Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on Old Enemy Became Sweet and Sticky
"Old Enemy Became Sweet and Sticky" promised a delightful enemies-to-lovers trope, and for the most part, it delivered a sweet and fluffy experience. While the "enemy" aspect felt a little underdeveloped for my taste, the overall story was still quite enjoyable.
First Impressions
Initially, I was drawn in by the premise of a mature MC and a devoted ML. The childhood setup was interesting, establishing the foundation of their relationship. However, I felt that the pacing was a little off. A significant portion of the story was dedicated to their childhood and early high school years, followed by a large time skip to adulthood. It left me wanting more glimpses into their lives during the intervening years.
What Works Well
The strength of this novel lies in its characters, particularly the MC. I found him to be a refreshing change from typical protagonists. He's upright, kind, proactive in his feelings, and not afraid to stand up for himself. The ML, while initially a cold CEO type, develops into a doting and devoted partner. I appreciated that their relationship was built on trust and understanding, avoiding unnecessary misunderstandings. The side characters were also well-developed and contributed positively to the story. I enjoyed the absence of annoying love rivals and the inclusion of interesting characters like the study god girl.
Areas of Concern
While I generally enjoyed the plot, some aspects could have been improved. The villains, while functional, were rather one-dimensional. Also, the author's attempts to circumvent censorship during intimate scenes were often confusing and distracting. The metaphors involving farming, socialism, and various modes of transportation were more humorous than sensual, and I would have preferred a more subtle approach or simply skipping those scenes altogether. One plot point near the end felt a little contrived.
⚠️ Spoiler Warning
Some readers may find the following contains spoilers. Proceed with caution.
I do have to admit that I was also taken aback when the MC punched the ML upon their reunion. It felt a little out of character and unnecessary. I also agreed that the time skip was too abrupt, leaving me wanting more interaction between the characters during those years.
Final Verdict
Despite some minor flaws, "Old Enemy Became Sweet and Sticky" is a cute and enjoyable read. The strong characters, sweet romance, and relatively simple plot make it a perfect choice for a cozy afternoon. If you're looking for a lighthearted BL novel with a straightforward and likeable MC, I would recommend giving this one a try. Just be prepared for some... unique... descriptions of intimacy.
