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New on Shoujo Shelves – July 2014

July 1, 2014

It’s here! It’s finally the peak of summer. Time to enjoy the sun and swimming and fireworks. Check out all the swimsuits…Or maybe you want to stay in the air conditioning and catch up a little on reading. While I drool over anime on my iPad, how about checking out the love stories on paper. Here’s what’s come out on shoujo shelves for the month of July:

Lots of great series out this month. Definitely have to check out My Love Story by Kazune Kawahara, author of High School Debut. I’ve been hemming and hawing about putting Nisekoi on this list for a couple of months because technically it’s shounen, but really it’s a romantic comedy and I think shoujo readers would love it. I know I do. That new piece by Moyoco Anno looks good too.

Publisher	Cover	Publisher Synopsis
		Alice in the Country of Clover: Knight’s Knowledge, vol. 1 The Ace of Hearts, the Knight of Heart Castle, is Wonderland’s resident bad boy and master swordsman. He may be dashing and handsome, but his love represents a danger the likes of which Alice has never seen. Can the cruel yet charming knight win Alice’s heart? Story by QuinRose and Art by Sai Asai.
		Demon Love Spell Shrine maiden Miko has sealed the powers of the sexy incubus Kagura, who has vowed to protect her. Kagura has been losing his powers ever since Miko’s father cast a spell to prevent Kagura and Miko from making love. The spell must be broken for Kagura to survive, but will Miko’s father relent? Story and art by Mayo Shinjo.
		In Clothes Called Fat Noko appears to be living a great life, she’s got a good job and a loving boyfriend, but beneath a thin veneer is a young woman who is struggling with her self-image and self-confidence as she fights to keep her weight down. To Noko, being 5 pounds overweight means being miles away from happiness in her lovelife and in her work-place. Story and art by Moyoco Anno.
		The Infernal Devices, vol. 3: Clockwork Princess The threat of Mortmain’s Infernal Devices looms as the Shadowhunters race to work out a way to counteract the mechanical monsters. Meanwhile, plans for Tessa’s marriage to Jem are underway, despite her fiance’s failing health and the unresolved feelings between her and Will. When Tessa is captured, Will must leave his comrade behind to save the woman they both love. But with the final missing piece – Tessa herself – in Mortmain’s possession, can anything stop his plot for revenge? Story by Cassandra Clare and Art by Hyekyung Baek.
		Inu X Boku Secret Service, vol. 4 When Ririchiyo returns home for the New Year’s festivities, she is hesitant to admit to her family that her bodyguard is also her boyfriend. Over the past several months, the other supernatural boarders at Ayakashi Hall have become more like a real family to her than any she has ever known. Never have these bonds been more evident than when danger threatens one of her new friends… Story and art by Cocoa Fujiwara.
		Midnight Secretary, vol. 6 Kyohei has finally admitted that he loves Kaya, and he’s even stopped feeding on other women. But even though they’ve worked out their personal issues, their dual roles as boss/secretary and vampire/human are still a huge hurdle to overcome. Can Kaya and Kyohei stand up to the disapproval of the business world and the vampire world?! Story and art by Tomu Ohmi.
		Missions of Love, vol. 8 Shigure’s plan to get close to Yukina by helping her overcome her weakness gets off to a good start, but runs into trouble when Yukina meets into an old acquaintance–the preschool teacher who traumatized her in the first place. Can Shigure keep Yukina’s old wounds from reopening? Story and art by Ema Toyama.
		My Little Monster, vol. 3 Haru confirms his love for Shizuku after a talk with the class rep, Chizuru Oshima (who also has feelings for Haru!). Meanwhile, confused and unsure, Shizuku decides to eliminate her feelings towards Haru in order to focus on her studies. Will Haru be able to change her mind? The school fesival brings chaos and rivalries as personalities clash! Story and art by Robico.
		My Love Story, vol. 1 Takeo Goda is a giant guy with a giant heart. Too bad the girls don’t want him! (They want his good-looking best friend, Sunakawa.) Used to being on the sidelines, Takeo simply stands tall and accepts his fate. But one day when he saves a girl named Yamato from a harasser on the train, his (love!) life suddenly takes an incredible turn! Story by Kazune Kawahara and Art by Aruko.
		Nisekoi: False Love, vol. 4 Making Sure It’s hate at first sight when Raku Ichijo first meets Chitoge Kirisaki. But much to their chagrin, the two are forced into a false love relationshio to keep the peace between their feuding gangster families. Meanwhile, Raku’s still hung up on the girl he made a promise to ten years ago, keeping a pendant around his neck as a memento. The girl, in turn, holds the key that opens the pendant. To Raku’s surprise, he discovers two girls have keys from a promise they also make ten years ago, Chitoge and his current crush Onodera! Making matters worse, another girl with a key appears on the scene… Story and art by Naoshi Komi.
		Phantom Thief Jeanne, vol. 3 A stranger has witnessed Jeanne’s transformation, and Maron worries that the police will soon find out her real identity. Chiaki again asks Maron to go out with him, but she refuses because they are on opposing sides. But if Chiaki is truly her enemy, why is he asking his partner, Access, if he’s been working for the Demon Lord? Story and art by Arina Tanemura.
		Skip Beat! omni, vol. 22-24 Kyoko’s recent efforts to improve her craft have really paid off! She’s brought new life to her new bully role and really impressed the director and crew. But Kyoko’s success sends her costar Chiori over the edge! Can Kyoko use her understanding of the dark side to help her fellow actress work past her personal demons, or will the clash of their personalities destroy the set?! Collects volumes 22-24 in an omnibus format. Story and art by Yoshiki Nakamura.
		Sweet Rein, vol. 3 Final Volume Spring is in full bloom, and the rein connecting Kurumi and Kaito has turned red. Kaito is in the midst of his mating season, and all human females are susceptible to his charms. Just as Kaito has been bewitched by her, Kurumi now finds herself bewitched by him! Story and art by Sakura Tsukuba.