Would You Like To Be A Family?

Would You Like To Be A Family? by Koyama

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

While there is a main story here that makes sense with the title, there are also 2 other side stories, making this more of an anthology.

The main story features Takemura and Natsui. Takemura is rather stoic and reserved at the workplace, following rejection and isolation in school when he first confessed to another boy. As a result, the last thing he expected was to find not only acceptance, but a family as well. Lucky for him that Natsui is so outgoing and unwilling to just let him disappear once he's finally gotten him used to visiting with the family.

The second story features Kuma, a high schooler who didn't expect to fall for Yagi when he visits his friend's brothers for an evening gaming and learns the brother is gay, which means Yagi, the rejected boyfriend, must be as well. Kuma comes across as rather scary with how blunt he is, which fits with his school's reps and hoodlums, but he's actually very kind, which seems somewhat at odds with his sudden attraction to Yagi. It's not a surprise that both of these characters would be so confused at the true definition of their relationship given the way things play out and their age gap.

The last story features Kodama, a reclusive psychology student who eventually admits he doesn't really understand emotions and tends to rely on data from his studies to understand how people function. As a result, he thinks he understands Harada, an outgoing fellow student who is happy to help where he can. Truthfully though, he doesn't actually understand at all until some space and answers to that same study he was compiling data for seem to give him a wake up call.

In all three stories, there is at least one character that is rather reclusive or shy. The other character is very outgoing. But in all situations, the couples have their own obstacles and struggles to get on the same page and discover what they want together. Ultimately cute short stories, just not as in depth as some, which is unsurprising given they all have to fit in one book.

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My Beautiful Man 4

My Beautiful Man 4 by Yuu Nagira

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Hira and Kiyoi's interactions remain as awkward as ever, and it's understandable why everyone thinks what they do about the two of them from the outside, as well as the confusion over Hira's devotion. What makes this volume slightly better than the previous volumes is the insight into Kiyoi's point of view from the beginning up to now and continuing to the end of this volume. Kiyoi's words have always somewhat conflicted with his actions, but this is even clearer and makes more sense when we see how Kiyoi grew up and his own inner monologue through their interactions. Kiyoi may have more of a challenge than he thought though if he truly wants more of Hira's love and devotion than that of the servant he portrays himself as to this point.

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My Beautiful Man 3

My Beautiful Man 3 by Yuu Nagira

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


This series remains pretty rough. Hira's emotions go to the extreme, but only when it comes to Kiyoi. Otherwise, he's comes across as fairly apathetic. He finds somewhat of a normal life finally when he moves on to college, joining the photography club and even finding friends who understand his disability. That all seems to be at risk of shattering when he unexpectedly runs into Kiyoi again. Kiyoi retains his indifferent attitude, but he seems oddly extra aware of when Hira is around, and doesn't seem to have like him having a boyfriend that isn't him. Kiyoi appears to have a strange way of trying to keep him around yet at arms distance at the same time. After finally having someone healthy and happy to compare to, it makes it seem even stranger that Hira is so fixated on Kiyoi.

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My Beautiful Man 2

My Beautiful Man 2 by Yuu Nagira

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


This remains a rough series. Kiyoi falls from the top of the school pyramid, but remains the top in Hira's eyes. Hira starts pushing back against the rest of the group Kiyoi was part of, but more in defense of Kiyoi than himself, though he thinks otherwise. Kiyoi claims that all of Hira's obsession and weird talk around him is "gross," yet he treats him the same as anyone other normal person in their classroom, which is refreshing to Hira. When the two are alone, they have somewhat normal conversations, at least for the two of them, which is another oddity to Hira. Aside from no longer being the group gopher, there isn't a lot of change in Hira's world at this point though. There is a very slow pace to see how this is going to play out.

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My Beautiful Man 1

My Beautiful Man 1 by Yuu Nagira

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Can't say I love this series yet, but I do see potential in it. Hira is a loner by necessity due to his stutter and being ostracized by his classmates. As a result, he finds some peace in solitary moments like photography, but not the typical type that most may think of. His classmates, so far, are not aware of his hobby, but a new classmate has caught Hira's eye. Kiyoi is seen as the king of the school, aloof, beautiful, popular, and a little different than everyone else. His beauty is the first thing that draws Hira in, and as a result, he ends up with a bit of stockholm syndrome, romanticizing Kiyoi and his treatment of Hira in class, even though it's debatably not all that different or better from the way the rest of the boys in the group treat him as their personal gopher or "slave." Kiyoi at least does talk to Hira once in awhile, and doesn't use his detested nickname from his stutter on the first day of school, but his remarks are just as cutting and often the deciding factor on any orders given to Hira for him to follow. This is a series, so it has the potential to improve, but for a first volume, this is a rough start for any potential relationship, even just true friendship.

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At 25:00 in Akasaka 5

At 25:00 in Akasaka 5 by Hiroko Natsuno

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Shirasaki faces a difficult director as he stars in a new TV drama while Hayama is overseas in the U.K. to film a movie. What no one aside from 3 people seem to realize is, he's filming the novel penned by his father that tells the story of his own life. With 8 hour time zone difference and filming taking up most of their daytime, it's difficult for the boys to find time to connect, but they do their best. While Hayama doesn't seem to think he's learned whatever his father thought he might, it's clear the experience is still good for him, even as he's eager to return home to Shirasaki. Shirasaki is learning and growing as well, as he has to figure out how to be the main lead and help the cast navigate a difficult arrangement with their director. Despite everyone's concerns on the two of them working together, it seems Shirasaki may have the best idea and approach to working with this director, even if the rest of the cast doesn't seem to understand or agree.

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At 25:00 in Akasaka 4

At 25:00 in Akasaka 4 by Hiroko Natsuno

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This volume seems to be more of a set up than a significant job like the other volumes so far. Shirasaki and Hayama return to their hometown for a wedding and Shirasaki's birthday. As a result, we see more about their school days and their families. Hayama even unexpectedly gets to meet Shirasaki's family during the trip, though it seems Shirasaki's siblings are a bit starstruck. Hayama's family, on the other hand, seems to be struggling, especially his mother. We finally learn more about his father as well, who seems to not really be in the picture given his employment and residence overseas. For all of the indications of estrangement, their phone conversation at the end seems rather straightforward and even somewhat expected. Despite Shirasaki's encouragement and support, it will be interesting to see how the next volume goes if it follows this job offer with Hayama going overseas for an extended period of time and how the boys will handle that with their relationship.

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Fox-Colored Jealousy 2: Kind of a Wolf

Fox-Colored Jealousy 2: Kind of a Wolf by Machi Suehiro

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This is a cute story about two boys who are both lonely and have learned to distrust their own feelings and the acceptance of those around them for different reasons. Put them together with the right mix of attraction and you get the perfect storm. Shiroki just wants some peace and quiet with his cat. Hayato is desperate for somewhere to belong and doesn't realize he tends to get very loud when he's excited, something that drives Shiroki crazy when Hayato is gaming all night (not that he realizes that's what is going on - he just thinks Hayato is loud). Hayato is even afraid of Shiroki at first, but when Shiroki learns Hayato's secret and he realizes he can be comfortable around Shiroki (both because of his acceptance and odd lack of scent), he may do a 180 and become a little clingy. So long as the boys learn to communicate, it seems like a match made in heaven. There are hints of a past with the only other "possessed" person in the story as well that I was curious about, though there wasn't much detail, so a tad surprised to learn that there is a separate story for that pairing and that this is considered a sequel. 

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At 25:00 in Akasaka 3

At 25:00 in Akasaka 3 by Hiroko Natsuno

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Shirasaki and Hayama are still together, and Shirasaki has even found an apartment in the same building and on the same level as Hayama so it's even easier for him to sneak over to his boyfriend's apartment despite their new fame. While we don't see Hayama's work specifically other than a script he seems to be studying, it is implied that his work is going well, why Shirasaki feels like he's failing and may lose all of his current jobs (not helped when one of them actually does cancel). Instead of looking for help though, he turns inward and seems to punish himself, and his boyfriend by extension since he tends to use avoidance tactics when he goes quiet. While their old classmate toys with Shirasaki at the same time as texting Hayama to pick up his "lost child," he seems to play a bit of devils advocate. As sweet as these boys can be when things are good, they really need to work on communication when there are questions or they need help - stop running away!

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At 25:00 in Akasaka 2

At 25:00 in Akasaka 2 by Hiroko Natsuno

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Shirasaki and Hayama are still going strong in their relationship while working separate jobs until they learn their drama did so well they are now cast to reprise their star roles in a new movie, bringing in an additional new actor, Yamase, to turn the drama into a love triangle.... both on and off the screen. It's amusing that while Hayama seems to be struggling with jealousy the most and was definitely the most experienced emotionally before he managed to catch Shirasaki, it seems it's Shirasaki who is the most adept at reading the room with their new costar. Yamase seems to be fairly sure he knows what's going on, but it's always played off as fantastic acting, rehearsing, or something else, playing on his uncertainties while still keeping him in his place - which is not between Shirasaki and Hayama.

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At 25:00 in Akasaka 1

At 25:00 in Akasaka 1 by Hiroko Natsuno

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Admittedly, I picked up this series because I recognized the author's name and otherwise didn't really know what to expect with this first volume. Yuki Shirasaki has played small roles in his acting career until he finally makes this big break, costaring with the popular model Asami Hayama. What Shirasaki doesn't remember in the beginning is that Hayama was a classmate, and one that he made a lasting impression on at that. During filming, the two of them play lovers, both on and off the stage (though no one else knows about the off-the-stage relationship). The two actually work very well together, which is an added bonus given how comfortably they fit together when they're off the clock. It's a small wonder then why Shirasaki starts questioning his own feelings and resigns himself to feeling heartbroken when the filming ends. Fortunately, Hayama isn't on that same wavelength and doesn't seem to have any concerns going after him. It will be interesting to see where this duo goes as it appears this series does have a few installments at least rather than just a one-off.

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A Complicated Omega's Second Love

A Complicated Omega's Second Love by Kichi Uekawa

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Sakura has worked hard to live on his own and at the top of his class, now one of the top office workers at a major company. After a near assault in school when he used to be proud to be an omega at the top of performance, he's hidden his secondary gender from everyone. That all falls apart when he wakes up with a two week memory gap and a new mate, an alpha named Narushige that he thought was his rival at work. It turns out Narushige has been interested in him all along, and now has the task of re-convincing Sakura to stay with him. It's a bit of a quirky and backwards take on the typical omegaverse dynamics. While there are a few moments that could play to typical stereotypes in this type of series that can be a bit ick, the overall dynamic here is very cute and well done as Narushige genuinely does seem to care for Sakura. Sakura just needs to rediscover why he said "yes" in the first place, while also trying to hide his amnesia from his other coworkers.

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I Don't Need a Script for Love

I Don't Need a Script for Love by Umire Konatsu

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Subaru Yuuki is a popular actor, and Kaiho Kudo is an up-and-coming model. After a one-night stand, the last thing either expect is for Kaiho to be the replacement in Subaru's current drama series after his co-star is injured and forced to withdraw. Even more, Subaru didn't expect that Kaiho would actually have a real interest in him beyond their one-time physical encounter. He learns very differently very quickly, though he refuses to give in entirely and call Kaiho is boyfriend. Some of this is very reminiscent of the setting for Black or White, though Kaiho is slightly better at towing the line when it comes to their relationship. It's rather cute how he gets all jealous and protective of Subaru though, even though he's the younger of their relationship, undefined as it is for much of the time. Seems they both had some learning to do, both about each other, and about what they really wanted by the end of their current contracts.

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The Too-Perfect Saint: Tossed Aside by My Fiancé and Sold to Another Kingdom 5 (Light Novel)

The Too-Perfect Saint: Tossed Aside by My Fiancé and Sold to Another Kingdom 5 by Fuyutsuki Koki

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


While there have been many short arcs in the earlier chapters as things unfolded for Philia, this volume officially enters what the author considers the "second act" of the series - when Philia begins to focus more on those around her than just herself and her own situation. This is especially clear in this volume as events unfold during the main couple's honeymoon, introducing new characters that will at least play a large role in events for this volume, if not potentially future volumes in this arc as well. Himari is the largest focus here, which is a little refreshing given her tendency to fade into the background. There even seems to be a bit more in regards to a friendship between Grace and Osvalt's older brother, which would make sense given their ties to Elizabeth, but hasn't really been too obvious as far as seeing them interact on their own away from her grave. The short stories at the end add additional flavor, coming from multiple perspectives and covering many different parts of the story in this volume. Looking forward to how more of this story unfolds.

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Winter Wolf 2

Winter Wolf 2 by Soonmu

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Despite the emphasis on their physical relationship, acting as a married couple in front of their new housemate (Mr. Hoplander), and Lysithea's confession, Taron continues to be a mystery. He acts cold and like everything is a contract, but there's no denying he does show an unusual amount of care at occasional moments with Lysithea that don't seem to match the narrative. There seems to be more to Mr. Hoplander than lets on as well, which isn't entirely unexpected given his position as a detective. Just what did he mean by wanting to "save" Lysithea, and why is he so intrigued by the third floor?

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Winter Wolf 1

Winter Wolf 1 by Soonmu

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


The art is beautiful, but the story wasn't what I was expecting. Lysithea starts out as a strong character, escaping from her family's murder and her own attempted assault, and managing to broker a way to her own freedom. When she meets Taron, that all seems to fall apart. Suddenly, she's panicking over everything, barely able to hold it together, gets sick, and makes several questionable decisions. Taron himself comes across as rather cold and uncaring, yet he does save Lysithea and cares for her when she's ill. From his tone, it's all about the money of the deal, but his actions have a way of saying something else occasionally. Clearly, they end up together, though it's yet to be seen if this will be a lasting relationship or just another fantasy.

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Touched by Twilight 1

Touched by Twilight 1 by Yukiaki Uno

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Just how long lived are these characters in this world? There are mentions of 50 years having passed since the main characters last saw each other on the battlefield, yet they both look just as young as they did in those initial panels. Shen Feng has always looked up to Xiao Xing, and possibly loved him just as long, so it's not entirely surprising when he is sent to eliminate the Xiao clan in repayment for his mother's death that he quietly lets Xing escape. They've lived on their own until the death of Shen Feng's father brings him back home, attracting Xiao Xing's attention as well as his family is once again blamed for the death, but he's the only one left alive. The majority of the story follows these two reunited friends as they investigate this mysterious death and try to uncover the truth. Along the way, there are several discussions about past events, though most seem to be rather surface conversations. Despite this, the two have an odd gravity and attachment to each other still that cannot be denied. It will be interesting to see if Xiao really did understand Shen's subtle confession at the end there or if he really has convinced himself that he was just still asleep.

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The Feisty Omega and His Twin Mates 3

The Feisty Omega and His Twin Mates 3 by Ryo Ayamine

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


It's a little hard to follow things as we have multiple interactions, some flashing back to the stabbing, and others somewhere in between events as they wait to see when Tomoya will wake up. In the meantime, Natsuo is studying (we later learn on how to nurse Tomoya back to health), and Yuya is on the verge of working himself into a matching hospital bed if not for Natsuo forcing him to take a break when he can. It seems like things with Iku have worked out for the best, but in the meantime, Yuya is in protective overdrive when it comes to Natsuo, which is not helped much with his waning energy as he tries to cover his own work and Tomoya's. Of course, the series couldn't continue as it is without Tomoya rejoining the land of the living and the trio making their way back home. Given the genre and their genders, it isn't so surprising that there's plenty of steamy scenes as well, despite the continuous complaints of "holding back" due to Tomoya's injury. Even more hilarious is Natsuo's realization that he has never actually admitted his feelings out loud to either of his mates. If he thought they were clingy before..... yikes.

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I Can't Stand Being Your Childhood Friend 2

I Can't Stand Being Your Childhood Friend 2 by An Momose

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Aoi and Ryota have settled into living together at college, but that makes it even more challenging when they're home visiting family. Their two closest college friends, Aoi's sister, and both of their mothers learn the truth of their relationship in this installment, though at least Ryota's mother says she won't tell his father. We haven't really seen either of their dads, and Aoi's isn't there when he tells his mom either, so it's unclear how they'll react to the news. Ryota struggles with his own emotions a lot in this installment, between how to present himself in his job applications and worrying that he may have forced Aoi into their relationship. These both work out eventually, though not without some interesting conversations and encounters - we even see Ryota completely drunk. Their trip at the end seems to end things on a high note, though they can't actually turn in the forms they want to. There is at least one more volume left to look forward to as we'll see the boys navigate their working life together. Hopefully it will go as well as college seems to have worked out.

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Cupid is Struck by Lightning 2

Cupid is Struck by Lightning 2 by Minta Suzumaru

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Hilarity ensues as Ao ends up looking more than a little friendly with a classmate in his quest to retrieve a charm from Shingo. Meanwhile, rumors are flying around school about Shingo being a cupid for hire, and Shingo himself is reading way too much into things. Add in all of their conflicting schedules between Ao's challenges and Shingo's practices for the school sports day, and it's a small wonder they get so many wires crossed. It seems the boys may unintentionally found another supporter, or at least somewhat grudging acceptance when their relationship is discovered, though most everyone else remains unaware. From the short stories after the main chapter, it would seem to hint the boys stay together through school and even Shingo working, though a good number of the shorts still take place around the time of the main story itself. Confusion and drama aside, these two are oddly adorable with all of their awkwardness when they're on the same page.

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The Small-Animallike Lady Is Adored by the Ice Prince 4

The Small-Animallike Lady Is Adored by the Ice Prince 4 by Mugi Sawai

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Things pick up quickly in this volume, though it's still a mystery as to whom may have been visiting the Prince's office - it's not even brought up at all. On the other hand, we get a lot from their visiting princess and her point of view on the whole visit, including how Prince William only seems to cheer up or ramble on when it comes to his adorable fiancé. While her ambitious may have originally had her targeting the crown, it turns out Lady Lily may be the best advocate and aid she could have hoped for, as well as potentially a new friend. This may be a relief to everyone as it gives Prince William yet one more grand scheme to gloat about his brilliant fiancé and Lady Lily is no longer concerned about this possible competition. In actuality, once their fight is handled, they are as lovey dovey and sappy as ever, much to their guard's amusement and sometimes disgust. 

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Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation 13

Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation 13 by Mò Xiāng Tóng Xiù

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Still heavily edited, but still plenty of cutsey scenes even in the midst of all the chaos - watch for the hearts around Wuxian. It's also rather adorable to see Wuxian's concern for Jin Ling and the struggle Jiang Cheng goes through with his anger and the realizations from Wuxian's history that turned the tides against them previously. Lan Wangji seems pleased with the overall outcome of events though, especially as he's able to protect Wuxian and basically gets him to himself after. The Ghost General has a very small spotlight in this volume solely for the final battle and A-Yuan's memories at the very end. A good deal of the story actually focuses on Wuxian's own inner musings as he pieces together regarding Nie Huaisang's part in everything, though without any definitive proof, it's all just speculation. There is also a lot less regarding any of their adventures together after this battle as Wuxian and Wangji travel together, though it does make it clear that they remain together and most definitely a couple at this point. Just took a very long time for them to get there and stay on the same page. A bit sad to realize that this is the end of the series as it's truly been enjoyable to see these characters come to life again through the artwork.

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