I Tamed My Ex-Husband’s Mad Dog, Vol. 1 opens with a gripping premise: Reinhardt Lincke, a former crown princess devastated by her father’s death, suddenly wakes up fifteen years in the past—on the very day of his funeral. This unexpected time leap gives her a rare second chance to rewrite her fate. Fueled by grief and a thirst for vengeance, she boldly confronts her fiancé, Prince Michel, whom she blames for her father’s demise. Her actions quickly result in her banishment to the remote and desolate territory of Luden.
While in exile, Reinhardt encounters Wilhelm, a wild and dangerous man destined to become Prince Michel’s infamous war hound in the original timeline. Recognizing an opportunity, she chooses not to fear him—but to tame him. Wilhelm, still rough around the edges and unaware of the future awaiting him, becomes her unexpected weapon in a long game of revenge. The evolving relationship between Reinhardt and Wilhelm adds tension and complexity, blending dominance, trust, and mutual transformation in fascinating ways.
What sets this story apart is its emotionally intricate character work. Reinhardt is far from a damsel in distress; she’s a sharp strategist bent on reshaping the future, one move at a time. Wilhelm, meanwhile, is no mindless beast. Beneath his volatile nature is a deeply wounded man, and watching Reinhardt navigate his temper while shaping him into a powerful ally is one of the volume’s core strengths. Their connection, fraught with both violence and vulnerability, provides a gripping narrative hook.
Artistically, the volume is beautifully illustrated with atmospheric contrasts. The lavish details of court life are juxtaposed with the stark wilderness of Luden, symbolizing Reinhardt’s journey from refined nobility to hardened survivor. The expressive character art does a great job of heightening the emotional stakes, whether through a fierce stare or a quiet, tense exchange between Reinhardt and Wilhelm. The visual storytelling is a key part of what makes the story so immersive.
I was hooked by this volume’s bold direction and the psychological tension that underpins its revenge-driven plot. Reinhardt’s transformation and her unlikely bond with Wilhelm make for a captivating dynamic, and the mix of politics, emotional stakes, and suspense had me turning pages eagerly. I loved this volume and can’t wait to continue reading the series—it’s sharp, intense, and brimming with promise.