Io Sakisaka

*Thank you to Net galley for allowing me to read this book. In exchange for a honest and unbiased review*
Hello Fellow Readers,

Today I have a graphic novel that I am so excited to share with you all. Ao Haru Ride, is about "Unfeminine" Futaba is reunited with First love Kou. Kou moved away years ago, before Futaba was able to confess her feelings, but now he's back. But the kind boy from middle school is no longer, in his place is a uncaring, cold boy. Can Futaba change Kou or will this love never blossom?

This was really cute story, Sakisaka did a really good job setting up the first volume and it's main characters. The writing is very sweet and felt so Innocent, painting high school as a place that I would have actually liked to be at. Before we get started one thing I really enjoyed were the little notes that the author sprinkled in. It made me feel as if it was developing a connection with the author and it gave me a bit of insight into what they were thinking as the writing was taking place something you don’t really see with other mangas. At first, I was not sure if I was going to like this. The Romance couple trope of Asshole and shy naive girl typically isn't my thing and is a bit played out but it turns out I was wrong.

While Kou is somewhat mean (but it seems mostly in a really innocent way and not a complete assholish way) there are plenty of glimpses of his more warm-hearted side. Futaba isn't just a naive girl either but as the first volume progresses we see that she Is someone who can speak her mind and do what's right when needed. There are a couple of side characters but you don't really get to know them well enough to really form a opinion. the ending really sets it up for the next Volume which I can't wait to read. Overall, this innocent little tale is exactly what I needed.… (mere)

Love Me, Love Me Not, Volume 1 by Io Sakisaka is an adorable, romantic manga that should be on everyone's must read list of 2020.

One day, a handsome man who likes like a prince from Yuna's dreams comes into her life! That same day, Yuna's best friend Satchan moves away but she meets a new friend named Akari. Akari and Yuna become quick friends, but it's suddenly obvious they have very different views on love and live. Akari wants Yuna to date her childhood friend, while Yuna believes true love is very different.

Along the way, we watch Akari and Yuna take very different paths towards the love department. Plot twists unfold to reveal some information we would never expect...

Manga like this is always fun. The pictures show a lot of emotion and the story unfolds itself naturally. This manga is far more contemporary romance and drama than the typical fantasy manga I read, but it was still an absolute delight! I found myself glued to this manga and unable to put it down - in fact, I binged the whole thing in one sitting.

My positives:
1. The illustrations are absolutely beautiful, adorable and fantastic!

2. Two opposing points of views on love. The heroines of the story idolize love in very different ways and I truly liked seeing two different perspectives instead of having just one forced on us. Bonus points!

3. The themes shown throughout this book was truly intriguing - the takes on love, friendship and jealousy.

4. The DRAMA in piece 4. My goodness.

My negatives:
1. This volume had multiple "pieces". I kind of wondered if this book was broken up like comic books are and then put into one giant volume. Either way, I was a little confused but it didn't impact my view of the story at all.

Overall, I really enjoyed this manga and I would love to continue it if given the chance. I've missed the fun romantic side of mangas and all of the drama that ensues.

Five out of five stars.

Thank you NetGalley and VIZ Media for giving me this wonderful opportunity to pick up this book early!

… (mere)

A rather unconventional subject matter for shoujo manga that rather poorly plays on the forbidden love trope, in this case, a girl in love with her cousin. (It should be noted that in Japan, I believe it is legal for first cousins to marry, but it is just not something that is commonly done.) Typical of shoujo manga, it focuses on the main character's internal monologue and emotions rather than how she might be viewed by society and the people around her. Not bad, but everything is resolved too neatly and easily.… (mere)