Sleeps In Sunbeams's manga / #royalty(54)

This story is fully completed here and available on WEBTOON if you wanted to support the author. I really loved reading this story about the tsundere Grand Duke and his sweet and endearing intruder Princess. This author has a lovely talent for creating FLs that are very likeable and warm, and couples that learn to communicate and understand each other well. What would you do if you were reborn as a character from your favourite romance novel? For Peony, an avid fan of “The Song of Askar”, the answer is simple: Marry her favourite character of course! Reincarnated as the Princess of Garten, Peony is determined to marry Richt, the second male lead of “The Song of Askar” and former Prince of the Fairspren Empire, who was banished to inhospitable land after the novels happy ending (which didn’t end so well for him). Amidst trials and tribulations, can Peony and Richt make the most of their second chance of life and love?

CW: Dub Con A historical BL set in the Korean Josean Era but with a twist. Here, the powers of Yin and Yang play a similar role to alpha and omega in an Omegaverse story. Those with Yin seem able to conceive be they male or female. Yang is the alpha, masculine energy. -Lee Eunwoo: Strong Yin. Given as a tribute to the emperor, Eunwoo is sexually taken and favoured by the emperor on his first day. Failure to acquiesce would harm his family and see himself suffer so be warned, this is forced consent not willing consent. Eunwoo has a gentle nature but must be forever on guard against the Imperial concubines as his being favoured has him rise in their ranks sparking resentment. -The Emperor: A fair representation of such a person who would kill all his siblings to ensure his inheritance. Pure Yang energy. Takes what he wants, when he wants. The story isn’t really romantic to me. Eunwoo has zero choice or control over when he has sex, how often, how long, positions or anything. But he is smart enough to realize that his life is bound here and his safety and existence lie in being the most favoured and beloved. Sad that a happy moment was having the opportunity to choose for himself a hairpin. As for the Emperor, it’s not that he fell for Eunwoo that he wanted them to be the one to carry on imperial heir, but Eunwoo’s lack of political ties in his country. Yes, this pair eventually were apparently “in love” but I never felt that. More the connection of time and a family plus lots of sex. A better life than many for sure. But not heartwarming.

I really enjoyed this reincarnation story. The FL accidentally drowned after her boyfriend and best friend got together and her soul was transferred to a different world to inhabit the body of Chartiana Altizer Cailon, beloved and spoiled daughter of a duke and upcoming contender to become the nations new Empress. Before that could happen though she would have to compete for the role for bride of the Crown Prince against the Prince’s own lover, the very much liked Irena, daughter of a count. And so began a new life of political machinations that had her own new and loved family at stake. But Chartiana was no pushover. She was a strong FL in a wonderfully feminine way where she had to outhink, strategise, and play to her strengths in a society where different factions all had their own agendas. And amidst all this was the crown prince who was increasingly drawn to her humour, confidence, and caring warmth.

Story is completed This was a wonderfully told story with secrets, plots, intrigue, and the darkness some will sink to in order to grasp power. It’s also tells of a beautiful romance between a prince who has to live in the shadows and the woman who becomes his light. It was Prince Yunjo and Seolyun’s abiding and trusting love that kept me turning the pages hoping that they could find a place of happiness together amidst everything that was determined to keep them apart. A recommended read.

Story is completed I loved this story so much. It’s one of my favourite tropes to have the ML be considered powerful and dangerous to everyone except the one he loves where he is a protective, gentle, and loving pushover. Crown Prince Muyeong is truly a frightening beast. He is a cold and ruthless killer in war, capable of what can only be considered atrocities. His reputation becomes such that his mere appearance on a battlefield would have the enemy fleeing. Hwayeon Ryu is the beloved daughter of Chancellor Ryu and awakening from a coma she is now also also the reincarnated Yeonu Lee with all the traumatic memories of her short life in a distant future. With all the memories of both, Hwayeon is a gentle and sweet soul who is drawn to Muyeong and only sees the best in him. Their story is packed full of comedy (especially from their respective families) and a beautifully intense connection with each other. I really recommend and will read this again. Hwayeon Ryu, without knowing the cause, falls into a coma at the age of six. Then after 12 long years of her father, Chung Ryu's persistent attempts, she finally opens her eyes. As she wakens from her prolonged sleep, she realizes she not only has her memories but has the memories of someone else's life, Yeonu Lee. Though startled at first, as time passes, she manages to adjust to her new life. Then one day, in hope to have lunch with her father, she pays a visit to the palace. But she ends up taking the wrong turn and finds herself in front of the notorious beast, crown prince Muyeong... The story unfolds then, when the soft and delicate flower Hwayeon meets the arrogant and fearless beast, Muyeong.

Completed story This was a very well crafted story and I loved seeing the development of strength and will of the Princess as Athanasia grew up in the shadow of such a cold and deadly father. Because no matter her determination, she was also vulnerable and sweet and it’s a real skill to write a FL who has that kind of feminine strength that we see here. The story was interesting with a good balance between darker, disturbing themes and the softer and humorous moments. Definitely worth its high rating.

Story Completed A rare gem in the villainess stories, in this one the FL, Aria, lives up to the title. After meeting her violent and tragic death, having been tortured and losing everything, Aria is ready to let go. That was until her step sister Mielle revealed that every bit of suffering that she had endured since her prostitute mother married Mielle’s father had been at her whim. The horrifying revelations and the clarity led Aria to resist her death with all her will. But some things can’t be stopped. Yet, when an hourglass appeared before her, Aria found herself returning to the past with all her knowledge and hatred intact. And she set forth to be the villainess in truth. And maybe this is where this story differs from so many where someone without having experienced the factors that shape a villainess in a transmigration type novel become the villainess but become kind. Aria had undergone such horrible trauma that as the reader you cheered her on in her plots. So if you are looking for a real villainess story where you still like them and wish them well, this is the one to read.

I made it through to the end. Nearly didn’t read it all, but the story did well enough to keep me turning pages in hopes of a good ending. I actually like the main couple. Haron was a gentle and loving partner, the kind of guy that makes and excellent husband and I was happy for the MCs story. Most of the manhwa could have ended with the first 50 chapters, plus the wedding and very final chapter. The rest was a bit of a drag. I didn’t like the cop out with Russel and the fairy. Forgetting all that is to not grow and move on in a healthy way. All the wishes (like Irene walking) and that what he picked? What a waste. Also, what happened with Harons parents? For something that dragged on, it sure missed some key things and rushed others. In summation, it was an ok read. The MCs romance was sweet, but lots of the story was otherwise skippable.

CW: Rape (not involving either MC). This is a smut story but there’s some plot too. The sexually confident FL is tired of dating men who are selfish lovers and wishes for more. So boom, she is in a historical world and adopted by a powerful man in order to be entered into the Emperor’s harem as a concubine. Now that barely there plot setting is over, we get to the real story which is Kayeon captivating the Emperors’ body, mind, and ultimately heart. Her sexuality isn’t the sum of her (thankfully) because she shows intelligence and grit to survive jealousy from the harem and political machinations against the Emperor. And the affection between the MCs balances the smut just a little, but ultimately you gotta admire a woman who is confident in her femininity.

This was a lovely story. Carnelia (FL) was isekai’d into the role of the villainess who would be executed at the hands of her husband. However, she was nothing like the character from the story and set about to survive by becoming friends with the prince she was forced to wed when they were both 12. And that friendship was what set this story up for a wonderful foundation for a plot of political machinations for the emperors throne and ofc love. I loved the MCs, their strong bonds of friendship turned love are amongst my favourite tropes. The supporting characters were such eye candy and the art overall was impeccable. There were sweetly funny moments like the Prince perpetually having his nose buried in a “How To” book and Carnelia having to fix that. Definitely a story to reread.