This Time I Will Find Happiness!

I really wanted to like this manga, but it simply suffers from how short it is. I don't often complain about a manga being too short, usually my complaint is that they can drag on. However, four volumes simply wasn't enough to explore all the plot elements that were introduced about mid-way through. Since this is only four volumes it suffers from poor pacing, everything happens at break-neck speed. This in turn creates a jarring shift in tone as there simply aren't enough chapters to allow the plot to play out in a natural way. It never feels like it's building to something. it's justa series of things happening before the Big Bad is announced, then everything gets dropped to focus on that. Even then, the explanations feel muddled and rushed. Some world building has clearly gone into this story, so it's a shame that it wasn't given any room to breathe before we were rushed on to the next bit. It felt like visting an art gallery 5 minutes before it closes, there simply wasn't enough time to enjoy all the work put into each piece before dashing off to the next. The characters had no time to really develop, which was a shame. I was rooting for Louise once Graham had left, I wanted to see a sisterly bond develop between Lindsay and Louise, I was intrigued about Diana and Russell's relationship. And most of all I wanted to be swept up in romance once Graham returned home. Were they are groundbreaking study of the human condition? No, but they were fun, sweet and relatable. The fact that I wanted to spend more time with them is testament to just how invested I was. All I can hope for is that this'll get the Sugar Apple Fairytale treatment and be adapted again into a longer running series. Despite this, I would still recommend it for people who want a quick, light, predictable read with likeable characters. If you want something with a bit more emotional weight, with complex relationships then you won't find it here.