Hot Gimmick, Vol. 1

Book Description

When she learns that her sister Akane is late with her period, Hatsumi dresses up in disguise and goes to the drug store to get a pregnancy test. A guy tries to help her, but she is too afraid of being recognized and runs away. However, she does manage to get the test and is in the midst of happily returning home when she crashes into the last person she wants to see: Ryouki. To make things worse, she drops the test and he finds it. When Ryouki tells her he knows it's for her sister, she begs him not to tell his mother, Mrs. Tachibana. Ryouki agrees on one condition: that Hatsumi becomes his slave. In that moment, the guy from the drug store reappears, stopping Ryouki, and Hatsumi realizes it is Azusa, her childhood protector. He is back.

Customer Reviews:

I'd have given it 5 stars if there weren't so much rape........2007-06-20

Like my title says: I'd have given Hot Gimmick 5 stars if it didn't have so many ALMOST rapes. I read the first 4 Volumes and quit because it was too upsetting. I like the art, the characters (mostly), the storyline... It's really interesting and well-done. But when (spoiler) the main character was very nearly gang-raped, it was just too much. I couldn't read any more. If you get to that part and you're not upset, then you'll probably love the series. But if you're just considering buying it... I'd say read some in a store, to see what you think, before putting money into it.

Great manga!.......2007-03-07

I first started reading Hot Gimmick online, but then I fell in love with it and ended up buying the entire 12 volumes. I felt the plot was well constructed with the right amount of dramas to make it interesting and sophisticated. Also the characters are all very relatable and realistic. Personally, I didn't think Hatsumi was annoying at all; she was at times indecisive and had to compromise what she wanted by taking into consideration her family matters, but I thought that's what made her all the more realistic and relatable. Perhaps I could really sympathize with her character because I am sort of like her. Ryoki also seemed more realistic than many manga heroes who are described to be invariably perfect-incredibly rich, powerful, handsome, and smart. Sure, Ryoki was smart, cute, and from a powerful family too, but his flaws, such as geeky side of his personality, being unable to recognize and express love, and that he didn't have everyone fawning over him, made him seem more like he could exist in real life than just on TV shows or in manga.

Moreover, I felt other elements in the book, such as characters complaining over exams, going to prep classes/cram schools, and having family problems that affect their lives, made the story more realistic than many other high school mangas. Others often don't have parents/family play much role in characters' lives when in reality most people are affected by family matters. On that note, Hatsumi's family wasn't dirt poor either; they were just a middle class family that you can see anywhere. I think such realistic backgrounds, problems, and characters are what made Hot Gimmick so relatable to me and made me love it. I do enjoy fantasies too, but here, the stories, situations, and characters with which I could truly sympathize with made Hot Gimmick such a great read.

excellent!!!.......2007-02-21

i have read many different types of manga and honestly hot gimmick has been the only one that i have really stuck with till the end (besides sailor moon). call me a snob but i only read manga with decent artwork (aka not amatuer crap) and hot gimmick has some of the best illustrations i have seen. even their cover art is addicting!!! many people may write this off as your standard shoujo romance but i like it better because it is realtively realistic. no majical girls or realllllly far fetched plot lines. i think its nearly perfect in every way possible.

Hot Gimmick.......2006-10-24

The series is very sm. I can't believe none of the other reviews mentioned this. It's so classicaly done, has all the basic elements of true sm relationships but with none of the physical aspects of it. It's more of a psychological kind of control. The art is way to simplistic for my taste but the story is interesting and the characters are well developed. You will love it trust me, read all twelve volumes it only gets better and better.

I really liked this book.......2006-08-12

I liked Hot Gimmick a lot, and I thought it was pretty original. I liked Hatsumi's character a lot, even though she was a pushover. The only think that I didn't really like all that much was that like, almost every guy main character fell in love with Hatsumi, or at least pretended to. But all in all, the storyline was pretty cool and the artwork was awesome.

Average customer rating:

The Plot Thickens
Enslave thy neighbor...part two
Hot Gimmick Rocks!
Twists and Turns
soooooooooooooo addictive

Hot Gimmick, Vol. 2

Manufacturer: VIZ Media LLC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1591162270

Book Description

All the girls are excited by the new student - Azusa Odagiri, a model for a famous magazine. What they can't figure out is why he would want to be friends with Hatsumi - or even worse, find her attractive. Meanwhile, Hatsumi and her sister Akane are accosted by Mrs. Tachibana, followed by Ryouki, who reminds Hatsumi that if she forgets she is his slave, he will be happy to reminder her. Later, some of the girls corner Hatsumi to discourage her from pursuing him. Then Ryouki orders her to his apartment and tells her she must sleep with him. Ryouki is surprised when his "slave" punches him, but he's even more shocked when the doorbell rings and a pretty woman walks in.

Customer Reviews:

The Plot Thickens.......2006-02-12

At the end of the first manga, you had a feeling that Azusa had something up his sleeve -- but you didn't know what. Well, volume two throws you into the thick of things. It shows Hatsumi's deepening feelings for Azusa and it shows what Ryoki is like outside of the building -- he's still not the best person, but you see greater depth to him, which I love. I am really starting to like him even though he is still a little evil at heart. You can tell he has some feelings for Hatsumi, but you're not sure exactly what they are. You also see what Azusa is plotting although it's still a mystery just why he is plotting Hatsumi's downfall. You also learn a big secret about Shinogu, Hatsumi's older brother.

Over all pretty good, although I don't know how believable the plot is in some aspects -- especially the whole Azusa becomes a model just so he can have revenge part.

Enslave thy neighbor...part two.......2005-10-19

The second volume of Hot Gimmick starts out with a glimpse into Hatsumi's and Azusa's past. He had always acted as her protector, and now it seems that he wants to date her but has mistaken the dominate/ submissive aspect of her and Ryoki's relationship to be an actual intimacy. She decides to set him straight about the details and that's when he confesses his feelings by kissing her. Soon he buys her a cell phone and starts telling everyone she is his girlfriend, but there is still the matter of Ryoki to be dealt with. When Azusa and Ryoki meet with one another Azusa is getting touchy feely with another woman, and Ryoki later passes this info along to Hatsumi. This leaves her very anxious about their relationship, but she should be worried about greater things, like why Azusa really wants to date her. Ryoki gets a glimpse of Azusa's real attitude and becomes concerned, but doesn't know how to tell Hatsumi without hurting her.

Back and forth it goes, the relationships in this series. It's like a tennis ball, this person wants this one, this person wants that one. Basically the structure boils down to this... Ryoki wants Hatsumi more than he cares to admit... but she doesn't care for him in the slightest and she likes Azusa... who has ulterior motives for dating her and is really "involved" with another young woman, his business manager, Rina. Hatsumi's sister, Akane, likes Ryoki, but he doesn't care for her. Subaru, the neighbor Otaku boy, likes both Hatsumi and Akane, but they consider him only a friend... and weirdest of all is the overprotective relationship Hatsumi's older "brother" has for her... It's one giant soap opera and yet it's oh so good. I keep reading this expecting it to get lame, but it hasn't. The illustrations are wonderful and the story is engaging enough to keep me borrowing it from work. Definitely not for kids, but good for anyone else.

Hot Gimmick Rocks!.......2005-10-15

The first time i read hot gimmick was when i spotted my friend reading it. i borrowed it from her and i finished in less than an hour. i was addicted. i was soooo eager to read the second book and luckily she had all 9 books. i was shocked by the change of events in the story and i was just a teesy bit mad because I SERIOUSLY LUV AZUSA!! Anyway, I still luv the books and by the time i was up to book 4, almost all the girls in my class were begging my friend to borrow them. I felt bad for her. She stood her ground and let some borrow it but not all. The girls who did get to read it became HOT GIMMICk fanatics
I can't wait for the 10th book to come out. Even though the change of events wasn't in my favor exactly i still think HOT GIMMICK ROCKS! I would tell anyone who luvs romance and mnanga to read it. It's a great series of books! i hope you take my advice. Happy readings!

Hot Gimmick Fanatic!

Twists and Turns.......2005-06-29

Volume one is great, but volume two is where it starts to get interesting.

Azusa finally asks Hatsumi to be his girlfriend, and she gladly accepts. But when he asks her out to a club, things start to get a little confusing. Azusa starts hinting at what he's really like in this volume, and Ryoki is acting . . . nice?

If volume one bored you, try volume two anyway. I don't think you'll stay bored for very long.

soooooooooooooo addictive.......2004-05-10

After finishing the first I went out the next day to get the 2nd and so on. This manga leaves you wanting more. I have to say that its seems that it would be more enjoyable to females because its like a romance novel, but I guess guys could like it to.

Average customer rating:

Enslave thy neighbor...part 4
Another Perfect Volume
Hot Gimmick is stick to its title--it really is HOT
GOOD GOOD GOOD
highly recommend this series

Hot Gimmick, Vol. 4

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ASIN: 1591163897

Book Description

Hatsumi tries to save her family from eviction by beginning her former "master" Ryoki to take her back as his slave. But Ryoki wants to be liked for himself; a distinct possibility when it appears that Hatsumi's feelings for him are changing.

Customer Reviews:

Enslave thy neighbor...part 4.......2005-10-20

A confrontation with Azusa after the revelations of his mother's affair (and the attempted gang rape of Hatsumi) leaves Hatsumi with mixed feelings about him. She struggles with the residual feelings of love for him even as Ryoki still persists in his attempt to make her his girlfriend, despite her refusal. Suddenly the whole complex is ignoring the Narita family as well, and Hatsumi thinks it's because she refused Ryoki. At first she decides to submit to him to smooth everything over, but he has a different idea in mind and asks Shinogu, Hatsumi's older brother, to be his private tutor. He doesn't really need it, he is just looking for any excuse to be closer to Hatsumi and to resolve her family being ostracized. Suddenly her feelings about him are becoming, well, less defined as hatred and nearer to something approaching love, but her brother has too much concern over this sudden development in her attitude... and on top over all of that Akane, Hatsumi's younger sister, is trying to cope with her feelings of love for Subaru... It's just one confusing romance after another.

Read this manga... I am not kidding you. The plot is wonderful, the art is wonderful, it is just what you are looking for if you crave a good Shojo manga.

Another Perfect Volume.......2005-07-07

After what Azusa did to Hatsumi, you'd think she'd hate him, but somehow, she just can't. Ryoki however, doesn't seem to have this problem.

Something happens to make everyone in the complex ignore Hatsumi's family. Fortunately, Ryoki has a plan to endear the Naritas to his mother . . . And is Hatsumi finally starting to fall for Ryoki?

Also, Akane confesses her love to Subaru, but how will this Otaku nerd react?

This is a great volume. The shock of volume 3 is over, but the aftershock is just as engrossing. If you loved the previous books, you'll love this one too.

Hot Gimmick is stick to its title--it really is HOT.......2004-10-06

I fell at the beginning that some of the characters are twisted in this story.

Yet, that's what make them so unique and original. The characters in this manga will left strong impression on you.

Hatsumi, the main character is a kind hearted girl but also a pushover girl who cant stand up and got tongue tied in nasty situation. So, when her long time no see childhood neighboor Ryoki showed up his nose and start bullying her, she cant do anything but abide by his rule. He makes her his slave and order her around as he holds his power over her (a secret-- he saw Hatsumi purchased a home pregnancy test for her little sister who's still in Junior High School). Threatened by Ryoki Tachibana promised to tell his mom--Mrs. Tachibana (who is by the way holds position like the Queen of the employee complex where they all living because her husband is a director), Hatsumi can only agree to be his slave, cause she didn't want her family get in trouble with the Tachibana family.

To complicate things, there are many other people that involve in this twisted but exciting story line.
Atsuza, Hatsumi childhood friend come into the picture and try to rescue Hatsumi from the evil Ryoki, he act so kind that Hatsumi cant help but falling in like with atsuza who also is a model. But to make matter worse, atsuza aliby in doing those stuff is because he has a plot of revenge against Hatsumis's father due to somehting that happen in the past.

While plotting to do something bad to her (try to gang up some his model friends to rape Hatsumi), Ryoki comes to the resue. It seemed that Ryoki slowly turn to be in love with Hatsumi after all. Hatsumi fell all overwhelmed with all that happening in her life and confused with the sudden change in treatment that she received from Ryoki.

So, do u think that their romace (Ryoki and Hatsumi) works out in the end?
I think you should find out for yourself cause I've spilled too much juicy information alreasy (*wink* *wink* ;) )

GOOD GOOD GOOD.......2004-05-28

Hot Gimmick..A VERY addictive and excellent series.I loved it since the 1st volume and screamed when I saw this out in stores...I just love Subaru,hehe.You have to read it!It's so sweet^__^

highly recommend this series.......2004-05-22

very addictive series, this book is another great volume. Cant wait till vol. 5.

Average customer rating:

Enslave thy neighbor...part three...
Role Reversal
REALLY GOOD!
AWESOME!
AWESOME SERIES!

Hot Gimmick, Vol. 3

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ASIN: 1591162289

Book Description

Lovestruck Ryoki wants Hatsumi and makes no bones about it. But worse, Azusa invites Hatsumi to a private party with her shady friends to find out what he's really up to. With people plotting against her from all sides, guess who ends up saving Hatsumi from bad and worse?

Customer Reviews:

Enslave thy neighbor...part three..........2005-10-19

Ryoki has admitted to Hatsumi that he wants to be with her intimately for more than just practice, and she recoils from this prospect. A text message from Azusa on Hatsumi's phone prompts them to meet with him in an apartment he does modeling shoots at, but Azusa is no where to be found when they arrive. Instead are a bunch of his model friends trying to use Hatsumi for sex. Azusa shows up and at first Hatsumi thinks she is rescued, but when he tells her that his Mother had an affair with her Father and his betrayal of her left her depressed and suicidal it becomes apparent why he is dating her. He has decided to take his revenge for the death of his mother out on the cause...through the causes daughter, hence why he has been "dating" her. This causes grief for Hatsumi, naturally, and Ryoki (who is also present for all of this) tries to fight his way out, but it is only when the model's manager, Rina (the woman who is involved with Azusa), shows up that they are able to escape without any harm.

Hatsumi is crushed over all of this. Ryoki tries to be sympathetic, but does it under the guise of her still being his slave. When her sister, Akane, asks him out he refuses and this causes some bitterness between her and Hatsumi. Ryoki tells Hatsumi he wants her to be his girlfriend, not his slave, and she recoils in fear of this, hating the prospect more than the actual slave part. Then there is also the matter of Shinogu Narita, Hatsumi's older brother...who it was revealed is actually not her real brother but an adopted brother... what feelings does he have for her?

I keep reading this because it's good. The overall plot, all of the characters, it's wonderful. Can't stress that enough. I'm waiting for it to take a downward spiral, but it hasn't, and after three volumes I don't think I could not read it even if it began to get lame, I just have too many emotional ties invested in the characters at this point. One can't help but feel sorry for Hatsumi, who keeps getting her heart yanked in far too many directions, but that's what makes shojo manga wonderful, the angst and the drama. Pick it up, you will not regret it.

Role Reversal.......2005-07-01

"Hot Gimmick" volume 3 is where the story really starts getting good. Azusa, Hatsumi's model boyfriend, asks her out on a date, but when she arrives, it's obvious that he's up to no good. His twisted plot for revenge is finally revealed. But Hatsumi is even more shocked when her rescuer turns out to be none other than Ryoki, her moody "master"! Also in this volume, the first hint of a relationship between Subaru and Akane.

This has got to be the best volume in the series. Everything you thought you knew gets completely turned around. If you've read volumes 1 and 2, don't hesitate to go pick up volume 3.

REALLY GOOD!.......2004-04-02

I just finished it and the story takes a kind of bazare turn- in a good way. The story is extremely engaging and is hard to put down. :-)

AWESOME!.......2004-03-31

If you haven't read this series you're missing out on AN AWESOME MANGA!!!
I think this volume is the saddest one and i almost started crying through it...but then again, i'm a sap.

Volume 3 continues where volume 2 left off, after Azusa sent Hatsumi his text message to meet with him. Ryoki sees the message on her cell phone and tells her that they'll go together to see Azusa, but when they arrive they get a BIG surprise. To find out what happens to Hatsumi and Ryoki, read the manga

AWESOME SERIES!.......2004-02-07

This is by far one of the greatest series I have ever read! Highly addictive! It's the perfect blend of romance/comedy but it's still extremely realistic. It turns out that Azusa, Hatsumi's new boyfriend, is not what he seems when him and his friends do... well, I can't tell you or it'll ruin it for you hehe! Well anyways, it turns out Ryouki and Azusa almost switch places. Ryouki turns out to be kind and sweet and Azusa is now mean and cruel. Read it for yourself!

Average customer rating:

Disappointed
Don't get me wrong I'm ShinoguXHatsumi all the way but this is terrible
Not as bad as they say, not as good as I'd hoped.
Very Juvenile
Anti-climatic, highly dissatisfying

Hot Gimmick S (Shojo Beat Fiction)
Megumi Nishizaki
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ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1421511428

Book Description

Think you know everything about Hot Gimmick? Well, think again! Hot Gimmick S, an original novelization inspired by the super-popular shojo series Hot Gimmick, boasts an ending that is completely different than how the manga series concludes. Hatsumi Narita, a somewhat indecisive coed, must navigate the choppy waters of company housing life and try to keep her love life on track too. She starts dating her extremely bossy neighbor Ryoki, but how will her dreamy older brother Shinogu feel about this? It¿s the ending that manga fans are dying to read and are bound to be talking about for a long time to come! Plus, a bonus, heart-pounding manga episode that¿s all about Hatsumi and Shinogu!

Customer Reviews:

Disappointed.......2007-04-15

Well, just as my title says, I have to say I was disappointed with the book. Yes, it's pretty much a fanfic (an alternate story written by a fan) with maybe a total of five images taken from the actual manga inserted here and there throughout the book. The first half of the story is a recap of the whole Hot Gimmick original plot, which I felt is pretty unnecessary because the book even points out that it is a continuation of a manga series that you should read in order to know what's going on. The grammar and spelling...immature. I understand that the author (well, the translators, too) are trying to make it seem as though a high school student is telling the story, but it's a little too much. The book is also a very quick read--I finished it in less than an hour. And like another reviewer mentioned, NOTHING EXCITING HAPPENS. We get the recap, Shinogu's history (which is pretty far-fetched), an "OMG" here and an "OMG" there, and Hatsumi's late realization of mmmmmmmmmmmaybe feeling a little something for her former brother.

All in all, it was short and boring. How sad...and I was so excited about this alternate ending, too. It's best left to your imagination for the ideal couple (which even after reading the book is what it boils down to anyway).

Don't get me wrong I'm ShinoguXHatsumi all the way but this is terrible.......2007-03-29

Ok first off I am one of the biggest ShinoguXHatsumi fans you will ever meet... so the reason I didn't like this book isn't because of the pairing. one third of the book is recapping what happened in the manga (up to where Hatsumi sees Ryoki and Ruri together... but shes done with Ryoki after that) some of the information isn't accurate either which was extremely frustrating. I finished this book in about 30 minuetes for one it's really short, which disappointed me, and 2nd it was written at about a third grade level. The plot was very weak, and Shinogu's history just isn't that realistic... I mean I can see it happening, but I mean my god the author could have done so much more (not to mention it's not even Miki Aihara who's writing this). Another thing that really irked me is yeah they get together but they don't GET together... they don't hug, kiss, nothing... the whole book is about Hatsumi finding her feelings for Shinogu. That's all fine and dandy but I more so would like to see Shinogu's side in all of this as well... and what happens after the alternate ending haha... so overall I rated this a two because it just disappointed me so much though some parts are ok and even brought tears to my eyes... it really could have been much better

Not as bad as they say, not as good as I'd hoped........2007-02-23

I recieved this last night, and I finished it in about an hour and a half.

The writing style is a bit choppy at the beginning; the first quarter to half of the book is a rehash of the manga, up to the end of the series. Instead of meeting Ryoki at their "special place" she does not go to say goodbye to him, and that's where the "alternate ending" goes in to effect. The alternate ending however isn't even clearly spelled out - it leaves a lot to your imagination. Normally with a book that's a good thing but when this promises to be an alternate, it should go all the way.

One disappointment is that the "heart-pounding manga episode" promised on the back is a copy of a part of one of the mangas - Vol. 9 I believe. I was hoping for something new.

I don't understand all the hate for this book - buy it knowing what you're getting into, enjoy it for what it is, and use it to complete your series.

Very Juvenile.......2007-02-22

While I knew it wasn't written by Miki Aihara, I was really hoping for something better than this. As the other reviewer mentioned, it reads like a lame grade school book, rather than something that should be at least high school level. I'm pretty sure I'd read it in less than an hour, and most of it's like flashbacks and recaps from the manga, which I felt was really unnecessary. I mean, you're only gonna buy this book if you've read the manga! I do have to say that I liked reading the detailed account of Shinogu's childhood--I wish the author spent as much time with the actual relationship part. Well yeah, so I'm a sucker and I bought it because I'm such a HG fan (and a Shinogu fan), so the fact that a really subpar effort like this got the original author's endorsement's a big letdown. The only bright note is the cover, which is all about the Miki Aihara goodness.

Anti-climatic, highly dissatisfying.......2007-02-22

First thing you should know before spending money on this book:
1. It was NOT written by Aihara Miki. It reads and feels like a fanfic. The writing style is choppy and scattered. The huge font even makes it feel like you're back in grade school reading a chapter book.
2. It is NOT a manga. It's a graphic novel, with random recylced pictures of Hatsumi and Shinogu snatched from the REAL series.
This whole effort feels lazy. Don't waste your money. If you must read it, sit down in Barnes and Noble for an hour- if it even takes you that long to walk away from this garbage.
For a longtime Hot Gimmick fan like myself, it was a major letdown.

Average customer rating:

Love it
This book is not what you think it is.
The ending I wanted, but . . .
The End I Expected. . .
Final Volume

Hot Gimmick, Volume 12 (Hot Gimmick)
Miki Aihara
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ASIN: 1421508257

Book Description

In company-owned rabbit-hutch apartments live tenants who can't afford to live anywhere else, and the apartment complex in which high-school girl Hatsumi Narita lives is ruled over by the rumor mongering, self-righteous Mrs. Tachibana. Get on Tachibana's bad side, and life becomes hell. When Hatsumi has to buy a pregnancy test because her popular sister Akane is late, Mrs. Tachibana's son, Ryoki, who used to bully Hatsumi as a kid, promises not to tell the world about Hatsumi's secret.only if she becomes his slave. Suddenly Azusa, Hatsumi's protector in their youth, reappears to save her again! He's moving back into the neighborhood! Despite the budding romance between Hatsumi and Azusa, Ryoki has control over her through the secret that could ruin the lives of everyone in Hatsumi's family, and he hasn't forgotten who his slave is!

Customer Reviews:

Love it.......2007-10-07

I loved the whole manga series overall, and the ending was satisfying but it could have been much better. Yet, I was happy with Hatsumi's choice.

This book is not what you think it is........2007-05-04

If you had read this volume, I am assuming that you already appreciate the storyline, artwork, and complete melodrama of Hot Gimmick. I know I do. It is the only manga that I have ever gone so far as to collect the entire series, and its novel counterpart (which, by the grace of God, has an alternate ending).

About half of this manga is what you think it is: the end of Hot Gimmick. I will not spoil anything for you, but the ending is pretty weird and, in my opinion, pretty cool too. I understand Shinogu, Hatsumi, and Ryoki's decisions and they are as realistic as any manga can be. However, a lot of people will be disappointed by this issue if they completely and totally lean to one side of the Shinogu/Ryoki battle. I love them both, so it was not hard for me to cope with the ending. However, if it is for you, check out Hot Gimmick S (Shojo Beat Fiction), the novel. Same story, different ending, lucky you.

Miki Aihara's drawing skills have improved throughout the series, from Tokyo Boys and Girls and the beginning of Hot Gimmick. Actually, she just developed a different style of drawing which I and most others find more aesthetically pleasing.

So, like high school drama, apartment complex hierarchy, and twisted family pasts? If so, Hot Gimmick is for you.

The ending I wanted, but . . ........2007-03-09

Ok, I've been a fan of "Hot Gimmick" for a while. I loved the romance and the characters. But the ending . . . it ended like I wanted it to, I mean, Hatsumi chooses the guy I liked her with best, but . . . Hatsumi never learns to stand up for herself. Ryoki still pushes her around all the time, and you're left feeling like the relationship is kinda abusive and would never work out in real life. Yeah, I know it's just a manga, but it still put a damper on my enjoyment. Also, the plot was sorta thin in this last volume. You kinda know what's gonna happen before you even pick it up. All in all, I was hoping for a stronger ending.

The End I Expected. . ........2006-12-04

******EXTREME SPOILER ALERT******
After reading the entire series of HG in the span of about 4 days, I have to say that Hatsumi finally made a smart decision! I read A LOT of reviews complaining about the fact that she chose Ryoki over Shinogu and Asuza. But come on! Sure Shinogu was a big sweetheart and he would never hurt her and blah blah blah, but nobody put themselves in Hatsumi's shoes! He's her brother!! Adopted or not, Hatsumi will always view Shinogu as her brother and being with him would always be like incest to her. Don't get me started on Asuza either!! Anyone who wanted Hatsumi to end up with Asuza needs to go back and read the first couple volumes, you know, the ones where he was trying to get revenge on Mr. Narita through her? What kind of person would want her to be with him?!?! I, for one was rooting for Ryoki the whole time, he's obviously cared about her, he just had a hard time showing it the right way.

In my opinion, Hot Gimmick is a story about being true to your heart, it shows that sometimes you fall in love and no matter how hard you try to fight it, you know the person that is right for you. Anybody who didn't get that message has never been in love with someone who was Forbidden.

The Verdict:
Get a life, fall in love and THEN read HG. A+

Final Volume.......2006-12-04

I found the first Hot Gimmick maybe two years ago, and have kept up with the series ever since. In the twelfth book, Hatsumi's relationship problems still haven't resolved, poor girl. She is still trying to keep her family together without hurting anyone, but it goes without saying that this isn't easy for her.

This volume was a bittersweet read. It answered the main question, but a little too quickly. There was hardly any suspense in the story, and the actual account regarding Hatsumi ended maybe halfway through the book. The rest of the pages are filled with a (much-needed) story of Akane and Subaru and a short story that, while cute, is also redundant.

Overall, I suggest buying this book. Although a little rushed, it shouldn't affect your decision of starting or finishing the series.

Average customer rating:

Enslave thy neighbor...part 5....
The MOST exciting volume!
Highly recommended

Hot Gimmick, Vol. 5

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Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1591161444

Book Description

In company-owned, rabbit-hutch apartments live tenants who can't afford to live anywhere else, and the apartment complex where high-school girl Hatsumi Narita lives is ruled by the evil Mrs. Tachibana. Get on Tachibana's bad side, and life becomes horrendous. Mrs. Tachibana takes special delight in tormenting Hatsumi, particularly with Ryouki, the bully who harassed her when they were kids. Ryouki has special plans for Hatsumi, based on a scandalous secret he discovers about her. But neither he nor Hatsumi knows that another person from her past will be coming soon to help protect her.

Customer Reviews:

Enslave thy neighbor...part 5...........2005-10-20

When Shinogu confesses his feelings to Hatsumi she misunderstands his affection for normal brother and sisterly love, but Ryoki hears it and becomes insanely jealous of this. Hatsumi decides to give Ryoki a chance and asks him out to see a movie, but her brother's sudden move out of the apartment keeps her preoccupied and this causes the date to break up early. Hatsumi decides to talk to Shinogu and heads to his apartment, but she meets up with Ryoki quite unexpectedly and he decides to go with her to find out the truth about Shinogu once and for all.

Even after Shinogu admits he's not Hatsumi's real brother she doesn't accept it. Shinogu decides to take matters into his own hands and confronts Azusa with the truth about his father and Azusa's mother and they decide to have a sit down with Mr. Narita when he comes back to town. Some drunken revelry on Akane's and Subaru's part also adds to the confusion about the nature of their relationship... and a consensual kiss from Hatsumi has Ryoki reeling... The drama is just getting to be too much in this fantastic series.

As the story progresses more and more I am starting to like Ryoki. At first I thought he was an utter jerk, but as more of his feelings for Hatsumi is revealed he becomes a bit more sympathetic, as I am sure is the point. Likewise, as more of Azusa's intentions were revealed he became more repellent. (I still can't believe Hatsumi would even entertain the notion of speaking to him after what he did to her, rather, what he tried to do to her). Shinogu is, of course, becoming more prevalent in the range of romantic possibilities, but honestly, even though they have the whole D/S thing going on, I hope Hatsumi stays with Ryoki. I think she can help ease his heart, provided he is willing to let his open up to her.

The MOST exciting volume!.......2004-07-21

Volume 5 Hot Gimmick has got to be the most exciting volume!! This volume is a MUST READ!

In this volume we're getting more clues about Hatsumi's family secret when Shinogu moves out. Discover why & how bad boy Ryoki gets more & more lovable in each volume! Hatsumi could barely control her feelings around Ryoki these days but after Azusa, Hatsumi is very cautious! What's Ryoki's true intention, is he doing this to convince Hatsumi to be a slave?

Readers will be proud & be surprised by Hatsumi's action in this volume! she finally expressed herself, stand up for her feelings! That's a HUGE progress for our Hatsumi since volume 1!!

I love this volume the best because the romance from each character pair is budding! It's so entertaining to see how Hatsumi, Akane, Ryoki & the gang deal with their emotions, it's something that we all can relate to. We could also see each character's growth & maturity, how somehow they all effect each other!!

Also the drama seems to escalate within each volume leaves you wanting MORE! MORE! Hot Gimmick is deffinitely one of the BEST & most exciting shoujo!

Highly recommended.......2004-07-09

Hot Gimmick, since the moment I read the first chapter, has become a favorite for me. Miki Aihara knows her shoujo, and delivers it in a fresh and heart-stirring way.

Meet Hatsumi, a normal teenager in a normal family, an older brother, and two younger siblings, a sister and brother. There's the boss' son(Ryoki), a bully, who doesn't understand his own feelings, and the gorgeous(yum!) childhood friend(Azusa), which Hatsumi hopes will become MORE than a friend. But fate is not always so kind, especially since Hatsumi becomes Ryoki's slave while she tries to help her sister. She then she discovers that her knight in shining armor may not really be there to save her and that life can't get more confusing than this... or can it?

Book Description

Customer Reviews:

Cool to the end.......2006-11-04

Well first of all I really did like the entire series. I read it till the end. I will not give it away for anyone else reviewing these comments, anyway. I love the series and I got the final manga volume like last week. It is worth all the money I spent -_-; anyway please note this is a manga meant for older teens. But to those who feel bad about that there is going to be a novel version that comes out in Feb.2007 that favors more Shinogu. It will be calling it Hot Gimmick S. and they are thinking of making a Azusa version too.

fujimiya's girl.......2006-07-08

I have been reading this series from the beginning. It has several unexpected twists! Hatsumi is a quiet teen who ends up in a "relationship" with Ryoki, who seems to be a jackass. As the volumes progress it begins to seem as though he really might care for Hatsumi but then there are two other guys that could be her main squeeze too! Even by the end of volume of 11 you just aren't sure who will get the girl. Though it looks like it might be Ryoki my vote is for Shinogu OR Azusa(I don't think he is really as bad as he wants you to believe!)

I can't wait for vol. 12 to find out if she really goes running back to Ryoki!

Lots of twists and turns . . ........2006-07-03

This was a great issue with an ending I did not expect. I can't wait for Volume 12 to come out!

Absolutely one of the best manga I have ever read.......2006-06-15

Hot Gimmick is my #1 manga and I have been a faithful fan to it from the first volume. The story is so exciting and the characters are so beautiful.

I like Shinogu much more than Ryoki and I kinda hoped that Hatsumi will end up with him instead of Ryoki but it seems that it is not going to end up this way. But hey, did Hatsumi really slept with Shinogu? It is so scandalous and juicy :D. Shinogu is so hot and if I were in Hatsumi's place, I would have gone for him.

I am so looking forward to have volume 12, but I cannot hold my horses here :D. What is going to happen? I think it is going to be the last volume of Hot Gimmick, which is a total dismay to me and to Hot Gimmick's fans :(.

Miki Aihara brought us a wonderful manga and I don't think that you can find a better manga out there. Her other manga "Tokyo Boys & Girls" is good but not as much as Hot Gimmick.

Recommended for fans of Miki Aihara

TOTALLY WORTH BUYING!.......2006-06-09

I have been a faithful fan ever since Hot Gimmick first started coming out! In the 11th graphic novel Ryoki and Hatsumi had just broken up and Hatsumi's ADOPTED (and totally hot) brother Shinogu wants Hatsumi to see him as a man and not just her brother. This series keeps on ketting better and better and more intense.

You've got to read the whole series bcause I know you'll love it!

PS: Root for Akane and Subaru!

Average customer rating:

Twists and turns at every corner
Enslave thy neighbor....part 8.
Poor Hatsumi, soap opera without the cheese!
One of the Best in the Series
The Most Intense Volume Yet!

Hot Gimmick, Vol. 8
Miki Aihara
Manufacturer: VIZ Media LLC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 159116706X

Customer Reviews:

Twists and turns at every corner.......2006-02-27

Welcome to the maze! So much drama you'll have an ulcer! I couldn't finish this series because the main female character was too wishy washy in EVERYTHING. It takes her 10+ books to TRY and take a stand. She doesn't know who to love, and really has too many mixed feelings. Where do they all hide?! The author has more than a love triangle. The relationship triangles are all mixed and mashed. More than necessary and overly complex. Though she still makes it easy to follow. Again, the main character doesn't fall far from the clueless tree as she continues to do everything without really thinking. Which causes slave drivers, adopted brothers, and a childhood love to clash all for her sake.

And though the story has it's twists, it's predictable. As to why it continues baffles me.

For those who are interested in high drama that follows the american day time soap opera...beware because this is MORE than just a soap. If you like that, GOOD LUCK! If you don't, break out the alkaseltzer.

cheers!

Enslave thy neighbor....part 8........2005-10-29

After slapping Hatsumi in front of the entire complex, including her brother, Shinogu, everyone makes a fuss. Mariko, the Tachibana's maid, tends to Hatsumi while Mrs. Tachibana makes excuses for Ryoki. Hatsumi decides it was her fault though and apologizes profusely to Ryoki while Mrs. Tachibana begins to undermine their relationship, by inviting the daughter of a friend to share in Ryoki's study sessions. This begins to work as Hatsumi's issues of inadequacy resurface. Meanwhile, it becomes clear that Shinogu has strong feelings for her, even to Hatsumi, when she and Asahi begin to work with him at a coffee shop. Well, we can actually thank Asahi (Subaru`s older sister), who has been in love with Shinogu for ages, for leaking this information to Hatsumi. Ryoki tries to make Hatsumi forget about the other men in her life, but it is difficult to do when Shinogu passes out at work due to sheer exhaustion, what possesses that boy to work as hard as he does? And why is he so desperate to sever his ties with the Narita family?

This series is still going strong, and it's making me a huge fan of the creator. I must pick up more work by him/her (?). In the meantime I am eagerly awaiting volume ten, but you should catch up and read the previous work, it's delicious I tell you.

Poor Hatsumi, soap opera without the cheese!.......2005-05-25

I'm glad to hear that Hatsumi is gaining more self-esteem. The character development, the drama! This series gets you reading every page. I never thought I'd read a shoujo manga, but this got me wrong. Hatsumi is such a good down-to-earth person, Azusa, a scheming prettyboy, Ryoki a genius in school, but knows nothing about treating a woman right, much less getting some. And Shinogu, I'm rooting for him. This is teenage life, and damn, I feel sorry for how trapped Hatsumi is on every corner of life.

One of the Best in the Series.......2005-05-09

Ryoki just gets better and better with every volume. This time, we see him stand up for Hatsumi when his mother tries to push a relationship with a very rich, but snobby girl, on him.

Also, Hatsumi seems to be learning how to stand up for herself more and more. I was glad to see this development in her character, and I hope that she will continue to become more assertive.

Last, there's a very sweet extra about the gang when they were kids. It's about what really happened when Hatsumi first moved to the complex. There's going to be a continuation on this, I think, and I'm looking forward to it.

Volume 8 was very satisfying. If you're a fan of the series, then you should definitely read it.

The Most Intense Volume Yet!.......2005-03-18

I think Volume 8 is the most suspenseful part yet. In this volume, Hatsumi really expresses herself when Mrs. Tachibana invites a rich, pretty, and very smart girl to study with Ryoki. There's a lot of tension over the adoption papers she found at Shinogu's apartment and he is becoming more and more distant from her.

This volume is a MUST-READ for Hot Gimmick fans and it also shows how Hatsumi's stairs incident happened.

Average customer rating:

Enslave thy neighbor...part 9.
Hot Gimmick gets steamy!

Hot Gimmick, Volume 9 (Hot Gimmick)

Manufacturer: VIZ Media LLC
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Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1591168457

Customer Reviews:

Enslave thy neighbor...part 9........2005-10-29

Valentine's day is on it's way, and that means time for romance and time to study, seeing as how everyone's entrance exams are right around the corner. Akane is stressed out, what with the high school placement tests along with trying to get Subaru to actually act as a boyfriend. After he hurts her feelings she eats the valentine's day chocolates she bought specially for him only to have him rush to her side to apologize by giving her many good luck bears for her tests.

At the same time Hatsumi has decided to rely on Shinogu less by severing the co-dependent relationship they have with one another, much to Ryoki's delight. Shinogu asks Ryoki not to hurt Hatsumi, especially now that they are furthering the investigation into the affair between Mr. Narita and Mrs. Odagiri, and find some disturbing results that hit a little too close to the Tachibana's.

Ryoki begins to collapse from exhaustion outside of the complex and Hatsumi has to help him inside... a sight not missed by the other tenants, who just think that she is being shameless and flaunting her relationship. This info does not take long to reach his mother's ears, who is still very unhappy about their relationship, but when Ryoki's "collapse" turns out to just be a method in which he lured her into his bedroom Hatsumi's mother gets directly involved in the whole mess that is their relationship. All this, plus a accidental break down of the elevator causes Shinogu to express his feelings in an intimate way to Hatsumi, which later results in his annunciation of severing his ties to the Narita family... to none less than the queen bee, Mrs. Tachibana herself... Oh the drama is so thick you can cut it with a hacksaw...Read this manga, you owe it to yourself to read something good.

Hot Gimmick gets steamy!.......2005-08-09

With this volume, we are a mere 2 volumes behind Japan and that means the releases have slowed down a lot so this was a well-welcome dose of this series. Unfortunately, it's not enough to tide over until the next volume is released a while from now because in the end, you only want more. The story pace really quickens and gets exciting at this point as several plot points are clarified a little. But not before a little look in on Subaru and Akane's relationship in a cute and tear-jerking chapter. Possibly one of the best volumes of the series!

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