LGBT romance

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Lenni Reviews: “Paris” by Andi Watson & Simon Gane 

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Juliet moves to Paris to follow her dream of studying painting. To make money, she paints portraits for rich debutantes and one of these commissions results in her meeting Deborah; who is under pressure from her parents to meet a nice man but instead is intrigued by Juliet.

Despite being a classic sort of story – a couple divided by class and the expectations of high society – it’s an enjoyable read. I like the characters but I would have enjoyed more development for them and I felt the French stereotypes were a bit much. I’d like to see more detail and really make Paris feel alive. But, I like the happy ending. More sapphic stories deserve a happy ending. 3.4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Love Nest 2nd” Vol. 2, by Yuu Minaduki

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

While still keeping their relationship a secret, Masato and Asahi take a trip during the holidays to see Masato’s mother; who introduces Asahi as his friend. While he believes that one day his mother will take the news well, Asahi’s past comes back to haunt him.

It’s understandable for Masato not to come out right away but yeah, his mom doesn’t seem the type to want anything more than for her son to be happy. There are a few bumps in the relationship; like Asahi’s concerns about having too many feels but it’s not heavy on the angst. It’s all things that are worked out with earnest conversations and a healthy sprinkling of smut to make a sweet story about two people slowly opening up more to each other. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Daisy Jealousy” by Ogeretsu Tanaka

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

Misaki’s dream is to become a game designer and is working his hardest to learn and perfect his craft. However, Kaname seems to outclass him in every way effortlessly. When Kaname’s project gets erased and Misaki offers his help in restoring it, it gives them a chance to get closer but Misaki’s jealousy causes him to overwork himself and push Kaname away. Four years later, they meet again working together on what promises to be a very successful game.

This has some spice in it but it was sweet to see Misaki overcome his jealousy and essentially get out of his own to be happy not only romantically but professionally. The time skips were a bit much. They felt choppy and could have been smoother but it gets us to the happy ending we’re all hoping for. 3.7 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Cuckoos Three” by Cassandra Jean & Mosskat

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Murry is a football star, hardworking, and obedient son, with a ton of friends. However the new kid, Jacob, is a small outcast and stands out as the quiet kid with piercings and a goth look. Despite being so different, they are drawn to each other. But, Jacob is hiding the reason why he moved with his family out to the small country town.

This is the sweetest story. Murry is so delightfully earnest and kind, Jacob is a darling, and they are precious together. It also contains some educational info on DID and how to help someone who switches. I wouldn’t mind a long running webcomic or something with these two since it’s so aggressively calm and heart warming. And the art is so colorful and soft, and it’s all young around friendly. 5 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “My Love Mix-Up!” Vol. 9, by Wataru Hinekure & Aruko

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

Aoki and Ida are studying hard so they can get into the same college but Aoki is really struggling and graduation is just around the corner.

Yeeeaaahh, the super-deformed is back to it’s creepiness. I mean, look at this:

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I could easily see this exact panel in a Junji Ito manga. It is NOT something I would want to look at for very long.

Aside for that, I have to complain about a little spoilery type deal. There is an amnesia plot here that seems to only exist to cram in some final drama before tossing it aside as a dream before getting to the real ending. I would have MUCH rather had more time exploring how the characters feel, seeing them interact, getting more hints at their future… It was so sweet and clean aside for that aside. That was disappointing but at least the actual end is good. 3.9 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Pink Heart Jam” by Shikke

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

Haiga moves from the country to the big city for college and joins the rock club to meet new people. After a night out with them, he learns about the red light district and figures it’s a great chance to explore his sexuality. What he didn’t expect was to see a senior in his club, Kanae, working there.

Of course Haiga makes visiting Kanae a regular thing and things are developing between them. While this is a classic stoic/cinnamon roll pairing, Kanae isn’t cold, he’s just professional at the brothel and a bit more open with Haiga when they’re at the rock club in school or just jamming out to music. Haiga is exploring his sexuality while Kanae is exploring his feelings. This also handles sex work without being exploitative and sensationalized. The smutty scenes are only with our main couple, not any of the clients Kanae takes. I like it so far, its just a journey with these characters coming together. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Old-Fashioned Cupcake” by Sagan Sagan

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

Nozue is feeling like he’s in a rut. He may be the oldest and most popular person in his office job but all he does is go to work and come home. When speaking with his coworker, Togawa, the younger man decides to help with what he calls “andropause” by helping Nozue experience more of life. Togawa’s intentions are kind but it is clear he has a crush on the older man.

This is a fun May/December romance. There are some intimate scenes but they’re not super graphic. Togawa is the stern type, doing a poor job at hiding his feelings, and Nozue is the oblivious one who needs a roadmap to see he’s the target of a crush. As they come together, we get some nice slice of life moments. It’s nice to see older characters – even though 40 is hardly “old” – and it’s a quick read that makes you smile. 4 out of 5.

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Happy Pride!

In honor of pride month, the books I have featuring LGBTQ characters are on sale! Sanctuary, Go Away Girls: Flight, and Dahlia: Complete Series. Just click those links and select your preferred vendor and check them out. The sale lasts until June 30th!

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Lenni Reviews: “Old-Fashioned Cupcake with Cappuccino” by Sagan Sagan

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

After Nozue allowed Togawa to open his experiences to fun as well as romance, their relationship is running into issues with intimacy and the fear of someone at work finding out about their relationship.

This volume handles a lot of emotional work on their relationship so if you’re looking for just smut after the first volume, you’ll have to wade through a bit of angst to get to the sweet and spicy parts. The smutty bits aren’t super detailed but they get the point across enough to make this for mature readers. They’re an odd couple but they work together and if you’re looking for yaoi with an older character (not that 39 is old) this isn’t half bad. 3 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Catch These Hands!” Vol. 4, by Murata

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

Soramori is enjoying spending time with Takebe but is hoping for more intimacy, unsure of how to bring up the subject. Meanwhile, Takebe isn’t sure if her feelings and Soramori’s are the same.

This is a great last installment for the series. It addresses the issues they’ve been having and in a natural way that’s really sweet. In the end, you feel happy for them and it’s looking like they will have a happy future. 4 out of 5.

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