thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the e-arc!!

old man bl but one of them is young and they're colleagues!! is it unethical for me to like this?? because oh my god. this is very funny even with Takanashi having erectile dysfunction and i genuinely laughed when his browser history on it popped up during his presentation. Hiwatari taking the fall for it though.....

okay i admit it is a bit weird that they met at 26 and 11 but why are they so cute, help??? Hiwatari is just 100% gone for him and i am all for it. please let the young man cure his erectile dysfunction while the old man gets to know him as someone other than his icy protege at work!!

adding the rest of the series to the tbr because that was such a cliffhanger and i need to know what happens next!!

I loved this! The characters are so loveable and funny, I was gripped from the first page. I love reading age gap romances so a 26yr old pining over a 40yr old in a work setting is right up my alley.

The art style is gorgeous and the balance of character and plot progression was perfect. Excited for Vol 2!!

In spite of being a romcom BL, the first volume of The Dashing Zaddy and His Icy Protégé is surprisingly slow burn—and I quite like it! The art style is exactly my taste, and the two protagonists are both incredibly handsome and genuinely funny together. Fumito strikes a great balance between serious moments and completely unhinged hilarity, making the story all the more engaging. I’m especially glad the zaddy seems to have realized his feelings by the end. I can’t wait for the next volume and to see their relationship finally take that next step!

3.5
This was a pretty cute adult romantic comedy! It's an age gap romance, but they're both full adults, so no worries there. There is a backstory that is briefly touched on where they met when the one character was a child, and that's where the attraction stemmed from, which is...an odd choice. I also find it hilarious that Hiwatari appears to be very cold and intimidating, meanwhile his mental dialogue is him freaking out because his crush looked at him. It's very "gap moe", which is honestly super cute. I was also extremely confused why people keep referring to Takanashi as a "zaddy" since I had never heard of the term before. Apparently, "Zaddy is a slang term for an attractive, stylish, and confident man, often used to describe someone who has a certain charm or swagger. It is a modern twist on the word "daddy" and gained popularity through social media and music." Literally never heard someone use that slang before, but alright, I guess.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!

** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK FOR MY READING PLEASURE **
Copy received through Netgalley

~

The Dashing Zaddy and His Icy Protégé 1 (Kindle Edition)
by Fumito
★★★★★


This was such a fun story! There's age-gap romance, a case of erectile dysfunction, and a work place romance that all comes together to make the cutest opposites attracts story.

Ren Hiwatari is twenty-six and known as an ice king in the office. He's stern, strict and very professional in all aspects of his life – and he has a super secret man crush on Makoto. Everything Makoto does is brilliant, perfection and adorable to Ren. Which in itself is absolutely adorable!

Makoto Takanashi is forty and known for being the pretty boy, perfectionist in the office. He excels at work, life and is so handsome that people not only stop and stare on the street, but random people take photos of him even when sitting in a cafe. He's just got one little problem – it's been one year since Makokto tower fell and there's been no hope of a resurrection since.

Together, they make the most adorable unlikely couple. Ren is such a fan-boy for Makoto, while Makoto is shocked to discover during one accidental moment – an accident where he ends up wet and has to change in front of Ren – that Makoto tower decides to rise! He's shocked and relieved, but it turns out that the tower only reacts to Ren.

What follows is the cutest, funniest start to the series. I loved that Ren and Makoto don't instantly fall in love due to the situation, but that it ends with a bit of hope and uncertainty. There's great chemistry, brilliant one liners, and a really strong plot with plenty of back story. I absolutely loved the progression from distant work mates to supporting and confiding in each other. The humour was right up my alley; from Ren trying to save Makoto's reputation, the tablet fiasco and the witty one-liners kept me interested right from start to finish.

I'll definitely be getting Volume 2 when it comes out.

Cringe is my least favorite genre but this skirted the line between outrageous and cringe quite well. It was a quick and easy read that basically set the stage for future volumes which is why I only gave it 3 stars. While the storyline makes sense, I do hope that they don’t drag the ED storyline out more, and just admit that Takanashi is big gay.

If they’re able to shift the plot more towards him discovering himself, I’d be really excited to read the next few books. Worth reading if you like LGBTQIA+ content or boisterous commentary.


°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:• Thanks to NetGalley and Kodansha for providing this arc in exchange for my honest feedback. °❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:•

What a cute start to the series! 40 year-old Takanashi and 26 year-old Hiwatari work together and both have personality stereotypes thrust upon them by their co-workers and others. After a night out, they both learn something about the other that starts to change each other's perception.

I immediately like how Takanashi and Hiwatari's don't let the opinions of others influence how they perceive one another and that their relationship starts off with mutual respect. I'm excited to see how their relationship develops, especially after Hiwatari's proclamation at the end 🤭

Thank you to Kodansha and Netgalley for the free read!

This was so much fun! I couldn't stop laughing at the ridiculous moments and the amazing chemistry the main characters had together. I loved the art and storyline and I'm excited to read more

Thank you so much to Kodansha and Net Galley for this arc opportunity!

I LOVED this manga so much! What initially drew me in was the art style and of course that Title!! Like, I NEED to know the backstory behind it and it did not disappoint!

The relationship between our main icy cold male lead, Himawari and the absolute eye candy zaddy that is Makoto is hilarious! The internal monologue bits we get from the both of them had my dying in laughter.

I can wait to read the next volume, I highly recommend this and can't wait to see what the two of them get up to next :)

I'm not really sure how I feel about this first volume. I had high hopes just from the title and that is my fault for not digging deeper into what the story was really going to be about. But even so, it was more embarrassing than humorous. Takanashi, the "Zaddy" has erectile dysfunction, except when he's with Hiwatari, the "Icy Protege". To be honest, Takanashi came off kind of sleezy and Hiwatari as kind of boring. There is also a backstory where they have apparently known each other for quite some time. I'm not saying I hated this. I just didn't love it. For a first volume it was kind of meh so I'm hoping future volumes get better.

i have to say whoever translated イケオジ(ikeoji) as dashing zaddy is very creative (lol) and after seeing the title i just had to read this!
the dashing zaddy and his icy protégé is a BL manga that follows a 40 year-old businessman takanashi (who is known as an ikeoji aka handsome middle-aged man) and one of his subordinates, the 26 year-old hiwatari (who is known for his icy cold attitude). one thing leads to another, they end up spending the night together and hiwatari finds out takanashi's secret problem.
i liked the art style and this was a lighthearted, hilarious read! both mmcs are very awkward and their thoughts had me laughing out loud.
i did feel like the translation could've been better but this was a great start and i think fans of age gap BLs will really enjoy this!
～thank you to kodansha comics and netgalley for the arc!

The premise for this is so ridiculous, and I absolutely loved it! Things barely get going in volume one and I can not wait to see where they lead in volume two. How will Takanashi handle this new revelation?! Will he accept Hiwatari's help? A solid series start.

A lighthearted and funny read. A fine introduction to the characters and plot but not much happens and you dont really get to know them. The art was nice and detailed. Expressed emotions well.

Kodansha Comics provided a galley for review.

Manga often comes up with interesting premises or titles. This is a case of both, and that's what got my attention to check it out.

The story is very much a work-place romantic drama with some comedic moments. As often is the case, open communication would clear up most of the situations but what fun is that? Some of the situations dance along the lines of traditional tropes (i.e. finding ways to get the protagonists in situations of undress) but again that is expected in a story such as this.

The art is fantastic. Fumito brings that sense of style and fashion that I always enjoy in manga. A few nitpicks: on the cover Hiwatari is portrayed with black hair but the art inside really implies something lighter (blonde or a very sandy brown), and I also found that Mr. Takanashi comes across a lot younger than 40 (yes, he's supposed to be a knockout "zaddy" but I was not getting older male vibes off of how he was portrayed - some well-place wrinkles and graying temples would easily show the man has lived four decades).

this was a lighthearted, funny read. the BL aspect is also fun to see. the 'impotent' punchline could get stale if overused, but in this first volume, it's still cool. the art style is also good, you can distinguish the characters from each other.

Thank you to Netgalley and the published for a copy in exchange for review.

Mr. Takanashi is one of the most eligible bachelors at his trading company. Handsome, single, and in his 40's- he heads the Second sales division through countless office issues and into victory every time. 26 year old Hiwatari looks up to Mr. Takanashi. So much so, once he gets a chance to have a one-on-one meeting with him, he completely blurts out how much he likes him! Although Hiwatari meant it in a respectful way, Takanashi is having second thoughts when a private moment between them triggers a reaction he hasn't felt in years. The two embark on a delicate journey between subordinate and manager, and two friends(?) possibly exploring what could be.

This first installment is a great introduction to the two workaholic men submerged into the office culture of Japan. Readers will enjoy the humor imbedded into an interesting plot! 4.5/5 stars.

3.15⭐

I really enjoyed it but what can I say, it's only the first volume, nothing much happens and if the whole series is about being impotent, I don't really care about that.
Another thing that bothered me a little bit is that, okay, a 40-28 age gap is totally fine, I don't care, but MMC1 knew MMC2 since he was 11 so... I wish this part of the story didn't exist. Yes, it was one-sided from the younger MMC only but it's bothering me, what can I say.

I think it'll be good only if the main plot (MMC1 being impotent) doesn't last forever.

I present thee… my favorite read of the month (so far!)

Takanashi is 40, and in the prime of his life. He’s fit, good-looking, and charismatic. He manages a high-performing sales team, every woman in his vicinity is after him (though he has to turn them down), and he lives in a nice apartment. What more could he want?

His subordinate is Hiwatari, a 26 year old man who is notoriously icy. Takanashi’s life will never be the same after he realizes Hiwatari isn’t as intimidating as he seems. In fact, he looks up to him. And now… Hiwatari knows his shameful secret: he can’t perform in the bedroom.

Overall thoughts:

It’s not hard to picture why Takanashi is stealing hearts left and right. The man is drop-dead gorgeous. The way the series frames him as this irresistible, middle-aged adonis is perfectly hilarious. He’s such a kind love interest, I really liked him!

Ah… has he stolen my heart, as well?

On the other hand, we have Hiwatari. Seeing him work with Takanashi and earn his trust really warmed my heart. They make a really great duo and I’m glad the series is taking a bit of a slower approach for their relationship. This volume, while steamy, romantic, and hilarious, doesn’t have spice juuuust yet. What it does have is a “just right” balance to leave you wanting more, but still be satisfying.

I read this in record time. It’s witty, humorous, and filled with zany twists you won’t see coming. While I’m not the target audience with the“old man yaoi” trope, this story has a lot of other tropes I gravitate towards. Even so, I highly enjoyed this volume—no, I LOVED this volume—and I’ll eagerly be waiting for volume 2.

This tension is about to snap like a bass string hanging on by a thread and I’m here for it. It’s fantastic. Highly recommended.

Who is Dashing Zaddy for?

This manga is primarily for the “old man yaoi” fans, but even casual readers of the trope, or those new to it might enjoy it. If you fancy yourself a hysterical romcom about two salarymen with an age gap and a partners-in-crime vibe, look no further!

See you in the next one!

*Thanks to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for early copy for review*

Hilarious first volume! Love the older charming man and younger icy man dynamic. Can't wait for volume 2 and recommend to all BL lovers! (This would make a great live action)

Book Review: The Dashing Zaddy and His Icy Protégé by Fumito
Overview:
The Dashing Zaddy and His Icy Protégé is a bold, comedic Boys’ Love (BL) manga series by Fumito, published by Kodansha in April 2025. The story follows Takanashi, a charismatic 40-year-old leader of a high-performing team, and his aloof, younger subordinate, forming an unlikely duo set against the backdrop of workplace antics and personal revelations.
Plot and Characters:
Takanashi, described as being in the prime of his life, is a confident and stylish manager—earning the affectionate moniker “zaddy.” His world is upended by the arrival of his new protégé, a cold and enigmatic young man whose icy demeanour masks deeper vulnerabilities. The narrative explores their evolving dynamic, blending office comedy with moments of genuine emotional depth as the two navigate professional challenges and personal boundaries.
Themes:
The manga stands out for its playful take on workplace culture, intergenerational friendship, and the awkwardness of intimacy—both emotional and physical. It doesn’t shy away from addressing “problems down there,” using humour to tackle sensitive topics and normalize candid conversations about sexuality and masculinity.
Art and Style:
Fumito’s art is expressive and dynamic, capturing both slapstick humour and subtle emotional beats. Character designs are distinct, with Takanashi’s suave presence contrasting sharply with his protégé’s frosty exterior, visually reinforcing their personality clash.
Strengths:
• Humour: The series excels at balancing outrageous comedy with heartfelt moments, making it engaging and accessible even for readers new to BL manga.
• Character Chemistry: The interplay between Takanashi and his protégé is both entertaining and touching, driving much of the story’s appeal.
• Representation: The manga provides a refreshing look at mature queer relationships and the complexities of age-gap dynamics in a respectful, light-hearted manner.
Potential Drawbacks:
• Outrageous Tone: Its comedic, sometimes risqué approach may not suit readers seeking a more serious or traditional romance.
Conclusion:
The Dashing Zaddy and His Icy Protégé is a standout addition to the BL manga genre, offering a mix of workplace comedy, unlikely friendship, and queer romance. Fumito’s series is recommended for fans of character-driven stories who appreciate both laughter and genuine emotional connection in their manga