This novel broke my heart with its romance. I honestly couldn't continue it because of ML.... more>>

However, Minglan is one of the best MC's I've ever had the pleasure to read. She's transmigrated, and unlike in other novels where being transmigrated is completely irrelevant to the plot and character, she brings with her the ideology of a modern women. Minglan isn't the only well-written character in this story, in fact the author wrote such a realistic story that even the antagonists are hard to hate. Each character is fleshed out incredibly well, and the entire story is extremely realistic. It's too realistic, which is why I didn't like ML and the romance.  

Still, I don't regret reading this story. Excluding the romance, the first half of the story is genuine perfection and I hope the author writes another story in the future because they're incredibly talented.  <<less

Intelligent, cold, egotistical, and manipulative, this MC is hands down my favourite. She’s a go getter and will stop nothing short of perfection. Perfection for her means marrying a rich guy and playing the role of the perfect women. She’s a women of her times but the romance is really anything but, the MC and ML are true equals and I think the author did such a great job portraying a healthy, beautiful, simple relationship. ... more>>

The romance is light but handled maturely and in a very believable way, and the characters are all interesting to read about. It’s the MC however who really shines and imo is the highlight of the story. <<less

Technically this is about the manhwa but regardless the story is a good one.... more>>

Probably my favourite Korean novel with a female lead because of the treatment of female characters outside of the MC. The females are written so distinctly from one another, it's a joy to read novels where they can interact with the MC without constantly having to play to her good side. Too many novels force a good and bad dichotomy to take place by simply having anyone on the side of the MC as good and anyone against them as evil. This story allows characters outside of the MC to be given a fleshed out background, with interesting perspectives and opinions even if they aren't one's that the reader or MC agree with (ML's father is a great example of this). The author easily could have allowed the MC to get revenge in her second life while the family or side character who made a mistake were portrayed as those who wronged her and should therefore be punished but instead, everyone got a chance at redemption. 

As for the romance - superb. The romance is beautifully crafted, and I have a major soft spot for the ML. The politics and plot are also intriguing and aren't hard to follow at all, though certainly they don't read like something a child could come up with. Overall, this novels popularity is well deserved. <<less

This has all your typical youth drama plot points; extreme bullying, a budding romance, the stress of exams, and running towards one future. It’s very much set up to be a story of youth. Except it gets dark, fast. This story might be a love story but it’s mostly a story about growing up alone and what can happen when society lets children down. ... more>>

I do think this novel did a good job of capturing youth and the ever mounting stress of growing up well, without forcing the storyline to become too dramatic despite the relationship between the leads being heartbreaking. The main character is one you want to root for immensely and personifies the themes and messages of the book so well.  <<less

I like the MC a lot, and while the ML isn't as passionate as other ML's in this genre, he is the most realistic. It's... more>> a slow-paced, light read and I think my favourite of the authors. The stakes aren't crazy, but the entire read is very enjoyable and I loved the development of the MC and ML's relationship.  <<less

The protagonist is your typical naive, immature otome girl lead however the author makes this story different from the others by portraying the female lead and her relationships in a realistic manner. The main lead is foolish but unlike in other otome novels this isn't annoying but is rather endearing because the characters around her, as well as the author, react accordingly and do not simply pamper her character, and you get to read along her journey in honestly befriending others.... more>>

The translation is amazing, the best on this site. <<less

A sweet, light hearted romance with two hilarious leads. The MC is completely brazen with her proud, s*upid, personality and I love it. The ML... more>> meets her head on with his own pettiness. The dynamic between the two is great, and the slow development from (sort-of) enemies to lovers is satisfying, as is reading about their careers blossom.  <<less

A refreshing lead, one who isn't just a face-slapping schemer nor is she a pure, gullible girl who wins everyone over through naivety and kindness... more>> but rather a mix of the two. Her trauma is grounded in reality, and her character development throughout the story is slow and steady but not boring.  <<less

The MC is relatable even if you’re nothing like her. The way she grows up, changes as a person throughout her life, is all reminiscent... more>> of youth. Of being a youth, and living, and growing up. The story is painfully nostalgic and reminds you that some feelings and experiences are truly universal.  <<less

This novel is not for everyone. It’s a depressing novel that verges into tragedy p*rn as we are reminded over and over again that MC’s life sucks. However it’s also highly addicting to read, namely how MC tries to change her fate, it’s affect, and how that changes her as a person. ... more>>

The last arc of the novel with the inclusion of the ML can be skipped imo (at least until (and if)) the author finishes the story because it focuses too much on the ML who doesn’t add much to the story and frankly confuses the entire plot.  <<less

This was such a heartwarming story. MC is mature, patient, and a genuinely kind person and ML is just as lovable, the way their relationship develops is very sweet. I loved reading how they went from strangers to lovers, and how they both continued to change and grow for each other (and the better). ... more>>

Both MC and ML fall into stereotypical novel character settings (rich boy, pretty girl) but their personalities are written in a very realistic and down-to-earth way, so despite the cliches it's still a fantastic read.  <<less

What can I say - this author cannot write a bad novel. I like both MC and ML, and I found the family dynamic fascinating.... more>> Both characters grow as the story and their feelings develop, so the romance is solid. There are a number of likeable side characters, and the plot develops gradually. A solid read overall.  <<less

Ignoring this fandoms piss poor reading and interpretations skills, this story is fabulous. The author's message is incredibly clear cut despite the fandom's best attempts... more>> to hate on any character that isn't the MC. The MC is cool, her feelings are relatable, and her actions and the lengths she will go are terrifying but really show a different side to the usual Korean villainess novel.I especially love the relationship between MC and the OG!FL; we need more female characters who don't like each other but are not antagonistic to each other. The relationship allows for complexity between the characters' interactions, and god this genre could really do with that.Overall, this novel is a breath of fresh air in a genre overrun by cliches.  <<less

This novel is well worth the high regard. The author does an interesting job carefully planning out the MC and her mindset and shift throughout the story - you can re-read the novel and really see how the MC ends up the way she is. While I'm not the biggest fan of novels with low-self esteem!MC's nor do I like large male casts surrounding a FMC,I do think this an MC that breaks the mould of the usual low-self esteem as the author adds more depth to her character by giving the reader ample time to get to know her better.... more>>

Ultimately, I was satisfied with the romance too and re-reading I'm glad she chose who she did. <<less

The MC is SO cute as a child. She's smart, endearing, and such a joy to read. ML is also cute and the interactions between the two are great.... more>>

The side characters add a lot of great comedic moments, and this story is great to read though it feels rushed when the MC grows up. Still worth a read for how good the beginning chapters are.  <<less

A rational, mature female lead who's character is nothing but a delight to read. Simply wonderful just like the sweet story.

This story drags a bit near the end but the relationship building between the two main characters is fun to read at first, and the... more>> female lead is very cute with a good head on her shoulders. She acts the age she is mentally supposed to be so unlike in other novels you don't question as to why a character who is her age and has lived through such a life has started acting like a child. <<less

Another calm, cool and collected protagonist who loves to and does well in face slapping. She drives the narrative forward and keeps you thoroughly engaged to read what happens next. ... more>>

The mysteries in the novels are intriguing and the author does a fantastic job of slowly unravelling everything. Thought I admit the novel is a biiiiit boring. <<less

MC is a blast and the entire story is just very silly, it's hard not to laugh at what's going on. Silly and entertaining; I like the MC, I love the camaraderie, and I think the world is fun! Just a good vibe all around. ... more>>

Not sure if it's the translation or the writing in general but it's pretty terrible. But it's not a serious story anyways so as long as you go in for some time to kill and a good laugh, you're fine. <<less

Will be back with thoughts