PERFECTLY FINE ON MY OWN, SO MY FIANCÉ CAN TWIST IN THE WIND Volume 1
by Yahiro Arase, illustrated by Jun Hareta
Available now
Long-time readers know how I feel about "Like X meets Y" and "perfect for fans of Z" descriptions on new books. They risk being reductive, but they can still be helpful provided they're actually accurate and not just riding on the name of the current hotness. Seeing this rom-com manga labeled as "perfect for fans of Bridgerton" made me wary for this very reason. But honestly, having read the first volume, it scans... though I would describe is as "perfect for fans of Bridgerton who want to see what would happen if the characters took action sooner."
Nicole is a noblewoman betrothed to marry the handsome Keios, but the arrangement feels like anything but a love match. He seems to only have eyes for his childhood friend Caroline: a beautiful princess betrothed to another. After being ignored one too many times, Nicole decides enough is enough. If her fiancé truly has no place in his heart for her, she'll stay out of his way. Now, she's learning to enjoy solitude: visiting markets alone, making new friends to spend lunchtime with, and finally getting time to do some serious reading.
So, she got away from her neglectful husband-to-be. Great news, right? Well, not all is as it seems. Because, as it happens, Nicole's move to isolate herself was exactly the kick in the pants Keios needed to realize what was going on. The assumptions she made about Keios's feelings may have been extremely understandable, but they might not be accurate. And it might be time for childhood friend Caroline to weigh in.
I was pleasantly surprised by this first volume. I'm always a proponent of anime and manga heroines living their best life at all costs, and I came into this expecting a much more adversarial story. The Bridgerton comparison is apt because much of the plot is progressed by high society gossip and serial miscommunication. But unlike Bridgerton, the problem is identified and addressed relatively quickly, and the miscommunication creates gentle humor rather than stakes.
It looks like this series clocks in at a total of two volumes, so this is a good palate cleanser between period dramas. And the art is utterly adorable, too.
TEA PAIRING: Picnic at Pemberley
This floral green inspired by Pride and Prejudice would be perfect alongside this romantic comedy of errors. Use my code KARA15 for 15% off this and other book-inspired teas from Chapters Tea & Co.!
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