Skip Beat Vol 40

Kyoko desperately wants to be cast in a new samurai drama so that she can work opposite her best friend in the entire world, Kanae “Moko” Kotonami. But there are plenty of hurdles between her and her dream role, including another actress who might be willing to do anything to take out the competition! -- VIZ Media

When Kyoko’s heart is broken, she decides that revenge is a dish best served in the spotlight! Kyoko Mogami followed her true love Sho to Tokyo to support him while he made it big as an idol. But he’s casting her out now that he’s famous enough! Kyoko won’t suffer in silence—she’s going to get her sweet revenge by beating Sho in show biz! Kyoko desperately wants to be cast in a new samurai drama so she can work opposite her best friend in the entire world, Kanae "Moko" Kotonami. But the producer in charge of the acting test kicks Kyoko out without even letting her perform! Kyoko’s temporary manager, Yoshiro, isn’t worried, though. He knows a little adversity isn’t enough to stand in the way of Kyoko’s dreams. Still, her competition isn’t known for playing fair, and Kyoko’s professionalism is getting blasted away by waves of doubt and grudge demons. Her only chance to stay in the running is to channel her dark emotions into her acting, but how can she hope to control feelings about her special weakness, Ren Tsuruga?!

After years of no contact, Kyoko finally has the chance to confront the mother who abandoned her. Her friends are worried that the meeting will break her, but Kyoko’s time with Ren and the Love Me section has toned down her rage and given her an impressive inner strength. Kyoko may be ready to face her past, but is she strong enough to face her mother’s too?! -- VIZ Media

The news that Ren is dating a hot older woman is all over town, and Kyoko is doing her best to ignore it. But how can she pretend it isn’t happening when Ren insists on talking to her about it?! -- VIZ Media

It's the season of giving in Tokyo, but Lory's granddaughter Maria is in no mood to celebrate. Kyoko, never one to sit out a challenge, finally gets Maria to admit what has her so soured on the holidays. It turns out December 24 is Maria's birthday--and the anniversary of her mother's death! Can Kyoko work a Christmas miracle and give this little girl a happy birthday? -- VIZ Media

All Kyoko's dreams are coming true! She's got a best friend (okay, so Moko still needs to come to terms with their bosom-buddyhood, but she's learning). She's finally going to high school (so what if a mean girl is picking on her--Kyoko knows how to deal with bullies). And she's landed a spot in Sho's new video (Yes! Revenge! Bwa ha ha ha!). Life doesn't get any better than this. -- VIZ Media