Item: The White and Blue Between Us
Rating: 3.00
Author: quirkycat

When a white lie tears apart two high school friends, the two boys will have to confront their past in order to repair their future in this moving, dramatic, BL one-shot, perfect for fans of My Summer of You, Seven Days, or I Hear the Sunspot.

Is it ever too late to make up for a lie? Or can the opportunity be swept away, like white clouds across a blue summer sky?

It's been seven years since Hozumi left the island town he grew up on, leaving behind not only the seaside, but also Mishima--his close friend and first love from high school. The two haven’t spoken since Hozumi turned Mishima down when he rejected him and lied about his own feelings, so when Hozumi returns for his high school reunion, he wants nothing more than to make amends with Mishima--a task easier said than done. In their years apart, Mishima has distanced himself from not only Hozumi, but everyone in the entire town, choosing to live alone in the lighthouse his grandfather used to tend to. Will Hozumi finally be able to break down Mishima's walls, clear the air between them, and finally confess his true feelings, or are the two fated to be separated from one another?

Summary:

White lies are commonly told to preserve relationships – but can they also tear them apart? Seven years ago, Hozumi left the island he called home. That wasn't all he left behind, as he left his best friend and probably the love of his life.

He thought a lie would help make it easier. He was wrong. That lie tore everything apart, himself included. Now he's home, and he has to see if their love can be mended.

Review:

First, I just want to say that I really loved the cover of The White and Blue Between Us. It's what drew me to it. That said, I'll confess that I was mostly disappointed with this read – it had so much potential!

My biggest problem with The White and Blue Between Us is that I just didn't care. I didn't care about the characters, the plot, any of it. So, it was hard to feel invested in rebuilding their bonds. My other problem with it is the pacing. We go from broken hearts to back together (sort of) in just a few pages.

I feel like more build-up would have made the plot feel more honest and sincere. Oh well. I also really wish we were given a better explanation for Hozumi's thoughts/actions. Overall, I'd say that this isn't bad, but it could have been so much better.

Highlights:
Manga
Yaoi
LGBT Romance

Will I continue the series? Nope

Thanks to Kodansha Comics and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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The White and Blue Between Us

Reviewed by Quirky Cat on Feb 11, 2024

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