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In Love's Key, Reprised
Sweet Home Hokkaido wins over a conductor for whom home is anything but sweet.
A burnt-out, curmudgeonly conductor finds love in a humble grocer determined to unfreeze the maestro’s heart.
A burnt-out, curmudgeonly conductor finds love in a humble grocer determined to unfreeze the maestro’s heart.
210 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2022
15 people are currently reading
196 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 178 reviews
September 11, 2025
⭐️ 4 stars ⭐️
I have no idea what the title is supposed to mean, but In Love’s Key, Reprised was a super cute city boy vs small town boy romance.
Famous musician comes back to his hometown for heath reasons, meets sunshine Osamu.
A fluffy and romantic manga with low angst and lots of adorable-ness. Hallmark Christmas movie vibes but in manga form.
This was a basic but still fun read, with sweet characters and a cute art-style.
And, bonus, no lightsabers! So expect some graphic spicy times.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley, and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
“Hey, maestro? Do me a favor — don’t let anyone but me see you blush like that.”
I have no idea what the title is supposed to mean, but In Love’s Key, Reprised was a super cute city boy vs small town boy romance.
Famous musician comes back to his hometown for heath reasons, meets sunshine Osamu.
A fluffy and romantic manga with low angst and lots of adorable-ness. Hallmark Christmas movie vibes but in manga form.
This was a basic but still fun read, with sweet characters and a cute art-style.
And, bonus, no lightsabers! So expect some graphic spicy times.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley, and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
Currently reading
October 22, 2025haven't been reading because of school and now apparently i'm 8 books behind schedule. time to catch up on arcs.
September 16, 2025
This is really a biased rating but I am in love! I went in blind and never expected anything mind-blowing, but it was unexpectedly gut-wrenching to me! Everything was so beautiful. I'm glad they found each other.
November 23, 2025
This is a precious story. Kiri is a bit of a tsundere, but it's delightful seeing how when he's back home and feeling very down about himself, that Osamu can make him blossom again. Osamu is the epitome of golden retriever boyfriend, and it doesn't take long for him to win over Kiri, even if he doesn't admit it at first. After he does, they're very sweet. I think I would have loved to see additional chapters after their initial relationship began, but this is a nice sweet cake of a story. Enough to satisfy the sweet tooth but also leave you wanting a bit more.
September 15, 2025
A romance between a city man and a country man. Kiri is an exacting and demanding conductor on a brink of a burnout, so he’s lashing out at everyone, burning bridges until he’s forced to take a break for health reasons. He returns to his hometown, where he hasn’t been since his mother died, in the middle of winter. The start isn’t auspicious: the electricity isn’t connected yet to his childhood home. He would’ve frozen to death if his neighbour didn’t happen to drop by and take upon himself to warm him up.
Osamu is a couple of years younger, overly friendly and very pushy. He’s been a fan of Kiri for a long time, but it isn’t until later that we learn why. He’s overjoyed that Kiri is there and soon develops a crush. The reticient conductor doesn’t know how to take his hugs and warmth.
Kiri has thought to lay low and rest, but he’s roped in to teach school choir. It doesn’t go well at first, as he’s as demanding with the children as with his orchestra and they can’t really handle it. But he learns his lesson. And he’s warming to Osamu too. But sooner than he knows, he’s called to Tokyo again. Which means leaving Osamu behind. It leads to a heartbreak at first, but Kiri has learned to communicate and the relationship is saved.
This was a good romance. It took me a moment to warm to it, as Kiri was annoying at first, but he truly changed and the men turned out to be good together. This appears to be a one-shot, but the relationship only began when the volume ended, so there’s room for more. I’d read it. Art was good and there was some good spice too.
I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Osamu is a couple of years younger, overly friendly and very pushy. He’s been a fan of Kiri for a long time, but it isn’t until later that we learn why. He’s overjoyed that Kiri is there and soon develops a crush. The reticient conductor doesn’t know how to take his hugs and warmth.
Kiri has thought to lay low and rest, but he’s roped in to teach school choir. It doesn’t go well at first, as he’s as demanding with the children as with his orchestra and they can’t really handle it. But he learns his lesson. And he’s warming to Osamu too. But sooner than he knows, he’s called to Tokyo again. Which means leaving Osamu behind. It leads to a heartbreak at first, but Kiri has learned to communicate and the relationship is saved.
This was a good romance. It took me a moment to warm to it, as Kiri was annoying at first, but he truly changed and the men turned out to be good together. This appears to be a one-shot, but the relationship only began when the volume ended, so there’s room for more. I’d read it. Art was good and there was some good spice too.
I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 21, 2025
This BL manga follows Azumi Kiri who is a stubborn, standoff-ish maestro and famous musician and Osamu who is a grocer in his local town.
Kiri faints while conducting an orchestra practice and gets told that his health is taking a toll on him. He moves into the back to his hometown in the countryside to help rest and recuperate when he meets Osamu. Kiri’s house has been vacant for a while and when he arrives the electricity and heat have not been turned on so he’s freezing to death. it’s literally snowing, bro could’ve gotten hypothermia and he was playing in the snow earlier omg. Anyways, Osamu drops by and takes Kiri over to his house and helps him warm up.
Kiri is dealing with a ton of turbulent feelings such as anxiety and self deprecation. He believes he doesn’t belong anyways and that he has no one who loves him. Here’s where Osamu comes in. Osamu is like sunshine to Kiri’s rain cloud. Osamu is there for Kiri during his hard times and helps by listening to him and encouraging him. Turns out they may know each other from the past?
It’s a beautiful and emotional story with beautiful art. I love Kiri and Osamu so much. I was giggling during parts and then sobbing during others. There are explicit scenes so be aware of that.
My heart breaks for Kiri and I love him so much! I’m so glad he found someone like Osamu to bring some light back into his life and for him to FINALLY realize how much he is loved and cared for!
Thank you Kodansha and Vertical Comics for allowing me to receive an ARC! this my first ever manga ARC and i’m so grateful!
Kiri faints while conducting an orchestra practice and gets told that his health is taking a toll on him. He moves into the back to his hometown in the countryside to help rest and recuperate when he meets Osamu. Kiri’s house has been vacant for a while and when he arrives the electricity and heat have not been turned on so he’s freezing to death. it’s literally snowing, bro could’ve gotten hypothermia and he was playing in the snow earlier omg. Anyways, Osamu drops by and takes Kiri over to his house and helps him warm up.
Kiri is dealing with a ton of turbulent feelings such as anxiety and self deprecation. He believes he doesn’t belong anyways and that he has no one who loves him. Here’s where Osamu comes in. Osamu is like sunshine to Kiri’s rain cloud. Osamu is there for Kiri during his hard times and helps by listening to him and encouraging him. Turns out they may know each other from the past?
It’s a beautiful and emotional story with beautiful art. I love Kiri and Osamu so much. I was giggling during parts and then sobbing during others. There are explicit scenes so be aware of that.
My heart breaks for Kiri and I love him so much! I’m so glad he found someone like Osamu to bring some light back into his life and for him to FINALLY realize how much he is loved and cared for!
Thank you Kodansha and Vertical Comics for allowing me to receive an ARC! this my first ever manga ARC and i’m so grateful!
September 15, 2025
This was such a beautiful one-shot BL. I really liked the depth of the characters and how their relationship progressed. The plot and pacing were both done very well. The art was also beautifully done. Thank you, NetGalley and Kodansha, for the digital arc in exchange for an honest review.
November 9, 2025
My gratitude to Netgalley and Kodansha Comics for giving me an advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
This series is deliciously entertaining. The story is basic and simple, but the chemistry of Osamu and Maestro Kiri is overflowing that I found myself tearing through each page ravenously. Nevertheless, I strongly believed that the story headed too fast. I’m only wishing that we’re getting another volume to this.
Also, the art style simply is to die for! I would definitely set a quest to hunt more series from the same author. News flash though, I’ve already previously read two of her books which were also fun experience for me. Anyway, it’s been so long since I last read a yaoi fiction, and this one is such a rewarding comeback for me.
This is a long overdue review as I was only now cleaning my netgalley shelf of unread books.
This series is deliciously entertaining. The story is basic and simple, but the chemistry of Osamu and Maestro Kiri is overflowing that I found myself tearing through each page ravenously. Nevertheless, I strongly believed that the story headed too fast. I’m only wishing that we’re getting another volume to this.
Also, the art style simply is to die for! I would definitely set a quest to hunt more series from the same author. News flash though, I’ve already previously read two of her books which were also fun experience for me. Anyway, it’s been so long since I last read a yaoi fiction, and this one is such a rewarding comeback for me.
This is a long overdue review as I was only now cleaning my netgalley shelf of unread books.
October 22, 2025
this got me giggling & kicking my feet, i think that’s enough for you to pick this up, no? they honestly don’t write yaoi like this anymore. it’s all porn without plot but THIS!! this gave golden retriever seme and black cat uke which i ADOREEE
November 7, 2025
Burnt out curmudgeon conductor Kiri is forced to take a break from his lifestyle and job. He returns for the first time since his mother's passing to his hometown and meets sunshine personified, Osamu. Although reluctant at first, Osamu starts to breakdown Kiri's hard exterior to discover someone who has been craving family and someone to love.
This one shot fits in Kiri's character development in a way that isn't rushed. We see Kiri quickly open up to Osamu but isn't quick to trust. Osamu has been a fan of Kiri's for years and is happy that he's returned and we are able to find out how Kiri played such a big role in Osamu's life. Their relationship is so pure and cute, I NEED to see more of them!
This was such a great read. Thank you Kodansha Comics for the opportunity to read this story!
This one shot fits in Kiri's character development in a way that isn't rushed. We see Kiri quickly open up to Osamu but isn't quick to trust. Osamu has been a fan of Kiri's for years and is happy that he's returned and we are able to find out how Kiri played such a big role in Osamu's life. Their relationship is so pure and cute, I NEED to see more of them!
This was such a great read. Thank you Kodansha Comics for the opportunity to read this story!
September 21, 2025
4.5⭐️
This was such a lovely one-shot manga you can read in one sitting. It has a cozy wintery setting ideal for a day inside. While brief, it captured a nuance of emotions and provided just enough about our main characters to give me a clear picture of them, their story, and their growth. The romance was tender, and I loved that the story was centered around music!
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my review!
This was such a lovely one-shot manga you can read in one sitting. It has a cozy wintery setting ideal for a day inside. While brief, it captured a nuance of emotions and provided just enough about our main characters to give me a clear picture of them, their story, and their growth. The romance was tender, and I loved that the story was centered around music!
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my review!
September 17, 2025
so cute! I need to get a physical copy asap *^*
September 10, 2025
*I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
Eeeeek! This was such a cute BL romance, I've been on such a binge with them lately and this one has given me even more sweetness to continue reading more.
The story follows burnt out and tired conductor Kiri, who's forced to go back to his small hometown to recover and find his spark again. Kiri is bossy, stubborn and a little harsh, but he means well and is secretly harbouring grief from losing his mother a few years ago. When he makes it home, he meets cheerful superfan Osamu, who's determined to heal this moody maestro!
Their romance was lovely, it had the typical opposites attract, and a little bit of spice too. I loved watching Kiri warm to Osamu, and learn to lower his walls and allow himself to be vulnerable. In return, Osamu slowly grew and learnt that his bubbly personality and hard working efforts didn't have to be contained to the small town he feels stuck in, and that the past can be left behind. Together they were a good match, they had so many sweet moments, and the cosy, snowy setting made it even more adorable!
The plot is fairly straightforward, with not a huge amount of angst. I enjoyed that the hurdles weren't trivial or silly, the problems the characters faced were genuine and understandable, plus the resolutions felt perfect.
Overall, this is yet another BL manga I'd recommend to anyone who's seeking out a low stakes, cosy and heartwarming romance!
4/5 🌟
Eeeeek! This was such a cute BL romance, I've been on such a binge with them lately and this one has given me even more sweetness to continue reading more.
The story follows burnt out and tired conductor Kiri, who's forced to go back to his small hometown to recover and find his spark again. Kiri is bossy, stubborn and a little harsh, but he means well and is secretly harbouring grief from losing his mother a few years ago. When he makes it home, he meets cheerful superfan Osamu, who's determined to heal this moody maestro!
Their romance was lovely, it had the typical opposites attract, and a little bit of spice too. I loved watching Kiri warm to Osamu, and learn to lower his walls and allow himself to be vulnerable. In return, Osamu slowly grew and learnt that his bubbly personality and hard working efforts didn't have to be contained to the small town he feels stuck in, and that the past can be left behind. Together they were a good match, they had so many sweet moments, and the cosy, snowy setting made it even more adorable!
The plot is fairly straightforward, with not a huge amount of angst. I enjoyed that the hurdles weren't trivial or silly, the problems the characters faced were genuine and understandable, plus the resolutions felt perfect.
Overall, this is yet another BL manga I'd recommend to anyone who's seeking out a low stakes, cosy and heartwarming romance!
4/5 🌟
November 9, 2025
Oh my god, I loved this to bits! It was cute, it was funny, it was wholesome and it pulled at my heart strings here and there. Due to poor health, conductor Kiri needs to return to his rural hometown for some rest. But there he meets a local grocer who turns out to be a big fan of his.
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The characters were absolutely adorable. I loved Kiri’s seriousness and Osamu’s aloofness. They really were a great match! There also were enough side-characters to fill up some gaps and to create some interaction other than between the two main characters. The story had a natural and comfortable pace. There was enough happening to keep it interesting through out.
Let’s talk spiciness, because let’s be honest, we read BL-manga for their spicy scenes. There aren’t as many smut scenes as in most other BL-manga, but they felt much more natural and well-placed. Their timing made sense and the build-up to them made for a comfortable read.
The art-style is basic for a BL-manga, but that’s okay! Truly, a really enjoyable read! It is going right into my favourites.
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Disclaimer:
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for a honest review.
The characters were absolutely adorable. I loved Kiri’s seriousness and Osamu’s aloofness. They really were a great match! There also were enough side-characters to fill up some gaps and to create some interaction other than between the two main characters. The story had a natural and comfortable pace. There was enough happening to keep it interesting through out.
Let’s talk spiciness, because let’s be honest, we read BL-manga for their spicy scenes. There aren’t as many smut scenes as in most other BL-manga, but they felt much more natural and well-placed. Their timing made sense and the build-up to them made for a comfortable read.
The art-style is basic for a BL-manga, but that’s okay! Truly, a really enjoyable read! It is going right into my favourites.
Disclaimer:
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for a honest review.
November 10, 2025
First off, I was able to read this novel because of #netgalley.
Second, I enjoyed this one. It felt like a small town cozy read because of all the moments trying to get away from the cold outside and warm inviting conversation inside. A man is harsh and ends up taking a break from his work as a conductor and heading home to rest. In his hometown, he stays in a house that is ready for him, but goes a day without power turned on yet. He finds himself in the cold snow and rescued by a guy in town. He makes friends with this guy who is a fan of his music and work. These two go head to head sometimes because the conductor lost the compassion he used to have and the guy is into his music and thinks he's able to do good things. Romance seems to be budding, mainly from the man who heard the maestro place years prior. Maestro is cold and in need of warming up. This guy might be what he needs to get his head back on track and get back to the compassionate person he used to be. It's winter, but these guys are bringing on the heat. I feel the love was somewhat one sided with the town guy already having his feelings and pushing those onto the Maestro when the Maestro is unfamiliar with male advances. While the romance blossoms, it moves quickly, but the passion grows into a better Maestro. It was a cute quick read.
Second, I enjoyed this one. It felt like a small town cozy read because of all the moments trying to get away from the cold outside and warm inviting conversation inside. A man is harsh and ends up taking a break from his work as a conductor and heading home to rest. In his hometown, he stays in a house that is ready for him, but goes a day without power turned on yet. He finds himself in the cold snow and rescued by a guy in town. He makes friends with this guy who is a fan of his music and work. These two go head to head sometimes because the conductor lost the compassion he used to have and the guy is into his music and thinks he's able to do good things. Romance seems to be budding, mainly from the man who heard the maestro place years prior. Maestro is cold and in need of warming up. This guy might be what he needs to get his head back on track and get back to the compassionate person he used to be. It's winter, but these guys are bringing on the heat. I feel the love was somewhat one sided with the town guy already having his feelings and pushing those onto the Maestro when the Maestro is unfamiliar with male advances. While the romance blossoms, it moves quickly, but the passion grows into a better Maestro. It was a cute quick read.
October 7, 2025
Once an in-demand conductor Kiri's attitude and explosive temper have caused his current orchestra to boycott until he leaves. His life is most definitely on a downward spiral even without this issue with his career and so at the recommendation of his doctor, he heads home to rest. The very first day he is there he meets Osamu the local grocer's son and Kiri's self-proclaimed biggest fan. Almost immediately Osamu wraps Kiri up in local events leaving Kiri no time to drown his sorrows in alcohol (his real plan) and making Kiri believe not just in his self but in love.
Honestly, this was a Hallmark movie but with some pretty spicy images. Don't get me wrong it was a really good read but I'm not the largest fan of the whole "Human goes home and falls in love with hometown hunk who never left". I mean it's good and if this sort of story is your jam you will absolutely love this story. Kiri and Osamu are absolutely adorable and in any other plot, I'd happily give this five stars. But even though I try really hard for my personal preferences not to affect my reviews I just really can't hang with this type of Hallmark story. I seriously can't stress enough though that's in no way saying it's bad at all and I truly recommend it for those who are looking for a cozy and seriously spicy story.
As always thanks Kodansha and NetGalley for the eArc!
Honestly, this was a Hallmark movie but with some pretty spicy images. Don't get me wrong it was a really good read but I'm not the largest fan of the whole "Human goes home and falls in love with hometown hunk who never left". I mean it's good and if this sort of story is your jam you will absolutely love this story. Kiri and Osamu are absolutely adorable and in any other plot, I'd happily give this five stars. But even though I try really hard for my personal preferences not to affect my reviews I just really can't hang with this type of Hallmark story. I seriously can't stress enough though that's in no way saying it's bad at all and I truly recommend it for those who are looking for a cozy and seriously spicy story.
As always thanks Kodansha and NetGalley for the eArc!
September 16, 2025
﹙ four stars ﹚
kiri's personal journey in this one had me crying my eyes out not even halfway through this book. kiri is an accomplished conductor living in tokyo, but due to his own feelings of inadequacy and stringent demands on his orchestra, he suffers from a fall and retreats back to his countryside hometown to recuperate. seeing kiri struggle with his self-confidence and feeling unwanted made me so, so, sad, but on the flip side, seeing osamu, a local grocer with his own rocky past who adores kiri's music for his own reasons, light up his life was so rewarding and sweet. i was giggling the first time osamu made kiri blush!
the romance between the two wasn't the most developed, but the comfort they brought to each other as well as the home they find by the end of the manga was so poignant, i didn't really mind that things moved quickly. the promise of their future together at the end of the story was so hopeful, and i wouldn't mind reading a second volume following them as they continue to grow in their newfound relationship.
— thank you kodansha comics for the e-arc via netgalley to review!
kiri's personal journey in this one had me crying my eyes out not even halfway through this book. kiri is an accomplished conductor living in tokyo, but due to his own feelings of inadequacy and stringent demands on his orchestra, he suffers from a fall and retreats back to his countryside hometown to recuperate. seeing kiri struggle with his self-confidence and feeling unwanted made me so, so, sad, but on the flip side, seeing osamu, a local grocer with his own rocky past who adores kiri's music for his own reasons, light up his life was so rewarding and sweet. i was giggling the first time osamu made kiri blush!
the romance between the two wasn't the most developed, but the comfort they brought to each other as well as the home they find by the end of the manga was so poignant, i didn't really mind that things moved quickly. the promise of their future together at the end of the story was so hopeful, and i wouldn't mind reading a second volume following them as they continue to grow in their newfound relationship.
— thank you kodansha comics for the e-arc via netgalley to review!
October 7, 2025
5 ⭐️ across the board.
I cannot say anything bad about this story. It is such a sweet, heartwrenching, honest story of an admirer who ends up saving a music conductor. When Kiri does get sent to his home in the countryside from overworking, he is met with Osamu who is a local grocery store worker from his hometown. He comes across broken and worthless, but Osamu helps him find a way to keep going.
I went into this blind and had no idea what I would be expecting. It was a fast paced read, but I loved every minute of it! I feel like it captured Kiri’s emotions very well and it was so heartbreaking seeing him feel so defeated. It was so nice to him to see him slowly heal with being around people that genuinely cared about him and wanted to help him. Osamu is such a sweetie pie and made a fan out of me while reading the story. He is so giving, thoughtful, and sweet. He gives Kiri the hope that he would not have imagined had he not been constantly in his head. This is a fluffy love story that does dive into topics that make you reflect and I would recommend it to honestly anyone I knew that would love stories like this.
Thank you NetGalley and Kodansha for this eARC!
I cannot say anything bad about this story. It is such a sweet, heartwrenching, honest story of an admirer who ends up saving a music conductor. When Kiri does get sent to his home in the countryside from overworking, he is met with Osamu who is a local grocery store worker from his hometown. He comes across broken and worthless, but Osamu helps him find a way to keep going.
I went into this blind and had no idea what I would be expecting. It was a fast paced read, but I loved every minute of it! I feel like it captured Kiri’s emotions very well and it was so heartbreaking seeing him feel so defeated. It was so nice to him to see him slowly heal with being around people that genuinely cared about him and wanted to help him. Osamu is such a sweetie pie and made a fan out of me while reading the story. He is so giving, thoughtful, and sweet. He gives Kiri the hope that he would not have imagined had he not been constantly in his head. This is a fluffy love story that does dive into topics that make you reflect and I would recommend it to honestly anyone I knew that would love stories like this.
Thank you NetGalley and Kodansha for this eARC!
September 14, 2025
Thank to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for a complimentary early release copy of In Love’s Key, Reprised by Guri Nojiro.
I enjoyed In Love’s Key, Reprised, the art style is beautiful and I loved all the character designs especially Osuma. Osuma is one of my favorite characters, I loved everything about him expecially his sunshine energy/personality. I enjoyed Osuma’s family, I thought the characters were likable and kind. I liked the way they welcomed in Kiri and accepted him as their own. I was absolutely here for this romance, I liked it. I thought it was written in a nice slow and subtle kind of way, it gave plenty of time to get to know these characters and their inner issues before anything romantic took place. The romance was both sweet with lots of cute scenes but also steamy too! This was exactly the type of manga read that I needed, I loved reading Osuma and Kiri’s love story, these two are so perfect for one another. I’m very pleased with this story and it’s ending!
I enjoyed In Love’s Key, Reprised, the art style is beautiful and I loved all the character designs especially Osuma. Osuma is one of my favorite characters, I loved everything about him expecially his sunshine energy/personality. I enjoyed Osuma’s family, I thought the characters were likable and kind. I liked the way they welcomed in Kiri and accepted him as their own. I was absolutely here for this romance, I liked it. I thought it was written in a nice slow and subtle kind of way, it gave plenty of time to get to know these characters and their inner issues before anything romantic took place. The romance was both sweet with lots of cute scenes but also steamy too! This was exactly the type of manga read that I needed, I loved reading Osuma and Kiri’s love story, these two are so perfect for one another. I’m very pleased with this story and it’s ending!
October 21, 2025
A burnt out conductor Kiri returns to his rural hometown, where he meets Osamu, a local grocer, who is actually a years-long fan of Kiri.
I feel quite let down by the romance, I think the whole manga needed to be more developed to have a bigger impact. I would enjoy it more, if there was bigger focus on communication between the main characters instead of smutty scenes.
My favourite scene has to be, when Kiri went to visit his mother’s grave. I think it’s probably one of the best scenes in the whole manga.
Overall it’s ok, but definitely not my fave.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review.
I feel quite let down by the romance, I think the whole manga needed to be more developed to have a bigger impact. I would enjoy it more, if there was bigger focus on communication between the main characters instead of smutty scenes.
My favourite scene has to be, when Kiri went to visit his mother’s grave. I think it’s probably one of the best scenes in the whole manga.
Overall it’s ok, but definitely not my fave.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review.
October 31, 2025
Special thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing a digital copy in exchange for an honest review
I was excited to dive into this story, but it ultimately fell really flat for me. I found the plot to be a bit cheesy (like I imagine Hallmark would have a fun time with this plot if they ever actually tried to make a gay movie) and honestly a bit boring. There were many times that I felt annoyed by both Kiri and Osamu. I also didn't care much for the art style. Around the 70% mark, we get into the spicy territory which was decent enough, but it wasn't enough to help me forget the first 70% of disinterest I had while reading.
I was excited to dive into this story, but it ultimately fell really flat for me. I found the plot to be a bit cheesy (like I imagine Hallmark would have a fun time with this plot if they ever actually tried to make a gay movie) and honestly a bit boring. There were many times that I felt annoyed by both Kiri and Osamu. I also didn't care much for the art style. Around the 70% mark, we get into the spicy territory which was decent enough, but it wasn't enough to help me forget the first 70% of disinterest I had while reading.
September 17, 2025
In Love's Key, Reprised was a cute, quick, warm and fuzzy read. I enjoyed this, it was a breath of fresh air. The art style was fun and full of emotion and expression.
Overall, a very heartwarming story. A little bit of grumpy sunshine which was adorable, watching the characters come together was fun and charming. Definitely recommend if you are looking for a quick, fun, charming read.
Overall, a very heartwarming story. A little bit of grumpy sunshine which was adorable, watching the characters come together was fun and charming. Definitely recommend if you are looking for a quick, fun, charming read.
October 6, 2025
4.5/5⭐
I'd like to thank Netgalley for proving me an arc of this.
This was such a sweet story!! The protagonist has a very refreshing personality and I loved Osamu's devotion to him.
The message of "you don't have to be perfect, you can be selfish and still adored" was so sweet.
Not to mention that the art was gorgeous throughout and it was inspiring to boot.
A lovely, emotional story.
I'd like to thank Netgalley for proving me an arc of this.
This was such a sweet story!! The protagonist has a very refreshing personality and I loved Osamu's devotion to him.
The message of "you don't have to be perfect, you can be selfish and still adored" was so sweet.
Not to mention that the art was gorgeous throughout and it was inspiring to boot.
A lovely, emotional story.
December 9, 2025
A fast read
A very hallmark yaoi. Conductor returns to his hometown after career/health problems and falls for former badboy with a heart of gold. Mild age gap.
A very hallmark yaoi. Conductor returns to his hometown after career/health problems and falls for former badboy with a heart of gold. Mild age gap.
September 18, 2025
This was my second ever BL manga, and first Yaoi I have ever read. This was a cute and simple story about a composer taking a break from Tokyo in his hometown and falling for an over-reluctant local who was also a fan. I love the dynamic of grumpy/sunshine and having the grumpy composer be hard on the students reminded me of the 2014 movie Whiplash.
I do wish that the love story made a bit more sense. Upon meeting, Osamu treated Kiri like they had known each other for years when he had only just witnessed Kiri playing piano once almost a decade prior. I am also aware that in stories with explicit scenes like this one, the other parts of the story can be less important? Great spice, cute characters, love a one shot manga.
I do wish that the love story made a bit more sense. Upon meeting, Osamu treated Kiri like they had known each other for years when he had only just witnessed Kiri playing piano once almost a decade prior. I am also aware that in stories with explicit scenes like this one, the other parts of the story can be less important? Great spice, cute characters, love a one shot manga.
September 18, 2025
Azumi Kiri is forced to step down from his maestro position due to his deteriorating health. He returns to his hometown for some much-needed rest and relaxation. When Kiri arrives at his childhood home, he realizes that the electric and gas company were not notified of his impending arrival. Osamu, the local grocer delivery man, happens to stop by and ends up rescuing coming to Kiri’s rescue so he doesn’t become a Kiri-sicle. Sammy is a true admirer of Kiri’s work and of Kiri in general. This brief respite may be more than they both ever expected.
#ThxNetGalley #GuriNojiro #InLovesKeyReprised
#ThxNetGalley #GuriNojiro #InLovesKeyReprised
September 19, 2025
This was cute, but I had some issues with it. The plot is thin, and the characters jump into a relationship without much communication or reflection, even though one of them seems confused at first that a man could even like him. The middle of the story leaves a lot unsaid that you have to infer between the panels. And I was surprised by and could have done without the explicit scenes. I didn't feel like they added anything.
September 27, 2025
So, so cute! I loved how the story came full circle and they ended up saving each other in the end. It felt really satisfying and heartfelt. The art is gorgeous, and the facial expressions are absolutely perfect. The romance was incredibly sweet. Each character’s insecurities felt believable, and the way they fell in love was natural and honest, never rushed or forced. I also really appreciated that neither of them had to give up a good future in order to be together, the story allowed them both love and fulfillment, which made the ending even more rewarding.
A touching, beautifully drawn love story that balances sweetness with sincerity.
A touching, beautifully drawn love story that balances sweetness with sincerity.
September 19, 2025
Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this.
This is a very sweet love story about a grumpy conductor and a happy-go-lucky grocer.
The art style is very nice and the story is very sweet.
I recommend this to those who like BL mangas. This also doesn't appear to be a serial manga, so this has the added bonus of a nice quick read as well.
This is a very sweet love story about a grumpy conductor and a happy-go-lucky grocer.
The art style is very nice and the story is very sweet.
I recommend this to those who like BL mangas. This also doesn't appear to be a serial manga, so this has the added bonus of a nice quick read as well.
September 21, 2025
Linda historia, lindo dibujo, aunque a veces siento que ciertas partes van muy rápido, pero en general me gustó.
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