Manga Mondays: Boys Over Flowers Vol. 33

Manga Mondays is a meme hosted by Alison at Alison Can Read where bloggers can share their passion for reading mangas. It's a great place to get new manga titles to try and to meet new bloggers. There are only three more volumes left in this series! I'm curious to see how this series ends.

Description: While Tsukasa recuperates from his amnesia and head injury, a fellow female patient takes to visiting him. This seemingly well-meaning girl soon becomes a rival to our beloved Tsukushi. Meanwhile we catch a telling glimpse into Sojiro's past and meet his first female friend. Later, Yuki uncovers a message from this friend meant for Sojiro's eyes only.

Review: Luckily in this volume we don't have too much melodrama. The sickly sweet girl that Tsukushi meets at the hospital is infamously known for stealing other people's boyfriends. Thankfully with Tsukasa reverting to his old mean, grumpy self, he is not in the least concerned with being in a relationship. I'm sure Tsukasa will get his memory back. I'm also sure that a huge break through will happen in the next volume but I'm not exactly sure what that could be. Meanwhile  Tsukushi is still taking Tsukasa's memory loss in stride. She is trying different tactics that might help spark his memory back.
 While the drama between Tsukushi and Tsukasa is happening, I became more interested in learning more about Sojiro's storyline. We are given hints as to who he was afraid to open up his feelings to and how he had lost the girl that he cared for. Yuki is still pining for Soijiro and plans to help him make up for his regrets. I only hope that Yuki doesn't get hurt in the process. Overall this was a fun volume and it doesn't end with a cliffhanger.
 
Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: There is some minor language. Recommended for teens.

If you like this book try: Boys Over Flowers Vol 34 by Yoko Kamio, Kare Kano: His and Her Circumstances by Masami Tsuda, Mars by Fuyumi Soryo

Manga Mondays: Boys Over Flowers Vol. 32 + Aizai the Forgotten Giveaway Winner!

   Manga Mondays is a meme hosted by Alison at Alison Can Read where bloggers can share their passion for reading mangas. It's a great place to get new manga titles to try and to meet new bloggers. There are only four more volumes left in this series! I'm curious to see how this series ends.

Description: Tsukushi's on-and-off boyfriend Tsukasa is hospitalized after a gruesome head injury! While his life hangs in the balance his devious mother shows no emotion at all! Could a mother really be so heartless?! Even if Tsukasa is able to survive, he may never be the same again...

Review: Volume 32 has a good balance of romance and drama. Tsukushi and Tsukasa's mother never got along and in this volume they come to an understanding after a big confrontation between them, which nicely closes this thread to the overall plot arc. Both women realize they want what is good for Tsukasa but how they define 'good' is very different. 
The plot switches its focus to Tsukasa's well being after we learned that he was severely injured in the last volume. Now that he is out of the danger zone, Tsukushi and the F3 find out that he has selective amnesia, he has completely forgotten Tskushi and reverted back to the way he was before. I felt horrible for Tsukushi as she tried her best to jog Tsukasa's memory and fails. If that's not bad enough, there's a new rival for Tsukasa's affection who is hiding behind a wall of seemingly "real" friendliness. How long will it take Tsukasa to remember? And will this loss of memory have any harmful side effects to the relationship he and Tsukushi have worked and fought so hard for?

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: There is some minor language. Recommended for teens.

If you like this book try: Boys Over Flowers Vol 33 by Yoko Kamio, Kare Kano: His and Her Circumstances by Masami Tsuda, Mars by Fuyumi Soryo

GIVEAWAY Winner

 Thanks to everyone who entered the giveaway. Congrats to CK Ackarie on winning the Aizai the Forgotten Giveaway! I have forwarded your information to Ms. Harris. She will contact you shortly.

Manga Mondays: Boys Over Flowers Vol. 31

 Manga Mondays is a meme hosted by Alison at Alison Can Read where bloggers can share their passion for reading mangas. It's a great place to get new manga titles to try and to meet new bloggers. There are only five more volumes left in this series! I'm curious to see how this series ends.

Description: Mysterious men have knocked out Tsukushi and her boyfriend Tsukasa. The two awake to find themselves alone on a boat, a situation that reeks of the diabolical handiwork of Tuskasa's maniacal mother Kaede. Will the two of them survive this insane twist of fate?

Review: Volume 31 begins with what might seem like another diabolical plan created by Kaede, Tsukasa's mother, to separate our love birds yet again. Tsukasa and Tsukushi are kidnapped and placed on a boat with no one else on board. The two quickly start to bicker about who is responsible for this set up. What seems to be dangerous situation actually turns quite comical as the real people behind this master plan is revealed.
  Having Tsukushi and Tsukasa isolated from everyone else was actually quite nice to read. Both of these characters have fought very hard to show other people that they are serious about their relationship, however, both harbor their own insecurities such as "why do you like me?" or "do I have the capabilities to make you happy?" While it was definitely very far fetched to believe these characters having deep discussion and thoughts about their relationship instead of freaking out about being kidnapped and on a deserted island, I did like these quiet, honest moments between Tsukushi and Tsukasa.
  This volume ends in a cliffhanger as Tsukasa's kidnapping was televised all over Japan. When he is spotted, there is a huge swarm of media and press trying to ask him questions for their interviews. In a quick moment Tsukasa is falls forward and is bleeding. He has been attacked by someone in the large crowd and rushed to the hospital! Good thing I have the next volume on hand to see what happens next.

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: There is some crude humor, minor language, and a few scenes of underage drinking. Recommended for teens and up.

If you like this book try: Boys Over Flowers Vol 32 by Yoko Kamio, Kare Kano: His and Her Circumstances by Masami Tsuda, Mars by Fuyumi Soryo

Manga Mondays: Boys Over Flowers Vol. 30

Manga Mondays is a meme hosted by Alison at Alison Can Read where bloggers can share their passion for reading mangas. It's a great place to get new manga titles to try and to meet new bloggers. There are only six more volumes left in this series! I'm curious to see how this series ends.

Description: Just as Tsukushi thinks she can attend school unnoticed, the entire school starts bullying her and she finds herself in a love triangle with the two most popular boys, that’s when the real trouble begins!
 Tsukushi is drawn into the drama of the business affairs of the rich Domyoji family. This puts Kaede, Tsukushi's sworn enemy and Tsukasa's mother, in the tough position of having to show Tsukushi gratitude. Tsukushi's trip to New York takes another shocking turn when someone close to her admits his true feelings for her!


Review: Before I started reading Volume 30 of Boys Over Flowers, I was worried that this volume would ruin my enjoyable reading experience of this series. The foreshadowing of love triangle rearing its ugly head was high on the horizon as Rui became closer to Tsukushi and the drama between Tsukushi and Tsukasa took another turn when Tsukusa told Tsukushi go back home to Japan and forget him. I was so angry at Tsukasa at the end of the previous volume, but I knew there had to be a reason behind his aggravating decision and in this volume we find out why.
  While the drama is still on full force in this volume, we can see how much our characters have grown. Tsukushi doesn't waffle her feelings between Tsukasa and Rui and is upfront, honest when telling Rui how she really feels. Similarly, Rui accepts Tsukushi's decision and tells Tsukasa to not throw away his chance at happiness. Unlike Tsukushi and Rui, Tsukasa is not happy with his choice to turn Tsukushi away. He regrets his decision and tries to find Tsukushi. We find out that though he wants to be responsible and spear head his family's business, he doesn't want to do it on his mother's terms but on his own. I was surprised that I ended up liking this volume and I am sure there is more drama still to come.

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: There is some minor language in this volume. Recommended for teens.

If you like this book try: Boys Over Flowers Vol 31 by Yoko Kamio, Kare Kano: His and Her Circumstances by Masami Tsuda, Mars by Fuyumi Soryo

Manga Mondays: Boys Over Flowers Vol. 29

 Manga Mondays is a meme hosted by Alison at Alison Can Read where bloggers can share their passion for reading mangas. It's a great place to get new manga titles to try and to meet new bloggers.

Description: Things are going fairly smoothly between Tsukushi and her on-and-off boyfriend Tsukasa, but the bliss can't last for long... Deep in the heart of New York City Tsukasa's conniving mother is cooking up another evil plan to destroy her son's relationship with our beleaguered heroine. How far will Tsukushi go to be with her hardheaded beau?

Review: Tsukushi and Tsukasa have been happy for the past few volumes so it is no surprise that they run into trouble in this volume. Tsukasa and Tsukushi want to date openly, but due to the surveilance of Tsukasa's mother's security guards the couple can't. In a moment of teenage rebellion, Tsukasa and Tsukushi sneak out and go on a date..in New York City at a baseball game that is apparently aired internationally. There are many cute moments in this novel as we see Tsukasa and Tsukushi become more comfortable around each other.
  Of course Tsukasa's mother and everyone else finds out. What steps does Tsukasa's mother take this time to ensure they no longer see each other is quite smart. She definitely knows her son and plays to his weaknesses. I was a bit upset how this volume ends since it is a bit of a cliffhanger, but I'm glad that I had the next volumes to read to see what happens next. My only hope is that there is no love triangle brooding.

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: Some language and mild crude humor. Rated T for teens.

If you like this book try: Boys Over Flowers Vol 30 by Yoko Kamio, Kare Kano: His and Her Circumstances by Masami Tsuda, Mars by Fuyumi Soryo

Manga Mondays: Boys Over Flowers Vol. 28

 Manga Mondays is a meme hosted by Alison at Alison Can Read where bloggers can share their passion for reading mangas. It's a great place to get new manga titles to try and to meet new bloggers. The secondary characters take center stage in a refreshing volume of Boys Over Flowers.

Description: Tsukushi's friend Yuki is still fixated on Sojiro, a member of the F4. While struggling to understand him she immerses herself in a mysterious event from his past. Meanwhile, spies continue to track Tsukushi and Tsukasa's every move. The two of them will have to take some outlandish steps to outsmart the snoops and get some "alone time"!

Review: Volume 28 belongs to Yuki and Sojiro as Tsukushi and Tsukasa's ongoing relationship fades temporarily to the background. We witness Yuki visiting several buildings late at night in her city in search of something. While we don't know exactly what she is looking for, we can tell it is extremely important to her and Sojiro from Yuki's fierce dedication and concentration.
  The author gives us glimpses about Yuki's mission, but only Sojiro knows why and his ordinary cheery, happy-go-lucky self attitude slowly becomes serious, dark, and full of remorse. Sojiro's sudden change begins his back story as he relives his memory. Sojiro's back story is one of missed chances, regret, and the belief that one doesn't deserve love is what tugs at the heart strings. Now more than ever I really hope Yuki is able to change his mind about love, especially the emotions that involve intimacy. As we see Tsukushi and Tsukasa try and fight for their relationship, I really hope Sojiro and Yuki fight for a chance to have one. 

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: There is some language and allusions to sexual encounters though not depicted in graphic details. Recommended to teens and up.

If you like this book try: Boys Over Flowers Vol 29 by Yoko Kamio, Kare Kano: His and Her Circumstances by Masami Tsuda, Mars by Fuyumi Soryo

Manga Mondays: Boys Over Flowers Vol 27

 Manga Mondays is a meme hosted by Alison at Alison Can Read where bloggers can share their passion for reading mangas. It's a great place to get new manga titles to try and to meet new bloggers. Tsukushi and Tsukasa have reunited. Can they overcome big obstacles in order to be truly together?

Description: Tsukushi makes a shocking announcement at a party! Then her parents move into a tiny apartment, forcing Tsukushi and her brother to get their own place--next door to someone she knows. And, Tsukushi's friend Yuki is becoming increasingly infatuated with Sojiro, one of the F4. Is she willing to compromise herself for what she thinks he wants?!

Review: Tsukushi and Tsukasa are trying to make their relationship work. Instead of a third person trying to separate them, their own socioeconomic differences make the gap between them grow wider. Tsukushi is used to working and earning money to pay for the shelter over her head, tuition for school, and food to put on the table. More responsibility is placed on her shoulders when her parents decide to move to an affordable apartment, leaving Tsukushi to be responsible for her own brother and find a place of their own. Tsukushi handles the pressure with grace and finds a tiny apartment that resembles a shack. She is embarrassed to let Tsukasa know where she currently resides because it is not up to his standards, which makes Tsukushi wonder if Tsukasa will ever understand a lifestyle where luxury and money don't flow freely.
  While Tsukushi and Tsukasa work out their own issues, Tsukushi's friend Yuki steals the spotlight in this volume. Yuki is very serious about her feelings for Sojiro, a member of the F4 and a well known womanizer. Though we got clues in previous volumes of Yuki's crush, we didn't really understand the extent of them until this volume. She gathers her courage and tells Sojiro how she feels, which shocks both me and Sojiro. From the shojo mangas that I've read the female characters aren't really that aggressive and straightforward, which is why Yuki's step is quite bold and welcoming.  Sojiro isn't really sure how to deal with Yuki and tells her that he's got nothing to offer to her besides a one night stand. Yuki again shocks Sojiro and myself when she accepts his conditions. Luckily, Sojiro stops Yuki from doing something she really regrets and gives a hint to a mysterious past that has made him believe he is not worthy of love.
 I think Yuki and Sojiro would make a nice couple and I'm really curious to see if their relationship develops into anything, but I think Yuki is just too naive and sweet for someone like Sojiro. I'm also really curious as to what makes Sojiro behave the way he does and about his past, which I hope we get to find out in the next volume. 

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: There is some minor language and some crude sexual humor. Recommended for teens.

If you like this book try: Boys Over Flowers Vol 27 by Yoko Kamio, Kare Kano: His and Her Circumstances by Masami Tsuda, Mars by Fuyumi Soryo

Manga Mondays: Boys Over Flowers Vol 26

 Manga Mondays is a meme hosted by Alison at Alison Can Read where bloggers can share their passion for reading mangas. It's a great place to get new manga titles to try and to meet new bloggers. Tsukushi and Tsukasa have broken up, but they still have feelings for one another. Can they overcome big obstacles in order to be truly together?

Description: Tsukushi struggles to understand her feelings for Tsukasa, her on-and-off boyfriend, and he struggles to try and not destroy Tokyo. Will the man who came between them step aside? The meddlesome F4 try their hand at forcing Tsukushi and Tsukasa together. All the while Tsukasa's mother's spies are hot on their trail!

Review: After reading a few filler volumes where nothing happens besides Tsukushi and Tsukasa whine and pine for each other, Volume 26 is full of surprises. Tsukasa builds up his courage to fight for Tsukushi. Tsukushi is still hanging out with the new guy in order to keep her promise to Tsukasa's crazy mother, Kaede, from being far away from her son. In a beautiful three to four page spread, we find Tsukasa meeting Tsukushi and the mysterious guy as they aboard the bus as Tsukasa shows all of his vulnerabilities to  Tsukushi just by his body language, his facial expression, and of course his plea to be with him. Tsukushi, to say the least is shocked, but boards the bus anyway! I couldn't believe it and was so angry at her, but thankfully, she stops the bus and runs to Tsukasa. Finally after being so miserable, these two are a pair, but her comes the tricky part: they have to keep their relationship a secret as Tsukasa has found out that his mother has hired spies to track every move he makes.
 There are plenty of sweet and funny awkward moments between our main couple, especially as they try to keep their relationship a secret from the F3.  The F3 and company are so tired of seeing Tsukasa and Tsukushi miserable that they come up with a devious plan of their own to get these two together by kidnapping them and sticking them in a room of their own! This plan leads to more funny and sweet moments, but my favorite is Tsukushi finally telling Tsukasa that she loves him in front of everyone. It is the first time she has said those three words aloud to him!
 Along with the developments of Tsukushi and Tsukasa drama, there is a subplot brewing between Yuki and Sojiro, one of Tsukasa's best friends and member of the F4. In a previous volume, Sojiro helped Yuki get back at her cheating and good for nothing boyfriend and Yuki has started to have a crush on him. In this volume we see that for Yuki, it's more than a crush but can see win the heart of a well known playboy who might not give her what she wants? I guess we'll find out in the next volume. 

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: There is minor language, some crude humor, and a scene of underage drinking. Recommended to teens.

If you like this book try: Boys Over Flowers Vol 27 by Yoko Kamio, Kare Kano: His and Her Circumstances by Masami Tsuda, Mars by Fuyumi Soryo

Manga Mondays: Boys Over Flowers Vol 25

 Manga Mondays is a meme hosted by Alison at Alison Can Read where bloggers can share their passion for reading mangas. It's a great place to get new manga titles to try and to meet new bloggers. Tsukushi and Tsukasa have broken up. Tsukushi and Tsukasa both have feelings for one another, but can they overcome big obstacles in order to be truly together?

Description: Tsukushi has an on-and-off romantic entanglement with a hothead named Tsukasa. Tsukasa has a sketchy relationship with his even more hotheaded mother, named Kaede. Kaede has found ways to destroy her son's relationship with Tsukushi, but the couple still has lingering feelings about one another. Now a new person has entered Tsukushi's life, but will he remove Tsukasa from her life once and for all?

Review: Volume 25 is a small book filled with melodrama. Tsukushi and Tsukasa are in their own separate little worlds. It is unclear if Tsukushi is actually dating the new stranger we met in Volume 24 or putting on appearances in front of Tsukasa, but my guess it is the latter. There is a really interesting juxtaposition between the stranger and Tsukasa. Both feel entitled to be with Tsukushi yet they come from two completely different backgrounds. The mysterious loner guy is working class who Tsukushi could relate to, but his attitude that love isn't real makes Tsukushi pause and think. Ultimately, the stranger shows Tsukushi just how much she cares for Tsukasa. 
 Meanwhile Tsukasa continues to brood and be aloof. His friends try to get him to forget Tsukushi or even open up, but he doesn't. Shigeru, his one time fiancee, sits down with him and tells him to not give up on fighting for Tsukushi if he really loves her. I was surprised that Shigeru though it's obvious she has feelings for Tsukasa that are only one sided inspires Tsukasa to man up and get Tskushi back. I really hope Tsukasa takes Shigeru's advice because I really need Tsukasa and Tsukushi to be together again! I can't deal with another volume of these two whining. 
 
Rating: 3 stars

Words of Caution: There is some crude humor and minor language. Recommended for teens and up.

If you like this book try: Boys Over Flowers Vol 26 by Yoko Kamio, Kare Kano: His and Her Circumstances by Masami Tsuda, Mars by Fuyumi Soryo

Manga Mondays: Boys Over Flowers Vol 24

Manga Mondays is a meme hosted by Alison at Alison Can Read where bloggers can share their passion for reading mangas. It's a great place to get new manga titles to try and to meet new bloggers. Tsukushi and Tsukasa have broken up. Tsukushi and Tsukasa both have feelings for one another, but can they overcome big obstacles in order to be truly together?

Description (from the volume): Tsukushi has been unconscious for two days and wakes up in Tsukasa's cousins's home! This terrifying man saved her life and now he's courting her! What is the secret behind this mysterious cousin who so closely resembles Tsukasa, and what could be the reason for his intense hatred of Tsukasa? Why does Tsukasa not know anything about him?

Review: Volume 24 is set up like a mystery. There are two story lines going at the same time. One story line features Tsukushi spending time with the mysterious guy who looks uncannily like Tsukasa. The second story line features Tsukasa and Tsukushi's group of friends who are trying to figure out the real identity of the the mysterious guy. I don't want to discuss the plot further because it would spoil the huge surprise, but the suspense in this volume works really well as we are given bits and clues sprinkled throughout until the truth is finally revealed in a cliffhanger ending. I hate those!
  I really liked this volume because both Tsukushi and Tsukasa are different. Tsukushi is torn between wanting to help others and wanting to be true to herself. She her warring sides are shown quite well. Throughout this series, the socioeconomic differences between the characters have been a strong theme and it is emphasized here as Tsukushi acknowledges that she will never be on par with Tsukasa and his lavish lifestyle, but what Tsukushi doesn't understand is that Tsukasa loves her because she is different in every possible way- stubborn, willing to stand up against what's wrong, work hard at her dreams, etc. Through Tsukushi, Tsukasa learns the value of life. Like Tsukushi, Tsukasa is also in conflict with himself. He is struggling to manage his anger issues and wants to prove to himself that can be mature, take responsibility, and be worthy of Tsukushi's love.
  As for the mysterious guy, I'm a bit ambivalent towards him and don't know enough about him to make a decision. He definitely isn't good news, but he does have both shades of good and bad in him. I do think he serves an important role and hopefully, that role would lead Tsukushi and Tsukasa to be finally together.

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: There is some language and sexual innuendo. Recommended for teens and up.

If you like this book try: Boys Over Flowers Vol 25 by Yoko Kamio, Kare Kano: His and Her Circumstances by Masami Tsuda, Mars by Fuyumi Soryo

Manga Mondays: Boys Over Flowers Vol 23

 Manga Mondays is a meme hosted by Alison at Alison Can Read where bloggers can share their passion for reading mangas. It's a great place to get new manga titles to try and to meet new bloggers. Tsukushi and Tsukasa have broken up. Heartbroken but never weak, Tsukushi tries her best to move on in her life but will she really forget Tsukasa?

Description: Tsukushi ends her visit at her parents' quiet seaside home and returns to Tokyo. She is welcomed back with a "girl's night out" and ends up meeting a ton of guys! Unfortunately they all turn out to be losers. In fact, one of the boys is downright terrifying and bears a striking resemblance to a certain curly-haired ex-boyfriend! Could the be related?

Review: In Volume 22, we saw Tsukushi trying hard to get over her heartbreak with Tsukasa by immersing herself in getting a new job in order to support her family while living in the seaside village. In Volume 23, we see how Tsukasa is doing after the breakup and it isn't pretty. Broody, sulky, and incredibly hostile Tsukasa wants everyone to leave him alone. He can't make sense of Tsukushi's actions, which he constantly thinks about and declares that he is completely over her. When the F3 try to brightening his mood, he lashes out and even gets into a fist fight with them!
 Meanwhile Tsukushi is trying to make ends meet. She somehow appears on a newscast that Rui sees on tv. The next thing she knows both Rui and Tsukasa have appeared on the seaside village. She is embarrassed to see all the villagers flock to Tsukasa and ask them for their money that Tsukushi's family has promised them. In an awkward moment, Tsukasa pays all of Tsukushi's family's loans and requests that Tsukushi's family come back with them to Tokyo.
  To much of her surprise, Tsukushi is welcomed back with open arms from the F3 and her friends. Even Shigeru, the one-time fiancee of Tsukasa and now a great supporter of Tsukushi, has even lent out her swank apartment for her family to rent at a really reasonable price. Tskushi is moved to tears and is extremely grateful for her friends and their generosity.
 This volume is filled with awkward moments between Tsukushi and Tsukasa. Neither of them can stand to be in the room with the other without the memory of that rainy afternoon replaying in their minds. Tsukasa would at least like Tsukushi to be friends, but Tsukushi doesn't feel she is strong to be friends with him. In order to change her mood and take her mind of Tsukasa, Tsukushi's girlfriends go on a group date with college boys. The girls are expecting a fun time, but what they are not expecting is finding a Tsukasa looklike to find interest in Tsukushi. Who is this guy? And is he related to Tsukasa? We'll have to find out in the next volume.

Rating: 3 stars

Words of Caution: There is some language and violence. Recommended for teens and up.

If you like this book try: Boys Over Flowers Vol 24 by Yoko Kamio, Kare Kano: His and Her Circumstances by Masami Tsuda, Mars by Fuyumi Soryo

Manga Mondays: Boys Over Flowers Vol 22

 Manga Mondays is a meme hosted by Alison at Alison Can Read where bloggers can share their passion for reading mangas. It's a great place to get new manga titles to try and to meet new bloggers. Tsukushi and Tsukasa have broken up. Heartbroken but never weak, Tsukushi tries her best to move on in her life but will she really forget Tsukasa?

Description: Tsukushi has left her on-and-off boyfriend Tsukasa, his mansion, her school, and Tokyo altogether! Down and out she heads for the seaside village where her family has gone to live and work. Unfortunately her parents are about to be runt out of town. Just then, visitors from Tokyo arrive!

Review: Heartbroken Tsukushi believes the only way to completely remove herself from Tsukasa's life is to leave Tokyo completely. She quickly resigns from school and keeps the money that was reserved for tuition and spends it on her trip to join her family in the farming village.
  We haven't seen Tsukushi's family at all and we assume everything is okay with them since there has been no bad news. We, like Tsukushi, are shocked to see her family barely making ends meet at the fish village. Due to his severe sea sickness, Tsukushi's father is unable to become a fisherman but finds another job that doesn't pay much. Tsukushi's mother has been spending her time in getting loans from other people in the village in order to provide food on the table.
 When Tsukushi's family sees Tsukushi, they are thrilled that her daughter's rich beau will help them get out of the poor village. Tsukushi's mother has already been bragging on how her daughter has landed a rich guy and that she will be soon married. I find Tsukushi's parents irritating and it angers me that they don't see their daughter's true worth. Tsukushi avoids telling her parents that she has left everything at Tokyo at first, however, when she sees how her parents are just waiting for Tsukasa to come to their rescue she grows a spine and comes clean. Never wanting to be dependent on anyone, Tsukushi goes job hunting and promises everyone in the village that her family will repay everyone's loan.

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: There is some language. Recommended for teens and up.

If you like this book try: Boys Over Flowers Vol 23 by Yoko Kamio, Kare Kano: His and Her Circumstances by Masami Tsuda, Mars by Fuyumi Soryo

Manga Mondays: Boys Over Flowers Vol 21

Manga Mondays is a meme hosted by Alison at Alison Can Read where bloggers can share their passion for reading mangas. It's a great place to get new manga titles to try and to meet new bloggers. Tsukushi and Tsukasa are trying out as a couple. They survived one small argument, but are they strong enough to face Tsukasa's mother? Let's find out!

Description: Tsukasa's mother, Kaede, is back! Can Tsukushi really stay in the house of the woman with whom she is at war?! Kaede takes a new and vicious tack in her obsession to tear Tsukushi away from her upper class son. If Tsukushi can't be bribed, then maybe Kaede can destroy the lives of Tsukushi's friends! Tsukushi is forced to take extreme measures-but what course will she choose?!

Review: Wow, I couldn't turn the pages in this volume fast enough. Volume 21 is filled with tension, drama, and heartache. Tsukushi and Tsukasa survived their first argument since they've announced that they are dating. The argument which had Tsukasa punching Tsukushi's best friend's womanizing boyfriend, actually brought Tsukasa and Tsukushi together and displayed the F4's loyalty to their friends.
  Now a bigger threat has arisen and it's going to need everyone's help to keep Tsukasa and Tsukushi together. Kaede, Tsukasa's nightmare of a mother, is back and she is not happy (boy, that's an understatement!) when she discovers that Tsukushi has been living in her house and dating her son. Normally, I would say that Kaede's mama bear reaction is to protect her son, but Kaede has not displayed any motherly affections to her children and therefore I couldn't muster up any sympathies for her. Within a heartbeat, Kaede throws Tsukushi out of the mansion without hearing a word from Tama, the mansion's housekeeper and the nanny to Tsukasa and his sister. Tama defended Tsukusi but her reason fell on Kaede's deaf ears. Tsukushi tells Kaede that she is not afraid of her and to do her worst! When the news of the confrontation reaches Tsukasa, he is even more in love with his girlfriend, but what happens next is what neither Tsukushi nor Tsukasa had anticipated.
 By observing Tsukushi, Kaede zeroes in one of her weaknesses: her absolute loyalty to her friends. Within minutes two of Tsukushi's very close friends report their fathers have been laid off from work without any explanations. Tsukushi realizes this is Kaede's work. Now Tsukushi has to make a very hard choice: saving the financial stability of her friend's family or continue to love Tsukasa. In a beautiful illustrated scene in which Tsukushi's inner turmoil is fully displayed, she makes the decision to break her own and Tsukasa's heart.
  The volume ends on a beautiful and heartbreaking two page spread where it's raining heavily and only Tsukushi and Tsukasa appear at a far distance from one another. Tsukushi tells Tsukasa that she can longer be with him because she never loved him and keeps Kaede's actions a secret. While I haven't been the biggest fan of Tsukasa in this series, my heart broke for him. You can clearly read the hurt, devastation, and shock on his face. What is next in stored for Tsukushi and Tsukasa? Will Tsukasa fight for Tsukushi? I guess we'll  have to find out in the next volume!

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: There is some minor language. Recommended for teens and up.

If you like this book try: Boys Over Flowers Vol 22 by Yoko Kamio, Kare Kano: His and Her Circumstances by Masami Tsuda, Mars by Fuyumi Soryo

Manga Mondays: Boys Over Flowers Vol 20

  Manga Mondays is a meme hosted by Alison at Alison Can Read where bloggers can share their passion for reading mangas. It's a great place to get new manga titles to try and to meet new bloggers. It's official! Tsukushi and Tsukasa are a couple in Volume 20, but their relationship last beyond this volume? Let's find out!

Description: Tsukushi has agreed to be Tsukasa's girlfriend! But there's a hitch-she'll go out with him for only two months to see if she can truly love him. Tsukasa is off to a bad start when he ends up smacking the new boyfriend of Tsukushi's best friend Yuki at the end of a double date, making Tsukushi furious. What happened betweeen Yuki's boyfriend and Tsukasa? Is Tsukushi and Tsukasa's relationship over?

Review: Volume 20 has a stronger emphasis on the romance of this series. Tsukushi is now living in Tsukasa's mansion. She is on egg shells, fearing Tsukasa's mother would rear her ugly head around but luckily, Tsukasa's mother is away on another overseas project. Phew, crisis averted! Now Tsukushi has to keep her current residency under wraps, but this doesn't last very long since any news concerning any member of the F4 doesn't stay hidden for very long.
  What I found interesting in this manga series is that the romance doesn't happen very quickly, at least from Tsukushi's point of view. She has always been hesitant to fall for anyone, which is one of the things that I love about her, but lately she has been seeing a more human side of Tsukasa where he is considerate, generous, and just as awkward when it comes to expressing his own emotions and need for intimacy. After a deep discussion, Tsukushi and Tsukasa have reached an understanding-they will date for a two month trial period. If the relationship works out, they will continue. If it doesn't, they will no longer talk or pursue it. Tsukushi is somewhat okay with the plan because there is no pressure on her and Tsukasa is happy just knowing that he is given a chance to show Tsukushi how much he loves her. As as reader, I was really curious to see how long this relationship could last considering Tsukasa's track record of being a hot head.
  Unfortunately, it doesn't take much for the relationship to stumble into trouble when Tsukushi and Tsukasa go on a horrible double date with Tsukushi's best friend, Yuki, and her current boyfriend. Throughout the date, Yuki's boyfriend tries to instigate trouble and get arise out of Tsukasa by pushing on Tsukasa's buttons. Tsukasa's patience quota runs out and punches Yuki's boyfriend. For the rest of the volume we follow Tsukushi as she learns the truth about what happened on that double date. To much of a surprise of my own, I took Tsukasa's side in this volume and it was funny watching Tsukushi's initial reaction to lash out at him and then come to terms that he was right. I hope these two can get their act together and I'll be interested to see how they handle the next bump in the road!

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: There is some language and crude humor. Recommended for teens and up.

If you like this book try: Boys Over Flowers Vol 21 by Yoko Kamio, Kare Kano: His and Her Circumstances by Masami Tsuda, Mars by Fuyumi Soryo

Manga Mondays: Boys Over Flowers Vol 19 + Counting to D Giveaway Winner!

 Manga Mondays is a meme hosted by Alison at Alison Can Read where bloggers can share their passion for reading mangas. It's a great place to get new manga titles to try and to meet new bloggers. Volume 19 is filled with over the top silliness but it also shows character development in Tsukasa, a character that I don't particularly love but holds my curiosity.

Description: When Tsukushi is left homeless, she has no choice but to become a maid in the mansion of her one-and-off boyfriend, Tsukasa. Not only that, but she becomes his own personal maid! Her duties include the dreaded task of waking him up in the morning, a job normally left to three people. Then Tsukasa orders her to come to his room unseen at midnight, causing Tsukushi to panic. Will this pull bring them closer together or push them further apart?

Review: Romance takes the stage with this volume of Boys Over Flowers. Tsukushi and Tsukasa are in a very awkward situation. Now that Tsukushi's home is destroyed, she finds solace in Tsukasa's mansion but she refuses to be a burden on his family. She insists to work for the shelter and food, but she is not prepared to take on the role the senior housekeeper gives her: to be Tsukasa's personal maid!
  Interestingly enough Tsukasa does not want Tsukushi as his maid and puts up a fight to give Tsukushi another job. Tsukasa doesn't want Tsukushi to be treated as a servant and this is a real change in his behavior and attitude. The old Tsukasa we've met in the first installments of this manga would have relished the thought of bossing Tsukushi to do his bidding, seizing every opportunity to show his power and superiority. The new Tsukasa is less focused on stature and wants to show Tsukushi is that he is more than the average stuck up, spoiled rich boy and that is capable of being a serious relationship.
  It takes Tsukushi a while to notice the change in Tsukasa's behavior. She always expects the worst of him, but she does admit that he is really trying to change. She even likes the sensitive and playful Tsukasa, but will he remain this way? And if he is still persistent of wanting to be in a relationship with him, will she say yes?

Rating: 3.5 stars

Words of Caution: There is some language and crude humor. Recommended for teens and adults.

If you like this book try: Boys Over Flowers Vol 20 by Yoko Kamio, Kare Kano: His and Her Circumstances by Masami Tsuda, Mars by Fuyumi Soryo

GIVEAWAY WINNER

 Thank you all for participating in the Counting to D giveaway. Congrats to Melissa from Books and Things on winning the ARC to Kate Scott's Counting to D! Melissa, I sent you an email. Please reply with your contact information by the end of the day so I can ship the book to you. 

Manga Mondays: Boys Over Flowers Vol 18

  Manga Mondays is a meme hosted by Alison at Alison Can Read where bloggers can share their passion for reading mangas. It's a great place to get new manga titles to try and to meet new bloggers. A new romance story arc is slowly forming in the next few volumes of Boys Over Flowers albeit with some obstacles and awkward moments.

Description: When the Makino family's finances hit rock bottom yet again, they decide to move to the countryside so Tsukushi's father can earn a living as a fisherman. Poor Tsukushi is left behind in their apartment to try her hand at independent living. A few guests stop by, one most unwelcome--Tsukasa's mother! Tsukushi stands up to the domineering woman, effectively declaring war. Then a housewarming gift from the F4 wreaks havoc on the apartment, leaving Tsukushi homeless! Will anyone take her in?!

Review: Volume 18 was a fun read full of awkward moments for Tsukushi and Tsukasa. Tsukushi's family is once again in financial peril. Her parents have decided that they and Tsukushi's younger brother will move to a fishing village in order for Tsukushi's father to get a job. When Tsukushi insists she joins her family, her parents refuse and tell her that she must continue her schooling and indirectly keep Tsukasa interested in her. It's frustrating how Tsukushi's parents view Tsukasa as their panacea for their financial troubles without even caring how he treats their daughter, but I like how Tsukushi refuses to let anyone solve her own problems.
  Meanwhile Kaede, Tsukasa's domineering mother has found out that Tsukasa's engagement is broken and visits Tsukushi to remind her that she is worthless and no good for Tsukasa. Tsukushi is a moment full of rage, accepts whatever challenges that Kaede wants to give her and indirectly gives Tsukasa hope that she does care for him in more of a love interest way.
  On a high for standing up to a new bully, Tsukushi spends a few blissful days making over her parents house. When the F4 visit her, they are shocked to see how "simple" Tsukushi lives and orders her brand new furniture as a homecoming gift, which is incredibly thoughtful except the furniture is so heavy that it breaks the floors of her house making it unlivable. Now Tsukushi is homeless and running out of choices until one very unlikely solution arises: live in Tsukasa's house. Will Tsukushi accept the invitation? And under what terms is she to live in the Tsukasa's mansion? Find out in the next volume of Boys over Flowers!  

Rating: 3.5 stars

Words of Caution: There is mild language in this volume. Recommended for teens and adults.

If you like this book try: Boys Over Flowers Vol 19 by Yoko Kamio, Kare Kano: His and Her Circumstances by Masami Tsuda, Mars by Fuyumi Soryo

Manga Mondays: Boys Over Flowers Vol 17

 Manga Mondays is a meme hosted by Alison at Alison Can Read where bloggers can share their passion for reading mangas. It's a great place to get new manga titles to try and to meet new bloggers. In Volume 17 of Boys Over Flowers, romance is clearly in the air albeit with some obstacles and awkward moments.

Description: Tsukushi and Tsukasa get some quiet time together after they escape the mess of his birthday party, but this quiet can't last for long. Tsukasa's feelings for Tsukushi have at long last been made clear, but Tsukushi is more confused than ever about her feelings about him. Meanwhile, Tsukasa's domineering mother, Kaede, is brewing up plans to keep them apart forever, and she might have found just the thing to do it when she introduces him to his new fiancee!

Review: Love triangles in mangas can be a strange thing. Some love triangles are like novels that take the entire series to figure out which pair will win and others featured in Boys Over Flowers are thankfully short-lived and entertaining. In an effort to split up Tsukushi and Tsukasa, Kaede, Tsukasa's over bearing mother, arranges Tsukasa's marriage without any warning and suddenly he has a fiancee named Shigeru.
  Shigeru is a stark contrast to Tsukushi. She immediately picks up her responsibilities to be a fiancee much to Tsukasa's chagrin. Tsukasa has eyes firmly set upon Tsukushi but since she is not fighting for him, he tries to forget her and dates Shigeru though it's very clear that the relationship is only one-sided. It was hard to see Shigeru try so hard to get Tsukasa's attention and I felt bad for her.
  Volume 17 kicks off the romance of the series which has been playing quietly in the background. For the first time Tsukasa feels awful for his bad temper and apologizes, which is a huge step for him. Similarly Tsukushi finally feels a void and is actually jealous of the time that Shigeru is spending with Tsukasa. The romance between Tsukushi and Tsukasa have been uneven and at many times one-sided, however, I definitely see a shift to mutual attraction as Tsuskasa continues to grow as a character. By the end of this volume, misunderstandings are cleared and a new path is cleared for a potential Tsukasa and Tsukushi relationship, but will they take it?

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: There is some language, crude humor, and implied nudity. Recommended for teens and adults only.

If you like this book try: Boys Over Flowers Vol 18 by Yoko Kamio, Kare Kano: His and Her Circumstances by Masami Tsuda, Mars by Fuyumi Soryo

Manga Mondays: Boys Over Flowers Vol. 16

 Manga Mondays is a meme hosted by Alison at Alison Can Read where bloggers can share their passion for reading mangas. It's a great place to get new manga titles to try and to meet new bloggers. In Volume 16 of Boys Over Flowers, Tsukushi can no longer ignore how Tsukasa feels about her, but she return his feelings?

Description: Tsukasa's 18th birthday doesn't go smoothly at all! Tsukushi is introduced to Kaede, Tsukasa's mother, by way of falling over a table and causing a scene. Kaede tells her to get out, but Tsukasa defends her by declaring that she is precious to him. Thus begins a three-sided war between the three most headstrong people you've ever seen! Tsukushi and Tsukasa get away for a while and spend some time on Tsukasa's boat, but they can't hide from Kaede forever.

Review: Volume 16 is filled with melodrama and hilarity. Tsukushi does not know how to make a great first impression. After being covered with food on her dress after her disastrous fall, she meets Tsukasa's mother, Kaede, a woman even the high society of Japan is afraid of. Kaede doesn't hold back her disgust about Tsukushi and doesn't miss a beat to insult and humiliate Tsukushi about her family's poor financial status. To everyone's shock, Tsukasa stands up for Tsukushi and in a loud, clear voice declares that he loves Tsukushi and that she is very dear to him. They leave abruptly for Tsukasa's yacht and spend sometime together while Kaede spends her time in concocting a plan to get rid of Tsukushi.
  While at the Tsukasa's yacht, Tsukushi finds herself confused yet again about her feelings about Tsukasa. How can he in one minute be the biggest jerk she ever met and in the next minute be incredibly sweet? It's the same question that I have as a reader. It's very easy to write Tsukasa off as a jerk, but he does have some great moments where you see a positive side of him and now you're confused as to what to think of him. I do like the ambiguity of his character and I can definitely understand why someone like Tsukushi who has a good head on her shoulders is confused about Tsukasa.
  As this volume closes, we get to see how truly manipulative Kaede can be in getting what she wants. She not only bribes Tsukushi's family to prevent her from spending time to Tsukasa but also brings another character into what could be the manga series's second love triangle! Will Tsukushi's feelings for Tsukasa become clearer? Will Kaede's plan of separating Tsukushi and Tsukasa be successful? We'll find out in the next volume!

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: There is some crude humor and minor language. Recommended for teens and up.

If you like this book try: Boys Over Flowers Vol 17 by Yoko Kamio, Kare Kano: His and Her Circumstances by Masami Tsuda, Mars by Fuyumi Soryo

Manga Mondays: Boys Over Flowers Vol 15

  Manga Mondays is a meme hosted by Alison at Alison Can Read where bloggers can share their passion for reading mangas. It's a great place to get new manga titles to try and to meet new bloggers. In Volume 15 of Boys Over Flowers, Tsukasa learns what retribution means and we meet Tsukushi's harshest enemy yet!

Description: Junpei has promised to protect Tsukushi and always be there for her. His promise comes just in time, since Tsukushi has been given another of the infamous "red slips," the mark of someone targeted for abuse. Meanwhile, Akira and Sojiro are desperately looking for Tsukasa, who has been gone for days. It turns out that Junpei harbors a terrible grudge against Tsukasa and is using Tsukushi as bait to get him! This has shockingly violent results. Later Tsukushi gets dressed up and attends Tsukasa's birthday party. Little does she realize the implications that attendance has!

Review: One of the main themes of Boys Over Flowers has been bullying. For most of the series thus far, those who are less well off have been the victims of bullying; however, things change when Tsukasa becomes the victim and like the cliche goes, gets a taste of his own medicine. I liked how the author does a role reversal and questions if getting revenge does make things even or just keeps the cycle of violence repeating. While I felt bad for Tsukasa as he gets severely injured, there was a small part of me felt that he needed to understand how others feel when he puts them down. Will Tsuskasa's violent behavior change? Yes and no. After reading up to volume 20, I do see him changing in that he begins to understand other people's feelings.
  In addition to the bullying plot, we are introduced to Tsukasa's intimidating and stone cold mother. Tsukasa's mother has her own plans and doesn't plan on using her children as pawns to get her way. I definitely see where Tsukasa gets his aggressiveness from and I wonder if the author is trying to make her readers understand why Tsukasa behaves the way he does, but interestingly enough she doesn't seem to condone his behavior. At the end of the volume, Tsukasa clearly states his feelings for Tsukushi in front of everyone at his birthday party and for once there is nothing to impede Tsukushi's understanding. How does Tsukushi exactly feel about Tsukasa? Is she willing to give a relationship with Tsuskasa a chance? I guess we'll have to find out in the next volume!

Rating: 4 stars 

Words of Caution: There is some strong violence and minor language. Recommended for teens and adults.

If you like this book try: Boys Over Flowers Vol 16 by Yoko Kamio, Kare Kano: His and Her Circumstances by Masami Tsuda, Mars by Fuyumi Soryo

Manga Mondays: Boys Over Flowers Vol 14

  Manga Mondays is a meme hosted by Alison at Alison Can Read where bloggers can share their passion for reading mangas. It's a great place to get new manga titles to try and to meet new bloggers. Boys Over Flowers is not overly romantic than the other shojo mangas that I've read. Though there is chemistry between Tsukushi and Tsukasa, there are plenty of moments and instances that suggest they are not right for one another. Perhaps this will change as the series comes to its climax?

Description: Tsukasa's raucous behavior at Tsukushi's junior high school class reunion has her fed up with him once again. Tsukasa is crushed by this but is too stubborn to apologize. Later, Tsukushi is assaulted by two school girls and then rescued by a "young nerdy boy" who returns out to be Junpei, a famous male model who has been dying to meet Tsukushi! Her dumb luck then gets her involved in a photo shoot with him, and she ends up on the cover of a famous magazine. This causes quite a scene at school, but not nearly as big a scene as when Tsukasa finds the two of them together!

Review: Boys Over Flowers manga series can get a bit repetitive in terms of plot, but it still manages to pique my interest with how the characters deal with a particular situation. This volume begins with a dramatic start. Tsukushi is enjoying a reunion dinner with her junior high friends at a local restaurant. Tsuksasa and the rest of the F4 appear and begin making fun of the group. Tsukasa sneers at their lower social status and even begins a fight! Tsukushi is humiliated and furious so much so that she smacks Tsukasa for his unruly behavior in front of everyone and tells him she never wants to seem him again. Everyone in the manga gasped and I did too! I never thought Tsukushi would have that much guts in her.
  News of the argument between Tsukasa and Tsukushi spread like wildfire at school. Tsukushi is mistreated by Tsukasa's groupies and later saved by an unnamed, mysterious boy named Junpei.There is something sinister about Junpei in that he is super sweet. Tsukushi actually finds out that he is the brother of one of her junior high friends and is a very famous model who disguises himself like Clark Kent.  Meanwhile Tsukasa is no where to be seen. The F3 look for him and tell him that he was in the wrong and should apologize to Tsukushi. The proud Tsukasa has never apologized in his entire life and doesn't know how! Once Tsukasa gets the courage to apologize to Tsukushi, he finds out that she is spending time with Junpei who he has known in the past! Who is Junpei really? What is his connection to Tsukasa? We'll find out in the next volume!
 

Rating: 3.5 stars

Words of Caution: There is some minor language and violence. Recommended for teens and up.

If you like this book try: Boys Over Flowers Vol 15 by Yoko Kamio, Kare Kano: His and Her Circumstances by Masami Tsuda, Mars by Fuyumi Soryo