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Honey [ハニー] #3
Honey So Sweet, Vol. 3
A charming high school romance between a tender hooligan and an orphaned girl with enchanting artwork by Amu Meguro.
Little did Nao Kogure realize back in middle school that when she left an umbrella and a box of bandages in the rain for injured delinquent Taiga Onise that she would meet him again in high school. Nao wants nothing to do with the gruff and frightening Taiga, but he suddenly presents her with a huge bouquet of flowers and asks her to date him—with marriage in mind! Is Taiga really so scary, or is he a sweetheart in disguise?
Although Nao Kogure was once afraid of the delinquent Taiga Onise, she was soon touched by his kind soul. Nao and Taiga have been dating for two months, but Taiga’s best friend, Ayaha Futami, decides he wants to steal Nao away, and he’s not making a secret of it!
Little did Nao Kogure realize back in middle school that when she left an umbrella and a box of bandages in the rain for injured delinquent Taiga Onise that she would meet him again in high school. Nao wants nothing to do with the gruff and frightening Taiga, but he suddenly presents her with a huge bouquet of flowers and asks her to date him—with marriage in mind! Is Taiga really so scary, or is he a sweetheart in disguise?
Although Nao Kogure was once afraid of the delinquent Taiga Onise, she was soon touched by his kind soul. Nao and Taiga have been dating for two months, but Taiga’s best friend, Ayaha Futami, decides he wants to steal Nao away, and he’s not making a secret of it!
216 pages, Paperback
First published November 25, 2013
30 people are currently reading
211 people want to read
About the author
Amu Meguro
53 books64 followers• Associated name: 目黒あむ
• Name in native language: 目黑 亞霧
• Blood Type: A
• Birthday: September 24
• Zodiac: Libra
• Name in native language: 目黑 亞霧
• Blood Type: A
• Birthday: September 24
• Zodiac: Libra
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
July 22, 2016
"These two months have meant the world to me."
If this didn't give you diabetes, I don't know what will.
Seeing a couple grow in a manga is rare. It's almost always about how they got together when really having to maintain a relationship and learn more about that other person is just as exciting and scary.
Nao and Onise are learning what it means to love your best friend and to deal with jealousy, other suitors, and being comfortable in your own skin. Not only that but to realize that insecurities will get you, but leaning on friends and your bf/gf isn't a bad thing.
The side characters too are fleshed out and we get to watch them in what would normally be the "shoujo manga" standard. They're starting to fall for each other while we watch the already established couple learn how to progress in this stage. And that's so cool. So many manga are the exact opposite.
Futami is what the standard shoujo hero would be. However, he's the second lead. Onise would normally be this guy but he's the main love interest. I love how this is all flipped. I love how Nao know what she wants and she sticks to it and doesn't lead on Futami.
Futami though, is a terrible friend. Knowing that Onise is dating her he still announces he wants to steal her from him, which puts Onise in an awkward situation. But learning to trust his girlfriend and on the affections she holds for him is what he has to learn.
Onise is the dream.
If you want another series like this bt dealing with other relationships and a very touching romance, I'd highly recommend Strobe Edge.
*I own all the manga I read/review and don't support scans.
If this didn't give you diabetes, I don't know what will.
Seeing a couple grow in a manga is rare. It's almost always about how they got together when really having to maintain a relationship and learn more about that other person is just as exciting and scary.
Nao and Onise are learning what it means to love your best friend and to deal with jealousy, other suitors, and being comfortable in your own skin. Not only that but to realize that insecurities will get you, but leaning on friends and your bf/gf isn't a bad thing.
The side characters too are fleshed out and we get to watch them in what would normally be the "shoujo manga" standard. They're starting to fall for each other while we watch the already established couple learn how to progress in this stage. And that's so cool. So many manga are the exact opposite.
Futami is what the standard shoujo hero would be. However, he's the second lead. Onise would normally be this guy but he's the main love interest. I love how this is all flipped. I love how Nao know what she wants and she sticks to it and doesn't lead on Futami.
Futami though, is a terrible friend. Knowing that Onise is dating her he still announces he wants to steal her from him, which puts Onise in an awkward situation. But learning to trust his girlfriend and on the affections she holds for him is what he has to learn.
Onise is the dream.
If you want another series like this bt dealing with other relationships and a very touching romance, I'd highly recommend Strobe Edge.
*I own all the manga I read/review and don't support scans.
May 12, 2018
“My heart feels all aflutter.”
Ahhhhhhh, I’m loving this series with all my heart! It’s SO cute and fluffy and sweet *strokes book like a small kitten/puppy*
This volume focuses on Nao and Onise explicitly declaring their love for each other <3 but Onise’s friend, Futami, has also declared his feelings for Nao stating that he will do all he can to steal Nao away from Onise!
There are plenty of adorable moments in this volume and my heart felt like a butterfly throughout...until the end...I really want Nao and Onise to succeed!!
Now on to volume 4!
Ahhhhhhh, I’m loving this series with all my heart! It’s SO cute and fluffy and sweet *strokes book like a small kitten/puppy*
This volume focuses on Nao and Onise explicitly declaring their love for each other <3 but Onise’s friend, Futami, has also declared his feelings for Nao stating that he will do all he can to steal Nao away from Onise!
There are plenty of adorable moments in this volume and my heart felt like a butterfly throughout...until the end...I really want Nao and Onise to succeed!!
Now on to volume 4!
September 2, 2016
The more I read of this, the more fitting I realize the title is. If this keeps up, this series is going to rot my teeth out.
July 26, 2016
I really loved this manga, up to this volume.
Well, OK, certain parts in this volume were fantastic, as it also contains some sweet, lovely moments between our couple. Moments with lots of progress between them (sadly that they couldn't keep up the first name basis part, since I really loved that they were finally doing that (or at least Nao was)).
Sadly, the manga suddenly magically gained a love-triangle. Yes, something that annoys me to no end. We have a wonderful couple, a wonderful romantic setting, and all of the sudden, magically there is a rival. And yes, generally that rival is the best friend who suddenly gained an interest in his best friend's girlfriend. Really, what is wrong with guys that they think it is totally OK just to barge into a relationship and decide you will go and claim that girlfriend of theirs. What the hell is wrong with you? If you were my friend I would have dropped you quicker than you could finish your sentence. Real friends don't just suddenly decide to hunt after girl- or boyfriends. They don't just suddenly do all sorts of things with said girlfriend (while said girlfriend clearly says no).
I really, really, despised Futami in this one. From a friendly guy that I liked he went to dickwad x9001. I just wanted to smack him in the face and get some sense back in him. Yes, it sucks that Nao is taken, just live with it. No need to hunt her, confuse her, or hurt her and your friend. I was disgusted with his actions. Why did he really think this was OK?
And what the hell is up with you and princess carrying her to the infirmary when her BOYFRIEND is right there?
Luckily there were enough parts that were really romantic and cute, and those really made this manga good enough for a 3 star rating. Whenever there are romantic moments I was just squealing in happiness. Those two match together perfectly, and they are cute together. Taiga especially was adorable in this one, with how he remembered the 2-month anniversary and what he did there.
I also loved Nao's uncle, he immediately knew something was wrong, and just helped out. <3
The art is still gorgeous and beautiful, I just adore how the characters are drawn + I really love how Nao's text bubbles are often done in fun and happy ways.
But I am just not sure if I will continue this manga. I hate love triangles, especially when they are forced and magically done like this one is. :| I just want Nao x Taiga and lots of romance (and their first kiss, I would want to see that).
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com
Well, OK, certain parts in this volume were fantastic, as it also contains some sweet, lovely moments between our couple. Moments with lots of progress between them (sadly that they couldn't keep up the first name basis part, since I really loved that they were finally doing that (or at least Nao was)).
Sadly, the manga suddenly magically gained a love-triangle. Yes, something that annoys me to no end. We have a wonderful couple, a wonderful romantic setting, and all of the sudden, magically there is a rival. And yes, generally that rival is the best friend who suddenly gained an interest in his best friend's girlfriend. Really, what is wrong with guys that they think it is totally OK just to barge into a relationship and decide you will go and claim that girlfriend of theirs. What the hell is wrong with you? If you were my friend I would have dropped you quicker than you could finish your sentence. Real friends don't just suddenly decide to hunt after girl- or boyfriends. They don't just suddenly do all sorts of things with said girlfriend (while said girlfriend clearly says no).
I really, really, despised Futami in this one. From a friendly guy that I liked he went to dickwad x9001. I just wanted to smack him in the face and get some sense back in him. Yes, it sucks that Nao is taken, just live with it. No need to hunt her, confuse her, or hurt her and your friend. I was disgusted with his actions. Why did he really think this was OK?
And what the hell is up with you and princess carrying her to the infirmary when her BOYFRIEND is right there?
Luckily there were enough parts that were really romantic and cute, and those really made this manga good enough for a 3 star rating. Whenever there are romantic moments I was just squealing in happiness. Those two match together perfectly, and they are cute together. Taiga especially was adorable in this one, with how he remembered the 2-month anniversary and what he did there.
I also loved Nao's uncle, he immediately knew something was wrong, and just helped out. <3
The art is still gorgeous and beautiful, I just adore how the characters are drawn + I really love how Nao's text bubbles are often done in fun and happy ways.
But I am just not sure if I will continue this manga. I hate love triangles, especially when they are forced and magically done like this one is. :| I just want Nao x Taiga and lots of romance (and their first kiss, I would want to see that).
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com
August 20, 2021
VIDEO SERIES REVIEW HERE: https://youtu.be/dl1jsBTCar0
GAH! THEY ARE SO STINKN' ADORABLE!! I CAN'T HANDLE IT!
Those moments that Kogure and Onise have are SOOOOOOOOO sweet! I just loved that special moment (and another that's a pretty big one) they had together and was like UGHHHHHHHHH Ayaha showed up on the scene.
He's (Ayaha)…an interesting character. Onise deserves SO much credit because I honestly don't know if I could still be friends with Ayaha after all the stuff he has done and said. No, he's not mean or nasty, but it's hard for me to respect Ayaha at any point in this volume EXCEPT when he decides that he really IS teasing.
While Misaki and Yashiro have not had a lot page time, I really like how Misaki has changed subtly. He's definitely not a favorite character, but I am happy that he's growing like everyone else. And Yashiro has been such a surprise to me! I honestly thought she would be the beautiful chick that backstabs the main character (SO embarrassed to admit that), but she has been such a steady character for Kogure that I'm secretly rooting for her own romance.
Overall, I really really really enjoyed this volume (outside of literally all the Ayaha parts LOL)! Our main couple is so sweet and the sweet moments we have in this one definitely made up for the ones we didn't get a lot of in the previous volume!
Also, that bonus chapter was sooooooooo adorable!! I hope we get more!
GAH! THEY ARE SO STINKN' ADORABLE!! I CAN'T HANDLE IT!
Those moments that Kogure and Onise have are SOOOOOOOOO sweet! I just loved that special moment (and another that's a pretty big one) they had together and was like UGHHHHHHHHH Ayaha showed up on the scene.
He's (Ayaha)…an interesting character. Onise deserves SO much credit because I honestly don't know if I could still be friends with Ayaha after all the stuff he has done and said. No, he's not mean or nasty, but it's hard for me to respect Ayaha at any point in this volume EXCEPT when he decides that he really IS teasing.
While Misaki and Yashiro have not had a lot page time, I really like how Misaki has changed subtly. He's definitely not a favorite character, but I am happy that he's growing like everyone else. And Yashiro has been such a surprise to me! I honestly thought she would be the beautiful chick that backstabs the main character (SO embarrassed to admit that), but she has been such a steady character for Kogure that I'm secretly rooting for her own romance.
Overall, I really really really enjoyed this volume (outside of literally all the Ayaha parts LOL)! Our main couple is so sweet and the sweet moments we have in this one definitely made up for the ones we didn't get a lot of in the previous volume!
Also, that bonus chapter was sooooooooo adorable!! I hope we get more!
December 9, 2021
Nunca leí un manga donde un personaje me sacara tanto de quicio como Futami wtf bro rescatate
3 de 5 estrellas.
3 de 5 estrellas.
Read
June 27, 2022****DNF/Skimmed to the End + The Rest of the Series****
So…the mixed feelings have continued and ground to a sudden conclusion of realizations of what I like and don’t like in manga (or any other book, for that matter). I got nearly halfway through this volume when the love rival showed up in full force and…I do not like him AT. ALL. So much so I dropped the book even though I looked ahead and saw this is resolved just fine.
HOWEVER. When I looked ahead in the series, I realized there is yet ANOTHER love rival down the road and I can’t do this twice in the same series to the same characters. This series has made me realize I don’t like love rivals anymore then I like love triangles (read: zero, except in EXTREMELY rare cases) and the drama around it is not for me.
So for that reason I DNFed this volume and series. I’m disappointed because I really wanted to like it, but I’m sure there are other manga series out there that will fit me better. And this series is still really cute and sweet and will work for many people, but it just ended up not being for me.
So…the mixed feelings have continued and ground to a sudden conclusion of realizations of what I like and don’t like in manga (or any other book, for that matter). I got nearly halfway through this volume when the love rival showed up in full force and…I do not like him AT. ALL. So much so I dropped the book even though I looked ahead and saw this is resolved just fine.
HOWEVER. When I looked ahead in the series, I realized there is yet ANOTHER love rival down the road and I can’t do this twice in the same series to the same characters. This series has made me realize I don’t like love rivals anymore then I like love triangles (read: zero, except in EXTREMELY rare cases) and the drama around it is not for me.
So for that reason I DNFed this volume and series. I’m disappointed because I really wanted to like it, but I’m sure there are other manga series out there that will fit me better. And this series is still really cute and sweet and will work for many people, but it just ended up not being for me.
April 15, 2019
Nao and Taiga are TOO CUTE FOR WORDS!!! In this volume we start to have a conflict arise, where a friend of Taiga is trying to steal Nao away from him. I love how the mangaka handled this particular conflict, as it seemed pretty realistic. When dealing with these kinds of things, one person or another ends up hurt, and you can clearly see the seeds of doubt that this friend sows into both Nao and Taiga.
January 11, 2018
3.5/5stars
Still super cute but the sports festival trope is super overused lol. Also did not become gay, wish it woulda become gay rather than a normal love triangle. Onise is still a cutie I love him.
Still super cute but the sports festival trope is super overused lol. Also did not become gay, wish it woulda become gay rather than a normal love triangle. Onise is still a cutie I love him.
March 29, 2017
Damn Futami, te cagaría a golpes. Onise vos seguí luchando chango, que no decaiga!
July 9, 2019
I do love a love triangle.
December 30, 2019
MangaMadnessReadathon | November 2019
March 19, 2022
Sooo cute!!!
May 7, 2021
I'm really in love with Taiga💙, he is my precious boy and I just want to protect him forever🥺💚
October 2, 2023
Parental advisory:
Suggestive themes and references to cheating and abuse.
I enjoyed the interactions with Onise and Nao and their friends Misaki and Yoshiro in the second volume but I disliked the interactions in this one.
Amu Meguro decided to push the story towards the generic mainstream highschool drama tropes in shojo manga.
She couldn't help herself I guess.
I still like the main characters.
Nao is a very caring and sweet girl and Onise is a very chill guy.
I'm not a huge fan of the friends particularly Onise's new friend Futami Ayaha.
Misaki is a boy who seems aggressive but he's actually a awkward kid who doesn't know how to express himself correctly and Yoshiro is a strange girl who seems to lack emotions most of the time but sometimes she seems to care about Nao.
Nao could do with a better friend.
You know someone who isn't "emotionally dead"
Futami Ayaha is a rude,arrogant and judgemental kid Onise knows from his basketball team who immediately tries to form a wedge between Onise and Nao.
He was originally one of the characters participating/hanging around people who was spreading rumors about Onise being a delinquent.
I thought Futami was gay at some point because of his bizarre behavior towards Nao and because he was constantly finding a excuses to have Onise hang out with him over Nao till he stated at random a couple of chapters later that he suddenly liked Nao.
He stated she that was plain and boring(the very reason Nao is unpopular at school)so him suddenly deciding to "steal" her from his friend was out of nowhere.
I really disliked his character but at least I was able to see some character growth from Onise and Nao because of this situation with Futami.
Onise started to feel insecure about the whole situation but instead of being weird about it and ignoring Nao for volumes at time he decides to consult his other friend Misaki for advice and approach Nao on the topic.
Of course he ruined it but saying he would allow her to be with Futami at some point because he isn't allowed to have a backbone in this story.
Nao refused to take Futami's offer in the nurse's office or behind the school and I'm proud of her for that.
However she and Onise are too nice about the situation and they feel like pushovers.
Nao should have told Futami to back off and that she was happy with her boyfriend at the first attempt from him.
Onise should have told Futami to back off when he found out this guy was trying date his girlfriend behind his back.
I'm glad that character like Onise is the main interest instead of one like Futami.
Most shojo manga I read the second main character is unlikable or boring but Onise is a decent fellow.
The other friends aren't given any character depth despite what people are saying in their reviews on GR.
They simply exist for Nao and Onise to vent to when a situation occurs or to add more drama to a situation.
Also he isn't best friends with Futami despite what the synopsis says in GR and what other reviewers have posted.
He only knew the guy for a few months.
Yoshiro relationship with her college going boyfriend is VERY disfunctional and inappropriate.
He is someone who is supposedly a adult dating a 15 year old girl that he tried to isolate from her classmates and to top it off he abuses her and cheats on her with other highschool girls.
The manga has a scene that hints that Yoshiro and her boyfriend are having sexual relations at his house after school which I felt was unnecessary since the audience of this story are middle school kids.
To make matters worse the relationship between Yoshiro and her boyfriend was out of nowhere because prior she didn't know anyone at school or had friends till Nao approached her.
Misaki suddenly having romantic feelings for Yoshiro was also out of nowhere and it annoys me that no one is addressing that Yoshiro is dating a college student who slaps her and cheats on her.
Misaki's awkward approach to getting her to leave her boyfriend because he likes her and not because the boyfriend is abusive or a college student made take months to finish this volume.
The part of the volume and volume 4 was awful.
Yoshiro has no romantic interest in him.
I saw a review saying both of them were "falling" for each other which is a straight lie.
Yoshiro doesn't like Misaki and seems to only tolerate him because he's friends with Nao's boyfriend.
Suggestive themes and references to cheating and abuse.
I enjoyed the interactions with Onise and Nao and their friends Misaki and Yoshiro in the second volume but I disliked the interactions in this one.
Amu Meguro decided to push the story towards the generic mainstream highschool drama tropes in shojo manga.
She couldn't help herself I guess.
I still like the main characters.
Nao is a very caring and sweet girl and Onise is a very chill guy.
I'm not a huge fan of the friends particularly Onise's new friend Futami Ayaha.
Misaki is a boy who seems aggressive but he's actually a awkward kid who doesn't know how to express himself correctly and Yoshiro is a strange girl who seems to lack emotions most of the time but sometimes she seems to care about Nao.
Nao could do with a better friend.
You know someone who isn't "emotionally dead"
Futami Ayaha is a rude,arrogant and judgemental kid Onise knows from his basketball team who immediately tries to form a wedge between Onise and Nao.
He was originally one of the characters participating/hanging around people who was spreading rumors about Onise being a delinquent.
I thought Futami was gay at some point because of his bizarre behavior towards Nao and because he was constantly finding a excuses to have Onise hang out with him over Nao till he stated at random a couple of chapters later that he suddenly liked Nao.
He stated she that was plain and boring(the very reason Nao is unpopular at school)so him suddenly deciding to "steal" her from his friend was out of nowhere.
I really disliked his character but at least I was able to see some character growth from Onise and Nao because of this situation with Futami.
Onise started to feel insecure about the whole situation but instead of being weird about it and ignoring Nao for volumes at time he decides to consult his other friend Misaki for advice and approach Nao on the topic.
Of course he ruined it but saying he would allow her to be with Futami at some point because he isn't allowed to have a backbone in this story.
Nao refused to take Futami's offer in the nurse's office or behind the school and I'm proud of her for that.
However she and Onise are too nice about the situation and they feel like pushovers.
Nao should have told Futami to back off and that she was happy with her boyfriend at the first attempt from him.
Onise should have told Futami to back off when he found out this guy was trying date his girlfriend behind his back.
I'm glad that character like Onise is the main interest instead of one like Futami.
Most shojo manga I read the second main character is unlikable or boring but Onise is a decent fellow.
The other friends aren't given any character depth despite what people are saying in their reviews on GR.
They simply exist for Nao and Onise to vent to when a situation occurs or to add more drama to a situation.
Also he isn't best friends with Futami despite what the synopsis says in GR and what other reviewers have posted.
He only knew the guy for a few months.
Yoshiro relationship with her college going boyfriend is VERY disfunctional and inappropriate.
He is someone who is supposedly a adult dating a 15 year old girl that he tried to isolate from her classmates and to top it off he abuses her and cheats on her with other highschool girls.
The manga has a scene that hints that Yoshiro and her boyfriend are having sexual relations at his house after school which I felt was unnecessary since the audience of this story are middle school kids.
To make matters worse the relationship between Yoshiro and her boyfriend was out of nowhere because prior she didn't know anyone at school or had friends till Nao approached her.
Misaki suddenly having romantic feelings for Yoshiro was also out of nowhere and it annoys me that no one is addressing that Yoshiro is dating a college student who slaps her and cheats on her.
Misaki's awkward approach to getting her to leave her boyfriend because he likes her and not because the boyfriend is abusive or a college student made take months to finish this volume.
The part of the volume and volume 4 was awful.
Yoshiro has no romantic interest in him.
I saw a review saying both of them were "falling" for each other which is a straight lie.
Yoshiro doesn't like Misaki and seems to only tolerate him because he's friends with Nao's boyfriend.
July 5, 2016
More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/
I had wondered where Meguro would take the story since the couple ended up together in volume 1. But as with so many shoujo manga, it's never a fait accompli when the couple gets together. This series is more about what happens afterward - as the two get to know each other and recognize their own needs/desires.Story Nao and Taiga are quietly together - but neither have shared much; they aren't even on a first name basis. But as Taiga's friend Futami looks on, he begins to realize that Nao is a special catch. The two boys will have a friendly rivalry over Nao's attentions - a distraction that could destroy the fragile new relationship that's just developed.
Typically, I find the 'new aggressive love interest' a tired cliche in Shoujo works (along with 'misunderstands' (also used here)) - something a lesser author uses to create drama. Here, I actually didn't mind it since a) Futami is given a reason for the attraction that makes sense and b) the boys aren't being mean, vicious, or underhanded. But it is always the little things that trip up things; e.g., Futami calling Nao by her first name where Taiga doesn't have the courage. And author Meguro does a good job with these.
The illustration work is excellent as always. Expressions are captured nicely and I like how Taiga is drawn to look mean but also to not look mean - a hallmark of his character. And Nao remains constant but is understandably flustered by Futami's attention.
In all, a very sweet slice of life romance. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.
May 17, 2017
I'll be leaving off here. The artwork is pretty, but the storyline is mediocre, at best. Just not worth my time, IMO.
April 1, 2018
3.5 stars
I am not thrilled with Futami. Not a fan of love triangles, not a fan of the forced conflict
review to follow
I am not thrilled with Futami. Not a fan of love triangles, not a fan of the forced conflict
review to follow
August 22, 2021
Caught between a 3.5 and a full four star.
Pros
- A Tradition In the Making
*To celebrate his and Nao's two month anniversary, Taiga gives her two flowers and tells her he plans to up the flower count to coincide with the numerical anniversary... I literally squealed. Imagine how big her wedding bouquet will be. God, I'm so invested!
-Tangible Anxiety/Authentic Speech
*This manga/story feels so true to life because it's not playing up the struggles of adolescence to a cartoonish degree (not naming names, but I do have one in mind as well its anime adaptation). Nao and Taiga aren't adept at words either, no declarations of undying love beyond the one that started it all and even when Nao finally says "I'm so in love with you", it slips out naturally. And she's legit embarrassed not because it's not true, but because, like most teenagers, she worries it's too soon to say. But, I mean, come on Nao. The guy basically gave you a pre-proposal back in volume one. No worries.
-Sharing the Spotlight
*It's not just the Nao and Taiga variety hour. Their friendships play a huge part in their journey to not only coupledom, but becoming functioning adults. There's full scenes dedicated to Misaki trying to understand why Taiga won't confide in him/genuinely missing his friend.
-Healthy Relationship Goals
*When Taiga's newfound "friend" Futami, decides he likes Nao enough to steal her away, Taiga does a call and response to the brooding YA heroes and goes "When I overheard you say that, I could've burst in the door, demand you get your hands off her/keep your mouth shut. But I had to think: would you make Nao happier than I could?". And to top it all off, Taiga seeks sage council from Nao's uncle (YA protagonists who are open and honest with parents. That really does break the mold) and after an intense convo, Taiga says, "No, you couldn't. Not because I'm superior to you, but my love makes her feel superior". He is all about keeping that smile on Nao's face, even if for a brief moment he thought someone else could do it better. I honestly love that both characters take the time to breath/regroup and understand that some people are just distractions from the real thing and not to make mountains out of a mole hills or even acknowledge the "danger".
*Nao realizes that Taiga's love inspires her to be better and they have several scenes where they are thinking of each other, but in a motivating from afar way. Huzzah for individual character growth!
Con
-Futami is a creep. I feel like giving this point a cute I.D. isn't worth it and honestly, he angered me too much to try. There's a point where Nao lends a sympathetic ear to Futami's popularity problem (alone/exhausted with being around people) and he appears to prey upon her kindness, saying how she's the only one who understands him and later kind of tricks both Taiga and Nao into wondering if his "I'll steal you if I have to" is all in their heads by saying "oh, I was just kidding... But not really." Gaslighting, perhaps?
Honestly, we didn't need the weird forced Futami. I'm ready to see where Nao and Taiga end up (hopefully at the altar) and I'm about halfway through.
Pros
- A Tradition In the Making
*To celebrate his and Nao's two month anniversary, Taiga gives her two flowers and tells her he plans to up the flower count to coincide with the numerical anniversary... I literally squealed. Imagine how big her wedding bouquet will be. God, I'm so invested!
-Tangible Anxiety/Authentic Speech
*This manga/story feels so true to life because it's not playing up the struggles of adolescence to a cartoonish degree (not naming names, but I do have one in mind as well its anime adaptation). Nao and Taiga aren't adept at words either, no declarations of undying love beyond the one that started it all and even when Nao finally says "I'm so in love with you", it slips out naturally. And she's legit embarrassed not because it's not true, but because, like most teenagers, she worries it's too soon to say. But, I mean, come on Nao. The guy basically gave you a pre-proposal back in volume one. No worries.
-Sharing the Spotlight
*It's not just the Nao and Taiga variety hour. Their friendships play a huge part in their journey to not only coupledom, but becoming functioning adults. There's full scenes dedicated to Misaki trying to understand why Taiga won't confide in him/genuinely missing his friend.
-Healthy Relationship Goals
*When Taiga's newfound "friend" Futami, decides he likes Nao enough to steal her away, Taiga does a call and response to the brooding YA heroes and goes "When I overheard you say that, I could've burst in the door, demand you get your hands off her/keep your mouth shut. But I had to think: would you make Nao happier than I could?". And to top it all off, Taiga seeks sage council from Nao's uncle (YA protagonists who are open and honest with parents. That really does break the mold) and after an intense convo, Taiga says, "No, you couldn't. Not because I'm superior to you, but my love makes her feel superior". He is all about keeping that smile on Nao's face, even if for a brief moment he thought someone else could do it better. I honestly love that both characters take the time to breath/regroup and understand that some people are just distractions from the real thing and not to make mountains out of a mole hills or even acknowledge the "danger".
*Nao realizes that Taiga's love inspires her to be better and they have several scenes where they are thinking of each other, but in a motivating from afar way. Huzzah for individual character growth!
Con
-Futami is a creep. I feel like giving this point a cute I.D. isn't worth it and honestly, he angered me too much to try. There's a point where Nao lends a sympathetic ear to Futami's popularity problem (alone/exhausted with being around people) and he appears to prey upon her kindness, saying how she's the only one who understands him and later kind of tricks both Taiga and Nao into wondering if his "I'll steal you if I have to" is all in their heads by saying "oh, I was just kidding... But not really." Gaslighting, perhaps?
Honestly, we didn't need the weird forced Futami. I'm ready to see where Nao and Taiga end up (hopefully at the altar) and I'm about halfway through.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 15, 2017
(This is a review of volumes 3 and 4)
Last summer I read the first two volumes of Honey So Sweet as they were the only ones available at the time, and now that more English translations have since been published I went ahead and got them through my library to read, as I'm really liking the series now.
The third volume in the Honey So Sweet series is cute and funny just like the first two. Volume three also had more pacing and was a lot more interesting compared to the prior volumes. The third volume also brings in conflict, introducing the feeling of jealousy between a character and Nao, as a guy, Futami, is basically trying to be Mr. Steal Yo Girl.
Other things I really liked about the third volume were the random doodles on the margins, the bonus short story of Nao and Sou at the end, and this sentence from the manga: "Just because you're friends doesn't mean you get to know everything about someone".
As for volume four, it opens with Futami, who I like to call Mr. Steal Yo Girl, realizing that he cannot steal Nao from Onsie no matter what he does and says. To quote Futami, "Being liked by someone is joyful and painful". Indeed it is. Another memorable quote from this volume is "Loving someone who feels the same way about you must be a miracle of sorts". This volume also had what I feel to be a bit more of a darker tone to it, for example Nao's friend Yashiro didn't mind that her boyfriend was caught cheating on her. SERIOUSLY?
Also in volume four I learned what an Asunaro hug is and I also laughed really hard at the very short special story at the end of volume four. It exclaims "The end to a pointless story!" and I found that pretty funny. There's also a funny line in this volume: "Will you go out with me....yes or yes?!" There's also small bonus manga at the end too, "Honey So Sweet: A Tale of a Small Love".
I'd say that so far volume four is my favourite. There's more twists and the characters are developed more as you see their feelings and hidden sides. Plus it was less kissy-kissy, which was refreshing to me. I don't mind romance, but I felt that the earlier volumes were overdoing it a little bit.
Volume five is now out, and I am currently waiting for my library to get a copy of it so I can read it.
Enjoyed this review? You can find more at Devin's Book Hub.
Last summer I read the first two volumes of Honey So Sweet as they were the only ones available at the time, and now that more English translations have since been published I went ahead and got them through my library to read, as I'm really liking the series now.
The third volume in the Honey So Sweet series is cute and funny just like the first two. Volume three also had more pacing and was a lot more interesting compared to the prior volumes. The third volume also brings in conflict, introducing the feeling of jealousy between a character and Nao, as a guy, Futami, is basically trying to be Mr. Steal Yo Girl.
Other things I really liked about the third volume were the random doodles on the margins, the bonus short story of Nao and Sou at the end, and this sentence from the manga: "Just because you're friends doesn't mean you get to know everything about someone".
As for volume four, it opens with Futami, who I like to call Mr. Steal Yo Girl, realizing that he cannot steal Nao from Onsie no matter what he does and says. To quote Futami, "Being liked by someone is joyful and painful". Indeed it is. Another memorable quote from this volume is "Loving someone who feels the same way about you must be a miracle of sorts". This volume also had what I feel to be a bit more of a darker tone to it, for example Nao's friend Yashiro didn't mind that her boyfriend was caught cheating on her. SERIOUSLY?
Also in volume four I learned what an Asunaro hug is and I also laughed really hard at the very short special story at the end of volume four. It exclaims "The end to a pointless story!" and I found that pretty funny. There's also a funny line in this volume: "Will you go out with me....yes or yes?!" There's also small bonus manga at the end too, "Honey So Sweet: A Tale of a Small Love".
I'd say that so far volume four is my favourite. There's more twists and the characters are developed more as you see their feelings and hidden sides. Plus it was less kissy-kissy, which was refreshing to me. I don't mind romance, but I felt that the earlier volumes were overdoing it a little bit.
Volume five is now out, and I am currently waiting for my library to get a copy of it so I can read it.
Enjoyed this review? You can find more at Devin's Book Hub.
April 22, 2023
I'm really enjoying the story development especially the dynamic of One of my favorite aspects of the story so far has been Taiga's tender and respectful love for Nao as well as the focus on the friend group. This development lets these elements come together (and clash) in a satisfying way that deepens the exploration of both ideas. The whole situation is written super well, brings up the themes of friendship and navigating a considerate and respectful over for another, and really gives great insight into Taiga. Also its just gripping to read.
Meguro's strength seems to be her characters. She really excels at building characters and evolving/growing them over a story. Both the MCs and the side characters feel fully realized but they don't stagnate as continue to grow. Meguro also does a great job at having the friend group play off of each other well.
I'm still personally not a fan of some paneling decisions but thats a personal thing. I respect why they're there but those things (blank thought panels, and background panels) are personal irks.
Meguro's strength seems to be her characters. She really excels at building characters and evolving/growing them over a story. Both the MCs and the side characters feel fully realized but they don't stagnate as continue to grow. Meguro also does a great job at having the friend group play off of each other well.
I'm still personally not a fan of some paneling decisions but thats a personal thing. I respect why they're there but those things (blank thought panels, and background panels) are personal irks.
November 11, 2020
An overall okay volume.
Imma start with what I disliked first: Caution: Spoilers Ahead
1.) I found the first-name calling a tad bit overboard. While I know that calling someone by their first name is a sign of intimacy in Japan, I still thought them troubling hard over this seems a bit over.
2.) Listen, I really don't mind Futami. While he is introduced as a love rival for Onise, I don't really see him that much as a bad guy. However, I will say this: I wish he was introduced on the next volume instead. I wish in this volume they showed more of Onise and Kogure's budding relationship first. Considering that we still have a bunch of volumes to go, I hope they don't fill them up with super common shoujo tropes.
Aside from that, I did like the volume. As I've said before, this manga really has a certain charm into it. I really like both the leads and how they are both trying to make friends and grow as people. With that being said, I'm ready to move on to the next volume :)
P.S. Can we also talk about that super cute extra story in the end? I swear I love Nao and Taiga 😭
Imma start with what I disliked first: Caution: Spoilers Ahead
1.) I found the first-name calling a tad bit overboard. While I know that calling someone by their first name is a sign of intimacy in Japan, I still thought them troubling hard over this seems a bit over.
2.) Listen, I really don't mind Futami. While he is introduced as a love rival for Onise, I don't really see him that much as a bad guy. However, I will say this: I wish he was introduced on the next volume instead. I wish in this volume they showed more of Onise and Kogure's budding relationship first. Considering that we still have a bunch of volumes to go, I hope they don't fill them up with super common shoujo tropes.
Aside from that, I did like the volume. As I've said before, this manga really has a certain charm into it. I really like both the leads and how they are both trying to make friends and grow as people. With that being said, I'm ready to move on to the next volume :)
P.S. Can we also talk about that super cute extra story in the end? I swear I love Nao and Taiga 😭
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2019
From the end of the last volume, I was pretty sure there's going to be a love triangle--and yup, there's one. While I dislike triangles, I do think that in this case, Ayaha-kun's presence shakes things up in Nao-chan and Taiga-kun's relationship and helped with developments in their relationship. It made them realize how much they really like each other and that they don't want to lose the other person, especially Taiga-kun.
Besides from the developments in Nao-chan and Taiga-kun's relationship, I also like how we got to hear more from Kayo-chan, aka Nao-chan's friend (the cool beauty). [Potential spoilers] She's starting to be like a life/love advice guru. xD As for Ayumu-kun, he became more expressive with how he feels about the people he cares about, especially Taiga-kun; such as him wanting Taiga-kun to tell him what's troubling him. [Potential spoilers over]
Besides from the developments in Nao-chan and Taiga-kun's relationship, I also like how we got to hear more from Kayo-chan, aka Nao-chan's friend (the cool beauty). [Potential spoilers] She's starting to be like a life/love advice guru. xD As for Ayumu-kun, he became more expressive with how he feels about the people he cares about, especially Taiga-kun; such as him wanting Taiga-kun to tell him what's troubling him. [Potential spoilers over]
March 1, 2020
Another really cute book in this series! I really liked this book because it shows that communication is key in relationships. If you don't communicate then things go wrong, and this volume shows how problems can be solved through talking things through. It's interesting seeing how the new character of Futami has caused problems to a stable relationship, because it's not like Nao likes Futami so the obstacles which come up are intriguing to read.
I really enjoyed this book and I am looking forward to continuing on with the series. I would definitely recommend it because it is sweet and cute and everything I like in shojo mangas.
I really enjoyed this book and I am looking forward to continuing on with the series. I would definitely recommend it because it is sweet and cute and everything I like in shojo mangas.
April 25, 2018
Another good volume. I’m a little disappointed in the direction things went with Ayaha, but I guess it’s what I should expect with conflict in a shojo manga. Some of the art was really pretty, particularly one picture of Ayaha in shadow tones with some defining highlights, if I had any skill at making reviews I’d figure out how to insert a picture of it. The extra story at the end was cute. I really wish there were more volumes available at my library (possibly it’s not even in English, though I see a bunch more in Japanese here on Goodreads).
April 11, 2020
Ah, totally called it on Ayaha. But it’s quite refreshing the way he delivers his drama. I was afraid he’d be an over-the-top douche about it, but even though he did stir up some stuff he was still somewhat gentle about it. Does that make sense?
The relationship between Nao and Taiga does develop nicely, though, because it forces them to think more deeply on their feelings. And as if I don’t say this enough, Taiga is such a sweetheart! He has a very pure kind of love where Nao is concerned, doesn’t he?
The relationship between Nao and Taiga does develop nicely, though, because it forces them to think more deeply on their feelings. And as if I don’t say this enough, Taiga is such a sweetheart! He has a very pure kind of love where Nao is concerned, doesn’t he?
August 8, 2017
There always has to be a love rival of some kind, and this series is no exception. But who wouldn't think Nao is the best girl around? I'm loving the development of nicknames, and the deepening of the romance. Nao and Tai really are the cutest couple ever. I love how the author captured so well how difficult it is sometimes to hold in so much emotion. Everyone should have a love like that in their lifetime.
August 16, 2019
Just because I’ve given every volume of this series three stars doesn’t mean it’s not good- it’s good, and the art is lovely, and the characters are very cute, but as I consume so many forms of romance daily (in books, movies, tv shows, etc) it’s hard for me to give something so cookie-cutter more than three. :)
December 27, 2017
4 stars ⭐
This manga continues to be the funny and adorable series that I can always reach for when I'm down. The story is such a pick-me-up and always makes me laugh. I hope the next book continues this trend😂😂
This manga continues to be the funny and adorable series that I can always reach for when I'm down. The story is such a pick-me-up and always makes me laugh. I hope the next book continues this trend😂😂
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