Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on Can We Get Married First?
"Can We Get Married First?" is a wild ride of comedy, drama, and a touch of mystery, all wrapped in a yuri romance that had me hooked. It's a story that tackles reincarnation, ancient-to-modern transmigration, and the enduring power of love, all while managing to be surprisingly goofy.
First Impressions
The premise alone grabbed me: a celebrated ancient general-scholar transmigrates to the modern era to find the reincarnation of her empress, who's now a famous e-sports champion and, to complicate things, her future stepsister. The initial setup is ripe with potential for both heartwarming moments and awkward, cringe-worthy comedy as the MC tries to navigate modern life with her ancient habits. I was definitely intrigued.
What Works Well
The core of this novel is undoubtedly the relationship between Chi Lin and Lou Mi. Chi Lin's unwavering devotion to her empress, even across lifetimes, is incredibly touching. The author does a fantastic job of portraying the emotional journey of finding a loved one again in a completely different form. The age gap, while initially questionable, becomes less of an issue as you realize the OG Chi Lin is mentally much older. The humor is also a major draw. It's not just cheap laughs from a fish-out-of-water scenario; Lou Mi's own quirky personality provides plenty of comedic moments. I also appreciated how the author incorporated elements of mystery and past-life struggles to keep the plot engaging beyond the romance. The pacing kept me invested, with new conflicts constantly arising to challenge the couple.
Areas of Concern
While the main relationship shines, some of the side characters and plotlines felt less developed. Certain side couples felt disconnected from the main story, like a separate subplot that didn't quite integrate. The villains, for the most part, were also a bit flat and uninspired.
⚠️ Spoiler Warning
Some readers might find certain "jokes" about incest uncomfortable, given the stepsister dynamic. It's important to note that there's no actual incest, but the jokes are present. Also, there's a mention of possible lesbian undertones between Elsa and Anna that may be disturbing to some.
Final Verdict
Despite some minor shortcomings, "Can We Get Married First?" is an enjoyable and heartwarming read. The strong romantic chemistry between the leads, the unique premise, and the blend of comedy and drama make it a worthwhile investment of your time. If you're looking for a yuri novel with a touch of the fantastical and a whole lot of love, I definitely recommend giving this one a try.