Freefall Romance by Hyouta Fujiyama

 

Reni and Youichi were nothing more than drinking buddies. But when a night of imbibing goes a little too far, they find themselves drinking buddies with "benefits!" What begins as a drunken lark soon becomes a passionate affair. But Renji and Youichi aren't really gay... or are they?

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

Until I Meet My Husband by Yoshi Tsukizuki

 

The memoir of gay activist Ryousuke Nanasaki and the first religiously recognized same-sex marriage in Japan. (Original novel of essays also available from Seven Seas.)

From school crushes to awkward dating sites to finding a community, this collection of stories recounts the author’s “firsts” as a young gay man searching for love. Dating is never ever easy, but that goes doubly so for Ryousuke, whose journey is full of unrequited loves and many speed bumps. But perseverance and time heals all wounds, even those of the heart.

This moving memoir by gay activist Ryousuke Nanasaki, following his historic life story, was originally released in Japan as a novel of collected essays. They are compiled here beautifully in a manga format.

My Rate: 9 (amzn.to/49DDGDi)

The Paradise On The Hill by Momoko Tenzen

 

Kijima teaches at an all girl's school. While all his friends think his job is pretty "sweet," dealing with the daily confessions of his adoring students is actually rather annoying. Luckily the new P.E. teacher, Ono, has taken the brunt of the girl's attention away. When Ono approaches Kijima for advice on how to deal with the bold advances and confessions from his students, Kijima finds himself intrigued by the shy, timid teacher.

My Rate: 8 (amzn.to/4aCE6ef)

Voice or Noise by Yamimaru Enjin

 

College professor Narusawa can speak to animals and Shin-chan, for the sake of his beloved dog Frappy, yearns to learn as well. But will that knowledge bring Narusawa and Shin-chan closer together, or will it tear them apart?

My Rate: 8 (amzn.to/3U1dTPE)

I Can't Even Breathe Without You by Yamimaru Enjin and Yuuri Eda

 

Lazy, deadbeat manga author, Niki (pen name: Kaoruko Goutokuji), finally caught his big break! Except for one problem: his almost supernatural inability to do just about anything! But with a hot, elite business man, Shoji Tatsuhiko, as his childhood friend who constantly looks out for him, who can blame him? Based on a popular yaoi novel, Yamimaru Enjin, an established yaoi author, presents bittersweet love!

My Rate: 8 (amzn.to/3U5iLmC)