introverts – Faceless One Blog

The Girl I Saved on the Train Turned Out to be My Childhood Friend Vol. 4 Review

Tags: Comedy, Romance, Harem, Slice of Life, School Life

Sub-Tags: Misunderstandings, Introverts, Childhood Friends, Idols

Synopsis:

Only One Can Win!

Finally, the screenplay is complete, and Ryou Takamori and the crew can start filming their short movie! After borrowing equipment from Ai Himejima’s agency, they head to a faraway beach to shoot one of their scenes. It’s not all fun and games, however, when an argument breaks out between Hina Fushimi and Shizuka Torigoe— and that’s before Ryou learns Hina and Ai are auditioning for the same role in a musical! He roots for both, but he knows only one of them can pass… (Source: Yen Press)

A Battle of Love and Acting!

Film Antics and Stagnation

Marking my 200th post on this blog site, my latest read finds me returning to a series filled with potential blossoming romances. For the latest outing of The Girl I Saved on the Train’s story, its cast of characters move on to the next stage of making a movie – starting filming.

As part of shooting for a movie, Ryou and his potential lovers have plentiful opportunities for harem hijinks and misadventures. However, through reading this volume, I couldn’t help but shake the feeling that this series is suffering from a short burst of stagnation. Four volumes in, and on the romance side of this rom-com, the lack of progression has started to wear thin.

For as much as I find the constant run-around between Ryou, Hina, Ai and Torigore entertaining, it’s becoming ever more apparent that this series can’t sustain itself on this content alone. At some point, something will need to take place to move both parties from their current seats of complacency and toward an eventual confession.

Something to Strive For

Thankfully, not everything about the series falls under the category of stagnation. Featuring in the latter half of the novel, the author makes a great realisation of the main character’s motivations and development.

One of the principal themes of the series is about the actualisation of one’s future. By the end of this volume, three of the main characters have moved closer to realising their possible futures – Hina, Ai, and Ryou. Hina and Ai, despite the former’s setback, have come to the decision that they want to follow a career in acting. In the same vein, Ryou has also discovered a possible path to ambition, finding himself behind the camera. Seeing others display their talents has unlocked his talents for directing and scriptwriting.

Ryou discovering his first moments of ambition and purpose holds potentially great things for the series’ future, especially if Ryou’s new purposeful outlook leads to development in romance.

The Girl I Saved on the Train’s fourth volume provides an overall mixed experience. Whilst the series’ usual mix of hijinks continues to be entertaining, the romantic aspect of the story leaves something to be desired.

Fortunately, the final moments of the story save this volume somewhat. Renewing a sense of ambition and purpose into several of the main characters can only mean good things for the future of the series. With their goals set in motion, it provides some more room for a potential romance to finally blossom.

The Girl I Saved on the Train Vol. 4

My Rating: 6.5/10

If you like what you read and what I do, why not consider supporting me through Ko-Fi. Any donation helps keep this site up and keep me writing.

You can read the fourth volume of this series digitally and physically through the list of distributors found on the Yen Press website.

An Introvert’s Hookup Hiccups Vol. 4 Review

Tags: Comedy, Romance, Slice of Life, School Life

Sub-Tags: Misunderstandings, Gyaru, Introverts, Cute, Heartwarming

Synopsis:

Yoshin and Nanami are about to mark their one-month anniversary of dating: the day they are due to break up. As the end of their relationship nears, they plan their final dates—to the amusement park and the zoo! Yoshin prepares to tell Nanami how he truly feels about her, and Nanami gears up to tell him that her confession was actually based on a dare. As their intentions become crossed, their final dates begin, and the moment of truth soon arrives. With the fateful day upon them, the love that the two have been nurturing will finally be put to the test. What will be their final decision? (Source: J-Novel Club)

An Anniversary of Looming Reveals!

The Last Two Dates

Yoshin and Nanami have thoroughly enjoyed the last three weeks together. From sleepovers to hot springs adventures, the two have come ever closer to each other and slowly discovered what it means to fall in love. Unfortunately, those carefree times together had to come to an end at some point, as the fourth volume finds the lovebirds resting upon the realisation that their upcoming anniversary means they’ll have to reveal their shocking confessions.

In light of these looming confessions, the two resolve to make their potential last week together a good one – organising a special double date bonanza. After much thought, the two dates they decide on are true classics, starting at a theme park and then having their last date at the zoo.

Regardless of confession anxiety, Yoshin and Nanami have a great time at both locations. Expect to see the series’ signature sugary-sweet style out in full force, only this time, the couple seem bolder than usual. Perhaps down to the thinking that they might have only a few opportunities left to show their love, the romantic novices take strides in their confidence, even allowing Yoshin to initiate a few smooches.

Truth, Dares and Love

Having done everything they can to secure a positive result, the climax of the volume finally deals with the dare issue.

Given the sufficient gravitas expected of an issue built up over four volumes, it starts with both parties obviously shocked at the fact that they’ve both been keeping secrets around the dare. What follows is a series of apologies that turn into declarations that eventually turn into a series of passionate kisses.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Yoshin and Nanami are still together after revealing the truth. If anything, revealing the truth to each other has made their relationship stronger. With their deceit out of the way, they’re finally able to enjoy their relationship with no strings attached.

To conclude, the fourth instalment of the Hookup Hiccups saga makes for a wonderful continuance to the series.

Portraying the final week before their respective confessions, the author expertly mixes the series’ usual sugary-sweet tone with two protagonists who have grown bolder due to a potential end to their relationship. The result: strides in confidence and progress.

Furthermore, this volume deals with the constant elephant in the room – the dare. Dealt with thoroughly and maturely, both Nanami and Yoshin come out of the experience stronger.

As the story comes to a close on the fake confession arc, it feels as though a weight has been lifted on the series. Now, unencumbered by deceit, the story can move forward to new and exciting storylines for the couple.

An Introvert’s Hookup Hiccups Vol. 4

My Rating: 9/10

If you like what you read and what I do, why not consider supporting me through Ko-Fi. Any donation helps keep this site up and keep me writing.

You can read the fourth volume of this series digitally on the J-Novel Club website.

There’s No Freaking Way I’ll Be Your Lover! Unless… Vol. 1 Review

Tags: Comedy, Romance, Drama, Yuri, Slice of Life, School Life

Sub-Tags: Introverts, Misunderstandings

Synopsis:

Awkward, introverted Amaori Renako is leaving her lonely middle school life behind, determined to become an outgoing and popular high schooler. Glamorous, confident Oduka Mai is Renako’s total opposite: wealthy, carefree, and a literal fashion model. Against the odds, the two girls form an immediate connection. Renako thinks she may have found the best friend of her dreams…until Mai’s love confession sends her feelings into a tailspin. Renako wants to prove to Mai that being BFFs is better than being girlfriends, but Mai is dead set on convincing Renako that they’re destined to be lovers! (Source: Seven Seas)

A Competition Between Friends and Lovers!

Who Can Get A Step Ahead?

Renako is an introvert. Determined not to make the same mistakes of the past, she’s decided to change herself into a popular, outgoing high-schooler. Her new guise is a roaring success, and she’s managed to get in with the most-popular crowd in her year. Unfortunately, pretending to be popular drains a lot of MP, and that’s where this story begins as a misunderstanding leads the most popular student in school, Oduka Mai, trying to rescue Renako from falling off the school roof.

Clearing the misunderstanding leads to both agreeing to become best friends…or a least that’s what Renako got from the conversation. The heart-to-heart between the two has ultimately created an even bigger misunderstanding. Whilst Renako is happy creating a strong friendship with Mai, the lady in question seems to want a lot more, having fallen in love.

What follows is an opening volume filled with competition. With neither willing to back down on what they want out of their relationship, the two agree on a competition on where’s best to take their relationship, becoming best friends or becoming lovers.

Whilst Renako believes her position to be a slam dunk, Mai’s unyielding self-confidence and lack of self-awareness means that Renako’s heart is never far from danger. Whether it’s visiting a café, an amusement park, or visiting each other’s homes – Mai’s predatory instincts mean she’s always looking for an opportunity to change their friendship into that of lovers.

Same Definition, Different Term

All fun and games to start with, it’s Mai’s inexhaustible confidence that eventually becomes the deal’s undoing. With conflict comes some serious development as Mai pushing things too far reveals her unexpected fragilities.

Only being seen as her mother’s daughter and Renako’s subsequent admission to liking her for her, it is understandable where her aggressive relationship instincts draw from. Whilst the story draws a line clearly showing that her behaviour is not ok, it handles the communication gap between the main characters maturely.

As a result, the first volume’s climax sees Renako come to a positive decision despite their falling out. Not quite willing to become lovers yet, the two mutually agree to be something in-between, as the novel calls it, friends with Rena-fits.

Overall, I’ll Be Your Lover’s first instalment is filled with fun and games aplenty. Playing on the competitive couples trope, it breathes a breath of fresh air into the genre with the immense scale power level differences between the two main characters.

Furthermore, there’s more to the story than just comedy; there are numerous moments of seriousness and drama to enjoy as well. Mai’s burden as her mother’s daughter is a particular highlight.

There’s No Freaking Way I’ll Be Your Lover! Vol. 1

My Rating: 8.5/10

I hope you enjoyed my review and would love to see what you thought of the volume in the comments! If you like what I do and want to see more, consider supporting me by buying me a coffee on Ko-Fi.

You can read the first volume of this series digitally or physically through the list of distributors on the Seven Seas website.

There’s No Way a Side Character Like Me Could Be Popular, Right!? Vol. 4 Review

Tags: Comedy, Romance, Drama, Harem, Slice of Life, School Life

Sub-Tags: Introverts, Misunderstandings, Fake Lovers, Gyaru

Synopsis:

After the events that unfold with Makiri-sensei, my summer vacations aren’t over just yet. Normally I’d stay in my own home enjoying the AC, like I usually do every other year. However, this year, I find myself accompanying Ike Haruma, the protagonist of my story, as his loyal sidekick on a trip to the beach. Funnily enough, we end up stumbling our paths with Touka, Kana, and Tatsumiya over there. It all feels like the ideal summer experience, but do I really have the right to enjoy something like this? I’m just a side character, after all.

As the summer draws to a close, time passes swiftly, and the relationship between me and the other girls changes slowly but surely. (Source: Tentai Books)

A Side Character and Summer Vacation!

Beach Trips and Movie Dates

Patching things up with his father and earning Makiri-sensei’s affection along the way, the fourth instalment of this side-character rom-com sees Yuuji enjoy time on summer vacation.

The fourth tale in the series has less of a running narrative than in previous volumes. It finds Yuuji splitting his last two weeks off from school between dates with the three heroines and spending quality time with the boys.

Whether it be going on a movie date with Kana, picking out Yukatas with Touka, or going on a surprise camping trip with Makiri-sensei, the author’s goal with this volume is clear – make romantic progress. The more episodic nature of this volume happens to be a boon in achieving this goal.

Without the need to solve one of the main heroine’s dilemmas, the story becomes more relaxed and settled. This, in turn, allows for more time to be spent with each of the heroines, inching progress with all three in preparation for the all-important next stage in the rom-com cycle.

As the volume ends on a three-way festival date, it is very likely in the near future that Yuuji’ll be looking at several confessions!

Progress Beyond Romance

Romantic progression isn’t all that’s on offer in this volume. Due to Yuuji’s reputation, it wasn’t just a potential girlfriend that he was scaring off, but friends and a proper relationship with his father as well. The latest volume in the series shows just how far he’s come to mitigate this problem.

In previous volumes, the relationship between Yuuji and his father can best be described as non-existent. Whilst the third volume went some way in fixing their relationship, the fruit of their labour comes to fruition here as they go on a father-son bonding trip. Fraught with misunderstandings, at least there’s some palpable healing taking place.

Progress can also be seen on the friend front. Spending most of his last summer vacation alone, he’ll have no such luck this year as the new group of friends he’s made are more than willing to spend quality time together.

Overall, Side Character’s latest outing proves that the series can still work even without the central narrative of introducing the three main heroines. Progress can be felt throughout the volume with each of the romance-able cast, but more importantly with the supporting character as well. The highlight of the volume comes as Yuuji and his father attempt to heal their relationship and come to an understanding with one another.

Side Character Vol. 4

My Rating: 8/10

I hope you enjoyed my review and would love to see what you thought of the volume in the comments! If you like what I do and want to see more, consider supporting me by buying me a coffee on Ko-Fi.

You can read the fourth volume of this series digitally through the Tentai Books website or through a list of their distributors.

An Introvert’s Hookup Hiccups Vol. 3 Review

Tags: Comedy, Romance, Slice of Life, School Life

Sub-Tags: Misunderstandings, Gyaru, Introverts, Cute, Heartwarming

Synopsis:

Lovestruck introvert Yoshin Misumai and shy gyaru Nanami Baruto are steadily growing closer, so where better to go on their next date than a steamy hot spring? Things heat up as they continue to learn more about each other (not to mention see each other in traditional Japanese clothing)! But even as their lovey-dovey antics escalate, only two weeks remain until their inevitable breakup. What more turmoil could possibly lie ahead? The couple had better buckle their seatbelts and strap down their hearts, because they’re in for a sugar-sweet ride! (Source: J-Novel Club)

Impromptu Trips and Troubles with Names!

The First Trip

Hookup Hiccups’ latest volume sees Nanami and Yoshin start their third week of dating, both fully aware that the fateful anniversary day is fast approaching. There’s little time to ruminate, however, as the story begins with the couple surprised by a trip away to a hot spring.

A gift from Yoshin’s parents, the trip has both sides of the family travel and stay together in the hot springs. For romcom’s sweetest couple, the trip away provides ample opportunity for more of the series’ signature sickly sweet flirting as the two inevitably grow closer by bonding with each other.

Meanwhile, the parents are also using this trip to their full advantage. Getting along famously, it’s as if Nanami and Yoshin have been married for years, and the parental groups have been doing these events forever.

Game Friends

Having gotten even closer to each other over the trip, the third volume signals several moments of bravery from Yoshin. Unlike some of the previous volumes, the third has a heavier focus on Yoshin, his attempts at getting closer to Nanami and ridding himself of trauma. The first of these brave new steps see Yoshin introduce Nanami to his gaming friends.

Yoshin’s gaming friends have been instrumental, not only in ensuring Yoshin makes the right moves when it comes to romance but as an important social outlet for him when things got difficult at school. Thus, Yoshin introducing these friends to Nanami makes for an extremely pressing development in their relationship.

The introduction between the two groups is wonderfully wholesome. Most of Yoshin’s friends are excitable but kind, but more importantly, the interaction gives Peach a chance to apologise. The two become good friends as a result.

Say My Name, Say My Name

Finally, the third volume in the series attempts to deal with Yoshin’s long-lasting trauma, a trauma that has left in unable to make the last step in calling Nanami by her first name.

Being unable to say Nanami’s name properly causes the first major rift between the couple. As a result, Yoshin has to come to terms with his past and move forward, a gesture he makes in the most embarrassing of ways when he proclaims his feelings to a whole bunch of classmates.

Overall, Hookup Hiccups’ third volume continues with the series’ signature fluffy rom-com atmosphere. This latest volume makes leaps and bounds in its romantic development, especially from an emotional perspective. Yoshin really opens up to Nanami in this volume, showing her sides of himself he’d never show anyone else, leading to great moments of vulnerability. Mixing fluffy moments alongside graspable development holds great things for the series’ future.

An Introvert’s Hookup Hiccups Vol. 3

My Rating: 9/10

I hope you enjoyed my review and would love to see what you thought of the volume in the comments! If you like what I do and want to see more, consider supporting me by buying me a coffee on Ko-Fi.

You can read the third volume of this series digitally on the J-Novel Club website.

The Vexations of a Shut-In Vampire Princess Vol. 3 Review

Tags: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Comedy, Yuri

Sub-Tags: Weak Protagonist, Misunderstandings, War, Introverts

Synopsis:

Can a murderer be a pacifist?

Komari has finally earned a vacation, and she’s soaking it all in at a beach resort. That’s when Nelia Cunningham, a commander from the Gerra-Aruka Republic, appears before her with an outrageous proposal: Together, they’ll take over the world.

At the same time, a commander from the Heavenly Paradise named Karla Amatsu shows up and offers Komari the exact opposite proposition: Together, they’ll usher in world peace. Before long, the two nations’ clashing agendas drag the whole world into war! Rudely pulled from her summer holiday, Komari holds the key to the conflict in her hands. Without it, the war may never end. (Source: Yen Press)

Komari Plans War with Pacifists!

An Undercover Mission

It took a while for me to get back into the rhythm of this series. Starting out the beginning of the third volume’s plot, I was worried that things would continue the way of Komari’s meeting with Nelia – relying on the same old routine that, at this point in the series, had started to become stale.

Thankfully, those feelings are put to rest as the story moves towards its goal – the real war with the Gerra-Aruka republic and the subsequent infiltration of their dark core zone.

What helps this series to stay fresh is Komari’s new role on the battlefield. No longer sitting on the sidelines, she’s asked to help a group of like-minded individuals infiltrate the dark core zone and expose the evils being performed by the Gerra-Aruka republic.

There’s more potential to be found within Komari’s character when she’s put into ever greater danger, and there’s no more dangerous a position than being deep behind enemy lines. Moreover, being put on a spying mission means more opportunities for different styles of comedy. A personal highlight involves Komari and Koharu being forced to wear a disguise whilst in enemy territory – Komari forced to become Nelia’s servant and Koharu wearing funny glasses and a moustache never failed to make me giggle.

Peaches and Kimonos

Koharu and Nelia also make their first appearances in the series. They are great additions and another reason why the series has managed to keep my interest. Koharu is essentially Komari in a kimono, except somehow even more clumsy. Although there’s little development on her character in this volume, that isn’t the story for Nelia.

Nelia has come to the same conclusions on war as Komari through life experience. A former princess, her position was demoted after a revolution ran through her country. Mixing her experience from her time as royalty, and the disgust she finds in their new leader’s blatant xenophobia and warmongering, her thinking has moved more toward one of coexistence and cooperation.

The two will likely make for great allies in Komari’s future.

The Power of Pacifism

The volume ends once again with Komari using her blood curse to defeat the enemy, this time feasting on Nelia’s blood. As a result, the Gerra-Aruka republic is defeated, and the people are finally free to elect a new leader.

Overall, this is a slightly weaker volume than those that have come previously. However, there are still great things to take away from the story, mainly the new characters and development in the setting. Whilst I’ll still be reading the series, come the next volume, unless there are major developments, I won’t be reviewing the series further on the blog.

The Vexations of a Shut-In Vampire Princess Vol. 3

My Rating: 8/10

I hope you enjoyed my review and would love to see what you thought of the volume in the comments! If you like what I do and want to see more, consider supporting me by buying me a coffee on Ko-Fi.

You can buy the third volume of this series digitally and physically through the list of distributors on the Yen Press website.

The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten Vol. 5 Review

Tags: Comedy, Romance, School Life, Slice of Life

Sub-Tags: Cute, Heartwarming, Introverts, Personal Growth

Synopsis:

After a long unrequited love, Mahiru and Amane finally begin dating, and the inexperienced two stumble through their new relationship while steadily growing closer to each other. Although initially annoyed by the commotion surrounding Mahiru and him at school, Amane slowly changes and becomes more upfront and confident. Seeing this, Mahiru can’t help but feel slightly uneasy…but it’s time for a vacation and an unforgettable summer awaits them! (Source: Yen Press)

The Blossoming of New Love!

Love and Growth

Following the confession between Amane and Mahiru, The Angel Next Door’s fifth volume captures the awkward first steps in their new relationship.

What stands out most about this volume is the remarkable character growth that has occurred for both main characters over the past five volumes.

For Amane, this change is the most striking. In this volume, there are markedly fewer moments where he puts himself down and shies away from complicated situations. The blooming romance has Amane often look more towards the future rather than continue dwelling in the past. Rather than ruminating that he isn’t good enough, he’s excited to improve and move forward in the relationship with Mahiru.

These positive changes are also noticed by their classmates. Upon revealing their new status and unabashedly flirting, they’ve become more accessible and open towards their peers. This allows them to broaden their horizons in terms of friend group, and both of them are seen making new connections in the volume.

A Change for All

Amane’s change and increase in confidence is an evident theme running throughout the volume and helps to provide a sense of closure to his old life by the end of the volume.

Visiting his parents and admitting to their relationship makes up the final part of the story. Whilst they needn’t have been so worried about their reaction, neither were prepared to face Amane’s old trauma while out on a walk together.

Thanks to everything the two have been through together, Amane is able to let go of his past and move on. Even going so far as to thank his old friend for showing his true face making it easier to build himself up again.

This scene is a testament to the positive impact both of them have had on each other. The two give each other small pushes in the right direction to improve themselves.

A Touch of Awkwardness

This series has always been known to take the sugar up to 1000, but this volume takes this new a whole new dimension.

Finally becoming an item has opened the floodgates, so to speak. This volume is filled with cute and sugary sweet moments, none more so as the two awkwardly dance around the touching and kissing situation. Finding the perfect moment for this special step is a challenge for them both, but it benefits the reader – lots of flirting moments to enjoy!

Moving to the relationship stage of the series has opened many doors of development for The Angel Next Door. Alongside heaps of cute, fluffy moments, the latest volume has put a lot of character growth front and centre, providing some nice depth to the long-running rom-com series.

The Angel Next Door Vol. 5

My Rating: 9/10

I hope you enjoyed my review and would love to see what you thought of the volume in the comments! If you like what I do and want to see more, consider supporting me by buying me a coffee on Ko-Fi.

You can read the fifth volume of this series either digitally or physically from the distributors listed on the Yen Press website.

How to Melt the Ice Queen’s Heart Vol. 2 Review

Tags: Comedy, Romance, School Life, Slice of Life

Sub-Tags: Cute, Heartwarming, Introverts

Synopsis:

Asahi Kagami is a curt sort of guy, yet never hesitates to lend a hand. Slowly, but surely, he’s finally getting through to the frigid Fuyuka Himuro—a girl aptly nicknamed “The Ice Queen” for her standoffish attitude—and melting her icy exterior.

In the midst of it all, two hearts inch closer, inciting a tangible change—not only in Fuyuka’s personal life, but even at school.

This is the second volume of a slow-paced love story where characters experience the double-edged nature of romance. From laughs, to tears, to everything in between, these two will gradually learn how to convey their emotions properly. (Source: Tentai Books)

Love Thaws the Ice Queen’s Heart!

Ice thaws as the heat of love kicks in, as the latest review catches up on the concluding volume of How to Melt the Ice Queen’s Heart.

Social Butterflies

As the series’s final volume, the story pays much attention to Fuyuka and the steps she takes to improve herself. Her sociability is one of the main changes she plans to make, becoming more approachable to her classmates and lowering her ice queen persona.

However, these huge changes require baby steps, and Asahi plans to ease her into the social scene by introducing her to his two friends – Chiaki and Hinami, the so-called “obnoxious couple.”

There’s a great dynamic to be found between the four newly formed friends – banter and back-and-fourths are never too far away whenever they all get together. Moreover, Chiaki and Hinami make for great characters in their own right. They have several standout moments throughout the volume, usually bringing attention to Asahi and Fuyuka’s growing relationship – giving them subtle encouragement about their next steps into something more romantic.

The Ice That Forms

Returning to Fuyuka, the final volume also reveals the reasons behind her developing the ice queen persona in the first place. It stems from a childhood trauma involving losing her mother at a young age and estrangement from her adoptive father.

It’s a touching story that adds some much-needed emotional depth to the series. I find it a lot more understandable from learning of this perspective why she decided to hide away and use isolation and harsh words as a defence mechanism. It’s certainly a more believable form of trauma in comparison to some of the reasons other series in the genre give.

The Ice That Thaws

This trauma once again rears its ugly head at the climax of the volume. After visiting her mother’s grave, she unexpectedly meets her adoptive father bringing back all the bad memories of the past.

In danger of reverting to her old self, Asahi comes to the rescue solidifying the connection they have and preparing their relationship for the romantic endeavours of the future. Whilst it falls just short of an actual confession, it does leave little room for manoeuvring, ensuring that their future together will be a bright one.

To conclude, whilst How to Melt the Ice Queen’s Heart was cancelled over in Japan, it thankfully manages to offer a satisfactory conclusion to the story. The final volume features plenty of laughs and emotional moments that’ll please any rom-com fan.

How to Melt the Ice Queen’s Heart Vol. 2

My Rating: 9/10

I hope you enjoyed my review and would love to see what you thought of the volume in the comments! If you like what I do and want to see more, consider supporting me by buying me a coffee on Ko-Fi.

You can read the second volume of this series digitally either from the Tentai Books website or from their list of distributors.

An Introvert’s Hookup Hiccups Vol. 2 Review

Tags: Comedy, Romance, Slice of Life, School Life

Sub-Tags: Misunderstandings, Gyaru, Introverts, Cute, Heartwarming

Synopsis:

Yoshin Misumai, the perennial introvert, is now dating one of the most beautiful girls in school—Nanami Barato, the clean-cut gyaru who confessed to him on a dare. With a surprise stamp of approval from Nanami’s parents, the two are on their way to super flirty, ooey-gooey romance. But in the midst of a boba date and an accidental kiss, the two run into Yoshin’s parents, and Nanami learns that he’ll be home alone while his mom and dad are out. It’s time to amp up the mood with late-night meals and an impromptu sleepover. This introvert had better prepare himself because things are getting cushy—fast! (Source: J-Novel Club)

A Couple’s Ooey-Gooey Second Week!

Featuring 100% ooey-gooey goodness, the latest review on my list ensures my return to the fluffy romantic hijinks of Yoshin and Nanami as they enter their second week of dating.

Things are Heating Up

The series’ second outing continues to build upon the sugary sweetness of the first. The volume is practically bursting with cute moments as the relationship between the two is stronger than ever – it makes you think how the author manages to constantly up their game on the different scenarios.

Starting proceedings, the series sees a bit of a plot reversal, as Nanami is the one to face the “meet the parents” moment. True to form for this series, it changes up the potential for heavy drama, choosing instead to have Yoshin’s parents accept her as his girlfriend in a hilariously easy fashion. Yoshin, however, doesn’t get away quite so easily. It seems having a girl over when the parents are away is a cause for serious consequences!

As a result of their chat, Nanami and Yoshin are afforded yet another opportunity to get close and cosy. Nanami will be teaching Yoshin how to cook, meaning it won’t just be Yoshin eating good but the reader as well. One needn’t go into detail on just how much flirting the two get up to.

The Bold and the Brave

This volume also sees the couple attempting to develop their relationship further in several ways. Each of them, throughout the volume, has their own personal task to complete to achieve this development. For Yoshin, this requires the bold step of saying ‘I love you,’ whilst Nanami challenges herself to have her first kiss.

The latter challenge culminates in their second date at an aquarium. They have a wonderful time watching fish and playing parents. A lap pillow later, and the kiss is sealed.

Perhaps more importantly, the latter half of the novel provides some interesting information by way of a girls’ chat side story. It seems there was more than meets the eye regarding Hatsumi and Ayumi’s dare. To make the confession as safe as possible, the two girls put in a lot of research to find the perfect boyfriend candidate and made sure to be on standby should anything go wrong. It gives good clarification on the type of friendship the three have.

Hookup Hiccups continues to be a beacon for all things cute and fluffy. The second volume continues the reasonable pace of the first, the relationship between the main characters is developing nicely, and the author has spent some much-needed time developing the motivations of their side cast. I look forward to seeing how things develop in the third!

An Introvert’s Hookup Hiccups Vol. 2

My Rating: 10/10

I hope you enjoyed my review and would love to see what you thought of the volume in the comments! If you like what I do and want to see more, consider supporting me by buying me a coffee on Ko-Fi.

You can read the second volume of this series digitally from the J-Novel Club website.

Haibara’s Teenage New Game+ Vol. 1 Review

Tags: Comedy, Romance, Fantasy, Drama, Harem, Slice of Life, School life

Sub-Tags: Time-Leap, Supernatural, Character Growth, Introverts, Extroverts

Synopsis:

We all have embarrassing memories or deep regrets from high school, right? Socially anxious college senior Natsuki Haibara sure does. When he thinks back on that time of his life, all he has are fleeting fantasies of a happy adolescence that could have been. Imagine his bewilderment and surprise, then, when he inexplicably finds himself seven years in the past—one month before his first year of high school! Can Haibara avoid his previous mistakes, make his way to the top of the school social pyramid, and end up with the girl of his dreams? Or will he be forced to relive three years of solitude as the most hated guy in school? He’ll need all the help he can get in order to succeed, from a workout regimen to online how-to guides, a childhood friend, and plenty of sheer willpower. Watch as Haibara takes a second shot at his teenage years! (Source: J-Novel Club)

Haibara’s Rainbow-Coloured High School Dream!

Returning to pre-pubs and romcoms for my next review, JNC’s latest series features time leaps and the necessity for a perfect high-school experience.

Haibara’s New Game focuses on Natsuki, a gloomy, introverted college student who is unexpectedly thrust back into the past. After returning to his high-school days, he’ll use this opportunity to make his ultimate wish come true; become friends with the group that shunned him and pursue romantic endeavours with his dream girl. However, what Natsuki’ll learn is that nothing is ever that simple!

All About the Restart!

Time-leaps. Whilst not a novel concept in romcoms, it can be elevated through new angles and avenues.

This series should be commended for its focus on character dynamics and interpersonal relationships rather than starting strong on the romance element. After all, Natsuki’s main goal for returning to his high-school years is to make friends with the group he alienated.

These friends are extroverts amongst extroverts, each with their role to play within the group and something by which they centralise their identity on. Miori comes out on top in terms of the most well-rounded character. A helper in Natsuki’s plan for a rosy high-school debut, she has a good grasp on the efforts that Natsuki goes through and the insecurities of others within the group. Moreover, she’s not shy in trying to get what she wants.

Miori and the rest of the side characters introduced are, certainly for the first volume, the series’ best aspect and form the basis of the volume’s drama setting – Natsuki, the group’s interloper and seemingly perfect human.

A Romance Sets Off!

With Natsuki coming off as a perfect superhuman, his actions, as you can imagine, gain a lot of attention, especially from women.

Hoshimiya is meant to be the main romantic love interest of the series. She doesn’t get much in the way of scenes with Natsuki, however, what we get is quite good, especially in showing their chemistry together.

A more apparent romance blossoms toward the end of the volume. Uta has fallen for Natsuki. A more naturally occurring love story, they work well together and share more than just being in the same friend circle.

Unfortunately, this romance has unexpected consequences leading to Tatsuya’s withdrawal from the group, as it turns out, he has feelings for Uta and an ever-growing jealousy at what he perceives Natsuki to be, a superhuman.

What follows is a well-played-out drama sequence. To rebuild their friendship and achieve his perfect high-school life, Natsuki’ll have to show his true personality and break away from the facade he uses to keep up with a group of extroverts.

How Do You Solve a Problem Like Natsuki?

During this truth-telling session, Natsuki makes a massive speech about himself and Tatsuya’s actions. A big end piece it may be, it only serves to highlight the series’ biggest problem so far, Natsuki.

The man never comes over as sympathetic and instead comes over as highly self-centred. Everyone has to act in the way he imagines for his high-school life to be perfect. At several points throughout the volume, it’s made clear what his true motivations are. Rather than worry over his supposed friend’s insecurities, his focus is on the fact that he’s not acting as he remembers. This is amplified further when Hoshimiya shows concern, worrying more about the possibility that she might have feelings for him than concluding that she’s a friend where showing concern should be considered natural.

Returning to his big speech, I don’t feel as though Natsuki has earned what he says. For instance, calling Tatsuya a coward when he is yet to confess is highly hypocritical. This is only added to how hollow everything sounds coming from someone who’s having a second go at things.

Overall, Haibara’s New Game has some great elements, including its use of character dynamics, I just don’t think this series is for me. The series features a very unlikeable protagonist with a self-centred personality, and that’s on top of the usual denseness towards anything and everything. As it goes now, I’m unlikely to continue this series into a second volume.

Haibara’s New Game+ Vol. 1

My Rating: 7/10

I hope you enjoyed my review and would love to see what you thought of the volume in the comments!

You can read the first volume of this series in pre-pub format on the J-Novel Club website.