Chapter 1-9 took one and a half year (early 2020 to late 2021, granted, it was likely already worked on sooner before any release). The story was proceeding rather smoothly, most characters got their highpoints. Chapter 9 in particular was a huge turning point in terms of development and branching out. Ian and Lena defined their relationship preparing for the different outcomes (romantic, cucking, swinging etc.), Ian half commited to Holly and Alison and finally faced Cindy. Likewise, Lena could fall for the main antagonists Axel and Seymour, the latter threatening and promising big changes in her live. An ideal way to end the half-way point on a tantalizing note.
Combined with the rewrite, chapter 10 took over one year (late 2021 to late 2022). While the art is top notch and nothing to complain about, the story proceeding from chapter 9 was almost nonexistent. While Ian and Lena developed closer bonds with the characters their met through chapter 1-9, they didn't progress with any of their love/fuck interestes with the sole exception of Stan.
In summary, chapter 10 was filler, stalling and worrying, considering how long it took, how little it acomplished and what it indicates for the further slowing progress.
You are a bit harsh. Also, it feels like you compare one chapter with 9 chapters and at the end you draw the conclusion that the entire chapter 10 was filler. The story progresses bit by bit.
- Ian got a new job, though nothing changes in regards to salary. I doubt Natalie and Clark get extensive content, because fuck if we can't already focus on the first 20 characters.
- Like you said, Ian started a new job and he almost finished his book. Revisiting your book, asking for opinions from an editor, from someone with more experience or just a close friend is part of the job. You can't just write something and publish a book. So in this regard the story is progressing. Full time job instead of an internship is progress.
- Also related with the job, we got our first dinner date with Minerva.
- Seymours threat doesn't unravel in any way. Lena has a similar model scene (good art, but no character progress, no seduction or training), Ian doesn't lose his job, Lena's bakery isn't ending because of Seymour, her stalkfap goes on. The big choice at the end of chapter 9 was a sham.
- I agree, Lena found a new photographer way too fast. Probably it happened because the art was ready, so Eva decided to use it for everyone. It didn't matter what you choose previously.
- Ian and Cindy stall and have more or less the same situation as in chapter 9. They ask if they want to go in a relationship, they risk being find out by Perry and Cindy promises to tell Wade. She did this in chapter 9, did it this time and in the chapter 11 prologue, she still hasn't done anything. That's no development and just stalling, no matter how amazing the Cindy art is.
- I don't think that is stalling. Is part of the story, the thrill of cheating and doing things behind someone else back. Horrible thing to do in real life, but for a Chad Ian I am sure that it is appealing. As for Cindy, she is still unsure. Would be unrealistic to become a cheater overnight. She knows that what she is doing is wrong, but in the same time, she can't stop. Ian gives her attention and tells her nice things, while Wade, well Wade ignores her and plays video games. In the prologue, we also find out that they took a break - story progresses further.
- Alison and Ian had the chance to deepen and commit to a relationship over 5 dates, but even the dinner and threesome is still some casual sex and no even thrilling, since Jeremy is too much of a bro to truly steal her away. Pregnancy plot twist is already set up twice before. I'm tired of Alison bitching about her job and break-up every time we met her and her and Ian not going further.
- Emma gets a neat bathroom scene, but seems still to be a mere fuck buddy with zero indicators of her wanting a relationship. Her Seymour beef is a sidething ongoing, it has nothing to do with Ians main plot of finding success, purpose and a girl.
- No comment.
- Cherry was build up decently over the nine chapter, chapter 10 did her dirty. She automatically falls back to Axel, even if Ian and Perry comforted her in chapter 9 and are even lined up for a relationship with her. That drama is completely ignored and chapter 11 has to adress this thoroughly, currently her entire character has relapsed.
- I think Axel said that they just meet somewhere. So we don't know yet if she did anything with him or if it was just a coincidence.
- The birthday was a rushed remake of the GGGB one, it was a restricted from Lena's point of view an no matter which partner she choses, its always interrupted by Axel (no matter what her relationship to him is) and we get either nothing or an Ivy comfort sex scene, which is pointless, considering how there is no indication that these two friends would develop a closer relationship.
- I partially agree, just because Allison was supposed to be there if you invite her.
- Stan Stalkfap scene was good, though I have doubts in the first place if he is good partner for Lena (maybe some Anti-Seymour who offers her money and one she has fully control over?). It's half ruined by his horrible confession.
- Neither Louise nor Jeremy progressed much despite the potential threesome.
- Holly stripping for Lena and fucking Ian isn't any new progress from what she already did to them in prior chapters. Blowing Mark is one step-up on her way to corruption, though it's a minor one that.
- Book is still not evaluated, Gym tournament isn't there yet, Lena's plays music automatically without our input, pool game has no reward (it was good to get on Cindys side twice).
- I don't care about Stan so ... he got to see Lena naked, good for him. Also good for him because he got some nudes with Holly on his camera. Lucky bastard.
- Things that were not mentioned. Ian meet with Louise and talked again with Ivy. Stan meet Holly. Basically, for the first time, the groups of friends were mixed up. Not a major event, but I think it was important none the less.
- The Stalkfap talk and setting up the cuckold, the amateur porn and the open relationship paths.
- Lena cheating with Mike and how that can affect her life.
- More background about Lena and Ivy.
The story progressed so I don't know why you think chapter 10 was a filler chapter.
