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Honey Darling
Reads R to L (Japanese Style) for mature audiences. Chihiro drifts through life with no purpose, going from girl to girl, until one day he finds an abandoned kitten in a box. He quickly falls in love with little Shiro and couldn¡¯t imagine his life without her. One evening, Chihiro finds Shiro has fallen ill. While searching aimlessly for an animal hospital, he runs into Kumazawa, a local vet who takes Shiro into his care. Watching Kumazawa in action, Chihiro realizes he wishes to learn the value of life and asks Kumazawa to consider hiring him at the vet clinic. Kumazawa agrees, but only if Chihiro serves as his live-in housekeeper. Has Chihiro finally found his purpose in life, or will living with the handsome vet be a little too much to handle?
202 pages, Paperback
First published October 8, 2011
24 people are currently reading
410 people want to read
About the author
Norikazu Akira
18?books45?followersAKIRA Norikazu: „Ê÷Á¼¤Î¤ê¤«¤º
Older sister of the manga-ka collaboration team, Homerun Ken.
Likes: cigarettes, cats, sushi.
Dislikes: cinnamon.
Older sister of the manga-ka collaboration team, Homerun Ken.
Likes: cigarettes, cats, sushi.
Dislikes: cinnamon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
February 24, 2017
OH MY GOD
This was such a cute manga!!! For sure one of my favorite ones already. I really loved everything about it, from the art (seriously guys it's so beautiful) to how the relationship was handled, not to mention the cute little extra from Shiro's (the cat) PoV *_*
I highly recommend it!
This was such a cute manga!!! For sure one of my favorite ones already. I really loved everything about it, from the art (seriously guys it's so beautiful) to how the relationship was handled, not to mention the cute little extra from Shiro's (the cat) PoV *_*
I highly recommend it!
July 30, 2012
Ask me no questions and I'll tell you no lies. I was browbeat into buying this by a pushy con book seller and damn it was a good thing because I had forgotten this little gem. Once long ago I had a scanlation of it and I am very grateful that I was able to purchase it.
It's about a bear, a cat and a kitten (a real one not a metaphor). A cat, Chihiro Takahashi, finds an abandoned kitten then that poor little thing gets sick and the cat runs around in a blind panic looking for a vet. Enter the bear - Dr. Kumazawa. (Damn that man cleans up good but for the most part he's a little unkempt.)
Chihiro a slacker learns that he can have value in society as he starts working for Kuma as a housekeeper and helper in the clinic. He does the wifely duties except the sex for a couple of months before he starts getting the uke vibes. It's not until Kuma ends up going to a marriage interview that Chihiro realizes that he's in love with the big guy. Instead of going with the flow he panics and wants to quit his job and move away.... spoiler alert, apoiler alert, the book was wrapped in plastic. (nudge nudge, wink, wink.)
And they have kittens...
It's about a bear, a cat and a kitten (a real one not a metaphor). A cat, Chihiro Takahashi, finds an abandoned kitten then that poor little thing gets sick and the cat runs around in a blind panic looking for a vet. Enter the bear - Dr. Kumazawa. (Damn that man cleans up good but for the most part he's a little unkempt.)
Chihiro a slacker learns that he can have value in society as he starts working for Kuma as a housekeeper and helper in the clinic. He does the wifely duties except the sex for a couple of months before he starts getting the uke vibes. It's not until Kuma ends up going to a marriage interview that Chihiro realizes that he's in love with the big guy. Instead of going with the flow he panics and wants to quit his job and move away.... spoiler alert, apoiler alert, the book was wrapped in plastic. (nudge nudge, wink, wink.)
And they have kittens...
November 25, 2018
3.5 stars
This was super sweet and I don't even like cats!
This was super sweet and I don't even like cats!
January 5, 2015
Honey Darling, story and art by Norikazu Akira, is a delightful yaoi manga with a contemporary setting, simple but attention-grabbing plot, excellent character development and beautiful art. It¡¯s also got hot, romantic sex! And when I say hot romantic sex, I mean the author did a tasteful job. This is the first yaoi I¡¯ve read in a very long time where the characters act like intelligent adults, take time to get to know one another, and treat each other with respect in the bedroom. The sex is consensual and truly an act of passion and love rather than lust. Kumazawa isn¡¯t a typical seme, he¡¯s reserved and normally dates women, so he doesn¡¯t show any feelings toward Chihiro until much later when he begins to appreciate and depend on him. Chihiro isn¡¯t the typical uke either; although he looks more effeminate, he doesn¡¯t act like it. I love both men and the precious little cat Shiro that brought them together.
I thoroughly enjoyed Honey Darling, and I¡¯m actively searching for more of Norikazu Akira¡¯s work. If you¡¯re a cat lover, yaoi lover, or just a big romantic at heart, you won¡¯t want to miss reading Honey Darling. 5 Stars!
To read the full post:
I thoroughly enjoyed Honey Darling, and I¡¯m actively searching for more of Norikazu Akira¡¯s work. If you¡¯re a cat lover, yaoi lover, or just a big romantic at heart, you won¡¯t want to miss reading Honey Darling. 5 Stars!
To read the full post:
January 12, 2022
I thought this was a new book since my library just got it, but it turns out to be over a decade old. It's an LGBTQ+ romance, but doesn't seem to be Own Voices but rather one of those fetishizing things where two straight men -- an all-business and gruff veterinarian and the drifting slacker he hires as a housekeeper in this instance -- just happen to develop feelings for one another as they spend time together. The periodic depiction of the housekeeper being a stray cat that the vet has taken in is sort of amusing, but everything else is very mild and predictable set-up for a couple sex scenes.
May 20, 2017
Let me start by saying the artwork in this was brilliant. Also congrats to the author for a wonderful manga, it took her three years( That's what I call dedication). It was clear how much hard work was put into it.
Now onto the storyline. I really liked it and loved that it had cat-like aspects because I have a cat myself and I love her so much. I am a cat person! The relationship didn't happen too soon, which I love, it was quite developed. It made the intimate scenes seem more.. Well Intimate. It wasn't rushed or undeveloped. The characters actually liked each other and everything was fully consensual. There was also no odd age gaps or abuse so I'd call this one a win win.
I had one or two issues. Firstly, was how quickly it ended. It was a little bit rushed compared to the rest of the story. Also I don't like how they keep their relationship a secret, it doesn't feel like a proper HEA. More like a HFN and I'm a sucker for my HEA's.
Overall though he manga was good and I will be re reading. :)
Now onto the storyline. I really liked it and loved that it had cat-like aspects because I have a cat myself and I love her so much. I am a cat person! The relationship didn't happen too soon, which I love, it was quite developed. It made the intimate scenes seem more.. Well Intimate. It wasn't rushed or undeveloped. The characters actually liked each other and everything was fully consensual. There was also no odd age gaps or abuse so I'd call this one a win win.
I had one or two issues. Firstly, was how quickly it ended. It was a little bit rushed compared to the rest of the story. Also I don't like how they keep their relationship a secret, it doesn't feel like a proper HEA. More like a HFN and I'm a sucker for my HEA's.
Overall though he manga was good and I will be re reading. :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 7, 2014
This gets 4 stars for the cat. Really. The romance was pretty standard but every scene with the cat was comedy gold.
September 24, 2019
3.5 stars. Cute story. Liked it the first time I read it, fluffy opposites attract misunderstanding story. Not as good the second read through but still sweet.
June 14, 2021
This was cute. I liked the art. Especially the way Kuma was drawn ?
I feel like not much happened for a good portion of this. It was more focused on the vet and housekeeper stuff, then all of a sudden everything progressed very quickly at the end. Like their relationship didn¡¯t move for like the first half and then everything happened all at once for the last quarter. I do have a main gripe that I¡¯ve been reading a lot of recently and it¡¯s the lack of bisexuality. I get that I read a lot of smut so it¡¯s not really about the social issues, but so far the ones I¡¯ve been reading lately have been about guys being so adamant that they¡¯re straight and like women so how can they like a guy? And it¡¯s like¡ ~bisexuality~ They don¡¯t ever bring it up. It¡¯s always refreshing when a bi character is mentioned because there¡¯s so few. Anyway not my favorite, but I still enjoyed it.
I feel like not much happened for a good portion of this. It was more focused on the vet and housekeeper stuff, then all of a sudden everything progressed very quickly at the end. Like their relationship didn¡¯t move for like the first half and then everything happened all at once for the last quarter. I do have a main gripe that I¡¯ve been reading a lot of recently and it¡¯s the lack of bisexuality. I get that I read a lot of smut so it¡¯s not really about the social issues, but so far the ones I¡¯ve been reading lately have been about guys being so adamant that they¡¯re straight and like women so how can they like a guy? And it¡¯s like¡ ~bisexuality~ They don¡¯t ever bring it up. It¡¯s always refreshing when a bi character is mentioned because there¡¯s so few. Anyway not my favorite, but I still enjoyed it.
March 1, 2021
This was so utterly adorable. Anything with cats wins me over immediately but this also has a sweet and organically developed love story. Too cute for words.
July 24, 2024
Nothing special really. Kinda okey up until the ending that was very rushed. But that¡¯s often what you get with a one volume manga.
January 16, 2021
Definitely one of the nicest little stories I've read lately! It follows a man who rescues a cat without any prior experience owning a pet and the vet he ends up living with. The art style is pleasing to the eyes, the romance between the main protagonists is well-paced and pleasant, and the little cat is the cutest thing. There is even a small bonus chapter at the end from her perspective. I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a hidden gem to read!
January 14, 2024
What a weird manga ?
May 29, 2014
"Beware bear sightings."
That sentence really had me laughing which is probably pretty sad but it appealed to my humour and my humour obliged the writing with laughter. Seriously though, it was a good book. I was so super glad I didn't have to deal with the usual "I'm running away, so come after me and we can have rainy reunion where you confess loving me" thing. That honestly gets very old very fast. The art style does change a little bit as you go but that's not too noticeable. (For me, I managed to pretty much miss it. The author ended up telling me when I got to the end that she'd changed it.)
I really loved how the last chapter was from the cat's perspective! Most the chapter we stayed in our main characters point of view and we once switched over to his boss/husband point of view(sort of husband. Read the book to follow me here.)The manga was a quick and fun read and I'm glad I bought it. SuBLime sure does choose to publish some good manga. *nods firmly and goes to find more fun reads*
OH OH OH! I forgot the coolest aspect for me! The fact they both weren't the usual super pretty type. That also gets old, fast. No, the other guy (boss/husband dude. You know him from the cover. Looks like a bear? You following me here?) is really masculine looking and he's not running away with his emotions all the time. It's a nice change. This really was a story that ditched a lot of the more stereotypical aspects that these stories can garner with time. Or as far as I could tell. I'm sure others may disagree with me. I disagree with me often enough to know that others are bound to disagree. However, I sought only to impart my opinion on this matter and to encourage you to give it a shot. This should probably be at the top.... One day I shall remember, one day..... =)
That sentence really had me laughing which is probably pretty sad but it appealed to my humour and my humour obliged the writing with laughter. Seriously though, it was a good book. I was so super glad I didn't have to deal with the usual "I'm running away, so come after me and we can have rainy reunion where you confess loving me" thing. That honestly gets very old very fast. The art style does change a little bit as you go but that's not too noticeable. (For me, I managed to pretty much miss it. The author ended up telling me when I got to the end that she'd changed it.)
I really loved how the last chapter was from the cat's perspective! Most the chapter we stayed in our main characters point of view and we once switched over to his boss/husband point of view(sort of husband. Read the book to follow me here.)The manga was a quick and fun read and I'm glad I bought it. SuBLime sure does choose to publish some good manga. *nods firmly and goes to find more fun reads*
OH OH OH! I forgot the coolest aspect for me! The fact they both weren't the usual super pretty type. That also gets old, fast. No, the other guy (boss/husband dude. You know him from the cover. Looks like a bear? You following me here?) is really masculine looking and he's not running away with his emotions all the time. It's a nice change. This really was a story that ditched a lot of the more stereotypical aspects that these stories can garner with time. Or as far as I could tell. I'm sure others may disagree with me. I disagree with me often enough to know that others are bound to disagree. However, I sought only to impart my opinion on this matter and to encourage you to give it a shot. This should probably be at the top.... One day I shall remember, one day..... =)
January 29, 2016
When I first found out about this manga, I really, really wanted to read it, but I kept putting it off. And today, I finally decided to check it out. I planned on only reading one or two chapters, but I ended up finishing it in one sitting. I really loved the fact that unlike most manga of this genre, this one had nothing that I saw as being problematic.
I have to say, this author's art is fantastic. I'm the kind of person who looks at every little detail of the art, and I was very pleased with what I saw. The characters seemed to be a bit more realistic than in most manga.
Now, more about the story itself.
The main protagonist, Chihiro, was completely different than I thought he would be from looking at the cover. I expected him to be this wild, irresponsible and unusual guy, but I was surprised. He was actually quite responsible and I could really believe his feelings for Kumazawa. I enjoyed the fact that it took some time for Chihiro to realize his love, and for the two to finally get together.
Overall, I think it's a wonderful book. Definitely take the chance to read it if you're into yaoi manga.
I have to say, this author's art is fantastic. I'm the kind of person who looks at every little detail of the art, and I was very pleased with what I saw. The characters seemed to be a bit more realistic than in most manga.
Now, more about the story itself.
The main protagonist, Chihiro, was completely different than I thought he would be from looking at the cover. I expected him to be this wild, irresponsible and unusual guy, but I was surprised. He was actually quite responsible and I could really believe his feelings for Kumazawa. I enjoyed the fact that it took some time for Chihiro to realize his love, and for the two to finally get together.
Overall, I think it's a wonderful book. Definitely take the chance to read it if you're into yaoi manga.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2015
Another manga I'd been looking forward to, but this time I wasn't disappointed. I've long since suspected that manga that have cats in them automatically deserve at least one star more - because cats just add about 1000% cuteness.
"Honey Darling" doesn't have the deepest story or most multifaceted characters, but it's fun and cute and a great light read. It also teases at the usual BL tropes - omiai, one person wanting to leave to hide the fact they've fallen for the other etc. - without actually exploiting them.
It does exploit other things, though - a) the cuteness of the cat (but really, there can't be enough of that) and b) the uke-ness of the uke. That was a little too much for me (especially his weepiness), but that was counterbalanced by the very consensual and hot sex.
The art is very nice as well. This is a purchase I definitely don't regret and I can see myself reading this again whenever I need a quick pick-me-up.
"Honey Darling" doesn't have the deepest story or most multifaceted characters, but it's fun and cute and a great light read. It also teases at the usual BL tropes - omiai, one person wanting to leave to hide the fact they've fallen for the other etc. - without actually exploiting them.
It does exploit other things, though - a) the cuteness of the cat (but really, there can't be enough of that) and b) the uke-ness of the uke. That was a little too much for me (especially his weepiness), but that was counterbalanced by the very consensual and hot sex.
The art is very nice as well. This is a purchase I definitely don't regret and I can see myself reading this again whenever I need a quick pick-me-up.
July 30, 2018
What this author does really well is create vivid characters whose lives you care about and whose love you really root for. This manga is adorable, but focuses primarily on pets and the veterinarian profession. I prefer more serious manga and a focus on relationships, but this manga goes at a slow pace in that department. It isn't until 3/4 of the way through the book that the uke even realizes he's developed a crush on his cat's vet, and when he finally makes his confession the seme's reciprocation seems to come out of nowhere because you don't see many things from his point of view. If it had ended there I would have been disappointed, but the author's beautiful, lengthy love scenes (which finally come at the end of the manga) are worth the wait! I love her art and she puts a lot of energy into developing storylines you care about. I prefer her "Beast & Feast" by a mile, but I still loved this book.
September 19, 2019
Este es el tipo de historias que m¨¢s me gustsa leer.
La historia es tierna, pero adem¨¢s uno de los protagonistas adopta un gatito, shiro, que es el personaje mas realista de toda la historia y lo am¨¦.
Por otro lado me gusta que la historia entre Chihiro y el Doctor Kumazawa se desarrolle de a poco, Chihiro encontr¨® un motivo en Shiro para luchar y querer hacer las cosas mejor y encontro en Kumazawa un guia y un apoyo. El drama brilla por su ausencia en este manga y eso me hace feliz, la historia evoluciona poco a poco pero muy constantemente, esta es de esas historias que puedo volver a leer cuando me sienta de bajon emocional por que es de esas que me deja con la sensaci¨®n de que todo esta bien en el mundo. Si tuviera que decir algo malo ser¨ªa que qued¨¦ con ganas de m¨¢s.
La historia es tierna, pero adem¨¢s uno de los protagonistas adopta un gatito, shiro, que es el personaje mas realista de toda la historia y lo am¨¦.
Por otro lado me gusta que la historia entre Chihiro y el Doctor Kumazawa se desarrolle de a poco, Chihiro encontr¨® un motivo en Shiro para luchar y querer hacer las cosas mejor y encontro en Kumazawa un guia y un apoyo. El drama brilla por su ausencia en este manga y eso me hace feliz, la historia evoluciona poco a poco pero muy constantemente, esta es de esas historias que puedo volver a leer cuando me sienta de bajon emocional por que es de esas que me deja con la sensaci¨®n de que todo esta bien en el mundo. Si tuviera que decir algo malo ser¨ªa que qued¨¦ con ganas de m¨¢s.
July 14, 2012
This is a fun, light read and can easily be one of those titles that is reread from time to time. The story isn't anything super original but the way the emotions and events are handled do it justice. There's no 'super' drama or 'evil' characters placed in the story just to stir things up. Instead we're treated to a more honest view of how Chihiro and Kumazawa meet and fall in love.
The artwork is gorgeous and, though Chihiro is a bit weepy and over-expressive sometimes, both characters are very manly and the 'uke' of the pair isn't turned into a woman.
The artwork is gorgeous and, though Chihiro is a bit weepy and over-expressive sometimes, both characters are very manly and the 'uke' of the pair isn't turned into a woman.
January 26, 2014
I'm finding myself in a manga phase again for the first time in years, and for some reason in a yaoi phase -- which I normally don't read only because this subgenre tends to get kind of rapey.
So when I found this book -- with a totally consensual relationship, a stand-alone story, and actual character/romance development ~*~swoon~*~
Loved Kuma the bear (heh) and Chihiro and of course Shiro, the homeless little kitten who brings them together. As the author notes, it's not really boys' love manga so much as it is cat manga =^_^=
So when I found this book -- with a totally consensual relationship, a stand-alone story, and actual character/romance development ~*~swoon~*~
Loved Kuma the bear (heh) and Chihiro and of course Shiro, the homeless little kitten who brings them together. As the author notes, it's not really boys' love manga so much as it is cat manga =^_^=
January 12, 2016
Dieser Manga war mega s¨¹? gezeichnet und die Story hat mich sehr gut unterhalten. Wir haben es hier mit Yaoi zu tun, was man sich beim Cover sicher schon denken kann. Hier wird der Hauptcharakter von einem Tierarzt als sein pers?nlicher Assistent angestellt. Das beinhaltet alle m?glichen Aufgaben (nichts sexuelles!). Das wurde sehr witzig gemacht. Au?erdem spielt eine mega s¨¹?e Katze eine wichtige Rolle im Manga und sorgt auch f¨¹r allerhand witzige Sezenen.
April 24, 2016
This might be my favorite manga of all time (sorry Embracing Love).
And hot too!
And hot too!
September 24, 2020
Reread September 2020
I'm changing my opinion - I think the romance towards the end was pretty rushed. Suddenly the love was mutual. But still, it's a cute manga.
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I picked this up on a whim, and I really enjoyed it. It's a complete story, not rushed, and goes from bit to bit naturally. I wouldn't mind a sequel, but it's pretty well wrapped up.
I'm changing my opinion - I think the romance towards the end was pretty rushed. Suddenly the love was mutual. But still, it's a cute manga.
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I picked this up on a whim, and I really enjoyed it. It's a complete story, not rushed, and goes from bit to bit naturally. I wouldn't mind a sequel, but it's pretty well wrapped up.
November 24, 2015
I got this comic based on a blog recommendation, and I'll admit, it was pretty cute! Just your basic BL fluff, and don't worry, Chihiro (the one with the cat-ear jacket) doesn't act the way he looks: an insipid mouth breather. This is a comic that has better art on the inside than the outside!
July 11, 2014
A very sweet couple. Story line was a bit contrived, but we'll executed. My only real problem was as is common, the whole gay for you thing. Neither man was originally gay but they end up in a relationship anyway. But I really love Sensei's art.
April 8, 2015
Kuma sensei (the vet) and Chii (his future,secret but not so much, bride) are so cute XDDD and i liked the fact that both were straight ahha (so they thought till they met the other). The graphic is good too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 25, 2015
Really cute and sweet. Loved it. And Shiro is sooooo cute!!!!
January 19, 2016
I really loved the style of this, much better than many other yaoi manga I've read. Cute, albeit pretty straight-forward story.
February 7, 2016
A cute story, not much drama, with a lot of cat's scene.
June 7, 2019
Cute, enjoyed it will recommend.
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