The Substitute

My Thoughts on The Substitute

"The Substitute" is a complicated read, and my feelings are definitely mixed. This josei novel, with its heavy dose of mature themes and romance, certainly has its moments, but it also stumbled in ways that left me a bit disappointed. It's a story of self-discovery and second chances, but whether those chances are truly earned is debatable.

First Impressions

Initially, I was drawn in by the premise: a woman used as a substitute who finds the strength to leave and rebuild her life. That initial spark of self-love and the promise of a strong female lead who prioritizes her own well-being had me hooked. I was ready for a tale of empowerment and moving on, hopefully to someone who truly appreciates her.

What Works Well

The strongest aspect, for me, was the female lead's journey of self-discovery. Watching her transform from a naive, innocent woman to a confident "boss babe" was genuinely satisfying. I appreciated the focus on her personal growth and her determination to not repeat past mistakes. While I didn't love how quickly the transformation happened, the end result was compelling. I also found Mrs. Xu to be a delightful character, providing a much-needed dose of warmth and support.

Areas of Concern

My biggest issue lies with the male lead and the central relationship. While the novel flirts with the "crematorium" trope – where the male lead regrets his past actions and tries to win back the female lead – it ultimately falls short. I didn't find his supposed groveling convincing enough, and his continued "smirking" arrogance made it difficult for me to root for him. The lack of significant character development on his part was frustrating, especially considering the FL's growth. I also think that the story would have been stronger if the female lead had moved on completely, finding someone who valued her from the start. The fact that she takes him back, even if she claims to be using him, feels like a step backward and undermines her hard-earned independence.

Final Verdict

"The Substitute" has potential, but it doesn't quite live up to it. The FL's journey is engaging, but the lackluster groveling and the questionable decision to give the ML a second chance ultimately detract from the overall impact. If you're looking for a deeply satisfying story of redemption and groveling, you might want to look elsewhere. I'm giving it a 3/5. It's an alright read, but definitely not a standout in the genre.