Shutline
It took a while to get used to the color scheme but the story definitely peels in layers and got better with each chapter!
Twinkling secret told us tonight is the night
This author always does a refreshing job of showing the vulnerable side of falling in love. The sex scenes translate so beautifully and really convey that they aren’t just sharing their bodies, they’re genuinely sharing their souls. It’s just so nice to see a manga NOT rush a love story. Love love loved it!
Tsuki wa Michikake Kemono no Koi
***Warning about the SA!! It’s quick and not explicit but I cannot condone it*** Aside from that, this story was so touching. I even cried at the end. Just a beautiful story and the art is gorgeous. This author is tbh one of my favorites with how they make their stories soft and subtle. This is one of my favorite BL stories I love it so much.
Wet Sand
Idk if I can root for Kentucky Jo rn Idk if I’m just toxic but the OG couple has my heart. This love triangle is sooo goood and so complex like WHEW it feels like BOTH are contenders for real!! I’m glued to this story.
Afterglow
Oooo I have a crush on the Yakuza guy. His whole vibe is so authentic - I also just love seeing gay Yakuza w/ members that don’t care about it lol
Fukutsu no Zono
This author & illustration always always always has my heart. It is so good as self-discovery/coming of age material that is shown in such a calm and subtle way. It’s not fetish-like at all and it’s clearly not just about sex. I love reading how the characters fall in love & how it’s typically a first for them both in these novels. AH
Usagi no Mori
Definitely a mature read…some of these themes taken out if context can seem semi-perverted (especially the underage aspect regarding sexual urges & puberty) but you really have to pay attention to the story being told. WISH I WOULD HAVE KNOWN IT WASNT FINISHED THOUGH
Stigma
OHHH MY GODDD. This story is TRAGIC. It’s so horrible to imagine someone experiencing this in real life that you dissociate as you’re reading the absolutely abhorrent things happening. Still, it is a good read. It’s very very heavy but a good read with a solid story.
Naked Sword and the Tree Peony of Black
Really refreshing, almost off putting at first!, the whole vibe of the uke is so masculine and not submissive that I had a major cognitive dissonance issue with their sex HOWEVER that is 100% real life. Not every uke should be crying their eyeballs out during sex. Lmao this is the most regular and realistic combo I have seen.
My Way With You