What do you think?
Rate this book
Yakumo-san wa Edzuke ga Shitai. #2
Beauty and the Feast, Vol. 2
A boy with a bottomless stomach and a lonely widow with room at her dinner table serve up a heaping helping of secret happiness in this delightful foodie rom-com!
Widow Shuko Yakumo has rediscovered her love of cooking and life through her newly acquired pastime of secretly feeding her neighbor, Yamato, a high school baseball player. But when she goes out to the ballpark for the first time in her life to cheer Yamato on in his tournament, Shuko gets more than she bargained for! As a mass of starving players gathers around the lunch she made specially for Yamato, will there be anything left for Shuko's intended recipient?!
Widow Shuko Yakumo has rediscovered her love of cooking and life through her newly acquired pastime of secretly feeding her neighbor, Yamato, a high school baseball player. But when she goes out to the ballpark for the first time in her life to cheer Yamato on in his tournament, Shuko gets more than she bargained for! As a mass of starving players gathers around the lunch she made specially for Yamato, will there be anything left for Shuko's intended recipient?!
186 pages, ebook
First published November 25, 2016
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 2, 2022
I feel like this volume lost its way a bit - it's okay, Satomi U, you don't need fanservice to make this interesting!
April 28, 2023
This was a step up from the last volume, and a more down-to-earth volume in general. Yes, there were jokes, but it felt like the comedy was a bit more toned down. Rui was blessedly tamer in this volume as well, so that was a major plus. A lot of more subdued, quiet moments that balanced out any zaniness that occurred. I hope we get some flashback scenes of Shuko with her husband, I'm genuinely curious what their dynamic was. The art was also really solid this volume, and the food looked delicious as is required for a food centered series.
Not much else to say, this was a really solid second volume. I hope the series maintains this quality and consistency as it continues.
Not much else to say, this was a really solid second volume. I hope the series maintains this quality and consistency as it continues.
December 22, 2021
Shuko loves cooking and Yamato loves eating, so in that respect they’re a match made in heaven. Minus that whole massive age gap between a widow and a high school kid. Even still, well-meaning impropriety that benefits everybody can’t be all bad, can it?
This book shouldn’t be as sweet as it is - the author’s notes at the back make it clear that this is aiming for a particular ‘big sister’ trope with the responsible older woman looking after a (much) younger man.
It’s clearly salacious and scandalous… except it really isn’t. This is a soft hearted story with a big appetite and, yes, maybe Yamato filling a void in Shuko’s life that was left by her late husband, even though all she does is feed him, isn’t the best idea, but it’s mostly harmless.
Sure, there’s a little fan service off to the side (Yamato isn’t even typically involved, except in one classic rom com bit), but at least Shuko’s of legal age. And the quiet understanding of how healing this is for her is important too.
There’s a gentle reminder that she hasn’t forgotten her husband at all and a very nice moment where Yamato catches his words because he thinks that his exuberance might hurt her with the saying he’s using (that Shuko doesn’t even blink subtly reinforces the effect his presence has had on her moods).
Yeah, some of it is very much what a more typical story like this would lean into - the tutoring section is a little ridiculous and almost out-of-place given how it goes, although Shuko ends up berating herself for her own idea (although calling her middle-aged at 28 brought tears to my eyes). And at least one moment of jiggle and the cockroach storyline raises its terribly gendered head. But that’s the exception rather than the rule.
The baseball tournament ends up being a lot of fun as it gives Yamato a chance to show off, Shuko and Rui a chance to reconnect (and Rui is as cranky as ever, but paired with her other friend, playing the straight woman role [who is very aware of her job here], is much more palatable), and has a cute bit where Shuko briefly accumulates her own reverse harem of baseball players.
Food and grief have one thing in common - they are both better when shared - and I think this book nails that duality and gets away with a little while being actually very charming on its own merits. It strikes an impeccable balance between its aims more often than not.
I mean, you could argue the book isn’t doing its job because the romance is turned down way low compared to everything else. Personally, I think many western readers will see that as a feature, not a bug, and I wouldn’t say you should check this out if age gaps with even a whiff of affection tick you off, but there really is a lot more depth to this story than that.
3.5 stars - the whole roach thing and the teaching section aside, the majority of this is just the most inappropriately wholesome story and I really like it. It’s nice to have a food manga where a good meal doesn’t promise to blast somebody’s underpants into space.
This book shouldn’t be as sweet as it is - the author’s notes at the back make it clear that this is aiming for a particular ‘big sister’ trope with the responsible older woman looking after a (much) younger man.
It’s clearly salacious and scandalous… except it really isn’t. This is a soft hearted story with a big appetite and, yes, maybe Yamato filling a void in Shuko’s life that was left by her late husband, even though all she does is feed him, isn’t the best idea, but it’s mostly harmless.
Sure, there’s a little fan service off to the side (Yamato isn’t even typically involved, except in one classic rom com bit), but at least Shuko’s of legal age. And the quiet understanding of how healing this is for her is important too.
There’s a gentle reminder that she hasn’t forgotten her husband at all and a very nice moment where Yamato catches his words because he thinks that his exuberance might hurt her with the saying he’s using (that Shuko doesn’t even blink subtly reinforces the effect his presence has had on her moods).
Yeah, some of it is very much what a more typical story like this would lean into - the tutoring section is a little ridiculous and almost out-of-place given how it goes, although Shuko ends up berating herself for her own idea (although calling her middle-aged at 28 brought tears to my eyes). And at least one moment of jiggle and the cockroach storyline raises its terribly gendered head. But that’s the exception rather than the rule.
The baseball tournament ends up being a lot of fun as it gives Yamato a chance to show off, Shuko and Rui a chance to reconnect (and Rui is as cranky as ever, but paired with her other friend, playing the straight woman role [who is very aware of her job here], is much more palatable), and has a cute bit where Shuko briefly accumulates her own reverse harem of baseball players.
Food and grief have one thing in common - they are both better when shared - and I think this book nails that duality and gets away with a little while being actually very charming on its own merits. It strikes an impeccable balance between its aims more often than not.
I mean, you could argue the book isn’t doing its job because the romance is turned down way low compared to everything else. Personally, I think many western readers will see that as a feature, not a bug, and I wouldn’t say you should check this out if age gaps with even a whiff of affection tick you off, but there really is a lot more depth to this story than that.
3.5 stars - the whole roach thing and the teaching section aside, the majority of this is just the most inappropriately wholesome story and I really like it. It’s nice to have a food manga where a good meal doesn’t promise to blast somebody’s underpants into space.
February 22, 2022
Beauty and the Feast vol. 2
5/5 stars
Welcome back to another installment of my lord this couple is conflicting. I am absolutely in love with this manga so far. I love the art and one of my favorite things in the world is food depicted in manga and anime so I usually look for ones where that a core part of the plot. Shuko is one of my favorite female protagonists in a manga, I think she is sweet, intelligent, talented, silly and gorgeous, if I lived in this universe I would absolutely have a crush on her.
I think that her making meals for a guy that reminds her of her late husband is so sad and beautiful and her internal monologue is adorable. I love how she takes note and gets involved in his interests. This volume had one of my favorite romance tropes which is taking care of each other when one is sick. I loved seeing her come to Yamatos baseball game and cheering him, and her feeding the entire team and their reactions were so cute.
My main issue with this series continues to be the age gap, I think this would’ve worked with him being a few years older just the same. Aside from that though I am very invested in them and their dynamic.
5/5 stars
Welcome back to another installment of my lord this couple is conflicting. I am absolutely in love with this manga so far. I love the art and one of my favorite things in the world is food depicted in manga and anime so I usually look for ones where that a core part of the plot. Shuko is one of my favorite female protagonists in a manga, I think she is sweet, intelligent, talented, silly and gorgeous, if I lived in this universe I would absolutely have a crush on her.
I think that her making meals for a guy that reminds her of her late husband is so sad and beautiful and her internal monologue is adorable. I love how she takes note and gets involved in his interests. This volume had one of my favorite romance tropes which is taking care of each other when one is sick. I loved seeing her come to Yamatos baseball game and cheering him, and her feeding the entire team and their reactions were so cute.
My main issue with this series continues to be the age gap, I think this would’ve worked with him being a few years older just the same. Aside from that though I am very invested in them and their dynamic.
December 20, 2022
Dropping this series. I liked volume 1 enough to read volume 2 but the fan service is becoming too much. I just want to read a good food manga. (If it isn’t plotless and have underdeveloped characters than it has fan-service.) This is gearing towards an inappropriate age gap story it feels like. I know Korean and Japanese are into dating older women but goodness it’s bothersome when he’s still a high-schooler and she’s 28. All these obvious focus on her hips and esp. her chest around him is really disturbing in this volume. What a shame because I liked the artwork. Besides, there’s not much going for the plot either; all repetitive. Imagine it actually being a wholesome slice-of-life manga, about a widow who treated her high-schooler neighbor like a mother/older sister and soon cooks for his whole baseball team during their games. But nah, it just gotta hint at that pervy inappropriate romance. Gross.
January 20, 2024
The second book in the series, so happy I was able to get these two volumes thanks to the Humble Bundle Kobo! A lot more cooking, two people coming closer (but no not in that way thankfully, just as friends), some sports moments, and I really had fun. I am so happy that thus far it is just wholesome and that no romance is present. Just two people who could use some more happiness and family in their lives. Especially Yakumo who lost her hubby at such a young age and is just happy she can cook for someone again, have meals with them, just chat for a while.
OK, there were a few moments that had me scratching my head. Like when she dressed as a teacher to keep him awake, um wait what.
Also, happy that Rui/that annoying girl, was less in the picture. Thank lord.
OK, there were a few moments that had me scratching my head. Like when she dressed as a teacher to keep him awake, um wait what.
Also, happy that Rui/that annoying girl, was less in the picture. Thank lord.
December 21, 2023
The wholesome/cute factor is still missing the mark for me. Maybe if the male lead was younger it would go over better since that would increase the found family feel and decrease the odds of romance. Given the amount of content featuring the heroine being "cutely flustered" and wardrobe I'd say this series is on the male-gaze side of the fence which increases the odds of no romantic development, but nothing is guaranteed.
April 25, 2022
This is about a young widow Shuko and her high school student neighbor Shohei who she cooks for. There's a hint of a romance. But right now it's very cute and wholesome. She just appreciates having someone to cook for, and they both feel less lonely.
I'm interested to see how the rest of the series goes.
I'm interested to see how the rest of the series goes.
November 8, 2023
This was such a fun read. I love taking a break from my more complex manga to read something that’s fun and bubbly is this. It gives me ideas of things that I want to cook as well as ideas of how to pack my food. The characters are so funny in the story so dynamic. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series. It’s so relaxing.
January 5, 2024
This continues to be more sweet than weird with the age gap. The side characters still are not doing much for me and are not adding much to the story. Maybe that will change when our MCs sister enters the fray in the next volume. There was a really nice moment where our MC stops himself from completing a sentence due to how insensitive it may sound. It's a small thing but it was a nice touch.
March 7, 2024
Okay! Yamato is maturing a bit. We get to hear him talking, we occasionally see his POV when he's not at Yakumo's apartment, and he's finally giving back to her, slowly but surely.
There's definitely more and more fanservice in these (for the male gaze) so is this intended to be a shonen manga?
I guess having a woman pamper and cater to all your food wishes is a male fantasy, so...
There's definitely more and more fanservice in these (for the male gaze) so is this intended to be a shonen manga?
I guess having a woman pamper and cater to all your food wishes is a male fantasy, so...
January 11, 2022
A total yummy delight. I love the characters and the food looks amazing. Such a sweet, cozy, comforting series that I just devour!
February 21, 2022
I love reading this series. The food and companionship is so great, and I can't wait to meet the little sister!
August 14, 2022
So far this is just a really pure and sweet friendship, and I hope it stays that way.
August 29, 2022
3.5/5 Stars
December 20, 2022
Meskipun hubungan antara kedua tokoh utamanya mulai ada sedikit perkembangan, tapi tetep aja, dari segi masakannya ga ada perubahan 😭
December 30, 2022
Not quite as cringy as volume 1 (although it’s not without its moments), and there are seedlings of character growth. Bottom line: Still a guilty pleasure and one I’m glad I continued with.
Read
March 1, 2023I am enjoying this series as is, but I am hoping that it does not take the romance road.
September 18, 2023
They are the cutest 🥰🥰🥰
February 29, 2024
3 stars
So far this is good but really hoping it still stay away from a romantic relationship with these two.
So far this is good but really hoping it still stay away from a romantic relationship with these two.
March 21, 2024
It’s really cool how the author did their individual days and they have a real family type of relationship. I like the illustrations, it’s very detailed for being monochromatic.
January 8, 2022
"If you get hungry...come over to my place to eat."
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews