A Con Artist But That’s Okay Novel Review

My Thoughts on A Con Artist But That’s Okay

"A Con Artist But That’s Okay" promised a blend of fantasy, romance, and a clever female lead navigating the treacherous waters of aristocracy. As a Josei fan, I was excited to jump in. While it held some appeal, it didn't entirely live up to my initial expectations.

First Impressions

The initial setup intrigued me: a protagonist seemingly down on her luck but secretly harboring cunning plans. The European-inspired backdrop and the premise of a marriage of convenience also piqued my interest. However, I found the execution in the early chapters a bit lacking.

What Works Well

The concept of a "con artist" protagonist is definitely the strongest draw. The potential for intricate schemes, witty banter, and unexpected twists is there, and at times, the story delivers on this promise. I appreciated the mature themes explored, which added depth to the characters and their relationships. The "love interest falls in love first" trope, while common, is executed decently enough here to keep me invested in the romantic subplot.

Areas of Concern

My main issue lies in the storytelling. While the narrative aims to portray a sharp and resourceful female lead, it often falls into the trap of telling rather than showing. I wanted to see her cleverness unfold through her actions and strategies, but instead, I sometimes felt like I was being told she was clever. This made it harder to connect with her and fully appreciate her supposed cunning. The initial chapters felt a little rushed, sacrificing character development for plot progression, which ultimately weakened the impact of the story.

Final Verdict

"A Con Artist But That’s Okay" has a compelling premise and the potential to be a truly great story. However, it needs to lean more into showing the protagonist's con artistry rather than simply stating it. Despite its flaws, the underlying concept and the promise of mature themes kept me somewhat engaged, and I believe it could appeal to readers who enjoy stories with cunning female leads and marriages of convenience, provided they're willing to overlook some initial shortcomings. I'd say it's a 3 out of 5 for me.