Hakushaku Reijou wa Kenen no Naka no Elite Kishi to Kyousei-teki ni Tsugai ni saserareru

My Thoughts on Hakushaku Reijou wa Kenen no Naka no Elite Kishi to Kyousei-teki ni Tsugai ni saserareru

"Hakushaku Reijou wa Kenen no Naka no Elite Kishi to Kyousei-teki ni Tsugai ni saserareru" (which, let's be honest, is a mouthful!) is a completed web novel that I recently dove into, and it’s definitely a story that evokes strong feelings. It's a blend of romance, drama, and fantasy, with a healthy dose of ahem mature content thrown in for good measure. While some aspects really resonated with me, others left me feeling a bit uneasy.

First Impressions

Initially, I was drawn in by the "enemies to lovers" trope and the European-esque setting. The idea of a forced pairing between two reluctant individuals, especially with a hint of childhood connection, always piques my interest. I was hoping for a slow-burn romance with plenty of emotional depth.

What Works Well

The novel excels in portraying the internal struggles of its main characters, Tiana and Adele. I particularly enjoyed getting a glimpse into Adele's perspective, which added layers to his actions and motivations. The story does a good job of showing their mutual, albeit hidden, feelings, making their eventual connection more satisfying. The side stories are a real treat, adding depth to the world and characters that the main storyline sometimes lacks due to its brevity. The smut, while a central part of the story, is also handled in a way that some readers appreciate, with the male lead trying to please the female lead.

Areas of Concern

However, the novel isn't without its flaws. The main issue that stood out to me was the initial dynamic between the leads, particularly in the early intimate scenes. There's a fine line between "uncomfortable" and "unconsensual," and at times, the novel treads dangerously close to the latter. This is a significant concern, and it understandably turned off some readers. Also, the male lead is considered to be "trash" by some, which is understandable due to his actions.

Final Verdict

Overall, "Hakushaku Reijou wa Kenen no Naka no Elite Kishi to Kyousei-teki ni Tsugai ni saserareru" is a mixed bag. If you're looking for a short, smutty romance with some angst and a happy ending, and you're willing to overlook the problematic initial dynamic, you might find it enjoyable. However, if you're sensitive to issues of consent or prefer a more straightforward, less morally grey romance, this might not be the story for you. I'd give it a cautious recommendation, with a strong emphasis on being aware of its potential triggers.