smart. In the end Lanyue simply pitted them against each other and it felt simple and effective. When it happened I was almost cheering because these two deserved it.

I may say I know this author so I know what they were going for and what to expect I guess. I enjoyed my fun time.

RATE: 5/5.