Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on I am an XXXL Con***
Okay, let's be real, the title is what dragged me into this one. "I am an XXXL Con***"? How could I not be curious? And honestly, I wasn't disappointed. It's a wild ride, a bizarre premise executed with surprising comedic skill, and a healthy dose of smut.
First Impressions
My initial reaction was definitely "WTF?" followed by a hesitant click. I expected something purely smut-driven, but I was pleasantly surprised to find a story with actual substance beneath the raunchy exterior. The setup is ridiculous: the MC, through a series of unfortunate events (involving a bulk order of the aforementioned XXXL items), finds himself turning into a box of them every night. The ML, a senior with a research project and a secret crush, ends up buying the box. Hilarity and ahem enlightenment ensue.
What Works Well
The humor is definitely a highlight. The MC's internal monologue is a riot, and the situations he finds himself in are pure comedic gold. The romance, while unconventional, is surprisingly sweet. I found myself genuinely invested in the relationship between the clueless MC and the proactive ML. I also appreciated that the ML, while forward, generally respected the MC's boundaries (for the most part). The smut, while not overly abundant, is well-written and feels natural within the context of the story. It's a fun, quick read that doesn't take itself too seriously.
Areas of Concern
Okay, so it's not all sunshine and rainbows. I can see how some readers might be turned off by certain elements. There are instances where the MC's consent feels a bit dubious, with the ML pushing boundaries. While the MC's initial "straightness" is played for comedic effect, it can also feel a bit tropey and even a bit icky at times. Also, while I enjoyed the humor, if you're looking for a deep, complex plot, this isn't it. It's primarily a lighthearted, smutty romance with a heavy emphasis on the "lighthearted" and "smutty."
⚠️ Spoiler Warning
Some readers might be interested to know that the ML has been in love with the MC since high school and that they even dated online, albeit with the MC believing the ML was female. Also, the "system" that caused the MC to turn into a box of condoms was actually an object the ML had saved in the past, setting up their relationship as a form of repayment.
Final Verdict
Despite its flaws, "I am an XXXL Con***" is a surprisingly enjoyable read. If you're looking for a laugh-out-loud, smutty, and slightly absurd romance, this might be right up your alley. Just be aware of the potential for dubcon and the overall silliness of the plot. I went in expecting pure smut, but I ended up with a rom-com that left me feeling warm and fuzzy inside. Just try not to think about it too much. I'm giving it a solid 4 out of 5 stars.
