Novel - A Promise of Romance
Author: Kyoko Akitsu
Illustrator: Tooko Miyagi
ISBN-13: 978-1-56970-710-4
Publisher: Juné Manga
English Translator: Translation by Design
Comments:
My first thoughts, upon reading the novel's title, were, "This is going to be one of those typically corny yaoi novels..." and I can definitely tell you, I was blown away by how wrong I was. The art is simply gorgeous, as Miyagi-sensei always does a wonderful job with art. And, for the very first time from Juné Manga, there were barely any noticeable (if any) grammatical and spelling errors! I was in complete and total shock and awe.
Plot wise, it's extremely fluffy. The character development of Edward Argyle was stunning, although it might seem sudden to some. Satsuki Imamura's character development was more subtle, but just as lovely. The only real flaw I saw were the developments of the side characters, or lack thereof. You have Neville who seems to play an important role, as he is Edward's best friend since high school, but the most you get to know about him is that he's from a working-class family and he's a third rate reporter. Then you've got Prince Alexander who was the guy who brought about the climax of the story, but he disappeared after one scene. Another flaw, though smaller, was that I felt this novel was simply rushed. But, you could really feel the way (or at least how) the two slowly began liking each other. It's a real cute fluffy story with beautiful art.
Summary
The story begins with Edward, the near-alcoholic English nobleman, who's completely cold hearted and quite apathetic about everything. In order to fully inherit his father's fortune, he must wed before his 26th birthday. Satsuki is your caring Japanese exchange student studying acting in London, the birthplace of theater. By a strange pull of fate and after the death of an acquaintance of both, they meet.
Alone in a foreign country and deseparate for money, Satsuki agrees to the deal presented by Edward. With the assistance of Neville, a contract is drawn up and the Promise of Romance begins!
Story Snippet
Snippet from Act II: The Taming of the Shrew on Pages 73-74
Eventually the taxi pulled up in front of a well-aged luxury hotel.
As they crossed the marble floor under the chandelier-lit arched entrance, Edward pulled Satsuki to him in an embrace.
"Huh?" Satsuki sqeaked.
Before he realized what was happening, Edward had leaned down and placed a kiss on his lips. He felt the softness of the man's lips. A tongue pushed its way into his slightly open mouth and began probing deeper. It was a real kiss, the first one he ever had.
Satsuki came to his senses and pushed Edward away.
"What are you doing?" Satsuki glared at Edward, wiping his mouth off witht he back of his hand.
"We're engaged," Edward admonished. "Or did you forget that I just proposed to you at the Café Royal?"
Satsuki had no answer to that. Be Edward's fiancée--that was what Satsuki had to do in exchange for 300 pounds a day. He had been in such a pleasant haze from the wonderful food and wine that he had forgotten why he was there.
It was natural for an engaged couple to kiss. He was clearly wrong to have refused.
He hung his head. "I'm sorry."
"Don't look so serious." Edward gently kissed Satsuki's forehead. And, taking Satsuki's hand, they went to the check-in desk.
The desk clerk had only to see Edward's face before silently producing a key. Satsuki wondered how many other lovers Edward had brought here before. He followed the blond, looking slightly pale. To others, he must have looked like a reluctant young girl on her first night.
Illustration Samples
Disclaimer
Intoxicated Designs was created and is maintained by Megori as of July 2007. All game, animanga and doujinshi art belongs rightfully to their respective artists. Please be respectful and refrain from reproducing/duplicating the content here. Intoxicated Designs is part of the Zabimaru Network.
Intoxicated Designs Fourth Induldge features Hiroki Kamijou and Nowaki Kusama of the series Junjou Romantica by Shungiku Nakamura. Current layout credits include Shungiku Nakamura, MiniTokyo, Angryblue.com and Moargh.de.