The Dragon's Betrothed, Vol. 2

The Dragon's Betrothed #2

by Meguru Hinohara

A country sojourn turns into a forced marriage to a dragon god for troubled writer Chiharu!

Troubled writer Chiharu Izunome reluctantly returns to his rural hometown, hoping some R & R will refresh his creative juices. Instead of finding respite, he’s quickly entangled by an old promise to wed a local god!

Troubled writer Chiharu Izunome is betrothed to Rin, the local water dragon god. Despite Rin’s gentle demeanor, when a supernatural intruder threatens his husband-to-be, the angry deity unleashes the full might of his beastly fury, injuring Chiharu in the process! With Rin’s destructive power so clearly laid out, fear displaces the fragile affection growing in Chiharu’s heart. Can he truly learn to love a monster?

Genres: Manga, Fantasy, Romance, LGBT, Yaoi, Boys Love, Queer

210 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2020

About the author

HINOHARA Meguru
Name (in native language): 日ノ原 巡

Reviews

[Dilushani Jayalath · Rating 4 out of 5]

Edit: 2023.08.05

So, it's been nearly three years since the author mentioned the possibility of returning to the story in the next volume, but there hasn't been any update or information about it. I guess we can assume that this might be the conclusion of this story. It didn't exactly leave us hanging on a cliffhanger, but there are still several unanswered questions. Will our protagonists find a way to solve their problem, and the burning question on my mind—will we ever get to see Tenko in his human form? (Maybe that's important only to me, haha.)

End of Edit

What a cute story with an unexpected chapter. I thought this story would have the cute slow-burn storyline but there seems to be a lot happening. The mangaka has taken a hiatus as I see but hopefully she'll return an continue the story.

[Brigi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know why I waited almost a week to review it. It was so good, I really enjoyed the way Chiharu and Rin's relationship unfolded. I didn't expect any smut scenes (I know they're tagged as explicit content, but the first volume didn't have any), but they were reaaaally good. Definitely one of my new favourites!

[Ben Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wanted to hold your hand.

Ok I loved this so much. Chiharu and Rin are perfect for one another. This volume is one of my all time favs.

It's been ages and no volume 3 in sight. At least there was no real cliff-hanger, but I still need this series to continue like my life depends on it.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

How long is that hiatus gonna last?!!

[MaDoReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pareja maravillosa, y este tomo es p.e.r.f.e.c.t.o.

[Kiwi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Czy ja właśnie daję pięć gwiazdek, bo w trakcie seksu typ zaczął się zmieniać w smoka? Tak. Moje standardy jeszcze nigdy nie były tak niskie. 🤷‍♀️

[rory (jess' version) · Rating 4 out of 5]

THIS IS SO GOOD YET SO FLEETING WHERE IS THE NEXT VOLUME

[haya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Instant serotonin booster

[Loveland · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I wanted to hold your hand" haha so cute! <— on the floor sobbing about it

[annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5
the only reason why it is not 5/5 is because it is not complete! and it is on hiatus!
My sadness is immeasurable, and my day is ruined.

loved it tho. the plot is getting into interesting point! i also have to admit that the relationship between the two characters is starting to get more intense (bombastic side eye)

[Kate♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5stars

get you a BL romance with a shonen-level fight scene in it oh my god also THE SPICE IN THIS WOW??? IT WAS WOW but also weirdly heart warming? i truly think this was the PERFECT duology but also the author totally left it open to be continued if they wanted to and i'm 100% here for it

[Kristin ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute duology, great paring and chemistry. Only wish it was longer.

[⭐Toonasa⭐ •Romance Book Lovers' Haven• · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was more emotional & sexy than cute, loved it so much! Omg, Rin & Chiharu 🥰😭🥰😭.
The dragon god is fading...& Only Chiharu can save him.

The fight was good, Chi wanting to cheer up Rin so sweet, that shrine God was funny heh. Sexy times 🔥🔥. I'm so glad they won't run from problems & try to be together! Yesss Consent is so sexy 😍.

It ends on a cliffhanger which I have no idea if we'll ever see the two having a HEA as it's been on Hiatus for so long.

Comic rating:

1) The Characters: 4.5/5
2) Story flow & enjoy: 5/5
3) Art: 4.5/5 (not colored)
4) Sexy/Steamy scenes: 2.5/5 (so hot!)
5) The feels: 😲🤯🥺😭🙃😆😍🥰😉

[Jacquie Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I waited because I knew I'd read it in an hour and want more.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

ooo boy that's a few more dicks than i was expecting to see today, woulda preferred a slow burn personally

[Danika Dayman · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a cute gay love story

[Yui · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aww die beiden sind sooo süß und wow... so genau hatte ich eine explizite Szene schon lange nicht mehr dargestellt gehabt. Aber es war auch schön gemacht. Ich mag die Reihe voll. Wie erwartet. 🥰

[Cas ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Continued from my review on volume one:
I really love the touch him and die vibes that we immediately pick up with, as well as the “monster that only calms for his bride” that follows. This book we get a bit of angst, a whole lot of feels, and finally some chemistry and physical affection. I love the way the mangaka handles their intimacy, I am a monsterfucker through and through and I LOVE when authors take risks like partially shifted fun times.

(If that scares you, I promise all of the important parts are human and it’s because he can’t control his form but not because he’s trying to force himself on his bride.)

I had heard through fan sites that this volume even though it says to be continued would be the last because the author hadn’t touched the series in years and was publishing other things instead; the assumption being this was dropped. But assured it was a good HEA feeling ending regardless and I agree with that. I wouldn’t be unsatisfied if there really wasn’t any more, I like where it left off because their feelings are solidified and they have a plan but I don’t necessarily need to know what happens re: the plan, ya know? Trying to be as vague as possible lol. But I would be ecstatic if there WAS a third volume. Because I love the characters and the world, and I love how green flag and consensual the author made what can be a usually iffy with consent trope.

I really like this mangaka and I’ll definitely look for more of her work in the future.

[Jessica ❀ · Rating 5 out of 5]

We pick right up where we left off with Chiharu and Rin. Rin’s powers are dwindling as he has yet to claim his bride and Chiharu is still unsure about his feelings.

I personally felt like Chiharu knew his feelings very well but he was scared to admit them because it is not something he is used to and was out of his comfort zone. But when he did finally admit them? Oh my god, that was explosive. I squealed when they finally kissed, it was the best moment ever. Overall, this volume was just as amazing and I adore the art style.

My only issue with this manga is that the creator went on hiatus after this one and there has been no news from what I could find. So this may be the conclusion which is upsetting as there were a lot of loose ends that still needed tied up. But it is what it is. It was still adorable and I loved this story and my fingers are crossed that it may continue one day.

Happy reading besties 🫶🏻

[ℂ ✧ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Una llàstima que aquesta sèrie estigui en hiatus indefinit des de 2020 perquè és una alenada d'aire fresc en el món BL (i mira que a mi no em va gaire el gènere fantàstic ^^'). L'estil ilustració és molt característic de l'autora perquè totes les seves cares s'assemblen moltíssim, però són traços molt senzills que tenen un encant especial. Pel que fa la trama, incorpora elements mitològics com ara un drac i una profecia/llegenda que s'ha de complir. Trobo que és original i entretinguda, tot i que també un pèl previsible. Soc generosa amb la puntuació perquè no estic acostumada a llegir BL de fantasia que m'agradi ^^' detall important de recordar: mateixa mangaka que セラピーゲーム(上) Therapy Game 1

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

We got some really good relationship and character development in this one!! We finally got more backstory of rin and chi’s grandma and more of what their relationship was like and more info on the circumstances of her wish and possibly a hint of what it might’ve been… While it did take some kinda extreme pressure and difficult extenuating circumstances to get there, we finally got chiharu realizing, accepting, and acting on his feelings for rin and finally together! I really loved the amount of character development Rin got in particular, i feel like we learned so much about him and why he acts/feels the way he does in the first volume (and this one too ofc) along with chiharu as they’re figuring things out… overall just very excited for the next volume whenever that may be :)

[Meagan (FranticVampireReads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This picked up right where volume one ended and I’m so glad it did! We got to see the aftermath of Tenko the fox spirit’s attack on Chiharu. We also got the first real sparks between Chiharu and Rin! I loved how their relationship changed for the better after that. I absolutely loved that even though Chiharu admitted to falling in love with Rin, he didn’t want to leave his life behind and wanted to find a compromise. I can’t wait to see how it all plays out in the next volume! Volume two is getting five stars.

[nik drake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Didn’t realize this was on a hiatus (I think) when I started this cause I went in blind, but the end of this volume works pretty well as a hopeful, open ending if it never gets finished.

I like that Chiharu feels very real and grounded and makes choices that feel rational while sometimes Rin just does things with no thoughts. I think things like that really help modern fantasy stories make sense and feel real.

[Mae Crowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really do love the concept of gods or fate only existing because you want it to. It's interesting when a "this is your destiny" scenario is revealed to not be "because someone else has decided" but "because a neglected part of yourself decided." The struggle isn't with fate telling you what you need to do, but with yourself telling you what it's okay to want.

[Hannah Boyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was a little more angsty just because it got into the feelings and the repercussions of Rin being in the human world so long but still very sweet and had its funny moments. I didn’t know there would be more after Vol. 2 but it ends on a HFN so I’m able to live with it until book 3 comes out lol.

Steam- 1.5/3 1 scene, uncensored.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful art. Great plot. Good Smut.

I wish they went a little bit harder on the pining but this doesn't really feel rushed so it's fine. I'm only let down by the fact that this series is technically still on going! I'm bad at waiting for stuff to come out and I know there's very little possibility of volume three but fingers crossed!

[L.G. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This second volume has definitely entered the Yaoi (BL) category as opposed to the first volume. I still like the artwork. The cuteness of the previous volume has become slightly more serious as the health of the water god has weakened. There are only 2 volumes (so far).

[dovesnook · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this story so much, I could really feel how their love developed and it’s just so adorable ☺️. I know it’s been on a hiatus for forever, but I’m happy with how this volume ended even if we don’t get to see more of their story. I wanna wrap all of these characters up in a big hug.

[lulu ☾ · Rating 5 out of 5]

did i just found out there was supposed to be at least another volume? yup.

did i enjoy it anyway? also yup.

i’ll probably just take this as the ending if the author will never publish another volume(s) to answer all the questions left unanswered.

[Carrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

We went from 0 to 100 real quick. I really like the characters but I wasn't prepared for how fast we hit the accelerator. 😘