A Young Lady Finds Her True Calling Living with the Enemy Vol. 2 Review

Tags: Fantasy, Romance, Drama, Shoujo

Sub-Tags: Strong Lead, Business, Conspiracies

Cover Illustration for Volume 2

Synopsis:

When Respect Transforms into Love!

Using her courage and business savvy as weapons, Bertine earns more for the Federation than the reparations owed in her role discovering and marketing the country’s specialty products. The scarlet fabric, fruit jams and marmalades, spices, boats, and even a hotel… She shapes her ideas into reality one after another, ever expanding her businesses. The way she lives her life inspires and moves Cecilio deeply. But the general isn’t the only one affected as Bertine’s influence inadvertently spreads to the Empire’s second prince and even his uncle. All of which leads to political upheaval in the Kingdom of San Luenne, which scorned Bertine’s very existence. Thus the adventurous tale of a young lady who awakened to her potential in a new land reaches its rousing conclusion! (Source: Cross Infinite World)

Bertine and the Federation Force Change!

Managing to settle into life as a citizen of the Federation and having picked the course for her new life, the climactic volume of A Young Lady’s True Calling finds Bertine embroiled in a plot that threatens her new life as well as her old one.

After a promising opening act, the sequel of Syuu’s romantic fantasy series left me a little disappointed.

In the first volume, the storylines featuring Cecilio and the San Luenne royal family were interwoven tightly in between Bertine’s new business ventures, a move which let the overall grandiose nature of the plot shine. In the sequel, however, Bertine’s business ventures end up becoming a hindrance to the main plot’s development.

As hinted at throughout the previous volume, the series’ climax sees Bertine help in a scheme to overthrow the declining royal family in San Luenne. Made up of several different moving parts, its highlights include a more focused look at Bertine’s father as well as the youngest crown prince of the Empire, Claudio.

Unfortunately, this more involved plot is often forced to take a back seat to Bertine’s business escapades. For as much as I enjoy these little adventures, hunting for black pepper and building boats, they don’t hold a candle to a continental cue attempt.

The Empire and the Emperor

Whilst the final volume’s storyline lacked the punch it deserved, thankfully, the character writing is still strong.

Two of the characters that see play this time manage to keep up with the tight character development showcased in the opening instalment. The first is Cecilio. This time, the story focuses on his reasons for taking the reigns of the Federation. A tragic tale surrounding the death of his mother reveals his impetus to change the future as well as reveal the true depths of the Empire’s unparalleled cruelty.

The second character of note is the Emperor. Newly introduced for the series’ final arc, he’s a harsh but fair ruler. Despite being painted negatively by others, this volume shows him to be an intelligent man blinded by guilt. Through his son’s strength, however, he’s finally able to see the light and enact changes that will secure the future of the palace and the people.

Overall, whilst A Young Lady’s True Calling failed to quite stick the landing, there’s still plenty to enjoy overall. Key to this is the author’s continued tight writing concerning the characters. Cecilio and the Emperor are particular beneficiaries of this. Both end up becoming complex characters by the series’ end.

A Young Lady’s Calling Vol. 2

My Rating: 6/10

If you like what you read and what I do, why not consider supporting me through Ko-Fi. Any donation helps keep this site up and keep me writing.

You can read the second volume of this series digitally through the distributors listed on the Cross Infinite World website.

A Young Lady Finds Her True Calling Living with the Enemy Vol. 1 Review

Tags: Fantasy, Romance, Drama, Shoujo

Sub-Tags: Strong Lead, Business, Conspiracies

Cover Illustration for Volume 1

Synopsis:

“We demanded reparations, not a bride.”

Pressed into marrying a general of the enemy nation, she would find only her future husband’s rejection and a cold reception in her new homeland…

As the daughter of a powerful marquess in a small, prosperous nation, Bertine was raised with all the privileges and expectations befitting her station. Yet not long before her wedding day, the king orders her to marry Cecilio instead, a representative of the nation victorious against her own. For she was part of the war reparations. Resigned to her fate, despair in her heart, she crosses the ocean, bound for her new home.

But all that awaited her was Cecilio’s absence and his servants’ humiliating treatment of her. “I can’t rely on my parents or my status. So I shall gain the strength to survive here through my own efforts.” Alone and armed only with her resolve, Bertine flees the estate and begins to carve a path that will allow her to live in enemy territory…

A young lady possessed of a hidden talent for business. A general known as “The Battle-Crazed Savage.” And their love story, predicated by a misunderstanding and a negotiation starts here! (Source: Cross Infinite World)

The Federations’ Alchemist!

Written by Syuu and illustrated by Fujigasaki comes a relatively recent title to the Cross Infinite roster focusing on a young lady’s effort in building business and power.

Starting off the Young Lady’s True Calling saga, the first volume follows the usual beats for the genre as Bertine settles into her new life and sets up her business to show her natural prowess. As the volume progresses, however, it becomes clear that there’s more to the series than meets the eye.

For one, Syuu’s writing style makes for an engaging read. They let the characters speak for themselves. As a result, you become engrossed within the author’s world and the story they are trying to tell.

Secondly, whilst the opening volume’s story begins simplistic enough, it eventually develops into a more grandiose affair. With small nods to the reveal scattered throughout the novel’s first half, the realisation that Bertine’s sudden trip abroad, as well as her business dealings leading to more than just a way for her to earn a new living, adds an extra layer to the plot that’s appreciated. After all, there’s only so far a story about dealing cloth will get you!

A Pawn, A Puppet, and a Powerful Leader

With the story eventually achieving its full potential by the volume’s end, there’s one aspect of the series that is a highlight throughout – characters.

Three characters immediately jump to mind as the series’ strong suit, Bertine, Cecilio, and Rose. From the outset, at least, Bertine comes across as the typical noblewoman with an eye for business. This impression changes with time as it becomes clear that Bertine has an innate understanding of people and their circumstances.

In order to assimilate within the Federation’s society, one of her first moves as a business owner was to hire war widows. A move that showed that Bertine as more than just a sheltered noble and that she understood that war affects all parts of society.

As for Cecilio and Rose, they both end up standing out for the same reason – show-don’t-tell character introductions. Through these well-choreographed segments, we can grasp a lot of information crucial to understanding how they’ll react to any given situation as the series continues. Hopefully, this character-building will continue when introduced to other hyped characters, such as the queen of San Luenne.

Overall, Living with the Enemy’s first instalment is an excellent addition to the genre. Whilst the author’s style helps to push the series along, what makes this series stand out are its characters. Complex with well-defined motivations, they help to bring this romantic fantasy to life.

A Young Lady’s True Calling Vol. 1

My Rating: 8.5/10

If you like what you read and what I do, why not consider supporting me through Ko-Fi. Any donation helps keep this site up and keep me writing.

You can read the first volume of this series digitally through the distributors listed on the Cross Infinite World website.

If the Villainess and Villain Met and Fell in Love Vol. 2 Review

Tags: Adventure, Fantasy, Romance, Slice of Life, School Life, Villainess, Shoujo

Sub-Tags: Spirits, Cute, Personal Growth, Weak to Strong

Cover Illustration for Volume 2

Synopsis:

The Smallest Spark Can Grow into a Fire

When Prince Joseph broke off his engagement to Brigitte, her life was shattered—but meeting Yuri helped her start putting it together again. The two may have started off as rivals, yet the more she learns about him, the more she’s come to appreciate him…Unfortunately, Joseph is ready to turn everything upside down again, suddenly attempting to reinstate their engagement. Brigitte is far from eager to go back, but her relationship with Yuri is getting complicated. Not only that, but it seems her weak, no-name spirit might be something else entirely…! (Source: Yen Press)

A Villainess’ Spirit Awakens!

After picking herself back up from a broken engagement, the second instalment of If the Villainess and Villain Met follows Brigitte as her whole world is about to change.

It Peeped!

Unwilling to address the cliffhanger left over from volume one, the series’ sequel begins with new developments regarding Brigitte’s spirit. Above all other aspects of the story, segments surrounding spirits inject the most of Brigitte’s personality within them, hence why it continues to be the story’s strongest aspect in this volume.

Developments appear thick and fast as Brigitte’s magical powers transform, eventually inviting a spirit. As a result, the novel’s first half finds the series’ protagonist searching for personal growth as Brigitte is forced to confront her past and future.

The future offers a lighter side to her development. It is signified by her blossoming romance with Yuri, which has no shortage of cute moments. Confronting her past takes a more serious approach. These scenes find Brigitte forced to overcome her traumas, which remain raw and vivid. Her memories describing when her hand is put in the flame are especially poignant.

As for the spirit awakening itself, it adds some entertaining moments of comedy to the series. Brigitte’s spirit takes the form of a small chick that likes to peep away and cause all sorts of chaos.

Prince (Not so) Charming

The Prince Joseph question is eventually answered in the latter half of the volume. Determined to get Brigitte back, this plot line follows a similar path to others in its genre, as Joseph’s motives turn out to be less than pure. Joseph is obsessed with Brigitte due to his perceived notion that she’s the only person who’s more of a failure than he is.

For as cutesy as this series portrays itself, this segment turns out to be a rather unpleasant read. Prince Joseph’s cruel and vindictive behaviour feels out of place in a series as light-hearted as this one. It does, however, provide the series with some necessary developments for the future. Firstly, the romance between Yuri and Brigitte is solidified, and secondly, the event serves as the final key to unlocking Brigitte’s true spirit power.

Overall, If the Villainess and Villain Met and Fell in Love’s second volume builds on the solid foundations laid in its opening act. 

In addition to further exploring the world’s spirit magic system, the second volume finally gives the boot to Prince Joseph, allowing for the romance between Brigitte and Yuri to take centre stage.

If the Villainess and Villain Vol. 2

My Rating: 8/10

If you like what you read and what I do, why not consider supporting me through Ko-Fi. Any donation helps keep this site up and keep me writing.

You can read the second volume of this series physically and digitally through the distributors listed on the Yen Press website.

Young Lady Albert is Courting Disaster Vol. 4 Review

Tags: Fantasy, Comedy, Romance, School Life, Villainess, Shoujo, Isekai

Sub-Tags: Otome, Game Elements, Misunderstandings

Cover Illustration for Volume 4

Synopsis:

Another school year begins! This time, Mary’s friends from Elysiana College join her at Karelia Academy for an exchange program. With crybaby Parfette, icy Carina, and ambitious hunter Margaret thrown into the mix, Mary’s life becomes all the more boisterous. But her lively routine is swiftly interrupted when Veltina, a younger girl from the exchange program, swoops in and starts doting on Adi! Veltina openly loathes Mary, taking every opportunity to bully her. The girl’s cheap tricks remind Mary of her in-game self and shake loose yet another insight: Veltina is an original character from the Heart High anime! Could Veltina have past-life memories too? How will former villainess Mary deal with this targeted harassment? And why does a strange dark mist swirl within her chest whenever Veltina embraces Adi? It’s enough to make poor Mary fear that her heretofore blissful relationship with Adi may be headed through troubled waters for the very first time… (Source: J-Novel Club)

Lady Mary and the Curious Case of Indigestion!

Lady Veltina and Lady Mary

Having found her happy ending, my latest review catches up with the cast of Young Lady Albert as someone seems set to tear the young lovers apart.

In the series’s latest instalment, Lady Mary suffers an about-face, discovering what it is like to receive petty harassment and bullying. As her friends from Elysiana join the academy in an exchange program, their reunion is cut short when someone else on the program steals the limelight. A junior member of the exchange, Lady Veltina creates ripples, openly doting on Adi and treating Mary with copious amounts of venom. Whilst her treatment of Mary amounts to little more that childish tricks, her open affection towards Adi causes an awakening of strange feelings within Mary.

As the story of the Heart High anime begins, the novel’s main plot follows the conflict between Lady Mary and Lady Veltina. A hilarious ordeal to add to Mary’s growing list of oddballs, it finds her at the mercy of all manner of childish tricks reminiscent of what the original Lady Mary would do.

From silly name-calling to committing faux pas on guest invitations, Lady Veltina’s actions can be shooed away with little more than admonishment or just ignoring her.

Indigestion or Jealousy

What can’t be easily shooed away, however, are the feelings brought about by Lady Veltina’s constant fawning over Adi. Serving as the major conflict of the volume, the plot forces Mary to come to terms with her true feelings for Adi.

At first, fearing that it might be a serious case of chronic indigestion, it is through her friend’s tireless work that she’s able to face up to the truth of her jealousy. This results in a much-needed outpouring of emotion from Mary, similar in style to the one given by Adi only two volumes previously. Moreover, with each other’s feelings laid-bare, it puts both protagonists on equal footing within the relationship emotionally.

After a previous volume, which mainly consisted of side stories, I’m glad to see that the latest edition of Courting Disaster is a fantastic return to form.

Much in the same fashion as the series did with Adi in the second volume, the story of the latest outing forces Mary to come face to face with the depths of her feelings for her beloved husband.

This comes to pass through the use of Lady Veltina. A handy mirror into her own past, her constant doting on Adi makes Mary realise a horrible future where she and Adi are no longer together. No longer content in merely watching the drama unfold, for the first time, she truly has to fight – a move that inevitably makes their relationship stronger.

Courting Disaster Vol. 4

My Rating: 8.5/10

If you like what you read and what I do, why not consider supporting me through Ko-Fi. Any donation helps keep this site up and keep me writing.

You can read the fourth volume of this series digitally on the J-Novel Club website.

If the Villainess and Villain Met and Fell in Love Vol. 1 Review

Tags: Adventure, Fantasy, Romance, Slice of Life, School Life, Villainess, Shoujo

Sub-Tags: Spirits, Cute, Personal Growth, Weak to Strong

Cover Illustration for Volume 1

Synopsis:

Sometimes Fire and Ice are Perfect for Each Other.

Brigitte Meidell belongs to a noble family, which means high expectations were placed upon her spirit contract. However, her bonded spirit turned out to be a weak no-name, and ever since, she has been a source of shame to her family. She thought her engagement to the prince would turn her life around, but when he publicly breaks off their relationship, she finds herself alone again. After her haughty, villainous behavior as the prince’s brideto- be, no one shows her much sympathy—except for the duke’s son Yuri, who attends the same magic academy. Yuri is feared for his incredible abilities and icy personality, but with him on her side, her fortunes might have changed… (Source: Yen Press)

A Romance of Ice and Fire!

Opposites Attract

From romcoms to fantasy romance series, the next light novel on my roster asks whether a misunderstood villainess and villain can fall in love.

Heading back to the roots of the villainess genre, Met and Fell in Love starts with the protagonist, Brigitte, facing down a classic broken engagement scene. Accused and cast out by the usual suspects, Brigitte’s fancy-free new life leads her into the arms of Yuri. Cold and distant, he’s the only man in the academy more hated than this series’ titular villainess.

The romantic aspect of this novel gets off to a rocky start. As expected, given Yuri’s default nature, there’s very little love loss between them as his overly harsh, straight-talking nature constantly rubs Brigitte the wrong way. As their relationship begins to blossom, however, a sweet coupling between them starts to take place. Their cutest moments come through their competitions against each other and the awkward stumbling as seen through the perspectives of their attendants. 

Spirits of a Fickle Nature

For the plot’s main meat and bones, the story takes a highly intriguing look at the magic system within the world, spirits. The summoning of strong spirits is highly valued in this world, especially for nobles, and it’s another reason why Brigitte is isolated at the start of the novel.

Despite having contracted with a seemingly weak spirit, one of Brigitte’s few passions in the series is her love for spirits and their study. Throughout her investigations, we’re given an in-depth look at how these beings operate as part of this fantasy world. They are given a great amount of agency and, in many ways, aren’t too dissimilar to humans. Strong spirits are all said to be able to talk, love and feel.

This agency makes up the backbone of the story’s mystery. As it turns out, Brigitte’s spirit contract may not be as weak as first thought. After revealing itself to save Brigitte and her classmates, it is implied that there’s more to a bond between humans and spirits. Physically and emotionally linked, perhaps one of the main reasons Brigitte’s Spirit is considered “lazy” comes from her fear of fire. A trauma that she goes someway into combating by the end of this volume. 

Met and Fell in Love’s first volume is a tale of two halves. Whilst its romantic aspects are predictable yet solidly written, the series’ in-depth look at magical world-building is something to write home about.

The prospect of further investigation into the world of spirits and the hidden potential of Brigitte’s spirit are all reasons why I’ll be continuing this series into its sequel.

If the Villainess and Villain Met and Fell in Love Vol. 1

My Rating: 8.5/10

If you like what you read and what I do, why not consider supporting me through Ko-Fi. Any donation helps keep this site up and keep me writing.

You can read the first volume of this series digitally and physically through the list of distributors found on the Yen Press website.

Jeanette the Genius: Defying My Evil Stepmother by Starting a Business with My Ride-or-Die Fiancé Vol. 1 Review

Tags: Fantasy, Comedy, Romance, Slice of Life, Shoujo

Sub-Tags: Business, Revenge, Banishment

Cover Illustration for Volume 1

Synopsis:

When Jeanette’s father suddenly goes missing, her evil stepmother seizes the opportunity to cast her out of the house! Now she’s left with no family, no belongings, and nowhere to live. But Jeanette the eternal optimist firmly believes in one thing: “Every crisis is an opportunity for growth!” Eager to face her new life, she has only one thing left to do to break free of her old—call off her engagement with the popular and beloved Count Claus! Little does she know the saintly gentleman she’s supposed to marry is secretly a blackhearted schemer, and he has other plans. In fact, he’s so madly in love with her, he’ll use any means necessary to stay by her side and assist her! Once the couple begins working together, Jeanette’s enterprising nature starts to shine. With her positive attitude, her natural genius, and her clever, besotted fiancé, can Jeanette triumph over adversity and earn back what’s rightfully hers? (Source: J-Novel Club)

The Trials of a Successful Businesswoman!

An Airhead with Acumen

Featuring an airheaded protagonist, revenge, and plenty of business acumen, for my latest review, I decided to pick up J-Novel Club’s newest acquisition from DRENovels – Jeanette the Genius.

Equal parts rom-com and revenge story, this latest pick-up by JNC follows the business misadventures of Jeanette. Gifted with an eye for business at a young age, this story finds her striving to become a successful businesswoman despite the male-dominated environment and an evil stepmother who wishes to thwart her at every turn.

With challenges compounding and a missing father to add to the mix, a normal person would quickly give up on their dreams. For Jeanette, however, she’s blessed with several elements that continue to drive her toward success.

Looking within herself, Jeanette’s eccentric attitude is one thing that constantly drives her forward. Airheaded and viewing everything as a new challenge to conquer, the unendingly stubborn belief in her abilities allows her to get the edge in the world of business. This almost superhuman-like positive attitude draws everyone in, and it isn’t hard to see why business partners, house servants, and friends all decide to stay by her side.

Mixing Love and Business

Away from her own attitude, her ever-loving fiancé, Claus, is another key point towards her success. Gifted in business in his own right, he’s always by Jeanette’s side, scheming to ensure that her revenge is seen through. Without his lengthy business connections, Jeanette would never have been able to acquire her father’s business, dealing the final nail in her stepmother’s coffin.

As for the rom-com aspect between Jeanette and Claus – it’s suitably fluffy and cute. Whilst it takes a while for Jeanette to see that Claus truly loves her, when they finally end up together, it makes for a welcome reprieve from the moments of unhinged hatred displayed by Jeanette’s stepmother and sister.

Whilst the series could never be considered trailblazing, it does what it knows well. It’s entertaining and well-paced, with the main characters coming across as lively and animated.

Overall, Jeanette the Genius‘ first volume makes for a solid addition to both the revenge and rom-com genres.

Jeanette the Genius Vol. 1

My Rating: 8/10

If you like what you read and what I do, why not consider supporting me through Ko-Fi. Any donation helps keep this site up and keep me writing.

You can read the first volume of this series digitally on the J-Novel Club website.

Formerly, the Fallen Daughter of the Duke Vol. 4 Review

Tags: Adventure, Fantasy, Romance, Slice of Life, School Life, Shoujo

Sub-Tags: Video Games, Banishment, Strong Lead, Second Chances

Cover Illustration for Volume 4

Synopsis:

A new installment in the Eternal Love dating sim series promises plenty of surprises and new princely suitors for its protagonist, Claire Martino…but what if she’s perfectly happy with her current love? Prince Gilbert of Lupty is determined to win Claire’s hand via whatever means necessary, be it forcing cutscenes to activate or trapping her all on her lonesome in a kingdom far, far away. But Claire has no time for pesky would-be love interests, as her diabolical half sister, Charlotte, is still on the loose. Worse, the fate of the world hangs in the balance with an impending magical tornado that promises to level whole kingdoms and end countless lives. Claire must save the fictional universe she holds so dear without losing everyone and everything she cares for—but who will save Claire from Gilbert’s clutches? (Source: J-Novel Club)

Magical Tornados and Time Loops!

Claire and the Second Otome Game

After defeating time loops and stopping Charlotte, Claire and Vik can finally be happy. With nothing but sweet moments seemingly on the horizon, can anything stop their happiness? Perhaps the appearance of an Otome game sequel.

Attempting to tie up loose ends involving the magic tornado and Charlotte’s escape, The Fallen Daughter of the Duke’s fourth addition finds the series moving to the neighbouring kingdom of Lupty. Meant as a diplomatic visit for Claire to brush up on her magic, her supposedly quiet visit quickly escalates as the wheels on the second Otome game begin to turn, and a familiar face shows up to cause no end of trouble.

Key to the events of the second Otome game this time is Lupty’s, Prince Gilbert. Once thought of as a level-headed man, his memories of a previous life have turned him into quite a mess. Driven by his need to have everything follow the events of the game, his attempts at getting the good end between himself and Claire cause no end of problems.

Whilst this problem could’ve been quickly solved with the presence of Vik, Claire’s mission is a solo one meant to prove her skills as a member of the royal family. As a meeting between nations, to stop Gilbert’s obsession, Claire has to move carefully to avoid a diplomatic incident. As a result, the solution to the problem requires a little more thinking than usual, and it allows characters other than Claire and Vik to come up with a solution – in this case, Lui.

A Redemption Arc

If Prince Gilbert wasn’t enough for Claire and Lui to deal with, someone else has also managed to escape to Lupty – Charlotte. At the start of this volume, Charlotte still hasn’t come to terms with the fact that she’s done wrong and is continuing to trick and scheme in an attempt to find a royal fiancé.

While Charlotte continues to be an annoyance for most of the volume, things begin to change when she’s finally exiled to a convent. Isolated from the events of the game and forced to experience life outside the world of a protagonist proves to work wonders.

Through the perspective of a nun who lives in the convent, readers experience Charlotte’s slow but inevitable change thanks in no small part to an orphan child named Claire. In a well-realised step-by-step approach, we can see Charlotte lose sight of her main character syndrome, turning into a tsundere.

Overall, Fallen Daughter of the Duke’s fourth volume continues the series’ story in a way that feels natural and necessary.

While the fun capers of the Otome Game sequel are enjoyable, the real meat and bones of the volume come from the highlighting of side characters given major roles in the plot and the start of Charlotte’s redemption arc.

Charlotte’s redemption arc, in particular, deserves mentioning since it doesn’t shy away from long-term solutions rather than quick fixes.

The Fallen Daughter of the Duke Vol. 4

My Rating: 8.5/10

If you like what you read and what I do, why not consider supporting me through Ko-Fi. Any donation helps keep this site up and keep me writing.

You can read the fourth volume of this series digitally on the J-Novel Club website.

Young Lady Albert is Courting Disaster Vol. 3 Review

Tags: Fantasy, Comedy, Romance, School Life, Villainess, Shoujo, Isekai

Sub-Tags: Otome, Game Elements, Misunderstandings

Cover Illustration for Volume 3

Synopsis:

Mary and Adi may have tied the knot, but the hijinks aren’t stopping anytime soon in this collection of short stories! Watch as Mary’s world is freed from the shackles of the otome game series, and find out what everyone has been up to since the wedding party. Mary still dreams of running her own migratory bird restaurant—will her wish finally come true? Gainas has earned his family’s forgiveness, but can he manage to win Parfette’s heart back too? What will the icy Carina do when her ex-fiancé makes the terrible mistake of causing misfortune one last time? And although Alicia and Patrick certainly enjoyed playing their parts in their friends’ wedding, it might be time for the two of them to plan a special event of their own. However, when a certain ambitious girl enters the stage looking for her next prey, trouble strikes too close to home… These stories and more await! (Source: J-Novel Club)

Hijinks of an Otome Afterstory!

The Jilted Lovers Brigade

Having conquered Otome games and love, it’s about time that Mary started to take things easy. As dawn broaches on Courting Disaster’s third instalment, it’s time for other characters to steal the limelight. Telling their own extraordinary tales of love and woe.

Unlike previous instalments, the latest volume featuring the titular quirky villainess comes across as more of an afterstory – formatted as several shorter stories rather than one long-running narrative. As a result, we’re treated not only to more time with Mary but with the rest of the cast as well.

Gaining most of the attention this time is the jilted lovers brigade from the previous volume. With their stories of love and happy endings only just beginning, the latest volume gives each of them a short story showing that there’s love for them just waiting around the corner. In true Otome style, however, some of their paths to love are more fraught than others.

For the Love of Wild Game

As for Mary and Adi, the latest novel in the series finds the two in a sort of early marital bliss. Without the prospect of another Otome game causing problems, Mary and Adi are finally able to settle down and do the sort of things normal lovers do. Expect heaps of fluffiness and flirting as the two awkwardly dance around their new change in relationship.

Furthermore, volume three finally puts to rest a plot thread left dangling ever since the start of the first volume – the Wild Game restaurant. The strongest of several short stories, it sees Mary striving to achieve her dream of owning a Wild Game restaurant only to unearth a whole can of noble worms.

With Mary’s friends playing detective and Mary herself unaware, the series of misunderstandings go so far as to leave the entirety of noble society shocked (and eventually disappointed).

While using a short story format brings with it positives and negatives, the author of this series has used the space well. By tying up the final dangling plot threads and furthering the characterisation of the series’ many side characters allows plenty of room for new growth as the story reaches its fourth volume.

As a result, Courting Disaster’s highly awaited third volume makes for a pleasant addition to the series.

Young Lady Albert is Courting Disaster Vol. 3

My Rating: 8/10

If you like what you read and what I do, why not consider supporting me through Ko-Fi. Any donation helps keep this site up and keep me writing.

You can read the third volume of this series digitally on the J-Novel Club website.

Lovestruck Prince! I’ll Fight the Heroine for My Villainess Fiancée Vol. 2 Review

Tags: Fantasy, Comedy, Romance, Slice of Life, School Life, Villainess, Shoujo

Sub-Tags: Misunderstandings, Otome, Conspiracies, Cute

Cover Illustration for Volume 2

Synopsis:

The Lovestruck Prince Fends Off The Reverse Harem!

The lovestruck prince who eliminates attempts to break off his engagement returns! Prince Vincent has finally worked up the resolve to confess his undying love to his fiancée Elizabeth—but right afterwards, new romantic rivals pop up one after another to try to steal the lovely noblewoman’s heart. Will Vincent be able to beat off the royal rabble, or has he finally met his match? (Source: Cross Infinite World)

The Prince Fights a Star Maiden Sequel!

A Rival Appears

Having defeated the fate written down in the first Star Maiden novel, Prince Vincent is all for his new trouble-free engaged life with his childhood sweetheart, Elizabeth. Fate, however, is never quite so kind. It isn’t long before Vincent once again feels trouble brewing in the ether, and a prophetic nightmare seals a rough road ahead.

Spurred into action by this dream and a newfound confidence born through the defeat of the novel, the second instalment of Lovestruck Prince starts with the most important moment in Vincent’s relationship so far – finally confessing his love to Elizabeth. Luckily, he confessed when he did, as just days later, an interloper of a foreign prince tries to take Elizabeth away with him.

Shocked but not surprised, Vincent always knew this day could come, but the issue with Prince Leohardt becomes less of a problem than originally thought due to the growth Elizabeth experienced over the past volume. As it turns out, Vincent’s confession was the last piece of the puzzle in giving Elizabeth enough confidence to turn people down.

A Villainess for Good

Turning down Leohardt’s confession makes way for the real reason he’s come to the kingdom. For a while now, the Kingdom of Orion has been subject to growing tensions over the next prince to take the throne. Not wanting to get in his brother Marius’ way, Leohardt has come to the neighbouring kingdom to solidify his brother’s position by readying the country bumpkin and Marius’ lover, Lady Lecia, to become queen. 

Seeing Lady Lecia’s efforts, Vincent and Elizabeth decide to help in Leohardt’s plans to put Marius on the throne. Their involvement in the plan sees the return of the Star Maiden novel, this time hoping to put its powers to good use.

To ensure that Marius becomes the next king, they plan to see both him and Lecia perform a heroic act to save the kingdom. To that end, Elizabeth once again dons the role of the villainess, something that could not have been possible without her growth in confidence. She acts alongside the supposed “evil” prince and a familiar fellwyrm to give the two a disaster-worthy event to stop. 

Fresh off the events of its prequel, the latest story in the series is cleverly written to showcase the development and growth both protagonists have gone through, either within themselves or as a couple.

Since its first outing, both Vincent and Elizabeth have grown leagues in confidence and, as a result, are able to circumvent possible disasters for their relationship and help save a neighbouring nation.

Furthermore, the second instalment in the series solves two of the issue I had with its premier – the lack of romantic moments between Vincent and Elizabeth and Elizabeth’s lacking involvement with the plot. Throughout this volume, the lovey-dovey couple go on several dates together, and Elizabeth’s role in the plot is integral to ensuring peace on the continent.

To conclude, mixing great moments of development alongside more involvement for both protagonists in the role of the plot makes Lovestruck Prince’s second volume a fine addition to the series.

Lovestruck Prince! Vol. 2

My Rating: 9/10

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You can read the second volume of this series digitally through the list of distributors on the Cross Infinite World website.

The Invisible Wallflower Marries an Upstart Aristocrat After Getting Dumped for Her Sister! Vol. 1 Review

Tags: Fantasy, Comedy, Romance, Slice of Life, Shoujo, Villainess

Sub-Tags: Business, Personal Growth, Tsundere

Cover Illustration for Volume 1

Synopsis:

Can An Ordinary Aristocrat And A Nouveau Riche Tsundere Find Love In An Unconsummated Marriage?!

Iris, the daughter of a marquess, not only had her fiancé stolen by her younger sister, but she also ended up having to marry Lord Lucas, a nouveau riche merchant who was shouldering her family’s debts. However, this former-commoner-turned-baron’s reason for marrying her was just to have Iris teach him and his servants how to survive in high society!

“I was told that I lack presence and that I’m like air. If someone as plain and dull as myself could be of any use to you, I will be more than happy to help, Lord Lucas,” Iris said with complete seriousness, throwing Lucas off guard. Will Lucas be able to resist being slowly drawn to the dedicated Iris, who strives to support him and the people in her life? A complicated romcom that starts with a marriage blanc begins here! (Source: Cross Infinite World)

The Disgraced Old Blood Meets the Nouveau Riche!

To Find the Best in Oneself

Her fiancé stolen and forced to fulfil a political marriage for the sake of her family’s debt; The Invisible Wallflower’s opening volume follows Iris at a rather tumultuous time. 

Typical of this genre, the protagonist is viewed as plain and unappealing and has internalised this as a lack of self-confidence. However, it is clear from the outset of this series that what Iris may lack in confidence, she more than makes up in determination. Despite travelling to unfamiliar territory with a man surrounded by unsavoury rumours, she’s more than willing to make a success of the situation not only for her family but also for her own sake. 

Rather than a typical marriage, her new husband, Lord Lucas, wishes for her to act more like a governess overseeing their progress to becoming perfect members of the upper class. Through determination and armed with knowledge from the capital, Iris can grow closer to all members of the Stock household. 

The results of Iris’s efforts are best illustrated by the author in two ways. The first is through Iris’s maid Kiki, and the gardener. Constant conversations and allowing for a safe environment enable the two with noble traumas to finally open up.

The second is the effect Iris has on the Stock business. With everyone able to address nobles formally, the same nobles are unable to low-ball stock, which means a rise in profits and wages for everyone. 

The Rocky Starts of Romance

By getting closer to members of the Stock household, it allows the main focus of the story to move forward also. This series is primarily focused on romance, and the overall impression of the relationship between the two is awkward yet cute.

Iris’ dogged effort to teach formal mannerisms doesn’t fail to get the attention of her political husband, Lucas. Slowly but surely, Iris’ efforts work on him as well, turning their once unconsummated marriage into a situation where sparks have begun to fly.

That isn’t to say that their loving relationship by the end of the volume hasn’t faced hardships. With the two lovebirds noticeably getting closer as the story progresses, both childhood friend Coldola and favourite servant Leikzig start to have issues.

Both issues stem from fierce loyalty, worried that Iris won’t be strong enough to help Lucas when times inevitably turn tough. Iris solves these problems by showing them that she’s more than just princessly noble.

Overall, The Invisible Wallflower’s first volume starts the series off strong. With a sharp focus on personal growth, the series succeeds in showing how new influences can lead to positive change.

For Lucas and the members of his household, Iris’ influence sees many open up about past traumas and signals a way to move forward positively. For Iris, moving to unfamiliar territory finds her trying new things and becoming more independent away from the influence of her oppressive family. 

As the series moves forward to confront trauma’s of the past, there’s lots still to look forward to.

The Invisible Wallflower Vol. 1

My Rating: 8/10

I hope you enjoyed my review and would love to see what you thought of the volume in the comments! If you like what I do and want to see more, consider supporting me by buying me a coffee on Ko-Fi.

You can read the first volume of this series digitally through the distributors listed on the Cross Infinite World website.