I've only been on web novel for a few months, but I feel like I can summarize most of the CEO Romance novels here. Most of the stories are generic, predictable and frankly, boring. There's nothing wrong with enjoying them, I've enjoyed a fair few myself, but it's becoming a problem when 2/3 and sometimes 3/3 of the choices to vote for are. I'm tired of these. I want something interesting. I want something unique. (Feel free to recommend me some good ones)
I've listed some trends and problems I have found below. If there's anything I missed please tell me.
The male lead is a tall, domineering, super cool, super powerful CEO with an incredibly handsome face. He radiates a cold aura, has a low EQ but high IQ. Mostly upon meeting FL says something along the lines of "what an interesting girl, how interesting etc.". People think he's gay because he doesn't keep female company. Often a rapist, sexual harrasser(I really hate this, it's basically encouraging this. What I hate more is all the comments fangirling about it like: aaaaaahhh boss (insert name here ) super cool , go get ur wife. I have nothing against fangirling but it's pretty screwed up when someone just got assaulted. Also, how is that romantic???? Sorry, got off track.
The female lead is incredibly cute / pretty/ beautiful. She has an air of elegance and maturity. She's also super smart and an amazing, capable, worker! That is, until she meets ML and needs him to rescue her all the freaking time. FL, like her husbando, attract love rivals like light does moths. Sometimes really likes food, or is a genius with weapons etc. R/not like othergirls
Did I mention they all have smooth, crystal clear, snowy, jade like skin that is unbelievably pale because beauty standards? They both are really good cooks BTW. Also they both smell ah-mazing, even though the ML smokes a ton (he has a cool tobacco scent). Like, do they have to smoke? Surprised an FL hasn't died from second hand smoke yet. Lung cancer is REAL y'all.
And don't get me started on the lower-than-average IQ supporting cast. Why is everybody so DUMB? Let me guess, FL's BFF is actually a total btch who's been seeing with her fiancΓ©, who crawls back like a slug once she reveals gasp she isn't a total idiot. Fl face slaps everybody and everybody is shocked when ML reveals he likes FL.
Also, for some reason they must have cringey names like: the devilish ceo's wicked wife(I swear, if that's an actual title-).
Something that makes me uncomfortable is when the ML says "Be my woman" it "She's my girl". It sounds like they're being treated as objects, possessions. Like, girlfriend is way more romantic than woman.
Sorry for the rant, and thank you for reading! Have a wonderful day!