Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on Small and Soft Girl A and Overbearing President Man O
"Small and Soft Girl A and Overbearing President Man O" is a novel that completely subverted my expectations, and I'm so glad it did. This story is a delightful twist on the overbearing CEO trope, and I found myself utterly charmed by the leads and their unconventional dynamic.
First Impressions
Going in, I was prepared for another typical CEO romance. However, what I found was a refreshing take on the ABO genre, with a strong female Alpha and a seemingly cold, but actually soft, male Omega. The initial setup immediately grabbed my attention, and I was eager to see how the author would play with these role reversals.
What Works Well
The best part of this story is undoubtedly the relationship between Ruan Ruan and Jiang Yanzhan. She's a "little milk dog" Alpha, showering him with affection and fiercely protective of his well-being. He, on the other hand, is a tsundere CEO who secretly loves being pampered. Their interactions are incredibly sweet and often hilarious, and I appreciated that the author made their relationship healthy and consensual. Ruan Ruan's consideration for Jiang Yanzhan's feelings really stood out.
I also enjoyed how the novel touched on the societal pressures faced by Omegas, particularly Jiang Yanzhan's struggle to reconcile his identity with his high-powered position. The author's attempt at world-building, even if not fully fleshed out, was a welcome addition to the ABO setting. The novel also shines in its character development, watching Jian Yanzhan accept his identity and grow more comfortable with himself was a highlight.
Areas of Concern
Honestly, the biggest issue I had was with the plot, or rather, the lack thereof. While I enjoyed the characters and their relationship, the story felt a bit meandering at times. There weren't many major conflicts, and the slice-of-life aspect, while initially charming, started to feel monotonous after a while. Also, the MTL (machine translation) could be a bit rough in places, which sometimes disrupted the flow.
⚠️ Spoiler Warning
Some readers might find certain plot elements, such as Ruan Ruan's origins as a gummy bear and the occasional mention of her physical characteristics, unsettling. If you're not a fan of gender-bending tropes or are looking for a more traditional romance, this might not be the story for you. There are also some plot threads that are introduced but then seemingly abandoned, such as the system and Ruan Ruan's mission.
Final Verdict
Despite its flaws, "Small and Soft Girl A and Overbearing President Man O" is a sweet and fluffy read that I would recommend to those looking for a lighthearted romance with a unique twist. The characters are endearing, the relationship is healthy, and the role reversals are refreshing. Just don't expect a complex plot or deep world-building. Overall, I'd say it's a solid 4 out of 5 stars.