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Resistance #1
Our Funny Love Story
A Darkly Ironic Achillean Mystery of Layers and Lies
The title is a lie. The story is a puzzle.
Kamada Eizo is a web novelist with a breezy front and a desperate core. Having landed a flagship fantasy serial with a Tokyo publisher, he’s finally within reach of the life he craves—a life built on a foundation that could crumble at any moment.
Miyamoto Ran detests liars. A brusque, uncompromising editor, Ran is obsessed with a single prize: unearthing the lost work of an author who vanished eight years ago. Securing Eizo’s success is merely the means to an end.
They are polar opposites, bound together by a misdelivered package and a mutual talent for barbed one-upmanship, until a high-stakes deadline forces an uneasy truce. Yet, as they draw closer, Ran begins to see through Eizo’s mask, sensing that the fragile connection they share is built on carefully wrought artifice. But for two men who have had the story of their lives once stolen, how far will one go to win it back, even if it means silencing the other's voice?
OUR FUNNY LOVE STORY is a darkly ironic Achillean literary mystery set in Tokyo. Perfect for fans of the psychological depth of Haruki Murakami, the emotional complexity of Sally Rooney, and the witty friction of Alexis Hall.
Note: This is Book 1 of a duet. While the banter is sharp and the tension is high, this volume focuses on the mystery and the slow-burn psychological connection. A HEA concludes the duet in Book 2, Or So We Say (Winter 2026).
The title is a lie. The story is a puzzle.
Kamada Eizo is a web novelist with a breezy front and a desperate core. Having landed a flagship fantasy serial with a Tokyo publisher, he’s finally within reach of the life he craves—a life built on a foundation that could crumble at any moment.
Miyamoto Ran detests liars. A brusque, uncompromising editor, Ran is obsessed with a single prize: unearthing the lost work of an author who vanished eight years ago. Securing Eizo’s success is merely the means to an end.
They are polar opposites, bound together by a misdelivered package and a mutual talent for barbed one-upmanship, until a high-stakes deadline forces an uneasy truce. Yet, as they draw closer, Ran begins to see through Eizo’s mask, sensing that the fragile connection they share is built on carefully wrought artifice. But for two men who have had the story of their lives once stolen, how far will one go to win it back, even if it means silencing the other's voice?
OUR FUNNY LOVE STORY is a darkly ironic Achillean literary mystery set in Tokyo. Perfect for fans of the psychological depth of Haruki Murakami, the emotional complexity of Sally Rooney, and the witty friction of Alexis Hall.
Note: This is Book 1 of a duet. While the banter is sharp and the tension is high, this volume focuses on the mystery and the slow-burn psychological connection. A HEA concludes the duet in Book 2, Or So We Say (Winter 2026).
396 pages, ebook
Published March 2, 2026
9 people are currently reading
208 people want to read
About the author
Byrd Koto
2 books24 followersByrd Koto is an ESEA (East and Southeast Asian) author of genre-blenders with queer yearning, mystery and humor. Her stories center on psychological realism, where alienated characters explore relationships, identity, desire, and loss across the many worlds they inhabit. Born and raised in Singapore, she has an MFA in Creative Writing (Fiction) from the City University of Hong Kong.
Her debut novel, Our Funny Love Story (Book 1 of the Resistance Series), is out in Spring 2026.
She writes about all things bookish under the sun at byrdkoto.com. Join the mailing list at the same site to receive the latest updates. @byrdkotoauthor on socials.
Her debut novel, Our Funny Love Story (Book 1 of the Resistance Series), is out in Spring 2026.
She writes about all things bookish under the sun at byrdkoto.com. Join the mailing list at the same site to receive the latest updates. @byrdkotoauthor on socials.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Holy wow. I read pretty fast, but I inhaled this book as soon as I got the ARC copy. I was absolutely hooked!
This book definitely reminded me of danmei, and is an incredible debut novel. Ran and Eizo's interactions drew me in and had me both laughing and groaning. My one criticism is that now I'm stuck hanging on until the next book comes out!
Fantastic book. If you enjoy indie novels, danmei, misunderstandings, and enemies to lovers, this book is for you!
This book definitely reminded me of danmei, and is an incredible debut novel. Ran and Eizo's interactions drew me in and had me both laughing and groaning. My one criticism is that now I'm stuck hanging on until the next book comes out!
Fantastic book. If you enjoy indie novels, danmei, misunderstandings, and enemies to lovers, this book is for you!
January 11, 2026
full review to come asap
funny? check. story? check. love? check. the genre is called a slow burn for a reason, isn’t it?
this had me hooked for three days to the point that i put off my drifting off time even when i was exhausted merely because it quickly became a short tradition of mine to continue this story in the evenings.
I have received an ARC of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, therefore I would like to sincerely thank the platform as well as the publisher, Victory Editing, and the author, Byrd Koto, to whom I wish a successful publication and a wonderful writing career.
funny? check. story? check. love? check. the genre is called a slow burn for a reason, isn’t it?
this had me hooked for three days to the point that i put off my drifting off time even when i was exhausted merely because it quickly became a short tradition of mine to continue this story in the evenings.
I have received an ARC of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, therefore I would like to sincerely thank the platform as well as the publisher, Victory Editing, and the author, Byrd Koto, to whom I wish a successful publication and a wonderful writing career.
March 2, 2026
This was a really enjoyable read. I am always on the lookout for danmei-esque or danmei-adjacent reads in English, and I can definitely say that this one truly delivered the vibes and the core elements one can expect in a modern danmei novel. There is a hilarious misunderstanding that really hooks you into the story with crazy (sexual) tension, a brooding black-cat MC (here, I am referring to Ran), and a golden retriever ML (referring to Eizo).
Apart from the banter and that one slightly spicy scene, I wished there were more romantic elements in the sense of sort of forbidden yearning, if I’m making sense? The banter was hilarious, although I thought the misunderstanding felt a little too drawn out as it could’ve been resolved easily if one of them just opened their mouth to clarify things. I’m looking at you Ran. There were times I was like “omg Ran please act your age, you’re a grown man and you’re being extremely petty right now”, but I suppose that is part of his prickly, arrogant (?) characterisation.
I really enjoyed Byrd Koto’s writing style; really strong for a debut novel. The dual POV was well-structured and I really appreciated how it allowed me to learn more about each character. While there is also a delicious slow-burn that’ll have a reader begging for more, I found the overall pacing to be a tad too slow-moving and bogged down by details which, though interesting, were too technical. Given that the plot is already rather low-stakes, I thought the pacing should have been faster and capitalised more on the tension, banter, and dynamics between the two MCs for readers to be extra-invested! It needed slightly more ooh-aaahhh swoony moments, I feel.
Overall, I had a wonderful time with this first instalment of the Resistance series. I am seated for Book 2 and I cannot wait to see where it takes me. I am rooting for Eizo x Ran!!
Apart from the banter and that one slightly spicy scene, I wished there were more romantic elements in the sense of sort of forbidden yearning, if I’m making sense? The banter was hilarious, although I thought the misunderstanding felt a little too drawn out as it could’ve been resolved easily if one of them just opened their mouth to clarify things. I’m looking at you Ran. There were times I was like “omg Ran please act your age, you’re a grown man and you’re being extremely petty right now”, but I suppose that is part of his prickly, arrogant (?) characterisation.
I really enjoyed Byrd Koto’s writing style; really strong for a debut novel. The dual POV was well-structured and I really appreciated how it allowed me to learn more about each character. While there is also a delicious slow-burn that’ll have a reader begging for more, I found the overall pacing to be a tad too slow-moving and bogged down by details which, though interesting, were too technical. Given that the plot is already rather low-stakes, I thought the pacing should have been faster and capitalised more on the tension, banter, and dynamics between the two MCs for readers to be extra-invested! It needed slightly more ooh-aaahhh swoony moments, I feel.
Overall, I had a wonderful time with this first instalment of the Resistance series. I am seated for Book 2 and I cannot wait to see where it takes me. I am rooting for Eizo x Ran!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I got a free arc for an honest review, thank you!
I really love the writing style, it's very engaging and intelligent, witty, meaningful and clever, drawing me in. I also love the creativity, the surprises and all kinds of cultural references, and it's a truly unique plot that had me interested, trying to figure out what was happening throughout. It very much worked for me imagining it like an anime I would definitely watch.
I mostly enjoyed the banter and animosity between the main characters, some of the humour wasn't for me and sometimes their behaviour confused me in the first half and I couldn't fully understand them which I wished would become clearer. A few plot pints now and then confused me too, but didn't take away the enjoyment on a whole.
Chemistry between them was a little lacking for me until maybe the last third, but then it got much better, and I have high hopes for the sequel in this regard!
I liked Eizo's complicated relationship with his mother a lot, the tension between them, and him suffocating because of her was so well done. And the few glimpses we got of Ran's past, as well. Hoping for more of that and proper relationship development between them.
But the last third or so really picked up for me and got more exciting and mysterious in every way, and that end?! Whaaaaaat??!! I have many, questions! Looking forward to finding out the rest! Overall a really unique, good debut novel.
I really love the writing style, it's very engaging and intelligent, witty, meaningful and clever, drawing me in. I also love the creativity, the surprises and all kinds of cultural references, and it's a truly unique plot that had me interested, trying to figure out what was happening throughout. It very much worked for me imagining it like an anime I would definitely watch.
I mostly enjoyed the banter and animosity between the main characters, some of the humour wasn't for me and sometimes their behaviour confused me in the first half and I couldn't fully understand them which I wished would become clearer. A few plot pints now and then confused me too, but didn't take away the enjoyment on a whole.
Chemistry between them was a little lacking for me until maybe the last third, but then it got much better, and I have high hopes for the sequel in this regard!
I liked Eizo's complicated relationship with his mother a lot, the tension between them, and him suffocating because of her was so well done. And the few glimpses we got of Ran's past, as well. Hoping for more of that and proper relationship development between them.
But the last third or so really picked up for me and got more exciting and mysterious in every way, and that end?! Whaaaaaat??!! I have many, questions! Looking forward to finding out the rest! Overall a really unique, good debut novel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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February 15, 2026𓏲࣪◜ 3 stars ♡ᵎ
“Not for long, though. When one journey ends, another begins.”
It was completely different than expected. I think because it was completely different than expected i couldn't adjust to the change very well. I know there will be a second book, but i wish we'd gotten a few more glimpses into their relationship to make me want to read the rest. The writing style however was great.
- a huge thank you to the author for sending me the e-arc in exchange for an honest review. -
“Not for long, though. When one journey ends, another begins.”
It was completely different than expected. I think because it was completely different than expected i couldn't adjust to the change very well. I know there will be a second book, but i wish we'd gotten a few more glimpses into their relationship to make me want to read the rest. The writing style however was great.
- a huge thank you to the author for sending me the e-arc in exchange for an honest review. -
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 4, 2026
Book, it's not you, it's me. Our humor just does not mesh well, and I'm sorry!
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February 28, 2026**I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.**
Sometimes you don’t vibe with a book, and that’s ok, Sometimes it’s because you’re not in the mood or something is going on. Other times it’s because you went with some assumptions and then the book throws you into a loop and your mind is so confused you really don’t know what to think.
Writing reviews can be really easy, you either enjoy a book or not and explain why. But what happens when you enjoy part of the book, but other parts left you so confused that you have no idea what to say.
“My Funny Love Story” is one of those books.
I feel like it’s trying too much being too many things.
“MM Romcom Meets Queer Lit Fic”
“OUR FUNNY LOVE STORY is an Achillean literary mystery perfect for fans of slow-burn queer romances with psychological depth, banter that runs hot (…)”
This is too many words to describe a single book. Is it a literary mystery or a romance? It’s funny, but with psychological depth? It’s too much. The book tries to be too many things, and it ends up falling short because it’s trying to be all the tropes that really some of them don’t go together.
It is, however, a cute dive into the world of editors and book publishing, and it has a lot of surrealism moments that are pretty good. I'm really a sucker for books with editors and the editing process. If you are expecting something light-hearted, a lot of dialogue with jokes, you might not find it here.
The two main characters don’t really like each other for at least 90% of the book, they spend their entire time either arguing or Ran insulting Eizo. I am not joking, he calls him “little f*cker” and “little sh!t” WHILE Eizo works with him. Ran is the most unprofessional editor I have ever found. You do NOT insult your authors, people! And he’s the love interest! Eizo is supposed to love him.
He also mentions taking a dump way too much to his boss, and if that’s the humour part, I fail to see it as such, I’m sorry. There’s no real banter, it all really seems mean-spirited, and we never know why Ran dislikes Eizo. I don’t really know why they’re enemies, because again they work together, Eizo’s success is Ran’s success. It makes no sense that they hate each other. Ran is just a real huge a*hole until almost the very end of the book and by then, I don't know why he changed his mind.
That’s also another thing. I’m not sure what the plot is, I don’t even know if there’s one, because again there’s so many things happen, I keep forgetting where I should focus on.
I loved Eizo’s book ideas: the mage that possibly had no powers, but no one knew? That was amazing! I wanted more of that!
I wanted more surreal scenes where it seemed like something completely magical was happening, where Eizo is running and then the scene shifts to a fox hunting, that’s great! Those scenes are really cool. I feel like this should be marketed just as literary fiction, so the author should not feel so “tied” to the concept of the characters being together, because I find that if the characters weren’t so bound on "falling in love” this would have been different.
I will still read the second book, although I will go with a different mindset.
This book caught me off guard because again I was trying to vibe with a lot of different things/themes/styles and now that I am more familiar with the author's style, I think I can safely go with clearer expectations.
And hey that happens with debuts. It's only the first book in a sea of, hopefully, a lot more. The author will have plenty of time and opportunities to explore her style and her voice.
Sometimes you don’t vibe with a book, and that’s ok, Sometimes it’s because you’re not in the mood or something is going on. Other times it’s because you went with some assumptions and then the book throws you into a loop and your mind is so confused you really don’t know what to think.
Writing reviews can be really easy, you either enjoy a book or not and explain why. But what happens when you enjoy part of the book, but other parts left you so confused that you have no idea what to say.
“My Funny Love Story” is one of those books.
I feel like it’s trying too much being too many things.
“MM Romcom Meets Queer Lit Fic”
“OUR FUNNY LOVE STORY is an Achillean literary mystery perfect for fans of slow-burn queer romances with psychological depth, banter that runs hot (…)”
This is too many words to describe a single book. Is it a literary mystery or a romance? It’s funny, but with psychological depth? It’s too much. The book tries to be too many things, and it ends up falling short because it’s trying to be all the tropes that really some of them don’t go together.
It is, however, a cute dive into the world of editors and book publishing, and it has a lot of surrealism moments that are pretty good. I'm really a sucker for books with editors and the editing process. If you are expecting something light-hearted, a lot of dialogue with jokes, you might not find it here.
The two main characters don’t really like each other for at least 90% of the book, they spend their entire time either arguing or Ran insulting Eizo. I am not joking, he calls him “little f*cker” and “little sh!t” WHILE Eizo works with him. Ran is the most unprofessional editor I have ever found. You do NOT insult your authors, people! And he’s the love interest! Eizo is supposed to love him.
He also mentions taking a dump way too much to his boss, and if that’s the humour part, I fail to see it as such, I’m sorry. There’s no real banter, it all really seems mean-spirited, and we never know why Ran dislikes Eizo. I don’t really know why they’re enemies, because again they work together, Eizo’s success is Ran’s success. It makes no sense that they hate each other. Ran is just a real huge a*hole until almost the very end of the book and by then, I don't know why he changed his mind.
That’s also another thing. I’m not sure what the plot is, I don’t even know if there’s one, because again there’s so many things happen, I keep forgetting where I should focus on.
I loved Eizo’s book ideas: the mage that possibly had no powers, but no one knew? That was amazing! I wanted more of that!
I wanted more surreal scenes where it seemed like something completely magical was happening, where Eizo is running and then the scene shifts to a fox hunting, that’s great! Those scenes are really cool. I feel like this should be marketed just as literary fiction, so the author should not feel so “tied” to the concept of the characters being together, because I find that if the characters weren’t so bound on "falling in love” this would have been different.
I will still read the second book, although I will go with a different mindset.
This book caught me off guard because again I was trying to vibe with a lot of different things/themes/styles and now that I am more familiar with the author's style, I think I can safely go with clearer expectations.
And hey that happens with debuts. It's only the first book in a sea of, hopefully, a lot more. The author will have plenty of time and opportunities to explore her style and her voice.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I'm not sure about the title being the right one, but I enjoyed this rollercoaster 💫
Our Funny Love Story is one of those books that promises something (a rom-com, ridiculous enemies to lovers mm romance) and ends up giving you something completely different (a queer literary fiction book with an amazing writing style that talks about the publishing industry while being an ode to readers and writers).
It’s funny because the book started as a rom-com, with the enemies to lovers that I couldn’t stand because one of them was extremely rude and the other was walking on the limit of sexual harassment at work-yet I think a lot of readers would enjoy the beginning because I tend to take rom-coms too seriously.
Then the MCs decided they could be civil while enjoying their banter and be kind of friends, which I liked more. Yet as the story progresses, the author decides to slow down the romance, put it on the background and focus on the characters the way someone would do in a literary fiction story. I loved that part even more, which is crazy because I picked this up for the romance and ended up staying for Ran’s commentary about books and publishing.
This story has three big strengths:
💫 The writing style is really good.
💫 If you love reading about books, you’re going to adore listen to Ran talk about them.
💫 The storyline is pretty unique, because this book changes genres in the middle. I ended up loving the mixture of literary fiction with a dose of slow burn romance.
This is also the reason why this book is a rollercoaster. It feels unique because it’s a blend of genres, but it’s also a nightmare to market and recommend. I saw the author’s website and they were having trouble because they marketed this a funny rom-com, which in reality is more a queer literary fiction that starts like an enemies to lovers rom-com.
This means that you can’t recommend this one to people only looking for a rom-com, but if you enjoy queer fiction about books (which is the majority of the book), you have to get through the beginning with the unrealistic enemies to lovers and two MCs behaving like kids.
The switch of genres is important, because it affects your expectations. For example, as I said before, I couldn’t stand the MCs at the beginning, but I enjoyed following them once they started to be civil with each other and the romance became a subplot. I hated them as love interests, but I ADORED Ran when he wasn’t someone I was supposed to fall for. He literally gave up being an engineer because he fell in love with a book he read for a book competition that was never published, so he became an editor to find this book😭😭
I also loved that this is set in Japan, and you can see you are in Japan, because the way they behave and how society works is so different from here. And the little mystery was beautiful💛
Overall, if you love queer fiction and a slow burn romance between a writer and his editor sounds great, you may enjoy this one. If you are only looking for a funny romance, or you don’t like rom-coms, I wouldn’t recommend trying this one. Also, it’s a duology, so if you love the slowest slow burn romances, you are in for a ride :)
*Rating: 3.5/5 stars
I kindly received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Our Funny Love Story is one of those books that promises something (a rom-com, ridiculous enemies to lovers mm romance) and ends up giving you something completely different (a queer literary fiction book with an amazing writing style that talks about the publishing industry while being an ode to readers and writers).
It’s funny because the book started as a rom-com, with the enemies to lovers that I couldn’t stand because one of them was extremely rude and the other was walking on the limit of sexual harassment at work-yet I think a lot of readers would enjoy the beginning because I tend to take rom-coms too seriously.
Then the MCs decided they could be civil while enjoying their banter and be kind of friends, which I liked more. Yet as the story progresses, the author decides to slow down the romance, put it on the background and focus on the characters the way someone would do in a literary fiction story. I loved that part even more, which is crazy because I picked this up for the romance and ended up staying for Ran’s commentary about books and publishing.
This story has three big strengths:
💫 The writing style is really good.
💫 If you love reading about books, you’re going to adore listen to Ran talk about them.
💫 The storyline is pretty unique, because this book changes genres in the middle. I ended up loving the mixture of literary fiction with a dose of slow burn romance.
This is also the reason why this book is a rollercoaster. It feels unique because it’s a blend of genres, but it’s also a nightmare to market and recommend. I saw the author’s website and they were having trouble because they marketed this a funny rom-com, which in reality is more a queer literary fiction that starts like an enemies to lovers rom-com.
This means that you can’t recommend this one to people only looking for a rom-com, but if you enjoy queer fiction about books (which is the majority of the book), you have to get through the beginning with the unrealistic enemies to lovers and two MCs behaving like kids.
The switch of genres is important, because it affects your expectations. For example, as I said before, I couldn’t stand the MCs at the beginning, but I enjoyed following them once they started to be civil with each other and the romance became a subplot. I hated them as love interests, but I ADORED Ran when he wasn’t someone I was supposed to fall for. He literally gave up being an engineer because he fell in love with a book he read for a book competition that was never published, so he became an editor to find this book😭😭
I also loved that this is set in Japan, and you can see you are in Japan, because the way they behave and how society works is so different from here. And the little mystery was beautiful💛
Overall, if you love queer fiction and a slow burn romance between a writer and his editor sounds great, you may enjoy this one. If you are only looking for a funny romance, or you don’t like rom-coms, I wouldn’t recommend trying this one. Also, it’s a duology, so if you love the slowest slow burn romances, you are in for a ride :)
*Rating: 3.5/5 stars
I kindly received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
“Maybe it was best to see Eizo as a large, slobbering dog. But dogs were loyal, Eizo, with his penchant for deception, certainly wasn’t.”
I was a beta reader for Our Funny Love Story, and also received an ARC, but the following review is left of my own will and all thoughts and opinions expressed are wholly my own.
To begin, as someone who was privileged enough to get to read OFLS before it was in its final form, I would be remiss to not mention up front just how much I enjoyed it during the first read, and how much that enjoyment skyrocketed even higher after reading my ARC copy.
Byrd writes with witty and sharp precision, while allowing descriptive paragraphs to breathe and flow with full essence. Each line of the prose has its purpose, and her style of writing is one I personally find myself drawn to. Her characters—both main and side—feel lived in and real, and no one person is mentioned flippantly.
Kamada Eizo and Miyamoto Ran are both explicitly ridiculous in their initial disdain for one another, but the smoldering burn of hostile feelings turned into hesitant curiosity into towing the line of unspoken attraction is so, so good. Their comedic banter and inner monologues while facing off with the other had me giggling aloud several times, even reading through it a second time.
Ran’s constant snark but honest-to-a-fault attitude made his poor first impression (something we learn is a common attribute of his) a distant memory as the story rides on, his particularity and no-nonsenseness endearing me to him. Eizo’s flux between someone who both knows what he wants and has the will to achieve it and an insecure spinner of yarns still chained by familial duty—while even ignoring the personal relatability—made my heart clench every time he chose not to tell the truth.
The titular love story, while currently only a glow of embers and brief flash of flame, is well worth the wait. The chemistry bubbles beneath the surface of the ongoing tensions of Ran’s editorial ambitions, Eizo’s relational pressures, and the mystery at the heart of it all (that I can’t share here. You’ll have to find out for yourself).
To say I’m looking forward to Or So We Say is a massive understatement.
If you enjoy heart-pangs from the mere brushing of fingers, tasty foreshadowing and engaging prose, and imperfect characters facing their faults, fears, and feelings, you will love Our Funny Love Story. This is a fantastic debut, and I already know Byrd will deliver a fantastic conclusion in the next one.
I was a beta reader for Our Funny Love Story, and also received an ARC, but the following review is left of my own will and all thoughts and opinions expressed are wholly my own.
To begin, as someone who was privileged enough to get to read OFLS before it was in its final form, I would be remiss to not mention up front just how much I enjoyed it during the first read, and how much that enjoyment skyrocketed even higher after reading my ARC copy.
Byrd writes with witty and sharp precision, while allowing descriptive paragraphs to breathe and flow with full essence. Each line of the prose has its purpose, and her style of writing is one I personally find myself drawn to. Her characters—both main and side—feel lived in and real, and no one person is mentioned flippantly.
Kamada Eizo and Miyamoto Ran are both explicitly ridiculous in their initial disdain for one another, but the smoldering burn of hostile feelings turned into hesitant curiosity into towing the line of unspoken attraction is so, so good. Their comedic banter and inner monologues while facing off with the other had me giggling aloud several times, even reading through it a second time.
Ran’s constant snark but honest-to-a-fault attitude made his poor first impression (something we learn is a common attribute of his) a distant memory as the story rides on, his particularity and no-nonsenseness endearing me to him. Eizo’s flux between someone who both knows what he wants and has the will to achieve it and an insecure spinner of yarns still chained by familial duty—while even ignoring the personal relatability—made my heart clench every time he chose not to tell the truth.
The titular love story, while currently only a glow of embers and brief flash of flame, is well worth the wait. The chemistry bubbles beneath the surface of the ongoing tensions of Ran’s editorial ambitions, Eizo’s relational pressures, and the mystery at the heart of it all (that I can’t share here. You’ll have to find out for yourself).
To say I’m looking forward to Or So We Say is a massive understatement.
If you enjoy heart-pangs from the mere brushing of fingers, tasty foreshadowing and engaging prose, and imperfect characters facing their faults, fears, and feelings, you will love Our Funny Love Story. This is a fantastic debut, and I already know Byrd will deliver a fantastic conclusion in the next one.
Review of advance copy
BRO. I had my speculations on The Big Mystery (I won’t say it specifically in case it’s considered a spoiler) since about 47% and I am FUMING that I have to wait until the next book to find out if I’m right or wrong!
Oh, also, as full disclosure I am an ARC reader of this book and my opinions are my own etc etc.
I walked into Our Funny Love Story expecting a comedic dislike-to-lovers achillean romance, and what I didn’t expect was that it would also be steeped in one big mystery that ties grumpy boi Ran and sunny-but-secretly-sad boi Eizo (or someone Eizo-adjacent? 👀) to the plot. As Eizo is a writer and Ran is an editor, there were snippets of the stories Eizo has written and Ran has edited interspersed throughout the book and I was HOOKED on dissecting the hidden meaning behind each snippet. Although I’m someone who is Not That Great at figuring out mysteries or catching onto secrets before they’re revealed, I still have tonnes of fun trying my best, and this book was PERFECT for that <3
And of course, the romance threaded throughout the book was super funny and cute. As another reviewer mentioned, it IS a slow-burn in the truest sense in that Ran and Eizo don't get together in this book. But the intrigue is absolutely there, and hell, that's what book 2 is for <3 Anyway, we all love a grumpy and sunshine pair, and (for me, anyway) ESPECIALLY when the sunshine one is secretly traumatised and hiding behind a smile~ Although their initial animosity was from a misunderstanding that at one point had me going “Will y’all just TALK about this??”, watching them bicker and one-up each other was enjoyable enough for me to let that slide.
I will say I was worried at one point, quite early on, when Eizo tries to piss Ran off by writing a saucy short story about two men with similar names to theirs, BUT, my worries were allayed when Eizo was soon after chastised and told what a creepy move that was, and imo he felt sufficiently guilty and tried to make up for it.
As someone who felt some similarities between Eizo’s childhood home life and my own, I was hooked on his interactions (or lack thereof, until nearer to the end of the book) with his cold and unavailable mother. And to add another note on the relationship between Eizo and Ran, I really appreciated that their animosity didn’t begin to wane because they were simply attracted to each other, but because they both became intrigued in each other’s mysterious lives/pasts. I love characters who can’t resist a puzzle <3
Anyway TL;DR: I can’t wait for the next book and I’m pissed that it’s not out now XD
(edited to spell Eizo's name right (I kept writing "Ezio" ajdhkjfh) because I'm a DISASTER <3 )
Oh, also, as full disclosure I am an ARC reader of this book and my opinions are my own etc etc.
I walked into Our Funny Love Story expecting a comedic dislike-to-lovers achillean romance, and what I didn’t expect was that it would also be steeped in one big mystery that ties grumpy boi Ran and sunny-but-secretly-sad boi Eizo (or someone Eizo-adjacent? 👀) to the plot. As Eizo is a writer and Ran is an editor, there were snippets of the stories Eizo has written and Ran has edited interspersed throughout the book and I was HOOKED on dissecting the hidden meaning behind each snippet. Although I’m someone who is Not That Great at figuring out mysteries or catching onto secrets before they’re revealed, I still have tonnes of fun trying my best, and this book was PERFECT for that <3
And of course, the romance threaded throughout the book was super funny and cute. As another reviewer mentioned, it IS a slow-burn in the truest sense in that Ran and Eizo don't get together in this book. But the intrigue is absolutely there, and hell, that's what book 2 is for <3 Anyway, we all love a grumpy and sunshine pair, and (for me, anyway) ESPECIALLY when the sunshine one is secretly traumatised and hiding behind a smile~ Although their initial animosity was from a misunderstanding that at one point had me going “Will y’all just TALK about this??”, watching them bicker and one-up each other was enjoyable enough for me to let that slide.
I will say I was worried at one point, quite early on, when Eizo tries to piss Ran off by writing a saucy short story about two men with similar names to theirs, BUT, my worries were allayed when Eizo was soon after chastised and told what a creepy move that was, and imo he felt sufficiently guilty and tried to make up for it.
As someone who felt some similarities between Eizo’s childhood home life and my own, I was hooked on his interactions (or lack thereof, until nearer to the end of the book) with his cold and unavailable mother. And to add another note on the relationship between Eizo and Ran, I really appreciated that their animosity didn’t begin to wane because they were simply attracted to each other, but because they both became intrigued in each other’s mysterious lives/pasts. I love characters who can’t resist a puzzle <3
Anyway TL;DR: I can’t wait for the next book and I’m pissed that it’s not out now XD
(edited to spell Eizo's name right (I kept writing "Ezio" ajdhkjfh) because I'm a DISASTER <3 )
Review of advance copy
Our Funny Story is the best character-driven novel I’ve read so far this year. Byrd Koto delivers beyond the metrics I use to rate debut novels, earning 5 stars.
The story is about web serial author Kamada Eizo and editor Miyamoto Ran being assigned to one another after Eizo is recruited by the CEO of a publishing company. The two start off on the wrong foot, with Ran reacting in an unhinged manner due to workplace burnout and just being a rough human. As he and Eizo learn to work together and develop Eizo’s prodigal talents, they begin to see more in the other.
My typical read is plot based, action novels. One reason I chose Koto’s novel because of the cover art because I’m such a sucker for great art. The other is that Koto is an international author, specifically an East and Southeast Asian (ESEA) author.
Her writing style took some adjustment because the first few chapters have a contemplative style. As the story develops, the style evolves into an immersive, world building one. The characters pop off the page due to the styles; however, the gender and class layers stand out for me the most. I’m impressed with the polish in each page and there’s a lot, 50 chapters worth. Because there’s a lot of content, Koto’s style offers informative descriptions help learning about Japan, especially publishing work culture. There’s also a glimpse–in comparison–of the challenges Eizo’s mother has as a C-suite executive in an investment corporation.
The characters themselves have quite the dynamic. Since Eizo is a writer and Ran is an editor, Ran’s interiority focuses a lot on writing knowledge and tips, when he’s not throwing unhinged flavour towards Eizo. I enjoy how intense and routine based he is. The narrative does take a while to get to the more direct romance, about 25 chapters in. When it begins, it’s oddly normative. It certainly is Eizo and Ran’s personal lives in equal parts to romantic lives, demonstrating the book blurb’s warning of an ultra slow burn, queer romance.
One of the iffy parts for me, but not enough to knock down a rating, is the blind date between Ran and Eizo. That just came out of nowhere, with the narrative trying to make it work via friend-of-friend situation for losing a bet. I certainly appreciate the romantic moments that followed, as those scenes come across more organic.
This doesn’t factor into the rating: the framework of the whole ebook was fantastic. Professional from front to back. It gave me a sense of polish before I began reading. I’m very glad I chose this novel. The only one in a long time that took me almost three months to read, but worth each moment.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The story is about web serial author Kamada Eizo and editor Miyamoto Ran being assigned to one another after Eizo is recruited by the CEO of a publishing company. The two start off on the wrong foot, with Ran reacting in an unhinged manner due to workplace burnout and just being a rough human. As he and Eizo learn to work together and develop Eizo’s prodigal talents, they begin to see more in the other.
My typical read is plot based, action novels. One reason I chose Koto’s novel because of the cover art because I’m such a sucker for great art. The other is that Koto is an international author, specifically an East and Southeast Asian (ESEA) author.
Her writing style took some adjustment because the first few chapters have a contemplative style. As the story develops, the style evolves into an immersive, world building one. The characters pop off the page due to the styles; however, the gender and class layers stand out for me the most. I’m impressed with the polish in each page and there’s a lot, 50 chapters worth. Because there’s a lot of content, Koto’s style offers informative descriptions help learning about Japan, especially publishing work culture. There’s also a glimpse–in comparison–of the challenges Eizo’s mother has as a C-suite executive in an investment corporation.
The characters themselves have quite the dynamic. Since Eizo is a writer and Ran is an editor, Ran’s interiority focuses a lot on writing knowledge and tips, when he’s not throwing unhinged flavour towards Eizo. I enjoy how intense and routine based he is. The narrative does take a while to get to the more direct romance, about 25 chapters in. When it begins, it’s oddly normative. It certainly is Eizo and Ran’s personal lives in equal parts to romantic lives, demonstrating the book blurb’s warning of an ultra slow burn, queer romance.
One of the iffy parts for me, but not enough to knock down a rating, is the blind date between Ran and Eizo. That just came out of nowhere, with the narrative trying to make it work via friend-of-friend situation for losing a bet. I certainly appreciate the romantic moments that followed, as those scenes come across more organic.
This doesn’t factor into the rating: the framework of the whole ebook was fantastic. Professional from front to back. It gave me a sense of polish before I began reading. I’m very glad I chose this novel. The only one in a long time that took me almost three months to read, but worth each moment.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
When Enemies Might Become Lovers... Eventually
Our Funny Love Story is Byrd Koto's debut novel and the first in what appears to be a series, likely a duology. The story follows two characters who start off as enemies and slowly—very slowly—begin to develop feelings for each other. We experience both perspectives as secrets pile up around them and their relationship inches toward something more. It's a gradual burn that tests your patience but ultimately keeps you invested enough to want the next installment.
The writing style is genuinely strong for a debut, flowing smoothly even while switching between two viewpoints without causing confusion. Byrd Koto handles dual perspectives well, giving each character a distinct voice. When the story hits its stride, it draws you in despite the pacing issues, which is no small feat. By the end, the groundwork laid throughout pays off enough that you'll find yourself curious about where the relationship goes next. There's real potential here, and the fact that it manages to pull you back in after slower sections speaks to Koto's storytelling ability.
The main challenge is the pacing—around the two-thirds mark, the book starts to feel long. You're waiting for something meaningful to happen between the characters, for that spark to finally ignite, but the enemies-to-lovers development moves at a glacial pace. Only near the very end do you get even a hint of genuine romantic feeling between them. Add to that the numerous secrets surrounding both characters, and the frustration builds when you're still largely in the dark by the final page. It's the kind of slow burn that might work better once the full series is out and you can read straight through.
Our Funny Love Story is a solid debut that shows promise, even if it requires patience. If you enjoy enemies-to-lovers romances and don't mind waiting for payoff across multiple books, this is worth picking up. Recommended for readers who appreciate character development over instant chemistry and who are willing to trust the journey, knowing the destination is still a book or two away.
Our Funny Love Story is Byrd Koto's debut novel and the first in what appears to be a series, likely a duology. The story follows two characters who start off as enemies and slowly—very slowly—begin to develop feelings for each other. We experience both perspectives as secrets pile up around them and their relationship inches toward something more. It's a gradual burn that tests your patience but ultimately keeps you invested enough to want the next installment.
The writing style is genuinely strong for a debut, flowing smoothly even while switching between two viewpoints without causing confusion. Byrd Koto handles dual perspectives well, giving each character a distinct voice. When the story hits its stride, it draws you in despite the pacing issues, which is no small feat. By the end, the groundwork laid throughout pays off enough that you'll find yourself curious about where the relationship goes next. There's real potential here, and the fact that it manages to pull you back in after slower sections speaks to Koto's storytelling ability.
The main challenge is the pacing—around the two-thirds mark, the book starts to feel long. You're waiting for something meaningful to happen between the characters, for that spark to finally ignite, but the enemies-to-lovers development moves at a glacial pace. Only near the very end do you get even a hint of genuine romantic feeling between them. Add to that the numerous secrets surrounding both characters, and the frustration builds when you're still largely in the dark by the final page. It's the kind of slow burn that might work better once the full series is out and you can read straight through.
Our Funny Love Story is a solid debut that shows promise, even if it requires patience. If you enjoy enemies-to-lovers romances and don't mind waiting for payoff across multiple books, this is worth picking up. Recommended for readers who appreciate character development over instant chemistry and who are willing to trust the journey, knowing the destination is still a book or two away.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I love books about bookish people, writers, readers, editors etc. But it sometimes feels lazy, like the author tries to tell you what makes a great book, but then the book itself doesn't meet the criteria.
The prose were very unique and the writing was a bit quirky at times. Given the characters jobs there were a lot conversation about writing itself in the book, so it was interesting to see the writer talking about one thing and doing it in the next page. But sometimes I didn't found it rewarding. A lot of times a chapter started with introducing a character, how they met the MMCs and a lot of random background info But then we really didn't spent time with the character later on. It also stopped the flow of the story for me. The story is about a writer and editor, so it made sense that I found myself paying more attention to it than usual.
The romance started out in a comedic way, but it stalllet in the middle. It was a slow, but natural development. But it felt like the author forgotten about it a bit, and in the end tired to bring back the tension between the characters.
It's clear the author tries to tell a bigger story here, but I'm not sure there is a clear vision here. At first it felt like any other romance, then it become a dissertation about literature with bits of family trauma.
Regardless, I'm looking forward to the sequel.
Some interesting quotes:
“Only one outcome for you then.” “I never play to lose,” Eizo replied. It was Eizo’s first victory over his mother. It was his only victory to date."
,,He could improve his prose, which was fine but sometimes a little sparse, in later revisions. Otherwise, he was heading in the right direction."
“The way he writes makes you think harder as you read. It keeps you guessing, at least. I may not understand everything that’s going on, but I would keep turning the page to find out.” “How about as an editor?” “I see it as his brand. His uniqueness is what we want to emphasize and polish.” Takeru nodded. “It’s confusing, but I trust he will deliver a satisfactory explanation.”
I love books about bookish people, writers, readers, editors etc. But it sometimes feels lazy, like the author tries to tell you what makes a great book, but then the book itself doesn't meet the criteria.
The prose were very unique and the writing was a bit quirky at times. Given the characters jobs there were a lot conversation about writing itself in the book, so it was interesting to see the writer talking about one thing and doing it in the next page. But sometimes I didn't found it rewarding. A lot of times a chapter started with introducing a character, how they met the MMCs and a lot of random background info But then we really didn't spent time with the character later on. It also stopped the flow of the story for me. The story is about a writer and editor, so it made sense that I found myself paying more attention to it than usual.
The romance started out in a comedic way, but it stalllet in the middle. It was a slow, but natural development. But it felt like the author forgotten about it a bit, and in the end tired to bring back the tension between the characters.
It's clear the author tries to tell a bigger story here, but I'm not sure there is a clear vision here. At first it felt like any other romance, then it become a dissertation about literature with bits of family trauma.
Regardless, I'm looking forward to the sequel.
Some interesting quotes:
“Only one outcome for you then.” “I never play to lose,” Eizo replied. It was Eizo’s first victory over his mother. It was his only victory to date."
,,He could improve his prose, which was fine but sometimes a little sparse, in later revisions. Otherwise, he was heading in the right direction."
“The way he writes makes you think harder as you read. It keeps you guessing, at least. I may not understand everything that’s going on, but I would keep turning the page to find out.” “How about as an editor?” “I see it as his brand. His uniqueness is what we want to emphasize and polish.” Takeru nodded. “It’s confusing, but I trust he will deliver a satisfactory explanation.”
Review of advance copy
ARC Review | Release Date: 2 Mar, 2026
An ultra slow burn Achillean literary mystery that's set against the backdrop of the LitRPG publishing industry in Tokyo? Um, yes please!
We've got Ran - accomplished, whip smart editor, extremely grumpy and all around just a bit of an asshole if we're honest. Then we've got Eizo, a young up and coming writer trying to resist becoming the nepo baby his wealthy mother wants him to be with a promising future in LitRPG who's just been assigned Ran as an editor. Only issue? They kind of loathe each other. And thus the chaos ensues.
From the first page of Ran's extreme discontent at the disruption of his routine, I was rubbing my hands together in glee. It's an understatement to say that the dynamic between the two leads becomes a battle of one-upmanship. All the while, Koto is cleverly weaving through the threads of a mystery that has plagued Ran throughout his career: finding the real identity of the author who wrote a brilliant story and walked away from award-winning success.
When I tell you this novel had me glued to the page trying to figure out where we were going and how long our leading men could keep up the immature mind games. Turns out, quite a while! These two really throw some out of pocket stuff at each other...and sometimes literal ass kickings. But that really gave me an insight into their characters and why Eizo and particularly Ran opt for such playground tactics as they try to challenge each other. It's so blatantly obvious that they don't know what to do with their complex feelings.
I truly appreciated an ACTUAL slow burn which meant that any small bits of warmth just feel so tender and significant. The little moments of care and consideration so real, raw, and vulnerable. It's going to be a joy to see them smooth out the creases of their budding relationship in Book 2.
Thank you to Hidden Gems Books for the ARC! 🙌
An ultra slow burn Achillean literary mystery that's set against the backdrop of the LitRPG publishing industry in Tokyo? Um, yes please!
We've got Ran - accomplished, whip smart editor, extremely grumpy and all around just a bit of an asshole if we're honest. Then we've got Eizo, a young up and coming writer trying to resist becoming the nepo baby his wealthy mother wants him to be with a promising future in LitRPG who's just been assigned Ran as an editor. Only issue? They kind of loathe each other. And thus the chaos ensues.
From the first page of Ran's extreme discontent at the disruption of his routine, I was rubbing my hands together in glee. It's an understatement to say that the dynamic between the two leads becomes a battle of one-upmanship. All the while, Koto is cleverly weaving through the threads of a mystery that has plagued Ran throughout his career: finding the real identity of the author who wrote a brilliant story and walked away from award-winning success.
When I tell you this novel had me glued to the page trying to figure out where we were going and how long our leading men could keep up the immature mind games. Turns out, quite a while! These two really throw some out of pocket stuff at each other...and sometimes literal ass kickings. But that really gave me an insight into their characters and why Eizo and particularly Ran opt for such playground tactics as they try to challenge each other. It's so blatantly obvious that they don't know what to do with their complex feelings.
I truly appreciated an ACTUAL slow burn which meant that any small bits of warmth just feel so tender and significant. The little moments of care and consideration so real, raw, and vulnerable. It's going to be a joy to see them smooth out the creases of their budding relationship in Book 2.
Thank you to Hidden Gems Books for the ARC! 🙌
February 5, 2026
This is the quintessential Japanese BL. An incredibly low stakes plot made increasingly tense and dramatic with stunning prose and building hyperbole. Two MCs that create drama and arguments based on nothing, aggressively flirting while simultaneously denying any form of attraction or respect for one another. A few random scenes of overly-sexualised confrontations and fixations... It was fun, it was dramatic, the romance has yet to go anywhere and the background tension is building as stories are left unfinished, family drama unresolved and mysteries unsolved.
I loved that the setting was a publishers, the editor/author relationship fully analysed and the thought processes behind publishing and the expectations of the industry explored. With snippets of novels scattered throughout, stories and drafts woven through the narrative, reflecting the author, changing the editor's view of him, drawing the audience further in to the stories that are yet to be written. Then there was the editors obsession with a manuscript never published despite winning awards, and the potential connection to the author, or his family. His family life was another element all together, difficult and strained, necessitating the secrecy he maintains and the double life he leads. I liked that baseball was a randomly large part of the backstory and plot of the side-story, drawn into the main narrative from time to time, adding another dimension to an already mildly chaotic plot. The two of them being neighbours, unaware at first, then deliberately antagonistic, then strangely domestic, was another brilliant addition to the building tension, conflicts and relationship between the two characters.
I had fun reading this! Enjoyed every second, it was random, chaotic, mysterious and wholly dramatic.
I loved that the setting was a publishers, the editor/author relationship fully analysed and the thought processes behind publishing and the expectations of the industry explored. With snippets of novels scattered throughout, stories and drafts woven through the narrative, reflecting the author, changing the editor's view of him, drawing the audience further in to the stories that are yet to be written. Then there was the editors obsession with a manuscript never published despite winning awards, and the potential connection to the author, or his family. His family life was another element all together, difficult and strained, necessitating the secrecy he maintains and the double life he leads. I liked that baseball was a randomly large part of the backstory and plot of the side-story, drawn into the main narrative from time to time, adding another dimension to an already mildly chaotic plot. The two of them being neighbours, unaware at first, then deliberately antagonistic, then strangely domestic, was another brilliant addition to the building tension, conflicts and relationship between the two characters.
I had fun reading this! Enjoyed every second, it was random, chaotic, mysterious and wholly dramatic.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 rounding up
I was extremely honored to read Byrd's debut novel Our Funny Story. As someone that's an avid BL reader and that basically grew up and studied within Japanese culture, there was no reason for me to not check it out!
I will admit some of the writing style did take me out a lot (I'm a bit picky about writing style and how a story is told I'm sorry), especially there was some dialogue that I found incredulous that a normal Japanese person wouldn't say or think with the amount of Western references they made, but the story was still interesting and easy to follow. We have our two opposites: Ran the stickler that follows everything by the book yet who is still driven by a story that haunts him and Eizo the always smiling new writer that transferred to the city with a mysterious past, that's hidden not just from the other characters, but to the reader too. The amount of coincidences and their internal petty battles with each other was funny, but something always kept coming back to them, like they can't escape with each other. Both of the characters had a lot of hidden layers between them and now knowing how Eizo is like, it makes me wonder what else these characters are hiding from us.
I understand that this is just part 1 out of a duology so there's probably going to be more to be explained later, at least I hoped. I think it set up the mystery and there are inklings of the romance here and there and I do hope all of those raised questions will be answered in the next book. I wish Byrd all the best, thank you again for letting me read your debut!
3.5 rounding up
I was extremely honored to read Byrd's debut novel Our Funny Story. As someone that's an avid BL reader and that basically grew up and studied within Japanese culture, there was no reason for me to not check it out!
I will admit some of the writing style did take me out a lot (I'm a bit picky about writing style and how a story is told I'm sorry), especially there was some dialogue that I found incredulous that a normal Japanese person wouldn't say or think with the amount of Western references they made, but the story was still interesting and easy to follow. We have our two opposites: Ran the stickler that follows everything by the book yet who is still driven by a story that haunts him and Eizo the always smiling new writer that transferred to the city with a mysterious past, that's hidden not just from the other characters, but to the reader too. The amount of coincidences and their internal petty battles with each other was funny, but something always kept coming back to them, like they can't escape with each other. Both of the characters had a lot of hidden layers between them and now knowing how Eizo is like, it makes me wonder what else these characters are hiding from us.
I understand that this is just part 1 out of a duology so there's probably going to be more to be explained later, at least I hoped. I think it set up the mystery and there are inklings of the romance here and there and I do hope all of those raised questions will be answered in the next book. I wish Byrd all the best, thank you again for letting me read your debut!
January 18, 2026
"What would you say if no one were watching? Something funny, so the night becomes less lonely?"
arc review!
an m/m enemies to lovers literary and genre bending mystery-romance... the writing is lucid and the imagery and semiotics are striking... its so beautifully layered i want to pore over every detail again! i love the characters and how they were introduced, they have very particular personalities refined into the smallest of details and every choice felt so natural... i heavily related to them in lots of respects lol
this has got to be one of my favorite depictions of enemies to lovers. like. they hate eachother and cant stop thinking about each other and the tension theyre so unhinged omg like help i love this
Ran
Tea
"Miyamoto Ran wasn’t someone you could mess with."
Eizo
Coffee
"Besides, romance was the last thing on his mind. Romance was always the last thing on his mind."
some of these lines are so rawly hilarious
"Time to pluck those feathers off the stem, Little Motherfucker."
and the enemies to lovers tension...
"Eizo felt like he was prey."
every twist and every detail landed... the layers to the narrative and the characters had me hooked... THE TENSIONN I CANT STOP SMILING I NEED TO STARE AT THE ART OF THEM
i had my theories and suspicions... the craft, the layers, im still thinking ab it...
the ending... WHAT???? WHAT DOES THIS MEAN ???!!! I NEED BOOK 2!!!!
arc review!
an m/m enemies to lovers literary and genre bending mystery-romance... the writing is lucid and the imagery and semiotics are striking... its so beautifully layered i want to pore over every detail again! i love the characters and how they were introduced, they have very particular personalities refined into the smallest of details and every choice felt so natural... i heavily related to them in lots of respects lol
this has got to be one of my favorite depictions of enemies to lovers. like. they hate eachother and cant stop thinking about each other and the tension theyre so unhinged omg like help i love this
Ran
Tea
"Miyamoto Ran wasn’t someone you could mess with."
Eizo
Coffee
"Besides, romance was the last thing on his mind. Romance was always the last thing on his mind."
some of these lines are so rawly hilarious
"Time to pluck those feathers off the stem, Little Motherfucker."
and the enemies to lovers tension...
"Eizo felt like he was prey."
every twist and every detail landed... the layers to the narrative and the characters had me hooked... THE TENSIONN I CANT STOP SMILING I NEED TO STARE AT THE ART OF THEM
i had my theories and suspicions... the craft, the layers, im still thinking ab it...
the ending... WHAT???? WHAT DOES THIS MEAN ???!!! I NEED BOOK 2!!!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was disappointing. The premise sounded fine, but the execution wasn't my taste at all.
Ran and Eizo don't feel like characters that are fully fleshed out in a way that makes sense to me as the reader. Honestly, it feels like I should know more about them than I actually do. Their personalities are dripped to us, but the way we start out gives me the sense that I should know them a lot longer.
The entire story feels like fanfiction. There's nothing wrong with fanfiction by any means, but it feels like this universe and setting and characters exist already and I have no idea what that IP is. It would definitely work better if these characters were already established to some degree. I don't find them believable because I'm having a hard time grasping who they are in the first place. They lack overall.
The banter between the two also caught me really off guard. I don't mind the cursing or abrasive speak we get from Ran right off the bat, but it makes it really hard for me to take it seriously. I think it also draws back to not knowing who they really are when we're launched into the story, because there's no gradual build up. We're just plopped into it, and it doesn't really work.
I know this is a slow-burn romance, but the plot doesn't have to be exactly. The plot doesn't feel like it's going anywhere, if I can even spot a plot. There's not enough of a ticking clock on the plot.
I did like some of the intimate moments the characters shared, even if I was half believing them.
Thank you to NetGalley and Twig and Hwyl Books for the eARC!
Ran and Eizo don't feel like characters that are fully fleshed out in a way that makes sense to me as the reader. Honestly, it feels like I should know more about them than I actually do. Their personalities are dripped to us, but the way we start out gives me the sense that I should know them a lot longer.
The entire story feels like fanfiction. There's nothing wrong with fanfiction by any means, but it feels like this universe and setting and characters exist already and I have no idea what that IP is. It would definitely work better if these characters were already established to some degree. I don't find them believable because I'm having a hard time grasping who they are in the first place. They lack overall.
The banter between the two also caught me really off guard. I don't mind the cursing or abrasive speak we get from Ran right off the bat, but it makes it really hard for me to take it seriously. I think it also draws back to not knowing who they really are when we're launched into the story, because there's no gradual build up. We're just plopped into it, and it doesn't really work.
I know this is a slow-burn romance, but the plot doesn't have to be exactly. The plot doesn't feel like it's going anywhere, if I can even spot a plot. There's not enough of a ticking clock on the plot.
I did like some of the intimate moments the characters shared, even if I was half believing them.
Thank you to NetGalley and Twig and Hwyl Books for the eARC!
Review of advance copy received from Author
First, I’d like to thank tales and teacups as well as Byrd Koto for the gifted eARC in exchange for my honest and spoiler free review.
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
My Thoughts:
This is my first read by Byrd Koto and I went into this story not knowing what to expect. Knowing that this is part one of a duet, I feel like this book definitely took its time building up which isn’t a bad thing. Since it is the first part of a duet, I felt like this author was setting the stage for what this duet is going to be about.
I love that this book dealt with a bookish trope such as editor x author, like this book was about! Our two characters are completely different people that have complicated pasts and I like how this author brought both of their perspectives to life in this story. We, as readers, get to learn a lot about our two characters and the lives they lived which leads into what I said prior about the author taking the time to lay out all the groundwork in this first book. Expect a really slow, slow burn in this first installment which was just enough to make me curious about the second part to this duet series!
I think overall the author did a good job at making the whodunit aspects capture my attention long enough to want to know what happens in the second part of this story. The romance wasn’t much in this story but I also want to see how our MCs wrap up their story together. If you are interested in MM romances, especially in a Tokyo setting with a little bit of mystery, then this book could very much be for you!
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
My Thoughts:
This is my first read by Byrd Koto and I went into this story not knowing what to expect. Knowing that this is part one of a duet, I feel like this book definitely took its time building up which isn’t a bad thing. Since it is the first part of a duet, I felt like this author was setting the stage for what this duet is going to be about.
I love that this book dealt with a bookish trope such as editor x author, like this book was about! Our two characters are completely different people that have complicated pasts and I like how this author brought both of their perspectives to life in this story. We, as readers, get to learn a lot about our two characters and the lives they lived which leads into what I said prior about the author taking the time to lay out all the groundwork in this first book. Expect a really slow, slow burn in this first installment which was just enough to make me curious about the second part to this duet series!
I think overall the author did a good job at making the whodunit aspects capture my attention long enough to want to know what happens in the second part of this story. The romance wasn’t much in this story but I also want to see how our MCs wrap up their story together. If you are interested in MM romances, especially in a Tokyo setting with a little bit of mystery, then this book could very much be for you!
Review of advance copy received from Author
An editor recieves a mysterious package and a new contract with a young writer on the same day - only for the package to belong to his annoying young punk of a new neighbour. Oh, and the annoying young punk of a new neighbour is also the young writer.
This read was much more intense than I'd expected. Excerpts of the writer, Eizo's, works not only weave into the narrative but runs parallel to it, the editor, Ran, unpicking Eizo through his work - but we the reader see information about Eizo that Ran doesn't, so unpick both Eizo and Ran further.
And yet the book has the same aloof and amusing air that Eizo is described as using- the men meet up with each other in amusing and charming circumstances, their conversations are snarky, Ran literally kicks the Eizo's ass and repeatedly threatens to do it again. The men hold each other in deep respect and yet keep digging under each other's skin in ridiculous ways.
A couple of times I struggled with explainations of kanji within the story - most of the time they were clear, and the cultural context added to the scene (especially the ways the men are disrespecting each other). But one particuar one regarding Ran drawing a Venn diagram was pretty confusing - I had to read it four times to follow it (and I'm still a bit lost if I'm honest), and I think if I'd had this book in a different format that would have dragged it down for me.
In all, this book far exceeded my expectations. 4.5/5, rounded up to 5 on relevant platforms.
This read was much more intense than I'd expected. Excerpts of the writer, Eizo's, works not only weave into the narrative but runs parallel to it, the editor, Ran, unpicking Eizo through his work - but we the reader see information about Eizo that Ran doesn't, so unpick both Eizo and Ran further.
And yet the book has the same aloof and amusing air that Eizo is described as using- the men meet up with each other in amusing and charming circumstances, their conversations are snarky, Ran literally kicks the Eizo's ass and repeatedly threatens to do it again. The men hold each other in deep respect and yet keep digging under each other's skin in ridiculous ways.
A couple of times I struggled with explainations of kanji within the story - most of the time they were clear, and the cultural context added to the scene (especially the ways the men are disrespecting each other). But one particuar one regarding Ran drawing a Venn diagram was pretty confusing - I had to read it four times to follow it (and I'm still a bit lost if I'm honest), and I think if I'd had this book in a different format that would have dragged it down for me.
In all, this book far exceeded my expectations. 4.5/5, rounded up to 5 on relevant platforms.
January 3, 2026
Thank you Booksirens and the author for the ARC
Last year, I really started liking slow burn romances. So I was pretty excited to read this MM romance. I mean it said it had the tropes/themes I enjoyed; enemies to lovers, banter, some mystery, and a hint of grumpy x sunshine.
It definitely was a slooooooooooow burn of sorts, but not so much romance. Don’t get me wrong the banter between Ran and Eizo was funny at first and I loved that they each upped it every time they met and it just became way more interesting to see what was going to happen when they were together. The whole publishing setting was fun. The mystery as the ending came was great and so worth the slow and steady pace of the book.
However, both MCs seemed seriously childish to me. Ran with his constant remarks about shitting and toilet humor. I mean it get it he’s crass as a survival technique, but idk it just wore on you a bit. Then there’s Eizo, the whole time he was just shifty and okay he had parents who weren’t there but he just irked me the most.
Overall, I liked the story but didn’t really care for it too much. I personally don’t know if I’d want to read the second book just to confirm my suspicions about both MCS and the mystery they both have. Star rating wise: ⭐️⭐️
Last year, I really started liking slow burn romances. So I was pretty excited to read this MM romance. I mean it said it had the tropes/themes I enjoyed; enemies to lovers, banter, some mystery, and a hint of grumpy x sunshine.
It definitely was a slooooooooooow burn of sorts, but not so much romance. Don’t get me wrong the banter between Ran and Eizo was funny at first and I loved that they each upped it every time they met and it just became way more interesting to see what was going to happen when they were together. The whole publishing setting was fun. The mystery as the ending came was great and so worth the slow and steady pace of the book.
However, both MCs seemed seriously childish to me. Ran with his constant remarks about shitting and toilet humor. I mean it get it he’s crass as a survival technique, but idk it just wore on you a bit. Then there’s Eizo, the whole time he was just shifty and okay he had parents who weren’t there but he just irked me the most.
Overall, I liked the story but didn’t really care for it too much. I personally don’t know if I’d want to read the second book just to confirm my suspicions about both MCS and the mystery they both have. Star rating wise: ⭐️⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you netgalley and author Byrd Koto for accepting me as arc reader🫧💗
To be honest, I didn’t like it at the start. The pace of the story was very slow, often switching from Ran’s point of view to Eizo’s. And very often, even though the individual stories co-relate with each other, the MM wasn’t spending as much time together I had hoped. And I didn’t like Ran at all at first. In my eyes he was ill-tempered, immature for his age and I just couldn’t get the reason why he and Eizo became enemies in the first place. But as I continued reading, I started to enjoy the story and grew to like Ran (maybe because there are more interactions between the MM afterwards). I could feel the MM are falling for each other towards the end, but again, I hope the author could have showed how and why they started falling in love. It felt a bit abrupt, like suddenly their hearts started racing when they see each other. I would also prefer if there are more dialogues. But still, it was an excellent read from a debut author. I’m looking forward to read Book 2 this year.
- 7 years age gap
- Enemies to lovers
- Slow burn
- Grumpy, cunning, short editor 🫶🏻Secretive, friendly, tall writer
- Both are handsome and never dated (which I love it)
To be honest, I didn’t like it at the start. The pace of the story was very slow, often switching from Ran’s point of view to Eizo’s. And very often, even though the individual stories co-relate with each other, the MM wasn’t spending as much time together I had hoped. And I didn’t like Ran at all at first. In my eyes he was ill-tempered, immature for his age and I just couldn’t get the reason why he and Eizo became enemies in the first place. But as I continued reading, I started to enjoy the story and grew to like Ran (maybe because there are more interactions between the MM afterwards). I could feel the MM are falling for each other towards the end, but again, I hope the author could have showed how and why they started falling in love. It felt a bit abrupt, like suddenly their hearts started racing when they see each other. I would also prefer if there are more dialogues. But still, it was an excellent read from a debut author. I’m looking forward to read Book 2 this year.
- 7 years age gap
- Enemies to lovers
- Slow burn
- Grumpy, cunning, short editor 🫶🏻Secretive, friendly, tall writer
- Both are handsome and never dated (which I love it)
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
I really struggled to get in the story and almost stopped reading it a few times, maybe I should have because sadly I did not really enjoy this story.
I did not like the characters and I feel like I don’t know much about them. This is also supposed to be a slow burn romance but I did not like the characters together and the way they acted towards each other made me not want them to be together. I really did not feel any chemistry.
The pacing was also a bit weird in the beginning it was slow and then the last few chapters went so fast that it felt a bit unnatural. I understand that the end of a book usually goes a bit faster but the process in the relationship in the last 5-6 chapters did not match the rest of the book.
Besides the romance I also struggled to follow the plot and where the story was going. I feel like I read a whole lot but could not give you an answer if you would ask me what the story was really about. It felt a bit messy with a lot of plot points that should have been explored in more depth.
I did enjoy the writing style and I would want to try something else from Byrd Koto in the future, but sadly this was not the story for me.
I really struggled to get in the story and almost stopped reading it a few times, maybe I should have because sadly I did not really enjoy this story.
I did not like the characters and I feel like I don’t know much about them. This is also supposed to be a slow burn romance but I did not like the characters together and the way they acted towards each other made me not want them to be together. I really did not feel any chemistry.
The pacing was also a bit weird in the beginning it was slow and then the last few chapters went so fast that it felt a bit unnatural. I understand that the end of a book usually goes a bit faster but the process in the relationship in the last 5-6 chapters did not match the rest of the book.
Besides the romance I also struggled to follow the plot and where the story was going. I feel like I read a whole lot but could not give you an answer if you would ask me what the story was really about. It felt a bit messy with a lot of plot points that should have been explored in more depth.
I did enjoy the writing style and I would want to try something else from Byrd Koto in the future, but sadly this was not the story for me.
February 17, 2026
This is an interesting story, a romance set between a web serial novelist and his editor at his newly signed firm, but it’s also more than that. The romance is a slow burn, culminating in bickering like an old married couple but both holding secrets from the other, seeking leverage that would make one stay while he’s gearing up for an escape, and they haven’t even kissed yet.
On my hands and knees begging the author to make Ran a smoker instead of the immersion shattering inclusion of him needing to shit instead. My count ended at 6 with 4 of those all being within the first third of the book. The first third was a slog to get through, the characters taking cheap shots at each other and I couldn’t see how they would manage a civil conversation let alone a romance. And then, the plot picked up and the characters relaxed into their roles and we were away.
In comparison, the last two thirds held my attention well and I was intrigued by not only the new novel detailed, but the previous story and what it meant to the characters. The focus is on the main pair, but there’s handful of side characters that are introduced naturally as the plot moves. I’m intrigued what happens next despite the bumpy start.
Thank you to the author for the ARC copy.
On my hands and knees begging the author to make Ran a smoker instead of the immersion shattering inclusion of him needing to shit instead. My count ended at 6 with 4 of those all being within the first third of the book. The first third was a slog to get through, the characters taking cheap shots at each other and I couldn’t see how they would manage a civil conversation let alone a romance. And then, the plot picked up and the characters relaxed into their roles and we were away.
In comparison, the last two thirds held my attention well and I was intrigued by not only the new novel detailed, but the previous story and what it meant to the characters. The focus is on the main pair, but there’s handful of side characters that are introduced naturally as the plot moves. I’m intrigued what happens next despite the bumpy start.
Thank you to the author for the ARC copy.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Our Funny Love Story was somehow predictable and surprising at the same time, and I mean that in the best way. There are a lot of familiar romance storybeats, and some plot points I could see coming from very far away. However, I think this actually works to the story’s benefit, because it leaves a sense of anticipation. Once I got past the first few chapters, I found myself always waiting for the next scenario to play out and excited to see how Ran and Eizo would react.
The “mystery” element of this book was the most pleasant surprise. While there is a mystery question that Ran is trying to find the answer to, to me, the real mystery is really Eizo’s character. This book starts to peel back a lot of his layers, but there’s so much left to uncover about him.
The romance itself is very cute and there really are a lot of funny moments and hijinks that made me laugh out loud. Just like with Eizo’s character, it unfolds very slowly in a way that feels so believable, but leaves you so excited for the payoff in book two.
I’m not a fast reader at all, but once I got past the slow first quarter, this story grabbed me and didn’t let me go. I finished it faster than anything else I’ve read in the last year! My only complaint is why can’t book two be out now? I neeed it!
The “mystery” element of this book was the most pleasant surprise. While there is a mystery question that Ran is trying to find the answer to, to me, the real mystery is really Eizo’s character. This book starts to peel back a lot of his layers, but there’s so much left to uncover about him.
The romance itself is very cute and there really are a lot of funny moments and hijinks that made me laugh out loud. Just like with Eizo’s character, it unfolds very slowly in a way that feels so believable, but leaves you so excited for the payoff in book two.
I’m not a fast reader at all, but once I got past the slow first quarter, this story grabbed me and didn’t let me go. I finished it faster than anything else I’ve read in the last year! My only complaint is why can’t book two be out now? I neeed it!
Review of advance copy
I don’t like cliffhangers, I’m not a fan of them at all, but this one… it wasn’t a cliffhangers as much as it is meant to be this way, it’s meant to be continued at a later time. It couldn’t have finished any other way, and yes, book 2 is coming, but this ending was perfect. I’m not a fan of bittersweet endings because they feel forced, they feel like the author wants to manipulate the reader’s feelings, but this one… it just had to be this way. Their relationship, how it began, developed, evolved, it just had to be this way, and it’s beautiful. I love how they can be who they are meant to be, even without being together. And it isn’t one of those “just talk to each other” situations, no, it just is. I have no idea how to explain it any better, but it all fits, it all makes sense, and it stays with you. I’ve read it a while back, and when I saw it still on my TBR list, I thought, I’ll read it this long weekend, and then… it all came back to me. It sticks that much with you, it marks you in small, subtle ways, nothing life changing, but it becomes part of you in a way, and when you try to explain why, or how, all that you can say: it simply is. And I love it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I finished OUR FUNNY LOVE STORY and think the characters had interesting motivations and solid character development. The themes surrounding art, literature, and publishing were done well.
I appreciated the side characters and how Ran and Eizo perceive them. There's depth to Ran and Eizo's perspectives, and the way they speak with other characters reflects the deeper meaning of the themes. For example, the discussion(s) with Misaki were excellent and cerebral.
I didn't expect Ran and Eizo's relationship to go the way it did, and I was pleasantly surprised. They definitely had a dynamic that felt complicated and compelling.
My favourite quote is in the last chapter, and I would like to wait until the book publishes before sharing that here!
My initial statement, as seen below, still stands. I think there can be effort to not reinforce the gender binary.
I have highlighted quotes, and since this is an ARC, I'll just share this one:
"An escape artist with words. A young man whose smile ended below his eyes."
Initial thoughts posted in December 2025:
"If he were a man, perhaps someone in his forties or fifties who tended to plants on the weekends. If she were a woman, maybe someone in her late twenties or thirties who took great care of her belongings."
I don't really like the gender binary shown in this quote. I appreciate the characterisation of Ran and Eizo in the first few chapters, however, I think this book isn't for me.
Thank you Byrd Koto for the ARC.
I appreciated the side characters and how Ran and Eizo perceive them. There's depth to Ran and Eizo's perspectives, and the way they speak with other characters reflects the deeper meaning of the themes. For example, the discussion(s) with Misaki were excellent and cerebral.
I didn't expect Ran and Eizo's relationship to go the way it did, and I was pleasantly surprised. They definitely had a dynamic that felt complicated and compelling.
My favourite quote is in the last chapter, and I would like to wait until the book publishes before sharing that here!
My initial statement, as seen below, still stands. I think there can be effort to not reinforce the gender binary.
I have highlighted quotes, and since this is an ARC, I'll just share this one:
"An escape artist with words. A young man whose smile ended below his eyes."
Initial thoughts posted in December 2025:
"If he were a man, perhaps someone in his forties or fifties who tended to plants on the weekends. If she were a woman, maybe someone in her late twenties or thirties who took great care of her belongings."
I don't really like the gender binary shown in this quote. I appreciate the characterisation of Ran and Eizo in the first few chapters, however, I think this book isn't for me.
Thank you Byrd Koto for the ARC.
Review of advance copy
Our Funny Love Story leans wholeheartedly into the slow burn read literally and figuratively.
The characters are driven by fascinating motivations and grow in ways that kept me rooting for them at every turn. I was especially drawn to the way art, literature, and publishing are highlighted into the narrative, not as background noise but as meaningful themes that enrich the story.
These elements excites me in from the very start, though I did pause for a while when the pace lagged. Fittingly, this is a slow-burn romance, and once I returned, I was glad I stuck with it. The supporting cast sparkles with personality, and I loved seeing how Ran and Eizo interpret the world and people around them. Their perspectives add real depth, and their interactions with Kiko, Misaki, Kisuki, Goro, Reika, and Takeru reveal layers of the story I didn’t expect. The evolution of Ran and Eizo’s relationship took me by surprise in the best way. Their connection is intricate, compelling, and ultimately left me satisfied.
These are some of the highlighted lines/ quotes that I love upon reading it:
"He had never fallen in love before, but if love were a flavor, all it took was the first sip for him to fall hard."
"Some write to be seen,. Some write to be found. Then there are those who write to hide. To be forgotten. To be buried under a sea of words."
"Only people who had no choice wound up in unmarked ditches."
"Like a house, a story needed to be filled with light and air to thrive. That was where the likes of him entered, offering suggestions for hammering in windows and doors in way that let in the most light."
Overall, it was a nice read.
Actual Star Rating: 3.8/ 5 stars
Thank you, Byrd and congratulations in advance to your book launch.
The characters are driven by fascinating motivations and grow in ways that kept me rooting for them at every turn. I was especially drawn to the way art, literature, and publishing are highlighted into the narrative, not as background noise but as meaningful themes that enrich the story.
These elements excites me in from the very start, though I did pause for a while when the pace lagged. Fittingly, this is a slow-burn romance, and once I returned, I was glad I stuck with it. The supporting cast sparkles with personality, and I loved seeing how Ran and Eizo interpret the world and people around them. Their perspectives add real depth, and their interactions with Kiko, Misaki, Kisuki, Goro, Reika, and Takeru reveal layers of the story I didn’t expect. The evolution of Ran and Eizo’s relationship took me by surprise in the best way. Their connection is intricate, compelling, and ultimately left me satisfied.
These are some of the highlighted lines/ quotes that I love upon reading it:
"He had never fallen in love before, but if love were a flavor, all it took was the first sip for him to fall hard."
"Some write to be seen,. Some write to be found. Then there are those who write to hide. To be forgotten. To be buried under a sea of words."
"Only people who had no choice wound up in unmarked ditches."
"Like a house, a story needed to be filled with light and air to thrive. That was where the likes of him entered, offering suggestions for hammering in windows and doors in way that let in the most light."
Overall, it was a nice read.
Actual Star Rating: 3.8/ 5 stars
Thank you, Byrd and congratulations in advance to your book launch.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 3, 2026
I was a little unsure when I downloaded this book. I looked up the meaning of danmei, and found the google's definition to be a bit condescending. "Type of literature written mainly by women for women". Did Page and Brin create a misogynistic search engine? A bit disheartening.
Anyhoo.
Kamada Eizo and Miyamoto Ran were... interesting. Enemies to lovers. Strong attraction, leading to denial of sorts. Fast, snarky dialog. And some quite funny inner monologuing. That was the best parts of the book. There's also a convoluted mystery plotline, which leads to a cliffhanger. To be solved in the second book of the duology.
Not sure there's gonna be a next book, for me. My review rating veered from a 3.0 to 4.5, mainly because I wasn't sure I was enjoying the read. There were some good parts. Not an automatic DNF, nor a 'wrong book, wrong reader' scenario. Just my inner ten year old whining "Are we there yet?"
Byrd Koto is a new writer to me. This is actually her debut novel. So, no raining on the new author, Jeanette. TThis is just another time I wish there were half stars.
I received an advance copy of this ebook and this is my review.
Anyhoo.
Kamada Eizo and Miyamoto Ran were... interesting. Enemies to lovers. Strong attraction, leading to denial of sorts. Fast, snarky dialog. And some quite funny inner monologuing. That was the best parts of the book. There's also a convoluted mystery plotline, which leads to a cliffhanger. To be solved in the second book of the duology.
Not sure there's gonna be a next book, for me. My review rating veered from a 3.0 to 4.5, mainly because I wasn't sure I was enjoying the read. There were some good parts. Not an automatic DNF, nor a 'wrong book, wrong reader' scenario. Just my inner ten year old whining "Are we there yet?"
Byrd Koto is a new writer to me. This is actually her debut novel. So, no raining on the new author, Jeanette. TThis is just another time I wish there were half stars.
I received an advance copy of this ebook and this is my review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
ARC Review!!!
Okay, hear me out. I got so hooked on this series and I want the second book to come out as soon as possible.
It’s about our editor, Ran, and his author, Eizo. The story is complex—from both leads’ backgrounds, their feelings, interactions, and work. All of the events feel realistic, especially the working flow. I love how they start off with misunderstandings and gradually get to know each other better. And lmao, Eizo getting played by his own game—the realization was so cute.
AND I HAVEN’T EVEN GOTTEN MUCH OF THE LOVEY-DOVEY MOMENTS—I’M DYING!!!
But of course, their sexual tension is chef’s kiss.
I also love the writing, and I really love Suigetsu’s goal:
“We want to turn non-readers into readers.”
Wow. That’s so cool. Okay, Konishi Keisuke is so cool—I swear all the quotes I liked came from him lol.
I have nothing but praise for this book. Even though both leads, Ran and Eizo, come off as pretty jerky at first, I couldn’t help but grow to love them.
I highly anticipate the second book!!!
4.25 ⭐️
Okay, hear me out. I got so hooked on this series and I want the second book to come out as soon as possible.
It’s about our editor, Ran, and his author, Eizo. The story is complex—from both leads’ backgrounds, their feelings, interactions, and work. All of the events feel realistic, especially the working flow. I love how they start off with misunderstandings and gradually get to know each other better. And lmao, Eizo getting played by his own game—the realization was so cute.
AND I HAVEN’T EVEN GOTTEN MUCH OF THE LOVEY-DOVEY MOMENTS—I’M DYING!!!
But of course, their sexual tension is chef’s kiss.
I also love the writing, and I really love Suigetsu’s goal:
“We want to turn non-readers into readers.”
Wow. That’s so cool. Okay, Konishi Keisuke is so cool—I swear all the quotes I liked came from him lol.
I have nothing but praise for this book. Even though both leads, Ran and Eizo, come off as pretty jerky at first, I couldn’t help but grow to love them.
I highly anticipate the second book!!!
4.25 ⭐️
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