Title

The Villainess’s Guide to (Not) Falling in Love

Also known as: Akuyaku Reijou wa Dekiai Route ni Hairimashita!?, 悪役令嬢は溺愛ルートに入りました！？, The Villainess Entered the Doting Route!?, 惡役千金開啟了溺愛路線！？

by Ren Sakuma, Touya

Score from AniList: 61/100releasing

Fantasy Romance More like The Villainess’s Guide to (Not) Falling in Love

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Can one would-be villainess fend off multiple handsome suitors' advances to simply live a peaceful life? Or will the game force a happy ending no matter what? From a mundane existence to an extraordinary adventure! Luciana, once an ordinary woman, now finds herself reincarnated as the stunning villainess of an otome game. Well aware of impending plot twists, she's ready to rewrite her destiny and avoid catastrophe. She hatches a brilliant plan to live a peaceful life and avoid troublesome suitors. What could possibly go wrong? Surprise! These persistent men refuse to take a hint! And if that weren't enough, she also possesses incredible, unparalleled magical abilities. What about this world has made her so special? (Source: Square Enix)

Type: Manga

Hoard Verdict

The StoryHoard editorial verdict

★ 3/5

A light villainess comedy where a heroine works hard to dodge a romance the plot keeps forcing on her.

Pros

Clear comic engine built on the lead's plan to avoid trouble
Steady rhythm between dodging and the story's pull
Easy, relaxed read with a likeable heroine

Cons

Well-worn otome-game template
Suitors are sketched quickly, so rivalries lack weight

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Read the full take

A would-be villainess who wants nothing more than a peaceful life, and a plot that keeps trying to push her into a romance. The setup is familiar, but it has a clear comic engine.The lead's plan to avoid trouble is the strongest element. Her attempts to sidestep the suitors and the story's stubborn push towards a happy ending give the comedy a steady rhythm. The tone stays light, and the scenes move briskly.The weakness is that the premise is well-worn. Many readers will recognise the otome-game template, and the romance-driven plot can feel predictable. The suitors are sketched quickly, so their rivalries lack real weight.If you enjoy villainess comedies and light romance-fantasy, this is an easy pick. It does not reinvent the genre, but it does the familiar things well. Expect a relaxed pace and a heroine who works hard to avoid the ending she is meant to get.