Manga Review: An Incurable Case of Love, Volume 4, by Maki Enjoji

Rating (Out of 5): ~3.5

Publisher: Shojo Beat (VIZ Media)

Release Date: July 2020

Volumes: 7.

Spoilers?: Light.

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

Volume: 1. 3. 5.

 

Goodreads Synopsis:

 

 Nurse Nanase has striven to once again meet the prince of her dreams, so how is it he’s become such an aggravating doctor?!

After witnessing a handsome and charming young doctor save a stranger’s life five years ago, Nanase Sakura trained to become a nurse. But when she meets the doctor again and they start working together, she finds Kairi Tendo to be nothing like the man she imagined him to be!

At long last, the Dark Lord has been defeated! Wait—it can’t be that easy!

Nanase became a nurse to chase after Dr. Kairi Tendo. Nanase hears that Kairi has requested to study abroad. She is shocked by the news and tells him she doesn’t want to be apart, but Kairi’s response makes her uneasy!

 

Review:

 

Sakura is suddenly confronted with Tendo's past, which he at first refuses to say anything about. When he's given an opportunity he's waited for, though, she has to find the reason why, and she has to decide whether to let him go or not.

Maybe because this isn't the final volume, the story decides to follow the cheesy “surprise! It was all for nothing, because the choice was taken away from them for him to stay” thing. It's really annoying to me when this plot point is pulled. It's kind of unnecessary to me, because they could have gone through his past without him suddenly moving far away.

I really want to like this series more than I do, I think. I've enjoyed Enjoji's series in the past, and maybe it's Tendo? But I'm just not hitting it off with this couple, or this story, or something, as much as I have in the past. I really want to, though, I'm really trying.

Manga Review: An Incurable Case of Love, Volume 3, by Maki Enjoji

Rating (Out of 5): ~3.5

Publisher: Shojo Beat (VIZ Media)

Release Date: April 2020

Volumes: 7.

Spoilers?: Yes.

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

Volume: 1. 2. 4.

Goodreads Synopsis:

Nurse Nanase has striven to once again meet the prince of her dreams, so how is it he’s become such an aggravating doctor?!

After witnessing a handsome and charming young doctor saving a stranger’s life five years ago, Nanase Sakura trained to become a nurse. But when she meets the doctor again and they start working together, she finds Kairi Tendo to be nothing like the man she imagined him to be!

The mean Dark Lord has turned into a kindly knight! It’s like a dream come true! Is this really happening?!!

Nanase became a nurse to chase after Dr. Kairi Tendo. To keep herself safe from a former patient who is stalking her, she stays with Kairi and pretends to be his lover! But the stalker becomes furious and attacks! As she loses consciousness, she reveals to Kairi how she feels!

Review:

 

In Nanase's terror, and while practically delirious after being attacked, she confesses to Tendo. This starts a change potentially in the good between them. But then it doesn't quite seem that Tendo feels the same for Nanase, or even really understands what a relationship is.

This is a bit of a confusing step to me. Tendo agrees, but then almost seems asexual in his feelings for Nanase, and his interest in being romantic with her. It's very odd. Near the end of the volume, he seems to be feeling more for her, though, and he definitely gets jealous easily.

I could definitely see how some people might see some problematic themes in these series, but I also think that it's okay to feel these things. Nanase feels very strongly for Tendo, and she's stuck by that. But she's also stuck by her want to be a nurse, whether it started because of him or not. Whether this might be seen as a guilty pleasure or not, I'm enjoying this.

Manga Review: An Incurable Case of Love, Volume 2, by Maki Enjoji

Rating (Out of 5): ~3.5

Publisher: Shojo Beat (VIZ Media)

Release Date: January 2020

Volumes: 7.

Spoilers?: No.

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

Volume: 1. 3.

Goodreads Synopsis:

Nurse Nanase has striven to once again meet the prince of her dreams, so how is it he’s become such an aggravating doctor?!

After witnessing a handsome and charming young doctor saving a stranger’s life five years ago, Nanase Sakura trained to become a nurse. But when she meets the doctor again and they start working together, she finds Kairi Tendo to be nothing like the man she imagined him to be!

Her first love is a Dark Lord with an awful personality! Nanase respects him as a doctor, but he still makes her furious!

Nanase became a nurse to chase after Dr. Kairi Tendo. Unfortunately, now she must deal with his tyranny. He kisses her and calls it a medical treatment. He’s good at his job, but he’s a despicable man! Despite this, Nanase does something unexpected to the Dark Lord!

Review:

Nanase is comfortable at the hospital, though she's still learning. Tendo is her attending now, but then a new doctor shows up. Nanase is struggling with their disagreements, and her rediscovering of her feelings for Tendo. Despite her previous thoughts, she still clearly has feelings for Tendo. When she gets a bad recurring patient, Tendo steps in to help her out.

The chemistry and story are definitely getting better. I enjoyed the characters more in this volume. I don't really appreciate the attempt at a triangle, though I don't think it'll go farther—or at least I hope not.

One thing I noticed, though, was how none of the other staff are worried about the growing feelings between Nanase and Tendo. It started out mostly joking and because of their history, but now it's pretty obvious they're starting to have something between them. I guess a conflict of interest in business isn't as big of a deal there? Or, maybe it's not as big of a worry in the medical business, even, as it would be in some jobs? It seemed weird to me, but maybe that's why.

Still, this is definitely getting better. The characters and story are growing on me. 

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

Manga Review: An Incurable Case of Love, Volume 1, by Maki Enjoji

Rating (Out of 5): ~3

Publisher: Shojo Beat (VIZ Media)

Release Date: October 2019

Volumes: 7.

Spoilers?: No.

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

Volume: 2.

Goodreads Synopsis:

Nurse Nanase has striven to once again meet the prince of her dreams, so how is it he’s become such an aggravating doctor?!

After witnessing a handsome and charming young doctor saving a stranger’s life five years ago, Nanase Sakura trained to become a nurse. But when she meets the doctor again and they start working together, she finds Kairi Tendo to be nothing like the man she imagined him to be!

Review:

I'm a fan of Maki Enjoji, so I was excited for more to be licensed. I'm definitely going to be following this one, and I hope we get more from her and more josei in general.

Sakura thought she found her prince charming five years ago, when Tendo stepped in to save a mans life. Now that she's finally become a nurse and is given the chance to work with him, she's discovered that he's terribly rude in real life.

She immediately gets a different impression of him when she gets to work with him, but thankfully she's also found a passion in being a nurse. And he's also a good doctor, so she has to prove that she can be competent in her job, as well, and decide whether she wants to work in his department.

I found the hospital aspect of the story interesting, and I don't mind it—I have watched some medical dramas. I think some story lines were a little rushed, or maybe forced, more than went smoothly, in this volume. And even their relationship wasn't quite hitting me, I'm not sure if it was the chemistry or the characters.

This volume was just okay to me, which is a little disappointing. I hope that it gets better, as I really want to like it more.

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

Manga Review: SP Baby, Volume 2, by Maki Enjoji

Rating (Out of 5): ~3.5

Publisher: Shojo Beat (VIZ Media)

Release Date: February 2018

Volumes: 2.

Spoilers?: No.

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

Volume: 1.

Goodreads Synopsis:

A new type of “love action” from the creator of Happy Marriage?!

Tamaki Hasegawa misses an interview for a much-needed job in order to stop an assault on a man running for his life! The man—Kagetora Sugo, the prime minister’s nephew—then asks Tamaki to become his bodyguard.

Tamaki, the rookie in the Security Police, is working as a bodyguard for Kagetora Sugou—the prime minister’s nephew. But Kagetora is acting more like a boyfriend than a boss. Will Tamaki let down her guard and accept his advances?

Review:

I didn't realize that this was the last volume until about halfway through, and then it made sense. Also a little disappointing, because I really want more of Maki Enjoji's series to get released over here.

Tamaki gets to deal with her crush on her childhood friend quickly, and then she grows closer to Kagetora. He's comforting her, and then continuing to flirt with her. We finally get to see what happened between them in the past, though Tamaki still doesn't remember it.

We find out what is really still bothering Tamaki from her past, what her issues are. We find out what's up with Kagetora's fiance.

Pretty much, all of the strings are tied into a pretty bow. I will say that everything moves very quickly. It doesn't quite feel rushed, but it does feel fast that Tamaki and Kagetora get together and end happily. It's odd to me that it doesn't feel rushed, and it doesn't feel unbelievable, but it was very quick. Everything felt like one short chapter after another, another step was taken.

This was a cute little series. I didn't love it, but it was fun. I do really like Enjoji's style, aside from the virgin female lead. I hope we get more like it.

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

Manga Review: SP Baby, Volume 1, by Maki Enjoji

Rating (Out of 5): ~3.5

Publisher: Shojo Beat (VIZ Media)

Release Date: November 2017

Volumes: 2.

Spoilers?: No.

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

Volume: 2.

Goodreads Synopsis:

A romantic comedy about a privileged man and his kickass female bodyguard.

Tamaki Hasegawa misses an interview for a much-needed job in order to stop an assault on a man running for his life! The man—Kagetora Sugo, the prime minister’s nephew—then asks Tamaki to become his bodyguard.

Tamaki isn’t sure she’s cut out to be a bodyguard, but Kagetora has another reason for wanting to hire her. Unbeknownst to her, they’ve met before…

Review:

I'm already a fan of Maki Enjoji, so I was excited to see another of her series was being picked up. I hope we get more of her stuff—and more josei from Shojo Beat in general.

We meet Tamaki just as a man runs by her, being chased by another guy, and she jumps in to help without thinking. Afterward, the guy she “saved” won't leave her alone, and insists on having her work for him. As his bodyguard.

Tamaki has no experience as a bodyguard, aside from her instincts to fight and particularly kick, and refuses at first. But Kagetora insists, and Tamaki needs a job.

I'm a little iffy on Tamaki, or at least the set up for her. I do find her fun and enjoy her fighting spirit, and how she happily tries to learn and help Kagetora. But she's also been saving herself for this guy she grew up with, who runs a flower shop next to her house. I'm iffy on that plotline, but otherwise I like Tamaki and how she's trying to support her brother. I like Kagetora, too, and am looking forward to their attraction growing, despite how innocent Tamaki is.

This was a fun start, and I like the surprising plot. I look forward to reading more.

Manga Review: Happy Marriage?!, Volume 10, by Maki Enjoji

Rating (Out of 5): ~4

Publisher: Shojo Beat (VIZ Media)

Release Date: February 3, 2015

Volumes: 10

Spoilers?: No.

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

Volume: 1. 9.

Goodreads Synopsis:

In order to help her father, Chiwa Takanashi agrees to an arranged marriage with the company president, Hokuto Mamiya—a man she doesn’t know—at the request of Hokuto’s grandfather. Chiwa believes the arrangement isn’t binding, but her new partner seems to think otherwise. Can two strangers living together find their way to a happy marriage?!

Final Volume!

Review:

First of all, there was a color page in this volume! Ohhh, it was so pretty!

Now, this was the last volume, and I knew it was going to be great. And I am really happy with how it all ended.

Hokuto disappears for a while, but then he comes back and reveals some stuff to his family. There’s a problem regarding that, but we do get to find out what happened to his mother, thankfully. And we know that Hokuto will be all right regarding his business and work, of course. This won’t ruin him.

I think it was a little odd the way they figure out that fighting is the way they communicate, but it works. It's very fitting for them. And I’m really happy with their ending. It was actually quite adorable, and their finally actually marrying, for them, was nice, and well deserved.

I’m really happy with this series. The ending was great, I loved the humor and the smut. I loved it all, honestly. And now I really hope that VIZ picks up another of her series.

Manga Review: Happy Marriage?!, Volume 9, by Maki Enjoji

Rating (Out of 5): ~4

Publisher: Shojo Beat (VIZ Media)

Release Date: December 2, 2014

Volumes: 10

Spoilers?: Not really.

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

Volume: 1. 8. 10.

Goodreads Synopsis:

In order to help her father, Chiwa Takanashi agrees to an arranged marriage with the company president, Hokuto Mamiya—a man she doesn’t know—at the request of Hokuto’s grandfather. Chiwa believes the arrangement isn’t binding, but her new partner seems to think otherwise. Can two strangers living together find their way to a happy marriage?! 

Review:

Some drama from outer parties happens some more, then Hokuto’s family plot line gets serious.

First there’s a chapter for relationship drama, then the pair go on a cruise and Chiwa ends up babysitting this kid. He’s a bit of a pain, and Hokuto doesn’t get on with him, but Chiwa handles him well. This is a nice image for when they have kids, and was generally just a fun chapter.

Then Hokuto’s father gets worse. Chiwa and Hokuto talk, get serious, deal with his father in the only way they can. There are some things revealed to Chiwa and she doesn’t know how to deal with them at first. Then there’s the cliffhanger regarding Hokuto, which is rather mean. Clearly some things are going to happen in the next, and final, volume.

I can’t wait to see the conclusion, for the serious plot, and for them. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this series so far.

Manga Review: Happy Marriage?!, Volume 8, by Maki Enjoji

Rating (Out of 5): ~4

Publisher: Shojo Beat (VIZ Media)

Release Date: October 7, 2014

Volumes: 10

Spoilers?: No.

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

Volume: 1. 7. 9.

Goodreads Synopsis:

In order to help her father, Chiwa Takanashi agrees to an arranged marriage with the company president, Hokuto Mamiya—a man she doesn’t know—at the request of Hokuto’s grandfather. Chiwa believes the arrangement isn’t binding, but her new partner seems to think otherwise. Can two strangers living together find their way to a happy marriage?!

Hokuto resigns from Mamiya Commerce and takes on a failing company, risking everything to become heir in one year. Chiwa and Hokuto are closer than ever, so why is he saying they can’t be a true married couple?

Review:

Chiwa is still learning her place with Hokuto. She doesn’t want to impose on him, she wants to be a good wife, and she wants him to appreciate and understand her. All perfectly understandable things. Meanwhile, Hokuto is still learning how much he loves Chiwa, and what he’s willing to do to make her happy.

I don’t think I have too much to say about this volume—it was very enjoyable, and I am still loving this series. There is a bit of similar drama in each volume, but it’s still very enjoyable. They exaggerate, they fight, they make-up. I enjoy how long they hold out, and then how they both apologize and want to make things better in the future.

There is some underlining stuff happening, too. The stuff in Hokuto’s past is coming up more often, and with what happened in the last chapter, it’s clear that we’re going to find out what it is soon.

Overall, a very enjoyable series so far. I’m loving the marriage drama, and the making up. I’m excited to read the next volume.