Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on Motokano to no Jirettai Gisou Kekkon
First Impressions
"Motokano to no Jirettai Gisou Kekkon," or "My Annoying Fake Marriage With My Ex-Girlfriend," had me hooked from the start with its fun premise. The idea of two exes, childhood sweethearts no less, thrown into a fake marriage situation is ripe with comedic and romantic potential. The initial chapters are certainly entertaining, and the dual POV offers a good look into the minds of both main characters. It's a lighthearted rom-com, perfect for a casual read.
What Works Well
The comedy is definitely a strong point. I found myself chuckling at the awkward situations the main characters find themselves in. The pacing felt solid initially, drawing me into their cohabitating life. It’s enjoyable seeing them navigate the complexities of their "fake" marriage while clearly still harboring feelings for each other. The author does a decent job of creating fluffy, ecchi moments that add to the lighthearted tone.
Areas of Concern
However, as I delved further, some issues became apparent. The characters, while cute, can feel a bit immature for their age (supposedly 19 and 21). Their constant reminders that they're in a "fake marriage" got repetitive. I also found that the development of their relationship felt somewhat lacking. We're told they love each other because of their shared history, but the story doesn't always show us enough of that history or their present-day efforts to rekindle their feelings. The lack of depth in their college lives also felt like a missed opportunity.
⚠️ Spoiler Warning
Some of the side characters felt underdeveloped or problematic. Akino, the sister-in-law, for example, is portrayed as sexually harassing the male lead, which made me uncomfortable. The introduction of Kano, a kouhai with feelings for the MC, felt like an unnecessary love triangle that detracted from the main couple's story. The plot point regarding the reason for the breakup was a little weird.
Final Verdict
Overall, "Motokano to no Jirettai Gisou Kekkon" is an enjoyable, if flawed, rom-com. The premise is fun, and the comedic elements are well-executed. However, the lack of deeper relationship development, repetitive plot points, and questionable character portrayals hold it back from being truly great. While the series may be ongoing, whether it can overcome these issues remains to be seen. I'd recommend it for a light read if you're a fan of the genre, but be prepared for some frustrating tropes and underdeveloped aspects.
