Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on My Wayward Ex-Wife
My Wayward Ex-Wife is a completed historical romance with a touch of the supernatural, and it certainly sparked a range of reactions in readers. I went in expecting a lighthearted read, and while it had its moments, I also found myself grappling with some of the issues raised.
First Impressions
The premise is definitely intriguing: a demon tasked with fixing broken love fates ends up focusing on a single mother and her ex-husband. The early chapters, with the introduction of the adorable daughter, Doudou, and the meddling demon, He Guan, immediately drew me in. It felt like a fun, low-stakes story with a focus on reconciliation.
What Works Well
The female lead is, without a doubt, a highlight. I appreciated her independent spirit and her practical approach to life. She navigates tricky situations with a clear head, which is refreshing. The initial setup, where she's living a peaceful life in the countryside, raising her daughter, is quite appealing. And the short length, at just over 100 chapters, makes it a quick and easy read if you're looking for something not too demanding. I also enjoyed the supernatural elements, especially the demon's role in pushing the couple back together. It adds a unique flavor to the typical historical romance.
Areas of Concern
However, the male lead proved to be a sticking point for me. His initial treatment of the female lead is problematic, and while he does try to redeem himself, I struggled to fully accept his actions. I can understand why some readers found it difficult to forgive him so easily. The plot also felt a bit superficial at times, with some conflicts resolved too quickly, leaving me wanting more depth and complexity. The forgiveness of the ML felt too easy, and I wish the author would have made that part of the story lengthier.
⚠️ Spoiler Warning
Several reviewers mentioned disliking that the ML essentially forces the MC into a situation to get her back, mirroring her father's manipulative behavior. This definitely raised some red flags for me. The fact that the concubine who attempted to harm the FMC received a lenient punishment also left a bad taste.
Final Verdict
My Wayward Ex-Wife is a mixed bag. While the strong female lead, cute daughter, and supernatural elements offer some appeal, the problematic male lead and somewhat rushed plot prevent it from being a truly satisfying read. If you're looking for a quick, lighthearted romance and are willing to overlook some flaws, it might be worth a try. However, be prepared for some potentially triggering content and a resolution that may feel a bit too convenient. I'd give it a tentative 3 out of 5 stars.
