Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on My Dad is My Mom’s Mortal Enemy
This web novel promised a blend of romance, family drama, and a dash of enemies-to-lovers, and while it delivered on some fronts, it stumbled on others. Overall, I found it an enjoyable, albeit slightly frustrating, read.
First Impressions
The premise immediately grabbed my attention: a modern-day Romeo and Juliet with a secret child thrown into the mix. The initial chapters focused on the daughter finding her father, which I found quite heartwarming. I was definitely invested in seeing how the parents would navigate their complicated history and whether they could overcome their animosity.
What Works Well
The daughter, Liqi, is undoubtedly the star of the show. Many readers, including myself, found her incredibly cute, smart, and a major catalyst for bringing her parents back together. Her interactions with both parents were genuinely heartwarming and often comedic. The "guy chasing after the girl" trope is well-executed, with the male lead putting in significant effort to win back the female lead. The plot has a unique, fresh feel, especially with the inclusion of the adorable baby girl. It's undeniably fluffy and warmhearted, perfect for a lighthearted read.
Areas of Concern
The translation definitely needs some work. I noticed several reviewers mentioned confusion with character names, particularly the male lead's. This made it difficult to follow the plot at times and required some mental gymnastics to decipher who was being referenced. Also, the female lead's "tsundere" personality occasionally bordered on annoying. The animosity between the families, which was initially portrayed as extremely serious, seemed to fade into the background later in the story, which felt a bit inconsistent. Finally, some readers were disappointed with the female characters' actions and motivations, finding them somewhat unfair or illogical.
⚠️ Spoiler Warning
Some found the female lead's decision to hide the pregnancy from the male lead for seven years due to a "simple misunderstanding" to be a major disappointment. The fact that she was not reproached for this decision, while the male lead faced criticism, felt unbalanced to some readers.
Final Verdict
Despite its flaws, My Dad is My Mom’s Mortal Enemy is a worthwhile read, especially if you're a fan of family-centric stories with a strong focus on childcare. The daughter is a scene-stealer, and the overall plot is engaging enough to keep you invested. Just be prepared to navigate some translation issues and perhaps a few frustrating character choices along the way.
