MintLip – Otomes as Novels

Him, the Smile & Bloom – Tenya Minami Route ~ Plot & Character Analysis

July 27, 2025July 28, 2025 novelotome

I started out really invested in this route. Unfortunately, my excitement waned the longer the route went on.

For me, the miscommunication trope took over the route.

And while the miscommunication was rooted in the characters’ personalities and insecurities (so it does make perfect sense), for me, it just dragged on for too long.

This wasn’t a bad route. It just wasn’t for me.

And that’s okay.

As always, character and plot analysis and spoilers after the cut!

Continue reading →

Him, the Smile & Bloom – Wataru Tori Route ~ Plot & Character Analysis

February 23, 2025July 30, 2025 novelotome

I really wanted to love this route, but I just couldn’t get invested.

This isn’t a bad route, per se. So, I don’t feel right belaboring such a wholesome, sincere, and lovable route. There were just key components that I didn’t connect with, which overall gave me an impression that skewed more neutral.

Wataru’s route wasn’t for me.

And that’s okay.

As always, character and plot analysis and spoilers after the cut!

Continue reading →

Him, the Smile & Bloom – Hokuto Ichige Route ~ Plot & Character Analysis

February 4, 2025February 4, 2025 novelotome

I can honestly say that I’ve rarely read a route more tailored to my interests! I love the slice-of-life vibe, the characters, the story troupes, the voice acting, and how flowers feature within the story!

But most of all,

I love how our hero and heroine have weaknesses and faults!

Yes, really!

Weaknesses and faults are the fertile soil in which well-written character development and character arcs can flourish! And my favorite part of this route is how Hokuto and Fuuka are written as good people, who are still allowed to have flaws that lead them to do questionable and selfish things.

No unattainable perfection…and I am here for it!

As always, character and plot analysis and spoilers after the cut!

Continue reading →