With Part 2 of Bridgerton’s Season 3 just around the corner, I could not resist picking up Colin and Penelope’s story on a whim. I think the strength With Part 2 of Bridgerton’s Season 3 just around the corner, I could not resist picking up Colin and Penelope’s story on a whim. I think the strength of this series lies in the banter between the members of the Bridgerton family, because honestly, the “Polin” love-story fell a bit flat, at least for me. I also enjoyed the tart tongue of Lady Danbury and the unexpected pride that she took in Penelope as the latter emerged from her shell.
One of my favourite Lady D lines to Pen is : “Isn’t it nice to discover that we’re not exactly what we thought we were?”
I think I will twiddle my thumbs a bit longer and wait for Shondaland to grace us with Part 2 of their adaptation. ...more
Set in an alternative 1940’s world where Gods who were slumbering, now rise to wreak havoc and destruction, two young reporters Iris Winnow and Roman Set in an alternative 1940’s world where Gods who were slumbering, now rise to wreak havoc and destruction, two young reporters Iris Winnow and Roman Kitt are playing out the classic enemies-to-lovers trope as they fight for a promotion at their workplace: The Oath Gazette.
The two bicker constantly and are poles apart, but only in terms of their social status. Beneath Iris’ tart tongue and sassy quips, lies the worry of no news from a brother who has gone off to war while their mother has taken to the bottle. Under Kitt’s elite, polished exterior lies the pressures of a demanding father and a burdensome guilt that he has carried from his childhood.
When a lonely Iris starts writing letters to her missing brother and slips it under her wardrobe door, they vanish, only to return with a response.
You must have guessed who Iri’s mystery pen pal is and what could have been a soft romance soon mushrooms into something deeper, stronger, and even heartbreaking, as the two soon find themselves in the eye of the ongoing war.
I am reading a YA Fantasy after a very long time, and the only thing that drew me towards it was the possibility of two gifted writers falling in love with each other through their words.
And boy…the words. The wonderful, eloquent, heart-wrenching words.
Iris and Roman’s letters are works of art. Just teetering but never plunging into the abyss of shmaltzy cringe, they are filled with longing, pain, loneliness, the tiny tendrils of finding a soulmate who gets the scruffiest, most jumbled up corners of your heart, the banter, the written laughter and the promise of a love that will, if compelled, take on even the Gods.
I want to know what happens in the sequel but for me, this book which was just an appetizer for the real action to come, was more about the beautifully penned words. When writers fall in love, their verbal and written exchanges better be rich in meaning and nuanced implications. And boy, Rebecca Ross makes their conversations sparkle and shine, even as an imaginary typewriter ribbon spools away with languid grace.
Forget the story, I fell in love with the words of this book....more
With the adorable second-lead professing his love for our heroine, the newly hatched relationship between Yoi and Ichimura hits yet another roadblock.With the adorable second-lead professing his love for our heroine, the newly hatched relationship between Yoi and Ichimura hits yet another roadblock.
Honestly, I did not enjoy this volume so much. Yoi apparently being scandalized every time Ichimura asks her out is growing old fast. And it jars even more when she easily agrees to go out with the handsome Ohji on the one free day that she had during her self-imposed packed summer break schedule. To then express anger over Ichimura’s expected insecurities felt very foreign to the kind of personality that I had come to associate with the fair and straightforward Yoi.
Ichimura may have been a callous love-and-leave-‘em kind of entitled rich boy. But watching him trying to handle Yoi’s inscrutable moods pains me a bit because I feel he is the only one wanting to change for the better.
I do hope this series improves because I genuinely loved the premise and would hate to see it become a predictable, blithering mess of teen hormones. ...more
Yoi and Ichimura are finally dating, much to the delight of their friends. But when Ichimura asks Yoi to accompany him to a two-day trip to Kobe, she Yoi and Ichimura are finally dating, much to the delight of their friends. But when Ichimura asks Yoi to accompany him to a two-day trip to Kobe, she panics and invites her giggly but loyal girls along. Ofcourse, Ichimura’s friends are also on for the unexpected treat and soon, the newly forged group are off to a tourist’s paradise.
But will this yet again hinder the growing intimacy between Yoi and Ichimura?
This series is such an easy read, and yet, it handles the changing dynamics of our two main leads’ relationship with intuitive grace. The push and pull between Yoi’s low self-esteem and natural shyness, and Ichimura’s hitherto callousness that is slowly shifting as he realizes that Yoi is someone very special to him is endearing to watch. ...more
As the two Princes continue to wade through the dating waters, they both realize that their feelings may run deeper than they thought. And when a new As the two Princes continue to wade through the dating waters, they both realize that their feelings may run deeper than they thought. And when a new handsome entrant arrives on the scene (giving us some serious second-lead-syndrome), Yoi and Ichimura will have to decide exactly how invested they are in each other.
This has become my no-fuss, feel-good, comfort-read. I am way beyond the age of feeling high-school, first-love flutters but there is still something endearing about Yoi’s blush-fest whenever the supposedly shallow Ichimura makes a deep statement or unexpectedly possessive gesture.
Yoi and Ichimura have agreed to date…to “test the waters” in a way. The two Princes head off to their first outing, Yoi blushes profusely, Ichimura trYoi and Ichimura have agreed to date…to “test the waters” in a way. The two Princes head off to their first outing, Yoi blushes profusely, Ichimura tries to figure out why he is so drawn to the androgynous Yoi, and their enchanted friends are on for the giddy ride.
I honestly do not expect anything groundbreaking from this series. It is soft, sweet, cute, funny, and probably loaded with the usual shoujo manga tropes. And yet, the fact that this is the foray into first love for both Yoi and Ichimura, makes me understand their silliness and uncertainties.
Ofcourse, it is exquisitely illustrated, as always. ...more
Yoi Takiguchi is striking to look at: tall, lissome, deep-voiced, androgynously good-looking, and naturally so charismatic and chivalrous that everyonYoi Takiguchi is striking to look at: tall, lissome, deep-voiced, androgynously good-looking, and naturally so charismatic and chivalrous that everyone seems to have conveniently forgotten the fact that Yoi is in fact a girl. While the boys of her school either find her too cool or too intimidating, she is weirdly popular among the female population, and has been given the title *Prince* that she wears rather reluctantly.
But then she encounters Ichimura, her impossibly handsome and equally popular senior who is also dubbed as *Prince* by his besotted fellow students. Ichimura is instantly attracted to Yoi's unconventional beauty, and sees the girl hidden behind the quiet and brusque exterior. He likes Yoi for her striking face, her unexpected acts of bravery, and her unique nature that sets her apart from the other simpering school girls.
And thus begins the *like-but-still-a-long-way-to-love* story of the two Princes.
This is shoujo manga with its usual tropes and yet, I did love the blurb when I read it: A boyish, self-assured girl being finally made to feel like a woman by a popular boy who doesn’t appear to be taking her for a ride.
Ichimura is an odd blend of shallow and non-toxic and you are rooting for the rich, entitled brat who seems to know how to treat the hardworking and down to earth Yoi with caution, respect, and regular smidgens of adoration. The two main leads, while relatively low-key for now, are quite endearing with their refreshing personalities. I am not expecting some dramatic developments with this series but am assured that it will be a different yet enjoyable read.
The artwork, as always, is stunning, and I can understand why the entire school is smitten by Yoi and Ichimura. ...more
Rural high-school girl Mitsuha and Tokyo high-school boy Taki were, by some strange magic at work, switching bodies. While the two were initially shocRural high-school girl Mitsuha and Tokyo high-school boy Taki were, by some strange magic at work, switching bodies. While the two were initially shocked, they had soon fallen into a kind of resigned acceptance and were enjoying each other’s lives, whenever the switch happened.
And then suddenly, the body-swap stops. And Taki feels lost and adrift. He has unexpectedly formed a bond with Mitsuha, and wants to know why this connection has suddenly broken.
Relying only on his memories, and his flair for drawing, Taki will return to Mitsuha’s small, isolated town, Itomori. He hopes to meet her and understand why this remarkable phenomenon occurs. But what awaits him will be more startling than he ever imagined.
Book 2 is a slow, introspective filler that sets the pace for what will undoubtedly be a tantalizing finale. The story tends to get a bit confusing at times, and you need to have a smidgen of patience to connect the threads. But it is a thrilling tale, and the artwork is exquisite.
An introverted metalhead with social anxiety and his extroverted neighbor with buried insecurities come together in this gentle, exquisitely drawn ManAn introverted metalhead with social anxiety and his extroverted neighbor with buried insecurities come together in this gentle, exquisitely drawn Manga.
During a particularly harsh winter when it was snowing heavily, hapless undergraduate Sakaki Kento finds himself freezing to death just outside his shabby new apartment. Luckily, he is rescued by Soushi, his grim, seemingly-taciturn neighbor with a piercing death-glare.
Soushi rarely opens his mouth, and prefers to lose himself in the throbbing beats of heavy metal rather than make awkward conversations with people. He is not rude by any stretch of the imagination, but his long hair, black clothes, glaring eyes, and menacing air tend to give off a ‘stay-away’ warning…something that he has carefully cultivated after a series of bad interactions in his past.
But Kento with his sunshine personality forms an easy friendship with his new neighbor and they are soon sharing meals with a non-intrusive camaraderie.
As time passes, the two glaringly opposite personalities realize that they have feelings for each other. But both have immense chips on their shoulders, and neither has the guts to take the next step. --- I adored this manga. Soushi has been drawn so beautifully with his gently waving dark hair, sudden bouts of crippling shyness, and quiet demeanour. The man rocks a man-bun with such aplomb too. Reading about his backstory makes me want to hug the stuffing out of this sweet lad, and the much repeated “we must protect him at all costs” comment is something that I strongly agree with.
Although it was a quick read, the creator has managed to pack in emotions, humour, and informative snippets into oft-misunderstood metalhead culture.
An atmospheric, slow-burn romance with a lot of intuitive grace, I enjoyed this book....more
I am well and truly entrenched in the world of BL dramas and #taekook aspirations. Reading this fuzzy, hallmarky, Christmassy M-M romance was thereforI am well and truly entrenched in the world of BL dramas and #taekook aspirations. Reading this fuzzy, hallmarky, Christmassy M-M romance was therefore a no-brainer. All the characters were nuanced, brave, lovable and ridden with hidden insecurities and worries. Watching Miles and Trent finding their rocky way towards a happily-ever-after filled my heart with joy.
There’s something about this time of the year that softens my cynical soul and makes me gravitate towards mushy, cozy (albeit cliched) romances, and this cute and unexpectedly steamy read fitted the bill. ...more
Gu Miyoung is an eighteen-year Gumiho (the legendary nine-tailed fox of Korean mythology). Daughter of the seemingly immortal and powerful Gu Yena, MiGu Miyoung is an eighteen-year Gumiho (the legendary nine-tailed fox of Korean mythology). Daughter of the seemingly immortal and powerful Gu Yena, Miyoung needs to feed on the “gi” (life force) of humans to survive. But unlike her cold and seemingly ruthless mother, Miyoung kills only those guilty of terrible acts.
Out on one of her nightly hunts, when she inadvertently saves Ahn Jihoon, a human boy, from the clutches of a dangerous Dokkaebi (goblin), it sets off a chain of unforeseen events. As she separated from her yeowu guseul (fox bead which is the Gumiho’s soul and a source of great power) in the fight, Miyoung and Jihoon find themselves stuck in the throes of a decade long feud and their own fledgling emotions.
The Wicked Fox is YA-Fantasy at its angsty best. With Seoul as its atmospheric playground, the book acts as a cross between a beloved supernatural K-Drama and an infinitely better version of the Twilight cringe-fest. Both Jihoon and Miyoung come with loads of emotional baggage, and watching them warily help each other unravel a lifetime of abandonment, familial expectations and their own undeniable attraction was healing in its own way. The strength of a good K-Drama lies in its ensemble cast, and The Wicked Fox has enough nuanced characters to keep you entertained but also emotionally invested.
My only grouse, if any, is that that the feisty Miyoung who met us at the start of the book somehow got diluted as the book progressed. I understand the immense pressure on the conflicted teenager but I just wish she would have retained some of her original steel and no-nonsense approach. However, there is a sequel which will tie up the tenuous cliffhangers of its predecessor, and I have hopes for our young Gumiho.
Thrilling, engaging, packed with the now oh-so-familiar elements of Korean culture and colloquialisms…this fantasy novel delivered. ...more
Mitsuha Miyamizu, a high-school student in a rural town of Japan is bored of her limited surroundings and wishes to be a handsome boy in Tokyo in her Mitsuha Miyamizu, a high-school student in a rural town of Japan is bored of her limited surroundings and wishes to be a handsome boy in Tokyo in her next life. Her wish comes startling true when she wakes up one day to find herself in the body of city boy Taki Tachibana. And Taki is equally shocked to find himself in Mitsuha’s body. The two intermittently switch bodies in their dreams and form an unlikely bond as they try to improve each other’s lives in unexpected ways. Though they never meet, they set rules for body-switching and leave messages for each other on paper, cellphones, and their skin.
Soon, the pang to know the person at the other end deepens but will the two youngsters be able to cross the constraints of time, magic and the ineffable but very real force that is fate at play?
Vol.1 of the 3-part manga series sets the stage effectively and leaves you with a tantalizing cliffhanger. Written as an accompaniment to Makoto Shinkai’s celebrated 2016 film, this series has been on my list for the longest time, and I am glad to finally delve into it....more
Hina, the Sunshine Girl has disappeared into the sky and left behind a finally dry Tokyo basking in sunlight. But she also left behind her heartbrokenHina, the Sunshine Girl has disappeared into the sky and left behind a finally dry Tokyo basking in sunlight. But she also left behind her heartbroken family and friends, especially Hodako. As the young boy makes a desperate attempt to bring Hina back from the “other side,” he will have to battle his inner demons, watch his past catch up with him, and understand the true meaning of friendship, love and sacrifice.
This was a short and rather satisfyingly cryptic ending to a slow yet powerful series. The artwork, especially when Hina and Hodako are carousing through the heavens and earth is so mesmerizingly executed that you forget that you are reading a manga and are instead watching a richly imagined anime (and I am still trying to find the movie online).
I will consider On or Off, Volume 4 as honeymoon filler. And oh….I am not complaining one bit. Ahn and Director Kahn finally professed their love I will consider On or Off, Volume 4 as honeymoon filler. And oh….I am not complaining one bit. Ahn and Director Kahn finally professed their love for each other (Ahn even had this “miracle” recorded) and are finally together. What follows is lot of naughty smut and lovable fluff and I am just sitting right here, shipping their relationship with all my heart. But a new challenge appears on the horizon that might just pop this cute couple’s misty bubble of contentment.
As always, this series is entertaining and ably bolstered by their colleagues, especially the ever-helpful, secretly smug, side-eye delivering Secretary Sha. Kang Daehyung continues to be the man/God of our hopeful dreams. Ahn deserves all the love, even when he gets a tad sappy.
As Ahn Yiyoung and his team settle into SJ Corporation, his interactions with Director Kang take on a more amiable and personal turn. But even after aAs Ahn Yiyoung and his team settle into SJ Corporation, his interactions with Director Kang take on a more amiable and personal turn. But even after a memorable night together, Kang’s inscrutability means that Ahn is unsure about his equation with the handsome and kind director.
While Ahn and Kang’s chemistry continues to be off the charts, what I really enjoyed in this volume was Mina’s (Ahn’s childhood friend and founder of their startup) analysis about Ahn’s love life. Diagnosed with a significant lack of empathy, she still manages to have a very accurate understanding of Ahn’s nature and his tendency to be a little unlucky in love. The friendship of Ahn and Mina is a rare and beautiful thing and it just gladdened my heart.
Yet another solid volume with some toe-curling moments. ...more
When charismatic but naïve university student Ahn Yiyoung bombs during an important presentation, he is sure that he has sunk the deal for his friend’When charismatic but naïve university student Ahn Yiyoung bombs during an important presentation, he is sure that he has sunk the deal for his friend’s startup company. But a series of unexpected incidents lead him to accept a desperate proposition from the stern and handsome Director Kang in exchange for his presentation getting atleast a decent perusal.
What follows is the rather embarrassing and shaky start to the relationship between the top executive of SJ Corporation and the newest employee who still has stars in his eyes.
On or Off, Volume 1 is precious. Despite the seemingly dodgy start, it turns out to be an absolute delight. All the main characters are endearing, be it earnest and dedicated (but slightly ditzy) Yiyoung or the enigmatic Director Kang or Yiyoung’s painfully shy and chaotic teammates. The artwork is beautiful and I think I speak about Kang when I say this because, Sweet Baby Jesus and the 12 Apostles…..that man is a walking, talking epitome of the perfect man. It helps that despite the initial impression, he is actually a decent human being to boot.
I have been following this sweet and spicy manhwa for a while now and I am thoroughly invested in this budding office romance....more
Mr.Nozue, an immense likeable boss and colleague is on the precipice of hitting forty. Accustomed to the dull yet safe routine of his daily life, he hMr.Nozue, an immense likeable boss and colleague is on the precipice of hitting forty. Accustomed to the dull yet safe routine of his daily life, he has become jaded and unwilling to pursue anything that rumbles his well-ordered world. He refuses promotions that he rightfully deserves, avoids projects that are challenging, and despite being single and handsome, is too wary to make attempts at finding a possible partner.
This irks his young subordinate Togawa, who has always looked up to his kind, talented and amiable boss. To shake Nozue out of his self-imposed doldrums, Togawa asks his startled senior to participate in an anti-aging exercise with him. This will involve silly and inconsequential things: gossiping like giddy-headed teenagers, trying out new places, indulging in treats like fluffy pancakes, waiting in long lines to try out decadent parfaits and other such whimsical activities.
As Togawa breathes zest and humour into Nozue’s life, the two inevitably get closer and Nozue, who always assumed that he was straight, finds himself falling for the kind, handsome and supportive Togawa. Shocked by these new emotions and trying to run from them, he is unaware that the earnest Togawa might just reciprocate his feelings. --- Japanese BLs always hit different with their quiet yet insightful narratives, and this is one of those rare gems that steps out of the high-school romance trope and veers into a mature relationship between two ordinary salarymen. It tackles midlife crisis, self-imposed loneliness, preconceived notions about growing old, finding love in places you never imagined and the healing power of solid relationships forged over mutual respect and empathy.
As someone who is in her forties, I understand Nozue’s fears of the unknown perfectly. We dredge ourselves in routine, responsibilities and age-related insecurities. We believe that in this phase of life, we must don the mantle of maturity and just concentrate on getting through each day with minimal stress and drama. To be plucked out of this sensible but suffocating mindset takes a different kind of determination and if you are lucky enough to find someone who helps you do just that, then please, PLEASE just grab the opportunity with at least a smidgen of faith and positivity.
Setting aside the adorable love story, Old-Fashioned Cupcake has a self-assured narrative, marked by steady pacing and great dialogue. Watching Togawa drag Nozue out of his self-inflicted andropause, made me want to enjoy the little and silly pleasures that I believe should be shelved for a woman of my age…to take better care of my health….and to not be afraid to savour new experiences.
A fine, fine read. And oh, the live-adaptation is just as enchanting. Read the book. Watch the show. ...more
Aoki has received his first pay-check and is excited to buy a birthday present for Ida, but Ida doesn’t want Aoki to waste his money on something “weiAoki has received his first pay-check and is excited to buy a birthday present for Ida, but Ida doesn’t want Aoki to waste his money on something “weird”. Aoki erupts in typical chaotic Aoki fashion. Ida is clueless as ever, but is becoming a bit more aware about what makes Aoki tick. From petty misunderstandings to testing the waters to taking their relationship to the next level, the micro-squabbles between Aoki and Ida continue. But it is always tempered by a growing maturity and genuine affection and respect for each other.
Hashimoto and Akkun are finally a couple but the astute and fair Mio wonders whether she has pushed Akkun into something that he may not have wanted in the first place.
As always, this series is a blend of fun, chaos and a strong understanding of human nature and its foibles. Aoki and all the people in his immediate circle, which now includes his taciturn co-worker Saionji bring something refreshing and positive in terms of relationship dynamics to bolster the main love-story.
The pace never lags or gets repetitive and we can look forward to more drama as Aoki will soon have to decide what he wants to do with life, career-wise....more
Aoki and Ida are finally a couple, albeit a quiet one at that. But Aoki has much more pressing worries thanks to his abysmal grades. He needs to pull Aoki and Ida are finally a couple, albeit a quiet one at that. But Aoki has much more pressing worries thanks to his abysmal grades. He needs to pull up his socks and go to cram school. Lucky enough to find an charming young tutor: Okano who seems to be affable and eager to help, Aoki is sure that he has made an understanding new friend. But when Okano discovers the truth about Aoki’s relationship, things take a troubling turn.
Yet another adorable instalment in the saga of Aoki and Ida, this volume takes on a more serious turn as it tackles the issue of homophobia. Hashimoto and Akkun are still making tremulous and hilarious steps towards developing something more defined than just friendship. What I love about this series is the unflinching support that Aoki gets from his immediate circle, and the cute and chaotic embarrassment that Aoki faces in the face of clueless Ida’s unexpectedly boyfriend-like actions.
Sweet, fluffy but capable of tackling troublesome issues with flair....more
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