Red-Haired Ash Reads

This volume contains episodes 1-36 of the Webtoon comic and includes a bonus story not found on Webtoon that features Sal and Hana. 

Emile is a rookie in the battle skating competition, which is a sport that combines figure skating and martial arts. Just as he is gearing up for his next duel, there is a change in the lineup and he finds himself facing off against the reigning champion Radu, and Emile’s longtime skating idol. There is no way he can win but during a pivotal point in the match Emile accidentally discovers Radu’s closely guarded secret and it changes the course of both of their lives and careers. 

This was an absolutely adorable graphic and a fantastic start for a series.  Emile is a rookie skater but is very driven to make it into the series championship. During their competition, Emile accidentally finds out that Radu is a vampire, the one creature that is banned from the battle skating league due to prejudices. Instead of turning him in though, Emile keeps his secret and they end up becoming friends who help each other with their performances. 

I really enjoyed the progression of Emile and Radu’s story and romance. They may be rivals but they are also friends and eventually lovers. It was extremely sweet watching both of them fight their feelings and blushing every time they were together. Just adorable. I just loved these two from the very beginning and can’t wait to see how their relationship progresses, especially since they technically can’t be dating due to the battle skate rules. 

This volume is surprisingly long and we get a good chunk of story in these 36 chapters. We get to see Emile and Radu move up through the series by winning multiple battles; their progression from rivals, to friends, and then to boyfriends; Radu dealing with his secret and an attempt to reveal who he is; and brief hints at both of their childhoods. Like I said, I loved this and how the story is unfolding for us. There are still so many unanswered questions but the romance is fantastic. 

Overall, if you like queer sports romances, I highly recommend this. I am enjoying this so much that I might continue reading on Webtoon just so I can find out what happens next for these two. I am so hooked on their story. Also the bonus story about Hana and Sal was just and I wonder if there will be a part two of it in the next volume. 

TW: bigotry and prejudices; stalking and harassment; 

*ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*

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