This manga is amazing. When I read it, I get the impression that tMnR mind-melded with me when I read Citrus, saw all of the things I disliked about it and set out to write a sister (or rather step-sister, in both cases) story that made everything right again. Even if you're not a part of this mind-meld along with us, Tatoe Todokanu Ito da toshitemo depicts a much different, more serious and more realistic take on the "girl falls in love with her step-sister" premise that is captivating to read.

Our cast of characters this time around consists of Uta, an ordinary high school girl, and Kaoru, her childhood friend who she was always close with. She marries Uta's brother, Reiichi, and on their wedding day, Uta comes to realize that her feelings for her all those years were feelings of love. The three of them live together as a family, and the story is dependent on the family dynamic from chapter one. Uta and Kaoru's dynamic is so sweet and heart-shaking that it actually made me cry. Multiple times. Uta apparently has a dark past and doesn't feel loved or accepted by her family, not only having left her main family but considering herself a freeloader at Kaoru/Reiichi's place and being always worried that she is just getting in the way, but nevertheless, her love for Kaoru is deep and unconditional. Kaoru is an angel, to the point where honestly, I have trouble thinking of anyone else in any series who I've just ~felt~ for as much as her. You can just feel her desire to make Uta feel loved and welcome, to ease the pain from her past.

The series hits hard and the atmosphere of it is generally dark. The bulk of it so far has been about Uta's angst as she struggles to sort through her feelings, and plenty of other not-so-bright stuff has already happened even though it's currently only on the 11th chapter (and it seems to be gearing up for a medium-length run if I had to guess? I hope it ends up being longer, though). The series does venture off for a little bit into the relationship of Uta's friend, but that isn't even out of place really, since Uta was staying at her place at the time and we see how it ties back into Uta and Kaoru's situation later.

The art style here doesn't stand out too much, but it serves its purpose very well and has sort of a soft, delicate feel to it, particularly the way the characters are drawn. I'm not the best at describing this, or judging artwork in general really, but either way I like it.

Final verdict -- This series needs more attention. I don't have any clue who the mangaka, tMnR is and as far as I'm aware it's her only serialized series at the time of this review, but she has entirely captured my heart with just this one series. This series is on pace for a 10 rating, and I don't fear it'll slow down or lose its spirit (which is what I'm usually the most wary of with series that start off well like this), though expect this review to be edited if it does so. I have went back to reread it even though it is still in progress and it is as good the second time as it was the first time. She knows what she's doing with this story and I want more.

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I read 22 chapters all in one go, and I've got to say that this story flows very well and does a great job at conveying emotions to the reader. Although they have nothing to do with each other, I was reminded of "Kimi no Iru Machi". At times when reading sad parts, I would feel my heart drop and I could feel the sadness coming through the pages to me. Series' that can somehow transmit the feels to you are awesome. And, even though I have pretty much nothing in common with the protagonist, the storytelling is done in a way where I feel like I understand some of her struggles.

There aren't a whole lot of chapters out yet, but I think this is going to be another series that's going to make you want to cry and eat a tub of ice cream. If you too enjoy doing this, then I would recommend that you give "This Love That Won't Reach" a read.

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