[VIDEO] A Repressed 50s Housewife

This is hillariously fantastic and fantastically hillarious 😂

[NOVEL] A Whisper of Death by Darcy Burke

After being viciously stabbed and left for dead, Hadrian Becket, Earl of Ravenhurst struggles back to health only to discover he is cursed with a vexing ability to see visions he can’t explain. Terrified he may be going mad, he must keep the disturbing skill secret. But when it proves helpful in tracking his would-be killer, he has no choice but to embrace the newfound power. The retrocognition leads him to the house of a man recently deceased, where he encounters the clever and intriguing Miss Matilda Wren—who may be able to help him solve the many questions raised by the attack.

The death of Tilda’s cousin has left her and her beloved grandmother in a precarious financial position when she discovers their investments have gone missing. Between the lost money and the mysterious Lord Ravenhurst’s incessant queries, Tilda begins to wonder if her cousin may have been murdered. Desperate to determine what happened, she’ll exhaust every possible line of inquiry to stave off destitution. For a price, Tilda agrees to work with the earl to uncover the truth, though she suspects he’s hiding a dark secret.

As their investigation grows, so does the body count, but can they trust each other enough to expose the puppet master pulling the strings? Or will the villain’s malevolent machinations end with more than a whisper of death?

Raven & Wren. Book 1

This wasn't easy I must say. Although I enjoyed the last half of the book (and especially the intriguing last line of the book as a nice hook for the next book) the first 1/3 dragged on quite a bit. There was not much going on and it felt like events will proceed very slowly.

Since it's a mystery I will not include how everything was solved, but I'd like to note that few details that were connecting the dots were chosen to be pretty neat. I can only add - props matter.

Hadrian (with an H~) Becket, Earl of Ravenhurst was attacked and stabbed, he survives and wants to find the assailant, but his case is closed, the blame pushed on a person they will hardly find. And Hadrian would never seek justice. But because of that attack and the fact he hit his head on the pavement, Hadrian started seeing visions that did not belong to him. The ability scared him and he could not confide it to anyone, but it certainly managed to lead him to a house where he hoped to find a man he saw in one of those visions, only to find that the man was dead. And although the cause of death was indicated to be heart disease, but the daughter mentioned a wound on the right side, same place where Hadrian was stabbed.

But how to connect both cases?

The one who helped him with investigation was a woman related to this man - miss Matilda Wren. She took a job as an investigator. And since then they joined hands to uncover the truth, after all Tilda was also seeking truth about her grandmother's finances that were managed by the murdered man.

I think this is the 3rd? book that I've read, which had mystery, investigation led by couples. What made them different is that authors tried to involve both parties into investigation so they could matter along the way. For example Ravenhurst has his ability, but it is not omnipotent, he only sees bits and pieces that he might not understand. But it's not his entire usefulness. When they face someone not willing to talk his title as a lord plays a huge role that helps people to take them more seriously, after all Tilda is a woman and many disregard the fact that she is quite intelligent and has a wit about her and only look at her gender. Tilda helps them to navigate it better, while Hadrian is sometimes too eager, Tilda is the one who knows what role it is better to play and how to make people talk and when to stop. So they create a nice union. Reminds me how in Veronica Speedwell FMC and MMC basically put out theories that led to nothing (even the final evidence, if I don't mix it up, was found by accident). In Dr. Julia Lewis her and Tennant do not go through briefing of the case or reasoning, she provides her knowledge and he searches for the truth, but she is somewhat involved.

So yeah, each couple have their own style. Which of course makes them unique.

The one thing different is that author openly writes about their subtle affection for each other. The type where they have a great impression of each other, but are far away from claiming it romantic (or do not realize it's like the door opening to romance). But I found it interesting that this subtle feeling did not originate from their endeavours, it was simply a good impression which slowly grew. But of course they're too far away from forming a bond of other nature. For that we need to see the next book. 

The series so far has 3 books and 4th on its way to be released Sep 9th.

I enjoyed it. Will see how it goes with others. I want to read so much and mainly all books I want to read are a series...

RATE: 4/5.

[Korean BG novel] WINDBURG 윈드버그 by 이유월

Summary: After the tragic death of his two brothers Jared L. Windburg inherits the title of the Duke and has to live the life he was no prepared to. Because of sudden changes his first love failed miserably, but duty calls to him. This is why a big ball was held at the Maxville residence with many potential brides seeking marriage. But Jared saw no one else when he looked into those gray eyes.

Roselyn Eleanor Fairfield grew up as a head of the household, after the death of her mother she had to pick up this role and support her siblings, although she herself was just a child. Everyone praised her for being a beauty and being a perfect lady. Her participation in the ball was just a coincidence, she held no high hopes, but in the end she was chosen as the next Duchess. But things were weird and it was too late before she realized what type of loveless marriage she entered.

Jared, you're such a bitch 😂 After reading I think he didn't grovel enough.

As per usual, including my own synopsis. NOTE: This is a sequel! As I think many find out only after reading (or starting) Windburg, but this is a second book and it does have parallels with the first one. Jared was in love with FMC of the first book, it's the infamous first love mentioned here (so many times), to know some small details because of the first one is nice, but if one is lazy they can easily find spoilers instead of reading. The ratings on the first book are abismal compared to this one.

And because my reviews are shite anyway I'll write whatever I want. I left the review on NU, but I still decided to make an extended version here. Because of course, spoilers~

The overall plotline, characters and angst are quite fine. Because what Korean novel without angst? But it managed to be quite leveled and be different from other stories I tried, which tbh were so over the top. It created a nice feeling of push and pull, even if I know that some of it was deliberate and using the same trick would be glaring, but the story managed to wrap it up in a good way, so I let it go.

The characters take the main place after all. A lot of time is spent on explaration of inner drama of both characters, this is why we fully experience not only their development but reasoning behind their motiovation, good or bad or irritating (all eyes on you Jared).

The plot can't be called super spectacular or complex, but it's still a nice plot where may things become interconnected. Especially the author worked to connect two books (which I didn't read and don't plan to, I had fun with spoilers) and even if the FMC of the first book aka first love never appears once, but her presence is always there.

I actually liked how plot moved the characters and created obstacles.

It's one of few instances when I was not against angst, because both characters faced challenges in their relationship, but thanks to angelic soul of Roselyn, this relationship moved forward in the right direction.

Because a lot of time is spent on characters and their inner world the emotional world-buidling is very rich. Our characters go through all types of emotional changes and that allows to see what type of people they are. What they were and what they became.

The relationship moved forward only because of Roselyn, while Jared did many nasty things in the beginning,a lthough he has his own justification we do not forgive him (as readers). But only such a kind person like Roselyn, who wanted this marriage to work out, she knew things could go sour if she leaves everything as it is and she didn't want to give up without trying. I think that's very brave and there is strength in that, because eventually she saved this marriage and Jared.

Considering the circumstances I think they did great. It's not a modern story and people can't turn away from certain things, this is why one of the main topics of this one was duty. And the relationship issue most evident was trust.

The only critique I have is directed towards the writing style. Although the novel is very fast-paced and the chapters are short, but some elements stuck out to me. Not the emotional parts, those were done well to me. But most of it belongs to descriptions and dialogues outside of emotional drama.

Instead of organic way of describing things about the world of nobles in this book author used the phrase "nobles usually did this or that" a lot and thus it sounded crude to me. Readers do not need that, you can deliver the same information differently.

I already talked about how the same elements were used to create the misunderstandings and rifts in their relationships and also the way Roselyn heard everything from other people also was used several times, which was kinda eh, but I let it slide.

Funny thing, out of all the things described, I have no idea what is the main force behind the economic of this country. Since it's the European ambience, but actually it's practically cope-paste of London on the verge of 20th century. We know that Glen family that ruled the duchy of Windburg were into business, they had mines, department stores and other businesses that created their wealth that rivaled the royalty. But what the main portion of nobles did? This to me was left a mystery tbh. Even if the main topic of this novel involved nobles, but mainly inheritance rights.

A few words about their relationship, why I thought it was anice development, why I think Roselyn is a strong character and why I think them going through conflicts and solving them allowed to build a strong foundation for this marriage.

W/SPOILERS.

Jared starts as a bitter man who fell out of love and this is why the perspective of having a relationship with another woman, a noble woman on top of that, was a bit repulsive to him.

The reasoning for this I think are quite simple. Jared was the third son and thus he was mainly a spare. Like other noble sons who were not heirs he was treated differently, from childhood to adulthood. There is no place for him outside of getting a profession than working for the family. Even in marriage he could not get the best daughters brought up to marry only heirs. The nobles were that hypocritical to him. Outside of it his parents were not in a particularly happy marriage too, his father had mistresses outside, like his eldest brother. Even if his brother was the first to bring up the devision of inheritance among brothers of direct line. Sounds contradictory right, he had the woman he loved outside, but he knew the duty of the heir and married a person who fitted the role. So maybe Jared longed for a simpler relationship where the two of them would have only each other in their eyes. This is how he met and fell for Evelyn, she was not part of the circle and her dream was to write novels. So when it came to choosing between dreams and love she chose dreams. The thing is I could understand why Victoria, Jared's cousin who appears a lot and we love her, was so adamant about Evelyn, it's not only because she left without saying as much as a word, but that she easily left when Jared was at his lowest (not long after his brothers died). Jared was bitter about it of course and heartbroken. Maybe this is why when he heard of Evelyn again he tried to salvage the bits of the past or to create a conclusion.

This is where the deal between him and the Empress comes from and one of the main hidden danger conflicts between him and Roselyn.

But Jared knew what a duty is and he couldn't leave everything.

This is where the ball comes from. He thought he will marry a woman who is not emotionally attached to him and they can perform their duties. 

But Roselyn could not live in a marriage devoid of any feelings, she did not grow up like that and it was alien to her, this is why she tried to get closer but was met with Jared's atrocious behavior.

Jared hurt her emotionally many times (as we later find out it was unconscious act of testing her when she will give up, because he wanted to be the first and last choice for the person and if it can't be that crazy, then it won't be like that). But unlike his predictions Roselyn found strength in herself to actually try to shorten the distance. Many might not understand her, but I think she is in the marriage and was raised as a noble lady and head of teh household, it's hard to see past those convictions. It's still early to realize that there was something fleeting in their first meeting that attracted them.

Time and time again Roselyn overcame those hurtful words that Jared said.

But then a turn comes in. With this push and pull you can see that Roselyn was happy that they became close and Jared was giving up his earlier convictions.

And at this critical moment the first conflict appears.

Thanks to Naomi, wife of Jared's cousin, and her relative of sorts, they maliciously told Roselyn about Jared's first love, how men don't forget first love, are sentimental, and that she was a commoner girl and he still wanted to marry her.

This will play a role for a very long time, because Roselyn herself is completely different from Evelyn. And she couldn't help but bring up their differencies. Not to mention the rosewater and roses that were mentioned a lot that created the bigger rift (from the first moment Jared said he hated roses, not to mention that's in Roselyn's name, but she wore rosewater, later she switched just for him but found rosewater perfume in the drawer, later we know it's a coincidence and he forgot about it, but to her it was not).

Jared made the mistake of sending Victoria instead of saying it himself (though some may say it's better to hear from others than person in question), but it still partially appeased Roselyn.

They still worked this out, she also found his reason for traveling to the capital and this is where they got into the whirlwind of changes, because it was published how Jared supports the new changes to family law.

Thinking back I don't know if Evelyn would be capable of handling the situation the same way as Roselyn did. She was under tremendous pressure, she was a Duchess now, had to manage this huge estate, her main duty was also to bear a heir (while it was also her inner fear, her mother died in birth) and now she had to nderstand her husband, because she wasn't aware of his movements.

This change in Family Law will become the biggest part of the plot. The one who published to corner Jared was actually the Empress.

So we have few lines to follow, Jared and Roselyn who try to navigate through the crisis of opposition and relationship drama.

There is also conservatives who are made of mainly noble heirs of their own families and they take important positions.

There is also Alexander Glen, Jared's causin and Alex's wife Naomi, the family of snakes. Because both are eyeing the title of Duke. Alex doesn't like that someone like himself took the role of the Duke, because Jared is not the firstborn and Alex is collateral line. Naomi was also a step away from becoming a Duchess as she thinks, but had to marry Alexander and live this unhappy life where her husband is always outside with someone.

A little later in the story Roselyn becomes pregnant. Right at the time for the Spring and their obligatory visit to capital. This is where Roselyn not only finds out that his deal with Empress originated from his first love, but that it's the author she reads and she saw the book on Jared's bookshelf.

Because she was agitated she was left home the next day when Jared planned to give the speech.

She read the letter he wrote explaining himself more in detail. Because he knew he earlier promised to tell her everything, but honestly, this type of truth is not something you can tell easily.

His origin why he rallies for changes may not have been pure, but they changed with time. Great part btw. Because Roselyn among other reasons for marrying did not think about love, but more about how this marriage will also help her family etc. But she later came to love Jared.

I know these two are a bit obsessed, the main point in love for them is each other.

But after the speech Jared was shot.

Note: here I couldn't udnerstand how such a developed country with trains and cars and a few years later electricity appeared and telephones, but when Jared was shot they also performed surgery, yet afterwards said - if he has a fever, it means infection and everything in God's hands. Like WTF ahahaha They have no idea about immune system yet I suppose and that body tries to patch up itself. Wounds also can be cleaned and treated. Anyway it was silly, but I suppose it meant to highlight how serious the situation was.

After that no bigger emotional conflict came over, at the moment of losing her husband she didn't bother about anything else understandably.

So Jared kinda paid it off with his body?😂

The shooting was paid by Alexander who wanted to get rid of Jared and become the next Duke. The conservatives wanted to use this incident and stall the reforms. But it was resolved, not that the law was also changed. The progress is described in side-stories.

This is why I think they rebuilt their relationship and made it stronger through everything.

Side-stories also show that it's not happily ever after, there are some things here and there but it is how they now handle it.

Also cute info but they had 3 kids (maybe they wouldn't stop on that who knows). Maybe not cute if you look at another angle because Roselyn was under pressure to have children throughout the entirety of this novel, so many people told her she should bear children, especially boys and she knew it was a duty too, but it fucked her up like is this everything about her, not because of Jared this time, he'd be happy with just one child, but it becomes Roselyn's wish. Jared was simply worried about her since birth is so hard on women.

And this was it. I feel it's great to experience this type of novel yourself. This novel easily sparks a conversation on different topics too. It kinda revived a hope in me. I usually read manhwa and they all seem so toxic and borderline disgusting (who am I kidding, I'm no white flower but it was repulsive).

RATE: 4,5/5.

[SHORT REVIEWS] #21

I always lose count on which part is this.

被弃养后，我靠玄学直播爆红了 by 以介景福

(mtl: After being abandoned, I gained popularity through metaphysics live broadcasting)

Warning: Qidian book. If I say Qidian it becomes self-explanatory.

[BG] Completed. Summary: From what I understand at one point Ming Zhuo became Cheng Zhuo a poor little girl adopted by a family of teachers, but who now framed her on a program just to get rid of her. But Ming Zhuo is a big boss who can't be defeated by anyone when it comes to metaphysics. And from that point on she stood on the path of finding the truth of this "plot".

She starts small as a live broadcaster, but later saves people left and right and gets involved with Xuanmen. There are several main and secondary characters that take part in this one. The "logic" of how people start believing ghosts and such is actually beyond me (also how broadcasts were not for viewers but it still went on without being blocked). But Ming ZHou's "live broadcasting" as in the title didn't last long actually. First she rarely appears, next thing is that real life was more important than that.

Tbh if you read it together it's too much. Not because many times it is repetitive and at some point gets boring (kid you not, it's 500 chapters long), but because the settings jump from here to there.

Spoilers: Ming Zhou can be so OP because she is not from this world, you can consider her a goddess, but she was reborn again and again at some point and now the seal on Ming Zhou was broken. But at the same time this life of hers should be described as a book, with a traverser Chu Yuqi who appears early on and plays the most annoying self-righteous role, we know that Ming Zhou's former "sister" is the female protagonist Cheng Jingru's. In the eyes of others she suddenly opened her talent and climbed the ranks of Xuanmen, but others also see her as a person with great luck, not some protag. Like it's a world of its' own according to Ming Zhou but a book according to Chu Yuqi. Author plz choose one.

But what irked me the most for entire thing (I admit I stopped at around ch 340 and read the final chapters, didn't miss anything) is that MING ZHOU WAS 17!!! The ML is called Gu Xu, they have nothing going on, but she basically "flirted" with him since the introduction, she starts at 16. Then she turns 17 and later she disappears for half a year and returns and soon turns 18. But she's still young from the outsider's pov, even if she is reincarnation of someone. We find it out by the end of it all. Gu Xu did not do anything inappropriate, but he had feeling growing for her.

Anyway, the second thing that was annoying is author trying to make the characters twisty. Like there is a character we think is innocent and then suddenly they are the biggest boss at the scene. This was done several times, even with the final "boss".

Also I read for some time to find out why the fate of Ruan's family mother and her three daughters was so twisted. And I got tired of it and mostly skipped the part, but from what I found is that Ruan Mulan, the mother is a descendant of Xuanmen Bai family (appears in the story early on as one of the four elders of Xuanmen), but another person from the same family changed her fate. It's pretty gruesome. So her entire family should have died, but someone changed their fate when Zhouzhou was born (maybe Zhouzhou herself, since who she is). So their family struggled with luck and failures. And now they spend money on donations to offset the consequences.

The fate of Gu Xu is twisty. His family had twins, but he knows his twin is gone. We later find out that his missing mother is part of the cult which is responsible for many disturbances in the book. They want to repeat the ritual of an ancient kingdom she is the descendant of which involves twins, but it fails (final chapters). But what annoyed me the most is that when the ritual failed the big boss disappeared and later they found him in another place and he restarted new ritual wanting to occupy Ming Zhou's body, but we find Ming Zhou's origins and she defeats him.. Honestly, it gets annoying when MC just doesn't deal with everyone at once, but it is divided into almost two part finale. Anyway, whatever.

Note: I know this "review" looks like chaos, but more recollection of things that annoyed me. Another one I remembered is that Ming Zhuo is very profound in physiognomy, but she lets people who later reveal themselves go basically, not always in a logical way. I mean she is so good at it that n one can compare, but she lets them go before they return to be defeated by her...

Recollection of the storyline: Ming Zhou wakes up, she is framed, in grand manner taken back by a bunch of bodyguards (her family, who is talked as having heavy karma actually married well, eldest sister married Xu heir). Her second sister is a researcher and her mom has a company, but they ar elow-key. Ming Zhou and her two best friends come back to school. She saves someone close to their villa and is a friend of Gu Xu, this is how we all meet. This set of characters follows her till the end. She starts broadcasting without face (she is infamous still because of the show), but her fame grows. Her family from time to time gets involved with villains of different size. But with MingZhou's talismans they will do fine. Through several cases she connects with Xuanmen who are amazed by her skills. Meanwhile she is low-key the traverser Chu Yuqi is high-profile. She thinks of herself as protag since she knows the book, but book is actually unreliable. MZ and the co come across several cases that involve some "Lord God" and a strange cult that wants to revive it. Although it's not really clear how some of it is connected... like no logic tbh. Anyway, there is a village where the competition takes place, this is an S-rank mission, MZ leads her students out without a single person missing. Later they hear more and more about the god that grants wishes, one of locations is a wishing train. They board it, MZ defeats it, but goes missing because time and space are involved. She returns, her broadcasting of course is not as popular. But Cheng Jingru, ex-sister is now popular junior sister, very high profile. Chu Yuqi was involved in the case of several traitor who lurked in Xuanmen, but she was okay, yet her luck is always not as great as heroine. Jingru is a "famous" figure, but time and time she is set against MZ. Mainly because her parents spread rumors a lot and were held accountable. Btw I don't think they mentioned her brother.. forgot what happened to him (might have skipped it). Since he was cursed but Chu Yuqi did not deal with it and he later was not mentioned at all lol. We uproot several traitors of Xuanmen who are involved with that sect and revival of the Lord God. Then we find out the originas of Ruan mother and who changed her fate. And later the part I completely decided to skip is the live broadcasting program, supported by an "ordinary" person who in the end is the big boss.

Again, it's annoying that MZ can read faces, but sometimes feels like she skips important figures.

This short review is not short at all.

天生甜宠命2[快穿] by 露深

(mtl: Born to be a sweet lover 2)

[BG] Completed. Summary: Continuation to the story about Qi Luo, a demon that lost her love thread and now travels worlds, becomes the best lover to her partners to support her own life. I reviewed the first part before. It was cute and sweet, so I wanted to continue and read the second installment. It's not as extensive as previous one, with only 3 worlds. And I admit I haven't even started yet, I reserve this when I need a simple sweet cookie type of story. And author writes a 3rd book right now.

深渊蝴蝶 by 小涵仙

(Deep Butterfly)

[BG] Completed. Summary: The official synopsis is vague, but the main point is that they have a huge difference in statuses and no one suspects that they have something going on. There is also a plot of her leaving. But I kinda was attracted to it, we'll see if it's a good story or another pretty cover but no substance.

Note: Honestly, the MTL of this title - Butterfly of the Abyss - sounds so much better. Deep butterfly is what is written on the cover, but it feels like the author also MTL'd their title into English and got what they got.

Edit: 31/7/25 I read few chapters.. I don't get this type of FML, she is an adult already, but she still lives with this suffocating family, she is supposed to be illegitimate child, since at 8 her mom was gone she had nowhere to go and at 8 she had a people pleaser personality..but so far it's a secret to me why she stays in this family that humiliates her at every turn. And it's not like she is unaware and has a soft core for these relatives who are vile. Honestly, she's a very typical soft girl FMC that needs saving.

I'm so not into it. She legit acts like a soft rag... Maybe there's a story behind it, but I'm not feeling like exploring.

我妻筝筝 by 观山雪

(My wife Zheng Zheng)

[BL] On-going. Summary: Qin Zheng met Wen Jingque at the most miserable point in life after betrayal of lover, friends and family. Jingque was the one who made fun of Qin Zheng for trusting the wrong people and bringing all kinds of news each time they met, but it was also Jingque who helped him avenge himself and took him out of his mysery. Although he was disabled he lived the rest of his life with love. But then he was reborn before any life-changing events of the past life happened yet the only thing he could think of is to find that one person in the crowd.

I've read a bit of it and it promises MELODRAMA~ this is why I picked it up, for the case I want melodramatic plots ahaha 

Windburg 윈드버그

[BG] Completed. Summary: Being broken in love Jared L.Windburg faces the new reality. His first love failed, he inherited the title of the Duke of Windburg for several years now and with the baggage of responsibilities and one of them is inevitable - to produce a heir. Since his choice of the future wife is now not based on emotions he directs his gaze towards many noble ladies who were raised for the purpose, the same women he is so cynical. The one eventually chosen is Roselyn Fairfield, after the death of her mother Roselyn became a help of her household at a young age, she had to be a support to her father and her younger siblings, she grew up to be a perfect lady with convictions of what a lady should be. But saw no ill about it, it was the fate that many of them faced. Although it's fate, but she still bore some hope that her future spouse will respect her and they can love each other and had no idea what type of loveless marriage she was entering.

As per usual I give my own type of summary. But hello, this is the first time me mentioning a Korean novel at all lol. It's not like it's my first book, but several previous ones were mainly DNF'd by me, because I read their manhwa adaptations and it just solidified my belief in how Korean authors simply love drama and toxicity. 

This promises to be angsty as well, but in comparison I'm at the stage it's still more tame. And I didn't read a lot, but this is the first time I'm eager to read more.

Only after starting and being invested I realized that this book is a sequel and the prequel explains his first love story with FMC of that book. But I'll be honest, this is the type of development when you sit and think - Jared, you're such a bitch, I hope you chase your wife later and grovel, because this is what she deserves.

Roselyn is actually an angelic soul, she is not snobbish, she has a great deal of kindness, but Jared misinterpreted her intentions and ambitions. Basically because he doesn't hold any respect for any woman of the ton. Because he was born a third son he saw the hypocricy of nobles where the heir gets everything best and all other sons are treated as spares. He saw his life in a different light and this is why he saw his future with another woman, but fate for him was different, he had to inherit the Dukedom after the tragedy that happened to his two brothers, but the chosen woman could not follow through and compromise, this is why they had to part ways. Now he needs to find a perfect wife that would befit the Duchess, but what to do, the cynicism that is deeply rooted in his heart does nto allow him to see the life of Roselyn, that she is also right and does not deserve his attitude.

Note: It's funny how Korean novels have such beautiful covers, but when it comes to ratings on NU they're simply abismal ahaha 

Edit: While this post was pending I almost finished reading it.

Edit 2: Finished it, see review.

나늘 잊은 당신에게

(To you who forgot me)

[BG] Completed. Summary: The main gist f it is MMC makes a promise to return and marry FMC, but then he suffered from amnesia and forgot everything about her. And of course he's a Duke. God Koreans love Dukes ahahah. Anyway I did not read this one, I just saw it along with Windburg and since I'm a bit more interested, I decided to include this one too. The ratings on this one weren't as bad. And the cover, again, is damn gorgeous. These covers work, let's admit it.

Edit: 2/8/25 Should I be surprised? I read several chapters, then skipped through and read some spoilers, because I thought I'm seeing same old plot again and again. 

The storyline is similar to R&J situation, she is from the enemy country and he is a prince. He is her only light in this darkness and she tries to work through his amnesia. But he is far from remembering her but close to destroying her love.

Basically this is gut-wrenching angst which exists only for angst.

Caius (MMC, no changes) uses his fiancee Leah (FMC) as a shield at first, because the current Empress is his step-mother and is always against him. Later he breaks off an engagement and offers it to another woman (who later is found to have an affair with his half-brother, Emress' son). Leah moves from fiancee to a mistress basically, because all in all Caius kinda forces her into it. At the beginning she does drop a phrase "If he is going to use me, I'm ready to be used" along those lines, but it doesn't change the situation that we don't like this. These are spoilers btw. Leah wants to get out of this, but Caius is against it. He's obsessive. She lost feelings for him. At the critical time when she was plotted against Caius makes his move, but at this time Leah who got her hands on poison (given by the Empress, lol did she expect Leah to really poison Caius? I mean Leah now hates him, but being an obvious chesspiece...) Anyway, she commits s* by poison, but she is saved by Caius and we find out that she is preggo. How the child survived poisoning I have no idea.

In spoiler thread I heard that he will let her go as means to make it better, time will pass, many events will happen, especially him taking the throne and he will save her several times(?) Eventually, she will forgive him.

What can I say, Korean authors love toxic relationship, they feed on those and the ML will be the worst of them. basically they love relationships that no matter how badly both parties are they can't be with anyone else. So this novel is for people who like this type of thing. Such relationships are everywhere. Out of seven novels that I tried out, I completed only Windburg, because it was midlly angsty, while the rest are just the same old melodrama that was popular 10 years ago or more where you see the creator has no idea of stopping. It must be all types of hurtful events before the come together.

So bloody.

I decided that I will continue with the Short Reviews in the manner of just dividing it into sections and not getting it a new exclusive post. That's just too much. 

A Skeleton in Every House by Isabella Duke

Catriona Winters. Book 1

Should I be honest and say I was attracted to the cover? Because I did. Catriona Winters has her father who owns a publishing house, with what I got from the first chapters is that she does not start as a journalist, it did not cross her mind, only by circumstances she has this idea after there is a new case on body salvaged from the river, but she can't let her father who had a decline in his health follow the lead.

It's my assumption that this story will bring her changes, since you know she is new to the ideas proposed by suffragists, but was not repulsed by them. I know too little about it but I'm intrigued.

A Slash of Emerald by Patrice McDonough

Dr. Julia Lewis. Book 2

Now that I think about it after reading the summary I really like how author planned for this story to develop. It doesn't involve only a mystery part, but the development of their relationship and the woman with whom Tennant had a relationship with has an appearance. The brewing of emotions in the first book are quite subtle I'd say, but there is something about them that I liked and made me anticipate more. 

Edit: Completed, see review.

Bad Luck Bride by Laura Lee Guhrke

Scandal at the Savoy. Book 3

This book is released on 29th of July. I've been waiting for the third book. I liked the first, but actually loved the second one. The FMC and MMC of the third book were aready mentioned. They had a relationship which broke up and they definitely misundertood each other deeply. Others thought that he's after her money, she allowed herself to be talked into giving this relationship up, the elopement failed, but now he is a successful and wealthy person and is about to marry. She almost eloped with him, but then it fell through, her second engagement was ruined by the rumors of the elopement and now she finally faces prospects of marriage number three (thus the title of bad luck). Now both plan to marry around the same time. This was brought in the second book when both parties wanted the same premises booked for the wedding reception. So past lovers get a second chance. Fingers crossed.

Edit: 15/8/25 31% in and I decided to make a pause. Was not feeling well. I was impressed by the drama ngl and I want to find out who is responsible for their initial misunderstanding, since it's huge. Although I don't like this trope. But they were also prevented from communicating as I assume by the person who is responsible (he wrote her letter from Africa, she never responded, believing he never wrote her). Yet I must say, I really don't see how Kay (FMC) ended up thinking he spread the rumors, when her own mother is so obvious about her attitude (and they tried to simply deny the rumors, so they had to act as if they don't care, unlike how their melodrama mom acted).

I try not to include too much in the books that I'm reading, it usually doesn't end well. Keeping it shorter makes it less overwhelming. But who am I kidding? I picked up Welcome to the Nightmare Live again, I also continue with Raven and Wren Book 1 (this one goes slow, because the book itself is slow). But I got distracted by the fast-pace of Windburg and before I knew it I'm almost done with it.

[VIDEO] If I was in arranged marriage romance novel

 

😂 it's still so funny and that laugh. What? He's a hot and wealthy man who lives away. Why does it sound like it's not an arranged marriage but you gave me the biggest gift.

Honestly, these shorts with romance novels are so funny. But Elisabeth Wheatley is also an author, I wonder if I should try any of her books. 

[Chinese BL novel] 我和死对头互相垂涎对方的…… by 挠时光 / Me and my enemy covet each other's ...

The novel changed title..again. To 只是非正常关系 (Just an adnormal relationship). I suppose the previous one was too suggestive.

I followed this one during publication. It was completed just few days ago.

Summary: Shen Nanzhi and Qin Wensi had been at odds for many years. Until one evening of being plotted against they end in one bed and realize how compatible they are in this aspect. Although they have antipathy (as they think), but they start to have a physical relationship which led them to realize that maybe they never actually hated each other after all.

This is very short (55+3) and very sweet and nice novel. Loved how it was written, love the relationship and how they treat each other. Love how it was expressed through nice dialogues and actions.

The plot isn't anything spectacular or new. But I still appreciate that few details were dropped here and there to make the picture bigger.

Both Nanzhi and Wensi come from wealthy families, but they have different family environment.

Shen Nanzhi is a son of the first wife who comitted suicide because of unfaithful husband. Mistress and illegitimate son occupied their positions quite quickly. Nanzhi was smart and you can tell he waited for a long time, but his father still couldn't get rid of him. Because Nanzhi is smart, he has technology in his hands, while his second son towards whom he is always biased brings him nothing but troubles. Nanzhi deals with many things, but it's basically making a wedding dress for others. So we will have a satisfying "you stare at me, but you won't catch me when I do something to you".

On the contrary Qin Wensi's parents are very loving and they have only each others. Although he is not as smart as Nanzhi, but most people wouln't be in comparison, but he is still the top guy, he was just more into sports when he was younger (of course they have different build because of it, which Nanzhi actually appreciates visually hahaha).

Their situation is nothing more than tugging girl by her pigtails, they had a minor conflict as kids and Wensi did not understand Nanzhi with his belly full of black and his poisonous tongue. But now after they had a relationship and Wensi analyzed their relationship, he realized that most likely there is an attraction but point is the way of expressing it was quite childish. They never had a big conflict or a fight, it's more like riling each other up.

It's a bit sad to see that despite his achievements you could see that Nanzhi envies Wensi and his family relationship. And also is a bit afraid of truly connecting and being officially together. But Wensi is stubborn in a good way :) He would work for their future.

I usually don't really like shorter stories, because just 55 chapters feel short to me. It's always something not right about them. But I really liked this one.

RATE: 5/5.

[NOVEL] Murder by Lamplight by Patrice McDonough

November 1866: The grisly murder site in London’s East End is thronged with onlookers. None of them expect the calmly efficient young woman among them to be a medical doctor, arrived to examine the corpse. Inspector Richard Tennant, overseeing the investigation, at first makes no effort to disguise his skepticism. But Dr. Julia Lewis is accustomed to such condescension . . .

To study medicine, Julia had to leave Britain, where universities still bar their doors to women, and travel to America. She returned home to work in her grandfather’s practice—and to find London in the grip of a devastating cholera epidemic. In four years, however, she has seen nothing quite like this—a local clergyman’s body sexually mutilated and displayed in a manner that she—and Tennant—both suspect is personal.

Days later, another body is found with links to the first, and Tennant calls in Dr. Lewis again. The murderer begins sending the police taunting letters and tantalizing clues—though the trail leads in multiple directions, from London’s music halls to its grim workhouses and dank sewers. Lewis and Tennant struggle to understand the killer’s dark obsessions and motivations. But there is new urgency, for the doctor’s role appears to have shifted from expert to target. And this killer is no impulsive monster, but a fiendishly calculating opponent, determined to see his plan through to its terrifying conclusion . . .

Dr. Julia Lewis. Book 1

#: fiction, historical, mystery, thriller

Actually, it was a fine read. It will go into my collection of mysteries with couples (although the series is named after FMC). I've been interested in this genre and the premise of having FMC and MMC of the book instead of just having a single "sleuth/detective" personality.

I'm not going to touch upon spoilers, I just want to talk about few things that appealed to me.

First of all, this sounds like a historical book (it's all in the language). There is enough attention to details to how people speak and what they say. To make things richer author touches upon several real incidents that happened in those years in London - mentioning John Snow as the one who tracked down the cholera outbreak to the water source and the outbreak itself, it will be a big deal in the novel.

Edit: After reading that author was teaching history for years the puzzle was solved.

Our main characters are Julia Lewis herself, a practicing doctor who happened to be a forensic at the site instead of her grandfather. She used a loophole in the law and became one of very few female doctors. She is quite pushy I think, especially with Tennant, she likes to rile him up on the subject of men and women.

MMC - Inspector Richard Tennant, quite stoic and unsmiling person, was a bit off with Julia at first, but he didn't act out of his way. Comes from a nobler background if it wasn't for his father's scandal which ended his military career. A man with a past.

Also the story, despite having such a progressive FMC (as they usually do) does not coddle on many things. And it is okay. Because it basically showcases the reality more than a fancy fantasy. For example the reporter Johnny Osborne which I'm sure will be the constant resident is quite racist to immigrants. Sir Harry is not only a wealthy businessman who is involved in this case but tries to lead a new party which doesn't sound great for a modern person.

There is not much to say about the mysoginy, it's not blunt at all. I'd say it's more of a prejudice. Especially the MMC Richard Tennant. You might ask why include such MMC then, but the guy changes with time. If you reach the end you will know that both of them are not so edgy as a result.

The interesting part is that our characters do not start from some good or bad part, they always feel layered and living with the consequences of what life had to offer. Especially after this case.

Also another aspect that the novel showcases plenty of times - how truly horrid the poor part of London lived. The filth, the disease, the outdated infrastructure, the poverty, the malice. Maybe someone will find the emphasis on those things too strong.

This tragedy gave birth to the murderer.

As for the mystery itself and investigation. The book is actually quite fast-paced, the way it was written. Investigation itself does not progress well. But actually it made me think of how hard it would be to investigate a case when you don't have a lot of modern knowledge. There are many limitations and obstructions.

I'm not the person who likes to guess, but I admit I had few instances that something bothers you at the back of your head. Later I knew what it was and I knew I didn't follow the lead (although author kindly repeated the info several times on multiple occasions). me a silly goose was simply careless, like always 😄

As for the "romantic" part. Don't wait for anything grand. Actually the development is quite subtle but it is there and I found it on the level of attraction with possible progress in consequent parts? I also quite liked the approach of this subtlety. Once Julia discusses the prospects of matrimony with her aunt and I must say, she gave more details than simply protesting to matrimony and saying that women are oppresses, they are indeed, but she talked about it as if she's not so opposed to it but with the right partner, because her life will take a turn. She explained it more from the point of a) law - like what belonged to whom after marriage and where is her protection (for example she can protect her rights or finances, but it still needs to be supervised because she's a woman) and b) sex, because the book discusses a lot about veneral diseases and their spread among people and Tennant having a military background does not make it sound better (we as readers know he has a clean background and had a single partner for years). At least she's honest. I feel they have a way to go, wish them best of luck. Tennant that chap is actually thinking about it too, he had some sort of resolve about it, but (spoilers) the book has open ending on their relationship, so it feels they have more room to develop.

And this is only the first book. The second book is already published, it's called "A Slash of Emerald". With third book on its' way.

RATE: 4,75/5. Out of my good heart, it was interesting.

[Chinese BL novel] 你到底钓不钓啊 by 苏景闲 / Are you fishing or not?

The title is MTL'd but it fits the vibe of the novel, its' beginning at least.

Author Su Jingxian of "Bite your fingertips", "I heard that I'm poor" and others.

Summary: After rebirth Shen Xici felt like he kept on picking up people in need. Disheveled director who tried to raise funds for his movie. Drunk co-star who wanted to breakthrough. And a wounded man, his best friend from previous life.

He hirried director to edit the movie, which then became box office champion. He asked the actress to change roles, after which the actress thanked him for opening her eyes.

As for the friend. he let him sleep on the couch in the small rental home, but later even if he had no couch in his new home his friend brought his own.

I decided to borrow the mood and the content of the original summary. This story has #: swapped babies story, entertainment industry. A bit like a healing process involving MC, because of his condition.

I fully recommend it, it was well-structured, nicely written and overall it was fun. I like how the characters were portrayed, how the story evolved. How this cliche stereotypical situation of swapped babies was presented in unique light. It had fun, it had feelings, it had a bit of drama. But it's actually comfortable to read, yet you still can feel sympathetic.

Before moving to spoilers and more detailed explanation what made me like it so much, there is a need to mention overall situation of MC, Shen Xici and the "fake" boy Xu Lingjia.

Shen Xici died early, he was still so young. What he remembers from his last life isn't much. His adoptive father was abusive who died in a puddle, his mother was neglecting and acted like mad always talking to posters of a little boy. His biological parents chose the fake (I don't call him young master since they're nto a ealthy family). And Shen Xici as the biggest victim was actually chased by JiaJia's fans who created all types of rumors about him, how he ruined a perfect family. They loved him because JiaJia appeared on a parent-child variety show, which pushed his stardom.

But what exactly is behind this perfect facade of a "perfect" family that chose non-biological son over their own flesh and blood? (Note: parents have a reason for their actions, it's not simply because they have no brains).

The only good time Shen Xici remembered were connected to his friend Sheng Shaoyan. The heir to a wealthy family. They spent several wonderful years before he passed.

/-SPOILERS-/

To get it out of the way, Shen Xici has a rare genetic disease, CIP, in other words he doesn't feel pain. He has one of the forms, if you read more you will realize that he most likely could have an "acquired" type, developed due to beatings of his adoptive father when an individual copes with a huge amount of pain which eads to the individual adopting to the feeling, which eventually led him losing sense of pain overall. My assumption. But in general it has a point in story.

If you are aware of this disease, you will catch on early on, since Xici has all the routine done, which is recommended for people who have it.

Now back to the main plot. I'm lost at which part to start to express what I liked. But let's start from the beginning.

Shen Xici lived with his adoptive parents for years, because of his father's death and his mother's neglect he was by himself, if it wasn't for a generous fortune-telling granda He who appeared in the story later, who knows where Xici would have ended up. From age 12 to 18 he lived on campus, but later needed money and dropped out of medical school, which he chose for the sake of his own condition.

He is handsome, smart and now that he is reborn he is more stable, he had his own idea of finally having a family when he found biological parents in previous life, but seeing the true face of his own parents he came to terms with himself and is more mature.

Shen Xici is currently filming a movie, he and Xu Lingjia are in the same crew.

But Lingjia acted weirdly and stole the undercover agent role from him. Xici guessed almost immediately that Lingjia might have been reborn just like him, but it was not the case, Lingjia believed he saw precognitive dreams and saw the future, and because in the future he was badly scolded for his role of a mute boy, but Xici was praised for the role of undercover agent he decided that he is the son of heaven and his future is limitless, he will steal everything from Xici and use all the opportunities to raise to the top.

Big Red Flag.

This is the first part that I particularly liked, which showcases how people perceive differently same situations. For example Xici rememberes being chased by Lingjia's fans before the movie even filmed (his adoptive mother found Lingjia, but this time she did not appear), but Lingjia rememberd how his life was full of ridicule from viewers because of his acing skills, that his role of a mute was shallow and it was also cut a lot due to his bad acting, but he still managed to ride the hype accusing Xici of cutting his role.

This just showcases how pampered and spoilt Lingjia is. His parents are not that famous, more like outdated stars, but they still have some popularity and wealth and connections, they've been in this business for so long. More than that, Lingjia's godmother is the producer of the movie they're filming, she also hold a high position of Lingjia's company and supports nepotism, providing Lingjia with all types of resources. All in all, he doesn't see the hard work done by people around him, how others supported him, but all he saw was negative.

Lingjia always saw problems with something external. He knew that Shen Xici won an award for his role, that means the role is good and his role is shit and did not even consider that his role was shit because his acting skills were bad.

On the contrary Shen Xici was not bothered by the power dynamics on the set. Even if someone stole a role others will be bought milk tea and cakes and everyone will forget it. He even had to hold his assistant on the crew Lan Xiaoshan (one of supporting roles) back.

But unlike Lingjia who has no idea what a good role is, Xici brought more life to the role of the mute boy, his ideas towards the script and acting not only allowed the director Wan Shan to appreciate him, but expand the role and adapt his ideas.

This is also when Xici quite fatefully met the wounded Sheng Shaoyan, he remembered that in previous life he heard rumors and from Shao himself about the power struggle in the Sheng family and was targetted by his second uncle. To prevent it he took Shao back home. But almost instantly compromised his own position. He knows that Shao lost memories, but he also knows that he will recover a month later. And he let it slip that Shaoyan is allergic to garlic, so he can't eat it. Because they were friends Xici let his guard down. But now it was inevitable the prospects of Shaoyan recovering and suspecting him. But saving Sao was worth it for him.

Actually Shao lived this month with misconception that he and Xici were in a relationship. Xici did not make any advances, it's just people around them were making such comments that Shao believed this idea. He knew that he lost memories, but as he saw it he tried to not let it slip. But in the end they spent this month cultivating relationship, not only Shao fell in love with Xici, but Xici always felt how lonely it would be to lose a person he cares about the most. Also it was inevitable to notice that Xici cares about his health a lot (I mean I watched House M.D. and I still remember that episode with a teenage girl who had this disease, thus I noticed that symptoms were the same).

This has a misunderstanding trope, but it's not annoying.

Actually, during the filming Lingjia tried to make up some moves against Xici but it failed, he also thought things through and realized that he is in much higher position and he shouldn't care, another flag, since Xici became his obsession almost. Lingjia instead decided to do it differently, have a metaphysics persona which backfired instantly. He said that one crew member will have a bloody disaster, but when it never came he asked why he is not in the hospital? It was hard not to think that Lingjia could have created this accident just to prove himself.

After he smoothed this accident he tried to make another move, against male lead Zhong Yue, who is a popular actor and Lingjia knows he will film a box office movie. But how to create connection? He knew that Zhong Yue was allergic to star fruit, so he changed the juice cup. Zhong Yue went into allergic shock while Lingjia, although scared but appeared epinephrine injection. Of course he was treated as a savior and benefitted a lot from it for some time. Before the "truth" resurfaced. Although there was no direct evidence (after all actor had no idea about his allergy himself) but it was a fact someone changed the juice and the one benefitting was Lingjia. His role in the movie was instantly dropped, public and fans were outraged, but he still was defended.

This led to his current role being cut as well.

Although he crawled out of this incident, but it still marred his reputation.

Which leads to one of the things I like in rebirth novels - not everything will turn out well just because you know the things that will happen in future.

Also because of this the public is not one-sided when it comes to Lingjia and Xici situation (we're still far away from the exposure, it will happen in the end).

Another secondary character, may not appear frequently but she has her own impact is Wen Yage. She is a co-star actress (mentioned in the summary). She at first acted like a basic character in such novels, seeing Shaoyan wanting to sponsor him and promote him. But actually she has a nice backstory and is not a bad character. On the contrary she helped Xici in previous life and he knew more about her. This is why later he honestly told her that she should change roles and try to find someone who will not shot a movie where only her charm is shown, like a dream through a lense of a man, but who will film her as a woman.

This is how they spent their time filming, Lingjia always thought of something bad, Wen Yage teased the two men Shao and Xici, Shao spent his time thinking he's mooching off his bf, tried to be better, while Xici spent his time perfecting the role of the mute boy filling this role with life and details.

A lot of beautiful moments, which all led to the day when Shaoyan got his memories back.

At first he disappeared. Although Xici was sad and lonely, but he knew what his choice was, all the details he revealed made him too suspicious. But Shaoyan was already deeply in love and at some point he returned and they easily reconnected, not touching the topic of how Xici knew it all.

After finishing filming Xici actually had a fateful meeting with a director who looked like savage. He read his script and had an idea in his had - this director was plagiarized in last life, because his movie came out changed but under a different person. Btw this is also a secondary character mentioned in the summary and that will play a role in the novel, more like a note of humor, ths guy is overall really hilarious.

This is how two poor guy (Xici is always poor and there are a lot of jokes about it) looked around for investment and started working on this movie and how Xici always rushed Director Lu Jiming to edit the movie, since he was sure another copy-movie was also in the making.

And the one who took the copy movie is you guessed it - Xu Lingjia. Since he remembered what made money and the other role he received as a "savior" was gone, he decided to make his own legend and was too believing. Although arrogant but stupid.

Because he tried to prove himself he even signed a gambling contract, which at that moment I knew will be their downfall. The guy is too full of himself. And when it came to his family, even if they helped him deal with Xici, he still acted paranoid about it. But it led him further down the drain actually. One wrong move led to another wrong move. He depended on his family and godmother, but also resented them as if they had to give him everything he wanted, while at one point they did give him a sound adivce of stoping, but he was too riled up to listen to reason.

I skip on several instances of hot searches either with some rumors, frame-ups etc. where Shen Xici turned the tide around as if he had some metaphysical body, but actually it's thanks to the help of people around and especially Sheng Shaoyan. They cover up period of how they filmed in the mountains and later movied to their own crew of true and copied movie.

It's not a big mystery that Lingjia will fail in his escapade, he was so naive to believe the rival of his godmother in the company, instead his deed were revealed again and again. With only rags of reputation left before the movie came out and people saw two almost identical movies. But Xici's crew had proof that their script is original, but Lingjia's crew did not. The situation escalated to a point where the company tried to put all the blame on the director who bit back with some heavy evidence. And this is where the melon field started with the climax of a finale when Zhou Suli (Lingjia's biological mother) appeared, all disheveled and manic believing the rotten parents ruined her precious son, otherwise how could he wish his own mother was dead (she jumped into the river, Lingjia talked her into it and saw it). The parents instantly tried to separate themselves, but Lingjia revealed some of the past truths of what they did during their career and how they ruined several people just to climb up, so no one will come out of this alive. Basically the motivation why they were so hardcore about their family in the past life, they had handles on each other.

These news were all over the internet for weeks after that. The only person never mentioned - Shen Xici. He had his own protective person who will not allow others to scrutinize him.

Basically, Shen Xici did nothing for the entirety of this novel to actively maliciously discredit Lingjia, the only thing he did was to protect himself from rumors, but he never attacked, Lingjia ruined his own life with his own hands, his ass was licked by fans for so long that he forgot that he is just an average-looking idiot with no talent and no one will tolerate him forever for everything he does. And he knows only how to act despicable. Like his parents.

And this is what is revealed in the end and explains why these three chose each other - interests.

On the other hand Xici and Shao developed for months. At first Xici acted overly familiar which allowed Shaoyan to fall in love despite his amnesia. After recovering at first Shaoyan thought Xici was either fishing or was playing at something (thus the title), at least he had an agenda. But later he realized that he helped him out of kindness, not because of his wealth etc.

Slowly they reconnected and kept in touch, after Shaoyan realized his feelings he started to slowly invade Xici's personal space bit by bit. And Xici couldn't resist since he had memories of past and present. You could call it a slow burn, because they developed for some times, especially Xici who longed for connection but also resisted due to his condition. Shaoyan knew it all and made his own choice. So even if Xici was afraid he would be near.

I must add that even if Sheng Shaoyan had some possessive tendencies, but Shen Xici is the one who is super insecure and who would not refuse such passion.

But of course I think it's the best to discover this novel fully on your own.

I just like the few ideas that were presented in here, although they may seem random. Not everything will turn out as you wish even if you know what will happen, future is dynamic. We see the world differently.

I think the part where characters were portrayed through others or their own actions were done well.

Like the insidiousness of the Cheng mother, you could feel that Lingjia learnt it from someone.

Lingjia's parents could see that their son was mean but did not stop him.

If they could do these things - they could do others.

It's an interesting fact that Xici's biological mother went to that mountain because she wanted to whitewash herself from fraudulent donation news, not because she wanted to do charity out of her good heart.

In the end you look at it and think - it's good that Grandpa He told him he had weak fate with his relatives. If he was part of that family and they knew his disease, who knew how'd they use their own son for money and fame. It's good he didn't live with anyone, except Shaoyan.

/-/

Fully liking it, small flaws passed me by. I enjoyed it a lot and recommend it for others to experience it.

RATE: 5/5.

[Chinese BL novel] 怀了豪门霸总的崽后我一夜爆红了 by 且拂 / I became an instant hit after getting pregnant with wealthy boss' kid

It's technically not a re-read I just skimmed through due to the bookmark note said "I think I completed it". So I went and looked at it and instantly remembered what it was, but I couldn't remember the whole thing, thus I skimmed it all before I could pass my judgement.

But what wondered me is how I never left a review? I doubt myself still.

(generic cover of all generic covers)

Summary: This is a rebirth story of He Xingyu. He spent years as an underground lover and marriage partner, never realizing that the one who plotted his bad reputation was his own partner.

But his fate should not have been like that, thus he was reborn and the memory from 300 years ago unlocked. He is actually a Taoist master and also a leader of Tianwu sect, thus he now remembered the entire knowledge and fatefully started using it.

Due to accident someone whose path should never crossed his wakes up thanks to his power. But later the meetings between the two led to unexpected baby.

Shortly, this is an okay one, feels too long though, I wouldn't choose for re-read, it has fun metaphysics, but also too much cooking and eating, ML calls MC "Food" all the time (even if he's not human, he lived for a couple hundred years). Pregnancy was an accident, because ML is not human. The "romance" development was so slow and when MC asked himself for the hundredth time - Am I imagining things or he has feelings for me? - You finally shout with relief when they come together (almost at the end lol).

Metaphysics are nothing outstanding to me.

What I especially didn't like outside the whole "Food" debacle is that sometimes characters made up their mind (as if we're in a comedy show) and went with it. Especially Assistant Tang next to ML, he thought Yu Han was interested in Xingyu, but at that time ML acted as if he was born yesterday, does not know how to communicate.. begs a question - how he accumulated so much wealth then? ML's story honestly feels weird. He lived for couple hundred years that's for sure, just each time changed identity. But we know the story includes "branches" of the Yu family, which Yu Han threw out pretty quickly, but how these adopted sons and their families appeared in the first place since Yu Han is by himself (no explanation).

But Assistant Tang was so annoying sometimes with him thinking this or that without any solid proof.

But I digress.

Anyway, the full plot will be shortened to something like:

Xingyu woke up. Broke up with his ex (who tried to have several acts online, but in a while was sent behind bars). Then he met with a nurse who looked after him, she had an accident, so he reminded her. This is the moment I remembered, since she was supposed to walk down the corridor and attacked by a patient. From here Xingyu helped other people before his deeds were heard by Tai family, Xingyu was roommate with their son actually, so he helped Tai Lin who later quite often tagged after Xingyu with admiration.

During the saving of Tai Lin in the ward, some of the power leaked upstair, waking Yu Han, who should have slept more.

Yu Han is (spoilers) a Qilin or a mythical beast. He eats a lot and the scent of pure power from Xingyu is what he craves for. This is why so much content of this novel is either cooking or eating, which was a bit tiring, since I don't give so much thought about the gourmet genre.

The only good part about saving Tai Lin is that we meet the family who plotted against them and also the fake Taoist priest responsible for curses, which of course is dangerous for society and He Xingyu takes it upon himself to fix it. Thus some characters were interconnected and eventually it was actually a narrow circle of people. Especially the situation of an actress, Xingyu's fellow actor from same company and their agent. Where actress was a mistress of agent's husband, because she got pregnant she wanted to remove the OG son of the couple and clear the path for her own child (which was weird, since she comes from a wealthy family, and this husband is the son-in-law type, Phoenix man).

But not to be too in the eyes of the public, during one of those scapades Xingyu asked to hire a priest, who is basically a liar, but who would be the face of his when working the clients. So while Xingyu did those deeds the fame went to the hired priest.

But I'm pretty sure even on the first read I couldn't be that involved in the story. Because metaphysics are present and Xingyu is OP, but it's still far from the desired. Especially when you start to include higher stakes that are solved easily, begs a question - why bother?

As for relationship. I might repeat it over and over, it was so tedious. The child was accident. They filmed on a mountain near the demolished Tianwu temple. Xingyu went there alone in the night to pay respect to everyone, while at it got drunk. While Yu Han went there to hide during estrus. Xingyu did not fight during it, but honestly the scene tasted bad. Afterwards he thought it was a one time thing, before he got pregnant (he is a medical student too, knows how to take the pulse). From here not only Yu Han ate a lot, but he too had to feed the little guy.

He concealed his condition, thus Yu Han was unaware.

But their relationship still continued to develop, but it was so slow and awkward before later after many repeated - does he have feelings or not? - Xingyu gives a hint. This they can progress romantically.

But many parts of it were just not it to me. Not to mention that Xingyu afterwards thought he acted just as antidote (thought Yu Han was drugged) and Yu Han could not wrap around his head about what feelings were (he's a beast, even if he is old but acts like he's oblivious) and calling Xingyu "Food" a hundred times.

The speed at which I scrolled this thing by the end was astonishing. I had to make sure I didn't miss anything, but tbh no matter how cruel it sounds I wouldn't miss anything if I did not pick it up.

RATE: 2,75/5.

[Chinese BL novel] 豪门炮灰开始发飙 by 冷耳 / The cannon fodder of the wealthy family began to act crazy

I have such a dislike for this novel, especially when I finally finished reading it and got to the part that interested me. Because that part is not bad. But the rest of it... let me explain.

The story is about Lu Ran who was reborn. He is the youngest son of the Shen family who was lost when he was four. Later the Shen family actually adopted a kid from an orphanage and gave Lu Ran's original name Shen Xingran to the adopted son.

But later Lu Ran was found back, but no one in the family was accepting him, Lu Ran desperately tried to fit in but it never happened. Later he was implicated many times and even was in a car accident that left him immobile for a decade, only to rarely see his family coming over.

After being reborn Lu Ran decided that since his family is so vile, he will be even more mean and from there he sometimes had the crazy moments of doing whatever he wanted to make the Shen family unstable.

Why I almost hated this novel is the crude and vulgar "humor". The thing is several times Lu Ran used either shit or toilet water to threaten people around him. The first evening he came around he made his dog poop and threaten the family with it (holding the plastic bag with the shit). Later he "punished" people by shoving them into toilets...It happened so many times that I lost count. And I have no idea if it's author's way of joking or there is no worse scenario than being dipped in shit, but I just felt disgusted all the time.

At first the family acts strange, but there is not real foreshadowing at first, only later I continued reading because you have an idea that his disappearance, this family and other things are not simple. And this is the only part that I could praise.

Because each family member at different times remembered the day when Lu Ran disappeared and they all have different experience about it, but they all feel guilty, not knowing that others feel the same guilt and the consequent actions of each member depended on that very day.

And we have a full explanation why the older brother Shen Xingyu is so cold. Why the second brother Shen Xingzhou is almost crazy about protecting fake Xingran. Why Mrs. Shen always protects and dotes on the adopted son and why the father Shen Hongyuan acts so weirdly.

Truth should be told from the previous generation and Lu Ran's grandfather. He built his family business by himself, but he was not satisfied with the next generation and was holding onto power for many years. His son actually followed all the arrangements, but this started to make the Mr Shen dissatisfied again. Like how can you rule the business if you're so gullible. He cast his eyes on the next generation. He started with the eldest grandson, but that started to cry how he missed his family and was let go, the second grandson was out of question because he was naughty and the next was Lu Ran. He lived with old Mr Shen since he was two. Through glimpses of the past we see that Lu Ran is very caring and considerate, but there was no one to care.

We know that Mr Shen died because he had problems with sugar level. But only by the very end we find out that it was man-made. Because his own son drugged him.

And we also find out that Lu Ran disappeared not because of negligence, but pretty much man-made too, because he saw his own father with the syringe at night. His father was afraid of being told by a 4 year old.

Then the famous scene of a travel came around. Almost each member had their own car / RV. So not a single person noticed that a kid disappeared, but they all had a guilty consciousness, only Shen Hongyuan took it as opportunity.

Shen Xingzhou made a fuss that he wanted cake as the youngest, but then changed to ice-cream.

Shen Xingyu gave the youngest a cold shoulder when was asked to go together for ice-cream, because he was under too much pressure from young age under his father. He acted this way with Lu Ran all the time, although Lu Ran did nothing, but basically father lashed at Xingyuand Xingyu being immature did the same.

Mrs Shen just had an argument with her husband, so she also sent the young son away with irritation.

Shen Hongyuan actually saw his kid walking away, but at the last moment he stopped. He agreed to move as if nothing happened, when things were revealed he made appearances as if he went to search, while he didn't. Later he even prevented people from searching. All until he had to tell his father the truth. His father lashed out at him, but the next time they met he was calm. He knew that his own son said outside that he's going to die, that his son wanted power. But he broke that dream, he announced that he will leave everything to little Lu Ran. if he wants the family business, he might find the kid back.

But the kid is lost and Mr Shen is above him, in desperate move Hongyuan got Mr Shen the lethal dose. After his death he was actually blackmailed by his own brother and his mistress, since she was a caregiver and filmed the process. Later with Mr Shen gone he took a young boy outside and gave him the name Shen Xingran. Because the will said - youngest son Shen Xingran. And fake Xingran is youngest. This was just in case, because he forged the will and lived for years like that.

Mrs Shen found an outlet while everyone blamed her for being irresponsible (quite common for these novels). Shen Xingyu changed his ways because of this incident since he blamed himself and Shen family was above all, even if it was by wronging Lu Ran. Xingzhou forgot his brother but with the adopted son he found the outlet, even if he did not remember the events due to high fever.

So what Lu Ran knows as a novel and protagonist Shen Xingran has such a sinister flavor underneath it.

Even in his last life the car accident was most likely done by his own father. From the very beginning his father was nervous about him because he was afraid his son will remember those things and everything he had done will be out.

So this story behind everything and how each member thought it was thir fault, the explanation behind their actions I don't consider bad.

But all that toilet stuff and basically the dragged the fuck out novel (130 chapters) that has many repetitive moments is just not it.

The ML of this novel is Ji Min, he was unlucky that the novel was written in '23 when disabled bosses were still popular. No worries, like any other big boss he will be cured.

They met by chance when he saw Lu Ran saving his dog, it's an old dog named DaHuang who was thrown out by Shen family, because Shen Xingran fake cried he was bitted (DaHuang has no teeth to bite) and also another rich dude under instigation of Second young master Shen was going to hit DaHuang with a car. I mean what can be more vicious.

After that they crossed paths, but had misunderstanding, especially because Lu Ran never clarified rumors that he was not illegitimate child (spread by Shen Xingran) and Ji Min's situation is due to illegitimate brother.

Later they got closer and he acted like protective elder, but because I cared none (wanted just the family story) I skipped a lot of their parts and how they fell in love. I mainly didn't care because a lot of that disgusting humor was present between the two as well.

Honestly, so much toilet trash. I think there were several scenes of just feeding people toilet water with drinks and people would find out and shout - okay if you don't want to do business then don't, there is not need to do tehse messy things.

Damn even the justification of why eventually Shen Xingran betrayed his family was not that bad. After all he always knew he was adopted, he figured temperaments of everyone and he found out about the will and other things, he just wanted to flee the country but was caught in time.

But before that all those cheap green tea moment when he cated all innocent or wronged just ruined the damn picture so much.

Thus it became a mix of their own core idea that was not bad, mix of cliche and generic stuff and disgusting humor.

How am I supposed to rate it? But I definitely ranted as I wanted. Initially I didn't want to mention it at all. Not even write it down into my planner, which helps me keep track on things. But later I reached the point of finally finding things out (kept secret for entire novel) and I just couldn't stay silent.

RATE: 1/5. Fuck it.

PS: After posting decided to check if this novel is on NU, since it's at least few years old. And it is. I'm not going to delete my rant here though :)