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Title: Brilliant Blue Vol 2

Author: Saemi Yorita

Publisher: Doki Doki

ISBN: 9781569701003

May Contain Spoilers

Shouzo has moved back to his hometown to help run the family business. He’s left behind a promising career in Tokyo, and after his initial reluctance, is starting to feel more settled back home.  One thing he isn’t prepared for is his growing attraction to Nanami, his childhood friend.  Simple and uncomplicated, Nanami has Shou tied up in knots.  Shou tries to deny is feelings, because he knows that theirs is a forbidden romance.  When he realizes that he’s fighting a losing battle, he throws caution to wind and begins to pursue a relationship with Nanami.  Will they be able to find happiness in their small, gossipy town?

This is a romance done right.  The characters have realistic challenges to overcome, and their courtship is explored with tenderness and sympathy.  Once Shou makes up his mind that he really does love Nanami, he pursues him with a single-minded determination.  Since he isn’t the most tactful person around, he often blunders in his efforts to win Nanami’s love.  He is blunt and his words are often painful, but he doesn’t realize how hurtful they can be.  When he figures out that he’s made a mistake, he is remorseful, but his pride doesn’t always allow him to make amends.  He has flaws, and I think that makes him come across as more human.

Nanami is a bit of an idiot savant.  I can see how his cheerful nature would win Shou over.  This is a guy who takes everything at face value and doesn’t have a deceptive bone in his body.  He’s sweet like a puppy, following Shou around with his heart in his eyes.  Since Shou’s life has gotten rather complicated, it makes sense that he’d fall for someone as uncomplicated as Nanami.  The two are total opposites; where Shou is a neat freak, Nanami is an utter slob.  Where Shou is strict and decisive, Nanami is easygoing and waffles on almost everything.  Yet they make the perfect couple and I really wanted them to get together and find a way to work out their differences and overcome the objections of their families.

Brilliant Blue tells a simple story with clarity and sensitivity.  Emotions and situations are believable and engrossing. Though much of the story follows Shou through his daily headaches of running a business, the story never lags or becomes uninteresting.  The message throughout is universal – love is special, and regardless of complications, it deserves a chance to grow.  This is one for the keeper shelf.

Grade: A

Review copy provided by Doki Doki