[MANHWA] Can't Get Enough of You / 못 잡아먹어서 안달

Can be found on Webtoons.

The story follows Kim Taejun who tragically loses his parents in a car accident, the accident is blamed on Han SoEun's father who was their driver. By extention the family her father worked for couldn't forgive her either, even if she was but a little girl.

Kim Taejun felt hatred towards the person responsible for his loss of parents and thought he's going to hate Han SoEun too, but she became part of his good childhood memories.

Later Han SoEun is sent off behind Taejun's back and they are separated for 20 years.

20 years later Han SoEun starved for love and who was seeing her current boyfriend undergoes a dangerous organ donor operation to save the life of her future mother-in-law whom she already considers family, but by chance she realizes that they did all this just for her to donate part of her liver and they did not plan to proceed with marriage.

Meanwhile, her company ad her department welcomes a new CEO, Kim Taejun. She doesn't recognize him and certainly did not retain part of her memories. Kim Taejun at first came with more vindictive plans, but seeing what Han SoEun got herself into he couldn't help but start digging into it.

He hates her but he loves her.

It's a very cliche beginning, thankfully the deal with her not wanting to separate from the family was resolved quite quickly, otherwise I would have dropped it back at the beginning.

Although Kim Taejun is vindictive, but he's a more complex personality and is a great character.

They find themselves in a very cliche situation, she did not know what her father had done, she doesn't recognize him, he becomes her new love. But the past is between them.

He slowly let's go of his past and doesn't blame her and he truly loves and cherishes her.

It would have been better that way, but this love for cheap melodrama involves his family who come into picture and his grandfather who plans to send Han SoEun away and she agrees when she figures what her father had done.

So. this is the moment when you start kinda hating on her and this dumb trope.

Instead of talking it out and bringing it up she decides for them both that it's going to be better for her to leave. But later he spent months in trying to find her overseas, he eventually succeeded, but it's as if she changed her character and she started to annoy me a lot. Sis, your father was the only survivor, he doesn't blame you and truly shows how he loves you instead of your ex dog boyfriend, whom might I add she never dragged to court for what his family did. But with a man who is ready to go to such lengths for her she started to showcase her temper. And the story as well tried to portray him as the bad guy.. what? Sure they had not the best start with him doing things with ulterior motives, but eventually things changed, he worked on making everything better.

I couldn't understand her switch at all, it felt like it exists for cheap melodrama and to add theatrics. Before it gets resolved. Because once again she never dragged the family of her ex for what they did, she felt so MarySue in that moment. I could understand her decision, it was high-sounding. She only defended herself publicly with a post, but still did not take any actions, but never prevented others from doing so (sounds tiny bit hypocritical). But when it came to ML she is like - nope, I will make sure to hurt the man I love more with my words, while I know what my dad did and I know what Taejun did and said the words of forgiveness and the fact he searched for me high and low but does it matter, I have a temper now. Honestly, I got a bit tired of her and I just skipped that part entirely. So I have no idea how they resolved it. I was getting ennoyed how tropey this story was getting.

I dunno, the manhwa fails at portrayal and goes into melodrama effect too often.

Surely to resolve everything from their past it's going to be the most cliche plots of all - her father is not at fault and everyone will be able to forgive each other, I bet you it'll be shit like that.

So it becomes known Taejun's unkle is the responsible person, SoEun's dad blood test was forged because otherwise the residue of him being drugged will be seen.

When will these author learn that things aren't that simple. I wonder if in the future she's going to do another "escape" (ughhh) because she will realize she lived away from her father who moved to a different country because he was used like that. But Taejun's family will have reason to let go of the past and be at peace knowing her dad was not at fault.

Honestly, why can't they just do a story normally. All these dramatics that are so overused.

I honestly don't want to continue reading it, since it's predictable af. 

The only great characters to me were Taejun, who worked through his past and came to terms with it.

Another was Hyunjin, the girl who came for revenge. Her arc was interesting, I'm glad I stuck around, it was satisfying to see that she came out of it clean too. But she had no regrets in what she's done, even if she did not do it for herself. I dunno, it was more impactful than FMC's side.

Also FMC SoEun was also too stereotypical, although you could understand her partially with her longing for family, while being separated from her father and growing up like an orphan. But she did not know the details of the past, so that past was not part of her story. Yet, she's always typically self-conscious, with low self-esteem etc. Pretty basic stuff. Sometimes all these portrayals of being shy and shivering (I don't mention crying during sex, who fucking cries during sex?) just look bad, as if she can't change and will never change and it's weird to me. As if the person never grows close or comfortable with their loved one.

[TOPIC] "Lazy" costuming in romantasy manhwa

I've been on a new wave of reading manhwa lately, but I noticed several peculiar things about the creative process in manhwa that seemed to be dominating for the one final result - efficiency. A lot of usage of 3D modeling, same images, patterns etc. The only thing that makes them look different is the art style. Though sometimes it also looks rushed.

I personally love costuming, especially in movies, if it's a decently budgeted film and the director invites a visionary we can end up with some amazing costume decisions that will distinct the movie from the rest. The movie even may up ending a complete garbage truck, but costuming may take it to another level and impact the viewer.

And it doesn't matter the genre, be it fantasy or urban story. Costuming may play a big role and become some sort of an iconic moment.

As of lately I've read some decent Korean novels and manhwas, which was surprising to me. The reason being the love of Korean authors writing many toxic plots just for the sake of it. It may be completely illogical and bad, but it will mask itself behiind some heart-wrenching moments that people will be distracted by to notice the fallacy. But I digress.

But I found it surprising how downright foolish some of the visuals actually are and how lazy the thought process behind the costuming is. All for the sake one goal - efficiency. Draw fast, throw some stock images and be done with it.

If you've read at least one or two manhwas, you probably have seen the majority of them, because they look the same. The excessive use of 3D modeling for everything, starting from houses, horses that will give me nightmares and even the plates and food. Sometimes artists are lazy to draw correctly around those and the entire thing often looks wanky and uggo.

While the costuming uses no rhyme or reason, the female gowns are always these wackadoodle pastes of hundreds details that are meant to distract you from how crazy it looks or how modern it feels. And they mean to say it is "European ambience". These are not my words, it's a legit tag used for romantasy set in a country that will remind you of something European, even though it's a fantasy country.

I'd love to talk about how messy it looks with styles mixed, too many modern pieces included everywhere, which to me as a reader doesn't help to immerse myself into what supposed to be a fantasy.

But when it comes to dresses... girl. This is a mess.

Even if they would just follow some past historical fashion they would be totally fine, copy and paste what a big deal, but they need to bring this girl fantasy of sparkles and gems that often just looks illogical.

Before I dive into it I must have an honorable mention, this should be given best costuming award, at least arist had put some thought in it - My In-Laws are obsessed with me. And not to mention artist will never forget the gloves, which is a big part of the story (if you know, you know). But has a better distinction between day wear, ball gowns and overall female / male fashion. The artist even takes care of the hairstyle for the FMC. Also the story is great, I loved it.

Another one that stood out to me among others was Mother's Contract Marriage, which is visually stunning, totally stands out among others. And I don't care if our main characters wardrobe looks too modern tbh, but it looks cute.

Back to manhwas. The fashion is weird. Mostly, it exists, but trends don't. I see no trends in romantasy manhwa, ever. It always feels like - whichever idea came to mind, we will realize it. And I find it funny because often time they mention fashion in the manhwa itself, but they don't have distinct elements to make up a trend. Like the FMC can wear a full skirt, then it's more fishtail, she can wear a hat, then she wears a bonnet. It's like mix and match of styles. It can exist, but it looks like a mess.

There are no trends, no silhouettes that are fashionable, it's always just a lot of ruffles and a lot of stock images that are used. You know those, 2D images of necklaces that look obviously flat or other embellishments and patterns that looks same dead.

There is often no distinction between day wear and ball gowns. This is baffling to me because otherwise characters look like Christmas trees in their everyday life, dressed in full evening gowns with jewellery glittering to the universe.

There is no distinction between status. Like you look at people who definitely should have different status, but they all look the same.

Why I mention this is because I think it's missed opportunity and secondly, artists make some interesting mistakes while disregarding what they're writing about just for the sake of being "pretty".

I can give an example, can't make screenshots though.

In manhwa called Marchioness Marron (or just call it moron, would be fitting considering the story), FMC is sent to isolated territory and she basically has nothing with her outside the dress she's wearing. The mansion Marron is a dilapitated building that does not seem to hold much. Let's admit she might have found a change of clothes.

But later she develops the territory slowly and brings in several occupants. The manhwa draws attention several times to the fact that they need to sell some of their produce to survive and Marron herself mentioned the lack of money. So on one of their outings she buys a dress, it's an investment, I admit, but later on she is seen to be walking around always in more sophisticated dresses, not to mention embellishments are all gems, which makes her dresses look expensive. Which in her current settings looked quite not right and conflicting. Not to mention she does not need to wear those for her everyday wear. There is no one to see her, she established her status among her (small bunch of) people.

One of the main trends in romantasy is actually the copy of what GoT. Northern territory ruled by a Duke that defends against monsters.

Almost every other romantasy manhwa is about a Norther territory that protects from monsters and they also have beef with central territory which is supposed to be the ruling center. Not to mention almost every other male lead character has dark hair and red eyes, watch out for that shit.

But it's hilarious when characters are drawn in some fine embellished dresses while it's a winter territory they describe as COLD. Clothes always look thin and you would expect more fur but no.

I forgot which manhwa I've opened up lately and it basically showed a female character walking around in winter in her heels. It's not a boot, it's a full high-heeled shoe with some gems and stuff. And it's not a single occurance and no, she did not run out out of urgency, she wore it as if it was okay.

Clothes always look the same in many manhwas, they're elaborate and don't take into consideration anything except looking flashy. Like details of the plot, status, purchase ability etc.

I can understand efficiency, but sometimes it looks more than that, that artists did not waste even two brain cells on creating something unique or of their own. Sometimes gowns look simple only because the overall art style is like that.

I think novel covers art looks the best out of all, since the artists only draw this one picture and if they add too many details it might end up looking gaudy, but just the working on the texture and making the drawing look good make the most basic things shine. And I don't think it's realistic to draw like that all the time. I'm sure there are plenty out there just drawing, not really aiming to create a masterpiece.

But from time to time it's nice to see at least something. Although usually it's simple things, but at least it will give you something. For example, a color scheme that belongs solely to some regions to distinct the rivalry is the easiest to draw. Or often time the soft-looking female villain who always cries so the males will pity her will look innocent and wearing some light-colored clothes with lots of ruffle to support the girlishness. 

I remember someone made a hilarious comment how they're gonna have a PTSD from pink- or light-haired villains who look and act innocent (Chinese equivalent of White Lotus x Green Tea Bitch mix).

So basically, not everything is lost and it looks good, but often time it just does not look appropriate for what scene / situation the characters are in.

Well, ranting is over. I can go on even longer, but that's the gist of it.

[VIDEO] Punkey Doodles "Swan Princess"

Honestly, EACH TIME I see a swan now I think of this video 😂 why they did not write a story like that it's such a waste.

I came across one manhwa which basically has FMC as a cursed person who turns into swan. A FULL LAKE of cursed people who are birds, but not one of them goes berserk. I think it's such a wasted potential for a comedy. Yeah the person who cursed them has black magic. But the black magician needs the swan lady for sure, thus she won't do anything drastic to her, SO FMC COULD HAVE SHITTED ON THAT PARADE LITERALLY. With the rest of the birds. You're birds, just be swift and agressive.

[NOVEL] Tourist Season by Brynne Weaver

Unhinged, but fun.

Welcome to Cape Carnage! Visit Once, Stay Forever.

Cape Carnage is a seaside town of colorful houses, quirky shops, and an unusually high body count. But with tourists comes trouble, and Harper Starling won’t let anyone ruin her picture-perfect home. A skilled gardener with killer instincts, Harper protects her sanctuary at any cost—especially for her aging mentor with a fading memory.

Troublesome tourists don’t check out of Carnage. They compost beneath Harper’s award-winning flowerbeds. But Nolan Rhodes isn’t your average tourist. Devilishly handsome, disarmingly charming, and skilled with a blade, Nolan is relentless in the pursuit of revenge. On every anniversary of the hit-and-run accident that fractured his life, Nolan slays another target. And he’s saved the best for last: the undeniably beautiful Harper Starling.

The problem? Harper isn’t the monster he expected. And she won’t go down without a fight. When an amateur true crime investigator comes to Cape Carnage on the trail of a long-lost serial killer, Harper and Nolan strike an uneasy truce. If Nolan helps Harper protect her town, she’ll keep quiet about his hunting habits . . . for now. But their alliance soon spirals into obsession, one that threatens to shatter every secret in Carnage—including their fragile love.

The Seasons of Carnage. Book 1

For sure it was bloody and fun. From the author of Butcher & Blackbird I never read.

I'm no fan of toxic traits, but if you can wrap it up nicely and add some dark humor and not make it super serious, I can deal with it.

The two main characters are totally unhinged, the story doesn't take itself seriously, although it has some good moments of friendship and care.

The plot itself is super easy, Nolan comes to town with a goal, but then he meets Harper and he did not expect to meet this type of Harper, so things got complicated, tied together they try to navigate how to get rid of Sam Porter, the head of amateur sleuth group, who had too much get in his head that he can do anything for fame. That means coming to Cape Carnage and tying the name of Harper's mentor and a serial killer named La Plume together (spoiler, not the same person). Harper wants to protect one person so dear to her, so she is ready for some blackmail. Nolan doesn't want Harper to get caught before he deals with her himself, so it's all in his interest to make it work.

Honestly, they didn't do much in that direction.

But the forced proximity kinda works and both have conflicting feelings. Nolan loathes himself for feeling anything towards a woman who killed his brother and yet to find out that she is not real Harper.

Harper had no one else except her mentior who knows her true self and a person she could rely on, slowly (very slowly) she tries to trust Nolan.

Although the plot is a bit predictable, but it's those bits and pieces of fun that make the picture going. Oh, and a bit of gore. Or not a bit.

I honestly had a feeling that maybe the entire Cape Carnage is on what's really going on but they stay silent because they're not that against of getting rid of few scumbags. Like the dude who pushed the pregnant nurse. Small towns may be weird. But it's fun to think that way.

Spoilers section~

To me the ending had a bit of a cliffhanger feel tbh, because by that time Nolan came to terms that he fell in love with a woman he came to kill, only to uncover at the very last chapter of this book that she is not who he thought she was, she said it herself but tbh it was cryptic. So what should he do with all that avalanche of emotions.

And not to mention the sleuth group acted as if they're ready to get into Cape Carnage the very next second since they got news of Sam and his companion deaths. But it's left for later.

I was also a bit surprised (not really) about the epilogue. I had a feeling they dealt with La Plume in the past, but it happens not to be the case, I wonder about this backstory.

Honestly, Sheriff always gave you the feeling that HE KNOWS EVERYTHING, but does nt get involved for some reason.

Anyway, I do wish to see maya with her talent for mixtures in the next book, won't it be fun? I think so. I have a feeling the girl cracked the two open the first time she saw them with severed head and hands, but because she is also from the same type of people she played along.

RATE: 3,75/5.

[ANIME] Debu to Love to Ayamachi to! (2025)

WHY NO ONE TOLD ME THIS IS GOING TO BE SEASON 1?!!

Lol I have no idea why I was so sure they will wrap up in one sitting. It's not like the plot is so complicated.

Koda Yumeko had an accident that left her with amnesia but also change of personality. Instead of gloomy and depressive self she now truly loves and appreciates herself for who she is. It also changes her life at work, her relationship with fellow collegues and even the VP of their company.

But her accident wasn't an accident at all.

I don't care who thinks what about this anime, I find it immensely positive.

Yumeko can pull some cringe speeches, but you can't be mad at her, she is cute and so positive about life, about who she is currently is. 

The anime doesn't dance on eggshells and shows some ugly side of people, but doesn't make everyone a hater you know. People around her appreciate her personality and know her antics and treat her as a human being like themselves, instead of it being a story where every single human being melodramatically concentrates on her weight.

You can't blame the past Yumeko  for being sad, since she was bullied since she was a kid. Imagine going through that as a child who has no idea why people hate her so much, just because she is overweight. kids are the cruelest, I tell you. But the past Yumeko closed herself off completely and spiraled, not having a single decent friend who would uplift her from her quigmire.

The accident did something good for her. I know some people say - peole should love you as you are. But that's a soothing bs. Because if you have an unlikable personality, why would people like you. Others treated Yumeko as air at work, but now she is outgoing extrovert who loves herself and finds herself cute.

Would never thinkI'd say a phrase like - brain damage came in handy.

It doesn't really say outright about beauty standards, but it's the underlying theme too. She doesn't fit it, but present Yumeko does not fuss about it. She sees herself in a more positive light than most people see themselves in the mirror. That she needs a lot of food to support that awesome body, she eats what she wants, her body is beautiful, she is totally cute, her hands are soft like marshmallows etc.

Surely, the anime also plays joke or two here and there, but it's actually nice to see how Yumeko handles all those jabs at her weight etc.

Like she meets her former classmate in the conbini and after her speech he says she's fun, he wished to know her during their school days. Let's not soften our punches, Yumeko was in a bad headspace, but also deprived herself from knowing better people.

Overall it's like a good message, life won't be all stars and sunshine, life may punch you in the gut, but don't be discouraged.

As for the plotline about the investigation, well, here I noticed it's a common thing nowadays that plot doesn't progress much. I honestly thought this is not some story that needs many seasons to be over, but i was proven wrong.

The investigation does not progress much, but we as viewers have pretty good idea who did it, but I still ask myself - why? Every "crime" has a motive of sorts. In this case Yumeko, or past Yumeko should not have crossed paths with Rikako, or CEO's daughter. She's been out of the company for some time, the only link between two women is obviously VP Keisuke, but the anime did not answer the question what was the relationship between Keisuke and past Yumeko. Why would Rikako go off the rails and push the woman down.

But who knows, there might be a twist (I doubt it), I say this because Yumeko never remembered the accident and they never showed it, but Keisuke acts as if he is afrad of her remembering. But Keisuke pretty much could have been present. Imagine that.

I can understand Rikako's post partum depression, but honestly, she bound Keisuke to herself in a pretty selfish way, what now he can't have his own life, have a woman to love have a family just because he is a friend and he's her support. I mean the girl needs therapy, not cuddling.

But again, the plotline did not progress much I'd say. I can not stress enough how disappointing it was to have a second love interest suddenly appearing, it's the same as when a love rival appears in shoujo manga, usually some childhood sweetheart girl who messes things up, dislike this move. The positive side is all the good energy Yumeko spreads. Animation sometimes looked cheap though. 

Maybe I will see if the manga is completed to know what's next. But Yumeko's seiyu did such a great job, gave her such a nice character.

[NOVEL] The Ties that Divide by Sandra and Taylor Preisler

ooh, this was rough

In the heart of Regency London, where the gulf between the opulent upper class and the squalid streets is as wide as the Thames, Zoe Demas, a young French woman entangled in two worlds, finds herself at the center of a chilling mystery.

When her lady's maid, Lucy, is found dead in the notorious district of Whitechapel, Zoe refuses to accept the verdict of a tragic accident. Determined to uncover the truth, she enlists the help of Quinton Huxley, a man whose expertise lies in navigating the murky waters between legality and the underworld.

Alongside a cast of characters as diverse as they are mysterious—Zoe's stepfamily, a Bow Street runner, a resurrectionist, and a gangster among them—Zoe and Quinton unravel a tale of forbidden love, jealousy, and betrayal that threatens to consume her.

Q&Z Regency Mysteries. Book 1

Well, this started well, but soon enough it became another case of - let me tell you, not show you.

We start from Zoe Demas, she and her mother escaped France, the imagery of her past still haunts her, she still feels out of place even if her life went well when her mother re-married when she was nine.

Zoe is a talented artist (I wish there was more of it) and has a bit of accentric temperament (very cliche thing to say about a French woman), so she has a bit of a temper even with servants.

But one day her maid is reported to be dead, no one takes upon themselves the investigation. But Zoe feeling guilt for her rude words before she last saw her maid made her turn to private investigator Quinton Huxley. This is where Q&Z come from.

He promises to find some leads, but the investigation to me was quite bleak, as if it wasn't even the important part of it all. We heard more about secondary characters, the inevitable and sudden pull between the two character, although I was sitting and thinking to myself "why are the attrackted to each other again?" I was not mad when we get to see more of Zoe's change, although at other times I thought why should I care?

I don't know about the tags on goodreads, but is this supposed to be a cozy mystery, because this was kinda... slow too.

I guess the fact that I got a really bad headache when I finished impacted my reading. But even before that I started feeling like we don't go anywhere.

Quinton finds his brother (how convenient) he is not blood-related, they just grew up in same place, who now rules some worst part of the London city. Another convenient acquaintance, Scottish resurrectionist Rory helps them to figure the maid actually gave birth. This is not the lead, but her connection to the killer. Because the one responsible is obviously the father of her child. I don't even mind this info, it's just too obvious.

Conveniently someone Quinton knows is murdered in the same manner and who is connected to the maid Lucy. Too many conveniences. Anyway, it becomes personal.

But again, too much time is spent on others.

Like the connection between Quinton and his two friends. They connect often and start discussing the past so the reader will know they have a strong brotherly bond. I call it info dumping.

Next is Quinton's attraction to Zoe...why? He calls her stubborn and many other names, but there is no particular reason that shows his attraction, it just comes in suddenly, the same sudden effect as how others around Quinton tell him - ooh, boy, you in love.

And of course they can't be together because now she belongs to a good family and he is some bastard born by an actress, so they're not meant to be. This is for later, but the book already gives a hint that he's not some low-born dude.

Sigh.

The writing at the beginning was comfortable and it's the type of book that is easy to read. And it feels liek the story progresses well. We exclude the obvious fact that some jargon was too modern.

But the way the story lacks depth and character just instantly like each other and many other details made me feel disappointed. For others it may have been a good read, but it's not enough for me, I wanted some thrill instead of a slow park walk. Also too convenient.

RATE: 3/5.

[SHORT REVIEWS] #26

NOVELS

CHINESE

Not much catch since I have no new stuff. I wait for the completion of 无间 by 二月竹

I already mentioned this book once. Author previously wrote Backtracking I once reviewed and liked a lot (it was about a boy who was murdered on a graduation trip, but actually survived and returned 10 years later for revenge). The new story is about investigation as well, since the main character Shen Qiao is connected to recently dead young people and the ML is investigating into it. I've been waiting for its' completion.

Next one is the very new article 人， 撸了毛得负责哦 by 挠时光, previously author wrote "Abnormal relationship" I also reviewed (about two men from prominent families who accidentally slept and realized they're compatible in bed, but they always were like enemies in life). The new story is about a young man Ou XiaoJiang who inherited a house which is claimed to be haunted, but the young man's side hustle is haunting ghosts. ML is a demon king whose lair was in this house. The synopsis has a light-hearted and humorous tone, maybe the story will be the same. After all the previous book also was like this. *new = basically only started publication on JJ.

Next very new one should be 天降老公[娱乐圈] by 沙舟踏翠

I previously reviewed this author too. Forgot the title I used, since it was obviously changed, the current title is 软饭硬吃[重生] (I think previous was connected to white rice or smth, the play on a saying since the main character was reborn and basically lived off his newly acquired husband, having a pretty fulfilling life). This new article is about main character Chen Yuxi, who is unknown celebrity, young guy who sells his music and is suddenly invited to a star-studded program, which catapults him into stardom.

No covers because they're all default and pointless.

The rest is only two that I keep by my side. Because they're spooky. Yes, I still read Welcome to Nightmare Live, I make a big pause while reading, but the story is so good it's impossible to forget what it's about. And the second has been waiting for me for some time, since it's also spooky 玄学大佬是罪仙 which I mentioned before. But again, when you're not into mood for spooky you can only let it wait. But I know that unlike other books I mentioned this one I really want to read.

US

Time for some detective stuff.

A Murder in Mayfair by Magda Alexander.

This one wasn't bad. I had my issues with it, but it's not entirely bad.

My pet peeve is how this is also written from 1st person POV, at least we have few POVs instead of just being in the FMC's head all the time. Mikaela (FMC) gets involved in the murder of her cousin's husband, since she can't let the scandal swipe the poor woman. Although I had my issues exactly with how fervent Mikaela described her own feelings, while I was thinking you have total nine kids at home, including yourself and your brother who inherited the title, but you are responsible for all of them. Are you sure? Anyway, comparing this to others this wasn't half bad. Pretty short, easy to read.

Edit: At least this was short and dynamic, the other books I saw this time around made me re-think my initial impression.

Murder at Morrington Hall by Clara McKenna

Or Stella and Lyndy Mystery, Book 1.

I admit I was brought in by the cover. It looked "different". Who knew there's quite a number of similar ones. But I digress.  This is a DNF btw.

I decided to put it down at the beginning. Maybe the mystery is worth it, but I checked reviews after being buffled by the characters and it did not improve my impression.

Stella is an American heiress from Kentucky, she is taken with her father to visit England without knowing that her father arranged her marriage to a lord. She is against it, her father is a douch who can raise his hand against his daughter.

Lyndy, or Lyndhurst did not mak the picture better, because of how he thought about Stella from the beginning, he wasn't even thinking about her. He was thinking about thoroughbred horses he will get in this deal. Like it's the most important thing. Others mentioned that he is also in the same situation as Stella, being part of the deal, no he's not. Just listen to his thoughts on horses and you won't feel like he got the shorter end of the stick. Not to mention he is a man.

When he notices Stella's beauty he also feels about her like if he won a prize - oh my future wife isn't half bad. Which is also not good.

Honestly, they are young, I'll give them that. But he especially reads as absolutely not mature young man. He still needs to wipe milk around his mouth tbh.

Also everyone around Stella is either snarky or snobbish. I mean even if the American guy comes with money. Makes me think, Americans are considered rude around the world now, but back then, they simply didn't know the etiquette "rules" of Englishmen. So how rude is that?

Anyway, Lyndy spoiled it all for me  completely, since we know he's going to be the main part. I know I didn't read much, but I just sat and thought - why should I continue then? The writing is a bit all over, Stella is the only good character, Lyndy's thoughts made me think the worst of him, all character are bad.

Honestly the beginning read as if I'm reading some melodramatic historical romance, not mystery haha

Oh the mystery is about who got poor vicar who was there to wed Stella and Lyndy. Honestly, if I were them I'd say bad luck.

The Ties that Divide by Sandra and Taylor Preisler

Or Q&Z Regency Mysteries.

'Q' stands for Quinton, he is a hired investigator and 'Z' stands for Zoe, she wants to know the truth about the death of her maid.

Zoe lives in a reconstructed family I'd call it. She and her mother escaped France, while her father couldn't make it. Around when she was 9 her mother met her current husband. They live comfrotably and Zoe from time to time has a bit of a fit, she's a young talented artist who also has a bit of identity crisis due to her origins. But she had no idea the next time she hears from her maid is that the poor young woman will be dead. Zoe feels there is something wrong here and decides to hire a help. This is the premise of it all.

Good thing it's written normally. Also the flow is nice so far, I just tried out the beginning and you know when it's "comfortable" to read. 

Edit: The review is up, it's one of those cases where I change my mind halfway through. It's hard to describe it shortly, but I was disappointed with it. A lot of it was treated as introduction to all the characters, though honestly we didn't need all of their backstory in one book. Also main characters have instant attraction to each other and the book already spoils there is some of future development about ML's birth because so far they can't be together since their standing is so different~ FMC does a lot of impulsive things for her own good. The book did not feel special.

A Whisper and a Curse by Darcy Burke

Raven and Wren, Book 3.

I know I said I might put this series for good, but I might give it another try. I don't knwo why. I already said they got to me in the last one when they continuously complemented each other how good they are etc. But in general the books moved at a very slow pace and lacked thrill.

Ngl I like the color schemes of these covers, they make the series stand out among others.

The Body in the Garden by Katharine Shellman

Lily Adler Mystery. Book 1

I can also say a word or two about this one, because I opened it and was surprised that authors wants to make their FMC sound as if she was Sherlock Holmes. Find it ironic since her last name is Adler.

Lily, our FMC, is returning to life by coming to the city. She is still grieving after the loss of her husband whom she really loved.

In the first scenes she kinda sounds a bit smug too, the way she explains how she guessed and it really sounds like Sherlock version. Everyone is impressed. It kinda put me off a bit and I decided I'll put it down and come back when I'm ready for this type of stuff.

But the mystery is about how she decides to investigate the case that is obviously buried by paying off the police, so the police won't investigate further.

Tourist Season by Brynne Weaver

Or The Seasons of Carnage. Book 1

Comes from the author of infamous Butcher & Backbird. Which I never read, but I kinda want to try this book. You know when you're intrigued by something. It's better to scratch that itch.

Well, because I never read dark romance.

Edit: Started it, it's actually fun? I'm just surprised. Although I still dislike 1st person POV. But in general this is promising.

Edit2: 41% Shit, this is fun.

Edit3: Finished, the review is posted. But in general it was fun and unhinged. I liked that it had dark humor and didn't take itself serious. The plot is nothing fancy, but at least it's wrapped up not in a bad way. Was surprised it had such a strong "to be continued" feel, since partially the story left readers with some questions. Can't say anything about the love line in this book, since it's quite unealthy, but honestly baffling is how some things are nice if we separate them from their unhealthiness.

WEBTOONS
MANHWA

On your knees, Your Highness!

This one is HYSTERICAL. At least it is drawn as a full-blown comedy, even if some undertone is a bit serious. You can read it on Webtoons for free.

It's just a walking meme. I have no idea why I like reading this type of stuff, when things have a lot of meme material. But in general it's a pretty nice story. Not very new in the concept, but the story itself is okay. Sudden arranged marriage to shield the Duke from the King / Emperor who is this irksome old dude and can't let go, so instead of doing some serious stuff he spends it on schemes against the Duke. But I really like the FMC, she is strong and collected and does not have some fits, it's satisfying seeing her going into dark and oppressive mode where she unleashes at others. Even the Duke is on the receiving end of it all at times.

It's based on a novel, but I find manhwa works better for me. Still manhwa is ongoing of course.

The only funny thing is those 3D models they use, like her tiara that looks like it's for kids because of its' small size, I have no idea why sometimes they don't do more even with things that exist. I can understand it saves time and it's efficient, but have you seen those hilarious horses they always use? Or how all jewelery looks 2D flat. Everything is just either a pre-set pattern or 3D model that already existed. Even some art I've seen several times. I don't mention the decorative stuff like flowers etc. it's all from the obviously same pack, only the art style and the manner of decorating pannels makes things different.

OTHER MENTIONS: 

- I Never Abandoned the Tyrant (holy shit this is the weak type of FMC) The story is nothing spectacular, but honestly FMC stroke me as this weak poor fragile entity that is afraid of anything. Skipping on it.

- Enemies meet at the engagement ceremony. Interesting premise where characters do have a reason to hate on each other. At least doesn't treat enemies-to-lovers trope as some promotion stunt. Also the art is pretty and very vivid in bold colors.

- Stepmother's Märchen. What is it with characters drawn with their hair let down when other don't do it. I feel like every time it's a European ambience etc. but FMCs always let their hair down. It looks weird because others do not do the same thing. But I digress. Anyway, pretty decent and emotional story about FMC's rebirth and different choices made. At least it has some stakes and you see it unfold.

- Mary Psycho, or Her Merry Obsession I think that's the title. Pretty crazy story, which led me to consider others, which depicts an FMC who figures while she was blinded with medicine, she has no idea who was the man she considered her husband and why he did what he did. She goes on fully throwing her good wife persona and her screws get loose, so she was never completely healthy mentally and her goal is to find the man who pretended to be her husband.

- It's my first time being loved. Omg this is kinda heartwarming. I did not read much, but it was lovely and the art as well. Story about a girl who was reborn a 100 times and every life she must have sacrificed herself and never had a decent life. But now she has a loving family. FMC is still a baby when the story begins, so her expressions are priceless.

Edit: I needed to mention this because I haven't seen such a moronic FMC in a while

- Marchioness Maron, or Marquis Moron I'd say. FMC is a transmigrator and the OG girl really did some horrible things for three men, but they ditched her at the first sign of trouble. Now she is thrown into the contaminated area (actually they literally wanted to kill her first, but she survived), but then starts the moronic acts on her side. She is OP since she can survive and absorb and manipulate miasma, which is a big deal. But she wants to spend her time in seclusion, valid. But later when she appears here and there it's annoying how she wants to push the protag heroine to become a saintess, even if it's half-empty title. It's one thing to inform the heroine, but you put into her head that she's the protagonist of this world and one must love her and later when she appears to be doing good among people of her secluded place she starts to mop around as if she was replaced.. It's all over the place. Also a lot of details that are not good. You can get that maybe the original idea wasn't that bad, but the execution is simply bad. 

DRAMA

Agatha Chritie's SEVEN DIALS

Adaptation? I want to watch it since I love all the mystery stuff. But it's Netflix.... says it all. It can end up being simply bad / boring. But I want to give it a try regardless. After all it's a mini-series and has some good actors in it.

ANIME

Ooh~ I have a lot more things I want to check out compared to previous years combined. This Winter season basically only started with just few episodes out. So it's more like "I'm checking these out" if it's not a series I watched previously and am simply continuing like

Sousou no Frieren. Season 2.

Excuse me, but favorite anime. Fell in love with it. It has such an interesting atmosphere about it.

Edit: GLORIOUS!! Fuck, I love this anime. It's still the best, such a delight to return to this world.

Jujutsu Kaisen Shimetsu Kaiyu Zenpen (which season is this again)

Well, I'm watching anyway. I don't know how it happened that I was impressed by season 1 and when it came to Shibuya incident it was okay, still had wow moments, but in general felt shallow? Certainly things will change once again due to the plot. But I know for sure that I'll wait before binging.

Jigokuraku

Want to try it out. I think I saw some opening sequence? I have a feeling I did and was impressed. You know Tumblr is always ready to present you few gifs that will tickle your interest

Edit: I surely saw the OP theme from this one. It's really beautifully done. I saw the 1st episode and figured the overall tone of this anime and where it's going, thus decided to put it away for a bit and return when I'm into it, since it looked pretty good. I'm just into very light-hearted things right now.

Seihantai na Kimi to Boku

Unlikely choice, watched some introduction into the story on YT shorts, will try it out and see if it's good. Because YT shorts can just use all the best parts and sell it to me, but it might end up not being a good anime. How is it that in every anime the male character is a nerdy boy that looks like everyone else ahaha

Edit: Watched Ep.1 IT'S FFUCKING CUTE

Edit 2: Watched a bit more and it's still frigging cute, they are adorable, it's such a nice anime and campus love story done right. If it was a book, I would certainly skip it since I find the genre boring, if it was manga or anime I'd see it first to decide if it's up my alley or not. Polar opposites proved to be very positive and lovely.

Suzuki is a creature, I agree. This is so cute.

Uruwashi no Yoi no Tsuki

Choice was simple, I think I also saw the introduction, but also have you seen the poster? It kinda hooked me up. Like what is going on, right? My boy, are you flirting, are you trying to start something? I want to know.

Edit: ME TOO GIRL, ME TOO. The way girls oggled her on the train. But it went the way it's predictable, no one sees her as a female anymore outside MMC who finds her really beautiful.

Edit2: I watched up to latest 4th episode and yeah I was right about more serious tone, I mean if you compare to Seihantai. It's more girlhood, first feelings, exploration. A guy who dated before but doesn't know what love is is the same shocked by his feelings when it comes to Yoi-chan, while Yoi-chan who never dated or even been treated as a girl explores her feelings for the first person who saw her for who she was - a girl.

The only thing I was like - no~ is how 4th episodes introduces another potential guy who may become a new love interest and he is also Ouji, that's a name, which also means Prince... why this drawing style seems so familiar, I feel like I need to dig into who drew the manga, I feel like they had previous works and they might have been animated too.

Gorrgeeee

Isekai no Sata wa Shachiku Shidai

We're supporting BL in this house, will check this out as well. More and more BL works started to appear and they are openly BL and BL can also be good and compelling.

Like what is this, why is there some nerdy glasses and a dashing looking black cloak that look good together, stop it. I hope it's a real anime, otherwise I'll be pissed. You know how sometimes they put a full-blown anime poster but the story is basically animated cutouts or something of that sort.

Edit: It's the first episode day, where I watch every anime I chose. So far so good, all coice prove to be cute. Creation from the DEEN studio, studio that was never afraid to make BL anime even before the fangirls were gushing over Yuri on Ice, I just remember how everyone thought it changed history etc.. I mean, other animes appeared and influenced the sphere even before that, it was a process and YoI was just a part of it imo.

Anyway, an office worker sees a girl being sucked into some weird magic circle and tried to help, so both of them ended up being transported into another world. The girl is treated as Holy Maiden and he.. asked to work. He works as an accountant who also assessed the situation with ore logic than the girl. I mean yeah they asked her to be the maiden and she's the naive little girl said yes, but the dude is more experienced asking all the right question - how do you know they say the truth? Was not appreciated lol. But I'd like to see where it goes, if there will be stakes or it will be more tame.

Edit2: Honestly seeing it up to ep5 I was not expecting it will go by simple route of - we have to be intimate for you to survive, in other words forced proximity. Seiichiro is honestly working his ass off for this kingdom, his more modern view actually has benefits. It has some really dumb cliche moments which was surprising. I saw that manga had a bit of chibi moments to make it cuter, anime does it but rarely. Honestly, the development is a bit flat. Although I bet many will say stuff liek this is cute. Animation is also crude at times, but I never expected much.

Last but not least, actually it's not last, I have another three I want to see but I'm not going to include them so far.

HANA KIMI ANIME WTF

lol I saw the manga years ago, somewhere I might even have exclusive wallpapers the author posted on her web page. Later I watched the drama. But anime version? How many years ago this was published? It was one of the first mangas where a girl dressed as a boy in manga. Which started the whole gender bender thing. Also I wonder if they will make sensei gay or they will play it safe like in drama (they changed the photographer's gender to female in the drama, while the manga was so gay~). So I'm watching, even if I saw this story several times already.

Makes me remember that it got adopted and other countries get their own version and basically there were one or two other popular dramas that had the same vibe of gender-bender and girl pretending to be a boy.

Right now it looks quite silly, let's admit it, that no one noticed the girl was there, otherwise she needs to be an androginous icon.