A QT novel that puts unique spins on popular BL story tropes/settings and experiments with story structure every arc. It isn't as 'quick' as other QT's, and the author takes their time in each world. ... more>>

I'm a big fan of the MC. He's just so straightforward and quietly earnest/passionate in how he approaches love and life. The ML is influenced strongly by his lives in each task world, so his personality varies, but he's quite precious.

The MC develops a number of relationships with side characters that leave an impression despite their limited screen-time. It was certainly nice to see the MC not completely isolated outside of the ML. <<less

A death game novel with intense puzzles and scenarios, yet is surprisingly easy to read in spite of the morbidity. The cast of characters is diverse beyond the main couple, each with their own strengths, personalities and agendas. ... more>>

The romance is never explicit or overt with grandiose gestures or emotional drama. It exists more in stolen glances, tacit understanding, and silent support, which was lovely. It also provided much needed levity to the events in the novel.

A visual aid on some of the puzzles/games would have been a great boon for reading comprehension, though. <<less

Interesting Xianxia novel with a rich world and plot. Story jumps between two time periods - one where the CP first meet and another when they meet again after the MC reincarnates.... more>>

The relationship is more in the realm of wacky hijinx and a string of suggestive scenarios with comedic undertones sprinkled throughout the novel by virtue of being one-sided for a large majority. The ML has been quietly pining for years without MC's knowledge, and the MC is rather obtuse about it. It's a tender relationship, but I prefer novels where they start/progress more on equal footing in terms of feelings. <<less

A death game novel that isn't as morbid as similar offerings, but still with some rather chilling moments. The narrative is focused around specific tasks based on the four suits in a deck of cards that the players must complete for a chance to revive. The regular structure and the intensity of certain suits (hearts and spades being the most intense; diamonds the least) lends itself to easy binge-reading since narrative breaks in tension are built right into the story.... more>>

The main CP were merely work acquaintances before the events in the novel begin, and it's nice seeing their relationship develop on a foundation of professional respect as they get to know each other more.

I do get annoyed when the author breaks from common sense and the realistic vibe they established for the sake of "humor". It manifests in different ways, and it's always a weakness to the story, imo. <<less

Strong world-building, characterization, and plot. The story follows the "plot" of a book as an alternate horror dimension occasionally intersects with reality and people start developing abilities. However, a wrench is thrown in in that numerous transmigrators who have read the story appear all over the world and set off butterfly effects everywhere.... more>>

The main CP are two supposed big bosses in the original plot as they try to deal with abilities, dimensions, being characters in a story, and transmigrators trying to manipulate or impede them using foreknowledge. It's rather fascinating. I loved seeing them work together and learn more about one another while having the uncomfortable knowledge that they were important to each other in a book from another world. It's a slow and understated, but beautiful process. <<less

A QT novel that's a bit more standard fare in terms of the settings and face-slapping progression of the individual worlds. The MC is also seemingly another one of those calm, hyper competent, flippant and cold protagonists that dominate this genre. However, what sets this apart is the absolute compassion the MC shows the original hosts of his body under his cool exterior. This leads into spoiler territory, so I won't say much more, but there's a thread of heart warming care separate from the main romantic relationship that is usually missing in other QT novels.... more>>

The romance was absolutely lovely. The ML was a surprise given the tropes of this genre, and he's so far from a male yandere my heart sings. They're really sweet around each other, but not strictly in a romantic way. A lot of it can be described as platonic care and I'm all for it. <<less

Rags-to-riches story set in 1990s China as our reincarnated MC uses his foreknowledge of the economy to make something of himself this time around.... more>>

To be honest, I'm not sure if the romance will match the vibe of this list, but the vibe of the rest of the novel does. It's a relaxing and rather realistic novel where the MC takes full advantage of actual events (I think, it seems very realistic) that occurred and the general lack of regulation of the time period to pull him and his friends up to economic prominence. 

There isn't really any extreme drama or true "villain" antagonists outside of the first arc from what I've managed to read. You hope for the MC to succeed, but the emotional highs and lows of this novel aren't really tied to his achievements or successes. 

The MC is competent, even-tempered, and sweet (in a mature way) with a bit of a bite. He tries his best to pave the way for his friends and acquaintances, but only if they put in the work on their own paths. From what I've read, the ML doesn't seem overbearing, and their interactions are pretty amusing, but I haven't read that far. <<less