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棗センパイに迫られる日々 [Natsume-senpai ni Semarareru Hibi] #1
Getting Closer to You, Vol. 1
For Kaho, a man's muscles are all that matters. She's sports-agnostic, type-agnostic—all she cares about are that those abs, pecs, biceps and delts look good. She thinks she's found her perfect Muscle Prince in Natsume-sempai...that is, until he finds out what a muscle-freak she is. But instead of ridiculing her, he instead suggests she becomes manager of the basketball team—the one he just so happens to be on? For a muscle-lover like Kaho, there's nothing to lose...and everything to gain. By the author of Four Kisses, in Secret!
192 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 13, 2021
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272 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
January 3, 2024
(Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for a review)
Another day, another let's go into the manga blindly, except I know I'll fall in love with the art style and this manga did not disappoint.
Getting Closer to You was quite a fresh story as it serves us with a sports-agnostic, muscle-obsessed heroine. She even watches the practices of her school's sports teams, out of her enjoyment of musculature. So soon after she was caught red-handed by non-other another muscle prince on the basketball team, she was offered to become their manager and employ her muscle knowledge to help the team strive for betterment.
As much as I can see that the mangaka resorts to this theme as means of having a silly premise and to create a light and fun atmosphere, I can't help but be unsure of the whole idea of "muscle obsessed" in general. To an extent, this manga seems to contend with objectifying males as I believe if the role is reversed, the hero would get a lashing for being inappropriate and misconstruing.
On the other side, the romance was kind of adorable. I like that Natsume did not ridicule Hibi's obsession and instead admire her tenacity in making sure the basketball team would be fit for the tournament. Nonetheless, I still find things to escalate a bit faster than they should. The first kiss was so out of the blue and as much as I fancy the surprise, it dissipate the chemistry they had and made it feels forced.
Another thing that fell short for this manga is Natsume's character. He was not given that much foreground as a love interest who's skilled and muscular. I believe we would get to see his character be accentuated better as we go, but he seems to be a bit uninteresting and one-dimensional compared to Hibi.
As a whole, I still find myself enjoying this manga. It was endearing, amusing, and engaging. The cliffhanger and the hint of having a potential love triangle, in the end, make me more excited than I initially was for the next volume! Looking forward till it will be released.
Another day, another let's go into the manga blindly, except I know I'll fall in love with the art style and this manga did not disappoint.
Getting Closer to You was quite a fresh story as it serves us with a sports-agnostic, muscle-obsessed heroine. She even watches the practices of her school's sports teams, out of her enjoyment of musculature. So soon after she was caught red-handed by non-other another muscle prince on the basketball team, she was offered to become their manager and employ her muscle knowledge to help the team strive for betterment.
As much as I can see that the mangaka resorts to this theme as means of having a silly premise and to create a light and fun atmosphere, I can't help but be unsure of the whole idea of "muscle obsessed" in general. To an extent, this manga seems to contend with objectifying males as I believe if the role is reversed, the hero would get a lashing for being inappropriate and misconstruing.
On the other side, the romance was kind of adorable. I like that Natsume did not ridicule Hibi's obsession and instead admire her tenacity in making sure the basketball team would be fit for the tournament. Nonetheless, I still find things to escalate a bit faster than they should. The first kiss was so out of the blue and as much as I fancy the surprise, it dissipate the chemistry they had and made it feels forced.
Another thing that fell short for this manga is Natsume's character. He was not given that much foreground as a love interest who's skilled and muscular. I believe we would get to see his character be accentuated better as we go, but he seems to be a bit uninteresting and one-dimensional compared to Hibi.
As a whole, I still find myself enjoying this manga. It was endearing, amusing, and engaging. The cliffhanger and the hint of having a potential love triangle, in the end, make me more excited than I initially was for the next volume! Looking forward till it will be released.
March 13, 2022
i'm so alone :')
July 16, 2022
Getting Closer to You is such a mouth-watering feast for the eyes. It's filled with muscles, sweet sweat, and beautiful boys that will hook you into reading until you have devoured the last page.
Kaho Hibi is an avid fan of muscles that she's one step closer to becoming a pervert with her binoculars always on her hands, spying for any existing males with muscles. One day, she planned to sneak a peek at the rumored muscle prince, Natsume, in their school's varsity team and instead, due to an accident, became face-to-face with the said guy. Natsume found out about Hibi's enthusiasm for muscles, and he asked her to be the basketball team's manager. And as if the muscle-thirsty girl wouldn't pass on this glorious opportunity!
This is such a hilarious, sweet, and cute read. I'd die of nosebleeds too. I love the adorable art style and the muscle-crazy heroine! It literally brought me back to my Free! fangirling days, with Natsume's muscle fanservice for Hibi—yes, I'm talking about the naked plus apron panel, and the bare top with an open varsity jacket! Anyone who loved Gou Matsuoka from Free! should definitely read this series!
I know, I received a reader's advance copy like months ago (was it March? Now, I feel so bad) and I'm only returning the feedback now, I'm sorry! Still, my gratitude to the ever-generous Kodansha Comics and Netgalley for providing me with an advanced reading copy of this series in exchange for an honest review!
Kaho Hibi is an avid fan of muscles that she's one step closer to becoming a pervert with her binoculars always on her hands, spying for any existing males with muscles. One day, she planned to sneak a peek at the rumored muscle prince, Natsume, in their school's varsity team and instead, due to an accident, became face-to-face with the said guy. Natsume found out about Hibi's enthusiasm for muscles, and he asked her to be the basketball team's manager. And as if the muscle-thirsty girl wouldn't pass on this glorious opportunity!
This is such a hilarious, sweet, and cute read. I'd die of nosebleeds too. I love the adorable art style and the muscle-crazy heroine! It literally brought me back to my Free! fangirling days, with Natsume's muscle fanservice for Hibi—yes, I'm talking about the naked plus apron panel, and the bare top with an open varsity jacket! Anyone who loved Gou Matsuoka from Free! should definitely read this series!
I know, I received a reader's advance copy like months ago (was it March? Now, I feel so bad) and I'm only returning the feedback now, I'm sorry! Still, my gratitude to the ever-generous Kodansha Comics and Netgalley for providing me with an advanced reading copy of this series in exchange for an honest review!
March 24, 2022
Hibi has a fascination with muscles, bordering on the unhealthy and possibly to the extent of wanton criminality. During an… expedition… she bumps into the slab that is Natsume. He has lots of definition (but not one for ‘crazy girl’ apparently) and invites her to manage the basketball team. Mayhem ensues.
So, this was interesting. If you took one of my perennial shojo punching bags, Abe-kun’s Got Me Now! and made him less of a predator and her more of a predator, you’d basically end up with this exact story.
And hey, there are worse twists than having your shojo heroine turn out to be as big a peeper as your average 80’s manga dad. It’s certainly something unique in this space, at least, but it also won’t be for everybody.
Yes, Hibi goes everywhere with her book and her binoculars, documenting the musculature of the males at her school (and she has muscles, not men, on her mind, and no mistake). She doesn’t make it past the basketball team, of course, as Natsume uses his body to distract her into managing them.
Which turns out to be a real devil’s bargain for the team, as Hibi is a relentless fetishist who won’t stop until she’s built a basketball team full of the hardbodies she’s always dreamt of. Girl’s got a problem and she knows it, but she leans into it anyway.
For his part, Natsume is equally grabby and possessive, but these two are pretty well matched for one another, as his muscles do it for her (and the mangaka - this is liquored with female gaze fan service) and she does it for him. He helps her win the team over, she works hard, no problems at all.
Except. Except except. Except Hibi is literally drawn to muscles and if Natsume’s were on a stick flopping in the wind she’d likely be quite okay with it. So we have the hot guy trying to win over the girl with his personality instead of his body, which is kind of fun. Not to say that these two don’t give their bodies a workout…
Look, I don’t think this book’s great and it’s definitely got some problematic ideas in it, but it goes very hard for what its mission statement is and the characters themselves are great when they’re not violating boundaries (and Natsume’s biggest ‘claim the woman’ moment does get paid off later on in a better way than I’d expect).
We’ve also got one of the most amazingly dumb introductions of the no-chance rival I’ve ever seen and it makes perfect sense how this guy is going to cause problems, which I admit I kind of love.
3 stars - this isn’t one of the shojo greats, it’s one of the shojo okays, but I like series like this that have no chance of reaching the stars but are just kind of enjoyable in a corny way. Don’t expect too much and it’ll definitely have its charms.
So, this was interesting. If you took one of my perennial shojo punching bags, Abe-kun’s Got Me Now! and made him less of a predator and her more of a predator, you’d basically end up with this exact story.
And hey, there are worse twists than having your shojo heroine turn out to be as big a peeper as your average 80’s manga dad. It’s certainly something unique in this space, at least, but it also won’t be for everybody.
Yes, Hibi goes everywhere with her book and her binoculars, documenting the musculature of the males at her school (and she has muscles, not men, on her mind, and no mistake). She doesn’t make it past the basketball team, of course, as Natsume uses his body to distract her into managing them.
Which turns out to be a real devil’s bargain for the team, as Hibi is a relentless fetishist who won’t stop until she’s built a basketball team full of the hardbodies she’s always dreamt of. Girl’s got a problem and she knows it, but she leans into it anyway.
For his part, Natsume is equally grabby and possessive, but these two are pretty well matched for one another, as his muscles do it for her (and the mangaka - this is liquored with female gaze fan service) and she does it for him. He helps her win the team over, she works hard, no problems at all.
Except. Except except. Except Hibi is literally drawn to muscles and if Natsume’s were on a stick flopping in the wind she’d likely be quite okay with it. So we have the hot guy trying to win over the girl with his personality instead of his body, which is kind of fun. Not to say that these two don’t give their bodies a workout…
Look, I don’t think this book’s great and it’s definitely got some problematic ideas in it, but it goes very hard for what its mission statement is and the characters themselves are great when they’re not violating boundaries (and Natsume’s biggest ‘claim the woman’ moment does get paid off later on in a better way than I’d expect).
We’ve also got one of the most amazingly dumb introductions of the no-chance rival I’ve ever seen and it makes perfect sense how this guy is going to cause problems, which I admit I kind of love.
3 stars - this isn’t one of the shojo greats, it’s one of the shojo okays, but I like series like this that have no chance of reaching the stars but are just kind of enjoyable in a corny way. Don’t expect too much and it’ll definitely have its charms.
April 2, 2022
Oh my goodness, I absolutely loved this!!!
It is such an excellent blend of sports and shojo with a lot of "quirky" fun that I laughed through this whole thing!! I could not get enough of it and will definitely have to try and get my hands on a physical print of this! It is just so so so funny!!
I really liked our "couple" and the unfolding of their romance! It's a perfect slow burn for our heroine and LOVED how respectful our hero is. (That one scene where he "protected" her was gold!) I especially liked the scene near the end and just what that means for them both! <3
The sports aspect was absolutely perfect for me! And the muscle thing was such delicious bonus! (LOL!!) This manga definitely had that blend that I desperately want more of in shojo manga!
Overall, I VERY much enjoyed this and definitely want to get my hands on a personal copy (and a very much needed volume two!)! So good!!
*(I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts expressed are my own.)*
It is such an excellent blend of sports and shojo with a lot of "quirky" fun that I laughed through this whole thing!! I could not get enough of it and will definitely have to try and get my hands on a physical print of this! It is just so so so funny!!
I really liked our "couple" and the unfolding of their romance! It's a perfect slow burn for our heroine and LOVED how respectful our hero is. (That one scene where he "protected" her was gold!) I especially liked the scene near the end and just what that means for them both! <3
The sports aspect was absolutely perfect for me! And the muscle thing was such delicious bonus! (LOL!!) This manga definitely had that blend that I desperately want more of in shojo manga!
Overall, I VERY much enjoyed this and definitely want to get my hands on a personal copy (and a very much needed volume two!)! So good!!
*(I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts expressed are my own.)*
April 8, 2022
Oh, my goodness. I LOVED this one. I couldn't stop reading it once I started. I adored the hilarious concept, the artwork is breathtaking, and it was just cute!
Kaho is obsessed with muscles. She watches them all day long and has a muscle journal where she keeps track of muscles. Natsume comes across her journal and realizes her fetish - and asks her to manage the basketball team. Kaho is in heaven with everyone's muscles and designing training programs to build more muscles.
This was romance perfection to me. It gave me butterflies and that giddy feeling of new love. I had a dopey smile on my face the whole time I was reading it. Natsume has feelings for Kaho but she's kind of oblivious. He shows it in various ways, teasing her, tempting her, protecting her...It's so sweet. I absolutely loved it. I cannot wait for the next volume. I highly recommend!
Kaho is obsessed with muscles. She watches them all day long and has a muscle journal where she keeps track of muscles. Natsume comes across her journal and realizes her fetish - and asks her to manage the basketball team. Kaho is in heaven with everyone's muscles and designing training programs to build more muscles.
This was romance perfection to me. It gave me butterflies and that giddy feeling of new love. I had a dopey smile on my face the whole time I was reading it. Natsume has feelings for Kaho but she's kind of oblivious. He shows it in various ways, teasing her, tempting her, protecting her...It's so sweet. I absolutely loved it. I cannot wait for the next volume. I highly recommend!
January 7, 2025
2.5⭐️ but rounded up for art style
Manga - shoujo, school life
Format: digital - free download
This wasn’t what I expected, but that’s my fault. It was very insta-love and kind of odd, but sweet at times as well. I don’t know, it just wasn’t it for me. I won’t be continuing.
Tags and warnings:
m/f, school life, romance, muscle obsession, sports, basketball, dubcon/noncon elements, but you know… manga, possessive tendencies, voyeuristic (and mildly creepy) actions, objectification, beautiful artwork
Manga - shoujo, school life
Format: digital - free download
This wasn’t what I expected, but that’s my fault. It was very insta-love and kind of odd, but sweet at times as well. I don’t know, it just wasn’t it for me. I won’t be continuing.
Tags and warnings:
m/f, school life, romance, muscle obsession, sports, basketball, dubcon/noncon elements, but you know… manga, possessive tendencies, voyeuristic (and mildly creepy) actions, objectification, beautiful artwork
June 24, 2022
2.5
Es demasiado cliché y absurdo hasta para mí, pero las escenas de romance on top
Es demasiado cliché y absurdo hasta para mí, pero las escenas de romance on top
April 5, 2022
A girl obsessed with muscles gets to work as a team manager for the basketball team after being caught stalking them.
As she works with them, she notices what the team lacks, so she builds a training plan for them. Slowly, the team opens up to her while Natsume expresses his feelings towards Hibi.
I love this story; this story had me smiling all the time I was reading it. Natsume is so cute protecting and caring for Hibi. The drawings are so detailed, I love it!
Thanks NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for the ARC
As she works with them, she notices what the team lacks, so she builds a training plan for them. Slowly, the team opens up to her while Natsume expresses his feelings towards Hibi.
I love this story; this story had me smiling all the time I was reading it. Natsume is so cute protecting and caring for Hibi. The drawings are so detailed, I love it!
Thanks NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for the ARC
April 28, 2022
I have never read a manga wear the heroine is obsessed with muscles. So I knew that I had to try it out immediately. It seemed like such a silly concept that was actually a lot of fun.
I enjoyed the blooming romance between the characters. It was believable and fun at the same time. I also really enjoyed the artwork. Since Kaho loves muscles, the man candy in this manga was off-the-charts. I would definitely recommend if you want something fun and light. It definitely made me laugh a few times. I can’t wait to read more.
I enjoyed the blooming romance between the characters. It was believable and fun at the same time. I also really enjoyed the artwork. Since Kaho loves muscles, the man candy in this manga was off-the-charts. I would definitely recommend if you want something fun and light. It definitely made me laugh a few times. I can’t wait to read more.
April 19, 2022
Many thanks to Netgalley and Kodansha for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
Yeah, I'm basic. I see handsome looking guy, I like. Okay, jokes aside, this is kind of cute. Understatement, its very cute. With every shojo romance manga I have read, yeah this one does not stray far from the trope of a female lead with weird obsession get caught by the male lead who is oh so charming, have six pack abs and definitely want the female lead to be a part of their basketball team. Though, its the male lead who likes the female lead first. I found this cute and sweet as every shojo out there. For my enjoyment, I would gave this 4 stars.
Yeah, I'm basic. I see handsome looking guy, I like. Okay, jokes aside, this is kind of cute. Understatement, its very cute. With every shojo romance manga I have read, yeah this one does not stray far from the trope of a female lead with weird obsession get caught by the male lead who is oh so charming, have six pack abs and definitely want the female lead to be a part of their basketball team. Though, its the male lead who likes the female lead first. I found this cute and sweet as every shojo out there. For my enjoyment, I would gave this 4 stars.
May 6, 2022
This one somewhat reminds me of Abe-kun's Got Me Now, which isn't a bad thing as far as I am concerned. I LOVE that series and now I have found a new series that I highly suspect I will also love!
Yes, the obsession is slightly over the top, but the characters are just too cute and the artwork is very pretty, so I am not complaining in the slightest.
This is one I will be following and I definitely recommend it if you like slightly silly high school romance manga.
4, when is the next one coming out, stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and Kodansha for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.
Yes, the obsession is slightly over the top, but the characters are just too cute and the artwork is very pretty, so I am not complaining in the slightest.
This is one I will be following and I definitely recommend it if you like slightly silly high school romance manga.
4, when is the next one coming out, stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and Kodansha for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 21, 2023
I totally understand why you're afraid of this story.
Honestly before reading it I was too.
I thought our female main character would only have this muscle fetish but it's beyond, it's so much more... Her love for muscles is equal to the care and attention a physiotherapist has for their patients.
Which means she cares even more when she enters in a team and becomes a basketball manager.
Just read it.
Honestly before reading it I was too.
I thought our female main character would only have this muscle fetish but it's beyond, it's so much more... Her love for muscles is equal to the care and attention a physiotherapist has for their patients.
Which means she cares even more when she enters in a team and becomes a basketball manager.
Just read it.
October 17, 2023
I just couldn't bring myself to like any of the characters.
May 3, 2022
4/5 estrellas
Getting closer to you es una historia romántica con unos tintes muy divertidos que hacen pasar un buen rato de lectura.
Hibi es una chica bastante obsesionada con los músculos, hasta el punto de espiar cada club del instituto en busca de nuevos especímenes a los que admirar. Hasta que un día se cruza en su camino Natsume y acaba siendo la nueva manager del equipo de baloncesto y utilizando esa obsesión por los músculos para entrenar a los jugadores y que puedan mejorar.
La historia es muy divertida, las interacciones de Hibi y su obsesión por los músculos me han sacado más de una carcajada. Por más que Natsume intenta que Hibi se fije en algo más que sus músculos, ella sigue a lo suyo, aunque parece que poco a poco eso cambia y para el final del tomo Hibi ve en Natsume a alguien especial.
Me ha gustado mucho este primer tomo y estoy deseando saber que pasará entre Natsume e Hibi, el chico nuevo y los jugadores del equipo de baloncesto.
-------------------------
4/5 stars
Getting closer to you is a romantic story with very funny overtones that make reading a good time.
Hibi is a girl quite obsessed with muscles, to the point of spying on every club in her high school in search of new "specimens" to admire. Until one day she crosses paths with Natsume and ends up being the new manager of the basketball team and using that obsession with muscles to train the players so they can improve.
The story is very funny, Hibi's interactions and her obsession with muscles have made me laugh more than once. As much as Natsume tries to get Hibi to notice something other than his muscles, she doesn't seem to change her mind, although it seems that little by little that changes and by the end of the volume Hibi sees someone special in Natsume.
I really liked this first volume and I'm looking forward to knowing what will happen between Natsume and Hibi, the new boy and the players of the basketball team.
Getting closer to you es una historia romántica con unos tintes muy divertidos que hacen pasar un buen rato de lectura.
Hibi es una chica bastante obsesionada con los músculos, hasta el punto de espiar cada club del instituto en busca de nuevos especímenes a los que admirar. Hasta que un día se cruza en su camino Natsume y acaba siendo la nueva manager del equipo de baloncesto y utilizando esa obsesión por los músculos para entrenar a los jugadores y que puedan mejorar.
La historia es muy divertida, las interacciones de Hibi y su obsesión por los músculos me han sacado más de una carcajada. Por más que Natsume intenta que Hibi se fije en algo más que sus músculos, ella sigue a lo suyo, aunque parece que poco a poco eso cambia y para el final del tomo Hibi ve en Natsume a alguien especial.
Me ha gustado mucho este primer tomo y estoy deseando saber que pasará entre Natsume e Hibi, el chico nuevo y los jugadores del equipo de baloncesto.
-------------------------
4/5 stars
Getting closer to you is a romantic story with very funny overtones that make reading a good time.
Hibi is a girl quite obsessed with muscles, to the point of spying on every club in her high school in search of new "specimens" to admire. Until one day she crosses paths with Natsume and ends up being the new manager of the basketball team and using that obsession with muscles to train the players so they can improve.
The story is very funny, Hibi's interactions and her obsession with muscles have made me laugh more than once. As much as Natsume tries to get Hibi to notice something other than his muscles, she doesn't seem to change her mind, although it seems that little by little that changes and by the end of the volume Hibi sees someone special in Natsume.
I really liked this first volume and I'm looking forward to knowing what will happen between Natsume and Hibi, the new boy and the players of the basketball team.
March 31, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!
Kaho is a high school girl is who OBSESSED with men's muscles. She is a self-proclaimed "muscle maniac", even going so far to have a personal record of every muscular boy in school. After finding her notebook her senpai Natsume finds out about her obsession with muscles. But instead of mocking her, he asks her to become the basketball team manager! Hijinks ensue. This manga is actually really cute! The main character Kaho, while having her...interesting...obsession is actually a very earnest and hard-working girl. She works together with Natsume to help the basketball team both build their muscles, both for the sake of the team and so Kaho has more eye candy. The romantic scenes between Kaho and Natsume are also really cute. The mangaka loves to play up the comedic aspects and blends them into the romance in a wonderful way. There are also several "fan service" style scenes involving Natsume, but that makes sense since he is the main love interest! (Also seeing as the mangaka herself said she loves muscles, which inspired her to write this story, haha) I also really liked the chemistry that Natsume and Kaho have with each other. While Kaho says she only likes Natsume's muscles and not him, but it's obvious there's more to it than that. Natsume is also very open and blatant with how much he likes Kaho, but she keeps brushing it off thinking he's teasing her. This is played in a comedic way, not in an annoying airhead way, thank god. It's also nice that the romantic dynamic between them has them as equals. The art style is also really nicely drawn and nice to look at as a result! The mangaka really knows how to draw guys in a "heartthrob" style. The way some of the panels are drawn makes your eyes linger so you can pick up all the little details. The way some of the art is drawn to convey the emotions of the scene is wonderfully done and really helps you connect with how the character is feeling in the moment. This novel ends on a cliffhanger, and it made me instantly go to the next volume. I will be excited to read the second novel when it comes out!
Kaho is a high school girl is who OBSESSED with men's muscles. She is a self-proclaimed "muscle maniac", even going so far to have a personal record of every muscular boy in school. After finding her notebook her senpai Natsume finds out about her obsession with muscles. But instead of mocking her, he asks her to become the basketball team manager! Hijinks ensue. This manga is actually really cute! The main character Kaho, while having her...interesting...obsession is actually a very earnest and hard-working girl. She works together with Natsume to help the basketball team both build their muscles, both for the sake of the team and so Kaho has more eye candy. The romantic scenes between Kaho and Natsume are also really cute. The mangaka loves to play up the comedic aspects and blends them into the romance in a wonderful way. There are also several "fan service" style scenes involving Natsume, but that makes sense since he is the main love interest! (Also seeing as the mangaka herself said she loves muscles, which inspired her to write this story, haha) I also really liked the chemistry that Natsume and Kaho have with each other. While Kaho says she only likes Natsume's muscles and not him, but it's obvious there's more to it than that. Natsume is also very open and blatant with how much he likes Kaho, but she keeps brushing it off thinking he's teasing her. This is played in a comedic way, not in an annoying airhead way, thank god. It's also nice that the romantic dynamic between them has them as equals. The art style is also really nicely drawn and nice to look at as a result! The mangaka really knows how to draw guys in a "heartthrob" style. The way some of the panels are drawn makes your eyes linger so you can pick up all the little details. The way some of the art is drawn to convey the emotions of the scene is wonderfully done and really helps you connect with how the character is feeling in the moment. This novel ends on a cliffhanger, and it made me instantly go to the next volume. I will be excited to read the second novel when it comes out!
September 23, 2024
Genuinely did not know what I was getting into. Read chapter one and was questioning if I’ll continue.
Finished chapter four (end of volume) and I’m SMITTEN
FMC Hibi is obsessed with muscles. Not in the boy crazy way, but she admires and covets muscles, strength, etc. MMC Natsume is the school’s “muscle prince” and basketball team starter. He meets her, sees her muscle notes notebook, and asks her to be the basketball manager lol. Then forced proximity, whacky interactions, and just such a forward actions make me swoon.
Natsume just matches Hibi’s freak.
RECAP: intro, meeting, flirting, she massages the team and creates really in depth training regimen. He’s always backing her up. They have training camp, and ends with her sleeping with him on the couch. Then when a basketball member commends her training, he writes his name on her hand. Some girls come to flirt with him, ask to touch his muscles, Hibi intervenes and then has her write her name on his pecs!!! Before the end, she runs into the guy she accidentally gropes (touches his pecs) at the train station.
Finished chapter four (end of volume) and I’m SMITTEN
FMC Hibi is obsessed with muscles. Not in the boy crazy way, but she admires and covets muscles, strength, etc. MMC Natsume is the school’s “muscle prince” and basketball team starter. He meets her, sees her muscle notes notebook, and asks her to be the basketball manager lol. Then forced proximity, whacky interactions, and just such a forward actions make me swoon.
Natsume just matches Hibi’s freak.
RECAP: intro, meeting, flirting, she massages the team and creates really in depth training regimen. He’s always backing her up. They have training camp, and ends with her sleeping with him on the couch. Then when a basketball member commends her training, he writes his name on her hand. Some girls come to flirt with him, ask to touch his muscles, Hibi intervenes and then has her write her name on his pecs!!! Before the end, she runs into the guy she accidentally gropes (touches his pecs) at the train station.
June 14, 2022
not very interesting and she is a totally weird stalker and a creep don't say that is normal because if a guy did what she does it would be a creep so she is a creep too. I don't get the obsession, okay a nice body is lovely to watch but all around that... well disappointed a lot
December 31, 2024
2.5 the obsession with muscles is weird and cringe 🤣🤣🤣
Read
June 21, 2025DNF @ page 32
April 3, 2022
Kaho is a muscles addict. Every time she sees muscles, her day is made. She is excited, in love, deeply in love even with those muscles that once saved her life. Caught red-handed being a pervert when stalking boys with muscles by the Muscle Prince Nastume, Kaho is obliged to become the manager of the basketball team and help some boys gain muscles and win the tournament. Meanwhile, Natsume strongly shows his interest in Kaho and she isn't indifferent to his affection.
*sigh* Okay, let's begin with this one. I'll be honest, I wasn't expecting much about this shojo at first. I knew the mangaka and some of her previous titles, and that's what drew me to this manga. The drawing style, too, was very pretty and enjoyable to read. However, with shojos, there comes a point when you think 'Okay, that's it, I'll never find originality again.' Then new shojos come out and you read their plots and you're wondering what on Earth happened in this mangaka's head. This one felt like that. At first, I was just stunned by the plot—not in a positive way, unfortunately. Personally, I didn't particularly enjoy it. Sure, it IS original, but maybe to the point that it becomes too ridiculous to be appreciated?
Some scenes were too cringe for my tastes; the romance was too forced, and the development of the story felt too quick in my opinion. I couldn't really relate to the characters, nor did I see the value of the side characters, which seemed useless in this first manga. All these reasons contributed to me not liking it that much and not wanting to continue the story. I did finish this first manga, but that will be it for me with this series.
Still, many thanks to Netgalley and Kodansha for always letting me the opportunity to read their titles.
*sigh* Okay, let's begin with this one. I'll be honest, I wasn't expecting much about this shojo at first. I knew the mangaka and some of her previous titles, and that's what drew me to this manga. The drawing style, too, was very pretty and enjoyable to read. However, with shojos, there comes a point when you think 'Okay, that's it, I'll never find originality again.' Then new shojos come out and you read their plots and you're wondering what on Earth happened in this mangaka's head. This one felt like that. At first, I was just stunned by the plot—not in a positive way, unfortunately. Personally, I didn't particularly enjoy it. Sure, it IS original, but maybe to the point that it becomes too ridiculous to be appreciated?
Some scenes were too cringe for my tastes; the romance was too forced, and the development of the story felt too quick in my opinion. I couldn't really relate to the characters, nor did I see the value of the side characters, which seemed useless in this first manga. All these reasons contributed to me not liking it that much and not wanting to continue the story. I did finish this first manga, but that will be it for me with this series.
Still, many thanks to Netgalley and Kodansha for always letting me the opportunity to read their titles.
April 4, 2022
Thank you to Kodansha and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Getting Closer to You, Volume 1 by Ruri Kamino is a lovely shojo manga with an unusual premise. The story revolves around Kaho, who looks like a typical shojo heroine, but is actually quite different. Instead of going after the "flower boys" and slender guys that are popular in shojo manga, she actually has another type: she loves sporty guys with muscles. Other girls think that her type is weird. Then, her crush Natsumi-sempai suggests that she become the new manager of the boy's basketball team. Is it a dream come true?
Overall, Getting Closer to You, Volume 1 is a lovely shojo manga that will appeal to fans of Tokyo Tarareba Girls or Kiss Me at the Stroke of Midnight. One highlight of this book is how atypical the two main leads are. It's refreshing to have two main leads that don't look / act like the ones in typical shojo manga. Another highlight of this book is how funny it is. There are gags on almost every page, which was nice to read and laugh at. If you're intrigued by the description, or if you're a fan of shojo manga in general, I highly recommend that you check out this book when it comes out in March!
Getting Closer to You, Volume 1 by Ruri Kamino is a lovely shojo manga with an unusual premise. The story revolves around Kaho, who looks like a typical shojo heroine, but is actually quite different. Instead of going after the "flower boys" and slender guys that are popular in shojo manga, she actually has another type: she loves sporty guys with muscles. Other girls think that her type is weird. Then, her crush Natsumi-sempai suggests that she become the new manager of the boy's basketball team. Is it a dream come true?
Overall, Getting Closer to You, Volume 1 is a lovely shojo manga that will appeal to fans of Tokyo Tarareba Girls or Kiss Me at the Stroke of Midnight. One highlight of this book is how atypical the two main leads are. It's refreshing to have two main leads that don't look / act like the ones in typical shojo manga. Another highlight of this book is how funny it is. There are gags on almost every page, which was nice to read and laugh at. If you're intrigued by the description, or if you're a fan of shojo manga in general, I highly recommend that you check out this book when it comes out in March!
April 11, 2022
I'm a huge shojo fan, so I decided to give this manga a try. The main character, Kaho Hibi is a high-school student obsessed with muscles. She looks at players in the sports teams in her school and analyses their muscles until she gets caught by Otaro Natsume, the "muscle prince" of the basketball prince. Natsume sees her "work" on muscles and coerce her into becoming the manager of the basketball team. Hibi doesn't want to, but spending time with Natsume and the other players make her change their mind. From creating a training regime just for them to organise an overnight training camp, Hibi is not focusing on the developing the team's muscles. Natsume, on the other hand, is falling for Hibi and he tries to make her notice him as a person and not just because of his muscles, but it is a long and tortuous quest. It also looks like there will be a love/basketball rival coming into the picture, and I'm curious to see when Hibi will realise her feelings for Natsume.
This was a classical shojo manga story, although a little bit weird because of the muscle obsessions from the main character, but that only made it more cute.
I received an ARC through NetGalley, but I'm leaving a voluntary and honest review.
This was a classical shojo manga story, although a little bit weird because of the muscle obsessions from the main character, but that only made it more cute.
I received an ARC through NetGalley, but I'm leaving a voluntary and honest review.
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April 7, 2022
This manga was also a bit different and kind of weird, but not totally in a bad way. Shoujo mangas usually feature quirky heroines and the heroine here surely has her own quirk. Her love for muscles is incredible and I don't think it's possible to be that into muscles? I don't know, but it's a shoujo manga so.. I guess exaggerating things is pretty common. It's entertaining though, and really funny.
I like the hero's flirtiness and his attempts at making the heroine see him over his great muscles. I'm looking forward on how he gets her to really look at him.
The story is pretty simple, some scenes make your heart thump, but it's not exactly phenomenal right now. I also have a feeling that it would turn more cliché at the appearance of the second lead. I hope not because I'm not really into the whole love triangle vibe.
Art is cute. It's got some weird angles, but it's generally pretty.
Big thanks to Netgalley, the mangaka, Ruri Kamino, and the publisher, Kodansha Comics for a copy of this manga!
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐💫 (3.5)
Steam Level: FLUFF ONLY!!
I like the hero's flirtiness and his attempts at making the heroine see him over his great muscles. I'm looking forward on how he gets her to really look at him.
The story is pretty simple, some scenes make your heart thump, but it's not exactly phenomenal right now. I also have a feeling that it would turn more cliché at the appearance of the second lead. I hope not because I'm not really into the whole love triangle vibe.
Art is cute. It's got some weird angles, but it's generally pretty.
Big thanks to Netgalley, the mangaka, Ruri Kamino, and the publisher, Kodansha Comics for a copy of this manga!
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐💫 (3.5)
Steam Level: FLUFF ONLY!!
April 20, 2022
Rating: 3.5 leaves out of 5
Characters: 3/5
Cover: 5/5
Story: 3/5
Writing: 3/5
Genre:Shojo/Sports/Romance
Type: Manga
Worth?: If you into sports/romance manga
First want to thank Netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this in exchange for an honest review! I did pick this up and totally forgot what it was about by the time I got to it. Lol. Starting it was kind of a slow and painful start. I am not the biggest fan of characters so cringingly obsessed with people's bodies. That whole first bit was a major turn off. I was sure I would rate it a 1 or a 2 because of it. It might say 3.5 but I really don't think rounding up to 4 would be the truth in how I feel.
As I read on though it was pretty cute. The romance is basic and the actual sports in it is meh. Some bits were funny. It wasn't a horrible read but I really won't be picking up volume 2.
Characters: 3/5
Cover: 5/5
Story: 3/5
Writing: 3/5
Genre:Shojo/Sports/Romance
Type: Manga
Worth?: If you into sports/romance manga
First want to thank Netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this in exchange for an honest review! I did pick this up and totally forgot what it was about by the time I got to it. Lol. Starting it was kind of a slow and painful start. I am not the biggest fan of characters so cringingly obsessed with people's bodies. That whole first bit was a major turn off. I was sure I would rate it a 1 or a 2 because of it. It might say 3.5 but I really don't think rounding up to 4 would be the truth in how I feel.
As I read on though it was pretty cute. The romance is basic and the actual sports in it is meh. Some bits were funny. It wasn't a horrible read but I really won't be picking up volume 2.
April 29, 2022
This would be much improved if all Muscles were equally appreciated. Where is the appreciation for the nice toned women, Kaho?
Muscles = Justice, only if it means all Muscles!
But let's be real, I'm all about women using their skills to get that bread. But this was weird on a level I have not experience in a while.
The romance feels really awkward.
Chapter 3, is Class Trip episode and it is way to early to enjoy something like that.
Personally I can't stomach more of the sheer awkwardness of this Manga, and won't be continuing.
Muscles = Justice, only if it means all Muscles!
But let's be real, I'm all about women using their skills to get that bread. But this was weird on a level I have not experience in a while.
The romance feels really awkward.
Chapter 3, is Class Trip episode and it is way to early to enjoy something like that.
Personally I can't stomach more of the sheer awkwardness of this Manga, and won't be continuing.
November 16, 2022
Unhinged but in a fun way.
June 14, 2022
Auf diese Reihe bin ich durch eine Leseempfehlung aufmerksam geworden. Sonst hätte ich ihn mir ehrlicherweise nicht genauer angesehen.
Im Mittelpunkt der Reihe steht Hibi-chan. Sie ist ein absolut verrückter Muskelfan. Dies liegt an einer traumatischen Erfahrung in ihrer Kindheit begründet. Seither stellt sämtlichen muskelbepackten Sportskanonen hinterher. Als sie dem „Muskelprinz“ ihrer Schule nachstellen will, fällt sie diesem in die Arme. Der jedoch engagiert gleich als Managerin für den Basketball-Club. Und so quält Hibi-chan seit diesem Moment die armen Jungs mit einem harten und kraftraubenden Muskelaufbautraining. Doch war das alles, was Natsume, der Muskelprinz, von ihr wollte?
Ich mag Hibi. Bei ihr setzt zwar ihr Gehirn aus, sobald sie tolle Muskeln sieht und vergisst das Menschliche etwas drumherum, aber im Grunde genommen ist sie total lieb. Sie hängt sich voll in ihrer Rolle als Managerin rein. Organisiert nicht nur die Trainingsabläufe, sondern versucht auch noch das Selbstwertgefühl des Teams zu steigern. Die Annährungen von Natsume nimmt sie allerdings nicht ganz so ernst und für voll. Das zeigt, wie naiv und unschuldig sie in ihrer Art doch eigentlich noch ist.
Natsume hingegen weiß, was er will. Er will Hibis Aufmerksamkeit. Und gleichzeitig möchte er, dass sein Team an Stärke gewinnt, damit es nicht jedes Spiel verliert. Doch dahinter steckt eine Menge Arbeit. Er unterstützt Hibi bei ihrer Arbeit als Managerin, indem er als Vermittler zwischen ihr und den Jungs wirkt. Das ist total süß!
Es gibt aufgrund des Muskelthemas natürlich ein paar wirklich… blickwerte Momente im Manga. Die zeichnerische Umsetzung gelingt der Mangaka wirklich sehr gut. Die Proportionen und Gesichtsausdrücke sind sehr gut in Szene gesetzt. Ich mag den Stil, auch wenn er in einigen Punkten noch etwas klarer sein könnte. Aber man merkt, dass da definitiv Entwicklungspotential dahintersteckt. Zudem gibt es hier ein gut durchdachtes Storykonzept, dem man auch kleine Charakterentwicklungen entnehmen kann.
Insgesamt hat mir der erste Band der Reihe sehr gut gefallen und ich freu emich schon unheimlich auf Band 2 und die weiteren Entwicklungen zwischen Hibi und Natsume!!
Im Mittelpunkt der Reihe steht Hibi-chan. Sie ist ein absolut verrückter Muskelfan. Dies liegt an einer traumatischen Erfahrung in ihrer Kindheit begründet. Seither stellt sämtlichen muskelbepackten Sportskanonen hinterher. Als sie dem „Muskelprinz“ ihrer Schule nachstellen will, fällt sie diesem in die Arme. Der jedoch engagiert gleich als Managerin für den Basketball-Club. Und so quält Hibi-chan seit diesem Moment die armen Jungs mit einem harten und kraftraubenden Muskelaufbautraining. Doch war das alles, was Natsume, der Muskelprinz, von ihr wollte?
Ich mag Hibi. Bei ihr setzt zwar ihr Gehirn aus, sobald sie tolle Muskeln sieht und vergisst das Menschliche etwas drumherum, aber im Grunde genommen ist sie total lieb. Sie hängt sich voll in ihrer Rolle als Managerin rein. Organisiert nicht nur die Trainingsabläufe, sondern versucht auch noch das Selbstwertgefühl des Teams zu steigern. Die Annährungen von Natsume nimmt sie allerdings nicht ganz so ernst und für voll. Das zeigt, wie naiv und unschuldig sie in ihrer Art doch eigentlich noch ist.
Natsume hingegen weiß, was er will. Er will Hibis Aufmerksamkeit. Und gleichzeitig möchte er, dass sein Team an Stärke gewinnt, damit es nicht jedes Spiel verliert. Doch dahinter steckt eine Menge Arbeit. Er unterstützt Hibi bei ihrer Arbeit als Managerin, indem er als Vermittler zwischen ihr und den Jungs wirkt. Das ist total süß!
Es gibt aufgrund des Muskelthemas natürlich ein paar wirklich… blickwerte Momente im Manga. Die zeichnerische Umsetzung gelingt der Mangaka wirklich sehr gut. Die Proportionen und Gesichtsausdrücke sind sehr gut in Szene gesetzt. Ich mag den Stil, auch wenn er in einigen Punkten noch etwas klarer sein könnte. Aber man merkt, dass da definitiv Entwicklungspotential dahintersteckt. Zudem gibt es hier ein gut durchdachtes Storykonzept, dem man auch kleine Charakterentwicklungen entnehmen kann.
Insgesamt hat mir der erste Band der Reihe sehr gut gefallen und ich freu emich schon unheimlich auf Band 2 und die weiteren Entwicklungen zwischen Hibi und Natsume!!
April 12, 2022
Muscles = Justice 💪🏻✨✨✨
OOOH I ADORE THIS ONE SO MUCH; the way it cracks me up so badly! When Kaho announces that her ideal type are guys with perfect muscles, I knew I was going to love this girl ❤️🔥
Her muscle-mania activity ends her up into the arms of the school's muscle prince (literally, into his perfect body with perfect muscles), Kaho thinks it's too good to be true. When Natsume finds out about her obsession towards muscles, to which Kaho is horrified, he ropes her into becoming the basketball team's manager instead of ridiculing her.
And thanks to this, Kaho starts a muscle-building regiment for the basketball team in order to produce more muscled-men ✨💪🏻
I find the entire story to be lighthearted and hilarious. Kaho's obsession towards muscles can be borderline stalker-ish, but the way she's so fired up about it is rather wholesome too in her own way. And I believe that's exactly how Natsume finds her as well.
While Kaho manages the team, Natsume is always there to back her up when needed and they simply complement each other so well 💗 The way he casually tells her he likes her is so cute too, I couldn't help but squeal in delight!
I love how Natsume enjoys teasing her about her obsession, but at the same time he appreciates her for it. Kaho may not have feelings for Natsume yet as much as she loves his muscles, but it's a start! Honestly there's so many cute moments in this: the part they end up falling asleep in each others' arms and when they wrote their names on each others' skin 😮💨❤️🔥❤️🔥 MY HEART CAN'T HANDLE IT
It's probably going to be a long journey until Kaho properly likes Natsume as a person more than she likes his muscles, but I'm so looking forward to that!
Many thanks to Netgalley and Kodansha for the digital review copy!
OOOH I ADORE THIS ONE SO MUCH; the way it cracks me up so badly! When Kaho announces that her ideal type are guys with perfect muscles, I knew I was going to love this girl ❤️🔥
Her muscle-mania activity ends her up into the arms of the school's muscle prince (literally, into his perfect body with perfect muscles), Kaho thinks it's too good to be true. When Natsume finds out about her obsession towards muscles, to which Kaho is horrified, he ropes her into becoming the basketball team's manager instead of ridiculing her.
And thanks to this, Kaho starts a muscle-building regiment for the basketball team in order to produce more muscled-men ✨💪🏻
I find the entire story to be lighthearted and hilarious. Kaho's obsession towards muscles can be borderline stalker-ish, but the way she's so fired up about it is rather wholesome too in her own way. And I believe that's exactly how Natsume finds her as well.
While Kaho manages the team, Natsume is always there to back her up when needed and they simply complement each other so well 💗 The way he casually tells her he likes her is so cute too, I couldn't help but squeal in delight!
I love how Natsume enjoys teasing her about her obsession, but at the same time he appreciates her for it. Kaho may not have feelings for Natsume yet as much as she loves his muscles, but it's a start! Honestly there's so many cute moments in this: the part they end up falling asleep in each others' arms and when they wrote their names on each others' skin 😮💨❤️🔥❤️🔥 MY HEART CAN'T HANDLE IT
It's probably going to be a long journey until Kaho properly likes Natsume as a person more than she likes his muscles, but I'm so looking forward to that!
Many thanks to Netgalley and Kodansha for the digital review copy!
April 8, 2022
Hibi-chan is obsessed with muscles. Natsume is the basketball player in the school with the best muscles. When he finds her journal detailing each of the basketball teams' muscles (rated and analysed in depth!), rather than being upset he recruits her to be the school basketball team manager. Sparks fly instantly when Natsume knows of her ... particular passion, teases her about it and not only doesn't mind, but encourages her to use that passion in a productive way.
This manga has to be the biggest surprise hit for me in terms of a rom-com idea, and it is down to the characters dynamic and the sparks flying around. Despite thinking initially she is only attracted to Natsume's muscles, he declares that he is interested and wishes to make her like him - all of him, more than just his muscles. Her inner conflict at her own feelings, his direct approach and openness about his feelings and the fact they are both adorable together really made this dynamic work (better than I thought after reading chapter 1 and dying of second-hand embarrassment!!).
Though I was blushing (a lot of topless men being ogled over by Hibi), smiling like an idiot, and suffering from second-hand embarrassment at some of the scenes (cringe-laughing is a skill this manga really brought out of me!), the characters are very likeable and the main guy Natsume's approach to her is definitely what makes this not only readable but really fun and enjoyable.
I didn't imagine I would say this, but I am actually really looking forward to continuing this series!
I was provided with an ARC of this manga volume by Kodansha (via NetGalley) in exchange for an honest review
This manga has to be the biggest surprise hit for me in terms of a rom-com idea, and it is down to the characters dynamic and the sparks flying around. Despite thinking initially she is only attracted to Natsume's muscles, he declares that he is interested and wishes to make her like him - all of him, more than just his muscles. Her inner conflict at her own feelings, his direct approach and openness about his feelings and the fact they are both adorable together really made this dynamic work (better than I thought after reading chapter 1 and dying of second-hand embarrassment!!).
Though I was blushing (a lot of topless men being ogled over by Hibi), smiling like an idiot, and suffering from second-hand embarrassment at some of the scenes (cringe-laughing is a skill this manga really brought out of me!), the characters are very likeable and the main guy Natsume's approach to her is definitely what makes this not only readable but really fun and enjoyable.
I didn't imagine I would say this, but I am actually really looking forward to continuing this series!
I was provided with an ARC of this manga volume by Kodansha (via NetGalley) in exchange for an honest review
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