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May 19, 2026I received this book from the publisher on Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.
So, I am normally not a baseball or love triangle girlie? But this? This was just pure gold with fantastic characters, gorgeous art, ships you want to ship, and more. I cannot wait to see how things will continue and how this triangle will go.
Review to come closer to the release day in July.
So, I am normally not a baseball or love triangle girlie? But this? This was just pure gold with fantastic characters, gorgeous art, ships you want to ship, and more. I cannot wait to see how things will continue and how this triangle will go.
Review to come closer to the release day in July.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Can I start out by saying, a sports manga that is canon BL? Yes please, sign me up!
I'm going to start out by saying this story isn't going to be for everyone, it has a love triangle, and I understand there are people that hate that. If that's you, this book probably isn't going to be for you.
This story starts out with Makoto, our pitcher, and Shusuke, his best friend and catcher for the baseball team. Shusuke moves away, but Makoto keeps playing baseball in hopes that they will see each other again playing against each other in a tournament.
After that short backstory, we jump to present day where Makoto is in high school and still pitching for his baseball team with new catcher Hokuto, and they make an amazing duo. Shusuke then transfers back home and goes to the same high school and the drama begins to unfold.
As can be expected, because I've already said it's a love triangle, Makoto has feelings for Shusuke, Hokuto has feelings for Makoto and Shusuke's feelings seem to be for Makoto as well.
I want to point out that there is actually baseball in the manga, and I imagine moving forward there will be more. It isn't just that they are baseball players, we actually see them playing. However, it's not so much that if you don't understand the sport you would be confused. I think it's the perfect balance.
I have to be so honest here, I am so shocked we ended up with a confession in volume 1, and I was pretty sure I knew what was going to happen and was actually surprised. This volume has left me, not confused per say, but so curious how everything is going to play out between all these boys.
Thank you to #NetGalley and Kodansha comics for an advanced readers copy of #BlueSummerHaze by Dondon to read and review.
I'm going to start out by saying this story isn't going to be for everyone, it has a love triangle, and I understand there are people that hate that. If that's you, this book probably isn't going to be for you.
This story starts out with Makoto, our pitcher, and Shusuke, his best friend and catcher for the baseball team. Shusuke moves away, but Makoto keeps playing baseball in hopes that they will see each other again playing against each other in a tournament.
After that short backstory, we jump to present day where Makoto is in high school and still pitching for his baseball team with new catcher Hokuto, and they make an amazing duo. Shusuke then transfers back home and goes to the same high school and the drama begins to unfold.
As can be expected, because I've already said it's a love triangle, Makoto has feelings for Shusuke, Hokuto has feelings for Makoto and Shusuke's feelings seem to be for Makoto as well.
I want to point out that there is actually baseball in the manga, and I imagine moving forward there will be more. It isn't just that they are baseball players, we actually see them playing. However, it's not so much that if you don't understand the sport you would be confused. I think it's the perfect balance.
I have to be so honest here, I am so shocked we ended up with a confession in volume 1, and I was pretty sure I knew what was going to happen and was actually surprised. This volume has left me, not confused per say, but so curious how everything is going to play out between all these boys.
Thank you to #NetGalley and Kodansha comics for an advanced readers copy of #BlueSummerHaze by Dondon to read and review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
{3.5}
Blue Summer Haze is a sports manga without all the queer-baiting, and for that, this mangaka has nothing but my praise. I was apprehensive when I started reading and realised that this manga was hinting at a love triangle. I always fall victim to preferring the relationship that doesn’t come into fruition. While there is a fairly equal balance between both love interests, I fear that this volume is hinting towards the relationship I prefer the least. Though this is just purely personal preference. (With it being a love triangle and this being only volume one, there’s no definitive answer on how the story is going to play out, and thus, I am unable to give fully fleshed out thoughts.)
Overall, this manga was cute. The character designs were charming, though the artist only really put thought into the design of the three main characters. This made the rest of the team background noise, when a lot of times, the biggest strength in sports manga is the team as a whole and their interesting dynamics. Though with little time, it is difficult to build that up, plus the insignificance of the rest of the team could be a purposeful decision by the author to highlight the importance of Makoto and Hokuto.
The interactions between the characters were adorable as well. We could see through subtle actions and reactions how much each of them cared for one another. I’m interested in seeing how this will play out and enjoyed it more than I thought. Will definitely pick up the second volume. Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for providing me an arc in exchange for an honest review!
Tags/Warnings
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Tropes: Childhood friends, love triangle
Blue Summer Haze is a sports manga without all the queer-baiting, and for that, this mangaka has nothing but my praise. I was apprehensive when I started reading and realised that this manga was hinting at a love triangle. I always fall victim to preferring the relationship that doesn’t come into fruition. While there is a fairly equal balance between both love interests, I fear that this volume is hinting towards the relationship I prefer the least. Though this is just purely personal preference. (With it being a love triangle and this being only volume one, there’s no definitive answer on how the story is going to play out, and thus, I am unable to give fully fleshed out thoughts.)
Overall, this manga was cute. The character designs were charming, though the artist only really put thought into the design of the three main characters. This made the rest of the team background noise, when a lot of times, the biggest strength in sports manga is the team as a whole and their interesting dynamics. Though with little time, it is difficult to build that up, plus the insignificance of the rest of the team could be a purposeful decision by the author to highlight the importance of Makoto and Hokuto.
The interactions between the characters were adorable as well. We could see through subtle actions and reactions how much each of them cared for one another. I’m interested in seeing how this will play out and enjoyed it more than I thought. Will definitely pick up the second volume. Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for providing me an arc in exchange for an honest review!
Tags/Warnings
.
.
.
Tropes: Childhood friends, love triangle
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
“Blue Summer Haze” vol. 1 by Dondon
5⭐/5⭐
Wow, I absolutely inhaled this volume. The level of angst was exquisite, and I could not put this book down! This is a YA boys love contemporary romance, but with a love triangle twist.
Makoto is a dedicated baseball pitcher, who is only interested in furthering his participation in the sport due to his close friendship with Shusuke. They’re best friends, teammates, and have plans to continue playing baseball together for as long as possible. But one day Shusuke abruptly announces he’s moving away, and tells Makoto to continue playing so they can eventually play together again on the same team.
Makoto continues playing baseball, becoming a fierce and talented pitcher on his high school team. His team captain, Hokuto, has stepped into the role left vacant by Shusuke. They are a wildly successful pair, with Hokuto playing as catcher, and have a strong connection both on and off the baseball diamond.
But everything gets thrown into chaos when Shusuke transfers to Makoto’s school and announces he no longer plays baseball. Now, Makoto is devastated, having only joined this sport and continued playing in the hope of one day playing alongside Shusuke.
Oooohh, the tension between each of these guys was palpable! You can really feel how deep Makoto’s affections are for Shusuke, while also seeing how Hokuto cares for Makoto…and then perhaps Shusuke returning that affection towards Makoto. You can tell this is going to be a super dramatic and angst-y story, and I cannot wait to read more!
5⭐/5⭐
Wow, I absolutely inhaled this volume. The level of angst was exquisite, and I could not put this book down! This is a YA boys love contemporary romance, but with a love triangle twist.
Makoto is a dedicated baseball pitcher, who is only interested in furthering his participation in the sport due to his close friendship with Shusuke. They’re best friends, teammates, and have plans to continue playing baseball together for as long as possible. But one day Shusuke abruptly announces he’s moving away, and tells Makoto to continue playing so they can eventually play together again on the same team.
Makoto continues playing baseball, becoming a fierce and talented pitcher on his high school team. His team captain, Hokuto, has stepped into the role left vacant by Shusuke. They are a wildly successful pair, with Hokuto playing as catcher, and have a strong connection both on and off the baseball diamond.
But everything gets thrown into chaos when Shusuke transfers to Makoto’s school and announces he no longer plays baseball. Now, Makoto is devastated, having only joined this sport and continued playing in the hope of one day playing alongside Shusuke.
Oooohh, the tension between each of these guys was palpable! You can really feel how deep Makoto’s affections are for Shusuke, while also seeing how Hokuto cares for Makoto…and then perhaps Shusuke returning that affection towards Makoto. You can tell this is going to be a super dramatic and angst-y story, and I cannot wait to read more!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
In the heat of summer, Makoto's final baseball season is scorched with his first love moving back and transferring to his school.
Makoto started playing baseball because of his childhood friend, Shusuke, all the while falling in love with him as well. When Shusuke moves away before they begin high school, Makoto is devastated, but hopeful they will play together again someday, so he continues to play despite not loving the game. In his final year of high school, Shusuke comes back and stirs Makoto's heart once again. The revelation also reveals Makoto's current catcher's love for him; after seeing Makoto pitch as his opponent, Hokuto became enthralled with his play and wanted to become a battery with Makoto. Thus begins our heated summer play.
A baseball BL full of chasing and yearning? I'm so sat. Although I am not a fan of a love triangle, I'm very curious to see how this turns out. I'm hoping the mix of baseball and fulfilling baseball goals can help balance out the love triangle nonsense that usually follows. We don't just focus on Makoto, thankfully. We get a glimpse at Hokuto and Shusuke's povs and how they feel. There's a lot of good potential here, and I'm hoping to follow this manga to the end.
Blue Summer Haze is perfect for anyone that has ships in Daiya or any other baseball anime and loves coming-of-age manga.
thank you to netgalley and kodansha for the eARC!
please give this manga some love :')
Makoto started playing baseball because of his childhood friend, Shusuke, all the while falling in love with him as well. When Shusuke moves away before they begin high school, Makoto is devastated, but hopeful they will play together again someday, so he continues to play despite not loving the game. In his final year of high school, Shusuke comes back and stirs Makoto's heart once again. The revelation also reveals Makoto's current catcher's love for him; after seeing Makoto pitch as his opponent, Hokuto became enthralled with his play and wanted to become a battery with Makoto. Thus begins our heated summer play.
A baseball BL full of chasing and yearning? I'm so sat. Although I am not a fan of a love triangle, I'm very curious to see how this turns out. I'm hoping the mix of baseball and fulfilling baseball goals can help balance out the love triangle nonsense that usually follows. We don't just focus on Makoto, thankfully. We get a glimpse at Hokuto and Shusuke's povs and how they feel. There's a lot of good potential here, and I'm hoping to follow this manga to the end.
Blue Summer Haze is perfect for anyone that has ships in Daiya or any other baseball anime and loves coming-of-age manga.
thank you to netgalley and kodansha for the eARC!
please give this manga some love :')
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for an arc. All opinions are my own.
★ Rating: 4.5/5
Genre: Sports Romance Manga
Are There Gay People in this?*: ✅
Super sweet love triangle dynamic
Okay first of all, I loved the art in this. Dondon uses very little solid black and instead uses a tone of different screentones which adds so much texture. I also think it's super cute anytime Makoto is shown being cat like.
I think the relationship dynamics were really interesting. However, I kinda wish we were given reason to believe Makoto might choose Hokuto. He's very openly in love with Shusuke, who also clearly liked him back even if he isn't ready to admit it yet. It did make it a little less fun to read because I think part of the fun of a love triangle is not knowing how it's going to end up. Now, maybe's I'm totally off base (get it cause like, baseball), and Hokuto is end game. I do want to eventually continue this series so I guess I'll find out eventually.
* I count a book as including gay people if any of the main or secondary characters are implicitly or explicitly queer or trans. This does not necessarily mean the protagonist is queer or that there is a queer romance
★ Rating: 4.5/5
Genre: Sports Romance Manga
Are There Gay People in this?*: ✅
Super sweet love triangle dynamic
Okay first of all, I loved the art in this. Dondon uses very little solid black and instead uses a tone of different screentones which adds so much texture. I also think it's super cute anytime Makoto is shown being cat like.
I think the relationship dynamics were really interesting. However, I kinda wish we were given reason to believe Makoto might choose Hokuto. He's very openly in love with Shusuke, who also clearly liked him back even if he isn't ready to admit it yet. It did make it a little less fun to read because I think part of the fun of a love triangle is not knowing how it's going to end up. Now, maybe's I'm totally off base (get it cause like, baseball), and Hokuto is end game. I do want to eventually continue this series so I guess I'll find out eventually.
* I count a book as including gay people if any of the main or secondary characters are implicitly or explicitly queer or trans. This does not necessarily mean the protagonist is queer or that there is a queer romance
May 20, 2026
Thank you Kodansha Comics for this ARC on NetGalley!
I'm delusionally (unless proven otherwise) rooting for Hokuto and Shusuke to get a little closer to really make this a perfect love triangle. I was thoroughly entertained throughout this manga volume, especially when it came to Hokuto’s shenanigans to get Makoto’s head in the game (and, of course, for an excuse to get closer to Makoto). I like that we got to see Hokuto’s perspective and the origin story of when he noticed Makoto and developed feelings for him. I also liked the scene where we see from Shusuke’s perspective how he came to find Makoto and Hokuto in a ‘it’s not what it looks like’ predicament. This shift in perspective and time made the scenes even more emotionally significant and had me equally rooting for both love interests. This kind of feels like a sporty and gay version of True Beauty, although I immediately had a preference for who I wanted the protagonist to be with in that series. For this? I'm not 100% committed either way and I even ended up also shipping Hokuto and Shusuke too because I can see the potential for each pairing. I'm interested to see how the relationships develop in the next volume(s).
I'm delusionally (unless proven otherwise) rooting for Hokuto and Shusuke to get a little closer to really make this a perfect love triangle. I was thoroughly entertained throughout this manga volume, especially when it came to Hokuto’s shenanigans to get Makoto’s head in the game (and, of course, for an excuse to get closer to Makoto). I like that we got to see Hokuto’s perspective and the origin story of when he noticed Makoto and developed feelings for him. I also liked the scene where we see from Shusuke’s perspective how he came to find Makoto and Hokuto in a ‘it’s not what it looks like’ predicament. This shift in perspective and time made the scenes even more emotionally significant and had me equally rooting for both love interests. This kind of feels like a sporty and gay version of True Beauty, although I immediately had a preference for who I wanted the protagonist to be with in that series. For this? I'm not 100% committed either way and I even ended up also shipping Hokuto and Shusuke too because I can see the potential for each pairing. I'm interested to see how the relationships develop in the next volume(s).
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5★ - This was a great start to Makoto’s love story!
This manga has everything I enjoy: friends-to-strangers-to-maybe?-lovers, pining, jealousy, light angst, and gorgeous character designs.
Makoto is such a black cat character, which made him incredibly fun to follow. I loved getting glimpses of his history with Shusuke and watching the two of them awkwardly try to rebuild their friendship after Shusuke’s return. The added drama of Hokuto competing for Makoto’s attention made everything that much more compelling, and I loved the tentative friendship that was beginning to form between Hokuto and Shusuke towards the end too.
Right now it’s hard to know which ship to root for because both have great chemistry, though I’m kinda leaning towards Hokuto, and not feeling too optimistic about that choice 🙈
I can’t wait to see how this love triangle develops in the next volume!
*Thank you NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for the ARC*
This manga has everything I enjoy: friends-to-strangers-to-maybe?-lovers, pining, jealousy, light angst, and gorgeous character designs.
Makoto is such a black cat character, which made him incredibly fun to follow. I loved getting glimpses of his history with Shusuke and watching the two of them awkwardly try to rebuild their friendship after Shusuke’s return. The added drama of Hokuto competing for Makoto’s attention made everything that much more compelling, and I loved the tentative friendship that was beginning to form between Hokuto and Shusuke towards the end too.
Right now it’s hard to know which ship to root for because both have great chemistry, though I’m kinda leaning towards Hokuto, and not feeling too optimistic about that choice 🙈
I can’t wait to see how this love triangle develops in the next volume!
*Thank you NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for the ARC*
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I almost regret reading this ARC because I have to wait even longer to get to volume 2 than the average reader! I picked this up because I love anything sports related, love a queer story, and although I don't always love a love triangle, this manga was giving Blue Flag vibes so of course I had to try it. And just like Blue Flag, I don't even think I was halfway through this volume before I was entirely invested in the story and attached to the characters. I love the art style, I love the summer vibes, and I love that sad, messy, sort of nostalgic feel the story has. I can already tell this is going to tug on my heartstrings and I also definitely have a preferred way I want it to end, so I can't wait to continue reading! I need volume 2 like, yesterday.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me this copy to review 💜
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me this copy to review 💜
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Blue Summer Haze volume 1 is an adorable manga. I love the Dondon's art style so much, each character is so cute. I think this may be my first baseball manga too, and I enjoyed learning about how junior baseball works in Japan. Makoto is an ace pitcher who was planning on going to high school with his friend and catcher Shusuke. A wrench is thrown in his plans when Shusuke announces he's moving. Now in their third year, he suddenly moves back, but Makoto's shocked to find out he's quit baseball. In the meantime Makoto has found a new catcher in Hokuto, who is very interested in him. There is an interesting triangle forming between the three boys as they navigate their feelings for each other. I look forward to reading volume 2! Thanks to NetGalley and Kodansha for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me the e-ARC to read and review.
Blue Summer Haze is a manga focused on Makoto, a high schooler who plays baseball, and him falling into a love triangle with his battery partner and his childhood friend who has just moved back. This manga has beautiful art, a story that I lapped up and interesting characters. The sport is involved quite a bit but I wouldn't say it gets technical with it which makes it super easy and accessible for readers who are not exactly into sports.
My only faults with this manga is that 1.) I wanted to read all the other volumes straight away and I have to way for them to come out and 2.) I want all three of them together because they all have a sweet dynamic.
Blue Summer Haze is a manga focused on Makoto, a high schooler who plays baseball, and him falling into a love triangle with his battery partner and his childhood friend who has just moved back. This manga has beautiful art, a story that I lapped up and interesting characters. The sport is involved quite a bit but I wouldn't say it gets technical with it which makes it super easy and accessible for readers who are not exactly into sports.
My only faults with this manga is that 1.) I wanted to read all the other volumes straight away and I have to way for them to come out and 2.) I want all three of them together because they all have a sweet dynamic.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Kodansha comics and Netgalley for an e-ARC copy!
The first volume of this series was pretty nice and honestly, loving to see these BL have the relationship start in the first volume VS having to wait till the end to see the relationship fully bloom. Though with this being a love triangle, we aren't sure who the main MC will end up with. I feel like the chemistry between all 3 MMC was nice (and appropriate for their age). With this being a baseball story - it wasn't too intimidating to understand what was going on.
Not sure how long this series is going to be - the chapters are still ongoing in Japan at the moment. But this could be something light and easy to follow along with. Would recommend this if you're looking for a cute read with sports and a love triangle.
The first volume of this series was pretty nice and honestly, loving to see these BL have the relationship start in the first volume VS having to wait till the end to see the relationship fully bloom. Though with this being a love triangle, we aren't sure who the main MC will end up with. I feel like the chemistry between all 3 MMC was nice (and appropriate for their age). With this being a baseball story - it wasn't too intimidating to understand what was going on.
Not sure how long this series is going to be - the chapters are still ongoing in Japan at the moment. But this could be something light and easy to follow along with. Would recommend this if you're looking for a cute read with sports and a love triangle.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A quick read and already I'm invested! The art is pretty, with softness in emotional moments and enough flexibility to snap into a sharper focus for the baseball scenes. All three boys are endearing, but I definitely have a favorite/ship. I like the contrast of personalities, and the author's little illustration of them as a black cat and two dogs feels very funny and fitting. The plot progressed faster than I expected, and I enjoyed getting right to the details rather than being strung along. Even if this turns out to be a shorter series, it still has a lot of promise to be a satisfying read.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for the digital ARC!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for the digital ARC!
May 14, 2026
I received an advanced digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
This was a pretty cute story, even if you’re not a big baseball fan. Makoto has been playing baseball since childhood, despite being devastated when his best friend and catcher Shusuke moves away. Imagine his surprise when Shusuke suddenly transfers to his high school and is talked into being the team manager! The current team catcher, Hokuto, seems to have some feelings for Makoto and doesn’t seem too happy to have this interloper show up.
I’ll definitely check out volume two when it comes out! I want to see what happens!
This was a pretty cute story, even if you’re not a big baseball fan. Makoto has been playing baseball since childhood, despite being devastated when his best friend and catcher Shusuke moves away. Imagine his surprise when Shusuke suddenly transfers to his high school and is talked into being the team manager! The current team catcher, Hokuto, seems to have some feelings for Makoto and doesn’t seem too happy to have this interloper show up.
I’ll definitely check out volume two when it comes out! I want to see what happens!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Makoto and Shusuke were childhood friends who played baseball together. Shusuke suddenly moved and Makoto continued to play baseball, hoping to play with Shusuke again. In high school, Makoto plays on a baseball team with Hokuto, when suddenly Shusuke makes a return, causing Makoto to question everything.
Such a cute BL! I loved the love triangle between the three characters. I also liked that Makoto was in the middle of it because he is the typical black cat character. I enjoyed the slow build up and will definitely pick up volume 2 to see where the story goes.
Thank you, NetGalley and Kodansha Comics, for the ARC.
Such a cute BL! I loved the love triangle between the three characters. I also liked that Makoto was in the middle of it because he is the typical black cat character. I enjoyed the slow build up and will definitely pick up volume 2 to see where the story goes.
Thank you, NetGalley and Kodansha Comics, for the ARC.
May 17, 2026
I am heavily invested and need more asap. This does tick many of my boxes, I love a sports romance, I love deep tension and competition... Plus, this is a beautifully illustrated story, the style is gorgeous and I love the random ugly/horror elements. I laughed, I gasped, I was angry, sad, happy, it covered so much in such a short volume. I immensely enjoy the drama that has been set up, I love the characters.
I don't have much to say. It's a queer, love triangle, baseball story, beautifully illustrated, full of drama, competition and confused feelings. Love!
I don't have much to say. It's a queer, love triangle, baseball story, beautifully illustrated, full of drama, competition and confused feelings. Love!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I knew this was a multi-volume series going in but for some reason, as I was reading it, I completely forgot that this wasn't a one-shot. It was so well plotted out that I just kind of expected a conclusion at the end. Instead, it ends with a bit of a cliffhanger, or the romance version of one. Makoto, a pitcher, started plying baseball to be with his best friend Shusuke, a catcher. But Shusuke moves away for high school and they lose contact with each other. Makoto keeps playing but now pitches with Hokuto as his pitcher. When Shusuke transfers to Makoto and Hokuto's school he's no longer playing baseball but agrees to be the team manager. Thus begins a pretty typical love triangle. But while it's not reinventing the wheel it also didn't come off as boring or even particularly predictable. I'm honestly looking forward to seeing what happens in the next volume.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
a BL baseball romance that already is delivering on the drama and angst. I’m usually not a fan of love triangles, but I’m more inclined to like them when you can see the reasons why either love interest would actually be a good option. we get just enough to pull you into the story.. Makoto, Shusuke & Shiratori have an interesting dynamic, I’m looking forward to seeing more of them. the art is also very pretty / pleasing to the eyes.
➷ many thanks to NetGalley, the author and Kodansha Comics for the arc, all opinions are my own.
➷ many thanks to NetGalley, the author and Kodansha Comics for the arc, all opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Kodansha Comics and Netgalley for the e-ARC copy! 🥹🫶 Forever grateful to y'all.
I didn't like this graphic novel much because (in my humble opinion) it is too messy. I don't usually read love triangles much so maybe it is because of that. But it was so... overwhelming. Not in a good way. It has a lot of emotional turmoil in it which was fine until the love triangle part.
Other than that, the baseball aspect was nice to read about and I like the other characters, especially the PT teacher, lol.
I didn't like this graphic novel much because (in my humble opinion) it is too messy. I don't usually read love triangles much so maybe it is because of that. But it was so... overwhelming. Not in a good way. It has a lot of emotional turmoil in it which was fine until the love triangle part.
Other than that, the baseball aspect was nice to read about and I like the other characters, especially the PT teacher, lol.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5/5
Ahhh this is so lovely so far! Youth! Crushes! Baseball! I don't see stories with such love triangles very often and it feels refreshing. Makoto is a really interesting and cute character and I definitely want to continue this story to see how things go from here. The angst and yearning is done really well. I'm not going to lie that so far I'm rooting for Hokuto more, haha, but am interested in wherever the story goes.
Thank you to Netgalley and Kodansha for the advanced copy!
Ahhh this is so lovely so far! Youth! Crushes! Baseball! I don't see stories with such love triangles very often and it feels refreshing. Makoto is a really interesting and cute character and I definitely want to continue this story to see how things go from here. The angst and yearning is done really well. I'm not going to lie that so far I'm rooting for Hokuto more, haha, but am interested in wherever the story goes.
Thank you to Netgalley and Kodansha for the advanced copy!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
S/O and TY to NetGalley and the publisher Kodansha for the eARC of this title.
A slow burn baseball BL story with a love triangle aspect that’s got a lot of yearning. The art is great; all of the characters have distinct personalities and styles even though they’re in uniforms most of the time you can tell who is who. I’m exited for a volume 2 of this series.
I’d recommend this to readers who like MMM romance, sports backdrops, and coming of age crushes.
5/5 stars
A slow burn baseball BL story with a love triangle aspect that’s got a lot of yearning. The art is great; all of the characters have distinct personalities and styles even though they’re in uniforms most of the time you can tell who is who. I’m exited for a volume 2 of this series.
I’d recommend this to readers who like MMM romance, sports backdrops, and coming of age crushes.
5/5 stars
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley for an ARC of this upcoming BL manga to rate and review! The way I’m eagerly wanting to read the next volume immediately after finishing this first volume is criminal. I’m not usually a big fan of the love triangle trope, but I really found myself invested in these characters and frustrated in rooting for them. Will definitely be picking up a physical copy when it’s released & would recommend you do too!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received an ARC of Blue Summer Haze thanks to the publisher through NetGalley and leave this review voluntarily.
I am not typically a fan of sports manga. Novels, absolutely but something about the format tends to make me skip over sports manga. I am so glad that I took a chance on this one. While sports are involved, it only adds to the relationship complications and self-discovery. I cannot recommend this enough and plan on continuing with the series ASAP!
I am not typically a fan of sports manga. Novels, absolutely but something about the format tends to make me skip over sports manga. I am so glad that I took a chance on this one. While sports are involved, it only adds to the relationship complications and self-discovery. I cannot recommend this enough and plan on continuing with the series ASAP!
May 21, 2026
5⭐️
Thank you Kodansha Comics for this ARC on NetGalley in exchange for my honest review!
Blue Summer Haze will sweep you away in this wistful coming-of-age story with its gorgeous art and characters that will so easily pull you in by your heart.
You'll follow Makoto, Hokuto, and Shusuke trapped in a love triangle, all tied together by baseball.
This is a sweet and heartfelt manga that I am eager to continue reading!
Thank you Kodansha Comics for this ARC on NetGalley in exchange for my honest review!
Blue Summer Haze will sweep you away in this wistful coming-of-age story with its gorgeous art and characters that will so easily pull you in by your heart.
You'll follow Makoto, Hokuto, and Shusuke trapped in a love triangle, all tied together by baseball.
This is a sweet and heartfelt manga that I am eager to continue reading!
May 15, 2026
This was a really cute intro to this manga series!! The author did a great job with the art and narrative, as you can really feel the feelings the boys have for their respective crush. The story was fast paced and kept me hooked throughout the volume. I look forward to seeing how the love triangle gets resolved in the future!
Thank you to Netgalley and Kodansha Comics for the ARC!
Thank you to Netgalley and Kodansha Comics for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
oh this got me GOOD. i can't lie, the characters are really to my taste (characterization- and looks-wise) & i can't wait to see their dynamic(s) develop. based on the first volume, it's looking to be more romance- rather than sports-centered. as long as the baseball aspect is integrated well & isn't pushed to wayside, i think i won't mind much. i can't wait for the next volume 🫶
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
𓏲࣪◜ 3 stars ♡ᵎ
Did I love the artwork? Yes.
Were the characters adorable? Absolutely.
But sadly it wasn't quite right for me. It was a solid start for the series, and I am definitely interested in reading the future volumes because of the characters and the Art but the Story itself didn’t really grab my Attention.
Did I love the artwork? Yes.
Were the characters adorable? Absolutely.
But sadly it wasn't quite right for me. It was a solid start for the series, and I am definitely interested in reading the future volumes because of the characters and the Art but the Story itself didn’t really grab my Attention.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to Netgalley and Kodansha for the early copy of this one!
So this was cute but it’s a little rushed. I feel like this is going to be a short series. The characters are interesting but I like the second love interest more and we all know that the second love interest never wins. 😅
So this was cute but it’s a little rushed. I feel like this is going to be a short series. The characters are interesting but I like the second love interest more and we all know that the second love interest never wins. 😅
May 24, 2026
How are you gonna leave me hanging like this?! Will absolutely be reading more when it’s out. I don’t normally do love triangles but this one just pulled me right in. I need to know where this is going to go! Beautiful art and a story line that will keep you coming back for sure.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I don't often like angst, but this is exceptionally well done angst.
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