It's cute!

It was cute, fun, and delved into themes of identity and romance.

This story follows a tomboyish girl, Nagi who wants a boyfriend but isn't a fond of physical touch with any man since a college incident. When she meets a male model Aran who has androgynous looks, encapsulating both masculine and feminine styles, she discovers that she's fine with touching him.

The art style of this manga is lovely and it fits the story's well! I like the cover.

Thank you to Kodansha and NetGalley for the chance to read this volume.

ICKY, ICK, ICK. I’m sorry. This is hard no for me.

I appreciate the author challenging gender stereotypes with Aran’s character but they came off way too pushy and possessive for me. I’m not into the whole instant love/attraction either so the relationship seemed forced.

It’s well drawn but that was the only plus.

This was a good start to a concept I haven't seen yet. Nagi, the female main character is a major tomboy who can't help but be dazzled by Aran's good looks and pushy ways. The characters still need development, but that is totally understandable as we only get to see the first four chapters here. Very easily one of those manga that you reach for the next one to see what happens to them next.

Really creepy. A handbook on how an insecure woman ends up in an abusive relationship. Really jumpy and confusing too.

The artwork is 5/5 stars. It’s really well done, and I really loved each chapter heading pages art the most.
That said, the story itself is maybe a 2/5 stars. It feels rushed from the very start which is weird. Also, it’s very hard for me to understand the general message the story is going for. The insta love trope doesn’t bother me, but it feels like there’s absolutely nothing deeper than just two very beautiful people shack up together.

I don’t know, but this read just wasn’t for me I guess.

This manga is ABSOLUTELY gorgeous! ✨ That Beauty is a Tramp follows Nagi, a tomboyish girl who desperately wants to have a boyfriend but she can't even touch them. After a traumatic experience in college, her body involuntarily repel any physical contact with men. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when she meets Aran, a model with an androgynous look. Surprisingly, Nagi can touch Aran without any adverse reaction. In exchange for helping him with a photo shoot, Nagi proposes a month-long relationship with Aran to help her overcome her trauma.

Every page of this book is a feast for the eyes! The character designs for both Nagi and Aran are so stunning. I appreciate the amount of effort that the author puts into clothing and hair specifically. This attention to detail really highlights modeling and fashion as two of the major aspects of this story. Unfortunately, the art is perhaps the only thing that I liked about this manga. I didn't like the way these two characters meet and the way they interact. Aran seems like a red flag for me because he can be so demanding and pushy at times.

I understand that this books is probably not for me. While I didn't like the story, I think that this manga has potential and I don't regret reading it. This book kind of reminds me of Maid-sama. If you liked that series and want something with a bit more spice, then I recommend picking up this manga! Thank you so much to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

I received this book from Netgalley/the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I wanted to like this book. I really did. I loved the shoujosei artstyle, the ikemen male lead, the female lead with a cute short hairstyle—yet there were some parts that fell flat.

I love the idea of gender nonconforming leads. I truly love it when people explore gender in ways that aren't traditional. That is the reason why I was disappointed in this book. Despite it having characters who don't fall into the traditional molds in terms of gender presentation, inside the bedroom the characters fall directly into gender stereotypes. (Minus the consent—the male lead did respect the female lead's "no.?)

As this is a manga, I don't expect the first volume to have much character development, so I was surprised when the male lead did. Specifically, he went from a f*ckboy to a loyal, obsessive boyfriend in four chapters. That felt a bit fast for me, especially when manga has more time to explore such a development.

A similar title that doesn't purport the same gender roles would be My Androgynous Boyfriend. This might be a better option if you're looking for an androgynous male lead.

I really enjoyed this and look forward to the next volume coming out.
Nagi is an uncertain tomboy who even brief touches from a male makes her skin crawl and goosebumps come out. She wants a boyfriend and wants to be normal with contact. In comes the androgynous model Aran who she first thought was a gorgeous female. They make an agreement that she will model with him for an event and he will be her temporary boyfriend. Then feelings start to happen.
Good manga, like the artwork.

Fantastic art.

This one is some of my bookish nip. I love a fake dating to learn how to be around the opposite sex too. This is just one of my favorite set ups in manga always so this delivered perfectly for me.

Thank you to Kodansha and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

That Beauty Is a Tramp, Volume 1 by Hal Osaka is an amazing josei manga that will appeal to readers looking for a non-traditional romances. The story revolves about Nagi who thinks women are more beautiful and attractive than guys. She has PTSD from an incident in college. As a result, she can't stand when guys touch her. One day, she meets one of her idols: a model named Aran. But Nagi is shocked to find out that Aran is actually an androgynous man. As the pair get closer, is it possible for Nagi to get over her PTSD and actually fall in love with a man?

Overall, That Beauty Is a Tramp is a lovely romance manga that will appeal to fans of Princess Jellyfish or Cinderella Closet. One highlight of this book is that the main couple is non-traditional-looking. It's very rare to see androgynous men in the male lead position in any romance, let alone a romance manga. It was refreshing to see this type of romance depicted. Another highlight of this book is the art style. Every page is a work of art, and I enjoyed reading this book so much. If you're intrigued by the excerpt above, or if you're a fan of josei manga in general, I highly recommend that you check out this book when it comes out in August!

**That Beauty Is a Tramp** is a refreshing and heartwarming romance manga that delves into themes of self-discovery and overcoming personal barriers with a unique and engaging twist. Combining elements of romance, fashion, and emotional growth, this story offers readers a captivating blend of charm and insight.

The plot centers on Nagi, a cool and tomboyish young woman with a deep desire for a romantic relationship but an unusual obstacle—since a traumatic incident in college, she has developed a reflexive aversion to physical contact with men. Her world begins to shift when she meets Aran, a strikingly beautiful male model who effortlessly blurs the lines between masculine and feminine styles with his androgynous look.

Aran's presence proves to be a turning point for Nagi. She discovers that she can touch him without triggering her aversion, leading to a surprising connection between them. When Aran invites Nagi to participate in a high-profile photo shoot with a renowned photographer, Nagi seizes the opportunity to make a bold request: for Aran to be her practice boyfriend for one month. Her goal is to confront and overcome her aversion to physical contact, and Aran’s role in this process becomes pivotal.

The strength of *That Beauty Is a Tramp* lies in its thoughtful exploration of Nagi’s emotional journey. Her struggle to reconcile her past trauma with her present desires is portrayed with sensitivity and depth, making her character both relatable and endearing. The dynamic between Nagi and Aran is electric, filled with moments of humor, tension, and growing affection. Aran’s androgynous charm and supportive nature offer a unique contrast to Nagi’s initial hesitance, creating a compelling and nuanced romance.

The art style complements the story beautifully, with expressive character designs and striking fashion elements that enhance the narrative's visual appeal. The fashion industry backdrop adds a layer of glamour and intrigue, setting the stage for both personal and professional growth.

The novel also excels in its portrayal of the healing power of love and acceptance. Nagi’s journey to overcome her aversion is both inspiring and heartwarming, and her evolving relationship with Aran provides a moving exploration of trust and emotional connection.

**That Beauty Is a Tramp** is a delightful read for fans of romance and personal growth. It combines a unique premise with well-developed characters and an engaging storyline, making it a standout manga that offers both emotional depth and romantic allure. Whether you're drawn to the fashion elements, the slow-burn romance, or the character-driven narrative, this manga provides a satisfying and memorable experience.

Nagi is a tomboy working in the fashion industry and she really wants a boyfriend. However, she's been unable to physically touch men since a guy drunkenly made a pass at her at a party in college. When she meets Aran, her favorite model and discovers that, not only is he a man, she doesn't recoil instinctively from his touch, Nago asks Aran to be her boyfriend for a month to "cure her" of her aversions. Aran is an androgynous looking male model who believes that he should be able to wear whatever he wants. He's very suddenly taken an interest in Nagi, whose self confidence effects most parts of her life. He wants Nagi to participate in an upcoming photo shoot with him.

First, the art for the first volume of That Beauty is a Tramp is impeccable. Everything and everyone looks gorgeous. This first volume feels like Cinderella Closet and My Androgynous Boyfriend got merged into one story and the spice level got upped a bit. So far I'm liking everything, but I can definitely see the male lead's obsessiveness and the female lead's obliviousness (caused by her self esteem) is going to cause issues in future volumes. This volume kind of has the same flavor as Paradise Kiss with art similar to something like Therapy Game.

"That Beauty Is a Tramp" is an interesting manga. The cover is beautiful and so is the art inside. I love that Nagi is exploring how to be feminine. I enjoyed watching Aran develop feelings for Nagi. The last panel was exciting!

This digital ARC was obtainable via NetGalley for an honest review.

I absolutely loved Nagi and Aran’s interactions! They are so funny.

Nagi asking Aran to be her fake boyfriend was everything. I liked seeing her put herself out there so she can get help. (Because let’s be real, she’s a true romantic at heart)

I loved seeing Arans attitude towards Nagi changing & seeing him get a little possessive in the end 🤭

The illustration is so beautiful.

I can’t wait to read more!

This is an interesting first installment in this new manga series. It is definitely laying the foundational work and building blocks for what this series will become, and it was easy to engage with and definitely left me interested in seeing where this series will go. The artwork is beautiful and brings to life this story in a vivid and accessible way. I found the exploration of sexuality and appearance to be an interesting way to explore who both main characters are. The conversation around how one presents themselves and how certain expressions of sexuality can provide a feeling of comfort and safety to someone else is really interesting. I hope this story keeps an inclusive eye on self expression, sexuality and the spectrum of the binary at its heart.

Thank you to Valentine PR for an eARC, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

My new obsession!
Nagi is a masc afab struggling with their sexuality
She has a bodily rejection to male touch but isnt 100% into girls
She meets an androgynous male model, Aran, who models as both masc and fem
They enter a contractional relationship to figure how to help Nagi's love life
Perfect mix of Pretty Woman meets Devil Wears Prada, it did remind me alittle of Misao and Kyo from Black Bird but with more communication
This was a healthy romance of self discovery, acceptance and happiness!
I cant wait for vol 2 and im gonna need a whole series

This first volume felt a little confusing to me in terms of vibe, as it’s intended for adults but reads more like YA at times. The art is pretty and reminds me of the style of manga I would read in high school, so maybe that’s impacting my impression as well. I enjoyed the fashion aspect of the plot, with outfit reveals and attention to detail in the illustrations. The premise didn’t end up hooking me as much as I had hoped, but fingers crossed that further volumes will play up more of the gender fluidity of both characters and go a little more in depth. The ending did take a turn with a much more jealous/controlling vibe and if that continues I don’t think this series is for me after all.

Nagi wants love and romance, but every time she touches a man, she gets goosebumps and freaks out. She knows exactly why and it has something to do with a past incident. When Nagi has the chance to meet her favorite model, Aran, she's surprised to find that the Aran she knows as a she, is actually very male. Aran though is very gender fluid (although for the book he's mostly male presenting). Nagi, who dresses simply and more boyishly, is surprised and Aran wants her to model with him. In exchange, she asks for him to be her temporary boyfriend so she can experience what a relationship is supposed to be. What begins as an arrangement looks like something more and a journey of self discover for Nagi.

This title hits all the right notes for fake romance. Aran is a surprisingly understanding partner. He doesn't push her physically and always respects her boundaries (despite teasing her relentlessly). Nagi's discovery of femininity while keeping what makes her, well, her, is deftly handled by the author. Aran is a great support to Nagi, although readers will think he's a little too overbearing at the end (granted, without volume 2, it's hard to tell exactly what's happening). The discussion of gender is well done. Not all men have to be masculine. Not all women have to be feminine. Aran shows her a different way of seeing what she already sees. A solid josei manga for adult readers and adult manga/comic collections. (Although I think this is only in eBook?)

Okay, LISTEN...

I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this! It's so cute. I love Aran and Nagi together and I'm curious to see how they grow and learn more about themselves. I like that Nagi is comfortable telling Aran when she doesn't like something, and Aran actually listens to her and stops.

The only thing that was throwing me off was the fact that her name is Nagi and my favorite character from Blue Lock is Nagi. So my brain had to adjust to that. But that was a ME problem.

Thank you to Kodansha for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.

I applaud the publisher for trying to give this a shorter title in English, but I don't love it. The original Japanese title almost qualifies as a light novel title/plot description. While the main characters are working adults, the plot and the way it's executed presents it more as an escapist fantasy at best, or a cheap thrill for teenage readers. The art is definitely pretty enough and I have a soft spot for androgynous character design, so sign me up for the next volume.