I’ll Just Take a Lick

My Thoughts on I’ll Just Take a Lick

"I'll Just Take a Lick" is a novel I decided to check out after seeing it described as short and cute, and honestly, that's a pretty accurate summary. It's a quick dip into a xianxia world with a yaoi twist, featuring a cat and mouse who've cultivated into something more...complicated.

First Impressions

My first impression was definitely "aww," followed by a slight "huh?" The story throws you right into the dynamic between the cat and mouse, and it's a little confusing at first. Luckily, there's some explanation provided, which definitely helped me appreciate the humor and the underlying tension between the two characters. It's a lighthearted premise, and the cover art (especially the original moving one!) is undeniably charming.

What Works Well

The sheer brevity of the story is both a strength and a weakness, but in this case, I think it mostly works. It's a perfect little palate cleanser, a burst of fluff that won't take up much of your time. The central conflict—a timid mouse gong terrified of a cat shou who wants to "eat" him—is inherently funny, and the story plays with that dynamic well. I also appreciated the focus on the characters. Even in just a couple of scenes, you get a good sense of their personalities and their relationship. The love interest definitely seems to fall first, which is always a fun trope.

Areas of Concern

Honestly, my biggest issue is that it's too short. It feels more like a story outline than a fully fleshed-out narrative. While the cuteness is undeniable, I couldn't help but wish there was more to sink my teeth into (pun intended!). A few more chapters to develop the plot and explore the characters' relationship in greater depth would have elevated this from a cute oneshot to something truly memorable. The plot is very minimal, so if you're looking for something with a lot of substance, this probably isn't it.

Final Verdict

"I'll Just Take a Lick" is a delightful, albeit fleeting, read. If you're in the mood for a quick dose of fluffy yaoi with a unique premise, give it a try. Just don't expect a deep or complex story. It's a light snack, not a full meal, but sometimes that's exactly what you need. I'd give it a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars.