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Tied to You #1
Tied to You, Vol. 1
Wooseo Shin was never one to believe in fate...until a ring of red thread appears around his finger, that is! This ring marks a person’s meeting of their soulmate, and with it, neither can fall asleep if the other is absent. This development is not a welcome one for Wooseo, who decides to keep it from his close friend and crush Jiseok Kang at all costs. Because as fate would have it, the person with Wooseo’s matching set is Jigeon Kang―Jiseok’s older brother! When Jigeon proposes that they start sharing a bed, if only to combat their joint insomnia, Wooseo reluctantly accepts...but as the two spend more and more time together, feelings start to get messy. Will Wooseo be able to survive his new life tangled up in between these two brothers?!
336 pages, Paperback
First published May 21, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
May 3, 2024
⭐️ 4 stars ⭐️
જ⁀➴ Wooseo has been in love with his best friend for years. But fate has other plans.
What happens when fate ties him to his best friend’s…brother? ♡ ︎
I’m not usually one for love triangles, but this manhwa had me swooning and melting at every page. Cold and stoic CEO Jigeon crushing on sweet Wooseo was positively adorable and I need more of this immediately.
The added fantasy element of the red rings just made this read even cuter. Who doesn’t want to believe in magic? In special rings that appear when you meet the one person meant for you?
My only problem is, I don’t know how I feel about Jigeon using Wooseo’s feelings for his brother to be with him.
I’ve read other reviews saying he comes off a bit manipulative, and that the age gap seemed a little iffy. I didn’t get that vibe, only two people struggling with unrequited love and trying, albeit not in a healthy way, to find solace and comfort.
And I get that age gap is a trope not many can get into, so if you don’t enjoy it maybe steer clear of these guys.
I’m expecting tons of drama between these three, but hopefully they all find happiness in the end. Can’t wait.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley, and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
CW and tropes (spoilers):
- Love triangle
- Best friend’s brother
- Age gap (20 & 25?)
- Soulmates/red thread of fate
«In this world filled with billions of people…who has fate tied you to?»
જ⁀➴ Wooseo has been in love with his best friend for years. But fate has other plans.
What happens when fate ties him to his best friend’s…brother? ♡ ︎
I’m not usually one for love triangles, but this manhwa had me swooning and melting at every page. Cold and stoic CEO Jigeon crushing on sweet Wooseo was positively adorable and I need more of this immediately.
“Please, look at me.”
The added fantasy element of the red rings just made this read even cuter. Who doesn’t want to believe in magic? In special rings that appear when you meet the one person meant for you?
My only problem is, I don’t know how I feel about Jigeon using Wooseo’s feelings for his brother to be with him.
I’ve read other reviews saying he comes off a bit manipulative, and that the age gap seemed a little iffy. I didn’t get that vibe, only two people struggling with unrequited love and trying, albeit not in a healthy way, to find solace and comfort.
And I get that age gap is a trope not many can get into, so if you don’t enjoy it maybe steer clear of these guys.
“There’s no chance Jiseok will reciprocate your feelings. So I’ll be your Jiseok instead.”
I’m expecting tons of drama between these three, but hopefully they all find happiness in the end. Can’t wait.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley, and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
CW and tropes (spoilers):
- Love triangle
- Best friend’s brother
- Age gap (20 & 25?)
- Soulmates/red thread of fate
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May 15, 2024am i the only one who finds the older brother creepy TT
May 19, 2024
This was sweet and also a little sad. I appreciate the way the author twists the concept of fated pairs to show how tragic it can sometimes be. Nevertheless when the main fated pair featured within is together, I find their connection compelling and easy to root for, even if the love interest is a little manipulative. I understand his behavior and do not doubt his love, so I'm not truly upset by it. Plus it's obvious the lead is starting to have feelings too.
July 8, 2024
Oh the drama is strong in this one! I LOVED it. I didn't know what to expect, but it wasn't this. That is not a complaint, that is a very good thing.
I don't read a lot of BL, I am dipping my toe into the waters to see if I like the temperature, and YES, yes I DO.
The yearning, the unrequited love, the confusion and heartache. I was THERE for it. I also like that the characters are all college age or older. I prefer more mature characters in my love stories. Since I am an adult, I like to see the characters dealing with real world adult problems like bills and grades and work. I'm kind of over school fairs and fireworks displays. Those things are ok once in a while, but I need more serious issues that the characters have to tussle with.
4, I so incredibly need to read the next volume as soon as I can get my hands on it, stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and Yen Press/Ize Press for an eARC of this book to read and review.
I don't read a lot of BL, I am dipping my toe into the waters to see if I like the temperature, and YES, yes I DO.
The yearning, the unrequited love, the confusion and heartache. I was THERE for it. I also like that the characters are all college age or older. I prefer more mature characters in my love stories. Since I am an adult, I like to see the characters dealing with real world adult problems like bills and grades and work. I'm kind of over school fairs and fireworks displays. Those things are ok once in a while, but I need more serious issues that the characters have to tussle with.
4, I so incredibly need to read the next volume as soon as I can get my hands on it, stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and Yen Press/Ize Press for an eARC of this book to read and review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 8, 2024
I loved this so much. The Red String of Fate is one of my favorite romance tropes and I love the way it was used in this book. I love the art style and the format of the text and pictures was great aesthetically. I like that the story was an instant romance that you usually expect with the soulmate trope. The miscommunication, unrequited love, back and forth, and slow-burn tropes are all used to create a well rounded love story that I can't wait to see continue into the next volume.
September 18, 2024
This was a beautifully paced story with an interesting plot. The way red 'rings' appear on the fingers (very similar to the red string that connects soulmates in some cultures) dictates your life. If you are touching each other, you can sleep, but if you're not you end up exhausted and sick.
I really enjoyed that the authors also discussed what happens when it goes wrong (albeit through news headlines but it was great food for thought).
Of course, this story is a huge barrel of unrequited love - no one is in love with the right person! I honestly can't wait for the next book because I'm hoping the protagonist realises what's right in front of him!
Thank you to Netgalley for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed that the authors also discussed what happens when it goes wrong (albeit through news headlines but it was great food for thought).
Of course, this story is a huge barrel of unrequited love - no one is in love with the right person! I honestly can't wait for the next book because I'm hoping the protagonist realises what's right in front of him!
Thank you to Netgalley for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 28, 2024
I loved this. The premise of fated loves being tethered to each other through The Ring was such an interesting take on the red string of fate.
Once you turn 20 and if you come in to physical contact with your fated person a red ring will appear on both peoples fingers. You develop a fever and flu like symptoms and insomnia. Until you connect and sleep with your ring partner you will be in agonizing sleeplessness. Once united, sleep will be peaceful and restorative; healing. There’s no way to remove the rings.
So Wooseo's ring appears but it's not due to a connection with his best friend and secret crush, Jiseok. No, he paired with Jiseok's older brother, Jigeon!
It's such a great story about unrequited love but also being open to fate. Sometimes what we want isn't what we're meant to have.
Once you turn 20 and if you come in to physical contact with your fated person a red ring will appear on both peoples fingers. You develop a fever and flu like symptoms and insomnia. Until you connect and sleep with your ring partner you will be in agonizing sleeplessness. Once united, sleep will be peaceful and restorative; healing. There’s no way to remove the rings.
So Wooseo's ring appears but it's not due to a connection with his best friend and secret crush, Jiseok. No, he paired with Jiseok's older brother, Jigeon!
It's such a great story about unrequited love but also being open to fate. Sometimes what we want isn't what we're meant to have.
May 26, 2024
I really enjoyed this. The red string of fate is one of my favourite romance trope.
This was a lovely story cart Wait to see what happens next
This was a lovely story cart Wait to see what happens next
June 2, 2024
I 100% believe in fate and love the idea that there is one (or more!) special someone for everyone. And I love reading about it. Red thread of fate is one of my all time favourite things in the entire world and my ao3 history would prove that but y'all can see that only over my dead body.
So, I was obviously intrigued by that and I loved (...not really bc it sounds horrible but as a work of fiction it's great!) how being apart from your soulmate makes you unable to sleep. Wait maybe that is why I suffer from insomnia...
The thing is - I just couldn't find it in me to care about the characters? Maybe it's because there are a lot of tropes I don't personally really like; best friend's brother, age gap(-ish, I'm not exactly sure how big the age gap is because it doesn't seem to be that much but at the same time it seems to be a lot?) and love triangle. I also find the brother kinda creepy - anyone else?
No matter what, I am very interested to see how the story goes from this. Thank you NetGalley and Yen Press for the ARC!
So, I was obviously intrigued by that and I loved (...not really bc it sounds horrible but as a work of fiction it's great!) how being apart from your soulmate makes you unable to sleep. Wait maybe that is why I suffer from insomnia...
The thing is - I just couldn't find it in me to care about the characters? Maybe it's because there are a lot of tropes I don't personally really like; best friend's brother, age gap(-ish, I'm not exactly sure how big the age gap is because it doesn't seem to be that much but at the same time it seems to be a lot?) and love triangle. I also find the brother kinda creepy - anyone else?
No matter what, I am very interested to see how the story goes from this. Thank you NetGalley and Yen Press for the ARC!
June 22, 2024
"Look at me. Not at that hopeless, unrequited love. Please look at me."
May 2, 2024
The concept of soulmates was very intriguing, especially when combined with a good amount of yearning and unreciprocated love.
However, I found Jigeon's manipulative behavior to be problematic and it felt like Wooseo didn't have enough space to express his true desires.
Additionally, I was confused about how they were able to keep their bond and relationship a secret from Jigeon's brother, given that the rings on their hands should have been quite noticeable.
Huge thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this advanced copy.
However, I found Jigeon's manipulative behavior to be problematic and it felt like Wooseo didn't have enough space to express his true desires.
Additionally, I was confused about how they were able to keep their bond and relationship a secret from Jigeon's brother, given that the rings on their hands should have been quite noticeable.
Huge thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this advanced copy.
June 12, 2024
**Thank you, NetGalley, for sending an ARC of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
This is my first time doing an ARC review for a BL manhwa, and I'm beyond excited for the opportunity! Let this be the first one out of many 🥹.
It's valid to point out that the translation was really good, and it was easy to follow the story. 'Tied to you' is the first BL manhwa this publishing house is licensing. It's definitely an interesting pick, however, I still considered it a great success for us BL fans. I hope to see more BL titles with official translations soon!
Although this was only the first volume, and it left me with more questions than answers, I found the premise very intriguing:
We have the old 'fated lovers' troupe with a red thread tying them together (it's a ring here, but it's basically the same concept). This is a nice touch for the world building, but it's in the background in this volume and it works only as a catalyzer to get things moving. The situation is quite complicated with a third party (presumably) in the equation. I'm not a big fan of love triangles, but fortunately, that's not what's happening here.
MC is in love with his best friend since his teenage years, but he's not doing anything about it and the other party doesn't seem to know or reciprocate. ML is that friend's older brother 🤡. He also has a crush on MC, but considering he's way older and he knew about MC's feelings, he never held hopes. It's sad and frustrating. I'm unsure how things will turned out.
The ring that tied them as fated lovers gave ML the right excuse to act on his desires. Some questionable decisions were made, and he's not what you could call a green flag (on the contrary, he's a bit toxic), but on some level it was understandable and also necessary, if only to get MC to realize his friend doesn't deserve his love (the guy sounds too perfect to be true, and it's actually sus how he gives him mixed signals).
I liked how the story was introduced in this first volume. The characters had their thought process well portrayed; it gave them some complexity, making it easy to sympathize.
PS: I'm anxiously waiting for the next volume to get all the answers 😗.
This is my first time doing an ARC review for a BL manhwa, and I'm beyond excited for the opportunity! Let this be the first one out of many 🥹.
It's valid to point out that the translation was really good, and it was easy to follow the story. 'Tied to you' is the first BL manhwa this publishing house is licensing. It's definitely an interesting pick, however, I still considered it a great success for us BL fans. I hope to see more BL titles with official translations soon!
Although this was only the first volume, and it left me with more questions than answers, I found the premise very intriguing:
We have the old 'fated lovers' troupe with a red thread tying them together (it's a ring here, but it's basically the same concept). This is a nice touch for the world building, but it's in the background in this volume and it works only as a catalyzer to get things moving. The situation is quite complicated with a third party (presumably) in the equation. I'm not a big fan of love triangles, but fortunately, that's not what's happening here.
MC is in love with his best friend since his teenage years, but he's not doing anything about it and the other party doesn't seem to know or reciprocate. ML is that friend's older brother 🤡. He also has a crush on MC, but considering he's way older and he knew about MC's feelings, he never held hopes. It's sad and frustrating. I'm unsure how things will turned out.
The ring that tied them as fated lovers gave ML the right excuse to act on his desires. Some questionable decisions were made, and he's not what you could call a green flag (on the contrary, he's a bit toxic), but on some level it was understandable and also necessary, if only to get MC to realize his friend doesn't deserve his love (the guy sounds too perfect to be true, and it's actually sus how he gives him mixed signals).
I liked how the story was introduced in this first volume. The characters had their thought process well portrayed; it gave them some complexity, making it easy to sympathize.
PS: I'm anxiously waiting for the next volume to get all the answers 😗.
May 3, 2024
Thank you Yen Press and NetGalley, for providing me with this arc in exchange for my honest review.
In a world where fate can tie you together and you won’t be able to sleep without your fated partner once you’ve made physical contact with him/her after becoming an adult, Wooseo Shin becomes part of a very complicated love triangle.
This was a very engaging story with cool art with a sophisticated feel, I found it really fitting especially for the parts with Jigeon.
Wooseo is a top student at college. He was able to go to his preferred college together with his best friend Jiseok, thanks to Jiseok’s older brother Jigeon, who tutored Wooseo.
Wooseo is an insecure and nervous character but he is really sweet and considerate. He’s in love with Jiseok but it’s unrequited love.. Wooseo has lost touch with Jigeon and we eventually find out why. It complicates things even more..
After seeing Jigeon again when Wooseo becomes an adult and he accidentally touches him, they both fall ill and get their rings which means they’re fated partners and they need to find a way to sleep together like in just sleep. They find solutions and Jigeon stays really cool and composed, he’s almost cold but there is (even though he’s really good at manipulating people) a heart in there, but Wooseo worries a lot. Wooseo is scared that Jiseok will find out and that Jigeon hates him,…
Eventually we find out that things aren’t (or possibly aren’t) what they seem and I guessed some of the hidden feelings or secrets, but not all of them.
Jigeon was the cool older brother and successful CEO and almost treated Wooseo like his pet xd. Wooseo was cute and easily manipulated and I really loved his friendship with popular but nice guy Jiseok at first but I’m not so sure about that anymore after some things happened at the end.
I wasn’t the biggest fan of certain behaviors but this was very entertaining and I wanna read more! I need to know where this is going.
In a world where fate can tie you together and you won’t be able to sleep without your fated partner once you’ve made physical contact with him/her after becoming an adult, Wooseo Shin becomes part of a very complicated love triangle.
This was a very engaging story with cool art with a sophisticated feel, I found it really fitting especially for the parts with Jigeon.
Wooseo is a top student at college. He was able to go to his preferred college together with his best friend Jiseok, thanks to Jiseok’s older brother Jigeon, who tutored Wooseo.
Wooseo is an insecure and nervous character but he is really sweet and considerate. He’s in love with Jiseok but it’s unrequited love.. Wooseo has lost touch with Jigeon and we eventually find out why. It complicates things even more..
After seeing Jigeon again when Wooseo becomes an adult and he accidentally touches him, they both fall ill and get their rings which means they’re fated partners and they need to find a way to sleep together like in just sleep. They find solutions and Jigeon stays really cool and composed, he’s almost cold but there is (even though he’s really good at manipulating people) a heart in there, but Wooseo worries a lot. Wooseo is scared that Jiseok will find out and that Jigeon hates him,…
Eventually we find out that things aren’t (or possibly aren’t) what they seem and I guessed some of the hidden feelings or secrets, but not all of them.
Jigeon was the cool older brother and successful CEO and almost treated Wooseo like his pet xd. Wooseo was cute and easily manipulated and I really loved his friendship with popular but nice guy Jiseok at first but I’m not so sure about that anymore after some things happened at the end.
I wasn’t the biggest fan of certain behaviors but this was very entertaining and I wanna read more! I need to know where this is going.
May 3, 2024
Thank you IZE Press and Yen Press for allowing me to read and review this volume! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Fated partners / Red Thread of Fate
Love triangle
Age gap romance
Unrequited love
First Boys Love title for IZE Press (Hopefully, there will be more!!)
When you become an adult, a red ring can appear on your finger when you come in contact with your soulmate. If you try to remove the ring, it can cause death. You must stay with your fated partner as it can cause terrible side effects if you don't.
College student Wooseo Shin is in love with his best friend Jiseok Kang. One night, he hangs out with Jiseok and accidentally bumps into Jiseok's older brother Jigeon. Later that night, Wooseo falls ill, and the red ring appears. When he finds out his fated partner is Jigeon, he's shocked and disappointed. They decide to strike a deal to keep it secret and figure out a way to deal with being fated.
I'm not a huge fan of the artwork, but it definitely grew on me as I kept reading. I've always been a fan of the red thread of fate theory, and the way the author incorporated it in the story is intriguing.
I like the love triangle between Wooseo, Jigeon, and Jiseok. Technically, Jiseok isn't interested in Wooseo, but there are very tiny hints of something brewing there. The tension and dynamic between Jigeon and Wooseo is kind of hot, and I'm here for it. I'm looking forward to volume two and seeing where their relationship goes.
4.5 stars
Fated partners / Red Thread of Fate
Love triangle
Age gap romance
Unrequited love
First Boys Love title for IZE Press (Hopefully, there will be more!!)
When you become an adult, a red ring can appear on your finger when you come in contact with your soulmate. If you try to remove the ring, it can cause death. You must stay with your fated partner as it can cause terrible side effects if you don't.
College student Wooseo Shin is in love with his best friend Jiseok Kang. One night, he hangs out with Jiseok and accidentally bumps into Jiseok's older brother Jigeon. Later that night, Wooseo falls ill, and the red ring appears. When he finds out his fated partner is Jigeon, he's shocked and disappointed. They decide to strike a deal to keep it secret and figure out a way to deal with being fated.
I'm not a huge fan of the artwork, but it definitely grew on me as I kept reading. I've always been a fan of the red thread of fate theory, and the way the author incorporated it in the story is intriguing.
I like the love triangle between Wooseo, Jigeon, and Jiseok. Technically, Jiseok isn't interested in Wooseo, but there are very tiny hints of something brewing there. The tension and dynamic between Jigeon and Wooseo is kind of hot, and I'm here for it. I'm looking forward to volume two and seeing where their relationship goes.
4.5 stars
May 11, 2024
3.5⭐
I wasn't expecting tons from a BL manwha I had ever heard about but this was pretty good. I wouldn't say original, but mostly well done. The art is lovely and the contemporary theme with a fantasy twist works. There are tropes beyond the red thread of fate and friend's brother - some of them I don't really get or enjoy (like, why does Jigeon need to be a big CEO at 29?) but the story does have potential beyond them.
Our leads behave a bit suspiciously, especially Jigeon who seems to manipulate both his brother and Wooseo. At point I was in it for full 4 stars but some of the tropes and behaviours chipped my overall satisfaction a bit. But I stayed invested and will want to read the sequel, as this one was not a complete story.
My thanks to NetGalley and the authors for the ARC.
I wasn't expecting tons from a BL manwha I had ever heard about but this was pretty good. I wouldn't say original, but mostly well done. The art is lovely and the contemporary theme with a fantasy twist works. There are tropes beyond the red thread of fate and friend's brother - some of them I don't really get or enjoy (like, why does Jigeon need to be a big CEO at 29?) but the story does have potential beyond them.
Our leads behave a bit suspiciously, especially Jigeon who seems to manipulate both his brother and Wooseo. At point I was in it for full 4 stars but some of the tropes and behaviours chipped my overall satisfaction a bit. But I stayed invested and will want to read the sequel, as this one was not a complete story.
My thanks to NetGalley and the authors for the ARC.
April 30, 2024
This has an interesting concept where if you happen to come into contact with your fated person only after you have turned 18 years old you will get a fever and a ring of fate will show up on your finger and you will never be able to sleep without this person again. Most people think this is a myth due to only the fated pair being able to see the rings.
The story follows a boy who has a crush on his best friend who does not return his feelings. However his best friend's older brother has a thing for him and after one night everything in their life changes. Super cute story and Art and I can't wait to read where this story is going.
The story follows a boy who has a crush on his best friend who does not return his feelings. However his best friend's older brother has a thing for him and after one night everything in their life changes. Super cute story and Art and I can't wait to read where this story is going.
May 21, 2024
I absolutely LOVE the whole "Red String of Fate" theory. One of my favorite tropes! And, boy, did this book deliver!
I am loving the whole unrelated love triangle, and the two brothers bickering over Wooseo. I honestly feel awful for Jigeon. He's pined for years, trying to get over him, then gets slapped by fate. It's heartbreaking to watch him listen to Wooseo pin after another when you know his heart is breaking. 😭😭😭
Anyways! It's amazing. Totally excited for the next one!
I am loving the whole unrelated love triangle, and the two brothers bickering over Wooseo. I honestly feel awful for Jigeon. He's pined for years, trying to get over him, then gets slapped by fate. It's heartbreaking to watch him listen to Wooseo pin after another when you know his heart is breaking. 😭😭😭
Anyways! It's amazing. Totally excited for the next one!
June 25, 2024
4.5 🌟
I loved the concept of this book! The artwork is great, the plot is perfection and the tension is amazing. I enjoyed the characters relationships and will absolutely be continuing with volume 2!
I don’t know if it’s just me, but I did feel like the characters looked somewhat similar, and sometimes with that and the different time POVs, I found myself just a tad lost and had to reorient myself.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this novel in exchange for an honest review.
I loved the concept of this book! The artwork is great, the plot is perfection and the tension is amazing. I enjoyed the characters relationships and will absolutely be continuing with volume 2!
I don’t know if it’s just me, but I did feel like the characters looked somewhat similar, and sometimes with that and the different time POVs, I found myself just a tad lost and had to reorient myself.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this novel in exchange for an honest review.
April 2, 2024
The concept was interesting but with how pushy some of the characters were and the way it seemed like the situation was heavily manipulated and I am very unsure with how this will continue to progress.
May 19, 2024
A sweet take on the red string theory where the 2 people suddenly have a ring only they both can see once they meet their soulmate.
May 6, 2024
I love korean BL webtoons that are mainly focused on a slow (very slow!) burn romance with a lot of drama, tons of behind closed doors sexual tension and many pretty boys. The premise is also super interesting (red string myth). I loved this first volume so much I will become feral when volume 2 drops.
June 21, 2024
GO FOR THE OLDER BROTHER!!!
This man needs to go for the older brother. The best friend is just being a dick and leading him on. Please just go for the hot older man!!!
This man needs to go for the older brother. The best friend is just being a dick and leading him on. Please just go for the hot older man!!!
June 10, 2024
Wow, I was not expecting a reverse uno in this storyline. But, I loved it! Thanks NetGalley and the publisher for the DRC. Solid 3.5 for the first volume.
This is the first red string of fate story I've read and whoa, I didn't realize it would hurt someone's health in such a manner. Imagine not being able to sleep without this person beside you? I'd go crazy from lack of sleep. Props to them for keeping it together.
Overall, this was a very quick and engaging read. It was also in color! I was so shocked at first, thinking it was a B&W title that I had to download it onto my iPad to read. I cannot wait for the next volume after the ending of this one. I never thought I'd be this invested in an older brother, younger friend combo but when you mix in an unrequited love triangle...annd they're all living under the same roof? Pure chaos that I am 100% for.
This is the first red string of fate story I've read and whoa, I didn't realize it would hurt someone's health in such a manner. Imagine not being able to sleep without this person beside you? I'd go crazy from lack of sleep. Props to them for keeping it together.
Overall, this was a very quick and engaging read. It was also in color! I was so shocked at first, thinking it was a B&W title that I had to download it onto my iPad to read. I cannot wait for the next volume after the ending of this one. I never thought I'd be this invested in an older brother, younger friend combo but when you mix in an unrequited love triangle...annd they're all living under the same roof? Pure chaos that I am 100% for.
May 20, 2024
Wooseo, a college student, has been in love with his best friend Jiseok forever, but Jiseok is straight and doesn’t even know of Wooseo’s feelings. Things get even more complicated, when a ring indicating a fated partner appears in Wooseo’s finger and it connects to Jiseok’s brother, Jigeon, who knows of Wooseo’s feelings to his brother. Keeping apart from one’s fated partner is bad for one’s health, and so the men come to an agreement: they’ll live as roommates and keep everything hidden from Jiseok.
But what Wooseo doesn’t know is that Jigeon has been in love with him for a long time. He has no intention of doing anything about it though, as he knows Wooseo wouldn’t feel the same. It’s an odd sort of triangle drama where one partner has no feelings, but is part of the equation anyway.
This was a lovely, slightly sad story and a good start to a series. Illustrations were full-colour and beautiful. I’ll have to read more to find out how things will turn out.
I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
But what Wooseo doesn’t know is that Jigeon has been in love with him for a long time. He has no intention of doing anything about it though, as he knows Wooseo wouldn’t feel the same. It’s an odd sort of triangle drama where one partner has no feelings, but is part of the equation anyway.
This was a lovely, slightly sad story and a good start to a series. Illustrations were full-colour and beautiful. I’ll have to read more to find out how things will turn out.
I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 16, 2024
I love a good soulmate story, and this one was so good, I cannot wait for the second volume. And the art for this is gorgeous. Minor spoiler
Tropes:
-Love triangle
-Best friend’s brother
-Age gap (Small)
-Soulmates/red thread of fate
Tropes:
-Love triangle
-Best friend’s brother
-Age gap (Small)
-Soulmates/red thread of fate
May 28, 2024
I was so excited to read this manhwa - first of all it is beautiful - it is fully coloured and the art work draws you in completely.
The tropes were TROPING - we have soulmates, unrequited love - best friends brother - age gap - and more!!
I am so glad to have this as a part of my collection
The tropes were TROPING - we have soulmates, unrequited love - best friends brother - age gap - and more!!
I am so glad to have this as a part of my collection
May 25, 2024
Love the setup of this one: Wooseo has been in love with his straight best friend, Jiseok, since high school, but partway through college, a red string of fate forms between him and Jiseok's older brother, Jigeon.
It's a perfectly spicy scenario, especially since Jigeon has been harboring secret feelings for Wooseo for years, too.
Soulmates don't always make sense to me; the worldbuilding here is a little bit fuzzy, since everyone knows about the red string of fate, and doctors give medical advice based on it, but Wooseo still talks about how he'd thought it was an urban legend. Which is it? Is this not something that happens to everyone, then? Or is it rare only because not everyone happens across and physically touches their soulmate after adulthood, lining up the specific circumstances that would need to happen for the soulmate rings to form?
If you handwave some of that, the soulmate bond is actually crucial for this story, because it's very unlikely Wooseo and Jigeon would've ever shifted their dynamic without the visible rings tying them together. I like that they'd already had a really good connection in the past, with both of them developing fondness for each other.
On Wooseo's side, it was mostly comfort and admiration. Jigeon was kind and helpful and a good listener. He liked being around the whole family; while Jiseok was his favorite, it hurt him when Jigeon gradually cut off contact.
Jigeon had also initially thought of Wooseo as another family member - a brother, until he realized that (a) Wooseo was in love with his brother and (b) the feelings he had for his actual brother were very different from how he felt around Wooseo.
I love the pining here, the angst over knowing that the guy he's in love with loves his brother, and how careful Jigeon was to separate himself from Wooseo so none of them got hurt. There's a lot of really great stuff setting up their story, and leading to them being soulmates who have to sleep together to get any rest.
I appreciate that unlike a lot of manhwa, this literally means sleeping - sharing space and having some sort of physical contact, like holding hands. It hasn't gone into anything else yet, and I hope there's no rush to get there. Their relationship is definitely built up to be a pretty slow burn, since Wooseo is still very much in love with Jiseok...and while Jiseok has stated multiple times he has no romantic interest in guys, he is becoming pretty jealous of his brother's increasing closeness with Wooseo.
My main concern right now is that Jigeon has some...worrying character traits. I really like his character, except for when I kind of don't. And it's hard to tell where he's going to wind up in this relationship. He's pretty manipulative.
It's fitting, I suppose, for a 29 year old who's already a CEO of a successful company: he's used to getting what he wants, which sometimes includes trampling other people on his way there. It's hard to be a completely altruistic person in a cutthroat business world. And he shows some of those traits in his personal relationships, too. He's very kind and caring with his family, but he bends them where he wants, too: he pays for a nice apartment for his sister in a spot closer to her new workplace, which is great for her, but he tells her to not tell Jiseok about it. Then he casually manipulates Jiseok into inviting Wooseo to end his lease and move into their spare room, for free.
These are all moves that are great for everyone involved, but Jigeon's moving all the pieces for entirely selfish reasons: namely, to get Wooseo closer to him, and to make it easier to share a bed at night and not be running on constant insomnia fumes.
Worse, Jigeon also reintroduces an attractive and charismatic female friend of his whom he knows Jiseok has liked for years, and arranges it so Wooseo turns to him for comfort.
It's just not great behavior. I hope he calms down a little on the playing chess with loved ones bits, because otherwise I'm really enjoying this story.
Not entirely sure where it's going to head for the next few volumes - from the chapter count, I think it'll close out in 4-5? Will Jiseok end up deciding that he's interested in Wooseo? Will Wooseo have to choose between the brothers?
I want to root for Jigeon, but some of his puppet string behavior makes that harder to do, so we'll see. Definitely an interesting story, though, and Ize Press is starting out of the gate as a really nice publisher. Excellent quality binding and pages, although it bugs me how some of the dialogue has a gradient print to it. I'm not sure if that's their print style, or if it was in the original art for this manhwa.
It's a perfectly spicy scenario, especially since Jigeon has been harboring secret feelings for Wooseo for years, too.
Soulmates don't always make sense to me; the worldbuilding here is a little bit fuzzy, since everyone knows about the red string of fate, and doctors give medical advice based on it, but Wooseo still talks about how he'd thought it was an urban legend. Which is it? Is this not something that happens to everyone, then? Or is it rare only because not everyone happens across and physically touches their soulmate after adulthood, lining up the specific circumstances that would need to happen for the soulmate rings to form?
If you handwave some of that, the soulmate bond is actually crucial for this story, because it's very unlikely Wooseo and Jigeon would've ever shifted their dynamic without the visible rings tying them together. I like that they'd already had a really good connection in the past, with both of them developing fondness for each other.
On Wooseo's side, it was mostly comfort and admiration. Jigeon was kind and helpful and a good listener. He liked being around the whole family; while Jiseok was his favorite, it hurt him when Jigeon gradually cut off contact.
Jigeon had also initially thought of Wooseo as another family member - a brother, until he realized that (a) Wooseo was in love with his brother and (b) the feelings he had for his actual brother were very different from how he felt around Wooseo.
I love the pining here, the angst over knowing that the guy he's in love with loves his brother, and how careful Jigeon was to separate himself from Wooseo so none of them got hurt. There's a lot of really great stuff setting up their story, and leading to them being soulmates who have to sleep together to get any rest.
I appreciate that unlike a lot of manhwa, this literally means sleeping - sharing space and having some sort of physical contact, like holding hands. It hasn't gone into anything else yet, and I hope there's no rush to get there. Their relationship is definitely built up to be a pretty slow burn, since Wooseo is still very much in love with Jiseok...and while Jiseok has stated multiple times he has no romantic interest in guys, he is becoming pretty jealous of his brother's increasing closeness with Wooseo.
My main concern right now is that Jigeon has some...worrying character traits. I really like his character, except for when I kind of don't. And it's hard to tell where he's going to wind up in this relationship. He's pretty manipulative.
It's fitting, I suppose, for a 29 year old who's already a CEO of a successful company: he's used to getting what he wants, which sometimes includes trampling other people on his way there. It's hard to be a completely altruistic person in a cutthroat business world. And he shows some of those traits in his personal relationships, too. He's very kind and caring with his family, but he bends them where he wants, too: he pays for a nice apartment for his sister in a spot closer to her new workplace, which is great for her, but he tells her to not tell Jiseok about it. Then he casually manipulates Jiseok into inviting Wooseo to end his lease and move into their spare room, for free.
These are all moves that are great for everyone involved, but Jigeon's moving all the pieces for entirely selfish reasons: namely, to get Wooseo closer to him, and to make it easier to share a bed at night and not be running on constant insomnia fumes.
Worse, Jigeon also reintroduces an attractive and charismatic female friend of his whom he knows Jiseok has liked for years, and arranges it so Wooseo turns to him for comfort.
It's just not great behavior. I hope he calms down a little on the playing chess with loved ones bits, because otherwise I'm really enjoying this story.
Not entirely sure where it's going to head for the next few volumes - from the chapter count, I think it'll close out in 4-5? Will Jiseok end up deciding that he's interested in Wooseo? Will Wooseo have to choose between the brothers?
I want to root for Jigeon, but some of his puppet string behavior makes that harder to do, so we'll see. Definitely an interesting story, though, and Ize Press is starting out of the gate as a really nice publisher. Excellent quality binding and pages, although it bugs me how some of the dialogue has a gradient print to it. I'm not sure if that's their print style, or if it was in the original art for this manhwa.
May 3, 2024
** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK FOR MY READING PLEASURE **
Copy received through Netgalley
~
Tied To You, Vol. 1, by WHAT, Chelliace
★★★★★
272 Pages
Themes: forced proximity, fated mates, best friend's brother, unrequited love, love triangle
Tied to You is an adorable college-age romance. Weaving together themes of unrequited love, friendship and fated mates, it spins a new take on the red thread of fate.
In this world, it's commonly known that a red thread connects two fated hearts together. Most believe it's only an urban legend, but everyone knows about it. The red thread connects two people and they're unable to sleep or function without one another, once they discover the thread after they turn 20. All it takes is a single touch to know and they can see the thread between them.
Wooseo is in love with his best friend, Jiseok, but knows that Jiseok is straight and they've been friends for so long that they can't be connected by the red thread. But when he bumps into Jiseok's older brother one day, Jigeon, and the red thread appears between Wooseo and Jigeon, things begin to unravel.
Wooseo is a heart-on-his-sleeve type of person, but he's been holding back a lot to hide his feelings from Jiseok. Conversely, Jigeon has been shutting his emotions away for so long – with absent parents, he's had to grow up fast and be the parental figure to two siblings – that it's second nature. Until the red thread starts to force their hand.
I loved that the red thread connection didn't make everything perfect for this couple, but actually made it more complicated and forced them to face things they'd been avoiding. I also loved that it wasn't in any way sexual; they just had to sleep beside each other, which was a really cute and sweet twist.
There was a lot of story packed into this one volume, which was awesome! I love a long volume, especially when we got to see flashbacks from each main character, explaining their past relationship with each other and how that's affected the present day. At first I really loved Wooseo and Jiseok's friendship, but the cracks soon began to appear and feel more like Wooseo was being used by his friend, even though it may have been unintentional.
Sometimes, manga stories move fast and I've grown used to that, but this one took a nice length of time to explore the characters and their complex relationships before progressing. I loved the pacing, the artwork and the hints of what might happen in volume two.
I am absolutely in love with the recent influx of YA BL manga on the market lately, and this is another great story. I've already added it to my cart, to get the paperbacks on my shelf!
Copy received through Netgalley
~
Tied To You, Vol. 1, by WHAT, Chelliace
★★★★★
272 Pages
Themes: forced proximity, fated mates, best friend's brother, unrequited love, love triangle
Tied to You is an adorable college-age romance. Weaving together themes of unrequited love, friendship and fated mates, it spins a new take on the red thread of fate.
In this world, it's commonly known that a red thread connects two fated hearts together. Most believe it's only an urban legend, but everyone knows about it. The red thread connects two people and they're unable to sleep or function without one another, once they discover the thread after they turn 20. All it takes is a single touch to know and they can see the thread between them.
Wooseo is in love with his best friend, Jiseok, but knows that Jiseok is straight and they've been friends for so long that they can't be connected by the red thread. But when he bumps into Jiseok's older brother one day, Jigeon, and the red thread appears between Wooseo and Jigeon, things begin to unravel.
Wooseo is a heart-on-his-sleeve type of person, but he's been holding back a lot to hide his feelings from Jiseok. Conversely, Jigeon has been shutting his emotions away for so long – with absent parents, he's had to grow up fast and be the parental figure to two siblings – that it's second nature. Until the red thread starts to force their hand.
I loved that the red thread connection didn't make everything perfect for this couple, but actually made it more complicated and forced them to face things they'd been avoiding. I also loved that it wasn't in any way sexual; they just had to sleep beside each other, which was a really cute and sweet twist.
There was a lot of story packed into this one volume, which was awesome! I love a long volume, especially when we got to see flashbacks from each main character, explaining their past relationship with each other and how that's affected the present day. At first I really loved Wooseo and Jiseok's friendship, but the cracks soon began to appear and feel more like Wooseo was being used by his friend, even though it may have been unintentional.
Sometimes, manga stories move fast and I've grown used to that, but this one took a nice length of time to explore the characters and their complex relationships before progressing. I loved the pacing, the artwork and the hints of what might happen in volume two.
I am absolutely in love with the recent influx of YA BL manga on the market lately, and this is another great story. I've already added it to my cart, to get the paperbacks on my shelf!
May 27, 2024
Interesting so far. I really like soulmate and 'red string of fate' tropes, and I thought this one was a very unique take. I like how rather than it being explicitly romantic, Rings are tied to sleep and you can only sleep if you're with your ring partner. It adds a severe degree of weight to the whole concept that I really like, in the same way I am partial to Hanahaki AUs.
The love triangle thing going on, though, is a bit frustrating, especially since it seems like all the drama coming out of it is completely due to characters not communicating. Like, I get why Wooseo won't tell Jiseok, but I feel like Jigeon would be much better received (by Wooseo) if he was open about his feelings about Wooseo and took the time to court him properly. I also can't understand why they're not just telling Jiseok, especially since it's pretty obvious to me that he also likes Wooseo, and I'm pretty sure Jigeon knows it too -- and I get the feeling that Jiseok would understand and back off if he knew Jigeon and Wooseo were ring partners. Though I get Jigeon not wanting Wooseo to know his love is actually reciprocated... URGH. I am in for a ride based on manipulation when I could have a sweet, slow romance. I'm not mad about it though -- this was a super engaging page turner and I know I'm going to be caught hook, line, and sinker the whole time.
The coloring is super beautiful, so it's fun to read, but ngl, the art is kinda not doing it for me. The proportions of characters are off sometimes, and most of the panels feel empty and lifeless. Like, there isn't a good sense of flow or connectivity or movement to most panels, and sometimes a character just looks there unnaturally, instead of there like they're a fluid part of the scene. I look forward to seeing how the art evolves over the course of the series though, and I really like how What draws characters smiling. Yeah, it's the same expression over and over again, and it's the same smile on multiple different characters so it's not just unique to Jiseok (even though he does it the most), but it's really fox-like and I think it's cute.
The love triangle thing going on, though, is a bit frustrating, especially since it seems like all the drama coming out of it is completely due to characters not communicating. Like, I get why Wooseo won't tell Jiseok, but I feel like Jigeon would be much better received (by Wooseo) if he was open about his feelings about Wooseo and took the time to court him properly. I also can't understand why they're not just telling Jiseok, especially since it's pretty obvious to me that he also likes Wooseo, and I'm pretty sure Jigeon knows it too -- and I get the feeling that Jiseok would understand and back off if he knew Jigeon and Wooseo were ring partners. Though I get Jigeon not wanting Wooseo to know his love is actually reciprocated... URGH. I am in for a ride based on manipulation when I could have a sweet, slow romance. I'm not mad about it though -- this was a super engaging page turner and I know I'm going to be caught hook, line, and sinker the whole time.
The coloring is super beautiful, so it's fun to read, but ngl, the art is kinda not doing it for me. The proportions of characters are off sometimes, and most of the panels feel empty and lifeless. Like, there isn't a good sense of flow or connectivity or movement to most panels, and sometimes a character just looks there unnaturally, instead of there like they're a fluid part of the scene. I look forward to seeing how the art evolves over the course of the series though, and I really like how What draws characters smiling. Yeah, it's the same expression over and over again, and it's the same smile on multiple different characters so it's not just unique to Jiseok (even though he does it the most), but it's really fox-like and I think it's cute.
May 11, 2024
I just finished reading "Tied to You, Vol. 1" and it's a solid 5-star read for me! This graphic novel has everything you could ask for - a captivating growing love triangle, a hidden budding relationship, and the right amount of tension that kept me glued to the pages. I literally sat down to read this and found myself unable to move for the next hour as I devoured every captivating moment. I am in love with this story, and I'm left sitting here still so captivated by what I was reading.
The illustrations in this novel are simply beautiful, and the subtle tension has me fangirling. I couldn't help but ship the red ring connection so passionately! The concept of the red strings of fate bringing two people together in a forced proximity just so they can sleep and be somewhat normal people while they try to hide their special connection added an extra layer of intrigue to the story.
What I particularly loved about this book is how it skilfully highlighted the relationships of the main male characters and established a rich world-building setting. As a reader, I am left craving more - I need to know what happens next! The subtle yet powerful exploration of LGBTQ+ themes in the story, with an emphasis on open acceptance, was incredibly moving and beautifully done. I also feel this might be explored more in the sequel, which I am so excited to see how that exploration is going to be portrayed in the following book.
I'm definitely adding this graphic novel to my collection and eagerly anticipating the next installment. "Tied to You, Vol. 1" has left me wanting more and I can't wait to see where the story goes next.
A massive thank you to Netgallery for allowing me to review this ARC and giving me the opportunity to fall in love with a new duology! And the author and artist that put together this book, know that you have a true fan here.
The illustrations in this novel are simply beautiful, and the subtle tension has me fangirling. I couldn't help but ship the red ring connection so passionately! The concept of the red strings of fate bringing two people together in a forced proximity just so they can sleep and be somewhat normal people while they try to hide their special connection added an extra layer of intrigue to the story.
What I particularly loved about this book is how it skilfully highlighted the relationships of the main male characters and established a rich world-building setting. As a reader, I am left craving more - I need to know what happens next! The subtle yet powerful exploration of LGBTQ+ themes in the story, with an emphasis on open acceptance, was incredibly moving and beautifully done. I also feel this might be explored more in the sequel, which I am so excited to see how that exploration is going to be portrayed in the following book.
I'm definitely adding this graphic novel to my collection and eagerly anticipating the next installment. "Tied to You, Vol. 1" has left me wanting more and I can't wait to see where the story goes next.
A massive thank you to Netgallery for allowing me to review this ARC and giving me the opportunity to fall in love with a new duology! And the author and artist that put together this book, know that you have a true fan here.
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