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プ女と野獣 JKが悪役レスラーに恋した話 [Pujo to Yajū: JK ga Akuyaku Wrestler ni Koishita Hanashi] #2
Cutie and the Beast, Vol. 2
Momoka is an adorable high school senior with an unusual love: pro wrestling! Much to her surprise, she wins the affections of her favorite wrestler, Kuga. He may play a villainous heel on TV, but in real life, it turns out he's a bit of a softie. After knowing Momoka for only a short while, he proposes marriage... and her dad hears the whole thing (uh-oh)! These two awkward lovebirds are in for a wild ride!
162 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 13, 2019
29 people are currently reading
210 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
July 9, 2024
So I think I am starting to like this series more - mainly because the issues of the age gap are out in the open and really discussed. This one has a lot more family time and I really love the over protective father dynamic - we get to see Kugo persevere and Momoka's father look out for her and slowly open to Kuga.
This series features
- pro wrestler hero
- hero owns a bunny!
- heroine is a wrestling fan
- heroine is a high school student (but is 18)
- instalove
- age gap - hero is 29 and heroine is 18 (and still in high school)
This series features
- pro wrestler hero
- hero owns a bunny!
- heroine is a wrestling fan
- heroine is a high school student (but is 18)
- instalove
- age gap - hero is 29 and heroine is 18 (and still in high school)
February 18, 2022
Dad shows up and slams the brakes hard on the relationship between his 17-year-old daughter, Momoko, and the 29-year-old professional wrestler, Kuga, on whom she has been crushing for quite a while. (And based on the similarities between Kuga's and her father's physiques, Momoko has some serious daddy issues.) But Kuga comes back with a charm offensive that keeps hope alive for the couple.
One chapter is a flashback to Kuga at age 23, and the only thing I could think the whole time I was reading about his training for his job and drinking alchohol with his friend was that 11-year-old Momoko was probably in her elementary school class working on her reading comprehension or studying fractions and decimals. Eeeeeewwwwwww.
I have another volume on hand that I'm going to read tomorrow, but it's going to have to work pretty hard to get me willing to move past that image.
One chapter is a flashback to Kuga at age 23, and the only thing I could think the whole time I was reading about his training for his job and drinking alchohol with his friend was that 11-year-old Momoko was probably in her elementary school class working on her reading comprehension or studying fractions and decimals. Eeeeeewwwwwww.
I have another volume on hand that I'm going to read tomorrow, but it's going to have to work pretty hard to get me willing to move past that image.
February 3, 2022
2.5 stars
Not for me, y’all, sorry! Very much personal preference. I felt lukewarm from the first one so not quite sure why I continued as it slid down a bit with this second one.
Not for me, y’all, sorry! Very much personal preference. I felt lukewarm from the first one so not quite sure why I continued as it slid down a bit with this second one.
May 1, 2021
At the end of the first volume, Momoka's parents caught her and Kuga in a loving moment, after Kuga asked Momoka to marry him one day. Momoka's father is understandably displeased with what he views as an adult pro wrestler toying with his starstruck teenage daughter. Kuga becomes determined to win him over and show how serious he is about Momoka.
And that's the bulk of this volume. We get a flashback to Kuga's past, early in his career as a pro wrestler, and Kuga and Momoka go on a date (or at least attempt to), but the largest portion of the volume was devoted to Momoka's dad sternly staring at Kuga and Kuga bringing gifts and doing anything else he could think of to win him over.
"Overprotective dad" storylines can be annoying sometimes, but I was fully on board with this one, mostly because I didn't view Momoka's dad's behavior as overprotective. A wrestler several years older than his teenage daughter basically just proposed to her after they'd met maybe three times face-to-face and chatted a bit online and over the phone. Yeah, I thought it was perfectly fine for Momoka's dad to step in. I felt he handled things pretty well, too.
However, because that took up so much of the volume, there was less time to continue building up and growing Kuga and Momoka's relationship. Which, let's face, it, is still very much in its infancy despite Kuga's proposal. Like I said earlier, they've barely spent any time together in person. I don't recall Kuga ever figuring out a solution to the whole "if people find out I'm in a relationship with a high schooler, my career will be over" problem, and the end of this volume made it clear that neither Kuga nor Momoka had ever considered the realities of trying to make their relationship work despite Kuga being a fairly recognizable minor celebrity.
Nothing in this series has impressed me much so far. Characters' facial expressions and proportions still seem a bit off, and Momoka and Kuga's relationship is bland and not terribly interesting. While the flashback to Kuga's past was nice enough, nothing in Volume 2 added much to Kuga and Momoka that we didn't learn in Volume 1, and I'm already getting a bit bored with them. So I think I'll be stopping this series here. Honestly, if I hadn't ordered the first two volumes together (Right Stuf surprised me by sending me Volume 1 much earlier than I expected), I'd probably have stopped after the first volume.
Extras:
A 1-page afterword by the author, plus a teaser page for volume 3.
(Original review posted on A Library Girl's Familiar Diversions.)
And that's the bulk of this volume. We get a flashback to Kuga's past, early in his career as a pro wrestler, and Kuga and Momoka go on a date (or at least attempt to), but the largest portion of the volume was devoted to Momoka's dad sternly staring at Kuga and Kuga bringing gifts and doing anything else he could think of to win him over.
"Overprotective dad" storylines can be annoying sometimes, but I was fully on board with this one, mostly because I didn't view Momoka's dad's behavior as overprotective. A wrestler several years older than his teenage daughter basically just proposed to her after they'd met maybe three times face-to-face and chatted a bit online and over the phone. Yeah, I thought it was perfectly fine for Momoka's dad to step in. I felt he handled things pretty well, too.
However, because that took up so much of the volume, there was less time to continue building up and growing Kuga and Momoka's relationship. Which, let's face, it, is still very much in its infancy despite Kuga's proposal. Like I said earlier, they've barely spent any time together in person. I don't recall Kuga ever figuring out a solution to the whole "if people find out I'm in a relationship with a high schooler, my career will be over" problem, and the end of this volume made it clear that neither Kuga nor Momoka had ever considered the realities of trying to make their relationship work despite Kuga being a fairly recognizable minor celebrity.
Nothing in this series has impressed me much so far. Characters' facial expressions and proportions still seem a bit off, and Momoka and Kuga's relationship is bland and not terribly interesting. While the flashback to Kuga's past was nice enough, nothing in Volume 2 added much to Kuga and Momoka that we didn't learn in Volume 1, and I'm already getting a bit bored with them. So I think I'll be stopping this series here. Honestly, if I hadn't ordered the first two volumes together (Right Stuf surprised me by sending me Volume 1 much earlier than I expected), I'd probably have stopped after the first volume.
Extras:
A 1-page afterword by the author, plus a teaser page for volume 3.
(Original review posted on A Library Girl's Familiar Diversions.)
June 19, 2024
Still really cute.
This one feels a bit more straight forward than last volume though. The typical dad coming into the picture and not trusting the boyfriend. Which semi-worked here only cause the characters are all fun. I also liked the ending, where fame might get in the way of dating. The age gap is big but for some reason I guess cause they're presented as more innocent love, it works well.
This one feels a bit more straight forward than last volume though. The typical dad coming into the picture and not trusting the boyfriend. Which semi-worked here only cause the characters are all fun. I also liked the ending, where fame might get in the way of dating. The age gap is big but for some reason I guess cause they're presented as more innocent love, it works well.
September 30, 2021
Sehr schnell verschlungen, auch wenn ich die Geschichte mit dem Vater ziemlich unnötig fand. Weiterhin toll gezeichnet und süße Charaktere. Wäre die Geschichte ein kleines bisschen weniger oberflächlich, wäre das hier ein ganz toller Manga.
June 16, 2025
Volume 2 of Cutie and the Beast did not disappoint! Volume 1 left us hanging, with Kuga's sudden proposal and Momoka realizing her parents were standing right behind them! In Volume 2 Kuga spends a large portion of the book trying to woo Momoka's father into warming up to their budding relationship, which is adorable. Then we get a flashback to how Kuga got into professional wrestling as Momoka shows him her enormous collection of magazine articles featuring himself. And finally they are permitted to go on their first official date, which does not go as expected, thanks to his fans recognizing him out in public!
I love the celebrity angle of this manga. Celeb-obsessed myself, I have really enjoyed the scenes where Kuga appears on talk shows (to discuss his adorable pet bunny, of all things), poses for photos at fan meets, and is constantly stopped on the street for fan selfies and autographs. It was heartbreaking to learn he was painted as the villain in his early wrestling matches so his fans were few and far between, but he's popular now and it was sweet to see him interact with his fans. Plus it adds a little tension and drama to the romance, because Momoka feels a bit pushed to the side every time a fan approaches Kuga, and it will be interesting to see how they cope with his celebrity as their relationship further develops.
I saw a lot of reviews for Volume 1 of Cutie and the Beast complaining about the age gap between Kuga and Momoka. She's 18 and he's 29, and it's explicitly stated he has never dated anyone before so they're on a level playing field here. I was more offended that she had to have her father's permission to date, honestly, and her dad set strict rules, including that she had to be home from any dates while it was still daylight, and she's not allowed to get married for two years. Momoka also seemed to be trying to hide from Kuga's fans when they approached, to pretend they weren't together in public. They're aware of the age gap, her parents are aware of their relationship. Nobody is ignoring or glossing over the situation in any way. I think this manga is funny and sweet. I don't know how many volumes it will be, all told, but I hope it's going to have several more books!
I love the celebrity angle of this manga. Celeb-obsessed myself, I have really enjoyed the scenes where Kuga appears on talk shows (to discuss his adorable pet bunny, of all things), poses for photos at fan meets, and is constantly stopped on the street for fan selfies and autographs. It was heartbreaking to learn he was painted as the villain in his early wrestling matches so his fans were few and far between, but he's popular now and it was sweet to see him interact with his fans. Plus it adds a little tension and drama to the romance, because Momoka feels a bit pushed to the side every time a fan approaches Kuga, and it will be interesting to see how they cope with his celebrity as their relationship further develops.
I saw a lot of reviews for Volume 1 of Cutie and the Beast complaining about the age gap between Kuga and Momoka. She's 18 and he's 29, and it's explicitly stated he has never dated anyone before so they're on a level playing field here. I was more offended that she had to have her father's permission to date, honestly, and her dad set strict rules, including that she had to be home from any dates while it was still daylight, and she's not allowed to get married for two years. Momoka also seemed to be trying to hide from Kuga's fans when they approached, to pretend they weren't together in public. They're aware of the age gap, her parents are aware of their relationship. Nobody is ignoring or glossing over the situation in any way. I think this manga is funny and sweet. I don't know how many volumes it will be, all told, but I hope it's going to have several more books!
July 19, 2021
Momoka's parents--her father in particular--step in and set boundaries for her relationship with Kuga, after a forced separation and a lot of groveling on Kuga's part. The couple does a good job following the restrictions, until the end of this volume, where it seems like their resolution might be wavering.
I like how sweet and respectful Kuga is in this volume. He was more impulsive in the previous one, and I think the parental intervention was a good call. This volume managed to lessen the irritation and discomfort that came of seeing yet another age-gap romance. Not eliminate it entirely, mind you.
Kuga's introducing himself to Momoka's parents with "I want to marry her someday" was a bit much, though. These two have barely interacted! I understand, attraction is a powerful thing, but that's jumping ahead, to say the least. These two haven't even had the time to have a decent face-to-face conversation, much less any of the trials that might come of being in a love relationship.
The art continues to be merely serviceable and somewhat stiff, which doesn't do it any favors when it comes to the wrestling sequences.
Yet another one I'll continue reading if my partner buys it...
I like how sweet and respectful Kuga is in this volume. He was more impulsive in the previous one, and I think the parental intervention was a good call. This volume managed to lessen the irritation and discomfort that came of seeing yet another age-gap romance. Not eliminate it entirely, mind you.
Kuga's introducing himself to Momoka's parents with "I want to marry her someday" was a bit much, though. These two have barely interacted! I understand, attraction is a powerful thing, but that's jumping ahead, to say the least. These two haven't even had the time to have a decent face-to-face conversation, much less any of the trials that might come of being in a love relationship.
The art continues to be merely serviceable and somewhat stiff, which doesn't do it any favors when it comes to the wrestling sequences.
Yet another one I'll continue reading if my partner buys it...
February 1, 2021
Upon meeting Momoko’s family, Kuga may have jumped an entire light infantry by asking for her hand in marriage. With her very large (and very in charge) father blocking access, Kuga’s got some work ahead of him before these two can pick a date.
Well, that’s the danger of steering into your skid too hard - you risk wiping out. This is a decidedly average follow-up to a really good start. It’s way too focused on the family thing and it feels very slight because of it.
Don’t get me wrong, the only way to get around the age gap in this book is to deal with it head on, but it takes forever and while I think the compromise is as good as it could be, I don’t know that I felt it was worth spending the whole book on (I admit that Momoka’s dad chowing down on sweets is a great visual).
As an aside, I genuinely hope the author doesn’t think that ‘he worked so hard that he never had time to date so he’s therefore just the same as her’ is in any way a good excuse for the age gap. That kind of seems to be the intimation and I was just shaking my head through that whole section.
By the time we get to see our pair together again, the problem of fame rears its ugly head and we’ve got yet another obstacle to wrangle without any kind of reasonable celebration or cooling off period.
Remember school? At least the wrestling still shows up. This feels like a series that plowed through to getting its leads set up as a couple and now can’t figure out anything more for them to do except have difficulties being together in the first place.
3 stars. I’m probably being far meaner than I should be, but the first volume was just so charming and this is really... kind of basic. I appreciate that the characters are nice and all, but it doesn’t feel near as special as their initial meeting.
Well, that’s the danger of steering into your skid too hard - you risk wiping out. This is a decidedly average follow-up to a really good start. It’s way too focused on the family thing and it feels very slight because of it.
Don’t get me wrong, the only way to get around the age gap in this book is to deal with it head on, but it takes forever and while I think the compromise is as good as it could be, I don’t know that I felt it was worth spending the whole book on (I admit that Momoka’s dad chowing down on sweets is a great visual).
As an aside, I genuinely hope the author doesn’t think that ‘he worked so hard that he never had time to date so he’s therefore just the same as her’ is in any way a good excuse for the age gap. That kind of seems to be the intimation and I was just shaking my head through that whole section.
By the time we get to see our pair together again, the problem of fame rears its ugly head and we’ve got yet another obstacle to wrangle without any kind of reasonable celebration or cooling off period.
Remember school? At least the wrestling still shows up. This feels like a series that plowed through to getting its leads set up as a couple and now can’t figure out anything more for them to do except have difficulties being together in the first place.
3 stars. I’m probably being far meaner than I should be, but the first volume was just so charming and this is really... kind of basic. I appreciate that the characters are nice and all, but it doesn’t feel near as special as their initial meeting.
March 17, 2021
Still adorable, albeit slightly less interesting because of Momoko's (justifiably) angry dad.
February 1, 2021
THAT CLIFFHANGER SUCKS SO BAD!!!
Translation: I still adore and love this series. I love the progression of this series, and can't wait for the next volume! If you like a sweet age gap story, I recommend trying this one!
Translation: I still adore and love this series. I love the progression of this series, and can't wait for the next volume! If you like a sweet age gap story, I recommend trying this one!
July 5, 2021
Super cute. This follows him trying to convince her dad to let them date, and their first date.
May 1, 2022
Cute and funny.
This would make a super addictive anime. Romantic and adorable, this manga was easy to read and has a feel good mood. I like the character development in this one.
This would make a super addictive anime. Romantic and adorable, this manga was easy to read and has a feel good mood. I like the character development in this one.
March 18, 2021
VIDEO REVIEW HERE: https://youtu.be/UZGwgjppbn4
Okay, this volume was HILARIOUS! Despite that it feels shorter than the average manga, I really really enjoyed it and laughed quite a bit while reading this.
One thing that really made me excited about this volume is that we not only have parents involved, but Momoka goes to great efforts to respect her Dad and his wishes. WHATTTT?!
TOTALLY EPIC!
Like seriously, this series really deserves to be supported because of that! I mean, how many manga parents lay dow the rules of how someone can date their child with the person that said child is interested in dating?! And not only that, but the person wanting to date said child ENCOURAGES said child to NOT go against their parents! I am just so so so impressed!
I really liked how the story opened and feel that it just made me enjoy this series more and more. The chapter concerning Kuga and Momoka's father was extremely good!
I might have been uncertain if I would really enjoy this series, but after reading book two, I'm really looking forward to reading more!
That is quite the cliffhanger though. *nervous laughter*
Can't wait for the next volume to release!
Okay, this volume was HILARIOUS! Despite that it feels shorter than the average manga, I really really enjoyed it and laughed quite a bit while reading this.
One thing that really made me excited about this volume is that we not only have parents involved, but Momoka goes to great efforts to respect her Dad and his wishes. WHATTTT?!
TOTALLY EPIC!
Like seriously, this series really deserves to be supported because of that! I mean, how many manga parents lay dow the rules of how someone can date their child with the person that said child is interested in dating?! And not only that, but the person wanting to date said child ENCOURAGES said child to NOT go against their parents! I am just so so so impressed!
I really liked how the story opened and feel that it just made me enjoy this series more and more. The chapter concerning Kuga and Momoka's father was extremely good!
I might have been uncertain if I would really enjoy this series, but after reading book two, I'm really looking forward to reading more!
That is quite the cliffhanger though. *nervous laughter*
Can't wait for the next volume to release!
January 26, 2021
This was a good continuation of the story. The wait for volume 3 is immediately daunting 😂
This is why I don’t read as stuff is released usually.
This is why I don’t read as stuff is released usually.
August 21, 2021
I'm torn between 2 and 3 stars. I liked that Momoka's father was justifiably angry at Kuga for seeing his (underage!) daughter but at the same time, his eventual acceptance of the relationship feels like it was due to Kuga slowing wearing down his defenses with souvenirs and face-to-face meetings and inviting the family to his matches. I appreciated that as a father, he did his best to set boundaries like but at the same time, I can't help but think that if I were a minor speaking to a man 12 years my senior, I'd hope the adults in my life will explicitly end such behaviour and forbid the relationship.
But perhaps this is a cultural difference, especially when the age of consent in Japan is 13. And I suppose with teenagers, the more you tell them not to do something, the more they will do it.
I will bump my rating to 3 stars because I did like the last chapter in the sense of showcasing the challenges posed when dating a celebrity. Our couple can't even walk side by side because Kuga is spotted so easily due to his size and is consistently stopped for selfies and autographs, and of course, being seen with Momoka, it will only raise questions to her identity, never mind that she's still in high school. It seems that she'd have to be a secret for now.
But perhaps this is a cultural difference, especially when the age of consent in Japan is 13. And I suppose with teenagers, the more you tell them not to do something, the more they will do it.
I will bump my rating to 3 stars because I did like the last chapter in the sense of showcasing the challenges posed when dating a celebrity. Our couple can't even walk side by side because Kuga is spotted so easily due to his size and is consistently stopped for selfies and autographs, and of course, being seen with Momoka, it will only raise questions to her identity, never mind that she's still in high school. It seems that she'd have to be a secret for now.
April 2, 2024
This was so much fun to dive back into, I love these characters. The romance does move really fast, but that’s pretty normal for shojo manga’s.
The age gap is where it gets iffy. However, it is not brushed under the rug or glorified. The parents are aware, and everyone is taking steps so they can still hangout without it getting weird. I mean it still is questionable, but I have seen MUCH worse in other manga series.
The age gap is where it gets iffy. However, it is not brushed under the rug or glorified. The parents are aware, and everyone is taking steps so they can still hangout without it getting weird. I mean it still is questionable, but I have seen MUCH worse in other manga series.
July 3, 2021
This is going to be one that I'm going to keep collecting.
January 17, 2022
Very slow burn relationship between a pro-wrestler and a fan.
May 4, 2024
What is even happening here
February 20, 2024
Kuga ha decidido que no le importa la diferencia de edad y se lo demostrará a Momoka y sobre todo al padre de ella, pues cuando este se entera de su relación se molesta y les prohíbe verse, pero Kuga hace lo imposible para demostrar que el es muy serio en relación con Momoka
La primera cita de la pareja no va muy bien debido a la fama de Kuga y terminan en una situación algo inesperado
La primera cita de la pareja no va muy bien debido a la fama de Kuga y terminan en una situación algo inesperado
January 30, 2021
Cutie and the Beast Vol. 2 by Yuhi Azumi ⭐⭐⭐
This one is slightly better than the first though everyone immediately associated with Momoka still remains nameless. We get some retelling of the first volume through Kuga's eyes, which I don't hate but since this volume is so short I do feel it took up valuable space. We see Kuga trying for weeks to impress Momoka's father, eventually succeeding enough to get his permission to date the 18-year-old (and yes, despite her age he needs this because she's still in high school and living under father's roof).
Her father (I couldn't even find a last name for this family, did I miss it or has that not been revealed either?) lays down some ground rules for them (until she graduates) like Kuga needing to stay in contact with him, them not being able to see each other after dark, and Momoka needing to be home by a curfew. Good on him!
And so after two or three weeks of not being able to see other during the "impress Momoka's father" phase, they finally attempt their first date...
What'll happen next? Probably not much because so far their budding romance is moving at a snail's pace between him ghosting her for a week in the first volume and the 2-3 weeks they were separated in this one.
Things I liked about this volume were Momoka's father, the fact that her being in high school is addressed head-on, and that it's treated as the unusual situation that it is. We get a peek into Kuga's past, during his early days of wrestling, so I did feel a little more connected to him this time.
Finally, I liked that this volume touched on Momoka realizing she's taking on the responsibility (the burden?) of dating a celebrity. She's definitely going big or going home with her first relationship. I mean, both of them are! And speaking of relationships, it would seem that despite his being 11 years older (yes, he's 29) this romance with Momoka seems to be his first as well. At the very least, he says he's never been a date before. So that's something - at least the completely innocent Momoka isn't paired with a playboy, putting them on more equal footing.
The only downside to this is that their chemistry isn't really there...yet. Hopefully as they become less shy around each other, something will break through, but so far we haven't gotten more than that one kiss on the cheek in volume one. No flirting, no handholding, no hugging...nothing!
Since this one showed some improvement, I'll keep giving the series a try for now.
This one is slightly better than the first though everyone immediately associated with Momoka still remains nameless. We get some retelling of the first volume through Kuga's eyes, which I don't hate but since this volume is so short I do feel it took up valuable space. We see Kuga trying for weeks to impress Momoka's father, eventually succeeding enough to get his permission to date the 18-year-old (and yes, despite her age he needs this because she's still in high school and living under father's roof).
Her father (I couldn't even find a last name for this family, did I miss it or has that not been revealed either?) lays down some ground rules for them (until she graduates) like Kuga needing to stay in contact with him, them not being able to see each other after dark, and Momoka needing to be home by a curfew. Good on him!
And so after two or three weeks of not being able to see other during the "impress Momoka's father" phase, they finally attempt their first date...
What'll happen next? Probably not much because so far their budding romance is moving at a snail's pace between him ghosting her for a week in the first volume and the 2-3 weeks they were separated in this one.
Things I liked about this volume were Momoka's father, the fact that her being in high school is addressed head-on, and that it's treated as the unusual situation that it is. We get a peek into Kuga's past, during his early days of wrestling, so I did feel a little more connected to him this time.
Finally, I liked that this volume touched on Momoka realizing she's taking on the responsibility (the burden?) of dating a celebrity. She's definitely going big or going home with her first relationship. I mean, both of them are! And speaking of relationships, it would seem that despite his being 11 years older (yes, he's 29) this romance with Momoka seems to be his first as well. At the very least, he says he's never been a date before. So that's something - at least the completely innocent Momoka isn't paired with a playboy, putting them on more equal footing.
The only downside to this is that their chemistry isn't really there...yet. Hopefully as they become less shy around each other, something will break through, but so far we haven't gotten more than that one kiss on the cheek in volume one. No flirting, no handholding, no hugging...nothing!
Since this one showed some improvement, I'll keep giving the series a try for now.
February 28, 2021
Little new or fascinating events circumscribe the awkward and struggling young relationship between Momoka and Kuga. Perhaps this manga's penchant for fluff is crafted specifically for readers who care little for what genuine emotional challenges lay ahead for a teenager and a professional athlete. It's also possible the author has no interest in testing the limitations or boundaries of the characters beyond how they appeared in the first volume. Whichever the case, CUTIE AND THE BEAST #2 offers more of the same, simple, mildly humorous but decidedly bland, stock romantic charm.
The second volume refocuses the young couple's relationship under the lens of Momoka's family. The diversity of perspectives the girl's family brings is welcome but horribly cliché: the mother smiles, offers sweets, diffidently; the sister provides modest, silent encouragement; the father grimaces and offers an archaic test of strength to save face. As charming as it is to see the buff Kuga send gift bags to Momoka's family during his travels, or to catch Momoka's father wearing a t-shirt with a bunny rabbit on it (official Kuga-san streetwear), the book's social dynamics are rote and nothing will surprise readers in the slightest. It's the typical case of an untrustworthy boyfriend seeking to win a family's approval.
CUTIE AND THE BEAST #2 sports slightly better artwork than the previous volume. The art is more consistent and the rhythm and timing of the book's humor is slightly more refined. The author favors bug-eyed shock just as much as flowery blushes, and while the balance feels odd, it's more an artistic idiosyncrasy than a detriment of the medium.
The manga's exceedingly narrow focus on Kuga and Momoka's interpersonal dynamics isn't particularly interesting. One might have supposed this focus would step up the drama, but the book's lack of emotional investment in favor of subtle nods, cheery smiles, and flimsy family arguments drains the book of any such curious energy.
Readers now know this manga always births its characters fully formed, meaning character development comes at a premium. Readers also know this manga values context little more than in the abstract, meaning the social dynamics beyond the Hasumi family (e.g., work, school) are but props or staging areas for a return to the domicile. CUTIE AND THE BEAST #2 is, itself, cute, but ultimately nondescript.
The second volume refocuses the young couple's relationship under the lens of Momoka's family. The diversity of perspectives the girl's family brings is welcome but horribly cliché: the mother smiles, offers sweets, diffidently; the sister provides modest, silent encouragement; the father grimaces and offers an archaic test of strength to save face. As charming as it is to see the buff Kuga send gift bags to Momoka's family during his travels, or to catch Momoka's father wearing a t-shirt with a bunny rabbit on it (official Kuga-san streetwear), the book's social dynamics are rote and nothing will surprise readers in the slightest. It's the typical case of an untrustworthy boyfriend seeking to win a family's approval.
CUTIE AND THE BEAST #2 sports slightly better artwork than the previous volume. The art is more consistent and the rhythm and timing of the book's humor is slightly more refined. The author favors bug-eyed shock just as much as flowery blushes, and while the balance feels odd, it's more an artistic idiosyncrasy than a detriment of the medium.
The manga's exceedingly narrow focus on Kuga and Momoka's interpersonal dynamics isn't particularly interesting. One might have supposed this focus would step up the drama, but the book's lack of emotional investment in favor of subtle nods, cheery smiles, and flimsy family arguments drains the book of any such curious energy.
Readers now know this manga always births its characters fully formed, meaning character development comes at a premium. Readers also know this manga values context little more than in the abstract, meaning the social dynamics beyond the Hasumi family (e.g., work, school) are but props or staging areas for a return to the domicile. CUTIE AND THE BEAST #2 is, itself, cute, but ultimately nondescript.
December 25, 2021
I've read the first two volumes, and honestly probably won't be continuing.
Things I liked:
Like the artwork. The female characters are pretty average, but it's still a nice, clean art style, nothing too crowded or busy or too stylized.
Really liked the bulkier H. Nice seeing a different character design.
I liked the messaging at the beginning. Plenty of sweet moments, and they're adorably awkward together. Can see the potential for this to be a really sweet romance. However...
Things I didn't:
Really not crazy about these huge age gaps (and that's a common complaint in reviews, I'm seeing). 17/18 and almost 30? I'd've loved it if she was almost out of college - there's just so much growing up that people do in those few years on either side of 20. Just made it harder to feel their connection. We're told that she looks and acts so much more mature, but things move so quickly that we don't really get to see it, so it just feels a bit forced. And as she has a tendency to cry quite frequently... still seems pretty young to me. As much as I liked them and their interactions, I'd've been a lot more comfortable if he was a bit younger and/or she was a little older.
They progressed from sweet messaging to proposal at warp speed. This was a great set-up for a slow burn, but it dropped that to move so much faster. Felt rather choppy, really. I know there can still be a good slow-burn now that they are in a relationship, but it would've been more to my taste to have part of the getting-to-know-you period being before they decide to get engaged. Especially since they don't ignore that the age difference could be bad for his career?
Overall, I can see a lot of potential in their romance, and I'm totally behind having a 'nontraditional' shoujo male lead character design. However, as the pacing is now, it feels a little imbalanced and rushed at points, which just makes it that much harder to connect with their relationship. May continue with volume 3 when it comes out in English, but not super high on my list either.
Things I liked:
Like the artwork. The female characters are pretty average, but it's still a nice, clean art style, nothing too crowded or busy or too stylized.
Really liked the bulkier H. Nice seeing a different character design.
I liked the messaging at the beginning. Plenty of sweet moments, and they're adorably awkward together. Can see the potential for this to be a really sweet romance. However...
Things I didn't:
Really not crazy about these huge age gaps (and that's a common complaint in reviews, I'm seeing). 17/18 and almost 30? I'd've loved it if she was almost out of college - there's just so much growing up that people do in those few years on either side of 20. Just made it harder to feel their connection. We're told that she looks and acts so much more mature, but things move so quickly that we don't really get to see it, so it just feels a bit forced. And as she has a tendency to cry quite frequently... still seems pretty young to me. As much as I liked them and their interactions, I'd've been a lot more comfortable if he was a bit younger and/or she was a little older.
They progressed from sweet messaging to proposal at warp speed. This was a great set-up for a slow burn, but it dropped that to move so much faster. Felt rather choppy, really. I know there can still be a good slow-burn now that they are in a relationship, but it would've been more to my taste to have part of the getting-to-know-you period being before they decide to get engaged. Especially since they don't ignore that the age difference could be bad for his career?
Overall, I can see a lot of potential in their romance, and I'm totally behind having a 'nontraditional' shoujo male lead character design. However, as the pacing is now, it feels a little imbalanced and rushed at points, which just makes it that much harder to connect with their relationship. May continue with volume 3 when it comes out in English, but not super high on my list either.
May 30, 2025
More of a 3.5 star rating but I gave it 4 stars because I really like how Momoka’s dad handled the entire situation, of his teen daughter dating a pro-wrestler.
This volume was a bit slow paced compared to the first one, however that doesn’t make it any less enjoyable. I’m curious to see how Momoka and Kuga’s budding relationship grows in the next volume. Also, I’m really enjoying how this series as a whole is handling the big age gap between Kuga and Momoka. I’m hoping things stay kinda cutesy and wholesome, and don’t take a more negative/perverted tone as the series continues.
This volume was a bit slow paced compared to the first one, however that doesn’t make it any less enjoyable. I’m curious to see how Momoka and Kuga’s budding relationship grows in the next volume. Also, I’m really enjoying how this series as a whole is handling the big age gap between Kuga and Momoka. I’m hoping things stay kinda cutesy and wholesome, and don’t take a more negative/perverted tone as the series continues.
December 12, 2025
Here comes the dad to protect his property…I mean, daughter. Really hate this trope!
June 9, 2022
The previous manga ended with Kuga asking to marry Momoka someday. This request is met with wild laughter from Momoka and I have to confess it made me goggle as well. They barely know each other. They’ve met less than five times. They haven’t even gone out to dinner. Why does he want to marry her?
To her credit, Momoka does not accept. She merely laughs and then kisses him, claiming it makes them even. Then her parents show up. Uh oh.
This scene could have devolved into typical violence. Momoka’s dad is even bigger than Kuga and you expect him to lash out with fisticuffs. But the artist is subtler than that. Momoka’s parents draw her back home for an earnest talk. Who is Kuga? How long has she been dating him?
Momoka’s father is dead set against this union and you can’t blame him. Looked at superficially, Momoka’s story screams of a sexual predator preying on a naïve girl who’s still in high school. In spite of Momoka’s calm demeanor and assurance that nothing untoward has occurred between her and Kuga, it looks suspicious.
Matters intensify when her father challenges Kuga and Kuga extends his own challenge—that Momoka’s father get to know him. It seems at first that this consideration will start and stop at the wrestling ring. But the older man has conditions to make and they are perfectly reasonable, ones that any concerned parent would make for their daughter.
What this comic really achieves, however, is showing the reader the relationship from Kuga’s point of view. The first manga was about Momoka’s emotions; this one is about his. We read about his early days in the ring, his exhausting schedule working for the fighters, his decision to play the “heel” in the ring and his growing delight at having a fan rooting for him.
Their first date is both funny and unnerving. Even in disguise (and he looks like an Asian version of Superman in his guise of Clark Kent), people know who he is and their public appearance is a nightmare of whispering, picture taking and constant interruptions.
Kuga’s decision to wait until Momoka is of marrying age or finishes school is a commendable one. Of course, it means that the series will likely extend for quite a few volumes. Their knowledge of each other will grow with time and, hopefully, grow beyond a schoolgirl crush.
The ending to volume two is as startling as that of the first comic. What will Kuga and Momoka do next?
To her credit, Momoka does not accept. She merely laughs and then kisses him, claiming it makes them even. Then her parents show up. Uh oh.
This scene could have devolved into typical violence. Momoka’s dad is even bigger than Kuga and you expect him to lash out with fisticuffs. But the artist is subtler than that. Momoka’s parents draw her back home for an earnest talk. Who is Kuga? How long has she been dating him?
Momoka’s father is dead set against this union and you can’t blame him. Looked at superficially, Momoka’s story screams of a sexual predator preying on a naïve girl who’s still in high school. In spite of Momoka’s calm demeanor and assurance that nothing untoward has occurred between her and Kuga, it looks suspicious.
Matters intensify when her father challenges Kuga and Kuga extends his own challenge—that Momoka’s father get to know him. It seems at first that this consideration will start and stop at the wrestling ring. But the older man has conditions to make and they are perfectly reasonable, ones that any concerned parent would make for their daughter.
What this comic really achieves, however, is showing the reader the relationship from Kuga’s point of view. The first manga was about Momoka’s emotions; this one is about his. We read about his early days in the ring, his exhausting schedule working for the fighters, his decision to play the “heel” in the ring and his growing delight at having a fan rooting for him.
Their first date is both funny and unnerving. Even in disguise (and he looks like an Asian version of Superman in his guise of Clark Kent), people know who he is and their public appearance is a nightmare of whispering, picture taking and constant interruptions.
Kuga’s decision to wait until Momoka is of marrying age or finishes school is a commendable one. Of course, it means that the series will likely extend for quite a few volumes. Their knowledge of each other will grow with time and, hopefully, grow beyond a schoolgirl crush.
The ending to volume two is as startling as that of the first comic. What will Kuga and Momoka do next?
June 15, 2021
Book 2... Still super cute
I love that although it's normal shoujo, they made it better with a kind hearted, but Very buff and masculine co-lead. They really built depth for both characters. Not that I dislike the typical top of the class popular guy or rich hottie male lead, but this guy is so humble and likeable. They sold his character so well. He's outgoing for his job and his role as a pro wrestler playing the bad guy/heel, but in real life he's not as confident and even struggles with the realities of playing a bad guy all the time, when he's not in character. Someone else addressed this, but in a negative light... He's 29 she's 18. They are realistic about the setup... There's literally nothing wrong with it, but there's always judgement from people who think they know the 'right way' to live. He's respectful of her feelings and her as a person; even tries to end their budding relationship as soon as he learns there's an age difference, but you can't always control who you fall for. It's sweet all the way around. In real life, this happens. I fell for an older guy myself and when we learned the age difference we ran too, but sometimes that is the person for you and it's perfect. <3 Just like these two. :)
I love that although it's normal shoujo, they made it better with a kind hearted, but Very buff and masculine co-lead. They really built depth for both characters. Not that I dislike the typical top of the class popular guy or rich hottie male lead, but this guy is so humble and likeable. They sold his character so well. He's outgoing for his job and his role as a pro wrestler playing the bad guy/heel, but in real life he's not as confident and even struggles with the realities of playing a bad guy all the time, when he's not in character. Someone else addressed this, but in a negative light... He's 29 she's 18. They are realistic about the setup... There's literally nothing wrong with it, but there's always judgement from people who think they know the 'right way' to live. He's respectful of her feelings and her as a person; even tries to end their budding relationship as soon as he learns there's an age difference, but you can't always control who you fall for. It's sweet all the way around. In real life, this happens. I fell for an older guy myself and when we learned the age difference we ran too, but sometimes that is the person for you and it's perfect. <3 Just like these two. :)
July 14, 2023
✨ 4 stars ✨
7th manga read for my 30 mangas in 30 days challenge
Cutie and the Beast, Vol. 2 by Yuhi Azumi continues to follow the romantic relationship between Momoka and Kuga directly from where it left off in volume one. This volume introduces the protective father trope, as Momoka's father worries about his daughter's new relationship.
I thought this volume was still cute and enjoyed it. This volume felt slower than the first and the main relationship dynamics happened between Kuga and Momoka's father. We also learned about Kuga's beginning years in his pro-wrestling career. I look forward to continue reading this series and how their relationship continues to grow.
tropes: age gap (older male, younger female), appearance difference from personality, strong/muscular male lead, cinnamon roll hero, protective father (heroine)
The anime, My Love Story!!, which started as a manga series written by Kazune Kawahara, would be a similar watch-a-like to Cutie and the Beast. One of my favorite books is Birthday Girl by Penelope Douglas if you want a similar novel read!
7th manga read for my 30 mangas in 30 days challenge
Cutie and the Beast, Vol. 2 by Yuhi Azumi continues to follow the romantic relationship between Momoka and Kuga directly from where it left off in volume one. This volume introduces the protective father trope, as Momoka's father worries about his daughter's new relationship.
I thought this volume was still cute and enjoyed it. This volume felt slower than the first and the main relationship dynamics happened between Kuga and Momoka's father. We also learned about Kuga's beginning years in his pro-wrestling career. I look forward to continue reading this series and how their relationship continues to grow.
tropes: age gap (older male, younger female), appearance difference from personality, strong/muscular male lead, cinnamon roll hero, protective father (heroine)
The anime, My Love Story!!, which started as a manga series written by Kazune Kawahara, would be a similar watch-a-like to Cutie and the Beast. One of my favorite books is Birthday Girl by Penelope Douglas if you want a similar novel read!
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