Brand Romance
A Promise Of Romance

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Story: I enjoyed the plot/summary a lot. I will say there are some things that are predictable, regarding love rivals and jealousy, but what yaoi book haven't you see these types of situations. hehe I could certainly look past the predictable aspectts of it just as long as its a good story, you know?

Art: Even for very little art in the book, you really didn't need that much art considering Kyoiko Akitsu was very descriptive as she wrote. I did enjoy what illustrations were found in the book that helped support some of the more dramatic scenes. There was only one illustration in color towards ... the front and there was probably about 6 other images within the 178 pages pf story. For me, i'll rate it an 8.

Character: I really liked that this particular novel didn't take place in japanese surroundings like most japanese manga. The characers in the story therefore were much different from the main characters lifestyle, which makes Satsuki's character stand out more in the story.

(I had to chuckle when a few characters question the main character if he/she is chinese. Realistically, i think that is generally what most people who arent familiar with japanese think when they meet someone of an asian background. Chinese is very common. Considering many authors write stories after their own personal experiences in their travels, I bet they were asked that same question often when writing this book. lol)

Enjoyment: This book kept me entertained all the way to the end. I didn't expect a certain something at the end of the book and was kind of glad that the book kind of left me suprised at one part. (since there were many predictable scenes.) I rate this a 9. It would be a 10 if the ending didn't go really fast.

Overall: I will have to say I certainly wish this book was longer because it all ended really fast as it approached the wedding ceremony... however, getting past the sudden conclusion of A Promise Of Romance, I'm definately glad I picked this book up. It has inspired me to read more novels based off of japanese characters, considering this was my first... ya im usually one of those who prefer regular manga's because I enjoy looking at the illustrations as I read. I rate this novel, a 9! I could definately see myself reading this book again sometime in the future.

Story: 7/10

A Promise of Romance is a very (well maybe a little) cliche story. I didn't mean it in a bad way though. In fact, I loved cliche stories myself.

You know, a love story between a rich and a commoner. Though this one is a male to male pairing.

Most of the scenes were really predictable though. Getting in a fake engagement contract, rich person paying the commoner for the deal, both parties falling in love with each other. Something like that.

Art: 7/10

It was drawn by one of my fave mangaka, Miyagi Touko-sensei. The art is nice but considering that this novel was written and drawn ... a long time ago, I think Miyagi-sensei's art style now is really much better.

Though I wonder why the illustrations were only 5 pages (or was it 6)? I mean... they could have made her draw more scenes. It was such a shame. Just like in Love Water (different writer but same artist).

Characters: 7/10

Well nothing much here, the uke and seme are your typical "couple".

Enjoyment: 8/10

Like I said, I loved cliche stories so I like this. BUT I was kinda disappointed with the last few parts and the ending. It felt so rushed and it would be better if this has a sequel. Because if you asked me, I think a sequel is really essential. The author, Akitsu Kyoko-sensei, could have prolonged the story more.

Overall: 7/10

I recommend it to people who likes non-complicated, cliche story. Nothing really "super explicit".

Lighter reading with the typical shy romance beginning, deepening into love after a few twists, turns, and flares of jealous temper from Lord Edward's cousin, Angelica, who wished to marry him, yet Edward has set up an arrangement with a Japanese foreign theatre student named Satsuki.

The story premise is good, but it becomes a little uneven once dialogue begins for Satsuki is rather shy and quiet, then suddenly becomes bold and challenging, and it just didn't seem very subtle. The dialogue of the central characters of Neville, Edward and Satsuki, also called May, all changed too suddenly from scene to scene. Really out of character ... but this is the first illustrated novel I've read of this genre so I guess the hurried tone is to be expected.

Sudden, choppy, it really could have been smoother. I may seem critical but I do editing work, so this could easily have been corrected by the writer or editor to make this a better story. Overall though, it was ok, and if you have an hour or so to pass, and don't have Nobel Prize standards, A Promise of Romance is an average read.