When It Rains, It Pours
Futtara Doshaburi | Japanese BL Book Review
Author: Michi Ichiho
Illustrator: Lala Takemiya
Genre: Japanese BL, Romance, Drama
Collection: Four Books
Why This Series Is Special to Me
When It Rains, It Pours holds a special place in my collection because it was my first BL drama and the main reason I began translating BL novels.
When I discovered that the drama was based on a book, I knew I had to read the original story. I love this collection and will no doubt return to it again and again.
What began with one novel eventually became a four-book set, including the spin-off Night Garden and the two volumes of Mellow Rain.
1. When It Rains, It Pours
The original novel follows Hagiwara Kazuaki and Nakarai Sei, two colleagues struggling with complicated relationships.
Hagiwara is in a long-term relationship that has gradually lost its intimacy, while Sei quietly harbours feelings for his childhood friend and housemate.
When an email is sent to the wrong person, the two men begin an unexpected connection.
Through anonymous conversations, they share feelings and frustrations they cannot discuss openly with the people closest to them. Their relationship develops through loneliness, desire, emotional vulnerability and the need to be understood.
This was also the first book I read that described a sex scene and the sexual experience of a character having his first time with a man in such detail.
And a special 10/10 for Sei. That man is so blunt and sarcastic, he reminds me of myself! ๐คฃ๐คฃ
2. Night Garden
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this book! ๐
Kazuaki is in such emotional despair after everything that happened with Sei. He has so many regrets, especially about not telling Sei sooner that he was in love with him.
For years, Kazuaki has blamed himself for the death of Sei's parents, carrying all that guilt around with him.
Then he meets Hiiragi, a younger man who loves the mountains, gardens, flowers and plants. His life couldn't be further away from the busy streets of Tokyo.
I absolutely love the contrast between these two characters. Kazuaki is carrying so much emotional baggage, while Hiiragi comes from a completely different world.
And let's not forget the spice! ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ This book certainly doesn't hold back!
For me, Night Garden isn't just a spin-off. It's a beautiful story in its own right, and I absolutely adore Kazuaki and Hiiragi.
After everything Kazuaki went through, all those years of guilt, regret and loving someone he thought he could never have, I'm just so fucking happy he finally got his happy ending! ๐ญ๐
3. Mellow Rain โ Volume 1
The story continues after Hagiwara and Sei become a couple, exploring what happens beyond the usual happily-ever-after ending.
This is something I really appreciate about the books. We don't just get to see the characters fall in love; we get to see what happens afterwards.
Their relationship continues to develop, giving us more time with two characters I absolutely love.
4. Mellow Rain โ Volume 2
The collection continues with more of the characters' everyday lives, developing relationships and additional stories connected to Night Garden.
I love being able to return to these characters rather than having their stories end after a single novel.
And with Mellow Rain coming to television, I'm so excited to see more of this story brought to the screen! ๐
My Final Thoughts
When It Rains, It Pours is more than a single romance novel.
With its spin-off and continuation volumes, the collection allows readers to explore the characters and their relationships beyond the television drama.
This collection remains especially meaningful because it is where my interest in Japanese BL began.
If you enjoyed the adaptation, the original novels are well worth reading. You will not be disappointed!
Personal review by Changbins Delulu Wife.
All novels are purchased and read for my
own enjoyment.