Perfect Propose (2024)

 I liked Perfect Propose, I would probably say that I loved it if not that they really spent a lot of time alone, far from each other. Sure I understand it was the way to let Hiro understand that he loved Kai, but I thought it was a lost chance. Another point that I missed a little was the intimacy between the two main leads: the series started quite strong, with Kai giving a friendly handjob to Hiro (I was thinking wow, this is Japan, right? being so open was quite shocking), but then things cooled a little, and when we arrive to the apex (pun intended), they choose the sex behind closed doors option. But yes, this was me, I found this couple quite sexy, I wouldn't have minded something more explicit, but nevertheless this was a very good series. I also liked the character of Kai, so intensive and open, saying I'm gay right from the first moment. Loved him. HEA. You can see it on GagaOOLala. Heat Level: 3/6.

Heat Level:

1/6: glances, caress, hugs, no kisses

2/6: kisses, closed mouth or camera angles

3/6: full kisses, clothes on

4/6: full kisses, some clothes off, hands above the waist, pants stay on

5/6: most clothes off, they have sex, but it’s masked, no sexy sounds

6/6: full nudity mostly hidden by camera angles, they have sex, sexy sounds

Junjou (2010)

 I liked how Junjou started, maybe it didn't progress how I would have preferred, but this is Japan in the 2010, and already the fact we have an HEA for these two men is a bonus. Tozaki and Kurata were high schoolmates and Tozaki had a secret crush on Kurata; when they met by chance years later, and Tozaki confess his former interest, Kurata pushes Tozaki to go for it, i.e. to have a one night stand with his secret crush. The one night stand becomes a sex relationship, and it's actually Kurata who develops a sort of obsession on Tozaki, becoming very jealous and possessive. As I said, didn't particularly like this part, but this is Japan, so it was expected, they tend to decipt relationships between men in a quite agressive way. HEA. Heat Level: 6/6.


Manga: amzn.to/49V4jnB

Heat Level:

1/6: glances, caress, hugs, no kisses

2/6: kisses, closed mouth or camera angles

3/6: full kisses, clothes on

4/6: full kisses, some clothes off, hands above the waist, pants stay on

5/6: most clothes off, they have sex, but it’s masked, no sexy sounds

6/6: full nudity mostly hidden by camera angles, they have sex, sexy sounds

Words Of Devotion (2008)

 Words Of Devotion was unexpectedly good, meaning that the involvement of the girl in the story is not really center stage, and most of the movie follow Tachibana and Otani in their relationship. Quite liked their quite moments in their little apartment. It was strange to see the hairstyle of these two, but then I remembered it's Japan in 2008, so basically almost another world. There was a little fear of not having an HEA, but this is not the case. I liked it, mostly since the two male leads seemed so young and raw, just at the edge of adulthood but not yet there. Heat Level: 3/6.


Manga: amzn.to/3T6kTKq

Heat Level:

1/6: glances, caress, hugs, no kisses

2/6: kisses, closed mouth or camera angles

3/6: full kisses, clothes on

4/6: full kisses, some clothes off, hands above the waist, pants stay on

5/6: most clothes off, they have sex, but it’s masked, no sexy sounds

6/6: full nudity mostly hidden by camera angles, they have sex, sexy sounds

Mr Mini Mart by Junko

Meet “Mr. Mini-Mart,” Endou Nakaba ― middle-school drop out, shut-in, and NEET ― as he begins his very first job at a convenience store. Unfortunately, his temperamental co-worker, Yamai Kouhei, doesn’t make things easy on him. When Endou accidentally witnesses an unexpectedly sweeter side to Yamai, he discovers that his rude and loud-mouthed co-worker might not be such a bad guy after all. Drawn to this new side of his co-worker, Endou looks past Yamai’s often-unpleasant attitude and tries to get to know him better. Will working together be only the start to a more involved relationship?

My Rate: 9 (amzn.to/4330lqJ)

Joy by Etsuko

Goh Akazaki is a 26-year-old man... who happens to be a shojo manga artist. His assistant is Yusuke Akune, who happens to be a mangaka in his own right. But when Goh accidentally finds out that Yusuke is gay, he's thrown for a loop -- what else about his friend doesn't he know? And when Goh is asked to draw BL, he tries to pry into Yusuke's experiences for inspiration... but when he is ultimately inspired by the idea of "unrequited love for Yusuke," can he keep his own feelings out of the mix?

My Rate: 8 (amzn.to/3Ipv08i)

Under Grand Hotel by Mika Sadahiro

After killing the husband of his lover, Sen is sent to a prison nicknamed the "Under Grand Hotel", which houses some of the most violent and corrupt offenders. Good-looking and rather soft for prison, Sen is forced to seek protection from Swordfish, the proclaimed leader of the prison. But when their relationship turns from one of convenience to one that may be more involved, can they protect each other in a place where the law has no bearing?

My Rate: 8 (amzn.to/3P33GR6)

Border by Kazuma Kodaka

Yamato is man with a darkly dramatic past. Perhaps it is no surprise that he now runs his own detective agency. With a staff of three misfits that are practically family to him, he does whatever it takes to get the job done. Unconventional cases can mean unconventional solutions, but Yamato is not one to shy away, except when his heart is concerned.

The creator of Kizuna brings a story of mystery and romance.

My Rate: 8 (amzn.to/3T4FUoJ)

Kizuna: Bonds of Love by Kazuma Kodaka

 

Three's a crowd. Ranmaru and Kei have a strong and passionate relationship built on years of trust, sacrifice and love. When the mysterious son of a Yakuza boss starts to have designs on Ranmaru's affection, tempers flare, and hidden emotions rise to the surface. Will Ranmaru and Kei's love for each other be able to survive this difficult test, or will the emotional conflict finally come to a head?

My Rate: 8 (amzn.to/3IIttul)

Pet on Duty by Nase Yamato

Mizuki just lost his job. Without money or a place to live, he has no choice but to stay with his older brother in his company dorm room. Since non-employees aren't allowed in the dorms, Mizuki must live there in secret like a house cat. At first he’s intimidated by his older brother’s roommate Toru, but seeing a softer side of Toru changes his opinion. Toru treats Mizuki well, but Mizuki wants to become more than a pet companion in this sophisticated homoerotic manga by one of the genre’s superstars.

My Rate: 8 (amzn.to/3ImljY2)

Hero Heel by Makoto Tateno

 

Presenting the latest work from the Makoto Tateno, author and illustrator of Yellow. Minami is a young actor who has been cast as the main character of a super-hero TV program. Although he takes the job half heartedly, thinking of it as a mere children's show, he's soon taken by the talent of his costar, Sawada. One day, Minami stubles upon Sawada kissing a man! Deeply confused, he's unable to hide his growing attraction for him. A hero's love is always filled with trials!

My Rate: 8 (amzn.to/3wzfuUA)