This review will contain spoilers. Specific ones will be hidden, but nonspecific ones will not. Please read at your own discretion. Also, do keep an open mind since these are highly opinionated (that’s why it’s a reader review). If you disagree, be respectful. [Also, I’ve only read up to the series finale when I wrote this. I will edit this if my opinion changes somewhat through the spin-offs.]
My mistake was setting too high expectations for this manhwa because I love modern romances with some involvement of the entertainment industry.
Indeed, Act Like You Love Me! will make you experience so many emotions: happiness, kilig, fear, anger, annoyance, excitement, disappointment, and whatever else. However, it was not always in the way that I wanted it to, or the way that I felt like it had to. The humor was definitely there. There were so many scenes that had me cackling. The chemistry between the main leads were also there, and I did feel kilig whenever they’re sweet or clingy to each other. Also, the art is really good at balancing the gorgeous, serious panels, and the lighthearted, funny scenes.
But some elements were not as good.
First, the doll subplot. With how it was presented from the beginning, you’d think the doll would play a huge role in the entirety of the story. It really doesn’t.
Second, the final plot arc was not it. I didn’t like that they introduced a new character at around episode 100, and that episodes after that mainly revolved around Sahye and that guy. It felt like we lost the plot.
What’s worse is that they made a haphazard redemption arc for Sahye, while making rather decent ones for the two unchosen male leads. To me, Sahye is unredeemable after her acts of assault, kidnapping, stalking, blackmailing, you name it. And yet the manhwa made it seem redeemable, just by her eventually realizing she’s been doing it all wrong.
Lastly, I can’t find it in myself to fully ship Doyun and Ji-eon. Yes, their dynamic is fun. Yes, I felt butterflies in my stomach when they flirted and bantered (and argued with each other lovingly). But some early scenes keep entering my mind. TW: sexual assault.
This read is definitely not all bad, because I can say I enjoyed it for the most part. I just wish some things could have been done differently. Still, I would recommend you read it if you're just looking for something fun.
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