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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Cupid is Struck by Lightning 1

Cupid is Struck by Lightning 1 by Minta Suzumaru

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Shingo thinks he has a gifted silver tongue as he takes on inquiries for his fellow students, mostly to find what their crush may be interested in, to be paid largely in food. The tables are turned when a job to learn about Ao's scar turns into a rather odd friendship and then something more. Shingo is about as awkward as possible in his bumbling attempts to befriend Ao, who, by some miracle, tolerates him. It seems like the story will be ending with Shingo suddenly realizing his own feelings, but we get a series of short stories covering the summer break and the awkward avoidance to even more awkward yet sweet relationship these two start building. While the summer scenes get more than a little steamy, there's just enough sarcasm and humor mixed in with some corny moments that it's still one of the more enjoyable yaoi (BL or boys love) series.

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I Didn't Mean to Fall in Love: Double

I Didn't Mean to Fall in Love: Double by Minta Suzumaru

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Somehow, it took me awhile to realize there was a sequel to this story, and while it leaves room for continuation, it's a cute addition with the introduction of more characters that could be a future focus as these two settle into their new lives. Rou has entered the work force and has more than a few nerves about this new lifestyle. He thinks he may have found a kindred spirit in a coworker, and while he's correct, this new coworker has more than a little bit of bite to them, in part it seems thanks to his own rather disappointing and harmful relationship. Rou is as innocent as ever wanting to do the right thing and unintentionally manages to bring up some questionable thoughts and feelings in the process. It's a good thing Rou and his friends are so comfortable and supportive of his relationship with Yoshino. They might have started out as an odd couple and have their own challenges to bridge, but at this point, this main pairing seems pretty solid, even in questionable circumstances.

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Takara's Treasure

Takara's Treasure by Minta Suzumaru

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Taishin moves to Tokyo for university while also chasing after his senpai who helped him when his beloved pet passed away. Takara doesn't seem too impressed at first, though he continues to help Taishin as the kid seems more than a little naive and clueless overall, as well as a bit of a danger magnet. Doesn't seem to take long before these two are fairly inseparable though and admit they do like each other, even if there's still some serious uncertainty and insecurity floating around. 

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I Didn't Mean to Fall in Love

I Didn't Mean to Fall in Love by Minta Suzumaru

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Yoshino seems like your typical salary worker, except he wears a wedding ring to ward off women and is definitely interested in other guys... except he's never had a relationship even though he's turning 30. Overhearing his coworkers talking about a gay bar in the area, he decides to change that, except it may have turned out to be more than he thought. There's a lot of confusion between Yoshino and Rou, especially as Rou seems to be the exact opposite - a college student 10 years younger, a bit flashy, and uninterested in attachments that knows he's playing the field. At least that's how it seems at the start until it seems like Rou has been watching Yoshino for awhile and was already interested in him before he turned up at the bar. Maybe dreams do come true, even if it seems a bit cliche and rushed with a heavy dose of misunderstanding to start off with.

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