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裸足でバラを踏め [Hadashi de Bara wo Fume] #2
Stepping on Roses, Vol. 2
A rags-to-riches romance from the creator of Tail of the Moon!
Poor Sumi Kitamura… Her irresponsible older brother Eisuke keeps bringing home orphans for her to take care of even though they can barely afford their own basic needs! Just when Sumi's financial problems become dire, wealthy Soichiro Ashida enters her life with a bizarre he'll provide her with the money she so desperately needs if she agrees to marry him. But can Sumi fool high society into thinking she's a proper lady? Moreover, is it worth giving up everything for this sham of a marriage?
Sumi becomes torn when Soichiro's childhood friend Nozomu expresses romantic interest in her. While she is drawn to Nozomu, she is also committed to Soichiro as his wife. As Sumi fights off her feelings for Nozomu, how far will Nozomu go to win Sumi's love?
Poor Sumi Kitamura… Her irresponsible older brother Eisuke keeps bringing home orphans for her to take care of even though they can barely afford their own basic needs! Just when Sumi's financial problems become dire, wealthy Soichiro Ashida enters her life with a bizarre he'll provide her with the money she so desperately needs if she agrees to marry him. But can Sumi fool high society into thinking she's a proper lady? Moreover, is it worth giving up everything for this sham of a marriage?
Sumi becomes torn when Soichiro's childhood friend Nozomu expresses romantic interest in her. While she is drawn to Nozomu, she is also committed to Soichiro as his wife. As Sumi fights off her feelings for Nozomu, how far will Nozomu go to win Sumi's love?
192 pages, Paperback
First published August 25, 2008
24 people are currently reading
663 people want to read
About the author
Rinko Ueda
89 books188 followersJapanese name: 上田倫子
She is a Japanese manga artist who does mainly shojo manga. Her works are primarily serialized in Margaret magazine, with series published in collected volumes by Shueisha, though she has also been featured in fellow Shueisha publication Ribon, as well as illustrating the novel adaptation of her own Stepping on Roses series in Cobalt.
She is a Japanese manga artist who does mainly shojo manga. Her works are primarily serialized in Margaret magazine, with series published in collected volumes by Shueisha, though she has also been featured in fellow Shueisha publication Ribon, as well as illustrating the novel adaptation of her own Stepping on Roses series in Cobalt.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
September 22, 2018
Volume 2- Sumi settles into married life learning to be 'proper lady'. She is doing well enough her husband allows her to visit the orphans. But trouble could be brewing in the form of a love triangle.
April 2, 2020
I wanted to jump into more manga, as per my 2020 reading goals. Unfortunately, I think I picked the wrong series to jump in on.
I found two books from this series at a local used book store, so I decided... why not? I want more manga and this sounded like something I would enjoy.
I did not enjoy.
There's lots of abuse in this story towards our female lead and she doesn't even fight back. She gets hit, yelled at, demeaned and torn down and I don't stand for any of it. I just couldn't. I got more and more annoyed and wanted to DNF after the first scenario, but I didn't. I needed to finish reading it to give it an honest review. And it got worse.
Sumi's married to Soichiro, a rich man who basically bought her to be his wife but not romantic wife just convenient wife. He's a total jerk and demands she be a perfect lady and do whatever he thinks up but doesn't tell her, and when she doesn't do it he beats her and demeans her. She likes Nozomu, an old friend who seems nice, but can't go after him since she's married to a woman beater.
Yeah, I don't like this book. So much fury... so much.
Overall, this book is a major no from me. I can't do it. I have one other book in the series I'm gonna take a quick glance through but I'm almost certain this series is not gonna do it for me, ever.
One out of five stars.
I found two books from this series at a local used book store, so I decided... why not? I want more manga and this sounded like something I would enjoy.
I did not enjoy.
There's lots of abuse in this story towards our female lead and she doesn't even fight back. She gets hit, yelled at, demeaned and torn down and I don't stand for any of it. I just couldn't. I got more and more annoyed and wanted to DNF after the first scenario, but I didn't. I needed to finish reading it to give it an honest review. And it got worse.
Sumi's married to Soichiro, a rich man who basically bought her to be his wife but not romantic wife just convenient wife. He's a total jerk and demands she be a perfect lady and do whatever he thinks up but doesn't tell her, and when she doesn't do it he beats her and demeans her. She likes Nozomu, an old friend who seems nice, but can't go after him since she's married to a woman beater.
Yeah, I don't like this book. So much fury... so much.
Overall, this book is a major no from me. I can't do it. I have one other book in the series I'm gonna take a quick glance through but I'm almost certain this series is not gonna do it for me, ever.
One out of five stars.
November 30, 2011
Oh my god, I think this is one of my new favorite mangas. I love pretty much everything about it. The major being the artwork. I can't stand to read any manga that has drawings I don't like. The cover to this volume was gorgeous! I took one look at it and started to drooling. One of my personal favorites was the drawings of when Soichiro jumped Sumi in bed. Not gonna lie, it was kinda hot. Also, still thinking that Sumi's brother is sexy. He's so attractive that even the prostitutes give him a session free of charge! That scene made me laugh so much...
One of the major things I have to say after reading this is that this Nozomu guy is a freak!! Holy shit, the guys a weirdo! I thought Soichiro was bad, but at least he's not a creepy stalker type. The scenes at the end especially had me reaching for my rape whistle. What's up with Nozomu? Is he planning to Gahh! He scares me now!!
Soichiro though is my new obsession. I just love a moody, misunderstood guy. They're a lot more interesting than boring hand-towel guy Nozomu who turned out to be a creeper. Soichiro just seems like a guy with a lot of issues in his past. He acts like a jerk on the outside, but he's really just a hurt little boy. I loved the scenes with him and Sumi when he got upset. He tried to act all annoyed, but I think that deep down he needs someone to care for him.
One of the major things I have to say after reading this is that this Nozomu guy is a freak!! Holy shit, the guys a weirdo! I thought Soichiro was bad, but at least he's not a creepy stalker type. The scenes at the end especially had me reaching for my rape whistle. What's up with Nozomu? Is he planning to Gahh! He scares me now!!
Soichiro though is my new obsession. I just love a moody, misunderstood guy. They're a lot more interesting than boring hand-towel guy Nozomu who turned out to be a creeper. Soichiro just seems like a guy with a lot of issues in his past. He acts like a jerk on the outside, but he's really just a hurt little boy. I loved the scenes with him and Sumi when he got upset. He tried to act all annoyed, but I think that deep down he needs someone to care for him.
March 9, 2015
I'm really enjoying this series. But, Nozomu is getting really creepy. And, Soichiro needs to start letting Sumi into his heart, since she is his wife.
February 23, 2016
Loved it must read
May 6, 2020
1.5
So the story progresses on to Sumi's practice debut. Her husband reveals his plan to us and his butler so we know the reason why he's letting the relationship happen between Sumi and Nozomu.
Warning: two attempted rapes, non graphic but they talk about it then stopped. The boys force themselves onto Sumi with their bodies but mainly just with kisses.
Each of the characters are so stupid. My favorite is the butler because of his funny reactions.
-Sumi: I hate how dense she is!!! I don't like her. She fancies herself in love with people but THANKFULLY she doesn't want to spend time with one of the guys.
-Soichiro: He's cruel, forceful, manipulative, etc etc etc. He likes Sumi, which is pretty gross. He acts like a child too. There's a part with him and some kids and he fit in so well....
-Nozomu: Doesn't he know that Sumi and Soichiro are MARRIED???? He's as gross as Soichiro.
-the kids: Pretty resourceful!! They are my favorite part of the series. I'll read on for their sake.
-the butler: he got hired because he has similar goals as his boss. But besides that, he's funny.
Art style is good. I like the way the author did Soichiro's eyebrows.
I've pretty much got this series figured out, after reading this volume.
So the story progresses on to Sumi's practice debut. Her husband reveals his plan to us and his butler so we know the reason why he's letting the relationship happen between Sumi and Nozomu.
Warning: two attempted rapes, non graphic but they talk about it then stopped. The boys force themselves onto Sumi with their bodies but mainly just with kisses.
Each of the characters are so stupid. My favorite is the butler because of his funny reactions.
-Sumi: I hate how dense she is!!! I don't like her. She fancies herself in love with people but THANKFULLY she doesn't want to spend time with one of the guys.
-Soichiro: He's cruel, forceful, manipulative, etc etc etc. He likes Sumi, which is pretty gross. He acts like a child too. There's a part with him and some kids and he fit in so well....
-Nozomu: Doesn't he know that Sumi and Soichiro are MARRIED???? He's as gross as Soichiro.
-the kids: Pretty resourceful!! They are my favorite part of the series. I'll read on for their sake.
-the butler: he got hired because he has similar goals as his boss. But besides that, he's funny.
Art style is good. I like the way the author did Soichiro's eyebrows.
I've pretty much got this series figured out, after reading this volume.
June 15, 2017
The relationship between Sumi and Soichiro and their loveless marriage continues in volume two of this highly enjoyable manga. Sumi makes her debut as his wife, and Soichiro rewards her in an unexpectedly kind way.Sumi gets to visit the kids she left behind.This visit leads to a subtle change in the Kitamura household. Nozumu appears again,and causes a problem for Sumi that may be unfixable! If you enjoy Shojo, I think you'll love this series!
June 3, 2021
2 stars *may change
he kidnapped her?
he kidnapped her?
March 20, 2019
No me esperaba eso de Nozomu .-.
August 12, 2024
The first half of this volume was actually soo good. Added another dimension to the story and even lifted my view of the first volume. But the second half lost me.
November 11, 2013
Yeah, no.
I mean........NO.
This book gets a big NO.
A BIG FAT NO!
WHY AREN'T THESE CHARACTERS LOVABLE? They're not! I don't particularly like any of them . . .
AND IT SUCKS.
Okay . . . . . okay . . . this might turn into a rant.
1. A MARRIAGE WITHOUT LOVE?!
Okay I understand it's an arranged marriage and everything but it stresses the point of "No love in this marriage" so much that it's literally annoying my hair out of my head. I'M ALMOST BALD.
(I'm not really but I bet this would make an even more sensitive person very very bald.)
This is what.....what's his name again? Soichiro? Okay. This is what Soichiro means when he says "AN ARRANGED MARRIAGE HAS NO LOVE IN IT."
1. You treat your wife like a butt face. A JERK.
2. You...sorta abuse her. Like you physically hurt her and threaten to slap that butt silly (in a spanking angry way) if she does not do your will.
3. You just stress the fact that no love means HATE. PURE DEVILISH HATE.
What the heck.
I mean I know . . . that this whole point of the story is that these two AREN'T supposed to fall in love with each other, but why does he have to treat her like that??
And what made me like a thousand times madder is how much of a . . . Mary-Sue (if you will) she is.
At some point, I thought she'd try to get out of this marriage and go back to her children at home, or at least object to the way this guy is treating her, but she simply turns the cheek and lets herself get smacked across the face back and forth and back and forth and back and forth.
And then . . . and then there's that third guy that likes Sumi . . . but I feel that he is extremely, extremely shallow on its own.
A rags to riches love would be very very interesting to read, but the way this touched my soul . . . it punched it across the face because not-love does not mean BE A GIANT JERKFACE.
And I actually considered stopping my journey through this series and just losing interest completely (until I saw volumes 3 and 4 on the bookshelves at the library and got curious).
But I swear, if some guy was treating me like that, I'd beat up his face and be like, "DON'T YOU BE DOING THAT!"
But I guess it was all for the money her home was receiving and everything. I don't know...
This just did not make me happy. AT ALL.
I mean........NO.
This book gets a big NO.
A BIG FAT NO!
WHY AREN'T THESE CHARACTERS LOVABLE? They're not! I don't particularly like any of them . . .
AND IT SUCKS.
Okay . . . . . okay . . . this might turn into a rant.
1. A MARRIAGE WITHOUT LOVE?!
Okay I understand it's an arranged marriage and everything but it stresses the point of "No love in this marriage" so much that it's literally annoying my hair out of my head. I'M ALMOST BALD.
(I'm not really but I bet this would make an even more sensitive person very very bald.)
This is what.....what's his name again? Soichiro? Okay. This is what Soichiro means when he says "AN ARRANGED MARRIAGE HAS NO LOVE IN IT."
1. You treat your wife like a butt face. A JERK.
2. You...sorta abuse her. Like you physically hurt her and threaten to slap that butt silly (in a spanking angry way) if she does not do your will.
3. You just stress the fact that no love means HATE. PURE DEVILISH HATE.
What the heck.
I mean I know . . . that this whole point of the story is that these two AREN'T supposed to fall in love with each other, but why does he have to treat her like that??
And what made me like a thousand times madder is how much of a . . . Mary-Sue (if you will) she is.
At some point, I thought she'd try to get out of this marriage and go back to her children at home, or at least object to the way this guy is treating her, but she simply turns the cheek and lets herself get smacked across the face back and forth and back and forth and back and forth.
And then . . . and then there's that third guy that likes Sumi . . . but I feel that he is extremely, extremely shallow on its own.
A rags to riches love would be very very interesting to read, but the way this touched my soul . . . it punched it across the face because not-love does not mean BE A GIANT JERKFACE.
And I actually considered stopping my journey through this series and just losing interest completely (until I saw volumes 3 and 4 on the bookshelves at the library and got curious).
But I swear, if some guy was treating me like that, I'd beat up his face and be like, "DON'T YOU BE DOING THAT!"
But I guess it was all for the money her home was receiving and everything. I don't know...
This just did not make me happy. AT ALL.
August 6, 2023
2.5/5. Is volume two a massive set up from the first volume now that the set-up is out of the way? Yes. Do I want to rate it any higher than 2.5? No, because Sumi definitely should be an older character. I really can't stress how much Sumi's age is impacting my ability to enjoy what should be a smutty josei aimed at older women that's for some reason instead a shojo aimed young teens. It makes the forcefulness of the purposefully problematic romance and smuttiness come off disgusting.
The story takes a big ramp up with a bunch of interesting intrigue. Soichiro's past is built up as we learn about his tragic past which is maybe meant to explain away his terrible behavior but definitely does not. He also continues to add the smut to problematic smut as he continues to force himself on Sumi even testing her on if he attempted to force sex on her. And the rich people intrigue cranks up from there as Its an interesting dynamic and makes this a great intrigue and drama heavy story deeply marred by Sumi's age.
On the romance side the problematic smuttiness ramps up. It's good smuttiness in theory but Sumi is 15. I get it was a very different time period and women are expected to marry young in Japan even today but her age is seriously ruining the story. This should be a josei sold with an older MC not a younger MC seemingly meant to sell it to younger female readers. Both love interests are problematic pushy alphas. It just whether you want the rude and knows it flavor (Souchiro) or the soft and oblivious to the point he’s problematic and forceful flavor (Ijuin). That’s right now Ijuin is also problematic since this man actively flirts with someone’s wife and whisks her away If you like women with agency this might not be the manga for you. It's so focused on making forceful smutty love and having Sumi be tossed into situations with Soichiro or Ijuin that she ends up going anywhere on the whim of the plot or the men.
The art continues to hit with amazing outfits and be okay everywhere else with sections having either too little or too much linework. Again, like in volume one I think this is a case of time crunch as they are a few "pop" panels in each chapter that just blow the quality away.
I've also finally figured out what the male leads look similar too: Jojo's! With a rich darker haired guy and a rich blonde guy in the Western-ish aesthetic of the Meiji era battling for the love of a younger girl its reminiscent of Jojo Part One's Jonathan Joestar and Dio Brando. So if you ever wanted a smutty Wattpad Jojo Part One AU focused on Erina this is the manga for you.
The story takes a big ramp up with a bunch of interesting intrigue. Soichiro's past is built up as we learn about his tragic past which is maybe meant to explain away his terrible behavior but definitely does not. He also continues to add the smut to problematic smut as he continues to force himself on Sumi even testing her on if he attempted to force sex on her. And the rich people intrigue cranks up from there as Its an interesting dynamic and makes this a great intrigue and drama heavy story deeply marred by Sumi's age.
On the romance side the problematic smuttiness ramps up. It's good smuttiness in theory but Sumi is 15. I get it was a very different time period and women are expected to marry young in Japan even today but her age is seriously ruining the story. This should be a josei sold with an older MC not a younger MC seemingly meant to sell it to younger female readers. Both love interests are problematic pushy alphas. It just whether you want the rude and knows it flavor (Souchiro) or the soft and oblivious to the point he’s problematic and forceful flavor (Ijuin). That’s right now Ijuin is also problematic since this man actively flirts with someone’s wife and whisks her away If you like women with agency this might not be the manga for you. It's so focused on making forceful smutty love and having Sumi be tossed into situations with Soichiro or Ijuin that she ends up going anywhere on the whim of the plot or the men.
The art continues to hit with amazing outfits and be okay everywhere else with sections having either too little or too much linework. Again, like in volume one I think this is a case of time crunch as they are a few "pop" panels in each chapter that just blow the quality away.
I've also finally figured out what the male leads look similar too: Jojo's! With a rich darker haired guy and a rich blonde guy in the Western-ish aesthetic of the Meiji era battling for the love of a younger girl its reminiscent of Jojo Part One's Jonathan Joestar and Dio Brando. So if you ever wanted a smutty Wattpad Jojo Part One AU focused on Erina this is the manga for you.
November 30, 2017
This does not happen often, but I really don't like Soichiro or Nozomu... Sumi can do much better. So in this book, after Sumi marries Soichiro, she is still infatuated with Nozomu, in her debut into society, he tries to kiss her. She is a good person, and feels an obligation towards Soichiro, who apparently has a sad past.
May 10, 2019
Drama...
I feel if you like soap operas, this might be the series for you.
Lots of drama. No real growth yet of the female lead... just drama.
Heartbreaking moment, that I feel is more connected to my past than to the characters of the series.
I feel like they are about to reveal that someone is actually a half brother.
I feel if you like soap operas, this might be the series for you.
Lots of drama. No real growth yet of the female lead... just drama.
Heartbreaking moment, that I feel is more connected to my past than to the characters of the series.
I feel like they are about to reveal that someone is actually a half brother.
April 27, 2021
I don't appreciate and condone the abuse & harassment. Those scenes are unnecessary. Just when I was about to root for the other male lead, he ended up being a disappointment. I enjoyed the tsundere fake husband plot though. I want to see where the story goes and I pray that the female lead will return stronger and better.
She's a sweetheart but...please..
She's a sweetheart but...please..
January 19, 2022
Read it to get a taste of a typical Shojo manga as this series seems to be a nostalgic favourite of people who grew up reading manga. It’s ok I guess. Outdated troupe. Cliched poor girl rich guy story. Some elements seemed to have not aged well.. but oh well, it was a guilty pleasure read! Very very very pretty art though!
July 4, 2017
Pending.
July 1, 2020
The best friend is a creep
May 10, 2022
Freud was proven right again, my man said “you look a lot like my mother, maybe that’s why I was attracted to you? Now we will always be together”
Excuse me but wtf?
I can’t do this anymore 😐
Excuse me but wtf?
I can’t do this anymore 😐
August 15, 2022
I enjoy the story but everything happens so fast, I wish it went slower develop more naturally.
December 18, 2023
2.5-3 stars
January 18, 2025
Nozomu, “You look like my mother. Maybe that’s why I’m attracted to you?” WHAT IN THE HELL BOY! LOL.
January 20, 2025
3.5 ☆
November 12, 2011
Wonderful series. But I honestly cannot stand Soichiro. He needs to go to anger management. I don't even feel sorry for him knowing his story. He doesn't need to take it out on her. I don't have the slightest bit of compassion for him. And trying to have sex with Sumi just because he wanted to, not because he loved her and when she denied him, he throws her off the bed!? He's a horrid character. I don't understand why anyone would ever like him. I was shocked at the 'sex' scene in the book, even though he just licked her and took off the top of her dress and her boobs are showing. The cover seemed so innocent! I did hear about the sex scenes, but I thought I may have heard wrong and there would be none. I didn't really want there to be sex in this book. But it wasn't too bad, just shocking to have it happen so quickly in this book. Soichiro is a jerk and it looks like Nozomu is a total loser too, when ititially I really loved him for Sumi.
I also dislike Komai now, when initially I thought he seemed a bit nice. What is his 'plan' with Nozomu and Sumi? Why are Soichiro and Komai always pleased when she is with Nozomu? What's up with that? Guess I'll have to keep reading!
The child letting off farts in everyone's face he dislikes was totally inappropriate for this book. It seemed unneccesary. I actually didn't realise he was 'farting' as I don't remember any sound effects. I thought he just bent over so they could smell his dirty nappy? Lol, I'm so naive!
At the end of this story, it seems like Soichiro is starting to love Sumi. But he doesn't understand Love, so he gets angry when he smells her scent on the pillow...etc. I really want him to become good!
Accidentally I have read reviews of the books ahead of this and I now realise that Sumi is related to Nozomu by the looks of what happened in this book. Possibly his sister??!
I also dislike Komai now, when initially I thought he seemed a bit nice. What is his 'plan' with Nozomu and Sumi? Why are Soichiro and Komai always pleased when she is with Nozomu? What's up with that? Guess I'll have to keep reading!
The child letting off farts in everyone's face he dislikes was totally inappropriate for this book. It seemed unneccesary. I actually didn't realise he was 'farting' as I don't remember any sound effects. I thought he just bent over so they could smell his dirty nappy? Lol, I'm so naive!
At the end of this story, it seems like Soichiro is starting to love Sumi. But he doesn't understand Love, so he gets angry when he smells her scent on the pillow...etc. I really want him to become good!
Accidentally I have read reviews of the books ahead of this and I now realise that Sumi is related to Nozomu by the looks of what happened in this book. Possibly his sister??!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 23, 2012
SO, so, so!!! Exciting!!!
Sorichiro & Sumi go to Nozomu's house as guests & have dinner there - Nozomu & Sumi are alone at one point & Nozomu tried to kiss her :O & Komai is watching them & tells Soichiro everything - & Soichiro doesn't seem to have a problem :O And Soichiro teaches Sumi how to ball-room dance for this party they go to - she looked so pretty there :D & they ran into Eisuke, her brother. And later, she went to see the orphan kids she left behind & they were so happy to see her. But Soichiro took her away after - & he always uses his u'll be sunk to the bottom of the sea threat LOL & Sumi's feelings for Nozomu are growing & he sends her a gift. Komai & Soichiro are surprised that Sumi is rejecting Nozomu & deciding to stay true to Soichiro. One night, Soichiro said he wanted to have sex :O but they didn't. (sigh) well, she is only 15 for shit's sake. And Soichiro allows Sumi to make dinner one night where he reacts horribly to fire & Komai tells Sumi that Soichiro lost his parents & brother in a fire - he didn't get any love from his parents & was forced to live with the servants which was why he survived. The next day, Soichiro doesn't take Sumi's homemade lunch & Komai takes Sumi to the beach where they coincidently run into Nozomu who expresses his love for SUmi & suggests they run away together :O Sumi's uncertain but Nozomu convinced her kinda & she goes with him - Komai was watching & reported back to Soichiro who seemed to miss her even though he called her stupid & idiot all the time. Meanwhile, Sumi feels weird with Nozomu - she tries to escape but he catches her & isn't quite willing to let her leave. So she's stuck with him for now.
I Like SOICHIRO & SUMI!! <3
Sorichiro & Sumi go to Nozomu's house as guests & have dinner there - Nozomu & Sumi are alone at one point & Nozomu tried to kiss her :O & Komai is watching them & tells Soichiro everything - & Soichiro doesn't seem to have a problem :O And Soichiro teaches Sumi how to ball-room dance for this party they go to - she looked so pretty there :D & they ran into Eisuke, her brother. And later, she went to see the orphan kids she left behind & they were so happy to see her. But Soichiro took her away after - & he always uses his u'll be sunk to the bottom of the sea threat LOL & Sumi's feelings for Nozomu are growing & he sends her a gift. Komai & Soichiro are surprised that Sumi is rejecting Nozomu & deciding to stay true to Soichiro. One night, Soichiro said he wanted to have sex :O but they didn't. (sigh) well, she is only 15 for shit's sake. And Soichiro allows Sumi to make dinner one night where he reacts horribly to fire & Komai tells Sumi that Soichiro lost his parents & brother in a fire - he didn't get any love from his parents & was forced to live with the servants which was why he survived. The next day, Soichiro doesn't take Sumi's homemade lunch & Komai takes Sumi to the beach where they coincidently run into Nozomu who expresses his love for SUmi & suggests they run away together :O Sumi's uncertain but Nozomu convinced her kinda & she goes with him - Komai was watching & reported back to Soichiro who seemed to miss her even though he called her stupid & idiot all the time. Meanwhile, Sumi feels weird with Nozomu - she tries to escape but he catches her & isn't quite willing to let her leave. So she's stuck with him for now.
I Like SOICHIRO & SUMI!! <3
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 5, 2014
Synopsis:
Sumi becomes torn when Soichiro's childhood friend Nozomu expresses romantic interest in her. While she is drawn to Nozomu, she is also committed to Soichiro as his wife. As Sumi fights off her feelings for Nozomu, how far will Nozomu go to win Sumi's love?
My Thoughts:
I enjoyed this volume more than the first one. I think it's because I understand the characters better. They aren't as black and white as they seemed in volume 1.
There's a lot going on in Soichirou's past. I understand why he's so dickish now. I don't think it's his natural character to be a dick, but he has a goal and at this point, he'll do anything to reach it. We actually learn more about his plan in this volume. We also see him unintentionally getting close to Sumi. He really does not want to do that, but Sumi is such a good girl that I don't think he can help himself.
Sumi is torn between her feelings and being a good wife to Soichirou. She tries hard to take care of Soichirou even though he isn't nice to her at all. I can't dislike her. She's just too damned sweet and cute.
Nozomu seems really attached to Sumi. It seems it was Soichirou's plan for Nozomu to fall and fall hard. I thought Nozomu was a sweetie, but now I'm not so sure. He's actually kind of scary. I'm worried about what he might do to Sumi.
And at least my question about Sumi seeing the children again. They actually all go there. That was a surprise. Soichirou seemed really surprised about the type of place they lived in. He knew she was poor, but I guess he didn't realize just how poor she had been.
Sumi becomes torn when Soichiro's childhood friend Nozomu expresses romantic interest in her. While she is drawn to Nozomu, she is also committed to Soichiro as his wife. As Sumi fights off her feelings for Nozomu, how far will Nozomu go to win Sumi's love?
My Thoughts:
I enjoyed this volume more than the first one. I think it's because I understand the characters better. They aren't as black and white as they seemed in volume 1.
There's a lot going on in Soichirou's past. I understand why he's so dickish now. I don't think it's his natural character to be a dick, but he has a goal and at this point, he'll do anything to reach it. We actually learn more about his plan in this volume. We also see him unintentionally getting close to Sumi. He really does not want to do that, but Sumi is such a good girl that I don't think he can help himself.
Sumi is torn between her feelings and being a good wife to Soichirou. She tries hard to take care of Soichirou even though he isn't nice to her at all. I can't dislike her. She's just too damned sweet and cute.
Nozomu seems really attached to Sumi. It seems it was Soichirou's plan for Nozomu to fall and fall hard. I thought Nozomu was a sweetie, but now I'm not so sure. He's actually kind of scary. I'm worried about what he might do to Sumi.
And at least my question about Sumi seeing the children again. They actually all go there. That was a surprise. Soichirou seemed really surprised about the type of place they lived in. He knew she was poor, but I guess he didn't realize just how poor she had been.
April 22, 2011
It's hard keeping the chapters and volumes straight, but I believe this one involves the heroine and the man she actually loves. She met him when she was still poor; he gave her some money when she was desperate. Coincidentally, he happens to be her husband's good friend, but it starts looking like her husband married her all along intending for some scandal to take place between her and the man she's infatuated with. She surprises her husband by resisting her feelings due to being a married woman, and as I recall, the end of the volume concludes with the hero saving her and partially acknowledging that he has begun to think of her as family after all.
Still a very good story with a likable hero and heroine and plenty of interesting conflicts.
Still a very good story with a likable hero and heroine and plenty of interesting conflicts.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 20, 2012
Maybe it was just me but I didn't see the plot twists coming. S wants his wife to be seduced by N to gain power/convenient blackmailing fodder. N secretly looks down his nose at S and has, IMO, a Mr Darcy type of outlook as far rich and poor, legitimate and being born 'on the wrong side of blanket', and entitlement without any of Mr Darcy's appeal. I don't like N. Hopefully Sumi will find her voice/grow a spine as the series goes on and speak up for yourself. Don't know if I want Sumi to be either S or N at this point. We'll see what volumes three to five bring (Thanks to the Toronto Public Library for buying this series.). I am interested to see how everything will go down...
PS I still don't like Sumi's older brother.
PS I still don't like Sumi's older brother.
May 8, 2014
Huh... well of course Soichiro isn't going to really be a bad guy... of COURSE it is his horrible, heartbreaking past that made him this way.... the manga-ka wrote something about how this story was going to be stereotypical because she likes this kind of stereotypical story... and she wasn't kidding!
Despite that, I'm still enjoying it. Unfortunately the library copy was missing a handful of pages. Someone before hand had torn out nearly all the chapter splash pages and some other random pages, so I missed a couple of pieces of the story. UGH! Jackasses.
I have no doubts as to how this series with end (especially since it's a "stereotypical story"), but I'll enjoy the fun fashions as I get to the end.
Despite that, I'm still enjoying it. Unfortunately the library copy was missing a handful of pages. Someone before hand had torn out nearly all the chapter splash pages and some other random pages, so I missed a couple of pieces of the story. UGH! Jackasses.
I have no doubts as to how this series with end (especially since it's a "stereotypical story"), but I'll enjoy the fun fashions as I get to the end.
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