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ホットギミック [Hot Gimmick] #12
Hot Gimmick, Vol. 12
Neighbors in Love!
In company-owned rabbit-hutch apartments live tenants who can't afford to live anywhere else, and the apartment complex in which high-school girl Hatsumi Narita lives is ruled over by the rumor mongering, self-righteous Mrs. Tachibana. Get on Tachibana's bad side, and life becomes hell. When Hatsumi has to buy a pregnancy test because her popular sister Akane is late, Mrs. Tachibana's son, Ryoki, who used to bully Hatsumi as a kid, promises not to tell the world about Hatsumi's secret only if she becomes his slave. Suddenly Azusa, Hatsumi's protector in their youth, reappears to save her again! He's moving back into the neighborhood! Despite the budding romance between Hatsumi and Azusa, Ryoki has control over her through the secret that could ruin the lives of everyone in Hatsumi's family, and he hasn't forgotten who his slave is!
Final Volume!
Normally, most teenage girls would be beside themselves with joy to have not one but three hot-as-they-want-to-be men in their lives, and if that were all that mattered, Hatsumi Narita would have been crowned Queen of Happiness a long time ago. But such is not the case. Her hunky childhood friend (now an über-studly male model) has tried to ruin her life on several occasions, her dreamy older (and adopted) brother wants to run off with her, and her cute on-again, off-again ad infinitum boyfriend continues to be the world's biggest jerk. Who on earth will she finally choose? Or will Hatsumi remain hopelessly hapless to the bitter end?
All this and more in the heart-pounding final volume of Miki Aihara's Hot Gimmick , one of the most talked-about shôjo manga in both America and Japan!
In company-owned rabbit-hutch apartments live tenants who can't afford to live anywhere else, and the apartment complex in which high-school girl Hatsumi Narita lives is ruled over by the rumor mongering, self-righteous Mrs. Tachibana. Get on Tachibana's bad side, and life becomes hell. When Hatsumi has to buy a pregnancy test because her popular sister Akane is late, Mrs. Tachibana's son, Ryoki, who used to bully Hatsumi as a kid, promises not to tell the world about Hatsumi's secret only if she becomes his slave. Suddenly Azusa, Hatsumi's protector in their youth, reappears to save her again! He's moving back into the neighborhood! Despite the budding romance between Hatsumi and Azusa, Ryoki has control over her through the secret that could ruin the lives of everyone in Hatsumi's family, and he hasn't forgotten who his slave is!
Final Volume!
Normally, most teenage girls would be beside themselves with joy to have not one but three hot-as-they-want-to-be men in their lives, and if that were all that mattered, Hatsumi Narita would have been crowned Queen of Happiness a long time ago. But such is not the case. Her hunky childhood friend (now an über-studly male model) has tried to ruin her life on several occasions, her dreamy older (and adopted) brother wants to run off with her, and her cute on-again, off-again ad infinitum boyfriend continues to be the world's biggest jerk. Who on earth will she finally choose? Or will Hatsumi remain hopelessly hapless to the bitter end?
All this and more in the heart-pounding final volume of Miki Aihara's Hot Gimmick , one of the most talked-about shôjo manga in both America and Japan!
192 pages, Paperback
First published October 26, 2005
9 people are currently reading
195 people want to read
About the author
Miki Aihara
98 books130 followersMiki Aihara (相原実貴 AIHARA Miki) is a Japanese female manga artist noted for creating the manga series Hot Gimmick and the series Tokyo Boys & Girls. She debuted with the series Lip Conscious in the manga magazine Betsucomi.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
September 26, 2014
Worst ending ever!
August 12, 2011
That's how it ends!? How terrible is that!? Super disappointed! Although, in all fairness after about Volume 3 I wasn't really enjoying the plot or the characters at all ... I just continued reading in, the now obviously vain, hope that Hatsumi would come to her senses and ditch all of the jerks around her.
The only upside of this series is Subaru's and Akane's relationsip. How cute are they!
The only upside of this series is Subaru's and Akane's relationsip. How cute are they!
November 25, 2015
You have got to be kidding me. This ended so wrong, in so many ways. I think I'd seek out the novelization/alternate ending "Hot Gimmick S" just because this should NEVER have been the ending. Ever.
Never ever
.
This series started out promising, hence my early ratings in the 3s and even 4s, but just kept slipping downhill, and never recovered anything. I think I'd actually prefer to give this specifically 0 or negative-something stars as a whole series. Yes, that bad. It went wrong in so many ways, and is a horrible reference/model/anything for its target audience.
This series started out promising, hence my early ratings in the 3s and even 4s, but just kept slipping downhill, and never recovered anything. I think I'd actually prefer to give this specifically 0 or negative-something stars as a whole series. Yes, that bad. It went wrong in so many ways, and is a horrible reference/model/anything for its target audience.
January 1, 2017
Oh God.. the ending of this manga was so dumb. They're going to get married? Kinda rushed and stupid. Plus, she took back the asshole who is so controlling that he wants her to care only for him and not care for her family. Stupid. But if that wasn't stupid enough SHINOGU BECOMES A MONK. Yep. Apparently Hatsumi is so desirable, that if he can't have her he has to become a monk?
This manga is absolute trash. It is not romantic, it is abusive.
Somebody as controlling, sexually, physically and emotionally abusive as Ryoki should never be romanticised. Nobody should ever be pressured to have sex, be called a slave, be shouted at and insulted, be dragged all over the place or isolated from their family and friends. Everyone in this manga is fucked up - Ryoki and Azusa are assholes (Aihara, you can't have these characters do attrociaous things, and forgive them for the few nice things they might do), Hatsumi is so rediculiously dumb that she allows herself to be in horrible relationships and then wonders why she's upset. Shinogu likes to play the nice guy, but he's letching over his 'sister'. The only characters I liked were Akane and Subaru, and I appreciated the little story at the end dedicated to them,
The extra story at the end - 10 Days - was also ridiculous, about a 16 year old girl who's going to marry a 30 year old man because she's on the rebound. I mean.. surely that's illegal. Even if not, it's just... ewww.
Miki Aihara - you need to sort out your ideals of romance. If this is what you condsider romance, then you need to get your head checked.
This manga is absolute trash. It is not romantic, it is abusive.
Somebody as controlling, sexually, physically and emotionally abusive as Ryoki should never be romanticised. Nobody should ever be pressured to have sex, be called a slave, be shouted at and insulted, be dragged all over the place or isolated from their family and friends. Everyone in this manga is fucked up - Ryoki and Azusa are assholes (Aihara, you can't have these characters do attrociaous things, and forgive them for the few nice things they might do), Hatsumi is so rediculiously dumb that she allows herself to be in horrible relationships and then wonders why she's upset. Shinogu likes to play the nice guy, but he's letching over his 'sister'. The only characters I liked were Akane and Subaru, and I appreciated the little story at the end dedicated to them,
The extra story at the end - 10 Days - was also ridiculous, about a 16 year old girl who's going to marry a 30 year old man because she's on the rebound. I mean.. surely that's illegal. Even if not, it's just... ewww.
Miki Aihara - you need to sort out your ideals of romance. If this is what you condsider romance, then you need to get your head checked.
January 2, 2016
I should have known from the penultimate volume that the final volume was going to be a let down. Seriously, there were so many chapters building to an end and it all just felt rushed. It seemed more like the mangaka was so infinitely sick of working with the story that she just wanted it over as soon as possible. Yes, Hatsumi ends up with Ryoki, but new issues are introduced. The story should have ended with the penultimate chapter. While, I still wouldn't have been thrilled, I would have felt like things came to a natural close. The characters had chose each other and they made up. The final chapter rather than reaffirming their relationship, it throws in a new set of hardships for the characters to deal with. However, knowing that it is the end, a half assed ending is concocted of what they will supposedly do. This didn't work for me at all.
Hot Gimmick is not a manga I would recommend to anyone. The highlights are far too rare to justify it.
Hot Gimmick is not a manga I would recommend to anyone. The highlights are far too rare to justify it.
August 3, 2016
I don't know what made me read this series to the end, but I really was angered by how it ended. This story promotes everything women are trying to get away from; objectification from men and abuse.
June 3, 2021
Alrighty, here we go!
I just want to start off by saying two things.
1) The first half of the book was better than the later half. But why? Well, the first half set up the entire story well, it could've gone in any direction and the characters had so much potential to be anything! I was hungry for every volume, it was entertaining, although very problematic. However, the second half kind of disappointed. The ending wasn't good (I'll go in depth about that soon), there was no character development WHAT SO EVER! It was so disappointing! I wanted Ryoki to learn from his mistakes and for Hatsumi to grow up, so they could have a good relationship in the "future".
2) That ending, was terrible. It was very anticlamtic. We were going through all of this drama and then........it just stops? Like, the last line makes NO sense. There are so many questions left unanswered because it did just abruptly end. THIS IS WHY IT HURTS TO READ SERIES BECAUSE IM NEVER SATISFIED WITH THE ENDING! There was no growth or development between the two so I was just left like 0_0. I wish we got to see their future more, like if they actually got married or not.
Everything else I have to say about this book is spread throughout my other reviews on the volumes if you want to check it out! So, I'm just going to briefly discuss them.
- Shinogu deserved better, such a kind, mature man who just wants to be there for his family and not mess up its dynamic. I didn't like how Hatsumi played him because she was just going feral with her emotions.
- This series romanticizes and uses controlling, manipulative, and abusive men as entertainment. It's not something to promote or use to help boost your series. It's common in manga and I can't tell if the authors realize this problem or are just following its trend. In no way do I condone this behavior. However, if I were to pull these parts of the book away from the good bits, it would be a good series over all.
- Ryoki's childhood and past doesn't give him an excuse to be this rude. Does he know better? No. But, has anyone (*cough, cough* Hatsumi) take the time and speak to him in a normal manner and try to teach him/make him understand the right way to love someone. If Hatsumi stood up for herself once, and I don't mean by "sleeping" with her brother, maybe their relationship could have been healthier. She could've taught him the way to love. But who knows, maybe they develop into something beautiful in the "future". BUT WE WILL NEVER KNOW AS THE ENDING WAS CRAP. If we take this one fatal flaws of his away, I do think they would have a happy and fun like together. They just need to grow up and learn. I liked reading about them.
- Akane and Subaru were the cutest couple, also the couple the showed the most maturity! When they had an issue that needed to be worked out, the other never left their side. They ran right back and TALKED it out like a normal/healthy couple. They were so adorable omg AH! I want a spin of with just these two. I loved them!
- The whole biological brother dad affair drama thing became...........so irrelevant and anticlimatic? It was prevalent in the previous volumes, I mean it caused SO many problems between everyone. But, we find out what happened and nothing....was...made...out...of...it? Like, it just ended?
- Azusa is an ass. I dislike him so violently. Ryoki has behavioural due to his childhood, but that can be fixed with time and proper love. Azusa is just straight up evil. He got better towards the end of the series and I think he has potential to be a decent person. But, when I say that I mean he only just started being a decent person in THE LAST VOLUME. He was beyond a jerk.
So overall, did I find this series entertaining? YES YES YES (majority the second half though)! It kept me on edge and I always wanted to pick up the next volume. The storyline was unique and I loved a FEW of the characters and what they could be! If I were to rate this series with taking out all of the problematic things I would rate it a very solid 4/5. I loved it so much!
But, you can recognize something's flaw while also loving it. If I were to rate this book and not separate the problematic stuff out then It would be a 3/5 maybe even 2.5/5.
One of my favorite series I've read in manga for it's high pacing, some loveable characters, and engaging storlyline. Problematic as it is, I can't deny the good parts and the pure love I had for this series.
(Again, you can recognize somethings flaws and separate that from the bad parts. I don't condone any of the behavior exampled in this book.)
I just want to start off by saying two things.
1) The first half of the book was better than the later half. But why? Well, the first half set up the entire story well, it could've gone in any direction and the characters had so much potential to be anything! I was hungry for every volume, it was entertaining, although very problematic. However, the second half kind of disappointed. The ending wasn't good (I'll go in depth about that soon), there was no character development WHAT SO EVER! It was so disappointing! I wanted Ryoki to learn from his mistakes and for Hatsumi to grow up, so they could have a good relationship in the "future".
2) That ending, was terrible. It was very anticlamtic. We were going through all of this drama and then........it just stops? Like, the last line makes NO sense. There are so many questions left unanswered because it did just abruptly end. THIS IS WHY IT HURTS TO READ SERIES BECAUSE IM NEVER SATISFIED WITH THE ENDING! There was no growth or development between the two so I was just left like 0_0. I wish we got to see their future more, like if they actually got married or not.
Everything else I have to say about this book is spread throughout my other reviews on the volumes if you want to check it out! So, I'm just going to briefly discuss them.
- Shinogu deserved better, such a kind, mature man who just wants to be there for his family and not mess up its dynamic. I didn't like how Hatsumi played him because she was just going feral with her emotions.
- This series romanticizes and uses controlling, manipulative, and abusive men as entertainment. It's not something to promote or use to help boost your series. It's common in manga and I can't tell if the authors realize this problem or are just following its trend. In no way do I condone this behavior. However, if I were to pull these parts of the book away from the good bits, it would be a good series over all.
- Ryoki's childhood and past doesn't give him an excuse to be this rude. Does he know better? No. But, has anyone (*cough, cough* Hatsumi) take the time and speak to him in a normal manner and try to teach him/make him understand the right way to love someone. If Hatsumi stood up for herself once, and I don't mean by "sleeping" with her brother, maybe their relationship could have been healthier. She could've taught him the way to love. But who knows, maybe they develop into something beautiful in the "future". BUT WE WILL NEVER KNOW AS THE ENDING WAS CRAP. If we take this one fatal flaws of his away, I do think they would have a happy and fun like together. They just need to grow up and learn. I liked reading about them.
- Akane and Subaru were the cutest couple, also the couple the showed the most maturity! When they had an issue that needed to be worked out, the other never left their side. They ran right back and TALKED it out like a normal/healthy couple. They were so adorable omg AH! I want a spin of with just these two. I loved them!
- The whole biological brother dad affair drama thing became...........so irrelevant and anticlimatic? It was prevalent in the previous volumes, I mean it caused SO many problems between everyone. But, we find out what happened and nothing....was...made...out...of...it? Like, it just ended?
- Azusa is an ass. I dislike him so violently. Ryoki has behavioural due to his childhood, but that can be fixed with time and proper love. Azusa is just straight up evil. He got better towards the end of the series and I think he has potential to be a decent person. But, when I say that I mean he only just started being a decent person in THE LAST VOLUME. He was beyond a jerk.
So overall, did I find this series entertaining? YES YES YES (majority the second half though)! It kept me on edge and I always wanted to pick up the next volume. The storyline was unique and I loved a FEW of the characters and what they could be! If I were to rate this series with taking out all of the problematic things I would rate it a very solid 4/5. I loved it so much!
But, you can recognize something's flaw while also loving it. If I were to rate this book and not separate the problematic stuff out then It would be a 3/5 maybe even 2.5/5.
One of my favorite series I've read in manga for it's high pacing, some loveable characters, and engaging storlyline. Problematic as it is, I can't deny the good parts and the pure love I had for this series.
(Again, you can recognize somethings flaws and separate that from the bad parts. I don't condone any of the behavior exampled in this book.)
October 31, 2012
So I gotta be honest, this series was like shojo crack for me, since it's been awhile since I read manga this, *ahem*... intense? I devoured it in less than three days. However, the reason I gave this series 3 stars (maybe 3 and 1/2), is that there are a few things about it that kept frustrating me:
Hatsumi was not really a strong enough female lead for me. She really should have at least *tried* to stick up for herself some more! And I couldn't stand that she actually chose Ryoki in the end. Yes, he had his moments, and it was clear that somewhere down in that messed up kid there was a sensitive and lonely person. But his inability to stop ordering her around and the fact that he almost never let her speak her mind really kinda pissed me off. If he had changed by the end of the series, and started being nicer to her, I would have been ok with it. Really. But even at the end, he just orders her to marry him! Wtf?! And she's ok with that?? I definitely would not be!
I am kind of holding on to the hope that Azusa's plan to steal Hatsumi will actually work, even though he did bad stuff at the beginning of the series he seemed to have matured by the end, and maybe his motivation for stealing Hatsumi is more than just revenge... I'd like to think he actually likes her.
Also, I just could not decide how I felt about the whole Shinogu x Hatsumi thing.... far as her romantic interests go, I really liked him the best, and was actually rooting for him, but at the same time I could totally understand how freaked out Hatsumi was by the whole situation!!! And the fact that she kept calling him oniisan even when she was contemplating, eh.... you know what, kinda disturbed me!
I will say though, I was loving all the handsome males in this series! (^.^)b Also, I absolutely loved that Akane and Subaru ended up together!!! Subaru was adorable and the two of them together was somehow strangely perfect lol!
Hatsumi was not really a strong enough female lead for me. She really should have at least *tried* to stick up for herself some more! And I couldn't stand that she actually chose Ryoki in the end. Yes, he had his moments, and it was clear that somewhere down in that messed up kid there was a sensitive and lonely person. But his inability to stop ordering her around and the fact that he almost never let her speak her mind really kinda pissed me off. If he had changed by the end of the series, and started being nicer to her, I would have been ok with it. Really. But even at the end, he just orders her to marry him! Wtf?! And she's ok with that?? I definitely would not be!
I am kind of holding on to the hope that Azusa's plan to steal Hatsumi will actually work, even though he did bad stuff at the beginning of the series he seemed to have matured by the end, and maybe his motivation for stealing Hatsumi is more than just revenge... I'd like to think he actually likes her.
Also, I just could not decide how I felt about the whole Shinogu x Hatsumi thing.... far as her romantic interests go, I really liked him the best, and was actually rooting for him, but at the same time I could totally understand how freaked out Hatsumi was by the whole situation!!! And the fact that she kept calling him oniisan even when she was contemplating, eh.... you know what, kinda disturbed me!
I will say though, I was loving all the handsome males in this series! (^.^)b Also, I absolutely loved that Akane and Subaru ended up together!!! Subaru was adorable and the two of them together was somehow strangely perfect lol!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 25, 2015
NO.
I read this a few years ago, and still the thought of it makes me say NO.
The thing is, it started out so well! The set-up, the hopeful progress, which led to NO progress and lots & lots of anger (from the reader). It was so promising, really; we could've danced a lovely dance, but it spiraled down, if possible, to the negatives.
If I recall correctly (I'd rather not revisit the characters & storyline):
The brother thing was awks. The childhood boy should've been given more storyline since he did change, I think, & became bearable.
I couldn't with this girl and the self-respect she denied herself (unknowingly or knowingly). She could've done better--for herself! No character development, whatsoever. Not sure if any of this made sense, but if anything, NO.
I read this a few years ago, and still the thought of it makes me say NO.
The thing is, it started out so well! The set-up, the hopeful progress, which led to NO progress and lots & lots of anger (from the reader). It was so promising, really; we could've danced a lovely dance, but it spiraled down, if possible, to the negatives.
If I recall correctly (I'd rather not revisit the characters & storyline):
The brother thing was awks. The childhood boy should've been given more storyline since he did change, I think, & became bearable.
I couldn't with this girl and the self-respect she denied herself (unknowingly or knowingly). She could've done better--for herself! No character development, whatsoever. Not sure if any of this made sense, but if anything, NO.
April 24, 2008
This was one of the first manga series I read, because everyone seems to love it, and it almost RUINED manga for me. It just made me SO ANGRY in the end! I think it could have been saved for me if a different choice had been made by the main character (and NOT the choice that Aihara seemed to want us to think was the ONLY other option open to Hatsumi). The whole thing just left me feeling icky and resentful.
January 30, 2014
This book basically counteracts any good the feminist movement resulted in. The protagonist is weak, the main love interest is an emotionally abusive prick. I think what makes me most angry is that this series is probably giving teenagers in Japan the thought that emotional abuse and rape (more or less) are totally ok.
Read
June 20, 2024If one wishes to find the ending of this series satisfying, one must conjure as much imagination as possible. And even then, BLEH. Hot Gimmick is an apt title. I don’t regret reading it though!
November 6, 2023
Rereading this because I suddenly remembered my primary to early secondary school memories with this manga. Congrats I still hate this
April 9, 2008
Admittedly, it's a soap opera, and smut! But it's sooooo addicting. D, I blame you. I loved the ending, though.
February 25, 2009
That mildly disturbed feeling never really did go away. I kind of finished with a feeling of, "What?"
March 30, 2009
Ssssoooo not the ending I was hoping for, but I loved it just the same.
October 31, 2012
Such a horribly abusive relationship, it makes me shudder.
October 2, 2012
*head hits desk* thank god it's over....
January 5, 2016
The ending... ruined this series for me. Good job Miki Aihara! You successfully alienated millions of readers!
July 10, 2017
Well I finished a what I started,yet I'm not really sure why. This wasn't really a romantic manga series it was like a teenage drama with lots of dark undertones.
I could tell where this was going many mangas ago but here are something you get to be disappointed about in this last volume.
Quote from Hatsumi,"Me and Ryoki... married. Maybe if we got married, he'd finally be nice to me.."
(Really this is the guy you want to be with when you have a kid loving person right there pouring his heart out who would never hurt you!!!
Good Guy Shinogu becomes a monk because hey if he can't win the love of his life he shouldn't be with anybody.
Hatsumi quote # 2" Can I Um.. spend the night only as your fiancee in training though. Is that okay?"
Yes because that's going to help you and your abusive boyfriend form a happily ever after.
Even after she says yes Ryoki is still giving her orders like a slave!
Then we have the bonus chapter about her sister Akane and how he boyfriend is willing to change everything he truly loves just so he can keep his pretty girlfriend. Luckily we get to see a somewhat good moral for the chapter and see that she tried to enjoy the things he does only after showing up to a event with another guy. In the end Subaru gets to continue being himself and that's probably the only true good thing in this whole freaking volume!
Then we get to see that the author wrote a alternate ending because i mean Hello it's clear no one should be okay with that crap that we all just read.And hey in the little short you get to see yet again Ryoki being a dick to Hatsumi big surprise there!
If anyone reads any of these review I hope that you are able to put this crap of a manga back from where you got it and pick up a much more enjoyable romance. If you want something with drama, dark corners but a good love story go pick up something like Peach Girl and Peach Girl Change of heart.
I could tell where this was going many mangas ago but here are something you get to be disappointed about in this last volume.
Quote from Hatsumi,"Me and Ryoki... married. Maybe if we got married, he'd finally be nice to me.."
(Really this is the guy you want to be with when you have a kid loving person right there pouring his heart out who would never hurt you!!!
Good Guy Shinogu becomes a monk because hey if he can't win the love of his life he shouldn't be with anybody.
Hatsumi quote # 2" Can I Um.. spend the night only as your fiancee in training though. Is that okay?"
Yes because that's going to help you and your abusive boyfriend form a happily ever after.
Even after she says yes Ryoki is still giving her orders like a slave!
Then we have the bonus chapter about her sister Akane and how he boyfriend is willing to change everything he truly loves just so he can keep his pretty girlfriend. Luckily we get to see a somewhat good moral for the chapter and see that she tried to enjoy the things he does only after showing up to a event with another guy. In the end Subaru gets to continue being himself and that's probably the only true good thing in this whole freaking volume!
Then we get to see that the author wrote a alternate ending because i mean Hello it's clear no one should be okay with that crap that we all just read.And hey in the little short you get to see yet again Ryoki being a dick to Hatsumi big surprise there!
If anyone reads any of these review I hope that you are able to put this crap of a manga back from where you got it and pick up a much more enjoyable romance. If you want something with drama, dark corners but a good love story go pick up something like Peach Girl and Peach Girl Change of heart.
July 4, 2021
This book basically counteracts any good the feminist movement resulted in. The protagonist is weak, the main love interest is an emotionally abusive prick.
The only character that have development would be Akane. She was so sweet on supporting her sister to go get that bag lol. Plus the side story about her and Subaru is such a blast! They are both good for each other. I really like them. While the rest.. there was no character development at all. It was so disappointing really. I wanted Ryoki to learn from his mistakes and for Hatsumi to grow up, so they could have a good relationship in the future.
Hatsumi should stop blaming herself on whatever what her bro’s decision. He’s already grown up and he can do whatever he wants. Although it’s a bit sad that he want to part with the fam, but it’s for better good.
Anyway I don’t quite like the ending.. That ending, was terrible. It was very plain as if they did it quickly. We were going through all of this drama and then it just stops? Like, the last line makes NO sense. There are so many questions left unanswered because it did just abruptly end.
Ryoki’s decision to get married at 18?? Boy open your damn brain and think clearly.. Marriage is not a play thing and he’s too young to decide shit.
This series basically romanticizes and uses controlling, manipulative, and abusive men as entertainment. It's not something to promote or use to help boost your series. It's common in manga and I can't tell if the authors realize this problem or are just following its trend. In no way do I condone this behavior.
Last but not least, if that wasn't stupid enough Shinogu becomes a monk ?! Yep. Apparently Hatsumi is so desirable, that if he can't have her he has to become a monk? What in the world is this?? This ain’t the right way to solve things. Plus I also read that the author write another book for Shinogu alternative ending. Maybe I will check it out.
The only character that have development would be Akane. She was so sweet on supporting her sister to go get that bag lol. Plus the side story about her and Subaru is such a blast! They are both good for each other. I really like them. While the rest.. there was no character development at all. It was so disappointing really. I wanted Ryoki to learn from his mistakes and for Hatsumi to grow up, so they could have a good relationship in the future.
Hatsumi should stop blaming herself on whatever what her bro’s decision. He’s already grown up and he can do whatever he wants. Although it’s a bit sad that he want to part with the fam, but it’s for better good.
Anyway I don’t quite like the ending.. That ending, was terrible. It was very plain as if they did it quickly. We were going through all of this drama and then it just stops? Like, the last line makes NO sense. There are so many questions left unanswered because it did just abruptly end.
Ryoki’s decision to get married at 18?? Boy open your damn brain and think clearly.. Marriage is not a play thing and he’s too young to decide shit.
This series basically romanticizes and uses controlling, manipulative, and abusive men as entertainment. It's not something to promote or use to help boost your series. It's common in manga and I can't tell if the authors realize this problem or are just following its trend. In no way do I condone this behavior.
Last but not least, if that wasn't stupid enough Shinogu becomes a monk ?! Yep. Apparently Hatsumi is so desirable, that if he can't have her he has to become a monk? What in the world is this?? This ain’t the right way to solve things. Plus I also read that the author write another book for Shinogu alternative ending. Maybe I will check it out.
October 27, 2018
Eh, sì, ho capito perché questa serie l'ho rivenduta senza rimpianti!
Detesto le storie in cui la protagonista si annulla nei confronti del maschietti di turno. Il fatto che lui la schiaffeggi per delle sciocchezze mi fa venir voglia di prenderlo e appenderlo per i gioiellini di famiglia. E lei: «No, questo è amore. Non posso lasciarmi scappare un sentimento del genere!» E giù a far la schiava. Perché lui ha già deciso che . Fratellone se ne va, altro pretendente cerca di vendicarsi ancora una volta (davvero, Azusa, sei ridicolo! Ormai non ti crede più nessuno). E Hatsumi finisce con il riccone che la maltratta e la considera una stupida.
Nemmeno la storia bonus è meglio. Con una tipa che . Siamo proprio alla frutta. SIGH!
Detesto le storie in cui la protagonista si annulla nei confronti del maschietti di turno. Il fatto che lui la schiaffeggi per delle sciocchezze mi fa venir voglia di prenderlo e appenderlo per i gioiellini di famiglia. E lei: «No, questo è amore. Non posso lasciarmi scappare un sentimento del genere!» E giù a far la schiava. Perché lui ha già deciso che . Fratellone se ne va, altro pretendente cerca di vendicarsi ancora una volta (davvero, Azusa, sei ridicolo! Ormai non ti crede più nessuno). E Hatsumi finisce con il riccone che la maltratta e la considera una stupida.
Nemmeno la storia bonus è meglio. Con una tipa che . Siamo proprio alla frutta. SIGH!
February 22, 2024
Alright hear me out…
First I didn’t read any of the extras at the end. Nothing was pertinent to the story anyway so I didn’t bother. (Akane and Subaru are just okay.)
Second I HATED this ending. Well if I hated it why am I giving it 4 stars? Because it’s laughable. It’s a joke. It’s a total dumpster fire. It’s the prime example of what not to do. The Shinogu ending legit made me laugh, like seriously. I think if you look at this for what it is, trash, then you can see why I gave it 4 stars. I ENJOYED it. I enjoyed hating these characters. It was like the world’s worst soap opera and I didn’t want it to end. I can’t help it. It was a ride that’s for sure.
First I didn’t read any of the extras at the end. Nothing was pertinent to the story anyway so I didn’t bother. (Akane and Subaru are just okay.)
Second I HATED this ending. Well if I hated it why am I giving it 4 stars? Because it’s laughable. It’s a joke. It’s a total dumpster fire. It’s the prime example of what not to do. The Shinogu ending legit made me laugh, like seriously. I think if you look at this for what it is, trash, then you can see why I gave it 4 stars. I ENJOYED it. I enjoyed hating these characters. It was like the world’s worst soap opera and I didn’t want it to end. I can’t help it. It was a ride that’s for sure.
March 4, 2020
Ahhhh, Hot Gimmick, I have finished you for the second time. My feminist brain says I should give you 1 star, but my smut-loving heart will give you 4 stars because shit, I found you entertaining and addicting.
BUT WHAT THE FUCK, MIKI AIHARA??? A FADE TO BLACK SCENE FOR THE LONG-AWAITED FIRST TIME BETWEEN RYOKI AND HATSUMI??? 12 VOLUMES OF BUILDUP AND WE DON'T EVEN GET SOME NAKED SKIN??? FOR SHAME!!!!
BUT WHAT THE FUCK, MIKI AIHARA??? A FADE TO BLACK SCENE FOR THE LONG-AWAITED FIRST TIME BETWEEN RYOKI AND HATSUMI??? 12 VOLUMES OF BUILDUP AND WE DON'T EVEN GET SOME NAKED SKIN??? FOR SHAME!!!!
August 12, 2020
La storia presentata in questa serie di soli 12 volumi è molto reale, anche troppo...certo forse un po' il sogno/incubo di alcune ragazze portate a vivere in grandi condominii ma sicuramente non banale.
Ci son alcuni colpi di scena tipici di una serie televisiva ed il finale guadagna qualche punto di comicità e di lieto fine ma non è eccezionalmente avvincente o appassionante. Forse anche due sole stelline e mezzo potrebbero bastare.
Ci son alcuni colpi di scena tipici di una serie televisiva ed il finale guadagna qualche punto di comicità e di lieto fine ma non è eccezionalmente avvincente o appassionante. Forse anche due sole stelline e mezzo potrebbero bastare.
September 8, 2021
This is the first manga series that I have really not enjoyed.. why did I finish? Because it was free and I thought she had to make the right choice. But she picked the abusive jackass? I honestly can’t believe that’s how it ended.
March 9, 2017
Good volume. Series has been interesting.
June 13, 2023
I don't think anything will ever be funnier than her brother becoming a monk because he can't be normal for five seconds.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2016
see full review @ Katie's Corner
It’s my second time reviewing Miki Aihara’s works, though I’ve read this particular story first and it’s my second time reading it. I had this weird urge to read it again. I don’t know how to explain it. But enough with my weirdness, let me get to the story. The review will be short, so don’t worry, I won’t be keeping you long.
So, let me start. when I finished reading this story second time I understood why I was so frustrated the first time. This work doesn’t deserve to be in the smut section. I mean it, the story has the whole sex issue and I’ll talk about that soon, but there was not much passion, or should I say the character didn’t do anything until the end and that’s what annoyed e. my worst trait is to compare everything to my favourite works. And that’s were I have the problem. I always compare smut works to Kanan Minami and Mayu Shinjo’s works. Yup, I really perceive them as gods of smut manga. So, the lack of nudeness was one of things I hated about this work, but there were some other problems too.
The heroine, she is an idiot, sometimes its fun to be an idiot, but she’s just too much! Her behaviour is out of this world. I’m not a feminist, but I seriously was embarrassed to be a woman at the moment of reading. Didn’t she have dignity or something similar? I really wanted to smack her many times. I can say tat from the main characters there was seriously none that I really liked. Ryoki was the only one that made me keep reading, though he was a complete narcissist idiot. I mean, seriously who the hell makes the girl he likes a slave and tells her to be his sex practice partner. Oh, and the plus is that he’s a virgin and it makes his idiotic behaviour even more hilarious. I really had dun seeing how he started admitting his feelings and the way he mathematically wanted to solve the love problem is just too much.
X photo
Are you ready to get to know the life in a company block house? Trust me it’s a pin and some people make even harder. You might see yourself in many of those characters! But don’t forget that even if I gave the story a quite low rating, both times I read it to the end and liked it in many other ways. Enjoy it to its fullest and don’t forget to share your thoughts below! Stay tuned for more reviews as well as promos. Don’t miss your next favourite book or manga! Happy reading!
XOXO
Katie
It’s my second time reviewing Miki Aihara’s works, though I’ve read this particular story first and it’s my second time reading it. I had this weird urge to read it again. I don’t know how to explain it. But enough with my weirdness, let me get to the story. The review will be short, so don’t worry, I won’t be keeping you long.
So, let me start. when I finished reading this story second time I understood why I was so frustrated the first time. This work doesn’t deserve to be in the smut section. I mean it, the story has the whole sex issue and I’ll talk about that soon, but there was not much passion, or should I say the character didn’t do anything until the end and that’s what annoyed e. my worst trait is to compare everything to my favourite works. And that’s were I have the problem. I always compare smut works to Kanan Minami and Mayu Shinjo’s works. Yup, I really perceive them as gods of smut manga. So, the lack of nudeness was one of things I hated about this work, but there were some other problems too.
The heroine, she is an idiot, sometimes its fun to be an idiot, but she’s just too much! Her behaviour is out of this world. I’m not a feminist, but I seriously was embarrassed to be a woman at the moment of reading. Didn’t she have dignity or something similar? I really wanted to smack her many times. I can say tat from the main characters there was seriously none that I really liked. Ryoki was the only one that made me keep reading, though he was a complete narcissist idiot. I mean, seriously who the hell makes the girl he likes a slave and tells her to be his sex practice partner. Oh, and the plus is that he’s a virgin and it makes his idiotic behaviour even more hilarious. I really had dun seeing how he started admitting his feelings and the way he mathematically wanted to solve the love problem is just too much.
X photo
Are you ready to get to know the life in a company block house? Trust me it’s a pin and some people make even harder. You might see yourself in many of those characters! But don’t forget that even if I gave the story a quite low rating, both times I read it to the end and liked it in many other ways. Enjoy it to its fullest and don’t forget to share your thoughts below! Stay tuned for more reviews as well as promos. Don’t miss your next favourite book or manga! Happy reading!
XOXO
Katie
January 17, 2015
Hmmm...I dunno how I feel about this series. It's like a mixture of fan fiction, and Gossip Girl. Both of which I enjoy so from that point of view, it was good. I was entertained and strangely addicted even though all of the characters were terrible people (minus maybe Shinogu but I was weirded out by the sister/brother thing). It worked in Clueless, but in this series, the whole dynamic between the brother and sister bordered on creepy. The author also left a lot to the imagination. I was slightly annoyed we didn't get any Asuza aftermath...did he go after Ryoki and get his revenge? Seems we have to come up with our own ending a bit. I enjoyed the little extra about Akane and Subaru, but the 10 Days extra was terrible. I may be in the minority here, but I was happy she ended up with Ryoki. He was by far the most interesting character though he was so self centered and abusive, it's amazing anyone would choose him to be with. Hatsumi on the other hand was an absolutely terrible character on par with Bella from Twilight. I almost didn't want to read about her because she was so helpless. Also this series is the most rape-y weird thing (manga wise) I've read. I don't know if that made it more unbelievable or more terrifying. All in all, it was addictive and I actually liked the read most of the time, though I wouldn't put it on any pedestal. 6/10.
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