Manga Review: Daytime Shooting Star, Volume 4, by Mika Yamamori

Rating (Out of 5): ~4

Publisher: Shojo Beat (VIZ Media)

Release Date: January 2020

Volumes: 12 (+ Extras)

Spoilers?: Light.

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

Volume: 1. 3. 5.

Goodreads Synopsis:

Optimistic high schooler Suzume moves to Tokyo and finds her heart caught between two men!

After arriving in Tokyo to live with her uncle, Suzume collapses in a nearby park where she had once seen a shooting star during the day. A handsome stranger brings her to her new home and tells her they’ll meet again. Suzume starts her first day at her new high school sitting next to a boy who blushes furiously at her touch. And her homeroom teacher is none other than the handsome stranger!

Suzume has moved to Tokyo and is living with her uncle. She is trying to get over Mr. Shishio, but they unexpectedly end up going to an aquarium together. Suzume enjoys herself, but Mr. Shishio’s confusing attitude puzzles her.

Review:

Despite the previous volume, Suzume and Mamura don't wait too long to repair their friendship. And then Suzume unintentionally ends up on a date with Shishio.

After all this, school festival time is coming up, and a new guy shows up with an interest in Yuyuka. He has an odd way of going about it, and Yuyuka's pretty put off about him.

The previous volume was a bit of a surprise, but definitely wasn't the end to any future relationships. I still really like where Suzume and Shishio are heading; I think they're cute and am excited for that relationship to heat up. I like Suzume and Mamura as friends, and Suzume and Yuyuka as friends, too, actually. It looks like Yuyuka has some drama in her future, and I'm curious what's going to happen for her.

This should definitely be fun during the festival next time. I'm quite a fan of this series at this point, at least, and so I look forward to it. It has a more mature edge, and I like Suzume's straightforward, blank face personality that works with the humor really well. It's hitting the right buttons for me so far, at least.

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

Manga Review: Classmates: Dou kyu sei, Volume 1, by Asumiko Nakamura

Rating (Out of 5): ~4

Publisher: Seven Seas

Release Date: June 2019

Volumes: 1 + Spin-offs (5+?)

Spoilers?: No.

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

Volume: 2.

Goodreads Synopsis:

The touching Boys’ Love story that inspired a hit animated film, in an all-new translation for digital and print.

Hikaru always thought his classmate Rihito was kind of a snob, until he stumbles across Rihito secretly practicing a song in an empty classroom. Hikaru agrees to become Rihito’s music tutor, and with each lesson the two boys grow closer. But when Hikaru realizes that he’s fallen for Rihito, will they stay classmates or become something more?

Review:

This series feels a bit like The Theory of the Sunspot, and the artwork reminds me of Korean manga, by which I mean that it's beautiful. The boys are a bit droopy eyed, with swooshy hair and long legs, and they're sweet and emotional, and the story feels like a pure first love high school tale. I'm into it.

Hikaru impulsively offers to help Rihito practice a song for their class performance, though he doesn't even really understand his own feelings yet. It's an awkward start to their relationship. Hikaru has never really considered it himself, but he's not afraid of his feelings once he realizes them. Then there's the potentially pervy teacher, who helps Rihito out when he needs it.

I enjoyed the way the story progressed here. How open Hikaru is, and how Rihito lets things grow between them. I even liked how we got the backstory on the teacher, and how that turned out between them all. High school is ending soon, and it was nice to see them confront that and where things might go from here, as well.

This was a really sweet yaoi story, a sweet romance with a cute couple. I'm excited to read the next one.

Manga Review: Daytime Shooting Star, Volume 1, by Mika Yamamori

Rating (Out of 5): ~4

Publisher: Shojo Beat (VIZ Media)

Release Date: July 2019

Volumes: 12 (+Extra).

Spoilers?: No.

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

Volume: 2.

Goodreads Synopsis:

Optimistic high schooler Suzume moves to Tokyo and finds her heart caught between two men!

After arriving in Tokyo to live with her uncle, Suzume collapses in a nearby park where she had once seen a shooting star during the day. A handsome stranger brings her to her new home and tells her they’ll meet again. Suzume starts her first day at her new high school sitting next to a boy who blushes furiously at her touch. And her homeroom teacher is none other than the handsome stranger!

Review:

I had no idea what this series was when I started it, and am surprised by how completely hooked I am already.

Suzume was living in a tiny country town, where nothing exciting happened, and everyone knew everyone. When suddenly her parents tell her they're moving out of country and have decided for her to live with her uncle in Tokyo. She's against this, but doesn't have much choice.

In Tokyo, she doesn't know anyone, barely knows her uncle, and doesn't know what to expect. She meets her new teacher without knowing it, somehow forces a friendship with a guy who has never really interacted with girls, and gets the popular girl's eyes set on her, too.

Teacher-student romances are usually hit-or-miss for me, and I'm pretty sure this one is a hit. I'm pretty sure I'm into it.

Then there's Mamura. He freaks out when girls touch him and is thus afraid of them. Suzume figures this out by accident, and thus forms a forceful friendship with him. It's a similar start for her potential friendship with Yuyuka, actually. Neither are conventional or really wanted, but Suzume doesn't let that bother her. I don't think romance is needed between Suzume and Mamura, as honestly they already have just a great friendship at this point.

Then there's Suzume's uncle, who's friends with her teacher. He's sweet and protective, and only gets upset when he discovers her bad grades. I like him a lot already, too.

I don't think I've appreciated a heroine so much in a while. Suzume is brash but smart, she doesn't let things bother her too much; I love her reactions, and her straight-face at first. She's so cool, but she also just wants friends.

It's unexpected already, but I can't wait for the next one.

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

Manga Review: Love at Fourteen, Volume 6, by Fuka Mizutani

Rating (Out of 5): ~3.5

Publisher: Yen Press

Release Date: 2017

Volumes: 9+

Spoilers?: No.

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

Volume: 1. 5. 7.

Goodreads Synopsis:

As Class 2-B makes landfall in Kyoto, everyone's talking about who's going to confess to whom. This prompts Kanata to realize that despite their developing romance, Kazuki's never actually told her how he feels about her. There's love in the air, but for Kanata and Kazuki, will this momentous confession--if it ever comes-just be too little, too late?

Review:

They finish up their class trip in this volume. Kanata and Kazuki have to figure out ways to meet without anyone noticing, and subtle, hidden ways to touch or share things without being figured out. They end up meeting in the middle of the night, but they're both a little influenced by the talk in their shared rooms—talk of love, and breasts.

When they get back, it's school festival time, and Hinohara tells Nagai that he's going to sing at it. It's a battle of wills and hidden intentions between them leading up to it, as we figure out whether Nagai will go through with it or not.

In the latter half of the volume, Kanata discovers that she's gained weight. This was handled okay, and I did like that in the end she realizes it's okay, and even enjoys the current height difference between her and Kazuki. This is always a touchy subject, and while it could have been pushed more, I didn't think this series would make that a message anyway.

It's been a while since I've read this series, and this was a good way to get back into it, I think.

Manga Review: Dreamin' Sun, Volume 4, by Ichigo Takano

Rating (Out of 5): ~3.5

Publisher: Seven Seas

Release Date: November 2017.

Volumes: 10.

Spoilers?: No.

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

Volume: 1. 3. 5.

Goodreads Synopsis:

CRUSHED!

Zen’s finally confessed his feelings to Shimana! Unfortunately, while she wants to help him pursue his dreams, she doesn’t feel the same way about him. Shimana’s got her own unreturned feelings to deal with, because she’s crushing on the landlord, who treats her just like a child. Determined to get closer, Shimana gets a hold of his high school yearbook–and makes some surprising discoveries.

Review:

I was pretty much ready to be done with this series. And then it had to go and keep being interesting, ugh.

We discover some secrets regarding Taiga in this volume. He's been keeping a lot from the kids, and is very stubborn about not telling them anything. Only to discover that Ken thinks he should be honest, and Asahi already knows everything.

A main theme in this series seems to be ambitions and dreams, and going after them. We see that at the beginning of the volume with Ken, and again at the end as they push to discover Taiga's.

My favorite character in this series is still Zen. He's adorable, and so sweet, and he's there for Shimana even as she likes someone else. Shimana is really the main part of this series that bothers me. She's so focused on herself, and so dramatic. The way she blows up over little things and blurts things out and runs away drives me crazy. She makes me roll my eyes so many times, and she's the main reason that I'm hesitant to keep reading more. But then it has to get deep with Taiga, and interesting with the side characters. There was some surprising depth in this volume, and I liked it. There was also a side story of Taiga, Ken, and Rei when they were in high school, and it was adorable.

I really like Zen and Ken. If this series focused more on them, I would be hooked. As it is, I do and I don't want to keep going.

Novel Review: Teach Me Dirty by Jade West

Rating (Out of 5): ~3.5

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance/Erotica; Student-Teacher

Publisher: Self-Published

Release Date: May 2016

Spoilers?: Not really.

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

Goodreads Synopsis:

They tell me it’s unhealthy, just a stupid crush. They tell me it’s infatuation, and will never come to anything. Never mean anything.
Because what would I know, right?
I haven’t even finished school. I’m just a silly little girl.

And no little girl should want the things I want from him.
No little girl should have the thoughts I have…

But they’re wrong.
I really do love Mr Roberts.
I love Mr Roberts because he’s the most amazing man, the most amazing artist, the most amazing teacher that could ever have existed.

And what if… just what if Mr Roberts wants me, too?
What if Mr Roberts really does want to Teach Me Dirty?

(Please note that the heroine is 18 years old)
For mature readers only.

The Cover:

I quite love this cover. I think that it's really well done and I love the image, the quality and position. The font and the name looks very professional. It's hot and eye-catching, and I love it.

Review:

I will pick up pretty much anything that West releases at this point, but this was still a little iffy for me.

I don’t really mind student-teacher relationships like some people, but I could definitely see the problems with this one, given the age difference. But the way that Helen has such a strong infatuation, and their similarities, it made sense to me. Plus, she’s over-age.

There is definitely chemistry here, they both have a lot in common and similar interests and personalities. The chemistry and relationship was also very slow to build; it was burning for both of them, but it took a while to get going. And that worked really well, I think, given the type of relationship it was and where they were coming from. He needed time to accept it, for a large part. It also wasn’t overly kinky, but had enough that made sense.

And then the ending worked really well, I think. It made sense how they both reacted, and I liked how Helen’s parents weren’t just seen as the villains. Their dislike was understandable, but the way they compromised so they wouldn’t lose her also worked. It seemed mostly realistic.

Helen also had a best friend, who had quite a few problems. I didn’t like the way that she treated Helen a few times, and think it maybe should have been addressed more, but what happened with her makes sense and was hinted at. The way that progressed made sense, I suppose.

This was an enjoyable read but very slow, though I didn’t love it. I will definitely be picking up her next one, though.

Novel Review: Save Me by Jenny Elliott

Rating (Out of 5): ~2.5

Genre: YA Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Swoon Reads (Feiwel and Friends)

Release Date: January 6, 2015

Spoilers?: Yes.

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

Teaser Tuesday.

Goodreads Synopsis:

Debut-novelist Jenny Elliott’s thrilling romance, chosen by readers, writers, and publishers for the first list in the new Swoon Reads imprint, pours on the tension and danger in an addictive combination that will keep you turning pages!

Something strange is going on in the tiny coastal town of Liberty, Oregon. Cara has never seen a whale swim close enough for her to touch it—let alone knock her into the freezing water. Fortunately, cute newcomer David is there to save her, and the rescue leads to a bond deeper than Cara ever imagined.

But then she learns something about David that changes everything, and Cara is devastated. She turns to her best friend for support, but Rachel has changed. She’s suddenly into witchcraft, and is becoming dangerously obsessed with her new boyfriend….

Cara has lost her best friend, discovered that her soul mate is off limits, and has attracted the attention of a stalker. But she’s not completely alone. Her mysterious, gorgeous new friend Garren is there to support her. But is Garren possibly too perfect?

The Cover:

I actually love this cover. I think it's super pretty, the image is gorgeous, the colors, the words... All of it is super pretty. But I really don't think it goes with this book. It gives a more supernatural, ethereal look to the book, which is not present in it at all. It makes it seem like the water and/or angel aspect is more important, when it's not.

Review:

I was a little wary of this book, if only because I don’t read a lot of YA paranormal romance, and a lot of them tend to be very similar. I started it and it was all right. I was surprised by how much hate this book was getting—I didn’t think it was that bad. Now that I’ve finished it, I didn’t love it, but I didn’t think it was horrible. I probably would have enjoyed it when I was younger.

Cara is pretty average. She’s not a standout heroine, and she’s not really the greatest at anything, but she was relatable. She took everything in with disbelief and very slowly, which is somewhat normal. She was honest with her mother, which you don’t see a lot, and I liked that.

The romance is extremely present. This is more romance than anything else, honestly. Cara falls for David very quickly—too fast, as far as I’m concerned. But she fought to give their relationship a chance, and I understood that. It was very insta-love, but aside from that it was all right. David was a good guy, and I liked how honest he was. I think he gave up being a teacher too fast, with almost no hinting that he didn’t like it. They moved too fast in all ways, aside from sex—trusting each other, saying I love you, deciding to stay together for so long. Even Cara’s mothers disapproval, which is a problem the entire book, changes in an instant.

The paranormal aspect… was just cheesy, and given so little development. It’s pretty apparent from the beginning that something weird is going on, including with Cara’s best friend, and yet no one does anything. Cara even finds out that it’s pretty much a demon possession, and still waits forever to do anything. There’s literally like a hundred page pause, in which months pass, where all the attention goes to the romance, and Cara’s best friend is only mentioned in passing. It kind of astounded me how little Cara paid attention to her best friend, who she’s known forever, and is suddenly being horrible and hissing and has black eyes.

But then the demon possession goes to exorcisms, and those are just anticlimactic. There’s two of them, and they are just so boring. Extremely straight-forward, no scare to them, the first one over very fast, and the second not much better. It just seemed like a waste.

Cara makes friends with Garren, a new boy in town. I actually liked Garren, and how he acted with Cara. They were just friends, and I appreciated that. There’s a lot of hinting at what he is, with Cara not even thinking about it the entire time. I wasn’t surprised, although a little disappointed at how anticlimactic that was, as well. Hinting the entire book, and then Garren just tells her at the end.

The whales are given a lot of attention, as well. They’re a symbol to Cara, but that’s pretty much it. No paranormal stuff with them. And then their problem is solved in minutes as well. A bit disappointing.

The entire book was kind of just boring. It was easy to keep reading, don’t get me wrong, but it was also easy to put down. All of the problems are solved easily, disappointingly so. I didn’t fall for the romance. I didn’t really grow attached to any of it. I’m glad it’s over, I guess.

A review copy was provided by the publisher, Swoon Reads. Thank you!

Manga Review: Cause of My Teacher by Temari Matsumoto

Rating (Out of 5): ~3

Publisher: Blu Manga

Publish Date: 2009

Volumes: 1; One-Shot

Spoilers?: No.

Buy it here: Amazon (marketplace). Barnes and Noble (marketplace). Powells. RightStuf!

Goodreads Synopsis:

After gathering up all of his courage, Tohru was finally able to ask out his teacher, the handsome Minazuki. But now that they are seeing each other, there's a problem. Tohru loves how attractive Minazuki looks in his glasses, but his teacher always takes them off when they kiss! Does he not want to see Tohru up close? And why is he kissing a girl with his glasses on? This title also features the continuing adventures of Hiiragi and Asagi, the ninja duo from Shinobu Kokoro.

Review:

I’ve never been a huge fan of yaoi. Not because I have any problem with it, just because I’m straight and so I tend to read more straight-couple stories. Lately, though, I’ve started reading more yaoi, and wanting to read more yaoi, so I might be picking up more in the future. I picked up this one mostly by chance.

It contains several very short stories featuring hierarchical relationships, most of them including a teacher. I’m not going to go into detail about any of them, because it’s really not worth it. I mean, the book is roughly a hundred-sixty pages, and there are six stories and two even smaller bonus stories. A couple focus on a teacher/student relationship, one has two teachers, one has two students, one has a hidden royalty figure and teacher, and one has a royalty figure and his guard. And several of them are very short, and the only reason most of them didn’t feel rushed was because the attraction started before the story did.

I did enjoy the stories. They were shorter than I thought they would be, and I didn’t really form any connection with any of the characters, but I still liked the stories overall. The plotlines were interesting, the attraction was mostly done well, and the sex was nice. The artwork was nice, at least for the most part. 

I don’t really have a lot to say about this, other than it was a good read, very short, and with not a whole lot of depth.