Series Review: My Gently Raised Beast volumes 1-9

  

 You can click on the cover of the book to learn more about this series on Goodreads

Format I Used: E-book

Pages: 2,600 (for all volumes)

My Rating: 4 stars

Publication Date: 2021-2023

 

Review for the series overall. As always, be careful when reading my reviews, because there might be spoilers.

*You can buy volumes 1-3 on Amazon now, with 4 and 5 up for preorder. OR you can read it in its entirety on Webtoons*

I'm quickly running out of Shojo manga to read, so I'm going through and picking up their Korean counterparts. This series is as charming as it looks, although there are some dark moments in it, so make sure to do your research on some of the trigger warnings for this series, before you dive into it. I will also say that I was glad that this wasn't an Isekai story. Not that there's anything wrong with those, it's just a nice change of pace that it's not.

I love the relationship Amon and Blondina have, and there were a few times it made me lol. The way Amon would get jealous if Briddy wasn't paying him enough attention was actually adorable. (not annoying like I thought it would be) and I loved how protective he was of her, even though he was younger than she was.

There were also a few times that it had me SO stressed out because I wasn't sure what was going to happen, and I was trying my hardest to not flip to the ending to see how things played out. And the friendships that she was able to cultivate with Lucy and her half brother, Lart.

Lart had the best and most drastic character development in the whole story, and I was glad to see it. I was hoping at least one of her half siblings would be good to her.

I was prepared to HATE Trije. I was expecting him to be a horrible person. He's not. Not really. He made some pretty crappy decisions that hurt a lot of people. But he finally realized what was happening and made some changes. He's still got a long way to go to make up, but at least it's a start.

 

Did It Make Me Cry? Yes.

ARC Review: My Coworker Has A Secret Volume 1 ~ Mushiro

 

 

Image from Goodreads. Click on the image to learn more about this book.

Format I Used: Digital ARC

Pages: 178

My Rating: 4 Stars

Publication Date: April 11, 2023

 

 

Another promising start to a new series. It moves a little slow at first, but I really enjoyed reading it. Especially since I've been a fan girl once or twice in my life, so I can kind of relate to her feelings about things. The only difference is, I don't care who knows it. If you don't want to be my friend because I like something a lot, well then... there's the door. *shrugs*

I love the interactions between Akari and Kazama, they're just so cute, together, and it feels like they balance each other out very well, and I cannot wait to see what happens next, especially with how the first book ended!

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for allowing me to read an ARC of this. All thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Did It Make Me Cry? No. But it did make me laugh a few times.

Review: The Remarried Empress Vol. 1

  Image from Goodreads. Click on cover to read more about the book.

 

Format I Used: Audiobook
Pages: 256
My Rating: 4.5 Stars

Publication Date: November 22, 2022

This book goes up to chapter 15 of the Manhwa.

So, I read this as one of the books for my 12 months, 12 books recommended by friends challenge. My sister has been on me F O R E V E R to read this. Is there a reason why I've put it off for so long? No. Not a good reason, but I figured now was a good a time as any.

I actually rather enjoyed myself while I read this. I was annoyed at the proper characters (Sovieshu and Rashta) and was charmed by the proper characters (Ummmm, hello Heinrey!)

I will say that I dislike Sovieshu way more than I dislike Rashta. He's got no right to treat Navier the way that he does (with such indifference and hostility if I'm being honest.) Unless it turns out that Rashta is some kind of sorceress... But it doesn't feel like that's the way this story is going. Who knows though lol

Heinrey has such Golden Retriever energy, and I am HERE for it. He's so eager and charming, and I hope all the best for him and Navier. 

Will I go onto Webtoons to get caught up with the rest of this series? Yes, probably. Hopefully soon, but my track record for putting things off is better than my track record for actually doing the thing I'm supposed to do.

Did It Make Me Cry? No, not yet at least.

Series Review: Takane & Hana Vol. 1-18 ~ Yuki Shiwasu

 

 

 

Image from Goodreads. Click on the image to learn more about this book.


Format I Used: E-book
Pages: Various
My Rating: 4 stars overall
Publication Date: Various

 

So this is my review for the overall series and how it made me feel. 

 

There might be spoilers, SO READ ON AT YOUR OWN RISK

I put off reading this series for F O R E V E R because the huge underage age gap made me feel icky. But I'm trying to reach a new reading goal for the year, and 18 books makes a H U G E dent in that.

The age gap was still really weird to me, but I actually ended up enjoying this story much more than I originally thought I was going to. Like, it was surprisingly wholesome. Hana was freaking hilarious, and I want to be as sarcastic as her when I grow up lol. She wasn't afraid to put Takane in his place faster than a blink, and that stayed the same throughout the whole story.

Takane was such a child, and he had a lot of growing up to do. It was super nice to see his character development, and learn some humility (a litttttttle bit anyway). He was definitely giving me Daoming Si from Meteor Garden vibes... Except, you know, a LOT less violent.

The expressions that the characters made throughout the entire series were both hilarious and ridiculous (mostly the faces that Takane and Hana made at each other) It had me in tears from laughing every once in a while.

My favorite characters were Nicola and Okamon. They were literally the best. Little Hiromi was also adorable.

I do wish that we'd gotten a little more closer at the end for some of the other characters. It just felt a tiny bit rushed to me at the very end.

I was so glad to see that there wasn't some (real) big heartbreaking scandal/drama that threatened to tear Takane and Hana apart. They had their rocky moments, but the Big Bad Thing that I was expecting to happen didn't, and that made me so happy. And Mr. Soten Takaba, that wily old man. I was thinking he'd be the biggest wrench in their plans, but he wasn't!

Overall, I'm glad that I read this series, it's funny and wholesome, and definitely worth a read through

 

Review: Nina The Starry Bride Vol. 7 ~ Rikachi

 Image from Goodreads. Click on the image to learn more about this book.


Format I Used: E-book
Pages: 171
My Rating: 5 stars
Publication Date: August 16, 2022

Okay, my feelings are starting to get hurt a little bit.

There's a lot of tip-toeing around the drama, and I need things to start speeding up. Lots more characters are introduced (not really, there's maybe like, ONE important introduction) And all I want is for Nina and Sett to be reunited. As much as I love Azure, I really really R E A L L Y love Sett. And my heart's breaking for him just a lottle.

I realize that it's being set up for some big revelation, but I'm starting to get reeeeaaallly nervous, because I don't know how many books are left in the series.

Ugh, here I go again, having to impatiently wait for the next book to come out.

PUB Day Celebration!

 

Image from Goodreads. Click on the cover to learn more about this book.

I'm sure that there's about three thousand other books being published today, but this is the one that I am MOST excited for. I've been obsessed with this series for far too long, and I'm hoping that it doesn't hurt me in the end. I am going to be so sad when it ends, and I'm even more sad that I can't own physical copies of this book because it's only a digital release.

By the time this posts on my blog I will probably have already finished the book, so please hold tight for a review.

Review: Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 16 ~ Gege Akutami

 Image from Goodreads. Click on the image to learn more about this book.


Format I Used: E-book
Pages: 192
My Rating: 4 stars
Publication Date: June 21, 2022

*DEEP BREATH IN*

*DEEP BREATH OUT*

I really REALLY just need to stop. By continuing to read this series, I get stabbed in the heart EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. And get my feelings hurt, and it's just not a good time.

But I feel this need to complete it. And that's a decision that's going to end up devastating me, I'm sure. It just shows what a glutton for punishment I am.

Review: Dengeki Daisy vol. 1 ~ Kyousuke Motomi

Click on the cover to read more about this book on goodreads.

Format I Used: Combination EBOOK
Pages: 202
My Rating: 5 stars (per my original read through)
Publication Date: July 6, 2010

I originally read this back in 2011, but I'm going back through and re reading old manga because there's not enough new ones coming out in my preferred genres... and that really really hurts my soul.

The age gap in this one is weird. But the thing that makes me the ick more is the ridiculous amount that Kurosaki smokes. Also Daisy and all his, I'm watching over you (or something similar) is giving me Edward Cullen creeper vibes lol. 

I'll leave its rating the same to honor the younger me who adored this series so much.

Series Review: Monster To Parent 1-4 ~ Ichi Sayo

 

Image from Goodreads. Click on the image to learn more about this book.


Format I Used: E-book
Pages: various
My Rating: 4 stars
Publication Date: various

This is an overall review for all 4 books. I really enjoyed this series. The whole premise was really intriguing to me, and I really enjoyed the relationship our MC had with her "brothers". Plus, the covers and the artwork are absolutely gorgeous and I am 100% obsessed with it.

I really wish there had been more books in the series, because there are still a lot of things I wish I could have seen fleshed out a little more. Especially with Kei. Like, I want to know how they made him better, and you can't just say "oh I haven't given up on you." and then just end it. Like, whaaaat. I wanted more of him and Saika, even if that just meant that they ended up being friends. But I needed more closure.

But also on Goodreads it says that the status of the series in the origin country is still ongoing, soooooo.....

Did It Make Me Cry? No

Waiting On Wednesday: Those Not So Sweet Boys Vol 7 ~ Yoko Nogiri

 This week my pick is:

Those Not So Sweet Boys Vol. 7 ~ Yoko Nogiri

Expected Publication: July 19th, 2022

Summary From Goodreads:

Midori’s refreshing candor inspires those around her, and it convinces Rei to talk to his father once more. Despite the many obstacles in their way, the young couple ultimately find an ally in him. However, the calm doesn’t last long before Midori’s father shows up unannounced! Meanwhile, Yukinojo wraps up his own loose ends…

Why I Can't Wait:

This series is so cute, and I can't wait to see how it all wraps up (at least I am assuming that this is the last book, because there are no more volumes on Goodreads.)

**WoW was originally created by Jill @ Breaking The Spine**

ARC Review: A Serenade For Pretend Lovers ~ Tochika Nekome

 

Image from Goodreads. Click on the image to learn more about this book.

 

Format I Used: Digital ARC

Pages: 163

My Rating: 3 stars

Publication Date: June 21, 2022

 

Is this storyline a little predictable? Yes. Absolutely. Will I still continue to read it, just like I continue to watch every single Hallmark movie? You betcha.

Chizuru is a little oblivious but also kind of charming? I don't know, he reminds me of Daoming Si (but, you know, a little less violent.) and with the little next volume preview at the end of this book, I can't wait to see him realize that he might actually have feelings for Akari.

I'm hoping Akari works on standing up for herself in the next few volumes, because I hate seeing her get pushed around by people and getting taken advantage of.

Thank you to Kodansha and Netgalley for allowing me to read an ARC.

 

Did It Make Me Cry? No