4/5 Rating - Your Gimmick - Shoujo Romance Manga Reviews

My Love Story with Yamada-kun at Lv999

May 16, 2025

Name: My Love Story with Yamada-kun at Lv999
Mangaka: Mashiro

Volumes: 10 (Ongoing)
Licensed: Inklore (Paperback) / Mangamo (Digital)
Type: Manga
Genre: Comedy/Slice of Life
Age Group: Teen

Summary:
Recently dumped, Akane is just about to quit the game she used to play with her boyfriend, when she meets Yamada in the same RPG. Yamada in real life turns out to be somewhat of a legend. The only problem is – he is ONLY interested in the game. As Akane’s feelings grow, will Yamada’s focus stay on the game?

– Mangaupdates

Graphics Rating: 4/5
Plot Rating: 4/5

Opinion: This series is so cute and honestly a must read for anyone who loves romance media and gaming.

The art is very cute and simple. It really gave me seinen vibes at first but there are still so many cute details that add to the charming shoujo effect.

This is a super cute slice of life. As a gamer I found it really relatable. I also love the male lead gives neurodivergent realness that’s quite different from most male leads. When the leads start dating they are so cute.

Highly recommend this series I think it’s a great entry point for new shoujo readers as well!

Final Rating: 4/5

Extra: There is an anime adaptation which is wear I watched this series first. I thought it was really well done and was faithful to the manga.

Purchase:
Mangamo

Loving Moon Dog

May 9, 2025

Name: Loving Moon Dog
Mangaka: Yamada, Nanpei

Volumes: 13 (Ongoing)
Licensed: Seven Seas Entertainment (Digital (App) / Paperback)
Type: Manga
Genre: Supernatural/Comedy
Age Group: OlderTeen

Summary:
Ritsuka is a 25-year-old single woman who leads a quiet and average life. Except that her normal life changes completely when a handsome boy who looks like a dog appears in front of her. Goodbye basic life and maybe even goodbye single life?

– Mangaupdates

Graphics Rating: 4/5
Plot Rating: 4/5

Opinion: The plot is a bit weird, not a huge fan of the “animal” genre. That said I love the art so much I couldn’t resist.

The art is really nice and I feel unique to the mangaka. It’s very spacious and cute while feeling mature.

The plot is a super fun comedy. I like the dynamic between the heroine and the male lead. The heroine definitely pulls off a tsundere character. I love the entire flip side with the experiences of the other dogs as well adding another layer to the story telling.

Recommend if you enjoy comedies and great art. The dog stuff can be weird if you’re not a fan.

Final Rating: 4/5

Extra: N/A

Purchase:
Seven Seas Entertainment

Ayakeshi Hunters Tained bride the hunter leans down to kiss his fiancee

Ayakeshi Hunter’s Tainted Bride

May 2, 2025

Name: Ayakeshi Hunter’s Tainted Bride
Author: Yuuma Midori
Artist: Fujimaru Mamenosuke

Volumes: 6 (Ongoing)
Licensed: Kodansha (Digital and Print)
Type: Manga
Genre: Supernatural/Drama
Age Group: Teen

Summary:
When Nanao was a child, she was kidnapped by an ayakashi who carved a demonic seal on her body. Her planned marriage to the Waka-sama of the Hakurenji family was stolen from her by her cousin Akemi, and she was forced to wear a monkey mask to hide her demon mark, leading a miserable life. Then, she meets Yako, the young head of the Benitsubaki family. Nanao loses her mask due to a certain incident, and Yako sees her true face, but Yako takes an interest in her beauty and spiritual power.
–Manga Updates

Graphics Rating: 4/5
Plot Rating: 4/5

Opinion: I devoured this series. I bought the first volume and that wasn’t enough. The beginning seems kinda vanilla but it really takes off in the later volumes.

The art is gorgeous. Very detailed yet “mature” looking. Both women and men are drawn very well.

I’m not usually a fan of weak heroines but this heroines main weakness is being too kind and a push over. I still like her. Love the male lead who is doting and loving while still being a bad ass hunter. Reminds me SO much of “My Happy Marriage”.

That said I find there seems to be an overuse of these weirdly obsessed people around the heroine. It plays out once a volume and it’s getting annoying. They even get the yandere art treatment and it was interesting the first time but I think they can do better.

Overall the world is well thought out with complex characters I’m excited to continue this series!

Final Rating: 4/5

Extra: n/a

Purchase:
Book Walker
iBooks
Kindle
Kobo
Google Play
Nook

Otaku Vampires Love Bite

May 12, 2025April 18, 2025

Name: Otaku Vampires Love Bite
Mangaka: Suzuki Julietta

Volumes: 7 (Ongoing)
Licensed: Viz (3 Volumes: Digital (App) / Paperback)
Type: Manga
Genre: Supernatural/Fantasy/Comedy
Age Group: Teen

Summary:
Modern vampire Hina sets out from Romania to live out her otaku dreams in Japan! Her new neighbor, Kyuta, looks just like her anime crush. Can she convince him to be friends?

– Mangaupdates

Graphics Rating: 4/5
Plot Rating: 4/5

Love, That’s an Understatement

April 23, 2025April 11, 2025

Name: Love, That’s an Understatement
Mangaka: Fuji Momo

Volumes: 5 (Ongoing)
Licensed: Kodansha (Digital and Print)
Type: Manga
Genre: Drama/Comedy
Age Group: Teen

Summary:
Spare eraser? Check. Extra folding umbrella? Check. First aid kit? Check. Cool and collected high school student Risa Amakawa has something in her heavy bag for every situation and the last thing she needs or knows how to ask for is anyone’s help. When she saves a beat-up delinquent in the park one rainy evening, she refuses any sort of repayment.

But it turns out that saving the notorious Zen Ohira buys her the attention of some unsavory characters. As Zen keeps swooping in to help her out of one pickle after another, her feelings about relying on anyone but herself and her feelings toward Zen slowly begin to change. A new romcom from the author of Lovesick Ellie.
–Manga Updates

Graphics Rating: 3/5
Plot Rating: 4/5