Ima Koi: Now I’m in Love 9 by Ayuko Hatta
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
There's a rather large time skip here where we go from studying for college entrance exams as third years in high school to passing those exams and then suddenly what their life looks like sometime further in the future. It's unclear if they're still in school at this point or not, but Yagyu and Satomi are living together at the very least and it sounds like Miria and Noda may be moving in together after Miria landing a new job. It doesn't sound like they're married at this point, though they very well could be as they definitely act like a more established long term couple, just as they are considering they've been dating for several years at this point. For their anniversary, Yagyu takes them back to the same theme park where they celebrated that first Christmas, much to Miria's joy it seems. They have both been talking long term and wanting to stay together, so it appears they got their wish.
View all my reviews
Ima Koi: Now I’m in Love 8 by Ayuko Hatta
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
A lot of this volume focuses on Miria and Noda and how they learn to communicate and begin to interact together on their dates. While they have their cute moments, they're a lot more confrontational than Yagyu and Satomi. This leads to problems when Yagyu helps an underclassman and Satomi gets jealous, bringing things to a head where they feel where one isn't being honest or holding out on the other and their communication is lacking. Even though the originally both apologize, their feelings are still troubled under everything leading to feeling like there's a wall between the two of them until their friends tell them to air everything out. Things get resolved pretty quickly once they both want to talk things out and really try to fix them instead of just apologize and sweep it under the rug.
View all my reviews
Ima Koi: Now I’m in Love 7 by Ayuko Hatta
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Noda actually gets jealous which leads to Miria giving him her first kiss (though it looks to be on the cheek) and promptly avoiding him out of sheer embarrassment. Noda isn't letting her ignore him though and even enlists the help her cousin (their temporary student teacher) to literally lock them into a storage room together so they can finally talk. They're still not on the same page it seems though, as Miria makes a lot of assumptions about what dating should be like and takes a bit to actually start talking to Noda. More like yelling at him sometimes, but he's somehow good at taking that in stride or firing right back if he wants to. For now, she seems convinced that since he invited her over when her family is out, he must have ulterior motives with their relationship.
View all my reviews
Ima Koi: Now I’m in Love 6 by Ayuko Hatta
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Yagyu ends up staying overnight with Satomi's family after a storm rolls in, though fortunately he seems to be winning them all over. Even Satomi's brother who previously seemed terrified of him now seems convinced their best friends. Meanwhile, Miria continues to struggle with sharing her feelings. Noda doesn't seem to be as oblivious as he acts, thought it takes Miria losing her temper in a cat fight with Noda's ex before either of them really speak up about it at all. Miria really is rather contrary about the whole thing despite her desire to be with Noda at the end of it all. Fortunately, that doesn't seem to deter Noda, who follows up with from the fireworks show to the summer music festival. Turns out he does already like Miria, though she seems convinced it's not in the same or right way somehow.
View all my reviews
Ima Koi: Now I’m in Love 5 by Ayuko Hatta
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Mizusawa (Satomi) and Yagyu are in the same class together for the new year, though Nimo is in a different class. A new friend, Miria, is in class as well, who seems to have all the boys swooning over her. This could be a concern when she seems to get extra friendly with Yagyu. Luckily, it's just a misunderstanding and she's actually trying to get close to his best friend Noda. With that fear off her chest, Miria and Satomi quickly become good friends and Satomi promises to help her. The girls end up in cheer squad as the "easy" option given their lack of athletic abilities when sports day comes around, though Satomi gains some unexpected help from Tatsukawa on the dance moves. The boys do well overall even though Noda doesn't seem to be much help at least in the log toppling. He's surprising fast in the relay though, surprising pretty much everyone except for Yagyu. Satomi manages to sneak a special surprise in on their first anniversary, leading to Yagyu showing up at her house rather unexpectedly. Sometimes he really is very sweet. Doubt he was expecting to meet his girlfriend's mom when biked over like a mad man, but she seems to have her sights on him now.
View all my reviews
Ima Koi: Now I’m in Love 4 by Ayuko Hatta
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Mizusawa gets to see Yagyu at his own job for a change, though Tatsukawa and her cafe manager show up in the middle of the excursion. After an arm wrestling contest, the two turn to making Christmas plans, including going to a theme park even if their friends taunt them a bit about it being likely to kill their relationship. It seems they have some of the same ideas though as they both chose couple gifts that pair them together. Mizusawa proves she's still a bit on the side of innocence though when they go to the hotel together. Fortunately, Yagyu actually understands that and seems to prefer them taking things slow to enjoy growing together in their relationship. He's at least getting pretty good at reading Mizusawa if nothing else, which may be what saves his valentines cake when Nimo unintentionally squashes her hopes of him liking the valentines cake she had designed.
Ima Koi: Now I’m in Love 3 by Ayuko Hatta
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Mizusawa ends up on the planning committee for the school festival which throws a bit of a wrench into some of their dating plans. As always, Yagyu accepts these challenges and changes with a calmness that would be surreal in some teenagers. Given the little time they'll have together during the event, he even goes out of his way to give Mizusawa her own sneak peak at his costume and the services they'll be offering as butlers for the event after she expresses an interest in it, though she gets a few perks as his girlfriend that the customers won't be receiving. As a result of working on the committee, Mizusawa also gets to know Tatsukawa a bit, who seems to be rather similar to Yagyu, perhaps just a bit more open and not as frightening at first sight. This seems to be further reinforced when they end up working together at a cafe after school, though Tatsukawa doesn't seem to be intentionally making any move to break up Mizusawa and Yagyu. Rather, he was fully supportive of them winning the couples challenge during the school festival and asks after them once in awhile. It's a bit hard to tell if he has his own interest in Mizusawa or perhaps sees her as something like a little sister with his kindness and fondness. Yagyu doesn't like it at first either, but he seems to at least be holding any thoughts or opinions to himself while they're working together.
View all my reviews
Ima Koi: Now I’m in Love 2 by Ayuko Hatta
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Yagyu remains a gentleman even when Mizusawa stays over at his house. Unfortunately, the next day doesn't go as planned when his sister shows up unexpectedly and seems rather fixated on having all of her brother's attention on her. Unfortunately for her though, Mizusawa doesn't see any of her tricks as bullying. If anything, the only thing that seems to put her off is the actual language used and how clingy she gets. Even revealing "Yagyu's secret" doesn't get her any real reward. If anything, it just helps their relationship as Mizusawa is completely understanding and okay with Yagyu's fear and reasons for his reaction, rather just being glad that she is trusted to know (though his sister kind of forced it). Hopefully she won't be a challenge in the future as well.
View all my reviews
Ima Koi: Now I'm in Love 1 by Ayuko Hatta
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Yagyu seems to be a bit of a gentle giant, though his height and general aloof persona seem to make him intimidating. After saving Mizusawa on the train during the morning commute to school, and then giving her his umbrella for 2 girls to use who had forgotten them rather than letting her give up her own as she had been about to do, it seems he's one who genuinely cares for those around him even if he comes off as intimidating. With that sort of personality, Mizusawa falls hard and fast and isn't willing to just let them part as strangers. Despite his insistence that he doesn't need any thanks, her persistence pays off even if there's some confusion getting on the same page initially given Yagyu doesn't like her in the same way, but seems willing to give a relationship together a chance. He seems to ace everything though, especially once he learns it's Mizusawa's birthday, with the best cherry on top - confessing his own feelings. That's probably about the best gift he could have given her, even if he did spoil her the rest of the day too.
View all my reviews
Wolf Girl & Black Prince 16 by Ayuko Hatta
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Graduation is here and the friends all move on to their new studies. There are a lot of time skips in this volume jumping from early college days to when Kyouya and Erika move in together after saying they should live together following graduation. From there time skips further to when they are a family. We learn from interactions with their friends that the wedding was after they started creating a family (accidentally), and that Kyouya is still studying while working part time. Erika also has some sort of job and is selling glass work online on the side, so she must have some sort of access to a studio. It's never made clear if she finished her studies, if Kyouya is in the same program as before or if these classes are past the previous graduation milestone set for them to move in together or if they both just didn't want to wait any longer. It would seem given they are getting together with their other friends again though, that they are back in Tokyo and not in Kyoto for Erika's school. It would seem that they are all fairly happy for the ending.
Wolf Girl & Black Prince 15 by Ayuko Hatta
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
There's trouble when Erika's mother gives her an ultimatum that she can only pursue glass crafting if she studies with her aunt in Kyoto. Not too surprising that Kyouya isn't too happy about that, even if he has a really roundabout and cruel way of showing it. Fortunately, Erika has Sanda in her corner, and she's not falling for the charade. Kyouya's comfort zone gets put to the test even more when the class decides to hold a prom before graduation the next day.
View all my reviews
Wolf Girl & Black Prince 14 by Ayuko Hatta
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
The friendship group remains intact, and if anything, occasionally expands to include other friends here and there. Kyouya's birthday especially brings about a lot of excitement, which seems to baffle him, but he's mostly a good sport about the whole deal. Despite preferring to just study, Kyouya even goes along with a camping trip, especially once it's pointed out that Erika could end up sharing a tent with another guy if he's not there. Not that there's truly a risk of that since the tents are divided boys and girls, but it's still a bit amusing. Erika is still struggling with what she wants to do after high school while the rest of her friends seem to be determine to continue along their chosen paths. There may be some light at the end of the tunnel for her with this new interest in her aunt's glass work, though.
View all my reviews
Wolf Girl & Black Prince 13 by Ayuko Hatta
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
There's a bit of a 3-way triangle with Sanda, Takeru, and Ayumi, though really Ayumi is a self centered and shameless flirt, even if all in all he's done leagues better than he began with. Takeru proves that he honestly is just a good guy once again, and maybe a tad clueless sometimes. It's amazing how much he's done for Kyouya and Erika and their relationship, but honestly seems to be clueless when it comes to his own. Kyouya also gets to meet Erika's parents, though her dad doesn't seem to be taking it any better than the first time initially. Eventually everyone seems to adore Kyouya and he once again proves why he's actually a good match for Erika. Even the birthday plans, as horrible as they turn out, are well meaning and really do fit her personality and what she would probably love to do. Hopefully maybe the next time they go out won't be as much of a disaster, even if they can laugh about it in the end.
View all my reviews
Wolf Girl & Black Prince 12 by Ayuko Hatta
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This is probably one of the best installments to the story so far. Kyouya and Erika both set things straight and once again, Kyouya gets more than a little protective and possessive of Erika. The class trip starts, and thanks to their friends, they even have a cute little moment together there. Meanwhile it seems like there's some drama leaning with Sanda and Takeru. Neither one has seemed to have a real interest in a relationship of their own at this point, though they certainly do get along, especially since Takeru helped with her stalker. Curious to see if Erika was on the right track for once or missed the mark again.
View all my reviews
Wolf Girl & Black Prince 11 by Ayuko Hatta
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Not only do we have yet another girl who seems to be interested in Kyouya despite claims to the contrary, we now also have Erika's old middle school friend who once confessed to her back in the mix. While on their sides they may see it as an entirely platonic friendship, it's clear that's not how their significant other views their new friendships. Of course we have to have extra drama after Kyouya was actually rather cute and sweet when Erika was sick.
View all my reviews
Wolf Girl & Black Prince 10 by Ayuko Hatta
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
As usual, even if there are 3 steps forward, we also see at least 2 steps back in the same volume. While the hot spring trip starts out nice, and suppose ends well if you consider the ending being days later when they finally talk again rather than when they come home, the middle part is a bit of a mess. Fortunately Ren doesn't seem to be stirring up any trouble even though she's at their school now, though it seems most of their group have some pretty set goals for what they want to do after school. Surprisingly Kyouya is the closest to Erika in mindset and basically going through the steps one at a time.
View all my reviews
Wolf Girl & Black Prince 9 by Ayuko Hatta
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Kyouya seems to be less and less emotionless though he can still be very cruel. The fat shaming in this volume especially is rather concerning and not enjoyable. Props to Erika for ultimately sticking to her goal and making it, but the others certainly aren't kind about it except for maybe San-chan when she tries to encourage her to eat something because she really did not look well there for a bit with the dieting. Kyouya nearly seems like another person with Lime hanging around, and while he's definitely cheerful with the dog, it seems to be at the detriment to the rest of his relationships. Really, he's lucky Erika is so devoted to him. Now the question is how is he going to react to this hot springs trip?
View all my reviews
Wolf Girl & Black Prince 8 by Ayuko Hatta
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Rena gives up, which is a nice change of pace and surprisingly Kyouya goes along with Christmas celebrations. Oddly, he seems somewhat annoyed that Erika is okay with the group and not them doing something as a couple originally. As usual, he's rather standoffish and mean about it while picking odd moments to show his more sentimental and sweet side. The emotions after he got his spare pare of glasses where cute, but also confusing. Just going to bed? And Erika just leaves? After being so determined to take care of him and protect him? Granted he had his glasses then, but still living alone and just caught in a rain storm, so it felt jarring.
View all my reviews
Wolf Girl & Black Prince 7 by Ayuko Hatta
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Wow. There is no shortage of interfering characters here. Surprisingly Kamiya hits it on the nose guessing that Erika's cousin will be trouble, especially as Erika is just as oblivious and overly kind as always. Not that either of them are really all that subtle. Kyouya isn't exactly known for holding back either, though he does tend to ignore things unless he's forced to be involved, at least unless it's something that starts obviously bothering Erika, then he's got a surprising protective streak. Hard to decide if it's all amusing at this point or just tiring.
View all my reviews
Wolf Girl & Black Prince 6 by Ayuko Hatta
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
We meet Kyouya's big sister and his mother in this volume, who both seem to take a liking to Erika. While their relationship is somewhat strained given the separation, which is to be expected, they also have a rather unique way of communicating with each other and how they respond to their emotions and situations. Adding Erika into the mix seems to smooth some of the edges and even gives them a glimpse into his more emotional side, especially when he gets protective of Erika. We see a bit of jealousy and possessiveness come into play as well when they're trying to save the cafe. Really, the maid uniform really might have been going too far.
View all my reviews
