This book needs a bigger trigger warning about sexual assault, dating violence, sexual harassment and stalking. It is intense. Former idol Nina Kamiyama hides her feminine body under a boy's uniform and haircut to protect herself from the sexism and harassment pretty girls receive in society after being attacked by a fan. The boys and the girls in her class are in the midst of a gender war as the boys don't understand why the girls are upset by certain behaviors and expectations. As Kamiyama gets closer to a male classmate, a surprising love triangle between her, popular female classmate Nagasu and Hikaru.

Hikaru battles his own demons as the guilt of not believing his sister's accusations of sexual harassment from a teacher has and the shame, and the fear of the harassment has forced his sister into being a recluse. To atone for his sins, Hikaru tries very hard to protect both Kamiyama and Nagasu from harm, and keep his male classmates to consider the girls with more respect. However, Hikaru can't be everywhere at once and a tragedy befalls one of the girls. ( )

A good second volume to an interesting series. Not Your Idol tackles the double bind girls are put in trying to navigating being sweet and accommodating and while still trying to remain safe. The tension between the protagonist and her rival is the most interesting thing about the whole story. The characters are reflections of each other and you see the ways the world forces them to contort themselves into different shapes to fit in it. It's also nice to have the caring, if bland, love interest there to keep them safe.

I'd recommend this for someone who enjoyed the first book for sure. ( )