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Blue Se7en

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“Itsuka issho ni… Someday together…”

Those words are said to Seven by a boy in her dreams. She has dreamed of him ever since an attempted kidnapping when she was three. Now eighteen, aside from a couple of friends, shy Seven lives in a cage of isolation of her own making. Her friends talk her into going on a post-graduation trip of a lifetime to Japan. A world shattering betrayal by the one person she trusts most sends her fleeing into the streets of Tokyo—and into the arms of the man from her dreams.

Natsuo, half of Japan’s most popular music duo, doesn’t have time for a personal life. He feels trapped in a cage of routine, haunted by the green-eyed girl from his dreams until the day she appears in front of him.

Why do their dreams connect them?

In a city where the line between dreams and reality blurs, can Seven and Natsuo break free of the cages of their past and shape their future?

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Blue Se7en contains some subject matter that may not be suitable for some readers.
Check the CW page or the author's website ( micheleinoue . com ) for more info.

-- Reader discretion is advised --

347 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 17, 2024

17 people are currently reading
83 people want to read

About the author

Michele Inoue

4 books14 followers
California girl living in Japan.
Broke my back, lost my job, and now living my dream of being an author.

Author of romance novels set in Japan, seasoned with fantasy & otherworldly flavors.

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5 stars
21 (52%)
4 stars
13 (32%)
3 stars
5 (12%)
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1 (2%)
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Profile Image for Morgan Hopkins .
215 reviews8 followers
August 12, 2024
This book was amazing. I adored the characters so much. If you think it's light and fluffy based on the cover. You're sadly mistaken. Grab tissues. This book had me kicking my feet one min then the next minute sobbing. Check your trigger warnings before going into this
Profile Image for Katty.
178 reviews10 followers
September 6, 2024
*ARC REVIEW*
THIS REVIEW CONTAINS MY VERY OWN UNBIASED REVIEW.
THANK YOU TO MICHELE INOUE FOR THIS ADVANCED COPY.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING MY REVIEW, PLEASE REACH OUT TO ME DIRECTLY.



WARNING:
Please take caution when reading this novel as there are talks of attempted abduction, SA, SA to a child (off page and more so alludes to), self harm and more.

Wow! Words cannot express just how powerful this book was. It was gritty and tragic in more than one way.
Seven from a very young age had already experienced loss and an attempted kidnapping at a busy airport. Natsuo also experienced immense loss but had he not been an observant 5 year old at the same airport, Seven may have never seen daylight again.
However, as the two moved on to live separate lives in different countries, Seven in the states and Natsuo in Japan, their personal dreams seemed to connect their souls for years until one night in Japan they are reunited under not so great circumstances.

Michele Inoue masterfully wrote these two interwoven beings struggling to find freedom from their respective cages. Seven just waits for the day that she can move out her mother and stepfather’s house, away from an unsettling feeling that keeps her locked away in her room until it’s time for school. Natsuo may be one half of the very popular Japanese boy band ‘Sacred Boys’, but the loneliness is overwhelming despite the sea of adoring fans.

‘Blue Se7en’ may have some tough trigger but the hope that better days will come for these two unlikely people makes it worth it.

It is certainly reminiscent of the anime ‘Erased’.

I highly recommend giving this novel a chance. The 1999 setting is a different change of pace and Inoue managed to craft her words and made me see everything with a grey-blue filter.

Profile Image for ALi.
6 reviews1 follower
September 8, 2024
I had the wonderful opportunity to read “Blue Se7en” by Michele Inoue. The book is about Seven, a young lady getting ready to leave for college, goes on a wonderful trip to Japan with her friends. Natsuo is a hot boy band star in Japan. They have a fateful meeting after Seven experiences a horrible betrayal, but it isn’t their first meeting. Together they work to overcome both their horrible experiences.

What did I think of it?

I don’t read a lot of straight up romance novels, so it took me a bit to get hooked. However, once I was hooked, I was all in. I love how supportive the main relationship is, though, and how they work together to overcome everything and everyone in their way. Also, as someone who went through middle and high school in the late 1990’s-early 2000’s, there was a lot of nostalgia. A lot of books set in Japan tend to overplay “Wow Japan! So cool!” but the author handled explaining without overexplaining Japanese items and culture very well.

My only gripes about the book wound up being a non-issue because of the twist at the end. Before the surprise ending reveal, it was heading in a direction that was making me roll my eyes a bit. Thanks to that plot twist, I’m looking forward to the next book.

Good for:
-Young adult romance fans
-People who like Japan and J-bands
-People who like seeing main characters suffer and overcome it.

Bad for:
-People who have a lot of violence/death-related triggers
-People who hate love stories
Profile Image for Melanie.
290 reviews2 followers
August 21, 2025
Blue Se7en was unlike anything I've read before, which may have done me a disservice. I was expecting a contemporary romance with suspense, but this is more unique than that label.

I am a setting girly - I like descriptive scene building and 1st person perspective. This book is more plot/dialogue driven, and is written in 3rd person. That isn't a bad thing, but I did feel some whiplash at times when perspective shifted (sometimes in the same paragraph). Because of the prose of this book, I honestly think it would have made a great graphic novel or manga. I enjoyed the illustrations done by the authors husband, it added depth to the story.

This story is definitely dramatic and action packed. It reminds me a lot of my anime watching days, and I appreciated the nostalgia. In fact, I started a rewatch of Death Note after starting this book. 😁 I think keeping an anime mindset helps this book in pacing and let me have fun with it.

The twist was cool! Definitely unexpected and I liked the supernatural elements in this story. Read the trigger warnings before reading - otherwise, enjoy the ride!
Profile Image for she's in the RAEn.
61 reviews3 followers
August 25, 2024
I really enjoyed this story!!! Natsuo and Seven are very lovable and easy to root for. I didn't expect it, but Kenji really grew on me later in the story (which I was hoping he would, but for reasons that I won't say since they are spoilers, I wasn't sure if I would like his character). There were quite a few points that made me cry, which I think is another reason why I liked this story so much! I would say definitely pay attention to the content warnings as they are there for a reason. This review is shorter than I normally write, but it's because if I write anything more, I will spoil the story! If the blurb sounds intriguing to you, I would definitely recommend reading this wonderful story!💕
Profile Image for Mandy.
17 reviews2 followers
August 13, 2024
This book was amazing from the opening sentence to the ending. By the end I was so entranced I didn’t realize I went through 16 chapters in one sitting. If you think it's light and fluffy based on the cover. You're sadly mistaken. Seven was this quiet meek girl who fate had so many plans for. I felt so many emotions. This book had me kicking my feet laughing one minute then the next minute sobbing. This book has much potential to become a movie. Kenji has my entire heart. I hope if there’s more to the come we get to see more of his story and more of their friendship. Check your trigger warnings before going into this.
Profile Image for Kaci Rehkemper.
153 reviews3 followers
August 16, 2024
This book had me feeling every single emotion. I laughed, cried, and wanted to knockout characters at times. Natsuo and Seven are truly meant for each other. Also, I felt terrible for judging Kenji.😭 Please check trigger warnings before reading as some events are very traumatic. This story was so wonderfully written and had me hanging on page-by-page. I hope we will see these characters again.
Profile Image for Nupur.
465 reviews10 followers
September 23, 2024
Mindblowing, I have no words. It was amazing. The dream, the connection, the reset, all so beautifully written and narrated. It's written in third person and I loved it. A different concept but all so perfect. Every intense scene, all dreams, inner conflicts, were all displayed amazingly. Just head out and give this book a read. A romance with destiny dreams and powers they don't know. Wonderful
Profile Image for Gina.
287 reviews46 followers
August 5, 2025
There were too many immediate consistency errors to give this 4 stars, but I liked the story.
Profile Image for Natasha.
63 reviews8 followers
September 13, 2024
Blue Se7en is a heartfelt and emotional journey that masterfully blends romance and healing. The deep connection between Seven and Natsuo, linked by their shared past and dreams, pulls you in from the beginning. Their relationship is tender and raw, with moments that made me both laugh and cry.

Michele Inoue handles heavy themes like PTSD and childhood trauma with care, creating a narrative that feels deeply personal. The reunion scene between Seven and Natsuo was a standout, filled with emotion and catharsis. While the pacing slowed at times during introspective moments, the overall story kept me engaged. I was especially intrigued by Kenji and hope to see more of his story in the future. The book's balance of emotional vulnerability and warmth left a lasting impact.

This is a touching story about love, fate, and finding light after darkness. I thoroughly enjoyed the journey it took me on 100% recommend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Rachel.
258 reviews4 followers
September 9, 2024
3.5 stars rounded up to 4, though it requires some careful thought as I give it that rating, so be aware as you read this review I'm not 100% on my rating this time!

Off to the beginning stats:

POV: third person limited
POV Characters: initially just Seven and Natsuo and eventually a couple others get added in
Verb tense: past
Triggers: This is important - do not skip by. mentions of ch1ld tr@ff1ck1ing, s*xual ass@ult, r@pe, physical abuse, s*xual abuse, su1c1de (attempted & actual), and maybe more I missed
Spice: definitely spicy with a few scenes laid out and unfortunately attempted scenes as well

If you missed the triggers above, please go reread them. Why? Because those triggers are why I'm not entirely certain how I want to rate this book. I'm giving it 3.5 stars for now and going ahead and writing this review to share my thoughts as it's fresh on my mind.

The story of Blue Se7en initially drew me in because the premise seemed like something out of a Japanese drama, and as a lover of all things Asian dramas, I snapped this book up sight unseen and enjoyed the chance to indulge in a drama-in-novel-form. What I didn't realize going in was this wasn't my usual campy, goofy, silly romantic drama. It does have those vibes, but that is not the whole story AT ALL.

If you want a love story filled with tension and danger, this is actually a book for you. Seven's character fascinates me because she starts off as so disconnected from everyone around her and constantly keeps the door locked to her bedroom for unknown reasons. She's secretive and antsy and isolated from the people around her in a very clear way. Natsuo, on the other hand, is a J-pop idol living the biggest, most visible life with thousands of raving fans who would love nothing more than to get their hands on him. The two couldn't be more opposite, and yet when they come together, their shared childhood experience has twined them so closely together they fall for one another almost instantly.

This book deals with some heavy topics (again, see triggers), so you'll likely want a light read to follow it up. Or a nice, lighthearted drama to watch after. (Might I suggest Hana Yori Dango, Hana Kimi, Cinderella and the Four Knights, Coffee Prince, or Romantic Princess?) I think this book hands most of these topics in a straightforward manner without glorifying any of them, especially the more sensitive ones. The author notes in her intro to the book all the triggers and makes sure it's clear they're handled with an intent to not glorify them or use them gratuitously.

I'm very curious where Seven's and Natsuo's relationship will go from here. The ending was left on a less than satisfactory note for my personal tastes; though others might disagree. It did, however, complete the story arc, which was good or else I might have been very upset.

There's clearly room for more of their story to be shared, so I hope we'll get to read more from this fast-paced, J-drama styled, unusual premise of a story!
Profile Image for Skyler Rodriguez.
18 reviews
August 31, 2024
Picture this: me settling down with a book that I’m sure will be a romance…only to think at 40% into the book “how much more can possibly happen, haven’t we got our happy ending?”

Well buckle the heck up, because anything you think, and even things you don’t think will happen, happen.

I want to put into words how this book dragged me along but that would imply I was unwilling to be dragged. I’m literally coming to you to tell you I’m BEGGING for more.

The drama, the scandal, the secrets, the love, the anxiety, the panic, the running had me sucked in and invested immediately. Not to mention I (unfortunately) relate to being accident prone, much like our FMC.

I cannot wait to walk among dreams and turn back time in the coming chapters of this series. Yet another author I am screaming to destroy me emotionally. Thank you for making this read worth while after the first 40% and leaving me craving another 5,678,163% of emotional whiplash and warring emotions.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Micki-D.
1,360 reviews37 followers
September 16, 2024
“Why do you always question rainbows?”
“What do you mean?”
“A rainbow is a promise that the storm is over”

Wow what a book!! I did never actually read what a book it about I judge it by the cover and o thought his was gonna be a cute little read. Oh my was I wrong this book has some heavy topics, it had me crying a few times.

The twist at the end of the book is what I live for. It was heading in a predictable direction, then the twist hit at the end and wow.

A book full of drama, danger, tension, friendship and love,

Seven, is getting ready to leave for college, goes on a wonderful trip to Japan with her friends.

Natsuo is half of a boy band and huge star in Japan

They meet by chance as she is running from someone. He saves her but this one the first time natsuo save seven. They were always meant to be together
Profile Image for Kristy.
528 reviews
January 31, 2025
This was a roller coaster ride! It wasn’t the content warnings that got me, it was the back to back to back things that just kept happening. This book needed a few time outs before I picked it up again, just so that I could breathe.

I loved the characters and the writing. The magical realism was wonderful. And then the record scratch near the end! (Picture me trying to figure out what to say without spoilers while blowing out a big breath). After the confusion (which was on purpose), I’m thankful for that record scratch.

I will be continuing the series.

Song: The Promise by Tracy Chapman

I made a playlist on Spotify for this book.
2,194 reviews28 followers
August 18, 2024
To start, I could not put this book down! Seven and Natsuo are fated from the start. He saves her when she is only three years old. They share dreams before they meet in person as adults. There are ups and downs and yes read trigger warnings. This story is intense and beautiful at the same time. They eventually find happiness together, but it is a rough road. Great Ending! I Loved It! I can give no more without spoilers! I highly recommend!
I received an ARC and I am Leaving this Totally Honest Review because I Choose to and think that this is a Great Story!!!
Profile Image for a.t.kumagai a.t.kumagai.
Author 11 books5 followers
May 23, 2025
If you love K-dramas/J-dramas this is the perfect story for you. It gave me such 90s anime nostalgia vibes in the best way possible.

The hurt/comfort trope is absolutely through the roof!!! The way Natsuo and Seven take care of each other is delightful and I honestly wish this book could be turned into a manga/anime because I would eat that up!!

And I cannot forget the absolute spiciness Natsuo brings. If consent is a kink then sign me up!! And all those times he said as you wish made my heart explode! I can’t express how much I love these two or all my favorite parts.
Profile Image for Escape_withStephanie .
477 reviews11 followers
August 8, 2024
ARC REVIEW
This book started wonderfully from the opening sentence to the ending. Seven was this quiet meek girl who fate had so many plans for.i felt so much emotions. This book has much potential to become a movie , i swear i felt movie vibes. Kenji has my entire heart and i wished we got to see more of their friendship.
Profile Image for  ⭐️ mrs_munken_555 ⭐️.
213 reviews5 followers
October 13, 2024
Not what I expected at all but an excellent story - premise, characters, the whole shebang!
It took a while to get into but once the mystery and intrigue into the characters began, the book started to get so much better and I found I struggled to put it down!
I won't give anything away, but worth a read!
Profile Image for ☆KittyKatsBooks☆.
176 reviews19 followers
August 7, 2025
My first JPop read, and I am not disappointed! in fact, I will be going to get more, especially of this Authors work!
It has some trauma, as it deals with the attempted abduction of a child, and what happens after, even years after. Magical elements as well as romance, second chances and a dark past that comes to a chair gripping conclusion. Loved it!
Profile Image for Alexis Miller.
811 reviews22 followers
September 13, 2024
This book had my heart from the start. I loved the relationships and character development the most. This book definitely had me guessing about a lot that happened and kept giving me twists which made me devour it so much quicker I loved this so much it was amazing
Profile Image for Chante Heaven.
867 reviews21 followers
September 8, 2024
Check trigger warnings for this book...other than that...well written story that covers trauma and healing
Profile Image for Jessica Adams.
7 reviews
August 15, 2025
I will say this is not something I would have normally picked up simply because I’m not big on romance. However the story and characters really grabbed me and left me wanting more. And that ending? Was not expecting anything like what happened. I loved how this turned out and cannot wait for the sequel later this year!
Profile Image for Charlotte Carter.
39 reviews2 followers
September 28, 2025
Wow. I was not expecting to love this book as much as I did.

There are a lot of heavy themes. It fully reminds me of reading an anime. It had me hooked. A Jpop star and an average girl? SIGN ME UP!

The story has twists and they are not easily guessable. I was shocked when they happened.

All of the characters make you feel for them. I could fall into the story and feel like it was real life. Plus there are some elements that I want in real life! So excited for more books in the series and I hope we get more Seven/Natsuo AN Kenji content!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews

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