Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on The Pheromones Say We Have No Chance
"The Pheromones Say We Have No Chance" promised a fluffy, comedic romance with an enemies-to-lovers twist in an ABO setting, and for the most part, it delivered. I dove in expecting laughs and a sweet story, and I wasn't disappointed. However, there were a few bumps along the road that are worth mentioning.
First Impressions
The initial chapters grabbed my attention immediately. The premise of two childhood rivals, seemingly incompatible due to their pheromones, falling for each other is inherently engaging. I found myself chuckling at their bickering and the ridiculous situations they found themselves in. It felt like a lighthearted escape, perfect for when I needed a break from heavier reads.
What Works Well
The humor is definitely a highlight. The author does a great job of creating funny scenarios and witty dialogue that had me genuinely laughing. The relationship between the main characters, Xiao Yan and Luo Zhiyu, is well-developed, and their dynamic is both entertaining and endearing. I appreciated that their relationship felt equal, and I could see the care and respect beneath their initial antagonism.
The ABO setting is also cleverly integrated. It's not just a superficial element; it adds to the humor and conflict, especially given the "scientific impossibility" of their romance. I also appreciated that the characters weren't defined solely by their secondary genders. They felt like normal students with their own personalities and flaws, which made them relatable and believable. The slow-burn romance was also well-paced, allowing me to truly invest in their relationship before they got together.
Areas of Concern
My main concern stems from the translation situation. The move to password-protect later chapters due to licensing issues, while understandable, definitely disrupts the reading experience. Discovering this mid-binge was a bit jarring, and the limited payment options (AliPay and WeChat) are inaccessible to many readers. This barrier to entry is a definite drawback.
⚠️ Spoiler Warning
Some readers might be put off by the fact that while the story emphasizes that the love the characters have is not due to pheromones, at the end it is revealed that they are highly compatible.
Final Verdict
Despite the translation hurdles, "The Pheromones Say We Have No Chance" is a worthwhile read if you're looking for a lighthearted, comedic romance. The characters are charming, the story is engaging, and the humor is on point. Just be prepared for the possibility of needing to purchase the original version or resort to MTL to finish the story. Overall, I'd recommend it for anyone who enjoys fluffy, funny stories with a healthy dose of bickering and a satisfying romance.
