Surge Towards You by Cheongyeon
Dec. 20th, 2025 09:40 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
reviews_and_ramblings
Cheong-ho is a national swim team member who has been struggling with poor records. As an alpha, his physical condition could be improved greatly through sex with an omega, but he has a fear of omega pheromones. His hopes of being a top swimmer seem to be sinking, but that all changes when he meets Yi-rim, an omega whose pheromones don’t give off any scent. Yi-rim is only too happy to help Cheong-ho out, and thus the two of them start a purely physical relationship. It’s almost like they’re a match made in heaven. But…why is it so hard for them to close the distance between each other?
My Rate: 8 (www.lezhinus.com/en/comic/surge_towards)
Surge Towards You is one of those comfort reads I find myself returning to whenever I need a pick-me-up. It is a refreshing romance that stays largely drama-free, focusing instead on the evolving connection between the leads. Even though the main characters, Cheong-ho and Yi-rim, become intimate right at the start, the story feels more "sweet" than "steamy." This is especially true once their baby enters the picture—who, quite frankly, completely steals the show! This story hits all my favorite romance tropes perfectly: The Power Dynamic: I love the "unbalanced" setup of a wealthy, famous Omega paired with a talented but struggling Alpha. Growth: It’s incredibly satisfying to watch this seemingly mismatched couple grow together until they stand on equal footing. Modern Masculinity: One of the highlights for me is seeing an Alpha who doesn't believe childcare is "Omega work." Cheong-ho is more than just supportive; he is fully hands-on and autonomous with the baby. This allows Yi-rim the space to recover from pregnancy and successfully return to his professional life. Final Verdict: In short, I have absolutely no complaints. If you’re looking for a heartwarming story about mutual respect and domestic bliss, this is it.
Define the Relationship by Flona and Chada
Dec. 20th, 2025 04:16 pmreviews_and_ramblings
Alphas lust for Omegas, and Omegas want Alphas. That’s the way of the world, but Karlyle isn’t your typical Alpha. He doesn’t thirst after every Omega he sees—well, let’s say that things are complicated. Karlyle feels no need to change, but when troubles occur with his sex life his doctor suggests something surprising. Try sleeping with Alphas, instead of Omegas. Karlyle finds this solution strange, but the doctor says he knows just the person to help him out. Ash comes into Karlyle’s life just like that, and Karlyle finds himself thinking about Ash more and more. More than friends, but not quite lovers—how can we define this relationship?
My Rate: 8 (www.lezhinus.com/en/comic/define_the_relationship)
The first time I picked up Define the Relationship, I actually dropped it. While the art style was stunning—one of the main things I look for in a manhwa—the plot felt confusing. I couldn’t wrap my head around the core premise: why "force" Karlyle into a physical relationship with another Alpha if it was only going to lead to heartbreak? It felt like a recipe for disaster. If Karlyle grew attached to Ash, wouldn't it just end in pain? I decided to give it a second chance, but even then, I almost regretted it. As the story progressed, Ash’s character didn't seem to be improving. The man who initially appeared reliable and kind started feeling like a reckless playboy—definitely not someone Karlyle should trust. However, I’m glad I pushed through. Define the Relationship is surprisingly complex. Unlike many manhwa where the plot is just a thin excuse for fanservice, this story has real substance. The twists and turns genuinely surprised me, proving that there’s a lot more depth here than meets the eye.
Thundercloud Rainstorm (2025)
Dec. 19th, 2025 07:13 pmreviews_and_ramblings While Thundercloud Rainstorm ultimately has more highs than lows, I can’t ignore the elements that left me scratching my head. It was a bit of a bumpy ride, especially regarding the narrative structure, but the lead performances kept me hooked until the end. My biggest gripe with this series is the pacing and transitions. Right from the start, I felt a bit disoriented. The opening scene is incredibly powerful—showing Lee Il Jo being brutally beaten by his half-brother while his cousin, Seo Jeong Han, watches in silence. Then, the scene shifts abruptly: suddenly, Il Jo is living with Jeong Han. Wait... why? Did Jeong Han feel pity? Was there a conversation? I found myself waiting for a flashback or an explanation that never quite arrived. I eventually let it go, but then the final two episodes hit. The creators decided to interweave three different timelines—past, present, and future—in a very "unique" order. Honestly, it felt unnecessary. I’m not sure why they chose to abandon a logical, chronological flow, as it only added to the confusion. The highlight of the show is undoubtedly Jeong Ri U, who plays Seo Jeong Han. His range is incredible. He manages to transform from an absolute jerk to a vulnerable lover begging for attention, and finally into a man willing to fight the world for his partner. On the other hand, I struggled with Lee Il Jo. Compared to Jeong Han, he felt a bit too passive. He takes the beatings without fighting back, accepts being treated as a "sexual outlet" early on, and when their love is finally threatened, his first instinct is to give up and run away. Perhaps I’m being too harsh, but I wanted to see him fight for his happiness as much as Jeong Han did. If you’re worried about the "cousin" dynamic (which Jeong Han uses as an excuse to keep their relationship a secret early on), you can breathe a sigh of relief: Lee Il Jo is adopted, so there is no blood relation between them. Despite the heavy themes, the chemistry between the two leads is solid. We get plenty of intimate moments and kisses—they aren't necessarily "explicit," but they feel genuine, and the actors look great together on screen. The Good: Jeong Ri U’s powerhouse performance. Strong chemistry and frequent romantic moments. The "adoption" twist clears up the moral gray area. The Bad: Jarring time jumps and confusing editing in the finale. A protagonist who feels a bit too "weak" or passive at times. If you can overlook some confusing storytelling choices, it’s worth a watch for the lead performances alone. HEA. You can watch on GagaOOLala. Heat Level: 4/6.
Heat Level:
1/6: glances, caress, hugs, no kisses
2/6: kisses, closed mouth or camera angles
3/6: full kisses, clothes on
4/6: full kisses, some clothes off, hands above the waist, pants stay on
5/6: most clothes off, they have sex, but it’s masked, no sexy sounds
6/6: full nudity mostly hidden by camera angles, they have sex, sexy sounds
10Dance (2025)
Dec. 18th, 2025 05:37 pmreviews_and_ramblings The live-action adaptation of 10 Dance has left me in a bit of a "tug-of-war" with my emotions. On one hand, I’m thrilled to see this beloved manga come to life; on the other, I’m left checking my watch and wondering if we missed a few steps. My primary frustration is the pacing. The film covers roughly five volumes of the eight currently out in Japan, which means—to my absolute disappointment—it doesn't actually reach the titular 10 Dance competition. After sitting through a runtime of 2 hours and 15 minutes, I expected a grand finale. Instead, I felt left in suspense. Are they holding out for a sequel? I certainly hope so, because the story feels unfinished. I’ll admit, I’m a tough critic when it comes to ballroom movies. I grew up on the gold standards: Emile Ardolino’s Dirty Dancing (Patrick Swayze was a force of nature) and Baz Luhrmann’s Strictly Ballroom. Having been raised on that level of cinematic passion, I found the dance sequences in 10 Dance lacking a certain "sensual spark." Even the long-awaited moment where Suzuki Shinya and Sugiki Shinya finally dance together in public felt a bit muted. Honestly, their practice sessions in the empty studio had more tension. However... when it comes to the chemistry between the leads, the film finds its rhythm: While the dancing lacked heat, the kissing scenes—especially the one in the subway—were electric. The sensual energy was definitely there. Takeuchi Ryoma is incredibly sexy as Suzuki. Watching him opposite Machida Keita’s Sugiki is a treat; I spent half the movie wishing Suzuki would just grab Sugiki and "muss him up" a little! As a long-time fan of the manga, I noticed an interesting change in tone. The film feels much more "open" than the source material. In the manga, their mutual attraction is incredibly restrained and subtle. In the movie (perhaps due to the script or translation), they are much more vocal about their feelings. While I knew not to expect anything beyond a few kisses, the directness of their declarations actually surprised me. Is It Worth It? Absolutely. I actually reactivated my Netflix subscription (the premium, ad-free version, because I refused to let a commercial break ruin the mood!) just to watch this. Despite the slow-burn dancing and the incomplete plot, the charisma of the leads makes it a must-watch for fans. See it for the chemistry, even if you’re left wanting more from the choreography. HEA (more or less). You can watch on Netflix. Heat Level: 4/6.
Manga: amzn.to/3YEQaao
Manga: amzn.to/3YEQaao
Heat Level:
1/6: glances, caress, hugs, no kisses
2/6: kisses, closed mouth or camera angles
3/6: full kisses, clothes on
4/6: full kisses, some clothes off, hands above the waist, pants stay on
5/6: most clothes off, they have sex, but it’s masked, no sexy sounds
6/6: full nudity mostly hidden by camera angles, they have sex, sexy sounds
Tide of Love (2025)
Dec. 17th, 2025 10:03 pmreviews_and_ramblings Tide of Love is a South Korean BL drama that clearly tried to break the mold by exploring themes rarely touched in the genre. Unfortunately, despite its ambitions, the execution falls flat. What could have been a daring exploration of power dynamics instead feels like a collection of disjointed scenes and confusing plot points. From the very first episode, the attempt at a BDSM-lite storyline feels painfully cringey. In one of the more baffling creative choices, Kim Hae Jun makes sounds of intense suffering (or perhaps excitement?) while Han Jae Hun is simply kissing him with a bit of passion. It feels disconnected from reality; at times, it sounds more like someone is stepping on his foot than engaging in a romantic moment. The narrative logic is shaky at best. We start with a "one-night contract" that somehow transforms into a six-month arrangement. On what basis? The show implies Kim Hae Jun was mind-blowing in bed, but as a viewer, that chemistry was nowhere to be found. The confusion continues with scenes that defy logic: Han Jae Hun randomly shows up at Kim Hae Jun’s university and walks into a classroom as if he owns the place. Why? How? The show doesn't care to explain. There is a jarring moment where it’s implied Han Jae Hun might be married. Personally, I suspect this was a translation error. It’s more likely the scene meant he was "retiring" from his architecture firm in Seoul to move to the countryside. However, because the writing is so sparse, the audience is left guessing. Calling this a "drama" is generous. It is essentially 10 episodes of 10 minutes each, most of which feel entirely disconnected from one another. The Pros: Two attractive leads. An abundance of kissing scenes (once you get past the odd moaning). A few cozy, domestic moments, like the couple preparing dinner together. The Cons: A hollow script with massive plot holes. Bizarre sound acting. Lack of narrative cohesion. If you are looking for a deep, well-paced story, look elsewhere. But if you’re satisfied with pretty faces, constant kissing, and a few "domestic bliss" vignettes, you might give Tide of Love a chance. Just don't expect it to make much sense. HEA. Watch on GagaOOLala. Heat Level: 4/6.
Heat Level:
1/6: glances, caress, hugs, no kisses
2/6: kisses, closed mouth or camera angles
3/6: full kisses, clothes on
4/6: full kisses, some clothes off, hands above the waist, pants stay on
5/6: most clothes off, they have sex, but it’s masked, no sexy sounds
6/6: full nudity mostly hidden by camera angles, they have sex, sexy sounds
A Man Who Defies the World of BL Final (2025)
Dec. 15th, 2025 04:46 pmreviews_and_ramblings The ending of the series A Man Who Defies the World of BL is, unfortunately, just as I expected. The "unfortunately" is simply because we don't see a true happy ending for Mob, but rather, we are left to infer it. However, in a way, this is the main critique I've had while watching all four seasons of this Japanese drama. It might therefore sound like I didn't enjoy it... but that's not entirely true. Sure, I wasn't eagerly anticipating the next episode like I have with other series, but I have to say that A Man Who Defies the World of BL always made me smile, and that speaks volumes. Furthermore, the actor who plays Mob, Inukai Atsuhiro, is nothing short of a fantastic chameleon. It says a lot that, in addition to this successful series, he can boast two others in the world of BL drama—Our Dining Table and KeyxYaku—and in all three series, his character is completely different. In A Man Who Defies the World of BL, his skill is even more highlighted as each short episode (10-15 minutes) is a self-contained story where Mob, precisely, plays a supporting role (a 'Mob character' in Japanese means exactly this). Another point where this masterful transformation shines through is in the opening themes of the four seasons, which are, to say the least, superlative. They are actually acted out, and not just a collage of images like in many other series. The theme song itself, sung in four different musical styles, is catchy. And Mob, in all four of his versions, I must say, is sexy—anything but a supporting character. Especially in the final opening, where he, his brother, and other characters from the series transform into a hard rock/punk band, Mob excels in conveying the handsome and sexy persona he's meant to represent. So, to conclude, I recommend this series, across all four of its seasons. It might not be the series that makes your heart pound, but it is certainly one that will entertain you greatly. HEA. You can watch on GagaOOLala. Heat Level: 1/6.
Manga: amzn.to/44okNEE
Manga: amzn.to/44okNEE
Heat Level:
1/6: glances, caress, hugs, no kisses
2/6: kisses, closed mouth or camera angles
3/6: full kisses, clothes on
4/6: full kisses, some clothes off, hands above the waist, pants stay on
5/6: most clothes off, they have sex, but it’s masked, no sexy sounds
6/6: full nudity mostly hidden by camera angles, they have sex, sexy sounds