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Tenshi Ja Nai!! (I'm No Angel!) volume 1 by Takako Shigematsu

                     About:


                    In the play of life, all Hikaru Takabayashi wanted was to be part of the scenery, but fate had other ideas. When the 15-year-old introvert transfer to an all-girls academy, her new roomate turns out to be the super-popular TV idol Izumi Kido! As if living with a celebrity wasn't bad enough, Hikaru discovers that there's more to Izumi than her "good girl" image---she's a he! Now Hikaru's the unwilling star player in a madcap tale of deception, abduction, humiliation and blackmail---the usual romantic stuff.




My Review:





                I've read gender-bender manga before but never like this. Normally it's the girl you pretends otherwise, not the guy. Yeah there are certain chapters or one-shot of guys dressing like girls for a school play or competition but not where they do it in their everyday lives. I was very intrigued by this manga when I first saw it. I'm so glad I picked it up. It's very unpredictable and has its funny quirks. It's not cute and funny like Hana-Kimi though. Warning you about that right now. Yes, it has some funny scenes but this isn't that type of manga. It's a little more serious. I kind of like that.

                In this volume, Hikaru transfer to an elite private school hoping to just fly under the radar. She just wants the time to fly. Unfortunately that doesn't happen. First, her roommate is the idol Izumi Kido. Second, Hikaru finds out that she is a he. Third, she is blackmailed pretty badly by Izumi to keep his secret. There is absolutely no way that Hikaru is going to get what she wants.

              Hikaru is an introvert who seems to be traumatized from something in her past that made her that way. Hopefully we get more details later in the series. But anyway, she doesn't care about popularity or getting ahead by being near Izumi. All she really wants is to go through life with minimum problems. I kind if relate to Hikaru. I'm a heavy introvert who just doesn't want to be pulled into drama. I've also had bad experiences with bullies that made me this way partly. So, I kind of feel for her. I really hope to see her grow and change. Though Hikaru also looks out for Izumi and it isn't because of the blackmail which I liked a lot. I look forward to seeing more of Hikaru. Izumi is kind of a jerk. Of course he's such a sweetheart when he's a girl but when he's just himself, watch out. It seems he has his reasons but they are yet to be revealed. I'm surprised about how far he went to blackmail Hikaru. It sure made things interesting though. Truthfully, I don't have much to say about Izumi besides the fact that he's pretty mysterious and a jerk at times. I'm definitely curious about him. Though the winner for most mysterious character is probably Izumi's right hand man, Yasukuni. He does whatever he can for Izumi and will stop at nothing to keep his secret safe. We don't know too much about him or his background. Like Izumi, he seems sweet but can be vicious. I have to say that this manga has an interesting cast that I look forward to seeing again. I want to see more sides of them so much. 

               The art isn't bad at all. This is for the people who love the late 90's early 2000's art style. If you like the more current art style then you might not enjoy this type of style. I have a friend who refuses to watch the earlier anime because of the art which I think sucks since they're missing out on so much amazing anime. So if you aren't into the artwork then I guess you shouldn't try this manga. Though I think the plot is great. I love gender-bender manga. Plus, we have the new twist of a guy pretending to be a female model! I mean how great is that? I am so pumped up to read the next volume that you have no idea.

            Overall, I really enjoyed this volume. It was so great and a refreshing change from cliches. There were some things that were predictable but I enjoyed everything else that it didn't matter. It had some interesting little twists that always kept me interested. This is a high recommend for those that are fans of gender-benders or at least Hana-Kimi. Again, it's not as funny. This manga is slightly more serious but the plot is great along with the characters. I think this manga is totally worth the read. 



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Hana-Kimi volume 16-18 by Hisaya Nakajo

                         About:


        Like Father, Like sons
                        
                        Sano's younger brother Shin hasn't forgiven him for leaving home five years ago. Now that Sano and Shi are competing against each other in a high-jump event at Gakuin High, Sano is faltering under the emotional pressure. To make matters worse, Sano's estranged father shows up. Can Mixuki help Sano get his head back in the game?




My Review:




                I will never get tired of this manga. It's so funny and cute. I never stop laughing at the characters. I am so upset knowing that it's almost the end. There's 23 volumes and I know that seems like a lot considering I just finished volume 18 but when reading them in 3 in 1 editions it seems to go by so fast. This volume I think was better than the others. I mean it was funny but there was a lot more serious issues and character development which I liked a lot. I couldn't put this volume down. It was really engaging.

              This set of volumes is about how Sano and Shin are still at odds but have tosee each other because of a meet. Mizuki does her best to try to get them to make amends but that all stops short when Sano and Shin's father appears. Sano and Mizuki's relationship gets rocky as well. It also doesn't help that someone confesses to Mizuki on top of it all.

               Mizuki is just so cute and sweet. Normally I really dislike naive characters but it just really works for her. Also she doesn't always say the right things which make her seem real. She's not perfect which I really like. Most characters who are naive and sweet are perfect. They always say the right things and 99% of the time don't make mistakes. I feel like Mizuki's character grew a lot here. She had a lot of trouble being there for Sano because she had no idea what to say or do to help him. Also she had said the wrong things at times. I liked seeing her this way. She matured a lot through these three volumes. Sano as well. If you have been reading the series or have read then you know he can be a stubborn jerk at times. Well he kind of maxes out on jerkness in this set of volumes. But he also comes to some realizations and ends up self-reflecting which I thought was really cool and great. it made me fall in love with him even more. What's really cool as well is that it wasn't just Mizuki and Sano that grew. It was many of the side characters as well which I really loved and enjoyed. It made me go aww a lot. I love when characters grow. It's very heart warming. Shin grew in the fact that he finally understood why Sano did the things he did and the choices he made. I'm not saying they are the best of friends or anything but he seems to mature a little. Nakatsu also does a little growing up when he sees what both Mizuki and Sano are going through. I love Nakatsu a lot. I really want him to find someone so bad. I totally ship Mizuki and Sano but I don'e want Nakatsu to be left in the dust. I feel really proud of Nakatsu though and really admire his character. I can't get enough of him. Sekime for those of you who don't know is friends with Mizuki, Sano, and Nakatsu. He's part of their group and is obsessed with girls. He's also a pretty funny side character. He seemed to really mature in this volume. It shocked me actually. I never expected to see him grow. I loved that he got character development even though he wasn't a main character. It was really nice to see. I hope to see the other side characters grow as well.

                  The plot is still going strong and better than ever. I can't get enough of it. I just loved all the plot twists. I never expected for this to be filled with drama and character development. The art is as great as always. I also loved the cover. Well, except for the lips. They look so weird colored in. Otherwise the art and plot were absolutely amazing. I really can't get enough of it.

                 Overall, I loved this 3 in 1 edition so much. I wish it didn't end. I'm definitely going to buy the last two 3 in 1s later. I have to know how it ends. At the same time I really don't want it to. I highly recommend this series if you haven't read it yet and if you are reading the series and haven't gotten to this volume then you should get a move on. You don't know what you're missing. I absolutely can't wait to read the next volume!








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Pink Innocent volume 1 by Kotori Momoyuki

                     About:


                     Hello, Kokona here. So I just started dating my first boyfriend. His name is Renji-kun, and he's handsome and talented and supersmart. But now that we're going out, what are we supposed to actually do? Can someone please give me some advice? I'm totally clueless about love!




My Review:




               The first thing I have to mention is the description is spot on. Kokona has absolutely no idea about love and constantly blunders through her relationship with Renji. Even though real life isn't as extreme as what Kokana sometimes does, but it is spot on. I mean not many of us had any clue what to do when we had our first boyfriends or girlfriends. We just sorta stumbled through it hoping that we didn't mess up too badly. I kind of liked that aspect in this manga. I mean I was frustrated with the characters at times but I feel like it comes with the territory of this plot. 

               In this volume, Kokona starts dating Renji and it's about them understanding one another and learning more about them. Kokona makes a few mistakes as well as Renji but what do you expect from a new relationship topped with a bunch of firsts? Look out for tons of cuteness and embarrassing moments in this volume.

               Kokona is a character that I normally love as a side character. I truthfully didn't really like her at first, but that was mostly because I didn't understand her. I can't say I totally love her character but I definitely liked her a lot more at the end than in the beginning of this volume. She's a spoiled rich girl that wants attention from her boyfriend but is really cute and nice. She is also very clumsy. So you all know how well that goes. Renji is the serious calm type. He loves his computer and earns money that way. He also can be very harsh with his words. He is also stubborn like Kokona and he can have trouble admitting his feelings. Truthfully, their personalities don't sync at all. Though they seemed to have meshed slightly more by the end of the volume. I liked Renji. I liked him being serious since Kokona is so full of energy and a dreamer. I can't say I ship them right now, but I can see their potential. It is the cliche of opposites attract but it's true in real life and I guess I never get tired of that cliche. I loved Kokona's best friend. She's Kokona's rock and has the ability to ground her from time to time. I hope to see more of her in the future. I think the characters are very interesting. Hopefully I learn more about them in the next volume and have a little bit more character development.

                  The plot is really interesting and cute. I mean I know I mentioned it before but it really is a great idea to do a series about our firsts. I love that the characters have no clue what they're doing just like us. I like how unique the plot is. It's what makes me want to read the next volume. The art is cute. I especially love the eyes. All the characters look absolutely adorable. I do think Kokona's hairstyle could be better. Otherwise I had no problems with the art at all.

               Overall, This volume wasn't half bad. It could have been better maybe. I still plan on reading the next volume though because this series seems like it could be really great. I also really hope the characters develop a little bit more. I would recommend this manga to those who love cute art and relationships. Also if you're looking for a unique plot. I'm looking forward to reading the next volume.






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Spotlight Monday: Letters to Juliet (2010)

                About:


                   In Verona, Italy the beautiful city where Romeo first met Juliet there is a place where the heartbroken leave notes asking Juliet for her help. It's there that aspiring writer Sophie finds a 50-year-old letter that will changer her life forever. As she sets off on a romantic journey of the heart with the letter's author, Claire, now a grandmother, and her handsome grandson, all three will discover that sometimes the greatest love story ever told is your own.




Links to Buy:


Amazon:   http://www.amazon.com/Letters-Juliet-Amanda-Seyfried/dp/B002ZG988M/ref=sr_1_2?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1445281696&sr=1-2&keywords=letters+to+juliet

Walmart:   http://www.walmart.com/ip/Letters-To-Juliet-Blu-ray-DVD-Widescreen/14869183

Best Buy:   http://www.bestbuy.com/site/letters-to-juliet-dvd/1203603.p?id=2135461&skuId=1203603

Target:   http://www.target.com/p/letters-to-juliet-blu-ray-dvd/-/A-12882065




I loved this movie so much. I saw it when it first came out in theaters and I fell so much in love with it. This is one of my favorite romantic movies of all time. If you haven't seen it yet then you definitely should, like right now.




**If there is a manga, movie, anime, book, etc. that you love and want to shout out to the world about then comment about it below and it will appear in the next Spotlight Monday**

Monster Hunter Orage volume 1 by Hiro Mashima

                        About:


                      Shiki's mission is to wanter to the ends of the Earth to hunt down a terrifying monster of legends! His companion is Ailee, a skilled huntress who would rather have nothing to do with the airheaded Shiki. Now the excitement of the Monster Hunter games meets the creative of Fairy Tail's Hiro Mashima in a fun, thrill-filled fantasy adventure!




My Review:




                I had high expectations with this manga because it's by Hiro Mashima. Fairy Tail is one of my all time favorite animes and mangas. I can't say this is as good as Fairy Tail because it's the first volume but I didn't think it was horrible compared to it. I liked it, though it seemed a lot like Fairy Tail. I mean we have an airheaded character, guilds, and special abilities. There are somethings that are completely different though so don't think that it is a rip off from Fairy Tail. 

                This volume is about Shiki who is a monster hunter. He is searching for a legendary monster that his master was obsessed with. He's also a special kind of monster hunter that has more access than a regular monster hunter. He ends up going to a guild to find comrades to go on adventures with. There he meets Ailee is tough and coolheaded. She hates the idea of becoming comrades with someone and wants to do jobs alone. Of course, she ends up partnering up with him anyway do to some information coming to light about Shiki's master.

                Shiki is very airheaded. I actually think he's more stupid than Natsu from Fairy Tail. He just dives head first into everything and doesn't take no for an answer considering Ailee ended up as his comrade when she didn't want to be near him in the first place. I find his character amusing though I like Natsu better. Ailee is interesting. I like how she was tough and standoffish. She also seemed stuck up at times which was interesting. I wonder a lot on how she got that way. I also love her fighting style. I'm really excited to see more of her in the future. Curlon Belusas otherwise know as "The Prince" is an interesting character. I mean he's a typical bully thinking he's all that. I kind of thought he was a creep. I'm interested to see what he will do to get more power but otherwise he's in the back of my mind. Sakuya is really cute. I love her character a lot. She seems so nice and sweet which I think balances the team dynamic. I mean we have the airhead, the ice queen, and the cute blacksmith. I also love how their team is really small. I also love how strong she is. I mean she did her best to slay the monster that killed her mom and she was able to do it. I also love her weapons. They are really cool. I hope to see more sides of Sakuya.

               The plot is not bad. I mean it's not the most unique, but it isn't horrible. I hope it gets better. I would hate for it to just be a dud because it isn't done right or doesn't become unique enough. The art is really good. I love Hiro Mashima's art style. I love how rugged it looks. I also think the monsters are very cool looking. They aren't scary but don't look too cute. I love their designs. I really can't wait to see different kinds of monster. They better look different. 

               Overall, this volume was bad. It could be better and I hope to see it improve during the next volumes. I liked the characters a lot. Truthfully, the only reason I picked up this manga is because it was by Hiro Mashima. I will admit some of you may not like it because of how good Fairy Tail is but I think you would like it and should give it a shot since it's a short series. I recommend this manga to those you love, fantasy, adventure, and a little bit of comedy.







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So Cute it Hurts! volume 1 by Go Ikeyamada

                         About:


                       The Kobayashi twins, Megumu and Mitsuru, were named after historical figures, but only Megumu has grown up with a taste for history. So when Mitsuru is in danger of losing his weekends to extra history classes, he convinces his sister to swap clothes with him and ace his tests! After all, how hard can it be for them to play each other?

But Megumu can't rely on just her book smarts in Mitsuru's all-boys, delinquents paradise of a high school. And Mitsuru finds life as a high school girl to be much more complicated than he expected!




My Review:




                 This manga was absolutely adorable! I couldn't get enough of it. I always thought the description was a little weird so I avoided picking up this manga, but I ended up reading a preview of it and then couldn't wait to get my hands on it. I was so upset when I finished this volume. I really didn't want this volume to end. If you hate cute content then you should steer clear and warning to those who love cuteness. This manga could give you a nosebleed XD.

                This volume is about twins Megumu and Mitsuru who are complete opposites. One day Mitsuru asks Megumu to switch places with him because he need help passing history. Even though she says no, Mitsuru steals her clothes and wears a wig to her school forcing her to go to his. A consequence of this switch is that both of them meet someone who makes their heart flutter. Too bad they could never reveal their feelings. 

              Megumu was absolutely adorable. I mean she is just full of sweetness and freaks out about every little thing. She loves history and is such a geek. She also cares a lot for her brother. What I liked was that she was different from the cliched innocent character. I mean yeah she had many panic attacks but there were moments where she was strong emotionally too. Mitsuru is cocky, a little bit of a player, and cheeky, very cheeky. He's a tiny bit full of himself and forced Megumu to switch places with him, but he isn't uncaring. He really cares for his sister as well and does his best to make sure that the problems he causes at her school don't affect her at all. He's also can't stand bullying and will help others out when he can. He can be selfish at times but overall he's a really great guy and character. I have to say he's my favorite so far. Aoi Sanada is a very interesting character. Everyone's scared of him yet he's really nice and sweet. He's also Megumu's love interest. I'm mostly curious on why he wear's an eye patch. I keep constantly wondering what happened to make him wear one. I think it's a little too early to ship them but I'm interested to she where their relationship will go. Shino is also really cute and interesting. She can't hear or speak so I'm also curious if it's genetic or not. Mitsuru has a little bit of a crush on her. He even learned sign language so he can talk to her. Same thing, I am curious to see where their relationship will go.

                The plot is a little cliche in the fact of siblings switching places but Go Ikeyamada really spiced it up with adding in someone who's deaf and another who where's an eye patch. The plot is really engaging. It hooked me from the very first chapter. There is no getting bored here. The art is also really cute and pretty. I absolutely love the shading. It was done very well. I also love how the characters are drawn. Their eyes are absolutely gorgeous. The cover is okay but I love the colors.

              Overall, I loved this volume so much. It was very refreshing and really kept me on my toes and gave me a few laughs. I loved the characters and plot. I'm a little worried that they gained crushes so quickly but otherwise I have no problems with this manga so far. I'm really excited to read the next volume and see what happens next to both Megumu and Mitsuru. 









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