Takane & Hana Vol 4 by Yuki Shiwasu

We're wrapping up summer break with Takane & Hana, and school is begrudgingly back in session.  Takane's uncle hires an assistant for him, Kirigasaki, who doesn't altogether like that Takane is interested in a high school student.  Meanwhile, Hana's club at school falls into cliche to present a Maid Cafe for a school fundraiser (a concept very popular in Japan), and of course Takane shows up to patron from Hana!  Hana's fear for Takane's reputation is re-explored, and Nicola continues to prove that he sincerely wants to be Takane's friend, not rival.  

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We finally have a villainous character here to give this story some more depth.  I'm also glad there is more conversation surrounding the age gap in their relationship, and what this would do to Takane.  The banter between the two mains is still superb, Nicola and his friendship with Takane is also becoming enjoyable.  

Sara's Rating: 8/10
Suitability Level: Grades 8-12

Reviews of previous volumes in this series: vol 1, vol 2, vol 3

Tags: Rating: 8/10, Suitability: Middle School, Suitability: High School, Manga, Realistic Fiction, Romance