gay romance manga

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Lenni Reviews: “Feigning Fox with a Face Full of Flowers” by Ryo Ayamine

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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review and is rated 18+

Takeru returns to his grandfather’s home after his death to take care of the property, only to be shocked when a fox spirit named Kazune comes to claim the promise Takeru’s grandfather made to the spirit.

This has all the foundations of a decent story, but it felt bland to me, even with all the smut. The setup of the back story with Takeru and his bond with his grandfather and Kazune’s shitty childhood brings us two characters who just want to be loved, but from the very first time they’re together, they don’t feel right. It’s also a bit rapey? Little dubious consent happening here? The sex in general gives off this cold, biological reaction rather than attraction or connection. I totally understand the trope to get to the smut as quick as possible (and it’s quite graphic), but this rang hollow for me. Maybe it needed more time to tell its story. 2 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Touch Within the Abyss” by Moyori Mori

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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

The one time Chinatsu hesitated with a target, it cost his older brother his life and left a witness, a blind boy named Kasumi. Years later, Chinatsu meets Kasumi again.

This is a cozy read. Chinatsu’s profession as a hitman isn’t at the forefront, so the violence is heavily implied, not explicit. The art is dreamy and soft when it needs to be and just dark enough when there’s tension or darker stuff happening in the story. Everything is very effective in making you care about the couple and want to see them happy. Heck, even Kasumi’s family is supportive. A lot of these stories would either lean into the violence or make the disabled person miserable because their family is awful, but nope. Not this time. If you’re looking for something quick to read without much smut (it’s off “screen” so to speak), this is just a nice read. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Ask and You Will Receive” Vol. 2, by Niyama

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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review and is rated 18+

While dating Hikaru wasn’t the plan, Shinobu finds the standoffish prince to be a better partner than he’d thought, despite the fact they still keep everything secret at work. Hikaru may still be snooty at work, but he’s shy with Shinobu in private and realizes they have never been on an actual date.

This volume hits that magical spot for me where you could toss all the smut out and I’d be just fine with the story. These two goofs are so fucking sweet, I need a trip to the dentist. This is more from Hikaru’s point of view and is focused on turning a purely sexual relationship into something deeper. The possibility of their relationship being outed (spoilers?) is more about Shinobu wanting to protect Hikaru’s golden boy reputation, so, as of now, there’s no issue with dangerous homophobia. At least not yet. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Cute but Not Cute” by Senmu Sakishita

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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review and is rated 18+

Keiichi Hozumi is a success in his company; he’s popular; seemingly having it all. But deep down, he’s lonely. He can’t sleep unless there’s a girl in his bed with him, but one drunken night, he proposes a threesome with his secretary Ibuki; who has feelings for his boss.

Keiichi is the silly one while Ibuki is the stern one but I don’t like how often Keiichi gets drunk and sleeps with Ibuki then doesn’t remember what happened in the morning. But the title is an accurate assessment of how I felt by the end of this. The couple can be cute but also kinda not. I don’t really like them. Keiichi is pushy and Ibuki should tell his love interest to be with him when he’s sober. I had trouble caring if they got together by the end. It’s very explicit but I can’t even enjoy that since the consent is so iffy given the amount of alcohol. 2 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Ask and You Will Receive” Vol. 1, by Niyama

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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review and is rated 18+

Shinobu Urakawa is an unsuspecting office clerk by day but off the clock, he’s a playboy frequenting a gay bar he views as his oasis from the constant fawning over his coworker, Hikaru Omoteya. Known as “The Prince” by the others in the office, he’s got a big ego, thinking he can score anyone he wants, even when he heads to the same gay bar and he’s straight. He flirts with Shinobu not knowing who he is; getting more than he bargained for.

This is an “enemies” to lovers story (I don’t think they’re really enemies; they just don’t really like each other, even though they don’t know each other by more than their work reputation) with a bi-awakening and some office romance thrown in. The relationship starts as purely sexual but this is no swoonfest. It gets to the smut quickly and it doesn’t stop or hold back. Our ego-driven Hikaru has no clue what he’s getting into but Shinobu’s plan to take him down a peg results in some feels between them. Aside for some dub-con elements because Hikaru is drunk at the beginning, this was a fun read. They’re relatably silly in some parts. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Pink Heart Jam Beat” Vol. 1, by Shikke

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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review and is rated 18+

Haiga has moved in with Kanae, and they have been living together for a year. Because Kanae is pushing himself so hard, Haiga is on the hunt for a job and is struggling to find what he wants.

While there is some smut in this, Haiga and Kanae are just so damn wholesome. With everything going on these days, and after the last romance manga I read, it felt awesome to enjoy a couple that loves and respects one another. Restores a little faith, to be honest. They have great chemistry, an interesting supportive cast that’s used just enough that they are a nice addition and complement our couple. Just great vibes. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Rainbows After Storms” Vol. 3, by Luka Kobachi

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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

Nanoha and Chidori are heading into their first summer as a couple and their first official date at an aquarium.

We have our usual sort of episodic misadventures where we learn Chidori is great at cooking, Nanoha has a sleepover with all her friends, but her little sister, Kaede, figures out their secret. Still, something is brewing about Chidori’s past. I’d expected Kaede to be a little shit and cause trouble but nah, she was fine. I don’t anticipate this series going super dark and have everyone turn on them, but Chidori clearly went through something that’s really bothering her whenever it crops up. Everything is lighthearted and sweet so, while my guard is interested, it’s not at full attention yet. 4 out of 5. 

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Lenni Reviews: “Palace of the Omega” Vol. 2, by Fumi Tsuyuhisa

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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review and is rated 18+

Ilia lives a quiet life after the death of his husband, but as civil war rages, he encounters a familiar young man who turns out to be King Khalid, leading the rebellion against Zayn.

First off, Suya is the MVP still. I love her. Secondly, I can’t see Zayn without thinking:

Because I’m dead inside and surviving on memes. Other than that, I love the rebels taking back the kingdom plot but… Y’all, they made it weird like I thought they would when I reviewed the first book. Sorry, but if the ages were tweaked so Kahlid wasn’t just shy of the legal age, it wouldn’t be as creepy. You can make him as badass as you want, but he’s still barely legal. And it’s weird when the flashbacks happen and they talk about how much they loved and wanted each other before the war, but it flashes back to a literal child. It’s creepy and hobbled my enjoyment. Yes, there’s plenty of detailed smut to be had, but ugh… 3.5 out of 5 because I do adore the art and the plot is interesting.

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Lenni Reviews: “Until I Meet My Husband” by Ryousuke Nanasaki, Yoshi Tsukizuki & Amber Tamosaitis

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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

This is the graphic novel adaptation of the memoir by LGBTQ activist Ryousuke Nanasaki.

I think this is an important book, especially these days, and I’m glad it has a happy ending. It is mildly suggestive as it is an honest retelling about how Nanasaki dealt with his sexuality. It’s emotional but hopeful that things will get better. The art style is perfect for the moody parts and the happy parts. It’s also important for American audiences. It’s so easy to be in a bubble and forget there are intricacies in other places that give unique experiences to LGBTQ+ people outside the US, legally and interpersonally. It feels like a highlight reel, but it’s trying to fit a 200+ page memoir into a 200+ page manga. You’re gonna have to trim some stuff. I do want to read the original book now. 4.7 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Megumi & Tsugumi” Vol. 5, by Mitsuru Si

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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review and is rated 18+

Megumi’s father’s dislike of omegas still looms over his relationship with Tsugumi and he’s determined to win his father over, only to end up tricked into a blind date with Inami.

I actually like how the sex scenes are almost like an afterthought to the couple’s goal to make Megumi’s father accept their relationship. Tsugumi is so earnest and deadpan, bringing a comedic element into all the drama. He’s not too doofy – which can also be fun – he’s just the type to know what he wants to do and doesn’t have all the hangups of those around him.  It’s refreshing since Megumi frets so much. And Tsugumi has awesome dads. I love when they’re included. 4 out of 5.

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