A review by timefliesaway
Love on the Horizon 1 by Machi Yamashita

funny lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

 The blurb made it sound like that it was Nagi's first time bringing Yu home, and that they aren't very close. But chapter 1 starts in the middle of the semester, where they’ve known each other for a while and it’s become a habit for Nagi to bring a drunk Yu home. 

However, we do get flashbacks soon to their firsts (first meeting, first time out partying, first time bringing him home, first time falling asleep next to a drunk Yu, etc). 

 

The pace is quite fast, not bothering to make it realistic, throwing in some cliche Tropes in (like losing the keys and catching a cold) to make sure they get closer asap. It was cute, but that felt a little too rushed sometimes – there wasn’t much from their friendship shown where I was like, “ah, yeah, I get it why you’re crushing on him”. And once I did feel their romantic chemistry, they were already a level further. 

 

I’m not quite sure where this series is gonna go, though. As the whole story was pretty cliche and nothing new at all, I feel like it could take any direction. Anyhow it could as well be a stand-alone. 

Based on the bonus chapter, I have a feeling this might toggle bad habits in relationships and perhaps gonna take a toxic/unhealthy route. But really, I have no idea what the author is planning. 

 

Their romance was sweet though, occasionally funny as well. Consent was (almost) always present, and even though I did feel the sex scene rushed, it did feel natural. 

I love how the mangaka worked with symbols, like showing the clothes on the floor to indicate them having slept together, or Yu grabbing tissues after becoming flustered, without actually showing the act. I love these artistic symbols/choices. 

I also love the artstyle in general. The more rounded faces, than it’s usual for Mangas, also add to the lighthearted, soft feel. 

 

~ 

 

Thank you for Kodansha and Netgalley for a free digital copy in exchange for an honest review. 

 

-02.03.25