Turning up the flames on love!
About How to Grill Our Love
How to Grill Our Love is a manga series by Shiori Hanatsuki, published in English by Kodansha. The series centers Kenta, a 30-year-old engineer who is seemingly unlucky in the dating scene. He’s been getting stood up or not connecting to the women he’s been meeting. Just when he thinks he’s gotten stood up again, in walks Chihiro. The two go to a grill spot and hit it off!
When things are looking good, Kenta suddenly receives a work transfer. Chihiro suggests the two should get married since they are both looking for the same thing and they can continue to get to know each other. They do and begin their married life long distance, making the most of their weekends together.
My Thoughts
How to Grill Our Love is the perfect low stakes slice-of-life, romcom manga. In this first volume, the story is light and fluffy, with little to no conflict. If you’ve ever seen Wakakozake or Love is Like a Cocktail, where the drinks and food take center stage, this is similar. A big portion of each chapter focuses on the food they are grilling or eating, and the preparation of it. It’s also realistic, so I’m sure you can copy down the tips and tricks and apply them to your own grilling.
I do enjoy grilling and cooking, but I was interested in this story for the LOVE! And it’s here, but at this point in the story, it’s a side on the table, not the main dish. Kenta and Chidori do like each other and it’s obvious, but they are still getting to know each other. Although they marry quickly, they are not rushing the other parts of the relationship. So much so even holding hands feels like a big deal to Kenta. I do appreciate this slower perspective to an adult relationship, even if it’s not what I usually gravitate towards.
I’m interested in seeing where their relationship goes and what happens when Chidori finally moves in with Kenta. Both Kenta and Chidori were dating with the intention to marry, but now that they are married, what will their life be like? I’m not expecting the romance to take center stage, at least not any time soon, so I’m curious to see how this is woven into the food and grilling aspects of the story.
Where to Buy How to Grill Our Love, Volume 1
How to Grill Our Love, Volume 1
Mangaka: Shiori Hanatsuka
Translation: Haruko Hashimoto
Letterering: Brendon Hull
Editor: MCG
Publisher: Kodansha
How to Grill Our Love, Volume1 is available now.
Thank you to Kodansha and NetGalley for the ARC!
