Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on Koibito Daikō no Baito o Hajimeta ore, Nazedarou… Fukusū no Bishōjo Kara Shimei Irai ga Haitte Kuru (LN)
First Impressions
Okay, so "Koibito Daikō no Baito o Hajimeta ore, Nazedarou… Fukusū no Bishōjo Kara Shimei Irai ga Haitte Kuru" – try saying that five times fast! – is a mouthful, but the premise is pretty straightforward: a guy takes on a rent-a-boyfriend gig. Right off the bat, I was intrigued by the comparisons to "Rent-a-Girlfriend," but with the promise of a less frustrating protagonist. That alone was enough to pique my interest.
What Works Well
What immediately grabbed me, and what seems to be a common sentiment, is the MC. Unlike some of those… other romance protagonists, Ryoma Shiba is actually a decent human being. He's not a wimp, he's not overly perverted, and he's got his head on his shoulders. He's working to support his sister, and he's generally a mature and thoughtful dude. That's a huge plus in my book.
The heroines are also a strong point. They each have distinct personalities and their own baggage, which makes them feel more than just cardboard cutouts. I particularly enjoyed the dynamic with Aira, the rich girl who craves familial love. The interactions are sweet and fluffy, and the author does a solid job of fleshing out their individual struggles. The story is a refreshing take on the rom-com genre, especially with the MC using common sense and smarts.
Areas of Concern
While I generally enjoyed the story, I did notice some potential pitfalls. Several readers expressed concern about the pacing, particularly in the later volumes. It seems like some plot threads are left dangling or resolved in a way that feels rushed. Another concern is that the story might veer into harem territory, which, for some, is a major turn-off. I can understand that frustration, especially if you're expecting a more focused romance.
⚠️ Spoiler Warning
Some readers noted that Aira and Hazuki's character arcs felt incomplete, with Aira disappearing abruptly and Hazuki not getting enough development. Also, there is a mention of differences between the LN and WN versions of the story, with some readers feeling the WN does a better job of developing the heroines and their relationships with Ryoma.
Final Verdict
Overall, I found "Koibito Daikō no Baito o Hajimeta ore, Nazedarou… Fukusū no Bishōjo Kara Shimei Irai ga Haitte Kuru (LN)" to be a solid and enjoyable read. The strong protagonist and charming heroines make it a worthwhile entry in the rom-com genre. While there are some pacing issues and potential for harem tropes, the overall experience is positive. If you're looking for a lighthearted and fluffy romance with a likable MC, this might just be up your alley.
