Otonari no Tenshi-sama ni Itsu no Ma ni ka Dame Ningen ni Sareteita Ken (LN)

My Thoughts on Otonari no Tenshi-sama ni Itsu no Ma ni ka Dame Ningen ni Sareteita Ken (LN)

First Impressions

Okay, so "The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten" (a much easier title to remember!) is one of those series that just screams "wholesome." The premise is simple: a gloomy guy and an angelic girl start interacting, and sparks (slowly) fly. I went in expecting a fluffy, feel-good read, and for the most part, that's exactly what I got. It's the kind of story that's perfect for when you need a break from heavier, more complex narratives.

What Works Well

The biggest strength of this novel is undoubtedly the relationship between Amane and Mahiru. Their interactions are incredibly sweet and heartwarming, and the slow burn romance is genuinely captivating. I found myself grinning like an idiot as their feelings for each other gradually developed. The author does a great job of creating two distinct and likeable characters, each with their own flaws and quirks. The side characters, though few in number, are also well-developed and add to the overall charm of the story. I found the slice-of-life aspect particularly well done, with each chapter offering a glimpse into their daily lives and the little moments that make their relationship special. This series is definitely a cozy, heartwarming read.

Areas of Concern

While I enjoyed the series overall, I can see why some readers have issues with it. The biggest complaint I noticed is the protagonist's density and extreme self-deprecation. It can get frustrating watching him constantly dismiss Mahiru's obvious affections, even when she's practically hitting him over the head with them. It does feel like the author sometimes drags things out for the sake of adding more chapters, which leads to repetition and a stall in the romantic progression. I also noticed some reviews mentioning that the plot seems to become more repetitive after volume 3, with the story losing some of its initial charm.

Final Verdict

Despite its flaws, "The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten" is a worthwhile read for those who enjoy fluffy, low-drama romance stories. The first few volumes are particularly strong, and the heartwarming interactions between Amane and Mahiru are sure to leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside. While the pacing can be slow and the protagonist's density can be frustrating, the overall sweetness and charm of the story make it an enjoyable experience. I'd recommend giving it a try, but be aware that the quality may dip after volume 3.