Funny, great art and interesting special abilities premise. It has tons of comedic moments and lots of smut. However, I think it could have been executed better. For a debut work? It's not terrible. It's very funny, has great art and I enjoy the premise. In some aspects it could have been executed better (plot wise, relationship development wise). I unfortunately had to drop it around 30+ chapter mark. But I will look forward to the author-nim's next future work!
I think my biggest issue is that the story development/relationship development was not linear...T___T. I felt at some point after the author going in a relationship loop of no progress that their relationship felt forced at times.
Take for example The Devil's Temptation. TDT has a similalr aspect in that it also has TONS of comedic moments and bickering MC's/enemies to lovers situation somewhat similar to Penthouse xxx BUT with TDT, there is clear linear relationship development, clear linear story development. TDT was much more cohesive story wise. Yes, yes...I know with Penhouse xxx the author wants to focus on having comedy and (a very clearly stated) unconventional relationship between two potential lovers however the plot development/relationship was stagnant and not progressing at all. It was such a loop because:
Siyeon starts by hating Taekyung and not wanting a relationship. Siyeon and Taekyung sleep together. Siyeon finds him handsome. Taekyung likes Siyeon and wants them to be boyfriends. Siyeon allows romantic moments and them having a relationship BUT ALSO SIYEON IS ALWAYS GOING BACK to saying "I'm going to break up with him!!!" and being like "your face and money are the only things I am interested in" and im just.....Instead of the story being: Siyeon does not like Taekyung. They sleep together. Siyeon is aprehensive of Taekyung because he has relationship trauma and Taekyung is a bit possesive. Siyeon and Taekyung get together. They go through some issues (Siyeon finding out Taekyung is his boss, Taekyung getting over his possesiveness). Siyeon not thinking about breaking up, not thinking that the only good thing about him is his face and money. Siyeon and Taekyung sharing increasing romantic moments. Siyeon and Taekyung having a positive and trusting relationship. Yeah Yeah, I know the author wants to portray an unconventional relationship (where it's sometimes a slightly toxic, dubious (?) relationship with few romantic moments and more of physical intimate moments) but it's not well executed. Series suchh as Sora's Eyes or The Law of Raising a Wolfe.g. executed it better.
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Overall thoughts:
Penthouse XXX was,,,, more focus on comedy than romantic relationship moments and was waaaaay too short.....or rather was more comedic than romantic? I think the plot point of supernatural powers could have been better executed? Not sure how. Still overall funny read with great art! Would have loved some side stories really.
I think a better balance between comedy bickering and romantic moments/how they treat each other could have been better in the sense that:
in the end they do become a couple but I think the author could have slowly and gradually introduced more romantic aspects/moments and lessen the comedy bickering aspect of their relationship. Comedic dynamic between is okay even when they become more romantic but gradually make it less and focus on more romance. For example see somewhat similar series such as, The Devil's Temptation (main couple) and Private Scandal and All About Lust (second couple). I think in some sense series like Penthouse XXX and Sora's Eyes leave me wanting more on romantic moments....even though it is CLEAR the story has an unconventional relationship between two MCs
Siyeon and Taekyung' personalities: I think the author has fleshed the type of person/personality both MCs have and they are aware of it. It is a bit frustrating development wise but I do enjoy their dynamic because:
Siyeon is more serious, hurt by love and will stay in a dubious relationship ( with Taekyung) MAINLY because he is super hot and is rich. He always wants to breakup with him and is always doubting if he should stay in a relationship with him. Taekyung on the other hand treats Siyeon so well and takes care of him BUT he is possesive, stalker-ish, is more of an asshole (verbal wise), will get mad easily. At least the author is aware and the story includes moments where Taekyung is trying to work on himself.
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