Never Let Go by Saki Sakimoto

Rich-kid Haruto is used to being flattered and fawned over by fellow students, so when he's kicked out of his elite Alpha school, he finds himself as the ultra-desirable Alpha transfer student at a mixed-gender high school. Everyone is quick to try to befriend him ― everyone, that is, except student council president Miyabi, who actually seems to despise him. 

Haruto swore he wouldn't get involved with anyone at his new school, but something about openly hostile, sickly-looking Miyabi keeps drawing Haruto in...

My Rate: 8 (amzn.to/4p6ZQ9t)

Never Let Go by Saki Sakimoto is not the high school romance you might expect from its plot summary. In reality, the first volume is quite dark, and the intimate scenes between Haruto and Miyabi are anything but romantic. Miyabi is an Omega who was driven out of his home because his younger brother, an Alpha, started showing an interest in Miyabi that was far from brotherly. Even before leaving home, Miyabi had a problem with his body that led him to become anorexic. His anorexia is unique, though, because if someone else offers him food, Miyabi will eat. At home, it was his younger brother, but now that he lives alone, Miyabi is slowly succumbing to the illness. When Haruto arrives at his school, in the same class, Miyabi’s Omega instincts are also awakened, creating a whirlwind that Miyabi doesn't know how to handle. His absences from school worry Haruto, who goes to visit him at home, discovering a state of neglect that he immediately tries to improve, starting with Miyabi’s health by bringing him food, or rather, cooking it for him. This is where the love story between the two is born, but it will always remain a bit dark—never fluffy and cute like other high school romances. I really like the relationship Haruto has with his parents. They are very understanding but not overwhelming; they welcome Miyabi but don't pressure Haruto to do anything. They are just available if he needs advice and support. I also appreciated that Haruto and Miyabi don't rush to form a family. In fact, Miyabi is very honest in admitting that he doesn't know if he wants children, and Haruto is understanding about this too. Haruto is actually very mature for his age, and I liked that he wasn't the typical rebellious and egoistic type, but rather someone willing to listen to the advice of more experienced people. The relationship between Haruto and Miyabi may not be balanced, in the sense that Miyabi still has many mental traumas to overcome, while Haruto is already stable and secure in his emotional growth. However, this is a situation that can, in some way, be healthy for Miyabi, who can find a safe harbor in Haruto.

Wimpy Demon King and Tsundere Hero by Natsuharu

 

When one prince seeks to defeat the Demon King, he discovers that the demon is actually a huge wimp! A Boys’ Love enemies to lovers manga with a rom-com twist.

To defeat the notorious Demon King, Prince Ike bravely storms the castle, ready for a fierce battle—only for the demon to run away?! What should have been a fight to the death quickly turns into an unexpected game of chase, as Ike discovers that the feared villain is actually timid and despises conflict. And when Ike gets injured, it's the Demon King who cares for him more than anyone else, even going out of his way to understand Ike's feelings. Ike arrived determined to defeat his enemy, but now he finds himself wishing he could spend more time with him...?

My Rate: 7 (amzn.to/4pwrYCC)

As the plot suggests, Haruo Natsuno's Wimpy Demon King and Tsundere Hero is a cute and sweet story. Nothing dramatic happens, and in fact, many charming and funny elements—like the dog Rudy, a white ball of fluff—make the whole thing lean more towards comedy than romance. Even the sexy scenes between Ike and the Demon King Noah are barely sketched out, as if to avoid lingering too much on the erotic details, which keeps the overall tone light. If I'm being honest, this story is perhaps a little too light for my personal taste, but it is nonetheless a quick and enjoyable read.

Starve Me of Love by Arinco

 

"I can't think when I hear your words..." In a society where people are categorized into Doms and Subs, Ichiya, a college student, has been diagnosed as a Sub. Feeling aversion to this disposition, he spends his time hiding the truth of his diagnosis from those around him. One day, he runs into an underclassman, Sena, a Dom, and for the first time, he feels an irresistible desire to obey him.Though Ichiya is bewildered by and resistant to the pleasures of obedience, he gently and calmly draws closer to the man who wants him and him alone...

My Rate: 7 (amzn.to/4pqIlBj)

The strength of Starve Me of Love by Arinco is the artwork. In a way, it's a bit "dirtier" or rougher than most yaoi manga we are used to reading, and this is what makes it intriguing. That being said, the story falls into the norm for Dom/Sub plots, a genre that is developing as an alternative to the ever-popular Alpha/Beta/Omega (ABO) Universe. If I have to be completely honest, I personally prefer the ABO Universe. However, Starve Me of Love is romantic and sexy enough to still be a pleasant read.

Shoma Koi: This Ain't Some Shoujo Manga! by Howako

 

This volume comes with an exclusive Animate Bonus and ComiComi Studio Bonus!

Three best friends—a handsome prince-like guy, an airheaded princess-like girl, and a snappy punk—have been together ever since elementary school. Sunao, the punk, has been doing his best to keep the one-sided feelings he has for Hiroomi, the popular prince, a secret. But recently, tons of blush-worthy situations keep happening to him, making it hard to keep his feelings under wraps...

Turns out, Hiroomi's been the one orchestrating all these encounters! He's head-over-heels for Sunao, and ready to win him over!

Don't miss this youthful rom-com with all the (spicy) thrills of first love. ♥

My Rate: 7 (amzn.to/4p0Fsqq)

Shoma Koi: This Ain't Some Shoujo Manga! by Howako is a classic high school boys' love romance. It features the familiar trope of childhood friends where the tall, dark, and brooding Seme is secretly in love with his friend, an outgoing and seemingly rebellious Uke who, in reality, is super jealous of his childhood friend and can't stand that all the girls at school are head over heels for the handsome heartthrob. Even the third wheel—the mutual female friend who is secretly scheming to get her two guy friends together—isn't a new element. So why should you read this yaoi manga? Because, just like all the others in the genre, it's cute and fun, more tender than you might imagine, and actually less sexy. Truth be told, the author has "relegated"—and, yes, "gifted"—all the sexy scenes to the bonus story, making the main manga itself quite innocent.

Punch Drunk Love by Okdong & Moscareto

Seon-woo knows he's painfully average in every way, but he can't help pining for the hot new manager at work, Tae-moon. There's no way to tell if Tae-moon is even into men, or if he's the kind of dominant lover that submissive virgin Seon-woo yearns for in his deepest fantasies. All that changes when Seon-woo catches a glimpse of Tae-moon's phone notifications during a meeting. Those steamy messages coming through confirm everything Seon-woo's hoped for. He just needs to convince Tae-moon to give in to a night of passion, where Seon-woo will prove he can take anything Tae-moon throws at him...and then some!

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

Punch Drunk Love is a story that is genuinely Not Safe for Work and unapologetically kinky. There is absolutely no way you can read this in public, as practically every chapter is an orgy of sex. But here is the surprising thing: there’s a real plot underneath all the heat—and a very funny, romantic one at that—which makes this manhwa a perfect romantic comedy. The first time I read this, I was quite new to webtoons and was honestly a bit taken aback by all the explicit content. The truth, however, is that the sex is joyous and blends seamlessly with the comedic mood. It’s never boring (which is often my complaint with stories that have too much sex), and every intimate scene, no matter how exaggerated, is perfectly integrated and, most importantly, necessary to the story. If you want to spend a few hours completely carefree—and you absolutely must be in a private location—Punch Drunk Love is the perfect story to keep you company. The comic Punch Drunk Love is a full-colour romantic comedy and a Mature-rated Boys' Love series. Moscareto is alto the writer of The New Recruit, which is another well-written office romance offering a glimpse into Korean society

Our Family, Now and Forever by Hasake

 

An endearing Boys’ Love story about changing ways, love, and family.

Naguru once lived a rough life as the leader of a gang, getting into fights in order to protect his friends. His loved ones all admired his strength and kindness, but also worried that his dangerous lifestyle would get him killed. When Hirao first met Naguru, he didn’t know about the man’s gang affiliation: all Hirao knew in that moment was that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with Naguru.

Thanks to Hirao’s love, Naguru found a new path—and a new future. Now, the former gang leader is a devoted father, raising their adorable son, Towa, alongside the man who changed his life. Join this heartwarming family of three in an all-new BL series!

My Rate: 8 (amzn.to/4rsz7FY)

I have to admit that Our Family, Now and Forever is definitely cute, but I honestly believe the plot is a bit too fragmented, making it tough to follow. It’s not that important pieces of information are missing; it’s that they are mixed together in a strange, non-linear way. I frequently found myself having to flip back to parts I had already read just to figure out what was actually happening or why an event was suddenly brought up. Despite the confusing structure, the two main characters, Naguru and Hirao, are very charming, and their son, Towa, is absolutely delightful. The strength of the story lies in this endearing trio. Because the narrative wasn't linear and Naguru wears a collar (which in the ABO genre usually signals an Omega), I initially thought this might be an Omegaverse story. It is not, and the explanation for how two men came to be raising a child together is given later in the story and is quite ordinary. The plot is sweet, as I mentioned, but I would have preferred the same events to have been presented in a different, more chronological order. Aside from the pacing issues, the artwork is also quite pretty, and the sex, when it appears, is rather explicit but not vulgar.

My Overly Devoted Junior Won't Give Up on Me by Tsumugi Kosaka

 

Mikage is a jobless graduate from an underperforming high school leading a boring life. A handsome stranger suddenly comes to visit him， hugging and saying ”I've come to be your lover”. Naturally， Mikage panics! The handsome stranger turns out to be Mikage's high school junior named Amatsuka. He says he's come because he's fulfilled the conditions Mikage set to become his boyfriend at Mikage's graduation ceremony. Puzzled by it all， Mikage is taken over by Amatsuka's enthusiastic approach which winds up with the two living together at Mikage's place?!

My Rate: 7 (amzn.to/3XXb3gI)

My Overly Devoted Junior Won't Give Up on Me by Tsumugi Kosaka is quite charming. I likely have a soft spot for intense and slightly obsessive Seme characters, and this yaoi manga delivers exactly that type of lead. Unlike what some others have suggested, I don't find Amatsuka to be a stalker at all. On the contrary, it was Mikage in high school who essentially led Amatsuka on, suggesting their friendship could turn into something more. Mikage went so far as to give Amatsuka a checklist (mostly innocent and silly, save for one point) that, if fulfilled, would allow Amatsuka to become Mikage's lover. If all the items on the list were like "go to bed by 9 PM," there would be no issue, but Mikage tells Amatsuka not to date girls, implicitly asking Amatsuka for exclusivity in their potential relationship. Therefore, I don't find it unfair at all that Amatsuka shows up two years later at Mikage's house, demanding that Mikage uphold his promise. However, the one thing I found incredibly, intensely unromantic is that their first time together takes place in a public bathroom!!! I can accept a lot, but come on—if they had to do it in public, at least a park or the beach... but a toilet? My jaw dropped, and all the sweetness I had felt for Amatsuka and Mikage vanished in one fell swoop.

Star and Hedgehog by Nayuta Nago

 

Outgoing college student Ikumi heads home for the summer, where he meets Harukiyo, a shy gardener with a soft spot for house plants.

Despite seeming totally resistant to Ikumi's charms, Harukiyo eventually admits his attraction to Ikumi, and Ikumi is surprised to discover he feels the same way about Harukyo! At summer's end, the pair embark on their first long-distance relationship...

Once reunited, Ikumi and Harukiyo stumble together through the early stages of their newfound romance, tripping over the stark differences in their personalities. Can a blossoming love between a shining star and a prickly hedgehog go the distance?

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

Star and Hedgehog by Nayuta Nago is truly a cute and sweet story—much sweeter than you might expect from the manga's initial cover art (perhaps that's why they changed it in the new edition, making it a bit less sexy). The interesting thing about this story is that both characters are genuinely attractive, making them a couple with a high level of combined sexiness. The classic pair usually features the sexy type and the cute type, but here, they are both sexy and cute at the same time. Their difference, therefore, isn't in their looks but in their personalities: Ikumi is outgoing, jovial, and friendly, while Harukiyo is shy, introverted, and a bit unsocial. But when Ikumi realizes that Harukiyo's coldness isn't because he finds Ikumi annoying—quite the opposite, Harukiyo actually can't control his emotions when near Ikumi—the stage is set for a truly adorable love story. Great artwork and interesting characters that feel more original than most yaoi manga make this a standout read.

Fox and Puppy by Nayuta Nago

 

A sweet & spicy spinoff of Star and Hedgehog, featuring Harukiyo's big brother, Akihiko!

Laid-back novelist Akihiko and his earnest new editor, Aiichirō (a.k.a. Ai-chan), are faced with an unexpected dynamic shift when Ai-chan walks in on Akihiko in bed with a man— and bursts into tears.

Ai-chan confesses his feelings for Akihiko, but since Akihiko has no interest in anything serious, the best he can offer Ai-chan is a steamy, semi-professional friendship with decidedly unprofessional benefits.

In spite of Akihiko's efforts to keep things casual, Ai-chan slowly begins to unearth the details of Akihiko's mud-caked romantic past, doggedly pawing his way to the wounded heart of the elusive fox he fell in love with...

My Rate: 7 (amzn.to/4875kLh)

Just like the previous manga in the series, Star and Hedgehog, the cover of Fox and Puppy by Nayuta Nago was also changed to make it look more innocent. However, unlike the previous manga, Fox and Puppy is actually very much centered on the physical relationship between Akihiko and Aiichirō, so I feel the previous cover was a better fit for the story. That said, even the new cover, featuring an image of Akihiko languidly sitting on the couch (the bare feet and soft sweater give that sense of languor—it's the details that count!) while Aiichirō serves him (as his character essentially does throughout the book), is still appropriate for the plot. I have to say I really love the character of Akihiko, especially because I appreciate how completely open he is about his sexuality and his enjoyment of sex. Yet, he is also aware that Aiichirō has a more romantic attitude about the topic, and in a way, Akihiko genuinely tries to respect Aiichirō and his feelings. Of course, in addition to the beautiful artwork, you will find plenty of sex in this yaoi manga, but it’s portrayed in a healthy, joyous, and not at all vulgar way.