Living Together Novel Review

My Thoughts on Living Together

"Living Together" was a web novel I dove into expecting a certain type of story, and while it delivered on some fronts, it surprised me in others. Overall, I found it to be a worthwhile read, blending humor, spice, and surprisingly touching character development.

First Impressions

Initially, I was drawn in by the promise of a lighthearted, smutty read. The premise of cohabitation between the leads seemed like a recipe for some comedic and steamy situations. I wasn't wrong, but I also quickly realized there was more depth than I anticipated. The story quickly introduces the characters, their traumatic pasts, and their current circumstances, and I was hooked.

What Works Well

The character development is a major strength. The male lead's (ML) inability to feel emotions and his quirky behavior, like his insistence on "fairness" in the most unconventional ways, provided a lot of laughs. The female lead (FL), fresh out of a difficult situation, is portrayed as both strong and vulnerable, making her incredibly relatable. Watching them navigate their relationship and help each other heal was genuinely heartwarming. The balance between plot, characterization, and smut was well-managed, keeping me engaged throughout. I also appreciated the comedic undertones that prevented the heavier themes from becoming too overwhelming. The author clearly has a knack for writing engaging and complex characters.

Areas of Concern

While I enjoyed the story, I can see where some readers might have reservations. The ML's behavior, particularly in early intimate scenes, may come across as dubious consent to some. While the FL ultimately enjoys these encounters, the power dynamics and ML's insistence on fairness can be uncomfortable. It's a tricky area, and I think readers should approach it with caution, considering their own sensitivities.

Final Verdict

Despite some potentially problematic elements, I found "Living Together" to be a sweet and amusing story with a surprising amount of heart. The characters are well-developed, the plot is engaging, and the smut is plentiful. If you're looking for a mature read with a good balance of humor, romance, and spice, I'd recommend giving this one a try, but be aware of the potential triggers.