Tortured into a Locked Love

An Ordinary, Calm, and Clever Female Lead

Strong, Clear-Headed Heroines

The heroine and hero don't fall for each other at first, but their feelings grow over time. Even though she loves him, she still has self-respect and self-worth, and keeps a clear head.

After Reading Bound by Spring, Nothing Else Measures Up. Please Recommend Timeless Classics

Looking for books like "Bound by Spring's Passion". I'm out of books to read, so please recommend classics that hold up well.

Looking for Stories Where the Leads Scheme Against Each Other, Love and Hate Each Other, and Match Wits

The male and female leads start out on opposing sides (preferably with the female lead disguised as a man). They match wits and trade blows, each unable to take the other down. Both leads should be smart, like in The Treacherous Official.

Truly Great Books

What do you consider a truly good book? I think a good book should have two qualities: readability and practical value. A truly good book should reflect real life or inspire thought through an engaging plot, being both profound and entertaining.

Looking for Tragedies, but Not the Idiotic Kind. Keep the Characters’ Values Straight

I don't want angst for the sake of angst. I like stories with sound values that are relatively realistic. Historical or modern settings are both fine, something like He Is in Yunnan and One and Only. My eyes are already swollen from crying...

Any Well-written Contemporary Romances with a Sensible Plot and Sound Values?

Modern romance novels with good writing.

Looking for a Tragic BE That’ll Make Me Sob, Lose Weight for Days, and Leave Me Reeling Long After I Finish

Angsty stories with a lasting emotional impact.

Novels on My Bookshelf

Novels I've read.

Looking for Something Sweet Yet Angsty, with a Happy Ending

Stories Where Everyone Is Highly Intelligent, Both the Protagonists and Their Enemies

Whether they’re protagonists or enemies, they should all be highly intelligent. No idiots.

A Heart-Wrenching, Angsty Romance

Looking for Brutal Tearjerkers That Wreck You Inside and Out... Preferably Ones That’ll Make Me Lose 20 Pounds

Please, I’m begging you 🙏

Recommend Highly Rated Novels About Brilliant Schemes, Setting Traps, and Breaking Out of Them

Looking for Historical Romance With an Incredibly Intelligent Heroine and Unmatched Cunning

A male lead or no male lead, either is fine.

Female Lead: Cool, Aloof, and Lonely

Lots of stories describe the heroine as aloof, but none of them really are. Are there any heroines like Yan Zong (Gu Yanluo)?

Clear-Headed, Independent Female Lead Who Doesn't Let Romance Rule Her Life

Looking for books like "Disguised Seduction". The female lead should be clear-headed and independent, not lovesick, and know what she wants instead of blindly following others. The writing shouldn't feel too juvenile. If there's a couple, the romance shouldn't be too sappy. The leads should grow together and be understanding of each other.

Good Values, a Powerful Female Lead Who Isn’t a Foolish Beauty, and Impossible to Put Down

This is so good, I don’t need to say more. Highly recommended!!!!!

New Author, New Book. You Post It, I’ll Comment!

As the title says, send me your new books and let's support each other.

Historical Romance Novels

Political Schemes, High-IQ Strategizing, Hidden in the Shadows

High-IQ political scheming in an alternate history or an ancient world in another realm.

Any Stories About Political Intrigue, Masterminds, and Biding One's Time?

Any Political Intrigue Stories with Grand Strategies and Highly Intelligent Scheming?

Power Plays, Scheming, and Brainy Strategists

Become my pawn once again. I will win this game, even if the gods themselves stand in my way. I will beat them by half a move.