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Blue Summer Haze #1
Blue Summer Haze 1
A baseball diamond, a love triangle, and two catchers with their eyes on the same pitcher bring the heat in this baseball BL perfect for fans of Nagisa Furuya's My Summer of You.
Makoto’s favorite childhood memories are of playing baseball with his best friend and former teammate Shusuke, the catcher of his baseball team. When Shusuke suddenly moved away, Makoto was left devastated, but he clung to the promise of the two of them someday reuniting for the championship game at Koshien Stadium.
Now in high school, Makoto is the ace pitcher of the baseball team, and he and Hokuto, the team’s catcher, are an all-star duo. But then Shusuke suddenly transfers back to Makoto’s school, and it gets harder and harder for the boys to keep their heads in the game under the scorching heat of the baseball diamond...
Makoto’s favorite childhood memories are of playing baseball with his best friend and former teammate Shusuke, the catcher of his baseball team. When Shusuke suddenly moved away, Makoto was left devastated, but he clung to the promise of the two of them someday reuniting for the championship game at Koshien Stadium.
Now in high school, Makoto is the ace pitcher of the baseball team, and he and Hokuto, the team’s catcher, are an all-star duo. But then Shusuke suddenly transfers back to Makoto’s school, and it gets harder and harder for the boys to keep their heads in the game under the scorching heat of the baseball diamond...
208 pages, Paperback
Published July 7, 2026
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September 15, 2026
So if you are out there waiting, I hope you show up soon / You know I need relating, not solitude (Lotta Love – Nicolette Larson).
I have two thoughts, which is fun because there's normally just one floating around up here! Firstly, why do I do this to myself? Maybe rhetorical, I'm not sure yet. And second, have you ever gotten so emotional over something you’ve finished reading that you get annoyed? I promise this isn’t another one of those masculine man-mountain, “what makes a grown man wanna cry?” kind of things, but I’m sitting here after having read Blue Summer Haze straight up irritated that I’m fighting back tears! One side of my brain is like… dude, chill out, it’s just a manga about two boys in love who drifted apart after making a promise to always find each other, it’s not a big deal. Yet here I am, experiencing all the colors of the wind or whatever. Seriously, there’s something about manga authors in that they just know how to do melancholy right. Because evoking sadness in stories doesn't necessarily mean you always have the most terrible things happen, but instead it’s always the little things that hit harder, isn’t it? A summer romance, a best friend you’ve forgotten to remember, a broken promise, the memories that get sanded down by the passage of time are the truest ways to attack your readers where it really hurts. Because when a narrative only ever deals in the most extreme opposite ends of the spectrum, then you unnecessarily limit yourself in what you can explore thematically. Take The Walking Dead for example, Andrew Lincoln, the actor who plays main character, Rick, is undoubtedly a fantastic actor, but because the character only ever experiences the worst of the worst that life has to offer, after a while his journey starts to come across as comical rather than harrowing. I’m just saying, I’ve laughed more at The Ones Who Live than any comedy that’s come out in the past year because Rick seems like such a damn caricature at this point, and it’s hard not to notice how the man just goes through the same mini-arcs over and over again. Then again, this might be more of an issue with the zombie genre in general, because there’s really only so much you can say about the end of the world,
Whereas with speculative fiction like Severance or romances painted in a rose-tinted hue as seen in Blue Summer Haze, you’re able to portray something everybody can relate to; mundanity. Constant adrenaline is a fun way to write a story, but when the characters are left to their own devices, when they’re bored, well, that’s where the good stuff is, the meat! "Black Coffee" by Ella Fitzgerald and the poem, "Disillusionment of Ten O'Clock" by Wallace Stevens, these both deal in isolation and a wandering mind, and in that nothingness they're able to express a truth that everybody can relate to. There’s a reason why The Graduate has one of the best endings for a movie, or well… anything! It’s because the camera doesn’t cut at the triumphant escape from the clutches of their overbearing parents, but rather it lingers just a little bit longer and we get to see the character’s growing uncertainty in real time. Cool! And because of this, the ending goes from definitive to interpretive. What happens then? We don't know, but they've made their choice and they have to live with it. Anyway, what’s my point? What does all this have to do with Blue Summer Haze? Well, I don’t really know, I’m always just talking and wherever I end up is where I end up, but I suppose I’m just trying to say that this manga is a beautiful love story because it’s able to create a larger than life romance by simply tapping into all the simple emotions we feel along the way. "Journey and not the destination" and all that. Instead of just the public declarations of adoration and existing in a near-constant state of euphoria, Blue Summer Haze offers us the parts that aren't always so enviable. A look at the resentment that boils up inside over time or the millions of selfish jealousies felt by us every day. Look, this story isn't nasty, far from it, but all I’m trying to get at here is that this manga feels real in a way that you don’t often see in the medium. People feel like people and that shouldn't be a ground-breaking revelation, but it is, so here we are. Now let’s talk about it, why don't we?
“Hah, I was lying, dumbass. But if you throw another half-assed pitch, the next kiss is gonna be on your lips!!”
Boys will be boys, right? So yeah, actually now that I think of it, it’s even more important that I get this part right because it doesn’t look like there’s a synopsis here on Goodreads. The pressure is really building, I'm actually necessary this time around! Makoto and Shusuke were baseball buddies as children, and after the latter informs Makoto that he’s moving away for good, they both make a Love Hina promise to meet up again in the future to play together once again. Aw, how sweet... and gay! In a good way though, "gay" is always good in my book. But here’s the thing, flash forward a couple years, and even though Makoto becomes a star baseball player (more like baesball!), it turns out that Shusuke wasn’t able to hold up his end of the bargain. Come on dude, everybody knows there’s a special place in hell for people who break pinky promises! But yeah, things get a little more complicated because in his (wasted devotion) to Shusuke, Makoto didn’t even realize that sexy ass Hokuto, another player on the team, has been in love with him the entire time. Ooh drama ensues! Now, I know a lot of people hate a love-triangle story line, but I’ve got to admit that I’ve always had a good time with them, it keeps things entertaining, you know? I especially enjoy it when the object of affection is the main character. Is all of this because it’s a “self-insert” kind of thing? I don't know, probably... but hey, I can't help that these are the kinds of stories that scratch that itch. Gakuen Alice, Princess Tutu, Orange, you name it, and there’s a good chance that I’m there gassing it up. Watch Princess Tutu, it's beautiful and the main love-interest is one of the only characters in anime that has melanin outside of Piccolo from Dragon Ball! But yeah, the only issue I have with love-triangle narratives is that they almost always fall back on ideas of “predestined lovers,” even when the so called predestined lover is an asshole who sucks. I mean, the heart wants what it wants and all that, but tell me why these love-interests are always so aloof and distant!?
Literally nobody likes Sasuke Uchiha, so why do people keep putting him in their stories! And hey, even though Naruto was my first gay manga, Sasuke and Naruto aren't even the best queer pairing in said manga. Everybody knows that Naruto should have gotten married to Gaara and they could have been two gay presidents on a Red, White & Royal Blue kind of vibe. Actually scratch that, I hated that book. Anyway, I’d much prefer it if the authors just went with the flow, you know? Like, instead of deciding beforehand that certain characters are going to end up together like How I Met Your Mother (because look how that piece of shit show turned out), I’d like it if more writers were willing to throw all of their original plans out the window and go for a much more organic style of storytelling. Things change, right? All I’m getting at is that it’s rough always being #teamotherguy in these love-triangles, and just once I’d like it if, you know, the other guy could win one of these things every now and then. This isn’t one of those “nice guys finish last” situations, I promise, but it really doesn’t help that the third romantic lead in these kinds of stories is always the supportive, lovable one, while the main love-interest is typically a selfish jerkwad. I’m just saying, I know this won’t happen because it never does, but I think Hokuto and Makoto should end up together. Besides, outside of always rooting for the other guy, I just think the whole “childhood friend” romance is a bit played out at this point. Especially in manga! I'm just saying, I think there should be more "strangers meet and find that they have a connection," When Harry Met Sally... style. I don't care if a couple of gays fall in love after having met in the Saw bathroom, at least it'll shake things up a bit. Hey, I’m just spit balling here! Alright then, I’m going to stop talking about Blue Summer Haze so I can go binge read volume two and get super depressed because the next installment isn't out yet. I hate experiencing this boredom, this mundanity! Anyway, I loved this manga and I couldn’t recommend it enough for those who enjoy getting emotionally wrecked on the public transit. It's a right of passage, really.
So if you look in my direction, and we don't see eye to eye / My heart needs protection, and so do I.
I have two thoughts, which is fun because there's normally just one floating around up here! Firstly, why do I do this to myself? Maybe rhetorical, I'm not sure yet. And second, have you ever gotten so emotional over something you’ve finished reading that you get annoyed? I promise this isn’t another one of those masculine man-mountain, “what makes a grown man wanna cry?” kind of things, but I’m sitting here after having read Blue Summer Haze straight up irritated that I’m fighting back tears! One side of my brain is like… dude, chill out, it’s just a manga about two boys in love who drifted apart after making a promise to always find each other, it’s not a big deal. Yet here I am, experiencing all the colors of the wind or whatever. Seriously, there’s something about manga authors in that they just know how to do melancholy right. Because evoking sadness in stories doesn't necessarily mean you always have the most terrible things happen, but instead it’s always the little things that hit harder, isn’t it? A summer romance, a best friend you’ve forgotten to remember, a broken promise, the memories that get sanded down by the passage of time are the truest ways to attack your readers where it really hurts. Because when a narrative only ever deals in the most extreme opposite ends of the spectrum, then you unnecessarily limit yourself in what you can explore thematically. Take The Walking Dead for example, Andrew Lincoln, the actor who plays main character, Rick, is undoubtedly a fantastic actor, but because the character only ever experiences the worst of the worst that life has to offer, after a while his journey starts to come across as comical rather than harrowing. I’m just saying, I’ve laughed more at The Ones Who Live than any comedy that’s come out in the past year because Rick seems like such a damn caricature at this point, and it’s hard not to notice how the man just goes through the same mini-arcs over and over again. Then again, this might be more of an issue with the zombie genre in general, because there’s really only so much you can say about the end of the world,
Whereas with speculative fiction like Severance or romances painted in a rose-tinted hue as seen in Blue Summer Haze, you’re able to portray something everybody can relate to; mundanity. Constant adrenaline is a fun way to write a story, but when the characters are left to their own devices, when they’re bored, well, that’s where the good stuff is, the meat! "Black Coffee" by Ella Fitzgerald and the poem, "Disillusionment of Ten O'Clock" by Wallace Stevens, these both deal in isolation and a wandering mind, and in that nothingness they're able to express a truth that everybody can relate to. There’s a reason why The Graduate has one of the best endings for a movie, or well… anything! It’s because the camera doesn’t cut at the triumphant escape from the clutches of their overbearing parents, but rather it lingers just a little bit longer and we get to see the character’s growing uncertainty in real time. Cool! And because of this, the ending goes from definitive to interpretive. What happens then? We don't know, but they've made their choice and they have to live with it. Anyway, what’s my point? What does all this have to do with Blue Summer Haze? Well, I don’t really know, I’m always just talking and wherever I end up is where I end up, but I suppose I’m just trying to say that this manga is a beautiful love story because it’s able to create a larger than life romance by simply tapping into all the simple emotions we feel along the way. "Journey and not the destination" and all that. Instead of just the public declarations of adoration and existing in a near-constant state of euphoria, Blue Summer Haze offers us the parts that aren't always so enviable. A look at the resentment that boils up inside over time or the millions of selfish jealousies felt by us every day. Look, this story isn't nasty, far from it, but all I’m trying to get at here is that this manga feels real in a way that you don’t often see in the medium. People feel like people and that shouldn't be a ground-breaking revelation, but it is, so here we are. Now let’s talk about it, why don't we?
“Hah, I was lying, dumbass. But if you throw another half-assed pitch, the next kiss is gonna be on your lips!!”
Boys will be boys, right? So yeah, actually now that I think of it, it’s even more important that I get this part right because it doesn’t look like there’s a synopsis here on Goodreads. The pressure is really building, I'm actually necessary this time around! Makoto and Shusuke were baseball buddies as children, and after the latter informs Makoto that he’s moving away for good, they both make a Love Hina promise to meet up again in the future to play together once again. Aw, how sweet... and gay! In a good way though, "gay" is always good in my book. But here’s the thing, flash forward a couple years, and even though Makoto becomes a star baseball player (more like baesball!), it turns out that Shusuke wasn’t able to hold up his end of the bargain. Come on dude, everybody knows there’s a special place in hell for people who break pinky promises! But yeah, things get a little more complicated because in his (wasted devotion) to Shusuke, Makoto didn’t even realize that sexy ass Hokuto, another player on the team, has been in love with him the entire time. Ooh drama ensues! Now, I know a lot of people hate a love-triangle story line, but I’ve got to admit that I’ve always had a good time with them, it keeps things entertaining, you know? I especially enjoy it when the object of affection is the main character. Is all of this because it’s a “self-insert” kind of thing? I don't know, probably... but hey, I can't help that these are the kinds of stories that scratch that itch. Gakuen Alice, Princess Tutu, Orange, you name it, and there’s a good chance that I’m there gassing it up. Watch Princess Tutu, it's beautiful and the main love-interest is one of the only characters in anime that has melanin outside of Piccolo from Dragon Ball! But yeah, the only issue I have with love-triangle narratives is that they almost always fall back on ideas of “predestined lovers,” even when the so called predestined lover is an asshole who sucks. I mean, the heart wants what it wants and all that, but tell me why these love-interests are always so aloof and distant!?
Literally nobody likes Sasuke Uchiha, so why do people keep putting him in their stories! And hey, even though Naruto was my first gay manga, Sasuke and Naruto aren't even the best queer pairing in said manga. Everybody knows that Naruto should have gotten married to Gaara and they could have been two gay presidents on a Red, White & Royal Blue kind of vibe. Actually scratch that, I hated that book. Anyway, I’d much prefer it if the authors just went with the flow, you know? Like, instead of deciding beforehand that certain characters are going to end up together like How I Met Your Mother (because look how that piece of shit show turned out), I’d like it if more writers were willing to throw all of their original plans out the window and go for a much more organic style of storytelling. Things change, right? All I’m getting at is that it’s rough always being #teamotherguy in these love-triangles, and just once I’d like it if, you know, the other guy could win one of these things every now and then. This isn’t one of those “nice guys finish last” situations, I promise, but it really doesn’t help that the third romantic lead in these kinds of stories is always the supportive, lovable one, while the main love-interest is typically a selfish jerkwad. I’m just saying, I know this won’t happen because it never does, but I think Hokuto and Makoto should end up together. Besides, outside of always rooting for the other guy, I just think the whole “childhood friend” romance is a bit played out at this point. Especially in manga! I'm just saying, I think there should be more "strangers meet and find that they have a connection," When Harry Met Sally... style. I don't care if a couple of gays fall in love after having met in the Saw bathroom, at least it'll shake things up a bit. Hey, I’m just spit balling here! Alright then, I’m going to stop talking about Blue Summer Haze so I can go binge read volume two and get super depressed because the next installment isn't out yet. I hate experiencing this boredom, this mundanity! Anyway, I loved this manga and I couldn’t recommend it enough for those who enjoy getting emotionally wrecked on the public transit. It's a right of passage, really.
So if you look in my direction, and we don't see eye to eye / My heart needs protection, and so do I.
September 21, 2026
3.5 stars. ughh i hate love triangles because i know i’ll like one over the other and 9 times out of 10, that person is never picked in the end. i feel an impending doom for the character i’m rooting for 🥺
July 21, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
The artwork was very beautiful. It was an easy manga to get invested in, and it did a great job to visualize the emotional moments.
Although I'm usually not a fan of love triangles, I'm especially interested to find out whether the story is building toward a poly relationship or if Makoto will eventually choose one of them—because I already have a very clear favorite. Either way, the dynamic between the three of them has me intrigued enough to keep reading.
As for the story itself, I liked it, but there was something missing. I'm curious to see where the goes, but this first volume felt more like setup than anything else. But the end makes me want to read the next volume ASAP!
The artwork was very beautiful. It was an easy manga to get invested in, and it did a great job to visualize the emotional moments.
Although I'm usually not a fan of love triangles, I'm especially interested to find out whether the story is building toward a poly relationship or if Makoto will eventually choose one of them—because I already have a very clear favorite. Either way, the dynamic between the three of them has me intrigued enough to keep reading.
As for the story itself, I liked it, but there was something missing. I'm curious to see where the goes, but this first volume felt more like setup than anything else. But the end makes me want to read the next volume ASAP!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you Kodansha for providing me with the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This review is for volume 1 only.
I am pretty indifferent to sports romance stories but they do bring along certain dynamics that I like in fantasy, e.g. a sense of high stakes, competition and rivalry. So while I went into this with zero interest in baseball, I do think it presents a good story and gives the characters a good anchor to bond over. Makoto seems to have only become a baseball player reluctantly as all he wanted was to play with his childhood friend. The latter than moves away and shows up again unexpectedly a few years later down the line. I thought this part felt a little rushed, especially given that this is the start of a series and it had room to give things a bit more time. In the meantime, another baseball player started to develop feelings for Makoto which leaves these three in conflicts around love and their shared passion for baseball.
This is the type of love triangle where it's really hard to guess who will be end game. It's also too early in the plot for me to say how I'd like things to resolve and it's also still very open as to how long the series will be. So far, all three are likeable and I think even the rivals in love are being pretty decent to each other.
I personally don't love the art - there's absolutely nothing wrong with it, it's well drawn! - it's just not my personal taste. I did enjoy the story enough to be curious how it continues, but at the same time, I think I will wait to see how long this series becomes before I decide whether or not to continue.
August 11, 2026
Ugh, I'm so sad and disappointed. I was so, so ready to love this because I love baseball and I love yaoi. They're like my two fav things ever. But instead of a home run, all I got was a massive swing and a miss. (crowd boos my bad puns)
I literally hate the character of Shusuke. He and Makoto were best friends their whole lives, but then he moved away without even telling him why, told him that they'd meet again at Koshien, and then promptly never got in contact with Makoto again and also quit baseball without telling him (because of health reasons, but still). All of this led Makoto to carry a flame for him and keep practicing hard at baseball to honor that promise, all without even knowing that Shusuke had already quit baseball some time ago.
Shusuke is such a shit ass friend. Then he comes back into Makoto's life all of a sudden and acts like they can be all buddy-buddy again even though he literally didn't contact him once the whole time he was living in Osaka. To make matters worse, Shusuke even dares to get possessive and jealous over Makoto having a good relationship with his new catcher, Hokuto, who is actually making an effort to be there for him and lift him up, unlike Shusuke.
Honestly, Makoto deserves Hokuto so much more than Shusuke. I know Shusuke is the one Makoto actually has feelings for and therein lies the angst, but I just find Shusuke to be wishy-washy and insufferable, while Hokuto actually shows real respect, admiration, and communication to Makoto.
This story kind of just pissed me off. Also, 0/10, too much teen angst, not enough baseball.
As a side note, I think it's really creepy that the mangaka calls Makoto, a high schooler, "sexy baseball boy" in her author's note, as well as saying that he "used to be sexier" back when she drew him with a fully shaved head. Creepy as hell.
Readalike that I strongly recommend: Baseball Heaven
I literally hate the character of Shusuke. He and Makoto were best friends their whole lives, but then he moved away without even telling him why, told him that they'd meet again at Koshien, and then promptly never got in contact with Makoto again and also quit baseball without telling him (because of health reasons, but still). All of this led Makoto to carry a flame for him and keep practicing hard at baseball to honor that promise, all without even knowing that Shusuke had already quit baseball some time ago.
Shusuke is such a shit ass friend. Then he comes back into Makoto's life all of a sudden and acts like they can be all buddy-buddy again even though he literally didn't contact him once the whole time he was living in Osaka. To make matters worse, Shusuke even dares to get possessive and jealous over Makoto having a good relationship with his new catcher, Hokuto, who is actually making an effort to be there for him and lift him up, unlike Shusuke.
Honestly, Makoto deserves Hokuto so much more than Shusuke. I know Shusuke is the one Makoto actually has feelings for and therein lies the angst, but I just find Shusuke to be wishy-washy and insufferable, while Hokuto actually shows real respect, admiration, and communication to Makoto.
This story kind of just pissed me off. Also, 0/10, too much teen angst, not enough baseball.
As a side note, I think it's really creepy that the mangaka calls Makoto, a high schooler, "sexy baseball boy" in her author's note, as well as saying that he "used to be sexier" back when she drew him with a fully shaved head. Creepy as hell.
Readalike that I strongly recommend: Baseball Heaven
August 10, 2026
I’m finally going on holidays and the plane ride is already helping with my slump.
I was able to just sit back, relax and read this manga full of adorable moments. There’s 3 main characters. 2 childhood friends (Makoto and Shusuki) and Hokoto, the teams catcher. Shusuke suddenly moved away after junior high promising Makoto that they would reunite for the championship game at Koshien Stadium. But on the 3 year of high school Shusuke transfers back to Makoto’s school unable to fulfill the promise because he no longer played baseball, leaving Makoto confused and devasted.
I don’t know if it was too short but this love triangle left me wanting more. Definitely recommend this manga that come out recently on the 7 of July.
Thank you NetGalley and Kodansha comics for the opportunity to read this comic in exchange for an honest review.
I was able to just sit back, relax and read this manga full of adorable moments. There’s 3 main characters. 2 childhood friends (Makoto and Shusuki) and Hokoto, the teams catcher. Shusuke suddenly moved away after junior high promising Makoto that they would reunite for the championship game at Koshien Stadium. But on the 3 year of high school Shusuke transfers back to Makoto’s school unable to fulfill the promise because he no longer played baseball, leaving Makoto confused and devasted.
I don’t know if it was too short but this love triangle left me wanting more. Definitely recommend this manga that come out recently on the 7 of July.
Thank you NetGalley and Kodansha comics for the opportunity to read this comic in exchange for an honest review.
August 5, 2026
I don't know how many of you know but I used to play (Finnish) baseball when I was younger. I never learned baseball terms in English but I was the one who threw the ball because everyone else was too scared to because in the Finnish version you throw the ball in the air right next to the person with the bat and if you are not careful it will be you getting hit and not the ball. So, I have deep appreciation for the sport even though I had to give it up years ago. And what can I say, I love sport manga.
And this was such an easy manga to fall in love with. The art is beautiful and I don't know how else to explain this but that reading this felt like the first warm breeze of wind in the spring and you know summer is just around the corner. This was so sweet and I adore the characters and I cannot wait to continue this series. And as someone who more of tolerates romance in their books instead of intentionally seeking it out, the romance in this just the right amount for me-at least for now. Excited to see where this goes!
Thank you to Kodansha Comics and Netgalley for the eARC!
And this was such an easy manga to fall in love with. The art is beautiful and I don't know how else to explain this but that reading this felt like the first warm breeze of wind in the spring and you know summer is just around the corner. This was so sweet and I adore the characters and I cannot wait to continue this series. And as someone who more of tolerates romance in their books instead of intentionally seeking it out, the romance in this just the right amount for me-at least for now. Excited to see where this goes!
Thank you to Kodansha Comics and Netgalley for the eARC!
July 16, 2026
AND THEY WERE BATTERYMATES!
What an absolute delight of a read. The expectations I had coming in were absolutely hit out of the park with what I read. Romance, angst, and a love triangle that I was invested in?
Oh.. baseball yaoi did it all and promised me more. I am so invested in this trio and the art is gorgeous to look at. Waiter, more of them trying to figure out their sexualities while playing a sport that gives such tangible representations of their bonds!
What an absolute delight of a read. The expectations I had coming in were absolutely hit out of the park with what I read. Romance, angst, and a love triangle that I was invested in?
Oh.. baseball yaoi did it all and promised me more. I am so invested in this trio and the art is gorgeous to look at. Waiter, more of them trying to figure out their sexualities while playing a sport that gives such tangible representations of their bonds!
September 27, 2026
What a way to end the 1st volume...
Anyway I really enjoyed this and it feels nice to read about a love triangle situation where you can't be certain about who the mc will end up with . I'm rooting for the 2nd guy though
Anyway I really enjoyed this and it feels nice to read about a love triangle situation where you can't be certain about who the mc will end up with . I'm rooting for the 2nd guy though
May 19, 2026
I received this manga from the publisher on Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.
Now those who know me know that I don’t love love triangles. In fact. I generally avoid them. But sometimes I find the rare love triangle that works for me. Like in this one. We got our top baseball player/pitcher Minami Makoto. He loves/has an interest in his childhood friend (though haha, it takes him a bit to figure things out) and the one who got him into baseball and the one who disappeared until now, Shusuke Waya, if Waya has an interest back? Well you will have to find out as you read. Then there is Shiratori Hokuto who is also on Minami’s team, and he? He loves Minami. Yup. He really gets close and personal with him, though my heart broke as Minami only seemed to have eyes for the childhood friend who has now returned. I was so invested in these three and was wondering what would happen, who would get to be with Minami, would Minami purely go for Waya or would he give Hokuto a chance? At this point I have to say I am more invested in Hokuto x Minami because I just didn’t like how Waya never contacted Minami after he left + the fact he never told him he wasn’t doing baseball ever again while Minami was working so hard to get to a good level so that the two could reunite at a big event. I just wanted to hug Minami so many times, luckily he has Hokuto who is very much active in his affections. I loved seeing how the story continued between these three, there is several moments of drama (and some typical romance hijinks) that had me gasping, giggling, and maybe also crying a bit, especially when we got to learn what happened to Waya, though I definitely will stick to what I said earlier, he should have told Minami sooner. I am definitely invested in the lives of these three guys and I am curious who Minami will choose. Will he go for his childhood friend or will he go for Hokuto who has been with him and baseball for some time.
Next to drama and romance we also have a whole load of baseball! From trainings to how Minami got into baseball to competitions to training camps and more. I am normally also not a baseball girlie, but I really enjoyed it in this one. Probably also because of the art, with some great expressions, fun action moments, and more. I was definitely rooting for Minami’s team! And I really had a laugh at the newbies and how they clung to the older boys.
The art was so pretty and I love the style. The guys were all drawn in a hot way and I love it! I also enjoyed the little bonuses like introductions and baseball stuff.
All in all, if you want a fun love story with drama and baseball I would recommend this one!
Review also posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
Now those who know me know that I don’t love love triangles. In fact. I generally avoid them. But sometimes I find the rare love triangle that works for me. Like in this one. We got our top baseball player/pitcher Minami Makoto. He loves/has an interest in his childhood friend (though haha, it takes him a bit to figure things out) and the one who got him into baseball and the one who disappeared until now, Shusuke Waya, if Waya has an interest back? Well you will have to find out as you read. Then there is Shiratori Hokuto who is also on Minami’s team, and he? He loves Minami. Yup. He really gets close and personal with him, though my heart broke as Minami only seemed to have eyes for the childhood friend who has now returned. I was so invested in these three and was wondering what would happen, who would get to be with Minami, would Minami purely go for Waya or would he give Hokuto a chance? At this point I have to say I am more invested in Hokuto x Minami because I just didn’t like how Waya never contacted Minami after he left + the fact he never told him he wasn’t doing baseball ever again while Minami was working so hard to get to a good level so that the two could reunite at a big event. I just wanted to hug Minami so many times, luckily he has Hokuto who is very much active in his affections. I loved seeing how the story continued between these three, there is several moments of drama (and some typical romance hijinks) that had me gasping, giggling, and maybe also crying a bit, especially when we got to learn what happened to Waya, though I definitely will stick to what I said earlier, he should have told Minami sooner. I am definitely invested in the lives of these three guys and I am curious who Minami will choose. Will he go for his childhood friend or will he go for Hokuto who has been with him and baseball for some time.
Next to drama and romance we also have a whole load of baseball! From trainings to how Minami got into baseball to competitions to training camps and more. I am normally also not a baseball girlie, but I really enjoyed it in this one. Probably also because of the art, with some great expressions, fun action moments, and more. I was definitely rooting for Minami’s team! And I really had a laugh at the newbies and how they clung to the older boys.
The art was so pretty and I love the style. The guys were all drawn in a hot way and I love it! I also enjoyed the little bonuses like introductions and baseball stuff.
All in all, if you want a fun love story with drama and baseball I would recommend this one!
Review also posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
August 21, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for providing me with an advanced copy of this manga in exchange for an honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (4/5 Stars)
I really enjoyed Blue Summer Haze.
This is an M4M sports romance, which isn't something I read all that often, so I was interested to see where the story would go and if it would keep my interest—and it did!
Honestly, this isn't really a love triangle. It's a crush triangle. 😂
I liked watching the characters figure out their feelings for each other, especially since not everyone is on the same page. Some play it cool, but the main character makes it pretty clear where his heart leads right off the bat. 🤣
There were some moments that made me smile, but then there were other moments where I just thought, Okay, calm down!
I also liked the sports side of the story. It gave the characters something outside of the romance and made their relationships feel connected to their everyday lives. Rather than the whole story just being a game of cat and mouse with them chasing each other, the sports elements made it feel a little more grounded.
The artwork was also really nice and suited the story well. It was subtle, yet became more expressive right when it needed to be.
I think the crush triangle was probably my favourite part because watching everyone try to work out their feelings was just fun.
If you're looking for a sports romance that hooks you in right off the bat and hits a home run, then pick this up and see where you stand with the team!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (4/5 Stars)
I really enjoyed Blue Summer Haze.
This is an M4M sports romance, which isn't something I read all that often, so I was interested to see where the story would go and if it would keep my interest—and it did!
Honestly, this isn't really a love triangle. It's a crush triangle. 😂
I liked watching the characters figure out their feelings for each other, especially since not everyone is on the same page. Some play it cool, but the main character makes it pretty clear where his heart leads right off the bat. 🤣
There were some moments that made me smile, but then there were other moments where I just thought, Okay, calm down!
I also liked the sports side of the story. It gave the characters something outside of the romance and made their relationships feel connected to their everyday lives. Rather than the whole story just being a game of cat and mouse with them chasing each other, the sports elements made it feel a little more grounded.
The artwork was also really nice and suited the story well. It was subtle, yet became more expressive right when it needed to be.
I think the crush triangle was probably my favourite part because watching everyone try to work out their feelings was just fun.
If you're looking for a sports romance that hooks you in right off the bat and hits a home run, then pick this up and see where you stand with the team!
August 17, 2026
Thank you to Kodansha for providing me with the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This review is for volume 1 only.
I'll start by admitting to having no interest and limited knowledge of baseball, but I found that I enjoyed this manga and liked the dynamic that baseball brought to it. It provided something for the characters to bond over and a strong connection as teammates.
This volume has a lot of build up as it introduces us to the main characters, Makoto, Hokuto, and Shusuke and establishes the love triangle between them. It does a good job of laying the groundwork and building tension. I would love to have seen more of the character’s back stories, particularly Shusuke’s as I think his is very important to his character and what we were given was very little and rushed.
I found the art beautiful and it was well drawn, especially the character’s eyes, but I must admit it was not my personal taste. Overall I enjoyed the manga and am looking forward to more from this series.
This review is for volume 1 only.
I'll start by admitting to having no interest and limited knowledge of baseball, but I found that I enjoyed this manga and liked the dynamic that baseball brought to it. It provided something for the characters to bond over and a strong connection as teammates.
This volume has a lot of build up as it introduces us to the main characters, Makoto, Hokuto, and Shusuke and establishes the love triangle between them. It does a good job of laying the groundwork and building tension. I would love to have seen more of the character’s back stories, particularly Shusuke’s as I think his is very important to his character and what we were given was very little and rushed.
I found the art beautiful and it was well drawn, especially the character’s eyes, but I must admit it was not my personal taste. Overall I enjoyed the manga and am looking forward to more from this series.
July 26, 2026
With breathtaking art, raw emotion, and a tension filled love triangle this first volume of a new manga series blew me away.
When Makoto’s best friend and crush suddenly moves away he’s left heartbroken. He then throws himself into pitching all for the hope of playing with him again. Years later Makoto has a new catcher, Hokuto, who is pining for him when his best friend Shusuke suddenly returns.
This was the most tension filled, gripping love triangle I’ve ever read. All three characters are dynamic and nuanced with the most amazing chemistry. I was on the edge of my seat and as this volume came to a close I was already desperate for more.
The artwork is incredible and brings the story of baseball, first love, questioning, and coming of age to life in the most stunning way.
What you’ll get:
•BL Manga Series (Vol 1)
•Sports Romance
•Pitcher/Two Catchers
•Love Triangle
•Childhood Friends
•Pinning
•First Love
•Mild Angst
When Makoto’s best friend and crush suddenly moves away he’s left heartbroken. He then throws himself into pitching all for the hope of playing with him again. Years later Makoto has a new catcher, Hokuto, who is pining for him when his best friend Shusuke suddenly returns.
This was the most tension filled, gripping love triangle I’ve ever read. All three characters are dynamic and nuanced with the most amazing chemistry. I was on the edge of my seat and as this volume came to a close I was already desperate for more.
The artwork is incredible and brings the story of baseball, first love, questioning, and coming of age to life in the most stunning way.
What you’ll get:
•BL Manga Series (Vol 1)
•Sports Romance
•Pitcher/Two Catchers
•Love Triangle
•Childhood Friends
•Pinning
•First Love
•Mild Angst
![Profile Image for Kuu [semi-ia for china reasons].](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1725785181i/108391134._UX200_CR0,0,200,200_.jpg)
July 22, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.
Hmm... This was a pretty basic story really. Yearning for the guy who moved away, being pissed he didn't keep a promise he made as a kid, and then a love triangle... Nothing special, really, but still sweet. I liked how Makoto wasn't an ass about Shusuke's feelings for him, and the same goes for Hokuto's reaction to Makoto's feelings, and generally, our three MCs are very respectful towards each other, though there is some teasing happening. As I've already commented on a friend's review, I really hope we get polyamory instead of a love triangle. I feel like that'd be an amazing dynamic.
The art is cute too, and I like that each character has their own unique features so you can tell them apart and tell a bit about their character based on the design too. Just an overall cute story.
Hmm... This was a pretty basic story really. Yearning for the guy who moved away, being pissed he didn't keep a promise he made as a kid, and then a love triangle... Nothing special, really, but still sweet. I liked how Makoto wasn't an ass about Shusuke's feelings for him, and the same goes for Hokuto's reaction to Makoto's feelings, and generally, our three MCs are very respectful towards each other, though there is some teasing happening. As I've already commented on a friend's review, I really hope we get polyamory instead of a love triangle. I feel like that'd be an amazing dynamic.
The art is cute too, and I like that each character has their own unique features so you can tell them apart and tell a bit about their character based on the design too. Just an overall cute story.
Read
July 3, 2026I LOVED this. I love baseball BLs (Replay is one of my favorite BLs). The start to this was extremely strong. Childhood best friends promise to meet each other one day at a baseball competition when one is moving with his family away at the end of Junior High. Enter Senior year of high school, Makoto is working hard to keep his promise with a new catcher and they are amazing together. They are very close in the game and in life. His bestie comes back unexpectedly and starts a catalyst being honest about how these three feel. Even though it is a love triangle, I didn't mind at all. In all honesty, right now, I'd be happy with either or both (which I am sure would never be end game). I liked the pacing and how the story is developing so far.
6/6 stars
6/6 stars
June 4, 2026
Thank you to Kodansha Comics and Netgalley for the eARC. All thoughts are my own.
This was a fun start to a romance series with some great, easy-to-love characters, but overall I found it moved a little bit too fast for me. I know it’s a sports romance and it’s only volume one, but I felt like the baseball stuff often overshadowed the romance stuff and I would have enjoyed it more if it had felt a little more balanced. Maybe this is one I’ll enjoy more when it’s finished and I can binge it.
That being said, it was still a fun read and I absolutely adore Dondon’s art style!
This was a fun start to a romance series with some great, easy-to-love characters, but overall I found it moved a little bit too fast for me. I know it’s a sports romance and it’s only volume one, but I felt like the baseball stuff often overshadowed the romance stuff and I would have enjoyed it more if it had felt a little more balanced. Maybe this is one I’ll enjoy more when it’s finished and I can binge it.
That being said, it was still a fun read and I absolutely adore Dondon’s art style!
July 8, 2026
Thank you so much to Dondon and Netgalley for a copy of this cute baseball read!
I really enjoyed my self. I liked the plot and the art. It is so good.
The characters are so attractive and fun to get to know.
I’m not sure who I’m rooting for!
I’m so excited to read the next volume!
I recommend to people who love queer romance, baseball, and manga.
-baseball
-manga
-mlm
-high school
-reuniting with a childhood friend
I really enjoyed my self. I liked the plot and the art. It is so good.
The characters are so attractive and fun to get to know.
I’m not sure who I’m rooting for!
I’m so excited to read the next volume!
I recommend to people who love queer romance, baseball, and manga.
-baseball
-manga
-mlm
-high school
-reuniting with a childhood friend
September 28, 2026
I enjoy reading Minami because he’s stuck in a place where he has feelings for one, but not the other. And that baseball is his main focus right now. And he wants to succeed, even though he does not have the person that he wanted by his side. Also, you can tell he’s worked hard for his position. And the two people that he’s stuck in this love triangle with want him to succeed no matter what. And they will help him get where he needs to go. And now for the feelings part, you can see all three have different feelings. And I want to see how it’s going to affect their baseball team. Because they’re all on the baseball team. Overall, I cannot wait to read the next volume to see what actually happens with all of them.
July 26, 2026
ART IS BEAUTIFUL AND CHARACTERS ARE ALREADY GROWING ON MEEEEEEE im so seated for more
October 5, 2026
I like gay people and baseball
July 12, 2026
Ugh and the love triangle begins… I hope the new high school catcher/friend becomes what the pitcher (love interest) needs 🫡🩵
July 7, 2026
I hate love triangles. I might've skipped this one if I'd realized earlier that was the premise. But...I really...liked it...?
The endgame feels pretty obvious. One pitcher, two catchers - it's reverse Ace of Diamond, but as an actual BL where there are two confessions in the first volume alone. Regardless of the setup, childhood friends always win, don't they?
Plus Makoto not only explicitly confesses his feelings to Shusuke, it's clear that he's been in love with him for at least three years - waiting all that time for Shusuke to keep his promise and reunite through baseball, which Makoto's only kept playing because of his longstanding attachment to his best friend. Despite his rejection, which leaves Makoto crying and clinging to his new devoted catcher, Hokuto, it's clear that Shusuke's feelings aren't all that straightforward. (Or...straight.)
So a little agony and some misunderstandings before the inevitable romantic reunion seems like the telegraphed plotline.
But I just...really like Hokuto. And that scene at the end made me wonder if it's possible the dynamic could shift. After all, a lot of Makoto's angsty emotions are tied up in the fact that he never got closure with Shusuke, so once things get out in the open and they're able to interact again as their present, older selves, maybe emotions would shift?
I don't know. I'll have to see how the rest of the series goes, because right now this is surprising me with how much I would be okay with an OT3. Not that it would happen, but all of the dynamics are really interesting. Hokuto and Shusuke start out with some antagonistic standoffs that start to turn into a weird camaraderie.
They're both really nice guys in different ways, and Shusuke is strangely supportive of Hokuto's feelings for Makoto. And Hokuto's the one responsible for pulling Shusuke back into Makoto's daily orbit by making him the team manager. (Since Shusuke's shoulder injury means he can't play baseball anymore.)
It's just a very interesting story with fresh vibes, and I hope I'm happy with wherever the relationships go. I can't find any spoilers online so I'll just have to ride it out.
The endgame feels pretty obvious. One pitcher, two catchers - it's reverse Ace of Diamond, but as an actual BL where there are two confessions in the first volume alone. Regardless of the setup, childhood friends always win, don't they?
Plus Makoto not only explicitly confesses his feelings to Shusuke, it's clear that he's been in love with him for at least three years - waiting all that time for Shusuke to keep his promise and reunite through baseball, which Makoto's only kept playing because of his longstanding attachment to his best friend. Despite his rejection, which leaves Makoto crying and clinging to his new devoted catcher, Hokuto, it's clear that Shusuke's feelings aren't all that straightforward. (Or...straight.)
So a little agony and some misunderstandings before the inevitable romantic reunion seems like the telegraphed plotline.
But I just...really like Hokuto. And that scene at the end made me wonder if it's possible the dynamic could shift. After all, a lot of Makoto's angsty emotions are tied up in the fact that he never got closure with Shusuke, so once things get out in the open and they're able to interact again as their present, older selves, maybe emotions would shift?
I don't know. I'll have to see how the rest of the series goes, because right now this is surprising me with how much I would be okay with an OT3. Not that it would happen, but all of the dynamics are really interesting. Hokuto and Shusuke start out with some antagonistic standoffs that start to turn into a weird camaraderie.
They're both really nice guys in different ways, and Shusuke is strangely supportive of Hokuto's feelings for Makoto. And Hokuto's the one responsible for pulling Shusuke back into Makoto's daily orbit by making him the team manager. (Since Shusuke's shoulder injury means he can't play baseball anymore.)
It's just a very interesting story with fresh vibes, and I hope I'm happy with wherever the relationships go. I can't find any spoilers online so I'll just have to ride it out.
July 7, 2026
Adorable story, breezy, and perfect for summer, that's really classic high school BL. A prickly pitcher who finds himself torn between two catchers — one from the past (also his best friend who left) and one from the present (also his reliable team captain). If you enjoy baseball BL/ship the battery duo in baseball manga (Daiya no Ace, wink wink), you'll definitely like this!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿: readers who love adorable BL manga, childhood friends, love triangles, slow-blooming romance, and stories that will have you rooting for every almost-kiss.
There is something wonderfully dangerous about an adorable manga. You convince yourself you'll just read one more chapter... and before you know it, you're wondering where the rest of the book went.
From the very first chapter I found myself smiling. This manga is full of those awkward little moments that make your heart flutter. Lingering glances, playful teasing, almost-kisses... it kept giving me that ridiculous urge to curl my toes and silently beg the characters to just kiss already.
I quickly became attached to all three boys, which honestly surprised me. Makoto completely won me over because he isn't just sweet. One minute he's adorably flustered, the next he's properly fed up, and somehow that combination made him feel incredibly real. Hokuto stole my heart, though. He's playful, cheeky, wonderfully honest about how he feels, and every time he appeared I knew the page was about to sparkle. Shusuke is still the mystery for me. I adored the little glimpses of his childhood friendship with Makoto, and I have a feeling there's much more to him than we've seen so far.
I also have to admit... I couldn't care less about baseball. Thankfully, I didn't need to. The sport simply became the place where these characters could meet, tease each other, and slowly untangle their feelings. By the time I'd reached the final chapter, I'd almost forgotten the story revolved around baseball at all.
Another thing that completely charmed me were all the little extras. The notes between chapters, the character pages, the team roster, and even the author's afterword made the whole volume feel as though it had been put together with genuine affection. Those little touches made me smile just as much as the story itself.
My biggest complaint is almost unfair... it ended. It flowed so effortlessly that it almost felt like watching an anime in still images, and before I knew it I was staring at the last page wishing I already had volume two sitting beside me.
✨ 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱:
• Wonderfully expressive artwork that captured every blush, smile, and heart-fluttering moment.
• A love triangle where I somehow found myself rooting for everyone.
• The bonus pages, character notes, and author's afterword that made the whole volume feel like it had been put together with genuine affection.
🌧️ 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗳𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱:
• It was over far too quickly. I wasn't ready to leave these characters behind.
• Shusuke still feels like the mystery of the trio, and I'd love to see him take up more space in the next volume.
• One panel made me chuckle because, while a character was being hugged, it looked as though his bum had decided to make a run for it without the rest of him. Thankfully, it was a one-off in an otherwise beautiful volume.
🎨 𝗔𝗿𝘁 𝘀𝘁𝘆𝗹𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀:
The artwork is clean, expressive, and wonderfully easy to follow. Every emotion shines through so naturally that the romantic moments become even sweeter. The pages flowed so effortlessly that it almost felt like watching an anime in still images, making it one of those manga you can completely sink into without ever feeling lost. Apart from one unintentionally hilarious panel, I absolutely adored the artwork.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ / 5
A little thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this manga. All thoughts, feelings, and bookish ramblings are entirely my own. 📖✨
There is something wonderfully dangerous about an adorable manga. You convince yourself you'll just read one more chapter... and before you know it, you're wondering where the rest of the book went.
From the very first chapter I found myself smiling. This manga is full of those awkward little moments that make your heart flutter. Lingering glances, playful teasing, almost-kisses... it kept giving me that ridiculous urge to curl my toes and silently beg the characters to just kiss already.
I quickly became attached to all three boys, which honestly surprised me. Makoto completely won me over because he isn't just sweet. One minute he's adorably flustered, the next he's properly fed up, and somehow that combination made him feel incredibly real. Hokuto stole my heart, though. He's playful, cheeky, wonderfully honest about how he feels, and every time he appeared I knew the page was about to sparkle. Shusuke is still the mystery for me. I adored the little glimpses of his childhood friendship with Makoto, and I have a feeling there's much more to him than we've seen so far.
I also have to admit... I couldn't care less about baseball. Thankfully, I didn't need to. The sport simply became the place where these characters could meet, tease each other, and slowly untangle their feelings. By the time I'd reached the final chapter, I'd almost forgotten the story revolved around baseball at all.
Another thing that completely charmed me were all the little extras. The notes between chapters, the character pages, the team roster, and even the author's afterword made the whole volume feel as though it had been put together with genuine affection. Those little touches made me smile just as much as the story itself.
My biggest complaint is almost unfair... it ended. It flowed so effortlessly that it almost felt like watching an anime in still images, and before I knew it I was staring at the last page wishing I already had volume two sitting beside me.
✨ 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱:
• Wonderfully expressive artwork that captured every blush, smile, and heart-fluttering moment.
• A love triangle where I somehow found myself rooting for everyone.
• The bonus pages, character notes, and author's afterword that made the whole volume feel like it had been put together with genuine affection.
🌧️ 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗳𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱:
• It was over far too quickly. I wasn't ready to leave these characters behind.
• Shusuke still feels like the mystery of the trio, and I'd love to see him take up more space in the next volume.
• One panel made me chuckle because, while a character was being hugged, it looked as though his bum had decided to make a run for it without the rest of him. Thankfully, it was a one-off in an otherwise beautiful volume.
🎨 𝗔𝗿𝘁 𝘀𝘁𝘆𝗹𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀:
The artwork is clean, expressive, and wonderfully easy to follow. Every emotion shines through so naturally that the romantic moments become even sweeter. The pages flowed so effortlessly that it almost felt like watching an anime in still images, making it one of those manga you can completely sink into without ever feeling lost. Apart from one unintentionally hilarious panel, I absolutely adored the artwork.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ / 5
A little thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this manga. All thoughts, feelings, and bookish ramblings are entirely my own. 📖✨
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
For as much as I claim to not like sports, I will still occasionally pick up stories about them if they are queer in some way. Heated Rivalry, anyone? This habit of mine made me pick up Blue Summer Haze despite knowing little if anything about baseball. I've definitely enjoyed other sports anime/manga like Free and Hanebado based mostly on their character writing and subtext, but its certainly a welcome change of pace to get one that is textually queer. And oh boy, is it! It's got a all-guy love triangle and everything. Our main cast are very direct to the point that we have two declarations of feelings in the first volume alone.
Makoto is a talented pitcher who has bases his dreams, aspirations, and goals solely around getting to be near his childhood friend Shusuke who moved away in elementary school. By throwing himself into the sport that brought them together, he hopes they'll get to see each other again and feels betrayed and empty when they meet again in high school and he realizes Shusuke has no such plans.
Hokuto, similarly, is a great pitcher yet abandons his position and career possibilities solely to be near Makoto, when he sees what a great player he is. They have a testy, zesty relationship that pushes them both to play better. I like both of the dynamics at play here, and it doesn't feel unbalanced or obvious who Makoto will end up with.
The biggest thing holding Blue Summer Haze back is its break-neck pacing. Shusuke, Makoto, and Hokuto feel like the barest sketches of characters, and there's already far too much happening between them before we really understand what makes them tick, even if their concepts are solid. Similarly, if you come into this expecting this to be equally balanced between sports and romance, you will be disappointed. It very much feels like baseball is the vehicle that the story develops the romance through, instead of the other way around. The rest of the team are also barely characters, which doesn't help the feeling that this is primarily a romance series with sports vaguely going on in the background. It might be surprising considering my previously mentioned avoidance of sports stories but, I did kind of wanting them to showcase it more!
Thank you to Kodansha Comics for my ARC provided through Netgalley.
Makoto is a talented pitcher who has bases his dreams, aspirations, and goals solely around getting to be near his childhood friend Shusuke who moved away in elementary school. By throwing himself into the sport that brought them together, he hopes they'll get to see each other again and feels betrayed and empty when they meet again in high school and he realizes Shusuke has no such plans.
Hokuto, similarly, is a great pitcher yet abandons his position and career possibilities solely to be near Makoto, when he sees what a great player he is. They have a testy, zesty relationship that pushes them both to play better. I like both of the dynamics at play here, and it doesn't feel unbalanced or obvious who Makoto will end up with.
The biggest thing holding Blue Summer Haze back is its break-neck pacing. Shusuke, Makoto, and Hokuto feel like the barest sketches of characters, and there's already far too much happening between them before we really understand what makes them tick, even if their concepts are solid. Similarly, if you come into this expecting this to be equally balanced between sports and romance, you will be disappointed. It very much feels like baseball is the vehicle that the story develops the romance through, instead of the other way around. The rest of the team are also barely characters, which doesn't help the feeling that this is primarily a romance series with sports vaguely going on in the background. It might be surprising considering my previously mentioned avoidance of sports stories but, I did kind of wanting them to showcase it more!
Thank you to Kodansha Comics for my ARC provided through Netgalley.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I would like to thank NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
The character art was awesome, all the characters/teammates were fun, and the story was a great mix of sporty entertainment and unprocessed emotions! I was really charmed by Hokuto's openness about his feelings
There's the usual angst about harbouring feelings for your best mate and then dealing with not even being able to crush and pine in secret because they had to move away. It always kills me that these dudes can never keep in contact with each other lol. It's always the hard cut-off and this gaping hole of sadness from the loss until they meet again and it's like their heart explodes on sight!
Makoto and Shusuke were adorable as kids though. And I'm glad they had a really solid friendship when they were little.
I loved the wayyy Shusuke naturally fell into being Hokuto and Makoto's new manager! He's seriously so smooth and it was really awesome how he connected with the team so easily! He's so sunshine and the way he paid attention to the details and really cared about everyone made the manager role perfect for him.
Makoto really felt poorly about Shusuke quitting baseball, but I'm glad that they're close enough to have a conversation early on about how that had nothing to do with Makoto's skillset nor their friendship. I really appreciated how honest and up-front Hokuto, Makoto and Shusuke naturally were with each other.
Hokuto was a veeeeeery effective partner and I really enjoyed his style 😏 I loved that he was really into Makoto's spicy pitching when they'd first played against each other, and after THAT he was IT for Hokuto!
I really liked the way all three of them were grappling with their complicated, heart-throbbing feels, but they were all individually so lovable and adorable and them settling into a friendship really added to the overall chemistry.
The ending was a bit abrupt but totally understandable, and I'm really IN THIS NOW, so I cannot wait for where Book 2 goes next because I'M HOOKED and I want MORE asap!
The character art was awesome, all the characters/teammates were fun, and the story was a great mix of sporty entertainment and unprocessed emotions! I was really charmed by Hokuto's openness about his feelings
There's the usual angst about harbouring feelings for your best mate and then dealing with not even being able to crush and pine in secret because they had to move away. It always kills me that these dudes can never keep in contact with each other lol. It's always the hard cut-off and this gaping hole of sadness from the loss until they meet again and it's like their heart explodes on sight!
Makoto and Shusuke were adorable as kids though. And I'm glad they had a really solid friendship when they were little.
I loved the wayyy Shusuke naturally fell into being Hokuto and Makoto's new manager! He's seriously so smooth and it was really awesome how he connected with the team so easily! He's so sunshine and the way he paid attention to the details and really cared about everyone made the manager role perfect for him.
Makoto really felt poorly about Shusuke quitting baseball, but I'm glad that they're close enough to have a conversation early on about how that had nothing to do with Makoto's skillset nor their friendship. I really appreciated how honest and up-front Hokuto, Makoto and Shusuke naturally were with each other.
Hokuto was a veeeeeery effective partner and I really enjoyed his style 😏 I loved that he was really into Makoto's spicy pitching when they'd first played against each other, and after THAT he was IT for Hokuto!
I really liked the way all three of them were grappling with their complicated, heart-throbbing feels, but they were all individually so lovable and adorable and them settling into a friendship really added to the overall chemistry.
The ending was a bit abrupt but totally understandable, and I'm really IN THIS NOW, so I cannot wait for where Book 2 goes next because I'M HOOKED and I want MORE asap!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
English/Français
Okay, okay, okay! I have to admit something about this manga. I don't like sports or love triangles, BUT IN THIS CASE... I LOVED IT !
Okay, I’ll calm down. I’m really, really glad I got to discover this title early thanks to Netgalley and the publisher. It’s a sports BL set against the backdrop of a love triangle. Makoto never gave up on baseball even though his childhood friend moved away suddenly. Still keeping his promise today, he joined his school’s team and is close with his teammate (I think, I didn’t quite get the rules) who knows how to talk to Makoto.
When his best friend returns, things get complicated in his head but also in his daily life. I found this love triangle very sweet and rather heartwarming for this first volume. You can feel the kindness between all the characters. I’m really surprised, but I almost want to see all three of them together because they’re so nice.
So there you go... I enjoyed this sports romance with a love triangle.
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Ok ok okkk ! Je dois vous avouer quelques choses à propos de ce manga. Je n'aime pas le sport ni les triangles amoureux MAIS ICI.... J'AI ADORE !
Bon, je me calme. Je suis vraiment très contente d'avoir découvert ce titre en avant première grâce à Netgalley et la ME. On est sur un BL sportif sur fond de triangle amoureux. Makoto n'a jamais abandonné le baseball malgrès que son ami d'enfance à déménager subitement. Tenant sa promesse encore aujourd'hui, il s'est intégré dans l'équipe de son école et il est fort avec son équipier ( je crois j'ai pas tout compris niveau règle ) qui sait parler à Makoto.
Quand le meilleur ami revient les choses se corsé dans sa tête mais aussi dans son quotidien. J'ai trouvé ce triangle amoureux très doux et plutôt bienveillant pour ce premier tome. On sent la bienveillance de tout les personnages entre eux. Vraiment je suis super surprise mais limite j'ai envie de les voir tout les trois ensembles car ils sont tellement gentils.
Donc voilà... J'ai aimé une romance sportif avec un triangle amoureux.
Okay, okay, okay! I have to admit something about this manga. I don't like sports or love triangles, BUT IN THIS CASE... I LOVED IT !
Okay, I’ll calm down. I’m really, really glad I got to discover this title early thanks to Netgalley and the publisher. It’s a sports BL set against the backdrop of a love triangle. Makoto never gave up on baseball even though his childhood friend moved away suddenly. Still keeping his promise today, he joined his school’s team and is close with his teammate (I think, I didn’t quite get the rules) who knows how to talk to Makoto.
When his best friend returns, things get complicated in his head but also in his daily life. I found this love triangle very sweet and rather heartwarming for this first volume. You can feel the kindness between all the characters. I’m really surprised, but I almost want to see all three of them together because they’re so nice.
So there you go... I enjoyed this sports romance with a love triangle.
------
Ok ok okkk ! Je dois vous avouer quelques choses à propos de ce manga. Je n'aime pas le sport ni les triangles amoureux MAIS ICI.... J'AI ADORE !
Bon, je me calme. Je suis vraiment très contente d'avoir découvert ce titre en avant première grâce à Netgalley et la ME. On est sur un BL sportif sur fond de triangle amoureux. Makoto n'a jamais abandonné le baseball malgrès que son ami d'enfance à déménager subitement. Tenant sa promesse encore aujourd'hui, il s'est intégré dans l'équipe de son école et il est fort avec son équipier ( je crois j'ai pas tout compris niveau règle ) qui sait parler à Makoto.
Quand le meilleur ami revient les choses se corsé dans sa tête mais aussi dans son quotidien. J'ai trouvé ce triangle amoureux très doux et plutôt bienveillant pour ce premier tome. On sent la bienveillance de tout les personnages entre eux. Vraiment je suis super surprise mais limite j'ai envie de les voir tout les trois ensembles car ils sont tellement gentils.
Donc voilà... J'ai aimé une romance sportif avec un triangle amoureux.
September 19, 2026
Blue Summer Haze follows two best friends, Makoto and Shusuke, who once promised each other that they would train hard in baseball and make it to the big leagues. As they go their separate ways, time passes, and Makoto becomes the ace pitcher on his baseball team.
Then, one day, Makoto is surprised to see thst Shusuke has returned and transferred to his school! But he no longer plays baseball. Shusuke was the one who pushed Makoto to play baseball with him, so what happened? Did Makoto just waste his time?
Things become even more fun and complicated when we learn that Hokuto, the team captain and cather, has feelings for Makoto. Now we have a love triangle! Makoto has feelings for Shusuke, while Hokuto's feelings for Makoto add another layer to the story. I am anxious to see which pairing will end together. As for me, I'm rooting for Hokuto and Makoto. Sorry not sorry, best friend Shusuke! I also enjoy the natural teasing and connection that Hokuto and Makoto have.
The artwork in this manga is beautifully done. I especially enjoyed the emotions, scenery, school setting and baseball training camp come to life. You can really feel the character's emotions coming through the artwork. Particularly, during the intense baseball games. One of my favorite little moments was seeing how much of a scaredy-cat Makoto could be at the rundown inn they were staying for the baseball training camp. It was so cute! It added more humor and personality to his black cat character.
I also liked that some lingo was explained toward the end of the manga. This was a helpful addition.
Overall, Blue Summer Haze was a fun and engaging BL manga that I just ate up. It has a fun love triangle and strong friendships. I also enjoyed the baseball theme and great artwork. I really enjoyed reading it, and I can't wait to see what happens next!
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this manga in exchange for an honest review.
Then, one day, Makoto is surprised to see thst Shusuke has returned and transferred to his school! But he no longer plays baseball. Shusuke was the one who pushed Makoto to play baseball with him, so what happened? Did Makoto just waste his time?
Things become even more fun and complicated when we learn that Hokuto, the team captain and cather, has feelings for Makoto. Now we have a love triangle! Makoto has feelings for Shusuke, while Hokuto's feelings for Makoto add another layer to the story. I am anxious to see which pairing will end together. As for me, I'm rooting for Hokuto and Makoto. Sorry not sorry, best friend Shusuke! I also enjoy the natural teasing and connection that Hokuto and Makoto have.
The artwork in this manga is beautifully done. I especially enjoyed the emotions, scenery, school setting and baseball training camp come to life. You can really feel the character's emotions coming through the artwork. Particularly, during the intense baseball games. One of my favorite little moments was seeing how much of a scaredy-cat Makoto could be at the rundown inn they were staying for the baseball training camp. It was so cute! It added more humor and personality to his black cat character.
I also liked that some lingo was explained toward the end of the manga. This was a helpful addition.
Overall, Blue Summer Haze was a fun and engaging BL manga that I just ate up. It has a fun love triangle and strong friendships. I also enjoyed the baseball theme and great artwork. I really enjoyed reading it, and I can't wait to see what happens next!
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this manga in exchange for an honest review.
July 12, 2026
I actually bought this purely for baseball, then found out it was a BL. I had a suspicion when I saw that intro page, but I didn't think too much of it. Again, I wanted to read this for the baseball. Now I realize the romance sliced into the story makes it interesting, as well.
I feel kind of bad for Shinsuke. I remember there was a time in my life when basketball (not baseball) was the only thing in my life keeping me going. Eventually, that wasn't the case anymore, and I had nothing. Just like him. So yeah, you could say I feel for him, and even relate. It's a tough state to be in. And imagine coming back, just to see "your guy (Minami) moving on" (I know they're not together). Shunsuke is kind of getting "replaced" by Hokuto. Even took his jersey number. Although it seems small, it's a cruel detail. Someone "stole his pitcher," as well.
I hope Hokuto is end game! Personally, I would prefer someone who knows what they want. Additionally, Hokuto seems like a great guy. I'm not saying Shunsuke is not. It's okay to be confused sometimes, but I personally wouldn't waste my time on someone who's not sure about me. But they're teenage boys, right? It's only natural. Shunsuke seems to have some internalized homophobia towards himself (maybe I read that wrong), or maybe he's just genuinely shocked. I remember being friend with this one guy, seeing that as solely friendship, but I think he liked me more than that. It makes your skin crawl when you don't reciprocate those feelings. So I suppose I relate once more, if you remove the gay part (I'm a girl).
I just want to share this thought, but Shunsuke seems like he might be "two-faced." That COULD be in a menacing way, but now that I think about it, I think it's more him putting on a "golden boy facade." Again, that's just a thought.
I feel kind of bad for Shinsuke. I remember there was a time in my life when basketball (not baseball) was the only thing in my life keeping me going. Eventually, that wasn't the case anymore, and I had nothing. Just like him. So yeah, you could say I feel for him, and even relate. It's a tough state to be in. And imagine coming back, just to see "your guy (Minami) moving on" (I know they're not together). Shunsuke is kind of getting "replaced" by Hokuto. Even took his jersey number. Although it seems small, it's a cruel detail. Someone "stole his pitcher," as well.
I hope Hokuto is end game! Personally, I would prefer someone who knows what they want. Additionally, Hokuto seems like a great guy. I'm not saying Shunsuke is not. It's okay to be confused sometimes, but I personally wouldn't waste my time on someone who's not sure about me. But they're teenage boys, right? It's only natural. Shunsuke seems to have some internalized homophobia towards himself (maybe I read that wrong), or maybe he's just genuinely shocked. I remember being friend with this one guy, seeing that as solely friendship, but I think he liked me more than that. It makes your skin crawl when you don't reciprocate those feelings. So I suppose I relate once more, if you remove the gay part (I'm a girl).
I just want to share this thought, but Shunsuke seems like he might be "two-faced." That COULD be in a menacing way, but now that I think about it, I think it's more him putting on a "golden boy facade." Again, that's just a thought.
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