LGBT romance

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Lenni Reviews: “Worst Soulmate Ever: Proposal” by Haruta

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

Shishikura went to the matchmaking service to get married and ended up with his rival, Kotani. His relationship is contentious, but on their first trip together, they do their best to get along and get to know each other better. But what Shishikura learns is Kotani has no interest in getting married.

While smutty and sweet, this is a little rushed. Not that I need a ton of angst and drama but this couple went from hate to love so quickly, they still have serious disagreements, then suddenly marriage is on the table; it all felt so fast that one person wanting marriage and one person not seemed like the least of their issues. However, it didn’t kill my enjoyment of the volume. It’s a familiar trope and we only had 2 volumes to get to the happy ending. There’s so much spice and it’s explicit so keep that in mind. It was fun but pretty standard or omegaverse yaoi. 3 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “I Ship My Rival x Me” Vol. 1 by PEPA & Qualia

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

Wei Yanzi and Gu Yiliang are both young up-and-coming actors currently working on the same show but Wei Yanzi feels as if he’s overshadowed by Gu Yiliang’s natural talent and good looks. Since he’s getting some hate from Gu Yiliang’s fans, Wei Yanzi leans into those online shipping him and his costar so he sees more positive things about himself.

This is so goofy. Wei Yanzi doesn’t realize how flirty he sounds when he talks to Gu Yiliang and it’s funny to see him encouraging fanfiction of himself and his costar. I say costar because (spoiler?) they’re not really rivals; they get along pretty well the entire time. Gu Yiliang is clearly developing some feels while Wei Yanzi is clueless. It feels a little scattered but it’s still cute. And a clean read so far at a 13+ rating.3.7 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “There’s No Freaking Way I’ll be Your Lover! Unless…” Vol. 1, by Musshu, Mikami Teren & Eku Takeshima 

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

After dealing with loneliness in middle school, Amaori Renako is ready to reinvent herself for high school. Hoping to be one of the cool kids, Renako has put herself under a ton of pressure and when she goes to the roof to destress, she meets popular girl Oduka Mai and they become friends. Renako enjoys their friendship until Mai confesses she’s in love with Renako.

The twist is that they make a deal as to when they are friends and dating on whether or not Mai’s hair is tied up. This situation leaves the door open for some funny jokes:

but as friends or girlfriends, this duo is highly entertaining. So far, we have a bit of fanservice and some suggestive talk but it’s not 18+. I’d say older teen unless the next volume changes things. This is a fun start and I can’t wait for the next one. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Rainbows After Storms” Vol. 2, by Luka Kobachi

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

Nanoha and Chidori’s relationship is still a secret from their friends and Chidori thinks back on her past love.

This volume continues the very light, slice-of-life tone. Just a bunch of cute moments of their relationship as they study, hang out, etc. Since we still don’t have any particular stakes, it’s a cozy read where the reader can just enjoy seeing these girls be happy with each other and live life. I appreciate the positivity after some of the depressing stuff I’ve been reading (you’ll see those reviews soon) but it can get repetitive. Every chapter starts with how they’re keeping their relationship a secret; as if each one was serialized in separate issues so it could be picked up in any spot. It’s not as enjoyable when it’s all put together, though. 3.9 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Palace of the Omega” Vol. 1, by Fumi Tsuyuhisa

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

Prince Ilia is an omega and the 13th prince of his line. As the lowest-ranked omega in his family, he is married off to the king of another kingdom, King Khalid, who turns out to be just a kid.

When I saw the king turned out to be a young child, I both had every red flag ready to fly and wondered if this was gonna be one of those “I may look like a child but I’m actually 80 bajillion years old” kind of thing. While this volume is all plot without any smut, I’m sticking the rating on there because it’s inevitable. I am totally okay with a good setup; the world-building, the intrigue, Ilia’s character arc, Suya being generally amazing, it’s all absolutely fantastic. If there was never a bit of smut in the whole thing, I’d still continue this to see what happens. However, I wonder how the romance will be rationalized later on. I hope they don’t make it weird. They’re gonna make it weird, aren’t they… 4.5 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Someday I’ll Fall for You” Vol. 2, by Tomo Kurahashi

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

Now that all the feelings have been revealed, Chiaki and Kazuma are dating in secret and Kazuma wonders if it’s time to take things further in their relationship, navigates how to be a couple when they’re still pretending to be friends, and what their future will be after high school.

While there’s plenty of smut in this volume, the rest is just delightful and sweet. Chiaki is a little bean who’s just so damn in love and Kazuma earnestly wants to be happy. They’re adorable and despite how I kinda wish the characters were older, I can acknowledge the differing consent ages and how it’s not really made for me. It’s for older teens to relate to. I’d like to see their story continue into adulthood to see how their relationship is in the future but this will probably just stick with the high school stuff. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Rainbows After Storms” Vol. 1, by Luka Kobachi

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

High school students Nanoha and Chidori are dating but they keep their relationship secret; only known to their classmates as best friends.

This is very slice of life, especially when compared to the same setting for yaoi manga. It’s just so cute and sweet. Not a bit of smut to be found. It gets repetitive because each little story starts out with “we’re dating and keeping it a secret” and there are no obvious stakes to them keeping their relationship a secret. It doesn’t seem like their friends are homophobic or anything. Everything is very lighthearted and calm; a lot of blushing and meaningful glances. It’s decent but maybe a little more depth to it would make me like it more. 3.5 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “My Dearest Patrolman” Vol. 3, by Niyama

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

After living together for a year, it’s time for Shin to celebrate Seiji’s birthday for the first time. But since he’s a nightmare to shop for, Shin uses his police skills to find the perfect gift.

There are other cute stories here too: a mishap with handcuffs, befriending a stray cat, judo tournament, and giving their cat, Chiko, a new toy. We’re in full on domestic bliss territory with some well timed spice in-between. Shin and Seiji are adorable and funny, making them a joy to read. If you like a lovey dovey couple around your smut, this series delivers. 5 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Stigmata: Love Bites” Vol. 2, by Hidebu Takahashi

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

Detective Kuroiwa and Asako are still trying to use Asako’s unique ability to find the person who killed Kuroiwa’s ex-wife and Asako worries about what to do about the feelings he has for his superior.

I don’t know why I’d expected this series to be drawn out longer; the murder case as well as the romance, but it wrapped up pretty quick! I can appreciate it since Asako and Kuroiwa had chemistry from the beginning but the premise of Asako using his powers to help solve the murder off his crush’s ex-wife is rife for tons of drama. It felt over too soon and yet the happily ever after is still sweet. And spicy. The sex scene is pretty detailed so be aware: Adults only. 3.7 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Worst Soulmate Ever” by Haruta

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

At 29, Shishikura has been trying to find his soulmate but watching all his friends get married without any luck for his own love life. As he waits for a matchmaking service to assist, his heat comes on when only his surly coworker, Kotani, is around to help him. But will a single night of passion turn into more or will they continue to feud with each other.

Yeah, Kotani is the worst for awhile but of course, these two knuckleheads are meant to be. This is clearly not spoilers for anyone with any passing experience with yaoi or especially omegaverse stories. As an omegaverse, there is plenty of smut involving heats and such and it is very detailed. This is absolutely adults only. Omegaverse isn’t usually my jam but this was ight on the trope that omegas are treated like shit. There’s one offhand comment but other than that, I’m glad the story didn’t go there. It’s more about how our main couple are snippy with each other. 3.5 out of 5.

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