A young girl, born with immense dark magic, was engaged to the man she loved. However, her jealous cousin betrayed her by throwing something precious into a forbidden place. As a result, she was taken and cursed with a seal that turned her into an outcast in her own village.

Mistreated and abused, she endured years of suffering—until one day, a man arrived in search of a bride. Recognizing the power within her, he saved her from her torment. But he carried a secret of his own…

4.5

Nanao has been marked making her unwanted and constantly having a monkey smell, along with being forced to wear a monkey mask as a way to embarrass her further. Everything she wanted and loved has been taken from her. Akemi is jealous and the cause of the bulk of her pain and sorrow. Yako needs her, but she doesn't know why until Nanao has already committed herself to him. Once she is gone, everyone begins to realize how much they relied on her. Nanao I feel like is going to grow rapidly as a character and I am hoping that Yako will take care of her as she deserves regardless of the curse plaguing them. There is a lot of potential in this series and I'm looking forward to getting to know these characters more in the later volumes. The art is also very accurate and easy to follow along with.

We love it when a powerful guy comes to rescue the girl, basically slapping the ego of the dude who mistreated her before, don't we? We do. I wanna see more slaps xD
Going to keep following this for sure!

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Length: 208p
Source: ARC - NetGalley, Kodansha Comics
Release Date: March 25, 2025

I loved this manga SO FRIGGIN MUCH!! Y’all, this was so heartbreaking and horrible in the beginning with Nanao and all the terrible things that happened to her. But when Master Yako came onto the scene? LE SWOON. 😍😍

This is a story of a young woman promised to a powerful family until she’s cursed by a demon and is heavily abused by that family. Then one day a representative from the most powerful family arrives and senses Nanao’s power and makes her his wife.

We’ve got some amazing hurt/comfort and some wonderful humor. And the art is just gorgeous and can you tell I’m slightly obsessed? I WILL be buying this one!

♡ historical fantasy romance
♥ manga
♡ cursed girl x demon hunter
♥ scarred fmc
♡ romance x action x suspense

{I was gifted a complimentary copy of this book. All reviews are my own. Any quote mentioned is subject to change.}

2,5 ⭐

The first volume of a manga volume that reminded me of My Happy Marriage's dynamic. The historical universe inhabited by demons is interesting, and there is a whole lore to discover. But I must confess I have mixed feelings about the characters, especially the love interest who meets the protagonist while she is taking a bath. He didn't seem to mind that he was peeping on her without her consent...

The cover is very pretty but I don't think I will be continuing this series even if the art is nice.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC !

Exciting Worldbuilding and Interesting Creatures!

The manga is set in a world inhabited by humans and Ayakashi (monster and demon-like beings). The protagonist has a high level of spirituality, making her special and respected—until an incident turns her into an outcast. That is, until a stranger appears who doesn’t fear her.

The art style is pretty good, and the story moves quickly. I especially enjoyed the cute and funny moments throughout.

The protagonist is quite submissive, which makes sense given her past, but it’s not really my thing. The male lead seems almost too perfect at first, and I couldn’t quite get a read on him—but as the story progresses, we learn more about him. And then there’s this whole thing about breakfast, which only women with high spirituality can master… not sure how I feel about that.

All in all, it’s an entertaining story with a mystical atmosphere and plenty of cute and interesting creatures. I can definitely see myself picking up the next volume!

Wow! What a beginning. Such a great set of characters, the plot is firmly laid out so as a reader you don't feel left questioning anything and just desperately want the next volume. The romance while only just getting started is super engaging! I love the art-style and I am excited to see where the magic system takes us! I need the second volume!

This manga was so fun. I froth at the mouth for romantic fantasy manga and this delivered. If you like My Happy Marriage you are going to eat this UP.

I enjoyed reading this story. The art on the page was pretty, even for black and white, and I could feel the pages come alive when I was reading it. I can't wait to read the next volume to find out what happens with their marriage. I loved the bonus chapter that was included, showing how the both of them interact with each other. I love how Master Yako treats Nano compared to how awful her family actually treated her.

I will be adding a physical copy of this to my collection.

Overall a very strong first volume. The art style was very pretty, and I liked the fantasy elements in this alternate version of our world. Although this story does contain some dark themes, the tone is very lighthearted and fun (especially Goki and the adorable kappas). I really enjoyed this one and am definitely looking forward to seeing how the characters develop as the story progresses.

Starting off by saying thank you NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for allowing me to read an advanced reader copy!

If you’ve read “Kakuriyo: Bed and Breakfast” as I have, you’ll definitely enjoy this. You may not like this if you don’t like arraigned/ marriage of convenience or insta-love, or something quick paced. I can’t wait to read the next volume when it comes out! Thank you again NetGalley for the early copy! #AyakashiHuntersTaintedBride #NetGalley

Review of The Ayakashi Hunter’s Tainted Bride

Art Style:

Right off the bat, I was captivated by the art style. It’s exactly the kind of intricate and detailed illustration that draws me into fantasy manga. Each character is distinct, with unique features that make them easily recognizable. The level of detail in the artwork enhances the storytelling, immersing the reader in the world of the Ayakashi and Onmyo exorcists.

Story and Characters:

The story follows Nanao, a girl burdened with “tainted” monkey blood, which causes those around her to fear and ostracize her. Forced to wear a monkey mask from childhood, she endures relentless mistreatment—not just from outsiders but even from her own parents. What makes this even more tragic is that her first love, Master Reito, was the one who insisted she wear the mask, fully aware that she would grow into a beautiful woman. Instead of protecting her, he allowed her to suffer.

Adding to Nanao’s misery is her cousin, Akemi, who manipulates the situation to marry Reito for her own selfish reasons. Nanao’s life is one of constant oppression and cruelty until fate intervenes. Master Yako, leader of the First Division of the Imperial Chamber’s Onmyo Exorcism Troop, arrives at the Benitsubaki clan under the pretense of “seeking a wife.” What he finds instead is a shocking display of abuse—Akemi and Reito attacking Nanao as she desperately tries to protect their baby from malevolent spirit bugs. Yako steps in, and from that moment, Nanao’s fate takes a new turn.

While I enjoyed the story, I did find the pacing a bit rushed. I’m a sucker for a damsel in distress storyline paired with a knight in shining armor, but I wish Nanao had been a little more reserved when offering her blood to Yako. Make him work for it, girl! That being said, I do appreciate how Yako immediately provides her with safety and kindness after everything she’s endured. I hope the second volume explores more of Yako’s troop in action and, more importantly, a confidence boost for Nanao.

As for Reito? He can stay in his lane. He had no interest in Nanao until he saw her face again—now suddenly, he wants to “save” her from Yako? Please. You made your choice. And Akemi? If you’re going to marry the man, at least learn how to cook.

On another note, I really enjoyed the two-page novel at the end of the manga. It added an extra layer to the story that I found engaging.

My Final Thoughts:

Overall, while the story felt a little rushed, the premise was compelling, and the art was stunning. I’m curious to see how the characters develop in the next volume. For now, I’d give it a solid 3-star rating!

This was such an exciting and immersive read! The blend of fantasy, romance, and supernatural elements kept me hooked from the start. The world-building was rich, and the characters were intriguing, making it easy to get lost in the story. I can't wait to see where the series goes next!

**I received an advanced copy of this manga from NetGalley and the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Spice: 0 out of 5 stars
Review: This was such a fun, interesting read! The beginning was a little slow for me, and a little info dumpy, but it quickly picked up and had me hooked. I love Nanao. She seems so kind and sweet, I just want to protect her. I hate her clan and her terrible cousin, Akemi. Seriously, her cousin is a grade a witch with a b. Master Yako is so handsome and mysterious, I can’t wait to find out more about him and his clan. Her ex-fiance Reito needs a switch butt kicking and I hope Master Yako gives him one. This was a really good start to a series and I can’t wait to read the next volume.

I loved this!! Similar set-up to My Happy Marriage, in both the main female character's background and the setting (newly westernised Japanese empire with fantasy elements) but the Ayakashi aren't considered bad by everyone.

Volume 1 has 4 chapters and a few extra text pages that I'm assuming are translated directly from the novel with a few manga pages accompanying each extra story bit. These story

I was NOT expecting the twist about her husband and I'm very excited for the next volumes!

Thank you to NetGalley and Kodansha for the eARC!

I loved this story!! Very much like My Happy Marriage but still unique.
It starts out with Nanao being engaged to the head of the clan she is in. One day she is attacked by a demon leaving her "tainted" and the engagement is called off and the clan makes her hide her face behind a monkey mask and live in shame. A visiting head of another clan visits and takes her as his bride and her life is changed immensely.
Nanao is sweet but naive which makes sense given how sheltered she has been because of the demon mark. Her family treats her so badly you really feel for her. Yako is rough around the edges but you can tell he means well and will treat Nanao with care respect. I can't wait for the second installment!

Thank you NetGalley for an arc.

Ayakashi Hunter’s Tainted Bride had me squealing and kicking my feet several times. As a long time fan of Noragami, I just knew I was going to love this. I’m already a major simp for Lord Yako and the depth to his personality was delightful. Lord Yako’s ability to be cold and calculating, yet sort of blockheaded and goofy, while simultaneously being kind was definitely one of my favorite aspects. Nanao was a little corny at moments, but nothing I wouldn’t expect within reason from a manga. Honestly, I can’t wait for the next volume and will definitely keep up with this series!

Thank you Kodansha, NetGalley, and the author for sending me an early copy!

Growing up to be the bride of Byakurenji until one day your evil cousin takes everything away from you. Now you have tainted blood and is unwanted, but your spiritual power is highly wanted. Nanao she’s going to be a slave for her entire life until one day at the head of Benitsubaki saves her. But it comes with a price becoming the bride of this head and she doesn’t know it yet. Lord Yako he’s known for being worthless and cruel because he slays the evil spirits around him. But when Nanao see him as her savior, but also can tell he has a very kind soul. What I like about the story is how you get to see them grow up and how they deal with people talking about them all the time. From that you see that they live very different lives and how society sees each group. Also, you can see that his servant that serve him are good spirit’s and they’re part of his family and will protect Nanao. I like the fact that they are learning to be with each other. Because you have Nanao learning to be around people. That she does not have to worry about getting harmed or hurt because of everything that happened to her in her past. And she’s learning to let him in. Then there’s lord Yako from what I’ve gathered he seems to be alone a lot of the time and he talks to his spirits. It seems he’s not used to being around women or talking to them so he’s kind of awkward. And also like the fact that they’re learning to go further for their desires. In the way with this manga ended. It’s makes you wanna learn more about the clans and everything that’s gonna happen with her becoming his wife now.

When the Empire of Japan opened its borders to the outside Western world, not all inhabitants of the island agreed with the human decision to expand and change so quickly, and an ongoing war with the Ayakashi is handled by a select few families.

There's definitely some similarities to My Happy Marriage while still feeling very much like its own thing - Nanao is also the type of girl who's been thrown away by her family (in this case due to something like a curse that she was tricked into) and is rescued by a dashing, high ranking man who is involved in military-esque goings-on regarding the aforementioned Ayakashi war... but he's got secrets and motivations of his own! As well as the family that Nanao was taken from which, surprise surprise, wants more of her once they saw her face!

I enjoyed this enough to put volume 2 on my future-publishing-date spreadsheet and I'm interested to see both where the story goes and how the relationship develops between Nanao and Yako!

Thank you to Kodansha and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for review!

I found "The Ayakashi Hunter's Tainted Bride" a pretty solid start to the series. There wasn't anything particularly unexpected, it's pretty bog standard, 'girl is mistreated by family for what amounts to an arbitrary reason at best only to be swept away to somewhere she's appreciated' but that's ok for the start. Overall it felt like a lot of establishing the world and storyline, which in itself looks like it should probably be interesting. I'll have to read more to say what I think of the series overall, but it was good enough I'm probably going to check out more of the story when I can to see what I think.