Series Review: Takane & Hana

Title -  Takane & Hana 

Author - Yuki Shiwasu 

Genre - Romance Manga

Format - Paperback

Published - 2015 to 2020

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Synopsis

A strong-willed high school girl and a hot young scion of a business empire can’t help trying to outwit each other every chance they get… But could these opposites be conning themselves out of the perfect match?!

After her older sister refuses to go to an arranged marriage meeting with Takane Saibara, the heir to a vast business fortune, high schooler Hana Nonomura agrees to be her stand-in to save face for the family. But when these two utter opposites pair up, get ready for some sparks to fly!

The meeting between Takane and Hana ends in an explosive manner, and Hana is convinced that she’ll never have to see that awful Takane again. But Takane actually seems interested in Hana! Exasperated by Takane’s immature attitude, yet amused and intrigued despite herself, Hana wonders if her hilarious rivalry with Takane just might lead to love!

Review

I devoured the series over the course of a couple of months. Took a little longer than I hoped because a few of them decided to take forever from Amazon. Hana ends up roped into taking her older sisters place in a marriage match never expecting that anything would come from it. Instead a we get a very sweet comical whirlwind romance between her and Takane. 

I ended up reading the first one and instantly ordering the rest of them it's such a cute series kind of a enemies to lover romance between them. I loved Hana she's an adorable character and I think because of her I'm going to do bubblegum pink hair next. Each manga has the pair growing as characters. Takane had a lot of growing to do but he get's there eventually. 

The artwork is as equally lovely as the story. I was captivated right from the start and fell in love with Hana and Takane's story. This is one of my favorite series that I'm so glad I purchased the set. They will always have a special place on my bookshelf and I know they will get some re-reads as I wasn't ready to say goodbye just yet. I plan to read the authors other manga as I loved this one so much. Highly recommend a perfect sweet romance. 

Manga Review: Wolf Girl and Black Prince Vol 1 & 2

Title -  Wolf Girl and Black Prince 

Author - Ayuko Hatta 

Series - Wolf Girl and Black Prince Vol 1&2

Genre - Manga 

Format - Paperback

Published - May 9th 2023 & July 11th 2023

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Synopsis 

Fed up with her friends’ constant bragging about their boyfriends, high school student Erika Shinohara decides to make up one of her own. When her lie starts unraveling at the seams, her charming schoolmate Kyoya Sata agrees to be her pretend boyfriend, seemingly saving her reputation. She won’t get off that easy, however, as she soon discovers her white knight is actually a blackhearted prince! Now Erika must be at his beck and call or risk her lie being exposed. But is Kyoya really as blackhearted as he seems?

Review

Erika just wants to fit in with her friends as they are always going on and on about having boyfriends and one day she decides to make up her own. Little did she know that she would have to prove that she has a boyfriend and when forced to prove it she takes some random guys picture. How did she know he went to the same school. What's a girl to do now but ask him to be her boyfriend and shocking he agrees to pretend but he's not going to let her off easy. 

I like Erika she's easy to relate to I feel like any of us would have done the same thing she did in order to fit in. However, I would have made sure the guy I was pretended to date didn't go to my school. I was so conflicted about Kyoya but the more we learn about him the more I'm starting to like him. He has some redeemable qualities. 

I've had this one on my TBR list since I read a blog post about it ages ago. It's only recently started being published in English so I had to snap up the first two in the series as we wait for the third installment. I devoured both installments in one afternoon and I enjoyed them. It's a fast paced story that kept me turning each page wanting to know what will happen next. 

I have high hopes for this odd friendship turning into more than just pretending. It feels very slow burn which is my favorite kind of romance. That artwork is beautifully done and very detailed the author has done a lovely job creating a captivating story. I'm looking forward to checking out more of the authors works as I wait for the next in the series to come out. Highly recommend if you like romance manga. 

Manga Review: Like a Butterfly

Title -  Like a Butterfly 

Author - suu Morishita 

Series - Like a Butterfly Vol 1

Genre - Manga 

Format - Arc Kindle Copy

Published - July 4th 2023

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Synopsis 

Would you rather wait for love like a flower, or fly toward love like a butterfly?

Suiren Shibazeki is often compared to a beautiful flower—but one that grows on the tallest peak of a mountain, forever out of reach. When Suiren develops feelings for the quiet Taichi Kawasumi, however, she doesn’t want to be a distant flower. She’d rather leave her lofty perch and fly toward him like a butterfly.

After Kawasumi rescues her from an unwelcome admirer, Suiren finds herself captivated by him. However, Suiren is too shy to speak to anyone, much less this reserved karate boy. What’s more, Suiren isn’t the only one interested in Kawasumi. Will a class trip offer the opportunity to reveal her feelings before it’s too late?

Review

I received  Like a Butterfly in return for an honest review from the publisher. 

Suiren doesn't talk to very many people she's always been this beautiful yet on another level girl. When she has a chance encounter with Kawasumi who defenders her everything changes. She doesn't want to be the quiet admired girl she wants to follow her heart and show him who she really is. 

I really liked Suiren as a character she may not be a chatterbox but we know what she's thinking and I felt I could really relate to her. I like that Kawasumi isn't the typical hero but actually a shy guy who isn't the fitting the typical mode he's shy and quiet. I like that we also get to know their friend groups a bit throughout the volume. 

Like a Butterfly is an adorable slow burn sweet romance. I enjoyed the story it sweet to see shy characters falling in love and not insta love like so many. I also thought the artwork was lovey for manga each page is very detailed and beautifully done. I just really enjoyed the story and the artwork it's one I plan to add to my shelf in the future. I can't wait for the next one to come out and see Suiren and Kawasumi navigate their new budding relationship. 

Manga Review: A Business Proposal

Title -  A Business Proposal 

Author - Haehwa & Narak

Series - A Business Proposal Vol 1 

Genre - Manga 

Format - Arc Kindle Copy

Published - May 23rd 2023

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Synopsis 

After being worked to the bone at her office job, getting introduced to her longtime crush’s new girlfriend, and dealing with her family’s debt hanging over her head, Hari Shin's life seems to have hit rock bottom. Luckily, her friend Youngseo has a business proposal for her: go to an arranged date in her stead and Hari will receive a hefty compensation. Things grow complicated, however, when it turns out that the other party is Hari’s new CEO—and he's dead-set on marrying whoever shows up to the date! 

Review

I received A Business Proposal in return for an honest review from the publisher. 

Hari Shin has been crushing off her long time best friend and when she is introduced to his new girlfriend she has to accept that it's not going to work out. Her friend Youngseo needs someone to take her place on a blind date her father set up. She offers Hari Shin an offer she can't pass up all she has to do is get the guy to not want to date her again and she get's paid to help her family. How could she pass up the chance to make some money and a night out. Only things go horribly wrong when the date is her boss. Good thing he doesn't recognize her. 

This one is so much fun poor Hari Shin can't seem to catch a break when what should have been easy money has quickly tossed her life upside down. I love the characters you can't help loving Hari Shin even our Steamy CEO Taemu Kang. Her's determined that a wife is the solution to all his problems and Hari Shin is going to be her. 

I devoured this one in just a little over and hour instantly hooked and I can't wait to get my hands on the rest of the series. The artwork is beautifully done and matches the equally beautiful story. I absolutely adore the story it's a perfect start to a fake marriage and happy ever after I suspect. This is my first by the authors but I've become a fan and I'm addicted to Hari Shin's story. I actually picked up a physical copy as it's in color and so beautiful. If you are a romance fan this is a must even if you are new to webtoons. This may just be my favorite webtoon of the year. 

Manga Review: Honey Lemon Soda

Title -  Honey Lemon Soda 

Author -  Mayu Murata 

Series - Honey Lemon Soda, Vol 1 

Genre - Manga, Shojo, 

Format - Kindle Review Copy 

Published - January 17th 2023

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Synopsis 

Uka Ishimori has one dream in life: to have fun in high school! As a self-avowed dense, stone-faced introvert who spent all of middle school hardening her heart against a daily barrage of bullying, breaking out of her shell is easier said than done. Luckily, she's not alone—Kai Miura, a classmate whose blond hair reminds her of the lemon soda he so enjoys, has her back. Step by step, she endeavors to cast off the shadows of her past and reinvigorate her life!

Review

I received Honey Lemon Soda in return for an honest review from the publisher Yen Press. 

Uka Ishimori was bullied during all of middle school so when given the chance to start fresh in high school she takes it. However, her bullies seemed to have followed her but this time she's not going it alone since she's met Kai Miura. He's determined to make all her dreams come true and help her grow as a person.

I've had my eye on this one for a while and decided to check it out when I saw the option to review. I love Uka Ishimori she's a an adorable character you can't help instantly connecting with her. I wasn't so sure what Kai Miura intentions with her at first are but the more I read the more I liked him too. I can't wait to see where their relationship will go from here. 

This is my first manga by the author but I'm hooked. I loved the sweet romance in Honey Lemon Soda. The author has a beautiful way of telling a captivating story. I loved the art work it's so detailed and I really enjoyed it. I'm looking forward to explore more of the authors other works as well as continuing on this series. If you like sweet romance I highly recommend checking it out.