Manga Review: Love in Focus, Volume 2, by Yoko Nogiri

Rating (Out of 5): ~3.5

Publisher: Kodansha Comics

Release Date: May 2019

Volumes: 3.

Spoilers?: Light.

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

Volume: 1. 3.

Goodreads Synopsis:

From the creator of New York Times bestselling manga That Wolf-Boy Is Mine! comes a feel-good romance about a teenage girl whose passion for photography leads her to a new school, a new dorm, and a new love triangle!

ALL MIXED UP

After earning Mitsuru's trust, Mako's beginning to get the hang of living in Lens Inn with the high school photo club. Behind the scenes, however, Mako's best friend Kei warns Mitsuru to keep his distance. This ominous message exposes Kei's feelings for Mako, but Mitsuru is the only one who knows! Later, when the club members all go on a field trip together, a sudden downpour strands Mako and Mitsuru. What will the two do?!

Review:

After warning Mitsuru away, Kei very quickly regrets his decision, thinking he was being hasty, but also realizing he's helping put those thoughts in Mitsuru's head. Mako is oblivious to all of this happening—at first, because very quickly the boys start making moves.

I liked getting to see Kei's point of view—how he grew close to Mako and his feelings for her. It's really too bad for him, too, because it's clear Mako and Mitsuru are already growing closer despite his attempts. He's a sweet guy, too; I like him.

I enjoy the characters in this series, the way the photography is used and the boarding house setting. I like the side characters a lot, too; though I'll also admit to some disappointment regarding Lucas' secret, as it would have been nicer to make it more unexpected and diverse.

But so far, I'm actually enjoying this series more than her previous one, and I'm curious how it'll wrap up in the next volume.