Welcome to Watashi ni xx Shinasai!
Normally, when I write these reviews I try to throw in some analysis of shoujo tropes and then the unique aspects of the stories. Instead, I want to take this opportunity to explain why you should NOT waste time reading this manga, and then leave it up to you to judge your own desperation.
The most bothersome part of this manga was the out-of-place sexiness of it. Meet Yukina, the world's curviest middle schooler and most romantically-challenged female. The sexualization of her appearance really turned me off to the series, especially in light of her age. The content of her romance novel was pure enough, but the manga was littered with disgusting innuendo simply by the artistry. It would have been perfectly suitable to cast the characters as high schoolers, and the only cost would be that it would make Yukina's naivete more pathetic (and it is already so pathetic).
The male characters are also insultingly desperate. They drag themselves across the floor to get the attention of the female characters, occasionally feign disinterest, and then return to groveling. The culmination of this absurdity comes when two suitors are literally biting Yukina's ears and "whispering sweet nothings" to her...AT THE SAME TIME. What kind of dignity is that?! The manga could benefit from a few more punches or sullen silence from its male characters, but they're so emasculated by their obsession that it's probably beyond hope. Also, where did these "middle school" kids learn such creepy, seductive behavior? When I was in middle school, kissing was supposed to be thrilling enough without pushing each other down on a bed/a bench/THE GROUND. And what kind of middle schooler thinks biting is romantic? If you're reading this and don't think such behavior is bizarre for kids that are 12 - 14 years old (and experiencing their FIRST RELATIONSHIPS), I am so sorry that you grew up in that kind of world.
The last thing I want to say is this...the climax of the series makes no sense in the context of the series beginning. The novel that has been referenced throughout the series is suddenly supposed to be a secret from Yukina's love interest...but that wasn't a concern whatsoever when it all started! It's the mark of poor planning, since by all accounts the question should have naturally arisen dozens of times before she even fell in love, and she would have answered with ease. Furthermore, everyone seems convinced that the love interest will despise her for writing this novel...but without any reason! It's just a last-minute plot device used to extend the series. And if it wasn't, then again I will just say that it was poorly laid out.
If you have something else to read, I advise you to take that option. But alas, maybe you are as desperate as I was.
