Gosh, I love this series and her teacher! He’s hardcore, but he loves his students even more. ;__; The way the author wants to go back in time and slap some sense into her younger self makes me laugh, and I definitely sympathize with her regrets. Like her, my art teacher wanted me to become a painter just like him, and I never wanted to disappoint him but my heart wasn’t in painting either. I see why she wanted to write this story so much now.

I KNEW THIS WAS COMING, but it hit me all the same. I already had the idea her sensei died probably from old age but apparently it was terminal cancer instead ;___;

For a moment, I thought this was a hidden allegory about substance abuse, but, no, it’s more so about the opposite of a creative block – when you cannot stop the creative juices from flowing. I liked the Mexicali setting, cheerful Eduardo, and the colorfulness. I enjoyed the musical premise, but I wish I would have enjoyed the fantasy bits more. Also, if I were one of Beatriz’s bandmates, I would be heated, man.

Yeah, I really liked this story. This book had 464 pages and I blazed through it easily. I was never bored, and I was sad that I had put off reading this book for so long. I liked Jack's narrative. He's a sweet-heart, hopeless (or hopeful) romantic, and an overthinker. I really connect with his overthinking.

For the most part, I loved this book, but I did not like ...

- I hated all the Franny drama. Every timeloop(?)jump? that involved Franny was tedious and frustrating. I don't dislike Franny at all, but I feel like all the fights with his dad slowed down the story. Also, I understand not alienating your friends just because you got in a relationship, but whenever Jack prioritized his time with Kate he was made out to be the bad guy.

- The very very first time Jack met Kate she was way too in his business. I understand she's quirky and blunt, but I would've been annoyed. Like, I moved out the way, now keep it moving, Dr. Phil.

- It's never really answered why Jack gets to relive that day over and over. I don't seriously mind this one. It's better to leave that unanswered than to add something ridiculous and stupid to the plot.

- The banter. Sometimes, it hits and, sometimes, it does not. Mostly it does though :)

- Jillian/Jack. I picked up immediately that Jillian had feelings for Jack. I thought they might have explored that more

without the homewrecking during another time jump ... oh well, maybe she learns to love Franny more and gets over the crush on Jack

- Jack and Kate are insta-lovey, but it's alright.

- The ending somewhat.

Everyone knows I love happy endings! There are enough sad things to see every day. But a small part of me still wanted Kate to die, because you can do everything right and people still die. Maybe Jack's happy ending would've been making peace with that.

BUT I don't mind the happy ending either except they fast-forwarded it! xD Where's our payoff? I need to read in real-time Jack succeeding.

"Billionaire bad boy with too many guns loves a stoic girl with super strength."

This is an old review from when I first read this in 2015. Keep in mind I haven't read this in a while.

Hana ni Arashi is a wild ride about a super strong girl and her breezy billionaire lover. It's Riko's goal in life to be ordinary, but Ran's not having that!

Story:
The basis of Riko's ordinary life gets encumbered by Ran's crazy life daily. Whatever wacky hijinks of the chapter usually revolves around two plots: 1. Assassin trying to kill/capture Ran 2. Assassin wanting Riko for himself (usually to be his bride).

With assassins as the forefront of the story, things do get somewhat serious. Large machine/military guns can be pulled out of anyone's pocket at any time though that's mostly done for a humorous effect.

SN: The side stories in Hana ni Arashi are mature and deal with abortion and molestation.

Characters:
After a bad rejection, Riko has dedicated herself to becoming ordinary when she's anything but that. The manga called her extremely flexible, but I think that's a bad translation for "super strong." This chick picked up an entire Christmas tree by herself!

I liked how when it wasn't needed for the plot (this is shoujo y'know) she saved herself. She did not regularly play the damsel in distress. Riko even had to save Ran once and issue out a rescue mission. Not much of her personality was shown, but she seemed to be stoic until Ran made her open up.

Ran, I think, is my favorite character. He's an eccentric, billionaire bad boy with too many guns and too much fun. He falls in love with Riko at first sight and tells her at GUNPOINT she will be his bride. Although being associated with him endangers her life, he can't stay away due to liking her so much. Instead, he places tracking devices on her.

He is just unorthodox like that. He's a clingy teenager who is used to being spoiled. There could have been some hidden development in his character if we had gotten to see his mother. Unfortunately, the mangaka couldn't squeeze that in. All in all, Ran's a goofball!

Baldy was a close second for my favorite. He had the best one-liners. Riko's classmates as a whole were cool. I loved how when an assassin attacked the school these idiots retaliated by throwing paper balls and WON.

Tachibana was confusing. I could never figure out if he was good or bad? I guess he stuck true to what most assassins believe; their allegiance is to the highest payer.

Relationship:
The relationship was rushed. It went from Ran annoying Riko to marry him to Riko deciding he wasn't so bad to her soulmate. I guess maybe it was fate that they were together. Riko never said "I love you," but it was shown in her actions.

Art:
I liked the art. Most of the characters were plain in appearance (Read: Riko and Baldy), but Ran and his father were gorgeous! They knew they had to be the eye candy with the way everyone else looked.

The only female assassin had the weirdest breasts, whenever she was in motion her side boob would stay static no matter what. I don't know if the mangaka was hinting her breast were fake or not, but it was funny. Also, I like how often Riko's eye-ware changed and the covers of the manga were excellent.

Overall, it's all right.

In conclusion, I wish the ending could have been more meaningful. Hana no Arashi was a mostly entertaining story though I got bored during the middle chapters. This should be a fun try for anyone looking for a short read.

2.5

To try is to be brave. Be brave" (pg 18).

Camille and that dress gave me Kill la Kill vibes. What I enjoyed immensely about this book was the relationship between magic and sorrow/blood. That is what kept me pushing through pages of card gambling, balloon shenanigans, and bland characters. La magie takes a toll on its users, and it's interesting to read its horrifying consequences.

At no point did I care about Camille and Lazare. I just did not, sorry. Y'all were a bit too insta-lovey for my taste. If I had to choose a favorite character, then it's Chandon.

Lowkey/highkey Foudriard was just a dangling carrot for Chandon. He's just his husband and nothing more. I'm definitely not saying the story should've wasted time developing him ... but I honestly know nothing about this dude except he's a soldier and Chandon would do anything for him. Like boy, you're just a filler character. Did he even have more than 4 lines haha? :p

Still, I had fun reading this, so 2.5 stars

This story was too frustrating and dramatic after Fuuko and Daiya began dating. It seemed like all Fuuko did was cry. I wished she would have left both Shinpo boys alone because they added so much drama to her life.

Also Ichi was an indecisive wimp who wouldn't respect her relationship after he fumbled his chance.