Reading List | Some of Minty’s Current Manhwa Reads

Hello my BAYOG luvelies~ BAYOG’s resident manhwa/webtoon trash queen here~ It’s been a while since I’ve shared my reading list for webtoons/manhwa~ I know a couple of people were asking me about what I reading too. So here y’all go!~ I’m still reading a ton during any free time I have. But y’all also know me. I’ll read just to read. But these are the series that I actually do like and find interesting. They’re my current reads that I try to keep up with as much as I can~ I got romance, drama, angst, wholesome, fluffy, infuriating…all types of series for you~ Of course, because it’s a Minty’s reading list post (and cuz I really suck at keeping things short and simple)…y’all know it’s gonna be kind of a long post haha.

Warning: Some spoilers ahead (I’ll try to keep them as minimal as possible~)

Quick List

Y’all can just click and jump to that specific series if you want…cuz yeah…this post ended up being much longer than I planned LOLOLOL 💜 = Ones I’m particularly really into~

💮Ashtarte | 아슈타르테 💜
💮The Broken Ring: This Marriage Will Fail Anyway | 이 결혼은 어차피 망하게 되어 있다 💜
💮Charming the Duke of the North | 북부 공작님을 유혹하겠습니다 💜
💮Long After the Ending | 원작은 완결난 지 한참 됐습니다만 💜
💮Like Wind on a Dry Branch | 마른 가지에 바람처럼 💜
💮For My Derelict Favorite | 버려진 나의 최애를 위하여
💮My In-Laws Are Obsessed With Me | 시월드가 내게 집착한다
💮Twilight Poem | 희란국 연가
💮I Shall Master This Family | 이번 생은 가주가 되겠습니다 💜
💮I’m the Tyrant’s Secretary | 폭군의 비서관이 되었습니다
💮My Second Husband | 두 번째 남편
💮Even If… | 아니라도
💮Isnelda | 이스닐다
💮I Raised a Black Dragon | 흑막용을 키우게 되었다 💜
💮I’ve Become a True Villainess | 합법적 악역의 사정 💜
💮Bitter Sweetheart (NSFW) | 착한 여친 💜

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Ashtarte
아슈타르테

Alternatively Known As: 아슈타르테, Ashtarte (Official)
[Content/Trigger Warnings: Child abuse and neglect — Her whole damn family neglected her for years]
Genre/Theme: Romance, Fantasy, Drama, Josei, Historical, reincarnation, angst(?)
Spicy Level: Nah — It ain’t that kinda story
Rage/Frustration Level: YES. HOW DARE THEY DO THAT TO SUCH A SWEET CINNAMON ROLL — I’m pissed cuz it’s just stupid!!
Webtoon Status: [TappyToon — Official English Version]
Original Novel: [ [Naver Series] — Korean]; Not Yet Officially Available in English
Synopsis:

“The Firenze Empire will be met with a new light and darkness, but the darkness will swallow the light and bring the empire to ruin.” In an imperial family praised for their silver locks, Princess Ashtarte’s unique black hair is immediately stigmatized as a bad omen. With her family shunning her for being the prophesied darkness, all Ashtarte wants is to be loved, and learning magic is her sole option to achieving that. One day, she stumbles upon a spell of destiny that teleports her to an unknown place. Waiting for her there is a boy in shackles named Abelion Elforman, who is anchored by a grim past of his own. Will these two be able to work together to bring light to their dark fates?

[TappyToon | Ashtarte]

You want cute, sweet cinnamon roll? But do you also want hella anger and frustration? Want characters who aren’t afraid to call out bullshit and just spit out the truth? This for you then.

Y’all, this is one of my current faves on TappyToon. Ashtarte is such a sweet little cinnamon roll. I feel so bad for her. She remembers her past life where she lived pitifully and was abused until she died. All she’s ever wanted then and now was to have a warm family. Yeah, my baby girl had that crushed. Literally, because of a (sketch AF) prophecy, her whole family and the entire kingdom turned their backs on her since the day she was born. Despite being a legitimate princess, she’s completely neglected and also looked down upon. I’m just glad that unlike most other stories, she’s not completely alone and unloved. Her maid/nanny genuinely cares for her and tries to give her as much love as she can. Her knight also deeply cares for her. Those two can see how sweet, innocent, kind, and pure their lady is. It’s heartbreaking because all Ashtarte seems to long for is affection and acceptance from her family. But they’re such fucking pricks. Especially the eldest brother. I ain’t considering that bullshit tsundere either. There was genuine hatred towards her. And the fact that they blatantly smother the other sister with love right in front of her, and absolutely humiliate her. Like nothing warrants that kind of behavior. I got so freakin’ mad. Like, okay…y’all consider her to be a big curse. But she hasn’t done a damn thing to you. She still always acts kind and courteous. She never gets mad. She only gets hurt! You force her to sit there and join her. And just absolutely insult her. The eldest brother literally said, “If I had to choose between you two, I’d choose Ryllie in a heartbeat”. He also said shit like, “Don’t look at me like that. Are you trying to make me feel guilty? Should I abandon Ryllie just because I feel sorry for you?” Right to Ashtarte’s face! She’s his full-blooded sister, and she literally fucking saved his life! She’s also a small child who is like freaking 10 years old! There’s so much fucking bullshit. I was seething by chapter 2.

But there are good parts. Like first off, I like the art for this series alot~ Is it the absolute best art that I’ve seen? Nah. But I can still consider it like a good A-tier kind of art. But obviously, my favorite part is Ashtarte herself. I’m a sucker for cinnamon roll characters. But also I love the nanny and knight. They’re so sweet, and I love that they do genuinely love and care for Ashtarte. I also love how they absolutely hate her family and what they’ve done. The nanny is the MVP though. She’s absolutely pissed at Ashtarte’s family and has tried her best to keep them away from her. Like in most series where there might be a caring maid. They’d be upset but not actually be able to say anything. Nanny is livid and petty. She absolutely calls the brothers out on their bullshit. Like very directly and she doesn’t hold back. She doesn’t hide her hatred and disdain at all. Even when the brother tells the nanny he’s giving dresses to Ashtarte (the way he does it is like he’s doing a favor and trying to be tsundere, but he just seems like an absolute asshole). I love how the nanny calls him a coward to his face and is like “What’s the use of being kind now? You give her hope only to crush it at the same time.” She also reminds him that he can’t just turn back time and undo his actions and the pain he’s caused. Like they suddenly decided they have an interest in her and wanna make amends when she had just suddenly disappeared. Like, FUCK YOU. NO. You don’t get to neglect and be cruel to your own freakin’ little sister for 10 whole fucking years, and then suddenly decide that you can just get over it. NO. I love how the eldest brother’s advisor also straight up called him out with some cold hard truth too. Like, again, after Ashtarte’s disappearance, the eldest brother suddenly has this huge worry and interest in her. So he decides he has to see her. The advisor is straight up like, “You’re going now…after 10 years of not visiting her?” The brother was like, “That’s why I feel guilty.” and advisor dude is like, “If you feel bad, that’s all the more reason to not go! Ten years is already too late. If you suddenly show up and start showing her warmth, do you think she’d be grateful? If I were her, I’d resent you. You have no right to approach her! Your actions will only cause her confusion!” Like absolutely pop off my dude! The eldest brother was the biggest prick out of the bunch. He deserves to suffer.

Anway, that brings me to the other thing I like about this series. Despite Ashtarte being incredibly sweet and kind, she finally decides to not hold any expectations for her family after she disappears. She’s come to a realization. Part of it is thanks to the male lead though. Dude is so kind and caring to her. He made her realize that she doesn’t need to waste her time, energy, and feelings on people like that who hurt her. Dude literally said, “Not everyone will love you, so you don’t need to love everyone either.” I love how she has not more expectations from her family and no longer has any sense of warmth towards them. Which confuses the heck out of them and kinda tortures them. Like good. You fucking deserved it. Like the brother got mad she referred to him as “Crown Prince” and not “brother”. She had to remind him that she’s the one who told her not to call him that and that she should “…watch how you act from now on.” Also added how only the other sister could call him brother. That was also when he said he wouldn’t hesitate to choose his other sister over her. So BOO HOO. Cry me a fucking river. I hope you suffer. I don’t care that they finally came to their senses. She’s clearly an innocent child. Yet they quickly and easily tossed her aside, neglected her, and treated her so cruelly for 10 whole freaking years. I refuse to give them a pass and give them redemption. At the very least, they gotta suffer twice as hard.

MAJOR SPOILER (highlight below to read):

The irony… the other “sister” isn’t even really their family! That sister that they all just had on the highest pedestal, treating her as the most precious thing, and the biggest blessing…all while treating my cinnamon like trash. She’s a fucking homunculus. The fucking priest who made the prophecy made the damn thing up. Our Ashtarte is actually supposed to be the blessing of the empire. Yeah, they dun fucked up…BIG TIME.

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The Broken Ring: This Marriage Will Fail Anyway (NSFW…? Kinda, sorta…?)
이 결혼은 어차피 망하게 되어 있다

Alternatively Known As: 이 결혼은 어차피 망하게 되어 있다, The Broken Ring: This Marriage Will Fail Anyway (Official), The Broken Ring, This Marriage is Bound to Fail Anyway(Unofficial), This Marriage is Bound to Sink Anyway(Unofficial)
[Content/Trigger Warnings: Physical & Sexual Assault, Mental & Physical Abuse, Murder, Suicide, Gaslighting, Cheating, Miscarriage, — There’s alot of fucked up shit and tragedy going on here.]
Genre/Theme: Romance, Fantasy, Angst, Drama, Josei, Historical, Tragedy, Regression/Time-Travel, angst
Spicy Level: OOF. IT HOT IN HEEEERE; R-15/All-Ages (Original Novel R-19) — This is literally the spiciest R-15/All-Ages manhwa I’ve come across. Like they just do enough where it’s just barely not considered R-19.
Rage/Frustration Level: Hell yes. Alot of rage, frustration, and heartbreak — Fuck the prince and empress. There’s just alot of fucked up shit happening. Some hella tragic shit happened too
Webtoon Status: [TappyToon — Official English Version]
Original Novel: [TappyToon — Official English Version]
Synopsis:

When six-year-old Inés laid eyes on the handsome heir to House Escalante, she promptly made the boy her fiancé. Since noble men are all the same, she figured she might as well choose a pretty one. But Lord Cárcel isn’t ready for this sort of commitment just yet, and he spends the next decade and a half avoiding the marriage at all costs! Luckily, that’s no trouble for Inés, as this marriage failing is exactly what she wants. In fact, he has her blessing to sow his wild oats as long as he stays out of her business. Unfortunately, being a playboy isn’t as fun when your fiancée gives you permission. And doesn’t this mean she’s cheating on him too? Now, Cárcel is determined to change Inés’ mind about him and prove he can be the husband she’s always wanted.

[TappyToon | The Broken Ring: This Marriage Will Fail Anyway]

If y’all looking for gorgeous art and a more mature story that’s kinda spicy, this one is probably for you! First of all, the art for this series is absolutely gorgeous!!! Definitely A+ or S-Tier art for a TappyToon title. The art is so gorgeous. But I also love the cute comedy and chibi bits too~ I also found it very interesting that the manhwa was first released internationally in English before it was released in Korean on Kakao. Like a good several months! They did a reverse on us! haha~ Anyway, this series is an adaptation of an R19 novel. Tappytoon said they’ll have the novel up in English soon too~ From what I’ve read on spoilers and snippets, the novel is extremely spicyyyyy. Yet, the manhwa adaptation is actually R15/all-ages! Very surprising considering how a good chunk of the original novel is intensely sexual. However, despite being R15/all-ages, I’d say that this manhwa adaptation is really, realllyyy spicy and steamy. Like I feel like they manhwa is “How much can we do and just barely be considered not R19?” LMAO It’s really suggestive…kinda more than suggestive… I also find the series so interesting because they do such a great job of building intense sexual tension. I also just find the series really interesting because it’s kind of different from our typical romance series. Like the female lead is actually very smart. She’s also regressed multiple times. I honestly feel really bad for Ines. Her past lives were really tragic. I gotta warn y’all, major trigger warnings and content for this series. In her past lives, she’s had incidents of being cheated on, gaslight, physically and mentally abused, sexually assaulted, and miscarried. It’s actually heartbreaking because she resorted to suicide at one point after having been pushed to the point of being absolutely broken. The result of multiple lives full of tragedy has caused Ines to be a bit wiser and smarter. But also kind of broken mentally and emotionally. I’mma throw my rant here: the crown prince is a fucking psycho and absolute trash. That dude is major toxic red-flags and a curse. Fuck that dude. Fuck his mom too.

The other thing I kind of found different and interesting about this series is how everything isn’t black and white. There be some grey areas. Also I love how the characters aren’t pure and flawless. They very much have flaws and issues. Like y’all know I hate cheaters. BAYOG House absolutely don’t like cheaters, and they usually the first I kick down into the BAYOG volcano. Yet I do find it interesting that I can’t completely call Carcel trash or hate him like I usually hate players and cheaters. Also, no…it’s not cuz he’s the male lead and handsome. This is one of the “it’s kinda gray” parts for me. I think for one, it’s because Ines fully knows about him and his escapades and she allows it. I guess it doesn’t leave as bitter of an aftertaste to me because she knows and allows it, so it’s basically like Ines sees this as an open relationship anyway (even though she doesn’t actually care for Carcel). Also spoilers: it turns out that Ines has kinda been manipulating the situation too and wants him to meet with other women. Also, it seems that in their world, affairs are extremely common. Like it’s just basically an accepted fact that every man has a mistress or sleeps around with multiple women other than their wives. Like Carcel sees his relationship and engagement with Ines to be a forced one. So at first, he resents her. He’s basically just playing around to be like “fuck you and fuck this shit”. Although, he does end up being genuinely interested in Ines. We’ll get to that in a bit. Anyway, despite Carcel being an incredibly famous Cassanova who sleeps with just about any woman… he is kind of different from the other men? Like Carcel basically thinks it’s fine to play around before marriage. However, he’s set on only sleeping with and staying loyal to his wife after marriage. Again, incredibly shocking and different because most men have one or several affairs even after marriage. Again, it’s seen as a norm. Like everyone thought he was a weirdo for saying that. Carcel then kinda goes through our ML transformation of a seemingly cold and disinterested dude…into one who is genuinely interested in Ines. He quits his playboy life and even tries to speed up their marriage. He also genuinely tries to gain Ines interest. Dude becomes a husband who is obsessed only with his wife. (He also horny all the time too… I mean, it is originally an R19 smut series…) But yeah, those points seemed very interesting to me. Especially how Ines has lived through several regressions. There are also some really interesting plot twists too. Again, it just turns out that this is a series where things aren’t black and white and can be pretty gray. Definitely recommend giving this a try if you want to try something a bit more on the mature side and a bit different from the typical romance and regression series.

MAJOR SPOILER (highlight below to read):

Ines has regressed more than she realized. Also, Carcel has actually always loved Ines in every single life. So this is for you if you a sucker for an “I’ve always loved you. No matter what life, it’s always been and will only be you” kinda series. I’m a sucker for that kinda romance. Like normally, I’d be like, “UGH. What a trashy kind of ML.” But it’s kinda gray here. Especially because it turns out that he’s actually very sweet, devoted, and loving. And he’s always been that way through each and every one of Ines lives, even though she doesn’t know it.

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Charming the Duke of the North
북부 공작님을 유혹하겠습니다

Alternatively Known As: 북부 공작님을 유혹하겠습니다, Charming the Duke of the North (Official), I Will Seduce the Northern Duke (Unofficial)
[Content/Trigger Warnings: Murder, Manipulation(?) — ]
Genre/Theme: Romance, Fantasy, Comedy, Drama, Josei, Historical, Isekai/Isegye, Transmigration, Mystery
Spicy Level: Not spicy perse…but some sexual tension and chemistry? Yes — It’s not a spicy series. But we got some good chemistry between the characterse
Rage/Frustration Level: I got none  —
Webtoon Status: [Naver Series (Novel Oneshot Promo) — Korean][WEBTOON (Serialization) — Official English Version]
Original Novel: [Naver Series — Korean]; Not Yet Officially Available in English
Synopsis:

Rinha, Korea’s most beloved actress, gets into an accident while on set. When she regains consciousness, she realizes she has traveled to the Kingdom of Iklein and meets the northern duke Calcion, who saves her from a demonic beast. Calcion asks her to be his fake lover so she can get into socialite and discover the conspiracy happening in his castle.

[WEBTOON | Charming the Duke of the North]

I remember seeing the novel and promo oneshot pop up alot back when I first got into K-novels during the start of the pandemic. I did start the novel and found it really interesting. So I was excited to hear that this got a manhwa serialization! This series basically fits into everything I’d like in a novel. The art is beautiful. Love it. The dress designs are so intricate and pretty too! It’s also interesting because it’s a transmigration series in the sense that Rinha got transported as is from her world into a fantasy world. Typically, we see so many series where the female lead is just reincarnated into a world, or the transmigration is the sense that just their mental self has been transported into a whole new body. But no, Rinha is just Rinha with her own body and all her skills and knowledge. But I especially love the characters and character dynamics. Y’all know I’m not a fan of weak, helpless, frustratingly dense, head-empty, and passive female leads. Rinha is great because she isn’t passive at all. She’s actress and uses her acting skills and the skills she’s picked up from her roles really well. She’s not just sitting back and relaying on the Calcion. She’s clever, witty, and not afraid to get into the action. I love a female lead who doesn’t take bullshit and can and will fight for herself. She’s also rational too. And I love all that because it just makes her seem more like a real person to me than most other female leads. I also love how she’s able to turn situations around like a boss. The series is also funny because it really does kind of poke fun at the northern duke and typical romance-fantasy tropes. Calcion is literally a walking stereotype of a northern duke. Handsome, yet cold? Check. Silver hair and blue eyes to reinforce that cold image and vibe? Check. Rinha is always looking at Calcion and being all, “What a freakin’ northern duke like thing!!! LOLOLOL” He definitely has alot of those typical northern duke traits and tropes too. Man looks cold and acts cold. But he’s a capable dude. He starts off as the typical kind of stoic male lead who knows nothing of and has no interest in love or relationships. Everything is just about politics and power. And of course, he ends up falling for the female lead.

This is definitely one of my faves, especially in terms of ships. Again, y’all know I love my romance fantasy series and that I read too damn much. Alot of ships are cute, but I also find alot of them kind of frustrating or shallow. Especially the ones where the ships feel so forced and rushed. I love the ship for this novel though because of the characters’ interactions and bantering. They have such great chemistry. I love that Rinha is constantly teasing Calcion and throwing him for a loop too. And I love how you see him kinda softening up and growing closer to Rinha. But the thing I loved about it is how the relationship doesn’t seem forced or rushed. It develops over time and in a way that feels more natural than ships in alot of other series, in my opinion. Like I love how this series is a romance series, but it doesn’t just only focus on romance and doesn’t just constantly shove it in our faces. Calcion and Rinha start with a partnership because they’re trying to get the bottom of a murder mystery. Basically, Calcion was supposed to have a political engagement with a girl, but she ended up dying in his home. He believes it to be murder. He didn’t have feelings for her though. It’s just a matter of him being pissed that someone tried to mess with him and did that in his territory kinda thing. Anyway, he has a partnership with Rinha where she pretends to be his lover in order to gain access to places and information he wouldn’t be able to get (female social circles). In exchange, he provides her protection, a place to stay, necessities, and will help her find a way home. There’s alot of bantering and some flirting, but it’s more like Rinha is just amused and playing around. Of course, it slowly becomes genuine as they realize that they’ve grown closer and more comfortable with each other. Also, I just love how Calcion is slowly impressed by Rinha’s charisma, acting skills, and unexpected skills one wouldn’t expect from a lady. Like her martial arts skills. To sum it up, it’s like, “You fight good.”But yeah, there’s also alot of comedy in between everything too. So I love how it has some serious tones as they try to figure out this murder mystery, but we also get some really funny shit. Like when they first meet and have to start this lovers act. Rinha just making it seem like her and Calcion are doing dirty shit in the bathroom. When in reality she just had her clothes ripped up, taking advantage of angles in the bathtub, and randomly splashing while putting up a solo act of making it sound like they were doing it. Just to make all the servants and possible assassin hear and believe the situation. Calcion is just like WTF, in shock, and embarrassed. The man was too stunned. LMAO. But yeah, I definitely recommend it if you’re looking for a series with a strong, smart, capable, witty, and rational female lead. I also just recommend it for the ship. I just absolutely love the chemistry, relationship development, and bantering. Like it has the aspects of a typical rom-fan that I love, but I love how it’s not too cringey, rushed, and forced. It’s got silliness, but it’s not overly childish either.

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Long After the Ending
원작은 완결난 지 한참 됐습니다만

Alternatively Known As: 원작은 완결난 지 한참 됐습니다만, Long After the Ending (Official), It’s Been a While Since the Original Novel Was Completed (Unofficial), It’s Been a While Since the Original Was Finished (Unofficial)
[Content/Trigger Warnings:  — ]
Genre/Theme: Romance, Fantasy, Comedy, Drama, Josei, Historical, Isekai/Isegye, Transmigration, Villainess
Spicy Level:  — 
Rage/Frustration Level:  —
Webtoon Status: [WEBTOON — Official English Version]
Original Novel: [Naver Series — Korean]; Not Yet Officially Available in English
Synopsis:

Elena Taylor, the former villainess of a romance story, has decided to walk away from the main story and open a Romance Counselling business. As an independent woman trying to find her footing in society with her fledgling venture, she is given the hardest request she’s ever encountered: help the sub-lead of the main plot, Hugh Godwin, debut in High-Society and get married, or get kicked out of the building she lives and works out of! Elena soon realizes that she’s in trouble when she meets Hugh, a burly, muscular bear of a knight who’s been burned by love. Will Elena be able to convince Hugh to find romance and keep her business running?

[WEBTOON | Long After the Ending]

YO. IF Y’ALL WANT A CUTE AND WHOLESOME SERIES AND SHIP, THIS IS FOR YOUUUUU!!! It’s also pretty funny~ Also for definitely for you if you want a series with a sweet, loyal, and caring golden retriever type of male lead~ I love this one so, so, soooo much. I just love the subtle and unconventional display of love in this series too!!!~ First, let’s talk about the art. The art is really good~ It’s cute. But I also love that the art style has it’s own unique charm and is different from the kind of art style you’d see from most romance-fantasy series. I want to say it has more of a simpler vibe compared to art styles typically seen in other series like Charming the Duke of the North, [How to Win Over My Husband] (남편을 내 편으로 만드는 방법, aka “How to Get My Husband On My Side” (Unofficial)), or [Author of My Own Destiny] (내 남자 주인공의 아내가 되었다 aka “I Became the Wife of the Male Lead” (Unofficial)). It was different. I wasn’t really sure whether I liked it at first, but I found it to be really cute and charming. And while it has more simpler kinda vibes to it, it’s still pretty detailed in how the outfits are drawn and how everything is colored. So it does feel like A-tier art for me and not like B-tier. Art wise, I also consider it A-tier because of how consistent it is. Like there are some series where the characters look great and it’s detailed and lovely for like buildings and things like that. Like it’s good art and could be considered a solid B at the very least. But some aspects like the jewelry or horses (the hella cursed horses…iykyk) look hella fake and just sitting on top, like they were copy and pasted from Paint or something. That’s not the case of Long After the Ending though. It really is cute and good art all throughout.

The story itself is interesting though. This is another series adapted from a novel. By the way, I’ve been wanting to read the novel for foreveeeer. Anyway, it’s an isekai series and the premise is a focus on the rejected “secondary characters” (the “second male lead” and the “villainess”) after the “happy ending” of the story. Again, it’s an isekai series where our female lead, Elena, was transmigrated and became the villainess. Of course, she walked away from playing the role of the villainess. Girl was basically kicked out from her family and given a bad reputation though. But she’s trying to live her life. Interestingly enough, she goes about it in a different way by opening up a love counseling center. She ends up having Hugh, the original (and rejected) second male lead of the novel (but he’s our male lead). He used to be like the sweet flower-boy type of male lead. But he felt so hurt from his love bearing no fruit. So he went off to like fight and shit. Came back all big, burly, scruffy, and with scars. He’s now kinda rough, but he’s honestly such a good, sweet, genuine, and soft-hearted guy. I kinda liked how Hugh isn’t portrayed as this flawless, and perfect-looking flower boy kind of male lead. Like man is scruffy at first, and he does have a scar on his face. Like despite having a handsome face, his huge stature, muscles, and scars is something that has made him seem “unattractive” by their society’s standards apparently.

My favorite part of this series is how sweet and wholesome it is. Sweet and fluffy vibes y’all~ Like Elena and Hugh kind of had a rough start at first. Like Hugh was unwilling (his mom was the one who was forcing Elena to counsel Hugh), and they did bicker alot. But he also realizes the true sides to Elena and what she went through. Elena is seen as unconventional, but Hugh sees that she’s such a kind, thoughtful, and sincere person. So of course, he ends up falling for her instead. I love how there’s this natural development and chemistry between them. There are just so many goddang cute moments!! But I think I just really appreciate the subtle and unconventional depictions of love and affection. Like I love how Hugh Hugh is just a huge green flag. I love a series with a green-flag male lead~ Like dude will admit when he’s wrong and try to improve himself. He’s sweet, attentive, considerate, and a devoted kind of guy. Our favorite kind of male lead~

Aside from love, there’s also this focus on friendship too. I do actually like that this series doesn’t follow the typical setup of pitting the female lead against the original female lead. Like the original female lead is not a green tea bitch or white lotus. She’s genuinely a nice gal. It’s just that she’s a very (frustratingly) naive, kinda dense, and ignorant-to-the-facts kinda gal. Like how the OGML lied about his and Elena’s relationship and engagement being a purely political one with no feelings and that it was an amicable breakup. Even though the reality was he knew Elena genuinely liked him, and it was him suddenly one-sidedly breaking up the relationship and engagement because OGFL didn’t wanna date someone in a committed relationship. She is also quite frustrating in that she can’t read the room… But she’s a nice gal who means well, genuinely likes Elena, and wants to be friends with her. I also want to say I just really love that Elena has the determination to do well on her own despite everything that’s happened. I’d put her in my strong female leads list. Like she’s not OP, and she does clearly have some pain and weaknesses. But I just love her mindset and determination. She’s also pretty rational (despite the heartache she’s been through). So I actually like Elena quite a bit. Also, I’d say the advice is pretty legit too haha~ The other characters are great too! I love Elena’s maid, Deedee. She’s such a great wing-woman hahaha. But yeah, this is one of my fluffy reads. I read this one to heal my soul after reading series that piss me off with typical angst and drama bullshit. Like some of the series on this list… ‘sup Bitter Sweetheart and Twilight Poem.

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Like Wind on a Dry Branch
마른 가지에 바람처럼

Alternatively Known As: 마른 가지에 바람처럼, Like Wind on a Dry Branch (Official), Like a Dry Branch in the Wind (Unofficial), Cursed Blessing (Unofficial)
[Content/Trigger Warnings:  — ]
Genre/Theme: Romance, Fantasy, Drama, Josei, Historical, Tragedy
Spicy Level:  — 
Rage/Frustration Level:  —
Webtoon Status: [WEBTOON — Official English Version]
Original Novel: [YONDER app — Official English Version]
Synopsis:

As plague and turmoil afflicts the empire, enchanting widow Rieta Tristi finds herself at the mercy of a malicious nobleman and his dying wish to have her buried alive beside his corpse. The plague has taken her husband, slave traders have taken her young child, and now her own life is at risk — until an unexpected visit from the empire’s outcast prince changes everything.

[WEBTOON — Official English Version]

This is another novel to manhwa series. The English version is available on Yonder, Naver Webtoon’s official English webnovel app. Let me say that this is like one of the most genuinely romantic series I’ve ever read. It’s kind of slow-paced, but has this soft vibe with the gradual development. To be honest, I didn’t think I’d be all that interested in this series or like it. Honestly, the art style wasn’t really my vibe. Although I’ve grown to appreciate it. I actually now find it very charming and unique because it’s so different from your typical romance manhwa art styles. It’s also very interesting that the attire is more historically accurate compared to other romance-fantasy series. The series is also very unique in it’s approach to the dialogue. Like typically the dialogue in manhwa is kinda modern and just like what we normally read or speak like. However, this series kinda takes this almost poetic old-English or Shakesperian-esque (???) approach. I think it just adds to this old romantic vibe and charm of the series. Originally I read this series to just kill time in between releases. Again, the art typically wouldn’t be my vibe. The story itself is more of a slow-paced type of series too. However, I’ve grown to really love it. It’s one of the few Webtoon series that I actually pay fast passes for now. While it has very romantic aspects, there’s also a focus on addressing, dealing with, and healing from one’s trauma. Like does start off as a pretty tragic series. Rieta lost her husband due to the plague. Not only that, she lost her daughter too. Baby girl was basically kidnapped and assumed to be dead. A rich, creepy, powerful nobleman was obsessed with Rieta, cuz she’s known to be extremely gorgeous. And he basically made it his wish to have her buried ALIVE with him when he died. So all these people were forcing her to be a living sacrifice. WTF. But Killian, the Archduke of Axias, basically saved her. And he does his best to help Rieta heal. I actually really like Killian too. Like he comes off as a very powerful, intelligent, and pragmatic man. He gives an image of a man with a huge harem. However, he treats his people well. He’s a righteous and good lord. Also, his harem isn’t really his harem. It’s politics. But the women in his harem are talented women that he’s brought together and they’re basically his knights. He trusts them and their abilities. Which I love that he’s a very smart and progressive dude considering how their world is incredibly cruel and misogynistic. I mean, a whole freakin’ town of people were about to bury Rieta alive with a dead man who wasn’t even her husband.

This series is so beautifully romantic. It’s literally one of the most truly romantic series I’ve ever read. I love that it’s kinda slow-paced. It just makes those subtle and big moments feel so much more authentic and impactful. One of the most beautiful and romantic parts of this series is how Killian recognizes Rieta’s trauma. He doesn’t push his feelings on her. Rather, he focuses on helping her deal with her trauma and to heal from it. Like he truly prioritizes her and her well-being. It just shows how much he genuinely cares for her. He’s also doing his best to improve her talents and get her to recognize her own talents. He’s big positive support system in her growth and development. Of course, she’s affected him very positively with his trauma and issues too. These moments and how the dialogue is presented makes them seem so incredibly beautiful, romantic, and touching in almost a poetic sense. I don’t even know how to explain it very well. I just recommend giving it a try. Cuz it’s just so beautiful and romantic that I legit wanna cry at times. Like the series itself isn’t insanely interesting to me, but those beautifully romantic moments really stand out. It really makes the series stand out and make a big impression on me. Like, hands down, this is one of the most romantic series, in my opinion.

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For My Derelict Favorite
버려진 나의 최애를 위하여

Alternatively Known As: 버려진 나의 최애를 위하여, For My Derelict Favorite (Official), For My Abandoned Love (Unofficial), For My Forsaken Beloved (Unofficial), For My Derelict Beloved (Unofficial), For My Lost Love (Unofficial)
[Content/Trigger Warnings: Suicide, Suicide Ideation, Murder — ]
Genre/Theme: Romance, Fantasy, Comedy, Drama, Josei, Historical, Isekai/Isegye, Transmigration, Regression/Time-Travel
Spicy Level: ? — None that I know of
Rage/Frustration Level: Some… —
Webtoon Status: [WEBTOON — Official English Version]
Original Novel: [ — Korean]; Not Yet Officially Available in English
Synopsis:

What happens after the story ends with a “happily ever after”? When Hestia enters her favorite novel as a side character, she happily fangirls from the sidelines. Thinking she’ll return home when the story reaches its end, Hestia finds that the only thing awaiting her is the tragic death of her favorite character. Now miraculously restored to the day of the ending, Hestia decides that she’ll no longer spectate from the sidelines – instead, she’ll save her derelict favorite!

[WEBTOON | For My Derelict Favorite]

I love the art for this. Usually I am not a big fan of long-haired male leads, but Cael is so freaking gorgeous! This one is interesting because the premise is that our FL, Hestia, was isekai-ed and found herself to be an extra in a novel. Originally she just watched the story play out. However, she ends up full of regret once she finds out her bias, Caelus/Cael – the OG second ML, ended up incredibly miserable and killed himself. Because it turns out that there’s more to the story than just the “end” of the novel and it turns out the “happy ending” isn’t something that is true and constant. Because not only did Cael end up killing himself after being abandoned by the person he love and his best friend, but it turns out those two didn’t even end up being “happily ever after” after all. Because after Cael’s death, they ended up having a discord. It was only within 2 years of the “happy ending”. Hestia saw Cael die and was so upset. Anyway, she ends up regressing again. This time, she’s determined to save Cael and make him happy.

For me, I actually really find it interesting that we have a male lead who is kind of weak in terms of mental health. I think it’s great to show that the male lead doesn’t have to be someone who starts off perfect and strong. I feel like it’s a very realistic take on what depression can do to a person’s mindset. Also how it’s not easy. Also, Imma say it now: none of these characters are flawless. But I still like Cael and enjoy seeing his growth to heal and learn to open up his heart again. I like that Hestia is an unconventional character. Like she’s a hardcore fan for her bias, Cael. I like that her goal isn’t to integrate herself into his life for herself. But she’s seeing this as a temporary thing to help him gain revenge and happiness. I like that she’s smart and kinda has a villainess mindset and approach, but in a smart way. She’s very calculating. But at the same time, she’s like a hardcore fangirl and uhhh…hella extra. It’s to the point it’s kinda embarrassing and cringe for me. But at the same time, it’s also pretty funny. I do love that she genuinely supports Cael and wants nothing but his happiness.

Also, this is a series that has this heated debate about Cael and Diana, the OGFL. There are some people who aren’t pleased with Diana. I’m one of them. So Cael is incredibly depressed. OGFL and OGML were his best friends, and he just happened to fall for Diana too. He did everything he could to help her and to stabilize her position and give her support. Unfortunately, this also meant doing some dirty work, like killing a whole ducal house. Diana was furious. And that’s when she and OGML cut ties with Cael and abandoned him. There are people who think hating Diana is really misogynistic and that she’s being hated on just for being a pretty girl. But that’s not it. Look, she don’t gotta reciprocate Cael’s feelings. That’s fair. For me, what rubbed me the wrong way, is she talked big about how awful it is and cut ties with Cael. However, she still happily reaped the benefits of his actions. Like girl, if you really upset and were truly against it, you wouldn’t have accepted all the things he’s done for you or given to you. Like in that logic, I wouldn’t want anything to do with him. But she still takes the benefits and lives happily. Like it’s the whole arrogant high horse thing. She acts above people, but she’s kind of a hypocrite. Like Hestia revealed that in the past, Diana (who’s sposed to be the dang saintess) stopped caring for and healing the sick and poor. Also, she gave so much shit to Cael and cutting ties with him, but doesn’t really acknowledge how that ducal family committed massive crimes. It included kidnapping and selling, women and children, as well as murder. They were also in the middle of planning treason. And mind you, she and OGML were quick to cut ties with Cael, and also knew he was suffering mentally pretty badly. But are also quick to forget that and act close when he stops by. Diana was also quick to be upset that Hestia is now the owner of the ring Cael originally got for Diana. Like, girl… WTF. Anyway, Diana ain’t innocent as her thoughts and actions aren’t as pure and righteous as she tries to portray them to be. I don’t hate characters for their gender. I hate them for their awful personalities, arrogance, and intentional malice in their thoughts and actions. That’s all I’mma say about that. Let me know what y’all think about it.

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My In-Laws Are Obsessed With Me
시월드가 내게 집착한다

Alternatively Known As: 시월드가 내게 집착한다, My In-Laws Are Obsessed With Me (Official)
[Content/Trigger Warnings: Cheating, Murder, Abuse, Child Abuse — ]
Genre/Theme: Romance, Fantasy, Comedy, Drama, Josei, Historical, Regression/Time-Travel
Spicy Level: Nah  — It ain’t that kind of story
Rage/Frustration Level: Yeh — There be some frustrating things like the typical family drama bullshit of the FL finding out her family member and lover betrayed her. Definitely rage for the injustice of the cinnamon rolls though
Webtoon Status: [WEBTOON — Official English Version]
Original Novel: [YONDER app — Official English Version]
Synopsis:

Pereshati Jahardt is a count’s daughter who got remarried after her mother’s passing. When her father died, he left her all his fortune. Then, Pereshati’s greedy stepmother and stepsister conspire with Pereshati’s lover to kill her. However, under mysterious circumstances, Pereshati is brought back to life and travels back in time before her murder. To buy some time before getting her revenge, Pereshati visits the handsome yet notorious grand duke, Therdeo Lapileon, to marry him. During her visit, she uncovers a horrifying secret of his family. How will Pereshati deal with it? Will she be able to take her revenge?

[WEBTOON | My In-Laws are Obsessed with Me]

This is another novel to manhwa series. Once again, the novel is also officially available in English on Yonder. I really liked the novel for the series and I was so excited for the manhwa release. At first I was a little bit let down by the adaptation. I feel like it was kind of watered down a bit. But now I do really like it. The art is kinda different, especially in how they do the coloring? It’s not my favorite, but I do think it has a unique vibe to it. I’m also just a complete sucker for these warm and fuzzy “found family” type of series. It’s just the interesting twist on this is the found family is a family with hella toxic blood. I like how the color scheme of the family is like kind of the darker, gothier type of vibe I guess (IDK HOW TO DESCRIBE IT)? But you see that the FL enters and it does kind of get brighter. At the same time that the FL has changed the family, they’ve also changed her as well. But my main reasons for reading this is definitely Celphi and Islette. They cinnamon rolls~ Also, IDK…it’s all horrifying, WTF, and low-key funny that the ML initially killed the FL (accidentally poisoning her with his blood) and then was trying to bury her…and almost buried her alive.

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Twilight Poem
희란국 연가

Alternatively Known As: 희란국 연가, Twilight Poem (Official), Heeran Love Song (Unofficial), Heeran’s National Sonata (Unofficial)
[Content/Trigger Warnings: Violence, Gore, Abuse (Physical and Mental), — ]
Genre/Theme: Romance, Fantasy, ANGST (SO MUCH ANGST), Drama, Josei, Historical, Supernatural, Tragedy, Angst, Supernatural
Spicy Level:  — 
Rage/Frustration Level: SO MUCH RAGE, FRUSTRATION, AND ANGST — Yo. this is one that legitimately makes me pissed AF throughout the whole thing. A lot of rage and pain, ya’ll
Webtoon Status: [WEBTOON — Official English Version]
Original Novel: [Yes — Korean]; Not Yet Officially Available in English
Synopsis:

Soru is a princess born from illegitimacy, and able to see ghosts although she is completely blind. Jahyeon is a heroic general who possesses the sun’s aura which can chase away spirits. Yato is the deadliest and most beautiful ghost, but his heart can’t feel anything. Soru and Jahyeon become bound to one another in an undesired marriage, but they both need each other –- she needs his aura, he needs her divine blood. As Soru’s unconditional sacrifice and love toward Jahyeon slowly melts his frozen heart, the same happens to Yato’s emotionless heart. All three have something that they need and want from one another. Could they become the salvation they need for one another?

[WEBTOON | Twilight Poem]

OK. You want hella pain, anger, and frustration? Read this one. It angsty. But also, this is one of the most infuriating and heartbreaking series I’ve ever read. This is another series that’s based on a novel. The novel was by Kim Suji, the same author as Under the Oak Tree. The art is really interesting too. I’m surprised to hear that it’s by the same artist who did the webtoon adaptation of I Shall Master This Family. Both are gorgeous but have very different vibes and charms. So yeah… This series is just absolutely tragic. It’s honestly really heartbreaking. Soru may be one of the most tragic and pitiable characters I’ve ever come across. So she basically had the ability to see the supernatural. Unfortunately, this made all sorts of evil monsters target her. Anyone who came close to her would meet horrifying and tragic ends. She’s basically a hated and abandoned illegitimate princess. She’s basically blind too, but still suffers so much because of her abilities and how much the monsters want to devour her. Like, the poor girl is absolutely miserable. Then comes Jahyeon who seems to have this natural ability. He has this aura of the sun that drives these monsters and spirits away. Jahyeon wants to marry the gorgeous princess, but gets tricked and forced by the emperor to marry Soru instead. Jahyeon is pissed. Look, I hate the dude. He’s one of those “no redemption ‘regretful'” male leads. I don’t even wanna throw the tag “regretful male lead” for him. He’s just absolute trash and an ass IMO. Like he was instantly an ass and cruel to Soru. Poor Soru only wanted one thing: to be treated as human. Yeah, this dude just absolutely verbally and physically harsh on her. Like if I remember correctly, he was also dragging her around alot without any particular care. Dude doesn’t check on her or anything. Literally, her maid is the only one who was nice to her.

But he and his people start taking advantage of her. They realize her flesh and blood have amazing healing properties. Like they can cure terminal illnesses. These fuckers are literally cutting her for her blood. Then the servants find out and at night secretly cut pieces of her flesh to take and sell. They leave her body absolutely mutilated. She’s so tattered that she was on the brink of death. Like honestly, the human beings in this series are so disgustingly selfish. It’s a series that shows you that the people are worse than the monsters. Especially when the crazy psycho monster Yato is the only one who seems to genuinely care about Soru and is trying to protect her. And it’s so heartbreaking because Soru allows all this to happen to her because she just wants to be useful to people and have a purpose in life. Like, holy fuck. Jahyeon is her husband, but a shit husband. He’s supposed to be “tsundere” I guess. But I think he’s just frustratingly stupid and a trashy asshole. Like sometimes he gets upset and worried about Soru? Like when he finds out what the servants had done to Soru and just how bad it was. But he still doesn’t really come see her. He’s still harsh on her. Soru is literally hated by everyone. It’s not even her fault. She didn’t ask for this. And she’s the biggest victim. At one point Jahyeon tries to be nice and decides to take Soru out to this night festival or whatever. But then he like leave her alone and runs off. Despite him talking about being cautious about people hating her. He literally left her in a den of wolves. All the people started throwing shit on her and hurting her. That is until Yato came to save her. So like, nah. Jahyeon… that man can suffer. I refuse to call him a male lead. Yato is fucked up, but I’d rather be team monster.

Spoiler (WTF) (Highlight below to read):

Yato is the main lead. He’s a monster who has the appearance of an ethereally beautiful man. Yeah…about that… The appearance that he’s wearing… he’s wearing Soru’s BIOLOGICAL DAD as his meatsuit… I read spoilers and apparently by the end of the series, he does change meatsuit appearances…but like WTF???? Also adding to Jahyeon being an ass…he’s worse in the novel. If I remember correctly, he was also meeting up with the other princess and they did have a relationship. Like a physical one too. He’s married to Soru but be going to the palace to sleep with the princess. Yah, fuck this dude.

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I Shall Master This Family
이번 생은 가주가 되겠습니다

Alternatively Known As: 이번 생은 가주가 되겠습니다, I Shall Master This Family (Official), I’ll Be the Matriarch in This Life (Unofficial), In This Life, I Will Be the Lord (Unofficial)
[Content/Trigger Warnings: Cheating, Murder — ]
Genre/Theme: Romance, Fantasy, Comedy, Drama, Josei, Historical, Regression/Time-Travel, Revenge
Spicy Level: Nah — Not that kinda novel
Rage/Frustration Level: Some — Yeah, you get frustrated over some of the typical bullshit
Webtoon Status: [Tapas — Official English Version]
Original Novel: [Yes — Korean]; Not Yet Officially Available in English
Synopsis:

The great Lombardi family was once at the top of the empire. After the death of its patriarch, the fate of the family and that of Firentia, born from a Lombardi and a peasant, fall to ruin at the hands of her useless and cruel cousins. But when she’s reincarnated as her seven-year-old self, she’ll work to protect the family’s honor, gain her grandpa Lulac’s favor, and prevent her own father’s death. In this lifetime, there’s only one way for her to win: become the head of their mighty household.

[TAPAS | I Shall Master This Family]

You want a strong feminist type of series? Here ya go. We have an incredibly smart and talented FL. She’s part of the Lombardi family, which is a top family in the empire. One that may be just as powerful, if not moreso, than the imperial family. Firentia basically got screwed over in the original timeline. She was a hard worker and incredibly smart, but it was unfortunate that her relatives ruined her family. She ended up dying and found out that she had regressed back to when she was little. From then on, she decided she would save the Lombardi family from her awful relatives and become the matriarch. Thus she starts off as an incredibly intelligent 7 year old who saves the family honor, saves her dad’s life, win her grandpa’s favor, and strengthening the Lombardi family. Along the way, she has done schemes and things to bring down those who harmed the family, brought genius business plans, and even gets involved with politics when she saves the abandoned second prince. Like she really turned that situation around. Cuz I believe he was originally her family’s enemy in the original timeline, but now he’s smitten with her. He’s sweet like a little puppy~ It’s a good read if you don’t want just fluff and want some actual like story with politics and instances of genius. By that I mean, Firentia’s plans and ideas are actually legit and not just like some easy peesy shit that was thrown in there. There was actually some planning and scheming to get there. Honestly, Firentia is a queen and I love her~ I love how she doesn’t back down and definitely gets back at all the shitty people. Also, the art for this series is absolutely gorgeous!!! Apparently it’s by the same artist who did Twilight Poem. According to friends at Manta anyway. I want to say it’s the same artist for the novel too…but don’t quote me on that…

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I’m the Tyrant’s Secretary
폭군의 비서관이 되었습니다

Alternatively Known As: 폭군의 비서관이 되었습니다, I’m the Tyrant’s Secretary (Official), I Became the Tyrant’s Secretary(Unofficial), I Became the Secretary of a Tyrant (Unofficial)
[Content/Trigger Warnings:  — ]
Genre/Theme: Romance, Fantasy, Comedy, Drama, Josei, Historical, Isekai/Isegye, Transmigration
Spicy Level: Not really?  — There be some moments between FL and ML but it’s not really spicy
Rage/Frustration Level: Yeah — OGFL and the empress are annoying AF
Webtoon Status: [Tapas — Official English Version]
Original Novel: [Yes — Korean ]; Not Yet Officially Available in English
Synopsis:

To save my family from certain doom, I offered to become the Emperor’s secretary in place of my clumsy brother. I excelled at work in my previous life… to the point of overworking myself, but that’s beside the point! I know I got this. I served the tyrant emperor perfectly, down to a T, so now I can quit working and the plot can continue on. But when I asked to resign, he retorted, “Do you want to die?” Your Majesty, you’ve always been disinterested in people, why are you holding me back? Please let me live the rest of my life peacefully!

[TAPAS | I’m the Tyrant’s Secretary]

I remember I started this novel ages ago and liked it. So I was excited for the manhwa. I do like the manhwa and overall, I think it did a good job of adapting the novel. I don’t think there were like any major differences. Anyway, let’s talk about art first. The art is actually pretty interesting to me. I like that it does have a unique look to it that does stand out against the typical romance-fantasy art style.

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My Second Husband
두 번째 남편

Alternatively Known As: 두 번째 남편, My Second Husband (Official)
[Content/Trigger Warnings: Murder, Cheating(?) — ]
Genre/Theme: Romance, Drama, Josei, School Life, Time-Travel/Regression, Mystery
Spicy Level: Nah — It’s not that kinda novel
Rage/Frustration Level:  —
Webtoon Status: [Tapas — Official English Version]
Original Novel: [No — ]
Synopsis:

Eunha Lee is a smart, successful lawyer who has life figured out… that is, until she loses both her parents in a tragic accident and divorces her husband, Taeyang, a famous actor, who she discovers has been cheating on her. Things take a turn for the surreal after Eunha slips on a staircase only to wake up in her past. She is now 22 years old and back in law school. Determined to make better choices in this second life, Eunha swears off romance only to realize her male best friend, Sungwoo, has been in love with her this whole time!

[TAPAS | My Second Husband]

I won’t say much on it, but I did find this series interesting. It’s not often that I find modern regression series, or at least ones that pique my interest. This one…at first it was like “WTF Taeyang!!” in the original timeline. But it seems that he’s also acting very differently in the new timeline. So we’re all on the theory that he also regressed. We’re also made to kind of question the validity of what happened in the original timeline. There’s just so much mystery and questions. Like, did Taeyang really cheat? If not, why did he act that way?? What’s with Taeyang in this new timeline?? Because both Taeyang and Eunha are acting completely different from how they were in the original timeline. I’m all for Eunha living her best life though. But things feel very sus. Like apparently Sungwoo, Eunha’s guy bestie, has been in love with her this whole time. He seems like that perfect, handsome, sweet, and rich guy. He seems super sweet and caring towards Eunha. Like normally I’d be like SWOOOOON~ But…he seems kinda sus. He gives me hella Jung from Cheese in the Trap vibes. But like less creepy. Like better at seeming normal and integrating with everyone. And possibly fooling Eunha. I’m just honestly driven by this mystery of what’s actually up with Sungwoo and confirming whether he’s actually a sociopath or not. Cuz man does have some really sweet moments with Eunha…but again…I feel like he’s hella sus. And it seems he’s kinda like Jung in the whole manipulate things in the shadows and with other people kinda thing.

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Even If…
아니라도

Alternatively Known As: 아니라도, Even If… (Official), Even If It’s Not (Unofficial), Even If It’s Not Love (Unofficial)
[Content/Trigger Warnings: Suicide, Violence, Assault, Murder, Stalking, Mental/Physical Abuse, Toxic Relationships, Sexual Assault — ]
Genre/Theme: Romance, Modern, Drama, Josei, Mature, Angst
Spicy Level: R-15 (Original Novel R-19) — I haven’t gotten to the spicy parts yet. The novel was apparently R19, but we know series on Manta are R15/all-ages.
Rage/Frustration Level:  —
Webtoon Status: [Manta Comics — Official English Version]
Original Novel: [RIDI (Chapters) *R19 — Korean] [RIDI (Volumes) *R19 — Korean]; Not Yet Officially Available in English
Synopsis:

Even if it isn’t love, it’s still you.

Woohyun lives life on autopilot as a high-ranking member of a crime syndicate. But all that changes when his sister, conned by her boyfriend, commits suicide. Wanting revenge, Woohyun targets the boyfriend’s sister, Yoohwa. But as their lives collide, she slowly weakens his resolve… and his heart.

[Manta Comics | Even If…]

So yeah, here’s another manhwa adapted from a R19 novel. Of course, this is a Manta series so it’s got an R15/all-ages rating. So IDK how the smut part will be for this one. Anyway, at first I thought I wasn’t into the art when I initially saw the cover. But after reading it, it’s not that bad. I’m just more used to like josei/shoujo art styles and brighter art styles I suppose. Anyway, this is for you if you want crazy angst and drama shit. Like Yoohwa, the FL, has had such an awful life. She was raised by her single mom. Her mom decided to get married and move in with a guy and his son. Mom was like “Yay, we can have a happy family now!” Dude turned out to be an abusive POS. Their life was miserable. Yoohwa tried toughing it out for her mom and for her younger step-brother. When her and her mom thought they managed to escape, they got dragged back. Then it turns out POS was also a serial killer?? Then he attacks her and her mom. Her mom ends up dead. POS was later killed. But thanks to all this, Yoohwa has had a difficult time living. She’s met with alot of prejudice. She gets kicked out and can’t find a place to live. She also can’t find a job or gets fired. All because she’s a “murderer’s kid”. Like bruh, that’s not her fault. That was her step-dad. They didn’t even live together that long. And she was a victim. Like it’s all super fucked up. At one point she was fired and her boss tried to assault her too. Her life has basically been miserable. Not to mention she’s got a stalker issue. And now her life has more added drama thanks to Woohyun. Woohyun knew Yoohwa in middle school before her mom married the POS. Now he’s part of a crime syndicate. Anyway, he’s looking for revenge. His stepsister whom he treasured went missing. Apparently she ran off with a dude. When he found her, she was dead and abandoned by her lover. Also turns out that she was pregnant. Who was this dude that abandoned her? Yoohwa’s obsessive stepbrother. Thus begins Woohyun rentry into Yoohwa’s life while trying to get revenge. It’s dark, tragic, and fucked up. But I was surprisingly interested in the drama and mystery. I’m not even usually into these kinda dark and twisted stories. So yeah, it was a surprising pick up for me.

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Isnelda
이스닐다

Alternatively Known As: 이스닐다, Isnelda (Official), Isnilda (Unofficial)
[Content/Trigger Warnings: Abuse, Assault — ]
Genre/Theme: Romance, Fantasy, Comedy, Drama, Josei, Historical
Spicy Level: ?  — None that I could see so far…
Rage/Frustration Level: Some — fuck Isnelda’s uncle and his family
Webtoon Status: [Manta Comics — Official English Version]
Original Novel: [RIDI — Korean]; Not Yet Officially Available in English
Synopsis:

Stuck between my first love and my hero.

After suddenly becoming an orphan, Isnelda is sent to live with her cold relatives until she reaches adulthood and can gain her inheritance. Yet upon becoming an adult, a benefactor returns to Isnelda’s life, opening her eyes to a world of wealth, greed, lust, and… magic? What could go wrong?

[Manta Comics | Isnelda]

This was another random read for me on Manta when it first came out. Honestly, I didn’t think the art style was my kinda vibe at first. It’s not bad. It’s actually really good, just different to what I expected. But I have grown really fond of it. It’s good cuz it is an art style drastically different from other romance-fantasy art styles. As for the story, I’ll be honest…not my favorite. But I still do find it interesting enough. We have a typical set up of a FL who had a wealthy family. Unfortunately, her parents passed and she was left under the care of her abusive AF relatives. Her male cousin also constantly bullied her and then basically tried to assault her (ew bruh). Turns out her family was stealing the stipend she was supposed to receive every month too. So they’ve been fully taking advantage of her. But once she comes of age, things start to change. Turns out she was left a huge inheritance and her benefactor has also shown her a new life of wealth and magic. There’s also her childhood friend who has a crush on her. They were separated and their relationship kind of got messed up due to her relatives’ interference and schemes. Anyway, she’s now reuninted with him. Her benefactor was like her dad’s protoge or something. I lowkey find it a bit weird he’s one of the male leads… Like he’s cool and all, but it’s like he knew of Isnelda when she was alot younger… IDK… I just turn my brain off on that. But I’m interested in seeing Isnelda’s new journey and growth

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I Raised a Black Dragon
흑막용을 키우게 되었다

Alternatively Known As: 흑막용을 키우게 되었다, I Raised a Black Dragon (Official)
[Content/Trigger Warnings:  — ]
Genre/Theme: Romance, Fantasy, Comedy, Drama, Josei, Historical, Isekai/Isegye, Transmigration, Villainess
Spicy Level: ? — Not really that kinda series
Rage/Frustration Level: Eh  — Not that I can remember
Webtoon Status: [Manta Comics — Official English Version]
Original Novel: [RIDI — Korean]; Not Yet Officially Available in English
Synopsis:

Did you just imprint on me?!

After dying from overwork, Noa ends up possessing the body of Eleanora, the villainess from a novel. Noa simply wants to lead a peaceful life and tries not to interfere with the original story. That is, until a baby dragon that’s meant to imprint on the heroine imprints on her instead…

[Manta Comics | I Raised a Black Dragon]

I remember reading the novel ages ago. It was fun, but I enjoyed the manhwa so much more. The art is absolutely adorable. It’s kind of more simple compared to other styles, but it’s also got this cute, light, fluffy aesthetic and vibe. It’s definitely unique and super charming. I love the art style. It’s cute and pretty. I also love the coloring. It kinda reminds me of like copic markers. But also, it’s interesting because you got alot of texture in the visuals. Like the patterns of the clothing and fabric in the furniture. Miu the dragon is absolutely my favorite part though. Miu is just absolutely adorable. His design is so cute and just makes you melt~ But I also love how overprotective and caring is is of Noa. This series is also kind of interesting in that it’s one where the male lead quickly realizes the fact that the FL is a possessor/transmigrator. They make up a cute little family~ Also, Kyle just seems really cool haha. There’s also this whole mystery of how and why Noa is in Eleanora’s body and some other things. I’ll admit I’m a little fuzzy on this one cuz I am a bit behind… So I am kinda rushing on this one… But this is definitely one of my favorite Manta titles~

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I’ve Become a True Villainess
합법적 악역의 사정

Alternatively Known As: 합법적 악역의 사정, I’ve Become a True Villainess (Official), The Tragedy of a Villainess (Unofficial), The Tragedy of the Villainess (Unofficial)
[Content/Trigger Warnings: Gaslighting, Murder — ]
Genre/Theme: Romance, Fantasy, Comedy, Drama, Josei, Historical, Isekai/Isegye, Angst, Regression/Time-Travel, Villainess
Spicy Level: A bit spicy (based on novel) — The novel did have some spicy scenes. So more than mild, but it wasn’t a novel where the whole thing was smut. At most the webtoon will be like PG-15/All-Ages though. Especially because Manta can only have All-Ages content.
Rage/Frustration Level: OOF. So much. Soooo much frustration and rage. All the sweet potatoes… —
Webtoon Status: [Manta Comics — Official English Version]
Original Novel: [RIDI — Korean]; Not Yet Officially Available in English
Synopsis:

I have to survive, no matter what!

I’ve died and been reincarnated as the villain of a romance novel! In order to avoid the hideous fate that awaits me, I’ve righted her wrongs and even gotten engaged. I should be home free, but strange things have started happening ever since the heroine appeared. Why won’t her fiancé leave me alone?

[Manta Comics | I’ve Become a True Villainess]

Okies, so this was only just released on Manta not that long ago. I remember reading the novel for this and I was suuuper into it. I actually went on some hella long ass rants about it in the BAYOG Discord and to Danny LMAO. I think it’s kinda similar to Remarried Empress in terms of how there’s some bullshit drama, hella frustration and rage, and then you got this sweet ML. So this series might be up your alley if you’re into that. As for what I think with the adaption… It was just recently released, so I can’t say for certain. The pacing is a bit faster than the novel, but not too fast. It’s an ok pace I think. However, I do think the manhwa has skimmed over some of the details or gone through certain things much quicker. But I’ll explain that later. Before we get into the story itself, I just want to say the art is gorgeous?! I love it~ Look, I love Manta and I’m one of their biggest supporters. But personally, I find most of their titles to have like somewhere between B-C tier art for me. Although there are a couple A-tier art series. But I do love the art for this one~ Yes, it fits the typical romance-fantasy art style. But I like that there’s consistency and how the art looks clean. Because there are some series with some pretty good art, but they still look kinda off somehow.

Anyway, let’s get to the story. Like I said, it has that formula where you get sucked in cuz of bullshit drama and frustration, similar to Remarried Empress and many other series. I will say though, that the beginning is so incredibly, STUPIDLY, frustrating. It seems hellaaaaaaaa dumb, but it’ll all make more sense way down the line. Like so we have Seria, who found herself reincarnated as a villainess in a novel. But she tries really hard to change her fate. Like she’s been nice and trying to do her best, and even seriously taking on her duties as Sterne. To keep it short, a Sterne is blessed with special power of the gods to help prevent the emergence of monsters. They’re super rare though. I don’t think the manhwa explained it yet, but there are specific requirements to being a Sterne. Like they have to be born on a Wednesday winter night, have a star shaped mark that appears by the time they’re 15, etc. They’re suuuuper rare. So for simplicity sake, you can think that they have the same kind of heirarchy if not more than a saintess. Anyway, Seria been hard at work to change her image for the past like year or so (maybe 3? I don’t remember). She thought things might be working out because somehow, she and Callis (the OG second ML) end up in a relationship and engaged. Ah, but here’s where it gets frustrating. A girl named Lina appeared from another world and becomes the saintess. She’s the OGFL. Callis is like a paladin or something. Anyway, he’s basically been made her escort/guardian. It’s his job okay. But Seria starts to feel anxious. Literally their wedding is like a week or 2 away. This man is literally always with Lina. And they call each other by their first names too. Which is a no-no, because that’s usually something only family and lovers do. It’s not a good look. Like especially when even other people are voicing concerns about how bad that looks. Meanwhile, Callis claims it’s just friendship and nothing more.

It’s upsetting because he threw a fit when he learned that Lina was chastised by the clothing lady during Seria’s wedding dress fitting. It was honestly a just thing though. Lina came barging in and like “Can I watch you change and wear your dress?~” And Seria was uncomfortable cuz she doesn’t know Lina like that. Like honestly, that’s some rude ass shit. So she was just informed about how it wasn’t proper etiquette because a dress fitting isn’t a spectacle. It was an honest truth. She ran off crying to Callis who threw a fit and told Seria to pick another dress lady and a different dress. Even though it was the dress and dress lady that Seria had really wanted. Like boyyyy, you’ve been neglecting your sick fiancee, but you throw this huge ass fit for this other girl??? In the novel, Seria was really upset and even gave Callis an out. She asked him if he really did want to marry her or if he’d rather just marry Lina. Said she was giving him one last chance to call the wedding off. Because he seemed to really prioritize Lina to the point everyone would think he’s in love with her. I’m noting this because it’s important to understand the bullshittery that’s to come. He repeats that he loves only Seria and only wants to marry her. He also promises to put distance between him and Lina and not call each other by first names. Man was like, “I won’t make any more trouble, and I won’t see her again after the wedding.” This was HIS suggestion too.

Yeah, this man forgot pretty quick. Anyway, he broke his promise. Spoiler, but Lina gets hella upset about how Callis plans on ending their friendship. Girl then goes, then “Let’s go on a secret outing make one last memory!” 2 DAYS BEFORE THE GODDAMN WEDDING. GIRL WTF. It’s common sense how bad that looks and sounds when you tell a man who’s about to be married that you should go on a secret outing. Anyway, this is bad cuz it ends up putting Seria in a bad spot. Like actually, a Sterne’s wedding requires very specific requirements. It’s to a point that it’ll endanger the bride and groom. Like the wedding is at a specific time because of rituals. They gotta be there, or they will die. Well, dumbass Callis and stupid Lina are stuck somewhere cuz of a blizzard. So Seria is left alone at the alter, literally bleeding to death. Like BRUH. This is only just the very beginning too. So yeah. There’s more bullshittery later.

Honestly, I absolutely hate Lina. The thing is at first she’s not evil. She’s just so frustratingly stupid and naive. Like beyond common sense stupid and naive. She makes Trashta look like a genius. I’m annoyed with her cuz people keep pointing out to her about the customs and etiquette, but she shrugs it off. Like people straight up told her that her calling Callis by his first name and her actions will give people the wrong idea, and that it’s bad cuz he’s about to be married. And she’s just like “That’s just silly. We’re just friends.” And she continues doing that shit. It’s aggravating cuz she doesn’t do shit with malice at first. She’s just so incredibly stupid. She’s also that annoying type that cries over goddamn everything and acts like a victim of goddamn everything. She also never ever owns up to her actions. She just fucking cries about it. She causes these huge fuck up issues, one that nearly killed the FL, and has the audacity to keep being like “Let’s be friends!” And she won’t take no as a goddamn answer. She’s just hella entitled and greedy in the end and it annoys the fuck outta me. So yeah, I just hate her. I hate her more later, but that’s for a whole separate rant post.

Bullshit aside though, I do absolutely love Rouche Berk (aka ML). He seems like a stern asshole at first. He’s more like cool-dere than tsundere to me. But he’s a good dude. Just kinda rough and his intentions don’t really come off clear through his words. But I love that he is always calling Callis and Lina out. He literally had called Callis out at one point how he didn’t even know his fiancee was sick, and how his actions make it seem like Lina is his fiancee and not Seria. Dude literally warned Callis before the wedding. I also love how he finds Lina dumb and annoying AF and just wants her to GTFO. I just love how he actually uses his head, observations and common sense. I’ve never seen a ML with that much common sense LMAO. Dude never falls for Lina’s bullshit. He also calls bullshit instantly. He’s a man of responsibility and I love that he always steps up. I love him cuz he appreciates a person’s ability and sincerity. Unlike Callis, Rouche doesn’t doubt Seria’s change. He’s just super respectful, considerate, and able to truly understand Seria’s mood and feelings. Honestly, I love the ship between Rouche and Seria. It’s really sweet and healing. And I love that he’s just super supportive. It’s a super healthy relationship here. So yeah, you’re gonna hate all the sweet potatoes (hella frustrating moments), but I recommend sticking around for the ship!

Major Spoilers (Highlight to read):

You know the whole Callis and Lina thing is so much more frustrating and stupid cuz Callis legit doesn’t even feel that way for Lina. But he has this weird obsession of looking after Lina… Turns out it’s kind of a brainwashing effect. Turns out Lina isn’t really a saintess or human. There’s like a god (?) that’s obsessed with Seria. It basically fucked up the world and made Lina as a replacement for Seria. There’s alot of complicated shit, but yeah. Callis was kind of under Lina’s effect. Lina also went crazy realizing her whole existence is a lie. But karma also a bitch. Like she kept wanting everything Seria had and was upset when she thought she was the FL of a novel, thinking it was all supposed to be hers. And she’s all “Why does Seria keep trying to steal my shit! But then it turns out it was all originally Seria’s after all. Yet Lina be trying to steal it. Girl…your hypocrisy…. Yeah, I just never felt bad for Lina. Sorry, not sorry.

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Bitter Sweetheart (NSFW)
착한 여친

Alternatively Known As: 착한 여친, Bitter Sweetheart (Official), Good Girlfriend (Unofficial)
[Content/Trigger Warnings: Cheating, Gaslighting — ]
Genre/Theme: Romance, Modern, Drama, Mature, Smut, R19, NSFW, Josei
Spicy Level: Spicyyy . NSFW/R19/Mature — It smut. So yah. It spicy.
Rage/Frustration Level: SO MUCH RAGE/FRUSTRATION.  — Fuck the writer boyfriend and the editor. Also fuck the model dude’s psycho ex too
Webtoon Status: [Lezhin — Official English Version]
Original Novel: [No — ]
Synopsis:

Gye Yeo-wool has it all. Not only does she get to travel the world to write about it, but she can always count on returning home to her loving boyfriend of 12 years, Park Haesoo. But every couple has their problems, and Yeo-wool’s growing frustrated with being constantly diminished as the less-talented girlfriend of a famous Sci-fi novelist. Not willing to give up, Yeo-wool decides to take a casting offer for a TV show in the hopes of advancing her writing career and proving that she’s more than “Haesoo’s sweetheart.” But she didn’t expect change to come in the form of her fellow cast member, model Kang Woo. Kang Woo is charismatic, handsome, and something she’s never experienced before. Will his presence give her the bitter bite she needs in her sickly sweet life?

[Lezhin | Bitter Sweetheart]

So you’re looking for a smut series, but you also want a series to be pissed about. Especially if it has to do with hating trash cheaters. I gotchu. Give this one a try. I know, I know. We all know I’m not usually into smut. I am, however, interested in some more mature series sometimes. It’s just that they often tend to include smut lolol. When I do read a smut series, it’s cuz I’m interested in the story and not the smut itselfLMAO. And I did just really find this one to be pretty interesting. I know. It’s a cheating-related series. By the way, anyone notice how like 80-90% of a romance series has to do some cheating in some way? Or maybe that’s just how it is for most of the series I read… I know some people would immediately cast this series aside because of the whole cheating thing, but wait. I do think you should give it a try as it does have some interesting aspects to it. Like rather than expectations from the synopsis, hear what I gotta say about the series first. First of all, we gotta mention a big, but obvious, spoiler. The boyfriend cheated on the female lead. Here’s the interesting thing about it though. So the female lead, Yeo Wool, and her long-term boyfriend are both writers. Her boyfriend Haesoo has been a really famous and successful writer. Meanwhile, Yeo Wool’s writing career hasn’t done as well. She’s been struggling with that and how, rather than for her writing, she’s only just known as “Haesoo’s girlfriend”. Like that sucks. Still, she’s been trying to do everything she can in hopes of helping her career and everything. Which has included accepting an offer to be on a tv show. Here’s the thing though. Yeo Wool is known as an extremely pretty, friendly, kind, and well-liked gal. Like she was that pretty and popular girl with a bright personality. Haesoo was that plain, quiet, nerdy dude who isn’t social. So while Yeo Wool has sort of an inferiority complex about her writing because of her boyfriend, he has one regarding his relationship with her. Dude thinks that she’s out of his league. So he’s constantly anxious and all that. He has alot of anxiety and constantly feels insecure. However, Yeo Wool has always only ever loved Haesoo and constantly supported him.

Which brings me to another interesting aspect of this series. You have these 2 characters who are pretty similar in that they both carry inferiority complexes and anxious feelings regarding their partner. They’re both then put in very similar situations, but they made totally different choices. This is regarding the cheating. Yeo Wool gets hit on by her fellow castmate who is an extremely handsome and popular model. Like dude kisses her. But she shoots him down. Although she did think of model dude while masturbating later. But she did reject the model and chose to be loyal to Haesoo and their relationship. Now Haesoo… He’s had this image and vibe of being an awkward but nice and harmless guy. Dude felt anxious seeing his girlfriend on a show, socializing really well with people, and seeing her next to the handsome model guy. His inferiority complex kicks in. He got a new editor. Yup. It’s a woman too. And he ends up sleeping with her. In his and Yeo Wool’s home…in their bed… Dude seems to regret it at first. However, he ends up continuing the affair. His reason? “Yeo Wool will end up cheating on me, so I might as well cheat first.” BRUH. WTF??? Not only that, he also will sleep with Yeo Wool after having slept with his editor. He’s officially trash. Not only that, Yeo Wool starts to feel suspicious. When she addresses his suspicions, the dude gaslights her pretty hard. Like fuck that dude. He’s complete trash now. It’s an interesting thing because this just shows that cheating is a choice and a conscious one at that. Again, both are very similar in issues and have inferiority complexes, insecurity, and anxiety. Both were put in similar situations. But made completely different choices. One chose to cheat. The other chose not to cheat.

It’s honestly some bullshit, and I feel really bad for Yeo Wool. Because she has devoted herself to him and tried to be a good girlfriend. Again, they’ve been in a long-term relationship for 12 years. Their relationship has been public and popular knowledge too. They’ve been living together for a long time now. To a point you could consider it a common marriage at this point. Why haven’t they gotten married yet? Apparently, it’s been pushed back for several years because of Haesoo. Because his family’s policy is that his older brother has to get married first before he can. Like imagine devoting yourself, loving and supporting someone for 12 whole years. Also to be led on with promises of marriage for several years. Only for them to be garbage like that and cheat on you? And again, him the home and bed he shared with her. Like all Haesoo did was prove that Yeo Wool was indeed too good for him. He really had us believing that he was a nice dude. We wanted to believe in him…But yeah…trashhhhh….

However, I have to say I also find this series intriguing because I actually really like Yeo Wool’s character. Like typically, female leads who’ve been burned like that are portrayed as just being weak and pitiable. I love that Yeo Wool was smart and caught on quickly. I love that she confronted him. She definitely showed her hurt, disappointment, and anger. But I absolutely love how she was still very rational about it all. She straight up called him out on his bullshit too. So I absolutely loved that. Dude tried to gaslight and deny it. But then she was like, “I have proof and already talked to her.” Then dude continued gaslighting and then tried to emotionally blackmail her. Saying shit like how he has a heart issue. And that it was a mistake. He was like, “I was just feeling really anxious and there was a crack…it was a mistake.” But she wasn’t having any of it. She called him out on trying to make her sympathize with him when she’s trying to leave him. She called him out on how he tried to put the blame on her. I also absolutely loved that she called his ass out and said he didn’t just sleep with his editor once, but multiple times. She then straight-up calls him trash and tells him to stop making excuses. I love it. I loved that she didn’t take his bullshit and called him out. And I love that she didn’t waver and she immediately left. Because in alot of other series, the female lead somehow always wavers and or sticks around for some goddamn reason. I just love that she’s not weak and has common sense. Like, YAAAS SIS. Prioritize yourself and don’t hang on to people who’d shamelessly hurt you.

I just love how this series just seems a bit more realistic? Like Yeo Wool feels like a real person. She got mad. She didn’t just take it. I also love that she and her new beau use their rationality and actually communicate. Like that’s some healthy shit. Although they didn’t really start off where we’d call it healthy… Technically, I’d say we kind of in a gray area. Because Yeo Wool did leave Haesoo. Plus, she no longer had any obligations towards him once he had cheated on her on multiple occasions. So I’d give them pass this time… But I would also say it’s also because it is definitely much better than that toxic relationship she was in with her Haesoo. They have heart-to-heart conversations, and they actually do communicate and discuss things when it seems that there may be issues. I also love that it just ends up becoming Yeo Wool’s journey to true love, support, independence, and what’s best for her too. But yeah, give it a try y’all. Although you will most definitely seethe at Haesoo and his editor’s bullshit. Fuck both of them. And fuck the male lead’s psycho ex. Honestly, I think this would make for an interesting drama K-Drama or movie (it would probably have less or no smut though).

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Well holy shit… yeah…this post went waaaaaayyyyy longer than I intended LMAO. I intended to do a short, simple post…but I ended up writing a whole book LOLOL My bad y’all… If you did manage to read the whole thing… Holy shit! Thank you! You’re awesome~ haha~ It’s been a while since I did a proper blog post, and a while since I’ve done a Reading List post. So forgive me haha~ I also might’ve gotten a bit too excited~ I also admit this post was kinda messy cuz I did kinda jump around as I worked on it the past coupel of weeks haha~ Anyway, which series have y’all been reading? Have you read any of these? Which ones were your favorites? let me know in the comments, my socials, or Discord~ Until next time friends~ Stay safe, take care, and have a lovely start to your weekend~💜

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