Manga Review: Takane & Hana, Volume 3, by Yuki Shiwasu

Rating (Out of 5): ~3.5-4

Publisher: Shojo Beat (VIZ Media)

Release Date: June 2018

Volumes: 11+

Spoilers?: No.

Buy it here: Amazon. Barnes and Noble. Book Depository. RightStuf.

Volume: 1. 2. 4.

Goodreads Synopsis:

A strong-willed high school girl and a hot, young scion of a business empire can’t help wanting 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 Takane and Hana pair up, get ready for some sparks to fly between these two utter opposites!

Hana’s scores on her proficiency test are dismal, and everyone around her, including her teacher, blames her new love life! Hana adamantly denies that to be the cause and vows to study hard to do better on her finals. But when Takane storms in to tutor her, will his help actually prove to be more of a distraction?

Review:

We get to see Takane and Luciano finally make up. It reinforces that Luciano really does just want to be Takane's friend, and that Takane isn't easily fooled—but he does have a hard time admitting when he likes someone and misses them.

After that, Hana is struggling with her schoolwork, and Takane steps in to help tutor her. Takane is clearly on a higher plane, and he is very smart. He proves this to Hana. Though at the same time, Hana is trying to prove that she isn't falling behind because of Takane, and it's her own doing; some guy isn't distracting her. I liked this chapter, for several reasons—we get to see Takane really helping Hana, yes, but we also see Hana trying to be her own person, but still accepting his help, when it does in fact help.

Of course, after that, Takane falls sick. This chapter is actually quite adorable, as we see Takane vulnerable and unable to resist as Hana takes care of him and cooks for him. It's rather cute, and doesn't even include Hana being a stereotypically useless, bad cook teenager.

In the latter half of the volume, the group goes on a beach trip. Okamon, Hana's childhood friend comes along, and we see the underlying challenge between him and Takane. Takane acknowledges the challenge, but also doesn't appear to find it serious. He seems to believe that it's up to Hana, and her feelings are more important than proving himself to some boy. It's unclear whether Okamon is actually going to do something, or accept Takane. We'll see, I guess.

The side chapters after this were both quite hilarious. I really enjoy the humor in this series, and the ways that the mangaka plays with her characters. It actually reminds me a little of Komomo Confiseries author (insert!), who is also one of my favorites.

I'm really enjoying this, and excited for more.

 A review copy was provided by the publisher, VIZ Media, for an honest review. Thank you so, so much!