Honey So Sweet, Vol. 7

Honey [ハニー] #7

by Amu Meguro

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. Taiga becomes a mentor to new student Miyabi Nishigaki. She develops a crush on Taiga and pursues him, which leads Nao to confide her feelings of jealousy to Futami.

Genres: Manga, Romance, Shojo, Young Adult, Contemporary, Graphic Novels, Fiction

192 pages, Paperback

First published July 24, 2015

About the author

• Associated name: 目黒あむ
• Name in native language: 目黑 亞霧
• Blood Type: A
• Birthday: September 24
• Zodiac: Libra

Reviews

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m going to really miss this series when it’s over!! :(

This volume was SO cute and sweet but also frustrating at times. Frustrating because of Miyabi Nishigaki trying to steal Taiga away from Nao, and Nao not voicing her true feelings about how it’s pissing her off!

Ahem...anyway, apart from that this volume induced so many warm and happy feelings in me - I love seeing the relationship slowly blossoming between Yashiro and Misaki <3 they are so darn cute and I hope Futami finds someone too!

But Taiga and Nao are the cutest couple by far - every time I see them my heart instantly lifts. They are just adorable and I pray that the final volume continues in the same vein.

[Laura A. Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

VIDEO SERIES REVIEW HERE: https://youtu.be/dl1jsBTCar0

Futami redeemed himself in this volume and have to give it a five stars because of it. Well ONE of the reason because…

I am SO proud of Nao! While she has been a calm and steady character, she really stepped out her comfort zone thanks to Futami. She was able to voice how she felt despite that she was scared and didn't want others to dislike her. I'm SO proud of her and still a little like "Taiga, PLEASE do not be this dense again, and mean that all in love."

And Futami! He was AMAZING in this volume! I just really loved how he was the motivating push for Nao and so deeply thankful for his character.

I don't really Miyabi. I get she's young and experiencing these feelings for the first time, but I still am not fond of her. I *think* she might have redeemed herself by the end though. It's hard to say, but I'm really glad she said what she did to Nao. It made me feel better as a reader.

I can't believe I'm about to start the final volume! :o :o :o I don't think I'm ready, but I'm definitely reading it ASAP! I'm hoping for ALL the lovey dovey moments! Let's see what happens...

[Kate♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5stars

THIS VOLUME WAS SUCH A ROLLAR COASTER AND I WAS SO #STRESSED THE WHOLE TIME AND OMG THERES ONLY ONE MORE IM CRYING

[Alice4170 &#x1f319; · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 ⭐️

[Shae · Rating 5 out of 5]

NAO AND TAIGA ARE TOO PURE FOR THIS WORLD, AND I LOVE THEM WITH MY WHOLE HEART AND SOUL!!!!!!!!
I adore watching this budding love story. Nao and Taiga are both learning how to better love each other as they grow into their relationship and face various struggles.
They deal with jealousy, and potential love rivals, and I look forward to seeing what they do with it! Their relationship is real and authentic, full of insecurity and communication struggles. I am excited going into the final volume.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really needed to read something like this right now. Honey So Sweet is really relaxing.

[Rereader · Rating 3 out of 5]

All right, I have to take off a star for this volume because of Miyabi's character and the confrontation between her and Nao. Miyabi's whole issue is that it takes longer for her to respond to people, but since people don't give her a chance to collect her thoughts before pressing her to talk, they think she's stuck up. I was completely down for this concept because I know there are people who have this problem and are ostracized because of it. Then she starts making friends, and since Tai has been so nice to her, she falls in love with him despite him having a girlfriend (which she is aware of). The resulting conflict centers around her doing everything Nao does in an attempt to get Tai to like her. There are two problems I have with this whole conflict. First, it takes Nao way too long for her to confront Miyabi. I understand that Nao is non-confrontational and considering how easily everyone's actions are forgiven (more on that later) it's easier for her to brush it off, but this is someone miming her to get her boyfriend's attention. The fact that she knows that's what's going on and yet waits until it is almost too late is maddening, never mind the fact that nobody else calls Miyabi out on her behavior. Second, when Nao does tell Miyabi off (albeit very politely and way too nicely) the scene is framed as if Nao is in the wrong. Miyabi starts crying, saying she doesn't know what she was supposed to do since she's never fallen in love before, but the scene is framed as is readers should feel sorry for Miyabi because she "didn't know what else to do". I have a huge problem with this because it is effectively excusing Miyabi's actions when they were inexcusable. I don't care how social awkward/introverted you are, if you try to get a girl's boyfriend's attention when you are aware that he is taken, that is inexcusable. The worse part is that both Nao and Tai feel like they have to apologize, and almost everyone agrees with them! Thankfully Miyabi approaches them to apologize and insists that they don't have to, but that whole conflict really bothered me. Anyway, the rest of the volume was fine, artwork was strong, still love the charaters (for the most part), can't wait for the concluding volume!

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

The character of Miyabi leaves me very conflicted. On the one hand, she really acts badly - trying to be Nao in order to get her boyfriend is well beyond the boundaries of good behavior, as are all of her other actions on that front. On the other hand, she may very well be on the autism spectrum - her lack of emotional intelligence and social interactions would seem to indicate that. And if we throw a third hand in there, I kind of want to beat up her parents for not equipping her with the life skills she needs. Long story short, I'm just glad her storyline is over.

[Leila ✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Este volumen fue insoportable por culpa de Nishigaki. Definitivamente mi menos favorito hasta ahora.

3 de 5 estrellas.

[Lou (Lou and Life) · Rating 4 out of 5]

My predictions for this volume occurred! This volume was really interesting because it is the first time that there was a true love rival for Taiga's affections (even know we knew what the outcome would be). I liked the fact that the love rivalry went down a more innocent route with Miyabi. I also liked how that story line ended. I thought that it wrapped it up quite well with no lose strings. I am really intrigued about the final volume in this series because I don't know what will happen it in with all the story lines being completed. I am sad to finish this series as I have really enjoyed reading it.

[Nyx · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars
I love this series so much. It becomes more and more complicated and cheesy as it goes on. It is really enjoyable for a bad day quick read. It picks you up and makes you feel better. Overall, I can not wait for the next book. Good thing I don't have to wait lol
I'M SURE SOMEDAY I WILL FIND LOVE AGAIN

[Julie (Let's Read Good Books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

MangaMadnessReadathon | November 2019

[Bianca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I suffered a lot with this volume. Nao and Taiga are too pure for this world🥺

[Katt Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ah the troublesome young love of Nishigaki! I love that Nao is so utterly human here, and it's cute how she struggles with saying and doing the right thing in every circumstance. She's just so RELENTLESSLY nice!

Loving this manga and don't want it to end!

[Ya Boi Be Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

As per usual we get another volume-long arc focused on a character. This time it's centered on Miyagi after the set-up of the last volume. What a wonderful arc! Most of this will be spoilers so it'll be hidden under the spoiler tag. I did not expect the Miyagi storyline to go this way but it is a pleasant surprise. Miyagi reads as neurodivergent AF and makes the arc feel like an exploration of neurodivergents dealing with the ups and downs of love. Miyagi's doppelganger love deal is both a memorable plot line and shows how some individuals "copy" others to try and get someone to love them. It's nice that Miyagi is not hate sponge. She feels super autism coded and just hasn't been told certain social expectations surrounding love and respecting other peoples boundaries and romantic feelings/obligations. I enjoyed Ayaha coming back into the storyline more. Especially in a friendly way as he still has feelings for Nao but seems to channel them to helping her than getting her which shows growth and maturity on his side. We get a lot of growth of not only Miyagi but also Nao as well. I really enjoyed Nao's growth as while Nao is not passive she does try to get along with everyone so the growth to be more vocal through navigating the testing waters of the first-time-in-love Miyagi is a really nice treat to read.
The art is spectacular. A large chunk of the volume happens in the nighttime because of a Japanese festival . Her art style just really makes these nighttime scenes work like it did in volume 4. The black gutter background really works. I enjoy how Meguro uses it for nighttime scenes and it really helps put focus on the purposeful use of white space in her panels. Additionally the very "patchy" way she has of drawing blushing and her general softer artstyle for big emotional or romantic moments really pop with the black gutter space creating even more impact. The festival was a nice setting. It might be a bit stereotypical but its nice to see the cast in one-off outfits and see neat stuff Meguro rarely gets to draw otherwise. Her ability to draw a crowd and get the point across of a crowded bustling area is really well done. Her sparkly/starry gradient blank panels of just thoughts work really well with the black gutter space.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nao has noticed that Tai's mentee Nishigaki has developed a crush on him. He is, of course, oblivious and she doesn't want to be petty by speaking up about it. It gets worse when Tai calls her by her first name, Miyabi, in front of Nao! Futami, the other guy who likes Nao but is just her friend for now, tells Tai what the problem is and he confronts Nishigaki about it, saying he can't call her by her first name anymore because it is making his girlfriend uncomfortable, grabbing Nao's hand while he says this. Nishigaki retaliates by physically separating their hands and then becoming confused. She has never been in love before and has to talk to her brother about it before she realizes what has happened. A local festival comes up and Nao, Tai and her friends all are going there together. Nao invites Nishigaki, who proceeds to copy everything she does or wears in order to entrap Tai. After getting separated from the group, Nao talks to Futami about her feelings on the situation and rushes to find Tai. She arrives just in time to stop that man stealer from kissing Tai! She explains herself, but then both her and Tai feel guilty afterwards. They eventually make up with Nishigaki and stay friends for whatever weird reason. It was nice to see Nao have some actual emotions beyond embarrassment in dealing with Tai because she's so shy. Recommended for ages 13+, 4 stars.

[Jayne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ah things are thoroughly shaken up in the romance department. Nao is anxious and jealous, Tai is oblivious, but Ayaha has surprisingly taken a key role in helping out.

While I do feel bad for Miyabi being so clueless about handling her own feelings, I really didn't like her here. What can I say? I just have strong feelings against homewreckers, and her plan was pretty douche-y. Even Ryo called her out on it, but didn't do anything in particular to dissuade her.

Anyway, at the end of the volume Nao and Tai's relationship is stronger, Miyabi is ready to move on, and Ayaha just might have himself a new love interest. But seriously, I think Miyabi still should've been allowed to apologize properly. She might not be able to control her feelings, but she sure as heck can learn how to better act on them.

[Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I mean, we've literally got one more volume to go and may I just say this is the most low stakes, high angst romance manga I've ever read. I love that nearly every volume has this "life or death" back blurb about jealousy and insecurities that begins and ends over said volume. Sometimes a sweet slice of life about healthy romantic communication and blossoming friendships is just what the doctor ordered. Maybe that's why I've spent nearly two years making my way through an eight volume manga; there's no urgency and I mean that as a compliment. Side note, if the final page of the last volume doesn't show Taiga and Nao in these wedding clothes we've seen on the covers since vol. 1, I will riot.

[Marianna Rainolter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nishigaki continua a metterete i bastoni tra le ruote a Nao e Taiga e i due, non volendo ferire la ragazza senza amici, non le dicono nulla ma saranno constretti a farlo quando la ragazza oltrepasserà il limite... Un volume carino che mostra ancora una volta la dolcezza dei due protagonisti e come nonostante le diverse difficoltà il loro amore è forte, sincero, si fidano l'uno dell'altra e possono superare tutto se stanno insieme. Sono però triste perché è il penultimo volume di questa serie e mi dispiacerà lasciare questi personaggi che mi sono davvero entrati nel cuore, mi sono molto piaciuti ma so che il lieto fine è assicurato (oltre che romantico).

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is so cute and fluffy, but I'm not sure how or where it will end. This volume has a Fatal Attraction/Single White Female vibe - Miyabe needs a different approach to making Taiga fall for her (which, let's face it, isn't ever going to happen) copying their girlfriend won't make the guy fall for you - it's creepy and sad. It all ends with fluffy goodness (I don't view that as spoilery because how else could a volume of this series end?) so read this to feel lighter.

[Nadina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another cute and sweet volume, perfectly matching the title.
I like how unrealistic and uncomplicated Nao and Tai's relationship is, even though there are some slight obstacles, they never really argue about anything and are just really innocent and naive in many ways. I think the fact it's a unrealistic relationship is what makes it great and sweet and enjoyable. You just get to live in this perfect world with the characters which is really fun.

[Amethyst · Rating 4 out of 5]

This volume continues the storyline that focus more on Miyabi. My favorite part of this volume would definitely be Futami's advice to Nao-chan, well, more like prompting her to act on her thoughts. Nao-chan finally saying what she's been thinking was just wonderful to see~ Nao-chan, please express your worries more!

By the way, I wanted to see more of Kayo-chan and Ayumu-kun's "date." I miss seeing them, and I want more development from their relationship...

~~~

[D E N Z · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmm... noah fence, but this is probably my least favorite volume of the series yet.

I found Miyabi copying Nao kinda weird for my taste. Regardless, I thought they were able to wrap this story line beautifully.

Nonetheless, I still can't believe the next volume will be the last! I really had fun reading this cute series. I hope Meguro-sensei is able to wrap it all up beautifully in the next volume. :)

[Shaery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my!

I really don’t like when characters do this. Writers, why? Miyabi’s crush on Tai is obvious, but I don’t like the way she went about it. Trying to break a loving couple up. Usually I loathe these kinds of people, but I’ll give Miyabi a pass, since she’s socially inept and never had friends before.
But there may be a possible romance for her.

I’m just glad the glad the whole thing isn’t dragged on as there’s one more volume to go. 😭😭
Hoping for a beautiful and happy ending.

[Selena Pigoni · Rating 3 out of 5]

This volume fell into some of the shoujo cliches that just annoy me. I'm not fond of the "their character flaw is that they're too nice!" cliche, and there were two characters with this problem, not just one. Also, the fact no one called out Nishigaki on her bs. I know the Japanese are known for being extremely polite, but this is ridiculous.

[Nerys Medina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, this is vol 7, the one before the last. In this one, the story focused on how to understand feelings of love and jealousy between our dear main characters and a few good old and new ones.

Let's see what the last volume has to offer soon.

[Zian B. · Rating 3 out of 5]

More of a 3.5 star rating;
Even though I had mixed emotions about another love triangle, I feel like this one went better than the previous love triangle due to the character development that happened afterwards.

[Celinda Reyes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love all of our pre-established characters that we have been reading about but the new edition of the twins feels forced. It feels odd to have new characters added so late into the series (note the twins were added last volume but it still feels too late for their addition).

[ChelseaFace · Rating 4 out of 5]

This volume!!!!! I wanted to punch miyabi in the face!!!!
I'm sorry but I have a hard time believing this girl is THAT dense! I was so mad for Nao! I loved this volume though, got me feeling lots of emotions.