Once We Come Across Love

My Thoughts on Once We Come Across Love

"Once We Come Across Love" promised a cute and fluffy romance, and while I found moments of that, my overall experience was a bit more complicated. It's a story about childhood sweethearts, but whether that's a delightful trope or a source of frustration seems to depend heavily on the reader.

First Impressions

Initially, I was drawn in by the "childhood sweethearts" premise. The idea of watching an innocent love blossom from a young age held a certain appeal. I was hoping for a lighthearted and charming story. However, as I delved deeper, I began to see some cracks in the sugary-sweet facade.

What Works Well

The early chapters do a good job of establishing the central relationship. The female lead, Xiao Tu, is undeniably cute and naive, while the male lead, Ling Chao, is portrayed as intelligent, if a bit tsundere. Some readers really enjoyed this dynamic, finding their interactions sweet and fluffy. There's a definite charm in watching their relationship develop from infancy, and the author clearly intended to create a heartwarming journey. For some, the slow-burn romance and the comfort of a familiar trope hit all the right notes.

Areas of Concern

However, I can't ignore some serious issues that multiple readers pointed out. A recurring theme is the perceived manipulation and lack of agency given to the female lead. Several felt that Xiao Tu is constantly being pushed around by her mother, the male lead, and his mother, with little regard for her own desires and opinions. The situation surrounding college applications seems to be a major turning point for many, where the male lead's actions are viewed as selfish and controlling, rather than romantic. The lack of genuine apologies and the downplaying of her feelings left me feeling uneasy. The power dynamics, especially with the male lead's family seemingly "grooming" her to be his bride, are also a significant red flag. While the novel is complete, I couldn't help but feel that the FL deserved better.

Final Verdict

"Once We Come Across Love" is a novel with both strong points and significant flaws. While some readers will find the childhood sweethearts trope endearing and the story overall cute and fluffy, others will be put off by the perceived manipulation, lack of character agency, and questionable power dynamics. If you're looking for a lighthearted romance with minimal conflict, this might be enjoyable. However, if you're sensitive to issues of control, manipulation, and lack of consent, you might want to approach this novel with caution. For me, the problematic elements overshadowed the initial charm, leaving me with a mixed and ultimately disappointing experience.