For fans of sexy modern romance and contemporary coming-of-age stories, this WEBTOON comic adaptation of a worldwide phenomenon novel follows two opposites who form an unlikely bond after a memorable encounter involving a red dress.
Star basketball player and college heartthrob Caleb Lockhart is the last person a girl like Veronica Strafford should be involved with. Ambitious and fiercely independent, Veronica refuses to be the campus player's next conquest—even after a chance encounter sparks an undeniable attraction between them.
But when she’s evicted with nowhere else to go, Veronica finds herself leaning on someone else–Caleb–for the first time. Caleb has never felt this way about a woman before and he’s determined to pursue her, even as the secrets of their pasts threaten to break them apart.
This volume collects episodes 1 to 18 of the sensational WEBTOON comic Chasing Red, based on the bestselling Wattpad novel by Isabelle Ronin with over 260 million readers.
Readers who love sports romance and opposites-attract will love this sexy graphic novel based on a global bestseller.
Isabelle Ronin is a Filipino Canadian writer based in Manitoba. Her Wattpad story, Chasing Red, has garnered over 130 million reads and was one of the most-read stories of 2016. As a result of the story’s immense popularity online, several major publishers around the world have acquired the rights to Chasing Red. When she’s not writing, Isabelle can be found hanging out in bookstores, cafes, and whenever possible, the beach.
i didn’t realize this was a graphic novel adaptation of a popular romance novel, and so now i need to look into reading the novel.
the art is beautiful, but the plot and dialogue flows a bit wonky — i’m going to blame it on the adaptation from novel to graphic novel. still a fun read!
thank you jet galley for the arc !! i wanna start off by saying that ive been a fan of the series and im so excited its getting picked up by a publisher and turned into a graphic novel !! i love the webtoon and i cant wait to keep rereading this series 🫶🏽
My thanks to NetGalley and Wattpad WEBTOON Unscrolled for an eARC of this book to read and review.
Meh. Maybe I've aged out of this plot-line and college=aged characters, but this did not do it for me in the slightest. The artwork was pretty, but the characters make...age appropriate mistakes I guess? They just seemed to have first-world problems, especially the MC H. We don't see enough of the MC h's past to understand why she is so distrustful and kind of unlikeable to be honest.
Also, she claims to not want attention and for people to look at her, yet she dresses....very revealingly and provocatively. Girl, you are beautiful and showing it off, people are going to look at you. If you REALLY didn't want people to look at you, you would dress like I did at that age, baggy clothing at least one size too big and lots of layers, with only hands and face showing.
Not throwing shade, dress how you want to, but don't say one thing and then dress the exact opposite way. You don't care if people look at you? Good for you! Healthy self-esteem, which I did not enjoy at that age. I respect that. Just don't dress like that and complain when people look at you.
To be clear, no one was rude to her, no cat-calling, no shaming, no inappropriate attempts to touch or wolf-whistles. That is not ok and it didn't happen in the book, thankfully.
Other than that, nothing to really write home about. It was fair to middling.
2, not bad but underwhelming to me, stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The art is fun. Tension is building. I liked the character depth in this one and how it is developing. I'm loving both mains and the side characters and definitely looking forward to more in this graphic series!
- she's his chef - college romance - they go to the same school - he's a rich basketball star - plenty of close proximity!
*I received an ARC of this from the publisher via Netgalley.
I love it when a graphic novel/manga/webtoon draws me in with beautiful artwork only for me to find out that the story is god -tier as well! Not only did Vi and Caleb have me begging for volume 2, I did a little research and found the original books the toon is based on and have added them to my TBR. I really can't stop myself from reading a well written miscommunication trope when it comes across my desk and this story has an excellent knack for it! I really hope i can get my hands on volume 2 soon. I'm excited to see where these two will take their budding relationship.
I absolutely enjoyed my time reading this graphic novel! I really loved the way the two main characters get brought together and it's really enjoyable to see the different backgrounds for both characters. I'm eager to see how each main character will work through the challenges they're both currently facing. I will say, the way this graphic novel ended it has me eager for more and I'll be on Webtoons waiting for the next episode to upload!
All thoughts, feelings, experiences, and opinions are honest and my own.
Me gustó mucho la historia, está interesante, y el estilo de dibujo es bellísimo me encantó eso🩶
Amo el “he falls first” y Caleb no está decepcionado jaja😮💨 las interacciones de Caleb y Veronica me gustan mucho, ella no está interesada en él pero él en ella sí, y se pone aun mas interesante cuando se hacen roommates 👀jaja los celos de caleb me divierten mucho, podria ser de mis webtoons favoritos, ya quiero continuarlo✨
So man’s here decides to let a girl who he thought was going to be a one night stand, but they never ended up hooking up, move in with him while knowing absolutely NOTHING about her except that she could cook? They’re roommates, but more like she pays for the room with being his personal chef. Did I cover it? Yes! Okay!
Getting over the fact that I find it very unlikely that this scenario would ever happen in this day and age, the story itself is really cute. You find yourself rooting for this homeless college student who’s down on her luck. Do I want her to move in with a relative STRANGER? No! That’s weird. But he’s hot, so there is that. But haven’t you heard of stranger danger? You could get… hurt.
Beyond that I am really interested to see how it continues.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an early eARC.
This was fine. I really was not a fan of the art style at first, to me it comes off looking kind of dated, but as I kept reading it grew on me. Also this couple’s first interaction at the club is honestly every woman's nightmare scenario. She was dancing by herself and says she needs something to make her forget (out loud to herself for some reason) and he swoops in behind her and whispers in her ear ‘...or someone else? Hey, Red. Been looking for you my whole life’. Brother euughhh!!!
How is it that this woman knows the star basketball player's name and knows that he’s the It Boy on campus but didn’t know what he looked like…
Last point (which is incredibly nit picky, I know) but the red dress, which is the statement dress, comes off very burgundy in the art. Now I know burgundy is within the red family, but when people talk about THE red dress, they mean like fire engine red not burgundy. And they kept calling it a red dress, his nickname for her was Red, so the dress should have been more clearly red if we’re going to make such a big deal about it.
Overall, this was very middle of the road for me. It wasn’t bad and if it sounds interesting to you definitely give it a shot, but I don’t think this is one that I’ll think about again in the future.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This manga style rendition of Chasing Red by Isabelle Ronin and illustrated by SilentMaru is one of those stories that is very much a guilty pleasure for me. It’s the sort of story that feels recycled, with plot points and character choices that I’ve seen a million and one times, paired alongside the age old tradition of using characters keeping secrets from each other to create tension and drama. It’s the sort of romance-esque story that I’ll happily engage in reading from time to time, but not one that builds upon any intense development of thought or engagement in the “what will happen next” excitement of reading.
We all know, more or less, what’s going to happen. And these stories can be really comforting quite often.
For that reason, though, graphic novels like Chasing Red are very much mood reads for me. I have to be drained, in need of that sort of straightforward warmth-giving sort of content. It’s fun to read; it’s not meant to make you think hard about things. You just enjoy it. And admittedly, with these stories being everywhere, it’s unsurprising that I’ll frequently drop off reading these right in the middle of it. So, don’t know whether I’ll pick up the next volume or not. I almost forgot to finish this one.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
What happens when a rich party boy crosses paths with an aspiring cook who is struggling to make ends meet?
Honestly, the story takes off in sort of a ridiculous manner (in the best way, who am I to lift a brow at the decisions made after). If I had no where to go, and a rich pretty boy offers me a free room to just make his meals, I might even agree too. From the first few panels, I was worried that I wouldn’t enjoy the art style, but I was so glad to be proven wrong! This ended up being incredibly cute, and I think I am just a sucker for any character art that includes blushing!!! (fmc and MMC!! blushing!!!!).
I think the biggest issue I tend to have with graphic novels/manhwas/webtoons turning into physical bounded volumes is that there isn’t enough chapters given for me to become invested in the story. BUT that was NOT the case here! I think the first 18 chapters did a great job at hooking me, because I literally ran to the webtoon app afterwords and proceeded to binge even more 😂
I will say that I did not realize that this was a book to graphic novel adaptation, and now that I do know, it makes more sense. The text was kind of choppy at certain points where I would be confused why it was jumping around like that? but it was very minor. Overall, this was a fun and cute time, and can’t wait to read what is in store for these two!
Thank you netgalley and the publisher for this e-arc! <3
YOU GUYS!!!! Chasing Red is an adorable feet-kicking good read. Written by Isabelle Ronin and illustrated by SilentMaru, this is a phenomenal creation for graphic novel lovers. I can't wait for more in this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
The art style was genuinely really good, but the story itself didn’t quite work for me. I feel like the original novel probably tells this story better, but the webtoon adaptation fell a bit short for me. The dialogue occasionally lacked a natural flow, which made it harder to fully connect with the story and characters. I also didn’t really connect with either of the main characters, which made it difficult to stay invested.
Overall, it wasn’t terrible, but it felt a little flat for me. I can see why some readers might enjoy it, but it just wasn’t my thing.
This was such a fun, addictive read! There were moments I couldn't put it down — and others where I was rolling my eyes (in a good way) at the characters' naivety. The chemistry between Veronica and Caleb had that perfect pining tension, mixed with sweet, awkward flirting that gave me butterflies. I also appreciated the layers of conflict — Veronica’s personal struggles, Caleb’s issues with his parents — all grounded in the relatable setting of college life. Add in some juicy drama, and this graphic novel totally delivered. I’ll definitely be continuing with the series!
Thank you WEBTOON Unscrolled & Netgalley for the ARC.
I really enjoyed reading this. The chemistry and banter jumped off the page. I'm curious how their relationship will progress and if public scrutiny will pump the breaks on their relationship or if Caleb will break down Veronica's walls.
This was a fun one to read! The story is super cute, kind of k-drama vibes, so do not expect something overly realistic, just go with the flow! I enjoyed it a lot. Both characters are super sweet and endearing, and I cannot wait to learn more about them. There were many funny moments that made me smile. Once I started the book, I just couldn't put it down, and I know it will be the same with the next one. It's just such an entertaining read, you're done before you know it.
As for the illustrations, they were pretty, but I can't say that I'm a fan of the kind of realistic backgrounds that clash with the first plan, but that's all personal preference.
Overall, a delightful read if you want a fast and sweet read!
Thanks to Wattpad for my copy. All opinions are my own.
Every now and then I love to pick up a new graphic novel and this one definitely didn’t disappoint.
I really enjoyed the connection between the two main characters, who the characters are as individuals, the plot, and the face pacing. Both of these characters have their own trauma that they are working through even though their lives look completely different.
I loved how these two ended up finding each other, not once but twice. And I’m super excited to see where the story goes from here.
Thank you to Netgalley and WEBTOON Unscrolled for the ARC.
Chasing Red Vol 1 is a graphic novel that follows the budding relationship between Veronica, who is living paycheck to paycheck and studying to become a chef, and Caleb, a well-known basketball player and the recipient of generational wealth.
I really wanted to like this story because I do love a good romance, but I feel like almost no character development happened in this volume. Veronica seems to be really one note and the flashbacks to an abusive past still don’t provide very much context for why she is the way she is now. This may be something that is more thoroughly flushed out in later volumes, and I think that this could be a really interesting way to explore what seems to be PTSD and how trauma can resurface in relationships that have nothing to do with the origin of the abuse, but for right now, it just seemed like a plot point that left a lot to be desired. Veronica also isn’t particularly likeable as a character, she seems to judge Caleb quite harshly, though he has given her little reason to, and I found it hard to relate to her. Caleb is also essentially just a jock whose biggest adversary seems to be needing to get better grades to get back into his parents’ good graces. His parents fund his bachelor lifestyle and while he seems kind-hearted, he does not really seem to do much besides play basketball and think about Veronica. I wanted to cheer for their slow burn relationship, but it felt more like a no-burn.
The plot pacing also seems a bit unrealistic – they meet on a night out, Veronica instantly moves in with him to be a personal chef, but there are hardly any scenes of her actually cooking. It would have been kind of nice to see their relationship develop as she did what she was most passionate about in their shared space, I think it would offer the opportunity for Veronica to be more vulnerable, but her cooking seems to be sort of an after-thought. In fact, their relationship in general seems to progress very little, even as roommates.
It took a minute for the art style to grow on me, but overall, I think it was well done and was the most enjoyable aspect of the book for me. I generally enjoy YA and romance, but I likely won’t be picking up the second volume. It is possible that I am not in the age-range for the intended audience, I can see a younger teenage version of me being more invested, but it just didn’t do much for me.
I think this was alright nothing really special and its not something I can see myself continuing. While I was a little hesitant about the art style at first I think it did grow on me throughout the story. I just didnt really care for the Main characters. Calebs character was kind of a creep. He just another rich kid that enjoys the luxuries of his parents money but then get upset when they get involved with his basketball team because of his failing grades. And then instead of taking his grades more seriously says he wants to go to a party and is fine missing class but will cry about failing later. Im not sure what the full relationship is with his parents but he seems a little ungrateful in this volume. His communication with everyone in his life also annoys me. Veronica was irritating me this entire story as well. I didnt understand any of her decisions starting from the beginning. What type of girl especially one worried about seeming easy goes to a bar ALONE in a dress that is going to get alot of attention then gets super drunk and then goes to a dark alley where no one can see her and then starts passing out!! The constant sass she was giving Caleb when she was an employee was also crazy. I understand when he was being sexual but she had no professionalism from the start. During their interactions in public she would complain about all the people looking at her but during a majority of the interactions she would start yelling or would do something to cause a scene which made people look at her. I also thought this would be more food related. I know its not in the description but she is his live in chef so i expected more from that story line.
I also dont really care for the cover AFTER reading this. When I seen it I thought this would be a cutesy romance but Veronica is very standoffish and the cover does not accurately portray them. I feel like itd be better if they were both facing forward and she look kinda annoyed and he was trying to look casual while sneaking a glance at her. I think some people will like this but it just wasnt for me
Thank you Wattpad Webtoon for allowing me to read and review Chasing Red Vol. 1! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A glimpse inside: opposites attract sports romance college setting slow-burn tension
Chasing Red Vol. 1 is a good start to the coming-of-age story based on the novel by Isabelle Ronin. I do like the art style, it's similar to styles I've seen before on Webtoon. Veronica is an inspired chef and Caleb is the basketball heartthrob. They meet by chance when Veronica is forced to move out of her home and he helps her by offering her a place to stay under the stipulation that she be his at-home chef. The slow-burn tension between Veronica and Caleb is super good. There's a will-they-won't-they anticipation as the volume tells their story. Caleb is under a lot of pressure by his parents and the school to get high grades in order to stay on the basketball team. Veronica wants to be a chef and begins working at a restaurant as a waitress, while also taking care of Caleb's meals through-out the day. Veronica keeps a secret from Caleb, that they go to the same school and she doesn't want to be part of his spotlight.
I really liked their dynamic and the possibility of something more coming from them living together. I'm very happy this is a slow-burn and not an instant love. There's definitely an attraction and I'm looking forward to seeing where their relationship will go from here. There are two novels, that I am aware of, that need to be covered so there should be a few volumes coming soon. I may pick up the novel version of the story later.
I think the only negative I have at the moment is the story itself is okay. I mean, it is the first volume so you can't really judge it too much when there is more to come. I have a feeling once more volumes come out the story will be a lot more interesting and give more depth to Veronica and Caleb.
I just finished Chasing Red by Isabelle Ronin, Silentmaru, Jordan Bucknor, Christie Lee and Cherry! A webtoon graphic novel and here are my musings.
When Veronica is evicted.. She never expects a chance encounter with college heartthrob Caleb to be the first time she allows someone to help her.
Caleb never wanted anything or anyone more in his life but he is determined to have her.. even if the secrets they are hiding is threatening the future they could have together.
Wow, the artwork is spectacular! I cannot believe the quality of the art. It is stunning! I am quite partial to strong and fierce FMC and seeing one drawn in such a way… mind blowingly epic!
I have to be in the mood for graphic novels but the cover of this one drew me right in and I blew through the whole thing in one evening.
I loved the red panel theme that was running through the whole thing. It was clever.. it really set the stage for me.
I don’t normally like the uptown girl who has trope but it worked really well here because Veronica wasn’t just a hateful person. She was fierce but sweet. I would love to know more about her past and I’m hoping we see that in the next volume.
I thought the dialogue was a bit obscure in spots but it kinda worked! Don’t even get me started on that cliffhanger and how I need to know what happens next.
4 stars thank you @webtoon @wattpadbooks
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I just want to start this review off by saying I might be Chasing Red’s #1 fan. I read it first on Wattpad when I was in high school before Isabelle had even finished publishing it. I bought the paperbacks with the meager funds I had when they came out at Indigo and, there is NO exaggeration here, I reread the books at least once a year (often in January to start my reading year off with something I know I’ll love). I’ve probably read this story front to back dozens of times.
So please believe me when I say, this book was FANTASTIC. Did they change some of the storyline that I love so much and basically have memorized? Yes. Did it make perfect sense considering the graphic novel format and still keep the story with what it is at its core? Also yes.
This was a fun, refreshing take on one of the my favourite books of all time and I loved every second of it.
The story was, of course, amazing as always and the illustrations were so good!!! The illustrator managed to capture the essences of each character so perfectly, from their facial expressions down to their outfits. I loved it all.
I didn’t even know this format existed until I saw the ARC available on NetGalley and will now be not-so-patiently waiting for the rest to be published.
Thank you Isabelle, we all say in unison
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for sending me an ARC of this book in exchange for an open and honest review! All thoughts and opinions expressed in this are my own.
Thanks so much to Isabelle Robin for the opportunity to read and review this graphic novel!
Chasing Red Vol 1 is a webtoon adaptation of a contemporary romance novel. Veronica has been having a rough time. Recently evicted from her apartment, she drunkenly finds herself in the apartment of the campus heartthrob, Caleb. With nowhere else to go, they strike an agreement to become roommates, but can they both stay in the friend zone?
This was a fun graphic novel. Veronica is a strong character and i enjoyed her tenacity in this read. Caleb is fun as well and i enjoyed being able to learn about him in this book. I haven’t read the original novel, but the story in this graphic novel was easy to follow and well illustrated
Overall this was a solid four star read. Strong characters and set up for more story in the future. This does have some darker moments, so please check triggers if you’re sensitive. Though this story is potentially evolving towards a relationship between the characters, only mild flirting happened on page, so one flame for spice
If you’re a fan of contemporary romance graphic novels with strong characters, great illustrations and a fun story, then absolutely pick this one up!
This volume collects episodes 1 to 18 of the WEBTOON.
Caleb Lockhart is a star basketball player, the captain of his team and comes from a very wealthy family. Caleb has never really needed or wanted anything he didn't have. Although that changes when his dad gets involved in his collage life.
Veronica Straford is an independent and heard headed culinary student who turns away from attention. Until the night where she lost her apartment and decides to drown her worries in a few shots and a night of dancing at a club.
This is a chance meeting between two opposites, that really changes the course of their lives.
The tension between the two of them is undeniable. This feels like the best of slow burns. They are helping each other in ways they both may not see just yet. They are more than friends but in a zone where they are still discovering them selves and each other.
The art is beautifully done. I cant wait to see the rest of the volumes come out and continue on with this what I hope is being set up to a slow burn romance.
Thank you NetGalley and Wattpad WEBTOON Book Group | WEBTOON Unscrolled for the Digital ARC for review.
Thank you to NetGalley, Wattpad WEBTOON Book Group/ WEBTOON Unscrolled, and Isabelle Ronin for the chance to read an ARC of this title. An honest review was requested but not required.
I've actually been reading a LOT of Webtoons lately funnily enough. I liked the art in this one - it was accessible and cute and felt slightly more Western than normal. The storyline seemed a bit disjointed though. I'm not sure whether to chalk that up to the adaptation from the novel to graphic novel format, or whether it's the original novel's inconsistency.
I had a little trouble with the fact that Veronica moved straight into Caleb's place without really knowing him from Adam, desperate or not. I also was surprised by the lack of relationship growth between the two MCs. It was the slowest of all slow burns, and made me wonder how many volumes of graphic novel it will take to tell the whole story.
That being said, the story has a lot of potential, so I hope it picks up the pacing and is a little smoother in book #2. The art was great which helps.
⭐⭐⭐ with every expectation that this will improve in the next volume.
Thoughts: This was a fun, light-hearted romance between two young adults who are complete opposites. The story touches upon darker subjects, but it's overall an enjoyable read that's quick and easy. I love the class and financial differences trope, and it's exciting the way this story manifests it.
The art style for the facial features and hair is beautiful, which adds to the pleasant reading experience.
Aside from what was enjoyable about Chasing Red, the art for some body positioning and movement appeared slightly stiff at times. Additionally, the writing reflected that of a YA romance with some coming-of-age features. The back-and-forth and miscommunications were slightly frustrating. Although the main characters' understanding of one another did improve by the end of this volume, the progression of the romance and the overall story, through the miscommunication, felt slow.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read that I would recommend to fans of graphic novels and YA stories. Unfortunately, I could not completely connect with it.
I was given an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Thank you Wattpad WEBTOON Book Group (WWBG) for giving me to access and have this physical book. For fans of sexy modern romance and contemporary coming-of-age stories, this WEBTOON comic adaptation of a worldwide phenomenon novel follows two opposites who form an unlikely bond after a memorable encounter involving a red dress.
I love comic/manga book especially color illustrated. The star basketball player and rich guy is Caleb Lockhart met red the girl name Veronica Strafford. I feel bad that she got evicted and somehow met Caleb in the club. The rest is you know. Oh yes, I am glad that Red stay with Caleb house and being roommate. I am looking forward for them to be date and spicy scene please haha. OMG, the basketball game it was a nerve that Caleb teaming was losing but in the end he finally boost up and won the game. Veronica look good in red dress and while Caleb I can sense that him very sweet guy but struggle because of his parents and issue disagreement things. I wonder about Red's parents. Ready for the Volume 2.
This was such an easy, immersive read. The full-color artwork is gorgeous, and the story pulled me in more than I expected. I didn’t plan to finish it in one sitting, but I blinked and suddenly I was at the last page.
It’s a fun, emotionally layered story about two college students who find each other just when they need it most. He’s the campus golden boy who seems to have it all. She’s strong, independent, and living life on her own terms. Both are dealing with messy family situations, and I’m really curious to see how it all unfolds in Volume 2.
I’m giving it three stars, not because there’s anything wrong with the story or the art (both are solid!), but just because I’m a vibes-based reader. I enjoyed it, but I don’t think it’s one I’ll come back to over and over again. Still, I’m glad I read it and am looking forward to continuing with this story.
Big thanks to NetGalley, Wattpad WEBTOON Book Group | WEBTOON Unscrolled, and Isabelle Ronin for the chance to read this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!