Assistant Duties

My Thoughts on Assistant Duties

"Assistant Duties" promised an intriguing office romance, and while it had moments that initially hooked me, the overall experience left me feeling somewhat disappointed. The premise of a boss-subordinate relationship with a playboy CEO and a seemingly naive assistant held potential, but the execution faltered in several key areas.

First Impressions

I was initially drawn in by the refreshing dynamic between the main characters. There was a sense that the MC, despite his affections for the ML, possessed a rational mind and wasn't simply a "love brain." This gave me hope for a more nuanced and engaging story than the typical trope-filled BL novel. The initial setup felt new and exciting.

What Works Well

The beginning of "Assistant Duties" does have its strengths. The office setting is decently portrayed, and the power imbalance between the characters creates a certain tension that kept me reading. I was interested in seeing how their relationship would evolve, and the initial portrayal of the MC as someone who, while infatuated, still maintained a sense of self-preservation was promising.

Areas of Concern

Unfortunately, the novel takes a noticeable dip in quality as it progresses. I found the character development to be inconsistent, particularly with the ML. His sudden shift from a seemingly indifferent playboy to a devoted lover felt jarring and unearned. The MC's character also suffers, becoming increasingly passive and frustrating to read. The plot becomes increasingly cliché. The characters act out of character in ways that don't make a lot of sense, and the story descends into the usual low quality BL tropes.

Final Verdict

While "Assistant Duties" had a promising start, its inconsistent character development, nonsensical plot twists, and reliance on tired tropes ultimately detracted from my enjoyment. The initial novelty fades quickly, leaving behind a story that feels rushed, uninspired, and ultimately unsatisfying. I wouldn't recommend this to anyone looking for a well-developed or emotionally resonant BL novel.