Stepping on Roses Volume 8 was definitely a step in the right direction for me. I only had #2 and #8 of the collection, so obviously I'm not sure caught up in everything that's going on. Regardless, I wanted some manga to sink into and relax during all the insanity.

I did not enjoy the second volume, but I did enjoy this one! Sumi and Soichiro are a much better couple in this one (actually a couple, I might add), until she is ripped away from him to help make sure he stays safe. This new potential engagement is worlds of hurt for her, but she is determined to win her man back (and help her many siblings).

This series is absolutely insane (in the best way), and is clearly improving. I didn't enjoy that first volume, but number eight has clearly grown on me. I'd like to read the inbetween mangas if I ever get the chance, because it seems like the characters developed.

Overall, this manga is dramatic and sometimes romantic. It's definitely a unique read!

Three out of five stars. ( )

That, in a nutshell, was pretty great especially if you love Sumi and hate Nozomu. There's even some of abandoned wife Miu and everyone's favorite pretty butler Komai. A lot of drama and romantic dilemmas springing up as this series reaches its final volume (which doesn't come out until February - ack!).

You can read the full version of my review of STEPPING ON ROSES GN 8 at my anime/manga blog: http://nagareboshi-reviews.blogspot.com/ ( )

Only 4 stars, because I felt like Sumi gave into Nozomu too easily. I know Soichiro was sick, but he didn't seem to be at death's door, he recovered pretty quickly. Good, but not perfect. ( )

Stepping on Roses is kind of a guilty pleasure for me, because honestly the plot isn't very good and the characters are more than a little silly. But I can't help but love it. I love Sumi and how clever she can be even when she's stupid. Soichiro has become a pretty cool guy, and even Sumi's brother isn't so bad. ( )

Only 4 stars, because I felt like Sumi gave into Nozomu too easily. I know Soichiro was sick, but he didn't seem to be at death's door, he recovered pretty quickly. Good, but not perfect. ( )