This was adorable! It has the tropes of grumpy sunshine and good girl bad boy which are two of my favorites. It is kinda insta love but not enough for me to dislike it. It’s overall just a cute and sweet romance. Definitely recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!

The one minor hang-up I have about this story is the abrupt changes in tone. It flips between comedy, drama, and romance. Those elements normally can go well together, but somehow they don't quite mesh in this first novel. Hopefully, it will smooth it and eventually blend together in later volumes. This is incredibly minor though, and I really do think it will be fine once the series has gotten its footing. Also, I do really like how the main character, Risa Amakawa, is written! She's very relatable and I feel like a lot of only children who had to be independent from a young age can relate to her. While she comes off as cold and standoffish to most people, secretly she's a caring girl who's just very anxious and awkward. Her manner of speaking is something that's both hilarious and charming. She's very blunt and says everything in a very straightforward manner. Though this sometimes causes misunderstanding, which she then later stresses over and internally beats herself up over. The character of Zen Ohira feels a bit stereotypical and bland at first. Oh, a flirty delinquent who is interested in the female lead because she was nice to him once. Totally haven't seen that a million times before. But as the graphic novel progresses, you see that he's actually interested in Risa because of the disconnect between her actions and her words. He appears to be the first person who actually noticed her mannerisms are actually a mask, and he wants to see past it and see the real Risa hiding behind. The novel starts with them being a bit at odds with each other, but the end makes it feel like the beginning of a long slow-burn romance. The art is excellent, but that goes without saying. The artist is known for their excellent art style, and their skill clearly shows in this series as well. I look forward to reading the second volume!

I am a fan of this author's other work "Lovesick Ellie" and when I heard their other series would be printed in English, I was excited. This did not disappoint at all, especially in the comedic timing. I like how Fujimomo blends romance with comedy and it's a good balance. The dynamic between the main character and the love interest is refreshing and the progression of their relationship in the first volume was even-paced. Overall, this was a fun read for me, it's not super serious but still has heartwarming moments. If you like this author's other work, you will definitely like this. For any new readers, I think this series is a good introduction to Fujimomo's work.

I want to thank NetGalley and Kodansha for an e-arc of this!

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley!

This manga is so refreshing and enjoyable. We have characters with actual depth to them, art that is beautiful and a plot that is paced really well. Risa is a great MC and in just one volume I was really drawn in to wanting to know more about her and see how she continues to grow and come out of her shell. With past trauma's and the burden of being forced to grow up/act responsibly too soon (something many of us also deal with) she has been left being very shut in to herself and feeling like if she CANT do it on her own then she is a failure. This is something I think so many people can relate to in one way or another. Zen is also a character with great depth as there is much more to him than what your first impression would lead you to believe.

Their connection is very genuine and built slowly in a healthy way. Too many manga rely on physical attraction, insta-love, etc to get the romance going and that's what makes Zen and Risa very refreshing.

I cant wait to read more volumes of this one!

It was a solid attempt to a romance manga.

I thought that the story will unfold differently that it actually did and I was so thrown off by the execution.

I liked the art style and I somewhat enjoyed reading about the characters but that it all.

I didn't like it nor did i hate it.

I absolutely loved how cute this book was. The main characters have a love/hate kind of relationship that looks to be blooming into more. The fact that whenever one needs help they rely on the other is adorable. I can't wait to see how their relationship progress and becomes stronger.

This manga is incredibly cute! I enjoyed reading this first volume so much and finished it rather quickly. The characters were all so likeable especially the main characters and the friend group. The art style is TO DIE FOR! It’s definitely one of my favourites. I will definitely be on the look out for the second volume on NetGalley and will even purchase this manga because it really does have potential!

I absolutely adored this manga! I can’t wait for it to come out in paperback so I can buy it for me and my daughter.
I loved both characters and the growth they both have gone through together. I love the moments they share and the sweet words Zen says to Rosa. I even like the other delinquent boy that will probably chase Risa. I have zero negative comments nor do I think anything needs to be changed. So far it’s perfect.
Thank you for letting me read this. I will be posting a review on my goodreads as well.

Love, That's an Understatement Vol. 1 was adorable! From the gorgeous artwork to the lovable characters this manga is just oozing cuteness! The story follows studious Risa Amakawa who runs into a boy, Zen Ohira, as she's walking along in the rain who looks like he's been beaten up. She offers to help him by giving him an umbrella and directions to the closest hospital. From there Zen pops up to offer his help as payment for her kindness and their continued need to help each other/pay each other back leads them to become closer that either of them had planned. This is definitely for those who love the bad boy/good girl trope and is overall just an incredibly sweet story!

Thank you Netgalley and Kodansha Comics for allowing me to read and review Love, That's an Understatement! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Aaaahhh! This first volume is so cute!

I absolutely adore Lovesick Ellie so when I saw that Love, That's an Understatement is by the same artist and author, I knew I would love it just as much. If you're looking for an addictive delinquent story with fantastic artwork, I highly recommend checking this first volume.

The romance is sweet, the characters are endearing and fun to follow, and I'm really looking forward to reading more about them in volume 2!

5 stars

Thanks to NetGalley & Kodansha for an ARC in exchange for an honest and fair review.

I loved this first volume of "Love, That's an Understatement"! I love the style, the story, the characters. Everything hits just the right note with me, and I'm already impatiently waiting to read volume two! Lovers of shoujo or the bad boy x good girl trope will find this book is for them!

I am already not so patiently awaiting the next volume of this manga. First of all, the art is beautiful and character designs are for the most part unique. This volume is quick to endear you to the main cast of characters. I am already obsessed with Zen's friends. I love the characterization of Risa. She's incredibly relatable. As someone who tends to be toxically independent, it's beautiful to watch someone see it in it's entirety. The budding romance between the main couple is so sweet and makes your heart flutter. I can't wait to see how they will develop from here.

A reserved girl and a boisterous guy is always a recipe for a good manga, and this was no exception! Elegant art and compelling characters make this a must-read for shojo fans, and I'll look forward to the next volume! Thank you to NetGalley and Kodansha for the ARC.

THE DELINQUENT ROMANCE I'VE BEEN LOOKING FOR!!!! 🤩🤩🤩

Seriously, this first volume was perfection! Outside of one moment that felt a tad dramatic for me, I absolutely loved this first volume so much!! Even with me curbing some of my excitement because I have been DESPERATELY wanting an English-licensed shoujo but didn't want to get my expectations TOO high up, this still really blew all those expectations away!

I REALLY liked Risa and how matte-of-fact she is, but that she's not actually cold-hearted like some people believe she is. Seeing Zen be the complete opposite of her was an incredibly nice balance and loved how it wove into the romance so seamlessly. The favors between them were surprisingly touching when you see why Risa acts the way she does and made me all the more thankful for how Zen views her. While he may be a "punk," he is a wonderful young man and definitely had to laugh at his pick-up lines more than once. LOL!

The art is STUNNING! I knew this was from the same creator as Lovesick Ellie, but I felt this one had a slightly different art style. Not in a bad way because this series seems to have a lot more sparkly moments (at least based on what I've seen of Lovesick Ellie because I haven't read it), which I'm totally loving! The romantic moments between our characters either give all the warm fuzzies or all the swoon worthies. LOL!

And speaking of the romance, 100% here for it! Love the way that Zen treats Risa and doesn't want her to change her matter-of-fact ways and that he still feels she's cute. Also, love how respectful they are to one another and that Risa can't seem to stop thinking about Zen. LOL!

Overall, this was such a wonderful first volume that I am DESPERATE for Kodansha to print! It was everything I hoped it would be and can't wait to see what happens next! Definitely recommend!

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE KODANSHA PRINT THIS SERIES!!

Love, That’s an Understatement is a nice shoujo romance with lots of bickering and funny moments. Risa Amakawa is a serious student and in love with her teacher, but the teacher already has a girlfriend. She ends up helping this beaten-up guy on the street and soon notices that she cannot get rid of him. Zen Ohira is a known (somewhat) delinquent loved by everyone except those that want to beat him up. Of course these two start to have feelings for one another, but I'm glad both Risa and Zen are on the same level or so to speak. Their conversations are great as well as the facial expressions making this romance much more realistic. I still wish Fujimomo had used more time to develop this, since kissing already in the first part takes some joy from the reading.

The art looks extremely wonderful and lively! I'm glad Risa isn't just your helpless girl and I love it when she bends backwards in order to avoid Zen, it's hilarious. I'd say this is one of the better romances and I do hope it'll stay like that and Risa will have a persona till the end (and not just be your basic love-stricken maiden).

This was just what I needed! As someone who has grown up reading mangas this gave me such old school manga vibes. The typical cold girl (who's not really cold) and likeable, happy guy combination, but with a gang - bad boy spin was greatly done here! Love the story, love the art style, can't wait for more!

This was super cute!

Risa and Zen are super compatible, and I felt like we got a decent look into why Risa is the way she is. I can't wait to find out more about her and Zen's backgrounds!

The story had good pacing. I felt like a lot happened, but nothing felt rushed or forced.

All of the artwork is stunning!

I'm already really excited for volume 2!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Thank you NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for an ARC of this book.

In this first volumen, Fujimomo introduces the reader to the two main characters Amakawa Risa and Ohira Zen, who met after Zen has been on a fight and Risa lends him a helping hand. The premiss of the manga is based on Risa’s self-imposed self-sufficiency, meaning she does not want to ask for anyone’s help or be in debt with anyone. This very prominent character trait is challenged by Zen, who is stubborn and very willing to help Risa when she finds herself in a pickle.

Although I am well past my high school years, this light hearted shoujo made empathise with the heroin, seeing how I too do not like to be dependent on others, and transported me back to when I myself was in high school. Moreover, the story was very easy to follow and the additional characters were not overwhelming as the action is mainly focused on the heroin and the love interest.

It has to be mentioned that I usually am very picky when it comes to art-style in comics and mangas. In this case, the art-style is very appealing and fits in with how Japanese comics are bing styled nowadays, with soft lines and a focus on the main characters.

Truly, this manga is easy to read and will for sure scratch the itch if you want to read a light hearted romance with, probably, some future angst and a nice art-style.

Based on the synopsis I wasn't fully sold on the story, it is rather predictable however at the same time it's SO cute.

The art is what I really gravitated towards initially, it reminds me of Kimi ni Todoke mixed with a little Chobits or Kodocha!

It has a very old school feel but newer look at the same time.

In terms of the story it's SO adorable! I highly recommend this, it was definitely worth the read if you're into Romance! The reactions of the main characters towards each other is so cute, Zen seems so confident but by the end you can tell he has much more depth to his character than originally let on at the beginning.
The pacing at which he becomes enamored with Risa is a bit overwhelming, but I think it was needed to get the story going!

I look forward to purchasing this manga and purchasing the next volume as well, a great addition for romance lovers!

→ 4.5 ☆

“you look cool and composed... but you’re not. you’re so hung up about it. and that’s cute as hell, too.”

i always get so confused on how to rate manga/graphic novels. anyway, it was really cute. zen gives golden retriever vibes, while risa gives black cat vibes. reverse grumpy sunshine. they're so AH in the best way possible.

i wanted to smack those bratty pretty boys, i lowkey forget their names, ugh they need to mind their own business. what'd risa do to them, the hell?

sigh. it took me like 5 minutes to read it, as well. i adore quick reads. i can't wait for vol. 2. i mean it, hurry up—with love, of course.

to anyone reading who saw my status update, this wasn't the arc i was talking about xjpaods that was ‘gwen and art are not in love’. this is the 2nd (omg whatt) one. ily dears <3

thank you to netgalley and the kodansha for this arc in exchange for an honest review!

mwah,
alayla. 📖