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.