I read this through to the end, because I like Kanan Minami's work and because I tend to finish most series I start. There's very few that I stop reading, but this one... Wow.
I like shoujo - even the trashy melodramatic smutty stuff. I like Kanan Minami's work, so you know I knew what I was signing up for. So this isn't coming from someone with a bias against shoujo or someone who can't enjoy a good old smutfest.
But this... is something else entirely. This is 8 volumes of sex, with some really transparent plot devices thrown in at times to break up the monotony. And it IS monotonous. It feels like the same sex scene over and over and over... and over... and over... again. If you never thought sex could be boring, it's because you haven't read this manga yet.
In addition to this, there's no real plot. The eight volumes consist of the main couple having sex and having obstacles thrown in their way. Unfortunately, these obstacles are as varied and exciting as the sex scenes are - that is to say, they're the SAME plot twists/obstacles thrown in over and over and over... and over... and over... again.
All of that said, the plot obstacle that keeps being presented is really bad. Now, I admit that I like the occasional rape plot. If it's done well, it can be an interesting part of a story. This, however, is just a girl who gets sexually assaulted in some way by every single man who crosses her path. And I mean every. single. one. So you add THAT to the formula above and... Yeah. It's THAT bad, people.
I wouldn't recommend this to anyone, to be honest. Even fans of Kanan Minami's work should steer clear. If you're a completist like me, who likes to read all of a mangaka's work, then I suppose it can't be helped... but at least go into it knowing what to expect.
Now, the one-shot side stories are a different subject. There's some good stuff in those. "Virgin Beast" is a cute story with a lot of humor in the first couple pages (that declaration in the school hallway is classic). "Scarred Innocence" is a darker story that keeps you guessing and manages to be charming, despite the darkness running under the surface. "Rescued Letter, Complicated Love" isn't the best, but it's worth a quick read. The male lead wears on your patience pretty quickly, but he kind of grows on you at the same time. "Ribbon" is a really cute little story about childhood friends who reunite with more than friendship brewing.
Bottom Line: Download it for the one-shots. Forget the rest.
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