My Darling

My Thoughts on My Darling

"My Darling" promised a sweet josei romance with a touch of slice-of-life, and having finished it, I can say it mostly delivered. The story centers around a popular male celebrity pursuing his childhood friend, who, for a long time, only sees him as family. This dynamic definitely created some interesting friction, making for a compelling read.

First Impressions

Initially, I found the dynamic between the leads a little awkward. Seeing the female lead consistently reject the male lead was difficult at times, but the story does a good job of establishing the reasons behind her hesitations. It's not just simple denial; there's a history there that needs to be unpacked.

What Works Well

The slow-burn romance is definitely a highlight. The author really fleshes out the female lead's internal struggles as she transitions from seeing the male lead as just a friend to something more. I appreciated that she didn't just suddenly fall for him; she actively tried to be a good girlfriend once she committed, which ultimately solidified her feelings. The male lead's unwavering devotion is also a strong point. His patience and dedication are admirable, even if he makes a few missteps along the way. The translation is also excellent. It's clear that the translator put a lot of love and care into the novel, providing helpful notes and references that enhance the reading experience. The writing is detailed and flows like a professionally published novel.

Areas of Concern

While I enjoyed the novel overall, I do have some slight reservations. The male lead's actions in the past, particularly his handling of the female lead's high school boyfriend, left a bad taste in my mouth. While his love for her is undeniable, some of his actions veer into manipulative territory, which is a bit of a red flag. The ending felt a little rushed, and I would have liked to see more of their relationship after the female lead fully realized her feelings. The pacing was slow and steady and the build-up was long, so the resolution felt too short.

Final Verdict

Despite some flaws, "My Darling" is a heartwarming and engaging romance. If you enjoy stories about childhood friends, slow-burn relationships, and devoted love interests, then I would recommend giving this novel a try. Just be prepared for a bit of angst and some questionable behavior from the male lead along the way. I'd give it a solid 4 out of 5 stars.