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今、恋をしています [Ima, Koi wo Shite Imasu] #4
Ima Koi: Now I'm in Love, Vol. 4
After missing out on love because she was too shy to confess her feelings, high school student Satomi blurts out how she feels the next time she gets a crush—and it’s to her impossibly handsome schoolmate Yagyu! To her surprise, he agrees to date her. Now that Satomi’s suddenly in a relationship, what next?
It’s winter, the season for lovebirds, and Yagyu and Satomi’s Christmas date is approaching. It’s to be a night of many firsts!
It’s winter, the season for lovebirds, and Yagyu and Satomi’s Christmas date is approaching. It’s to be a night of many firsts!
192 pages, Paperback
First published May 25, 2021
34 people are currently reading
318 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews
May 15, 2023
Y’all these are my loves! I cannot get enough of them. It is pure joy reading about them and I honestly love how they both focus on each other and growing their relationship. I’m excited to see what our next few volumes will bring in their relationship.
December 17, 2022
Ima Koi continues to be perfectly serviceable. That’s really the best I can say for this volume. Satomi and Yagyu are six months into their relationship and things are going perfectly. Yagyu is kind and understanding. Satomi is cute and thoughtful. Things are great between them. I’m glad for their relationship, but their relationship isn’t making for the most interesting plot.
It’s nice seeing a more healthy relationship in shoujo, but unlike in other series, Satomi and Yagyu have pretty much no interests outside of each other. When compared to a relationship like Shirayuki and Zen in Snow White with the Red Hair, their relationship doesn’t hold a candle. It would be nice seeing Satomi and Yagyu express interests beyond spending quality time together. I hope in future volumes they explore their own selves for a change independent from one another. It would allow the audience to get to know each of them better and would end the co-dependency that seems to be blossoming between them. I appreciate that they both have jobs where they are separated, but most of the story revolves around Yagyu picking up Satomi after work or visiting one another at work.
In my review of volume 3, I said that I thought Yagyu was a bit too perfect, and I think that continues to be a problem in volume 4. He and Satomi decide to spend Christmas Eve together at an amusement park and end the evening at a hotel. Satomi discusses with her friend that she thinks they might have sex but isn’t sure if she’s ready. While at the hotel things get PG-13 passionate between them. In Satomi’s thought bubbles, she thinks about how nervous she is and thinks something along the lines of, “it’s okay. I’ll just go along with it.” At that moment Yagyu notices that she’s acting really nervous and backs off. Then after a brief discussion, they fall asleep together without going any further.
I really appreciate that Yagyu was respectful of Satomi. However, I think it would have been better if Satomi had felt comfortable and safe enough to express herself out loud to Yagyu. I wish she could have verbalized that she really liked him, but just wasn’t ready to have sex with him. Being that safe with a partner, where you can express yourself and know that they will respect your wishes, is much more romantic to me than the guy being a mind reader. Mind-reading abilities are a bad expectation for any partner, and it’s much more interesting to have characters communicating openly, going through a full range of emotions. I also just hate the idea of any girl just lying there with the notion that she just needs to grin and bare it while he touches her (even if she has mixed feelings about it). Again, I’m glad Yagyu acted appropriately, I just think the scene could have been better.
The latter half of the book is a typical shoujo valentine’s day that we’ve seen in many manga before. It’s cute, but there isn’t much to say about it. Overall, I think this is still a pretty good comfort read, and if you’re looking for something simple to dive into, then It’s worth checking out.
Thank you for taking interest in my review. If you are interested in supporting me, please consider using my affiliate link to pick up a copy of Ima Koi or any other title.
https://amzn.to/3UGHo7C
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It’s nice seeing a more healthy relationship in shoujo, but unlike in other series, Satomi and Yagyu have pretty much no interests outside of each other. When compared to a relationship like Shirayuki and Zen in Snow White with the Red Hair, their relationship doesn’t hold a candle. It would be nice seeing Satomi and Yagyu express interests beyond spending quality time together. I hope in future volumes they explore their own selves for a change independent from one another. It would allow the audience to get to know each of them better and would end the co-dependency that seems to be blossoming between them. I appreciate that they both have jobs where they are separated, but most of the story revolves around Yagyu picking up Satomi after work or visiting one another at work.
In my review of volume 3, I said that I thought Yagyu was a bit too perfect, and I think that continues to be a problem in volume 4. He and Satomi decide to spend Christmas Eve together at an amusement park and end the evening at a hotel. Satomi discusses with her friend that she thinks they might have sex but isn’t sure if she’s ready. While at the hotel things get PG-13 passionate between them. In Satomi’s thought bubbles, she thinks about how nervous she is and thinks something along the lines of, “it’s okay. I’ll just go along with it.” At that moment Yagyu notices that she’s acting really nervous and backs off. Then after a brief discussion, they fall asleep together without going any further.
I really appreciate that Yagyu was respectful of Satomi. However, I think it would have been better if Satomi had felt comfortable and safe enough to express herself out loud to Yagyu. I wish she could have verbalized that she really liked him, but just wasn’t ready to have sex with him. Being that safe with a partner, where you can express yourself and know that they will respect your wishes, is much more romantic to me than the guy being a mind reader. Mind-reading abilities are a bad expectation for any partner, and it’s much more interesting to have characters communicating openly, going through a full range of emotions. I also just hate the idea of any girl just lying there with the notion that she just needs to grin and bare it while he touches her (even if she has mixed feelings about it). Again, I’m glad Yagyu acted appropriately, I just think the scene could have been better.
The latter half of the book is a typical shoujo valentine’s day that we’ve seen in many manga before. It’s cute, but there isn’t much to say about it. Overall, I think this is still a pretty good comfort read, and if you’re looking for something simple to dive into, then It’s worth checking out.
Thank you for taking interest in my review. If you are interested in supporting me, please consider using my affiliate link to pick up a copy of Ima Koi or any other title.
https://amzn.to/3UGHo7C
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December 17, 2022
I am SO thankful this series exists!! It is SO refreshing to have a couple that is purely focused on one another with no worry as to who may try to interfere with their love because those people just don't have a chance. Yagyu and Satomi have confidence in one another and their love for one another that just makes my heart warm fuzzy and honestly wish this "theme" or "trope" was more prominent in shojo manga overall. It's just so so so lovely to see!
The Christmas date that was hinted at in the previous volume was EVERYTHINGGGGG I had hoped it would be in this volume!!! I loved it so so so much!! *cries happy tears* Yagyu has been one of the most perfect boyfriend material heroes and this volume was no exception because of the Christmas date. Even before then, seeing him jealous was enduring and couldn't help but giggle at his antics!
And Satomi! She has this perfect balance of being bold and being clueless, but I don't mean that in a way that is looking down on her! In the first volume, my favorite part of her character is that she didn't know what to do in a relationship. And what I mean by "clueless" is, she still continues to be that and really really appreciate seeing her discover what a girlfriend is and does if that makes sense. I feel her and Yagyu's relationship continues to develop naturally and 100% here for that. Plus, seeing her be bold like she was in giving Yagyu his Valentine's gift was SO cute! I love her love for Yagyu because it's adorable and so sweet!
Overall, this series continues to be in my favorite ongoing shojo manga! I always feel happy once I finish reading and EAGERLY look forward to the next volume (as it has been with EVERY new release of this series)! Continuing to highly recommend this series!
The Christmas date that was hinted at in the previous volume was EVERYTHINGGGGG I had hoped it would be in this volume!!! I loved it so so so much!! *cries happy tears* Yagyu has been one of the most perfect boyfriend material heroes and this volume was no exception because of the Christmas date. Even before then, seeing him jealous was enduring and couldn't help but giggle at his antics!
And Satomi! She has this perfect balance of being bold and being clueless, but I don't mean that in a way that is looking down on her! In the first volume, my favorite part of her character is that she didn't know what to do in a relationship. And what I mean by "clueless" is, she still continues to be that and really really appreciate seeing her discover what a girlfriend is and does if that makes sense. I feel her and Yagyu's relationship continues to develop naturally and 100% here for that. Plus, seeing her be bold like she was in giving Yagyu his Valentine's gift was SO cute! I love her love for Yagyu because it's adorable and so sweet!
Overall, this series continues to be in my favorite ongoing shojo manga! I always feel happy once I finish reading and EAGERLY look forward to the next volume (as it has been with EVERY new release of this series)! Continuing to highly recommend this series!
September 28, 2025
I love them so much. Omg. Yagyu is such a golden retriever, being sweet, protecting her, taking his time with her. Omg I can’t.
November 11, 2023
it was a cute read, kept me entertained for the day. would def recommend for romance fans or som
ginger kazuma>>>>>>>
ginger kazuma>>>>>>>
February 19, 2024
Christmas-time and Valentine’s Day wholesome cuteness with Mizusawa and Yagyu 🥺 sometimes romance manga truly is good for the heart and soul 🩷
There is some adorable awkwardness for the young couple as they prepare to spend the night away together over Christmas at a theme-park hotel 🥹 Yagyu is honestly like the picture-perfect boyfriend as well, ugh I will forever gush about this series lol
There is some adorable awkwardness for the young couple as they prepare to spend the night away together over Christmas at a theme-park hotel 🥹 Yagyu is honestly like the picture-perfect boyfriend as well, ugh I will forever gush about this series lol
May 7, 2022
This manga is so pure and wonderful that it literally heals my soul whenever I read it
January 6, 2023
This series just gets cuter and cuter I can't deal.
December 5, 2022
These are getting cuter and cuter!
January 5, 2024
Overall rating: 5/5⭐️
"I know I sound like a brat saying this... but when it comes to who's allowed to save you, gaze at you, be by your side, or touch you... I'm the only one you need."
"...so we can share the same time together from now on, of course."
I love this so much! This volume is about Satomi and Yagyu's first Christmas together and it was so freaking sweet! I swear, these too give me toothaches. I would wish for this to be animated (and I still do) but it's honestly perfect on paper as is.
"I know I sound like a brat saying this... but when it comes to who's allowed to save you, gaze at you, be by your side, or touch you... I'm the only one you need."
"...so we can share the same time together from now on, of course."
I love this so much! This volume is about Satomi and Yagyu's first Christmas together and it was so freaking sweet! I swear, these too give me toothaches. I would wish for this to be animated (and I still do) but it's honestly perfect on paper as is.
September 18, 2023
I liked this volume more than I thought I would! I love seeing Satomi nervous and spazzing out. I can definitely relate LOL. And I like Tenma. His negativity is hilarious and I love that Yagyu and Satomi just ignore his shit. Now a character I do hate??? That weirdo sis of Yagyu’s!!!! I still don’t like her.
And last but not least, it IS weird AF to put your bf’s face on a cake… why not just write I love you or something??? Lol
And last but not least, it IS weird AF to put your bf’s face on a cake… why not just write I love you or something??? Lol
February 3, 2023
4.5 stars
my mf-ing BABIES. my CHILDREN.
my mf-ing BABIES. my CHILDREN.
June 20, 2023
Kyaa! Cute and fun! We have Christmas and fun times at an amusement park, and I just loved what Yagyuu did for Satomi, that was just so cute. Plus, I loved what happened that night, he was so respectful and sweet. I am sure that would have loved to go there, but he saw that his girlfriend was not ready and he respected that. So happy! And then there is Valentine's Day (yep, we are just flying through the holidays now) and I felt for Satomi though I was also a bit annoyed. Girl, you know that Yagyuu would be more than happy with it. Stop being influenced by what others tell you.
There are tons of cute and fun moments, these two are so cute together~ Love love!
But I am really done with that Senpai dude, he was just too much for me. And our love interest should really find a friend who is kinder, because HOT DANG.
There are tons of cute and fun moments, these two are so cute together~ Love love!
But I am really done with that Senpai dude, he was just too much for me. And our love interest should really find a friend who is kinder, because HOT DANG.
July 23, 2023
AMAZINGGGGGG I ALWAYS LOVE
Read
February 11, 2023i need the rest of the translations now
April 12, 2023
a bit much jealousy, otherwise as cute as always ♡
June 18, 2023
3.5/5
August 10, 2023
i cannot get enough of this they are SO CUTE
June 25, 2024
Again, this is my first manga series. I would say this was about a 3.5 for me, just like the rest.
Just like the rest of the series, this book is gorgeous! It was so cute to see Yagyu and Satomi in their element in their jobs. And seeing any bit of Yagyu's jealousy is so adorably cute!
This book did introduce a bit of a more serious topic - taking a relationship more physical. I was very happy to see a very honest and adult interaction and conversation. So many teenagers today think that a good relationship has to involve a certain amount of physical interaction but that isn't always the case. Here we see a very mature, loving, cute and adorable relationship that is going at the pace comfortable for both individuals.
And I would also say that I love how this couple shows us that there is never anything as a corny gift. Often times if you like it and think the other person will like it too, you will be right! It may be cliche but sometimes it really is the thought and effort that counts. The time/thought that went into something is what makes it perfect!
Just like the rest of the series, this book is gorgeous! It was so cute to see Yagyu and Satomi in their element in their jobs. And seeing any bit of Yagyu's jealousy is so adorably cute!
This book did introduce a bit of a more serious topic - taking a relationship more physical. I was very happy to see a very honest and adult interaction and conversation. So many teenagers today think that a good relationship has to involve a certain amount of physical interaction but that isn't always the case. Here we see a very mature, loving, cute and adorable relationship that is going at the pace comfortable for both individuals.
And I would also say that I love how this couple shows us that there is never anything as a corny gift. Often times if you like it and think the other person will like it too, you will be right! It may be cliche but sometimes it really is the thought and effort that counts. The time/thought that went into something is what makes it perfect!
December 25, 2022
4.5 stars. This is so refreshing and cute.
November 22, 2023
2nd Read 2023:
I am always a sucker for an amusement park plotline. Plus, there is a scene where they almost engage in **intimate relations** and then, they don't. BECAUSE!!!! Of the fantastic communication and consent discussion! Oh my God, I am in love, you would be surprised how little of this I see in books, and having it in a book aimed at teens is utterly fantastic! I love this series.
The Valentine's day cake of his face was just gold too.
1st Read 2022:
What a couple of sweetie pies 🥰
I am always a sucker for an amusement park plotline. Plus, there is a scene where they almost engage in **intimate relations** and then, they don't. BECAUSE!!!! Of the fantastic communication and consent discussion! Oh my God, I am in love, you would be surprised how little of this I see in books, and having it in a book aimed at teens is utterly fantastic! I love this series.
The Valentine's day cake of his face was just gold too.
1st Read 2022:
What a couple of sweetie pies 🥰
June 24, 2023
3.5 stars
This series is so cute
This series is so cute
February 15, 2024
Another adorable volume, full of Satomi and Yagyu being sweet and honest and loving with one another. These two continue to make me go “awww” and I love how they are growing together.
It was clear in the previous volume that Tatsukawa liked Satomi, and it was annoying to see their cafe boss and Yagyu’s cousin/boss trying to push them into a love triangle and set up some sort of competition for Satomi’s heart. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good love triangle, but it shouldn’t even be a question at this point, because Satomi is already with Yagyu, clearly has no interest in Tatsukawa, and competition seems to imply that Satomi has no choice in the matter. As if she would have abandoned Yagyu if Tatsukawa had won the arm wrestling, lol. Hopefully the whole incident reinforced to Tatsukawa that he has no chance with Satomi, and he shouldn’t try to push past the boundaries of friendship. Pretty much the only thing I liked from that scenario is it allowed Yagyu to tell Satomi how much he wants to be the only one who protects her, and for Satomi to tell Yagyu that she feels the same.
I loved the Christmas outing to the amusement park - it really highlighted how much Yagyu loves being around Satomi and doing the things that make her happy. He wholeheartedly enjoyed being there with her, especially the bunny ears, haha. I also love that he was completely ok with their hotel night not going as planned. Yagyu puts Satomi’s feelings above all else, and wants her to be comfortable. In the end, that is exactly what will bring the comfort needed.
As for Valentine’s Day, how cute are these two? I love that Satomi went to the effort to make Yagyu something, and that Yagyu treasured the time and thoughtfulness she put into it. Also, it’s not that weird to eat a cake with your own face on it when you know the one you love made it with all her heart. I’m glad he talked her into giving it to him (and low-key annoyed that her friend told her it was weird).
We briefly saw Yagyu’s sister and Satomi’s brother again - maybe those two should get together, haha. I’m glad Yagyu is putting up boundaries with his sister and not letting her come between him and Satomi.
It was clear in the previous volume that Tatsukawa liked Satomi, and it was annoying to see their cafe boss and Yagyu’s cousin/boss trying to push them into a love triangle and set up some sort of competition for Satomi’s heart. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good love triangle, but it shouldn’t even be a question at this point, because Satomi is already with Yagyu, clearly has no interest in Tatsukawa, and competition seems to imply that Satomi has no choice in the matter. As if she would have abandoned Yagyu if Tatsukawa had won the arm wrestling, lol. Hopefully the whole incident reinforced to Tatsukawa that he has no chance with Satomi, and he shouldn’t try to push past the boundaries of friendship. Pretty much the only thing I liked from that scenario is it allowed Yagyu to tell Satomi how much he wants to be the only one who protects her, and for Satomi to tell Yagyu that she feels the same.
I loved the Christmas outing to the amusement park - it really highlighted how much Yagyu loves being around Satomi and doing the things that make her happy. He wholeheartedly enjoyed being there with her, especially the bunny ears, haha. I also love that he was completely ok with their hotel night not going as planned. Yagyu puts Satomi’s feelings above all else, and wants her to be comfortable. In the end, that is exactly what will bring the comfort needed.
As for Valentine’s Day, how cute are these two? I love that Satomi went to the effort to make Yagyu something, and that Yagyu treasured the time and thoughtfulness she put into it. Also, it’s not that weird to eat a cake with your own face on it when you know the one you love made it with all her heart. I’m glad he talked her into giving it to him (and low-key annoyed that her friend told her it was weird).
We briefly saw Yagyu’s sister and Satomi’s brother again - maybe those two should get together, haha. I’m glad Yagyu is putting up boundaries with his sister and not letting her come between him and Satomi.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 10, 2023
Honestly didn't even want to read this one, but for whatever reason I'd preordered all the way through Volume 4 before realizing I wasn't interested in this series, so I finally sat down and read it. It's not bad, it's just, again, pretty boring.
Things I liked: Yagyu paying attention to Satomi's reactions and not pushing anything during their Christmas sleepover. Despite what she was saying, she wasn't ready, and it was good for Yagyu to recognize that. There were an assortment of cute moments throughout, and the Valentine's cake scene was sweet.
But I still feel like there's not much actual chemistry between the two of them. What do they like about each other? Yagyu doesn't open up at all in this volume, and Satomi's still just sweet and earnest and a little clumsy, and for some reason Yagyu is head over heels devoted to her and only her because...main character syndrome?
I continue to like the side characters more, including Satomi's boss, who was giving off some serious gay vibes - not sure if that was intentional or not, but it's possible, since the author's note indicated no issues with BL undertones. (It WOULD be more interesting if Tenma was in unrequited love with Yagyu, and if that was the reason for his antagonism towards Satomi. If only that was the case, and he got a spinoff with his own romance, since Hatta said she wanted to branch out from shoujo after finishing this series...)
There's just not that much else to talk about with this volume. It's so much of the same, 4 books in, and I'm kind of tired of crawling at a snail's pace through their relationship. Slow, natural progress is good, but the key word there is progress. Something has to be happening to make their relationship change and grow, and instead we're just hitting the same notes over and over. I get it. Yagyu is super hot and the best boyfriend ever. But at this point he and Satomi have the same level of personality...which is to say, none worth mentioning.
Things I liked: Yagyu paying attention to Satomi's reactions and not pushing anything during their Christmas sleepover. Despite what she was saying, she wasn't ready, and it was good for Yagyu to recognize that. There were an assortment of cute moments throughout, and the Valentine's cake scene was sweet.
But I still feel like there's not much actual chemistry between the two of them. What do they like about each other? Yagyu doesn't open up at all in this volume, and Satomi's still just sweet and earnest and a little clumsy, and for some reason Yagyu is head over heels devoted to her and only her because...main character syndrome?
I continue to like the side characters more, including Satomi's boss, who was giving off some serious gay vibes - not sure if that was intentional or not, but it's possible, since the author's note indicated no issues with BL undertones. (It WOULD be more interesting if Tenma was in unrequited love with Yagyu, and if that was the reason for his antagonism towards Satomi. If only that was the case, and he got a spinoff with his own romance, since Hatta said she wanted to branch out from shoujo after finishing this series...)
There's just not that much else to talk about with this volume. It's so much of the same, 4 books in, and I'm kind of tired of crawling at a snail's pace through their relationship. Slow, natural progress is good, but the key word there is progress. Something has to be happening to make their relationship change and grow, and instead we're just hitting the same notes over and over. I get it. Yagyu is super hot and the best boyfriend ever. But at this point he and Satomi have the same level of personality...which is to say, none worth mentioning.
June 27, 2022
‘I'm not afraid of something like that. I’ve got no intention of letting her go away.’Another cute and fluffy read! I like that whenever one of them doubts and wavers in their relationship, the other one just swoops in and reaffirms their love for each other, and they come out stronger together because of it. The mangaka was right when they (he/she?) said Yagyuu is too perfect and doesn't exist... because yes (but if they do, where are you all in my life jk).
I'm still not fond of Tatsukawa and the trope he brings in with him but it's fine as long as it doesn't go overboard. Also, can we stop drawing Niimo too tiny? Her ' I’m gonna buy something for myself! I love me after all! ♥ ' was written way too small for something so funny!
Do you think we’ll be in the same class in our 2nd year?Can't wait for their sophomore year!
We will.
How can you be so sure?
... I’ll threaten the teachers to put us together.
Vol 1 (ch 1 - 4): ★★★★★
Vol 2 (ch 5 - 8): ★★★★★
Vol 3 (ch 9 - 12): ★★★★☆
Vol 4 (ch 13 - 16.5): ★★★★☆
Vol 5 (ch 17 - )
October 20, 2023
I started to feel more romantic tension between them in this volume and finally was able to get under the surface of their relationship a bit thanks to their Christmas theme park date and then the awkward beginnings at the hotel. It is really nice to see a healthy relationship, but I'm still hoping to see more of these characters outside of the relationship. We really only see what's relevant to the highlight. Christmas? Satomi gets a job and, oh yeah, suddenly Yagyu has a job he's apparently been going to off and on (which we learned in a previous volume). Valentine's Day? Of course she's making chocolates. Friends pop in for commentary and then we're back to the couple. But it's extra cute that they're both looking forward to the end of the day. They're feeling less generic, but I want more from them. I want more than the highlights. Give us down time, too. School clubs. Interests. Sports. Hobbies. Something. I don't really know anything about these two beyond how they feel about each other.
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