Category: Reviews

Omega Megaera 1 by Maki Marukido

Omega Megaera 1 by Maki Marukido

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EN Title: Omega Megaera
JP Title: オメガ・メガエラ
Author/Artist: Maki Marukido
Publisher: Kodansha
Publisher Rating: Mature
EN Publication Status: Ongoing (10 Volumes total)

Content Notes: Male pregnancy, use of female terms for male omegas (mainly mother), topics of rape, pedophilic releationships, sexism, etc.

Omega Megaera is the only work from mangaka Maki Marukido that is not a BL. However, I believe it is a story that BL fans would enjoy! I also can see some BL elements in it too.

Story Overview
Saimon, an omega, lost his standing in the Hanabusa family when it’s found out he cannot have children. Believing in being true mates with his husband Seijuro, he longs to have the relationship they once had. When his father-in-law Zenjiro tasks him to find his illegitimate child, Saimon finds Mamiya, also an omega, and strikes a deal. If Mamiya pretends to be an alpha, he can live comfortably in the Hanabusa household, and Saimon can become the first wife again. Having been a researcher on omega suppressants in the past, Saimon is confident he and Mamiya can pull it off. Thus begins a grand scheme.

Review
I know I am biased as a fan of Maki Marukido, but I have been extremely excited for this title. As a fan of omegaverse, I do love it when stories really dig into societal attitudes of the secondary genders and overall worldbuilding. I know not all will enjoy the sexist and patriarchal attitudes that in a way reflect reality at times, but I do think the omegaverse setting is such a perfect sandbox to explore a variety of ideas and themes.

Volume 1 primarily sets the stage of this story and introduces readers to its cast and gets the ball rolling for the fight to become the next Hanabusa heir. From the get to there are mysteries, lies, and existing conflicts that will get more tangled up as the story goes on. I’ve enjoyed the way Maki Marukido’s ability to write complex characters and relationships from her other works, so I look forward to learning about all of the Hanabusa family as the story continues. Mamiya and Saimon truly are an unlikely duo, so it’ll be interesting to see how far they’ll get in hiding Mamiya’s true secondary gender. Outside our main characters Mamiya and Saimon, I am most excited to learn more about Reiko! As Maki Marukido mentions in the afterword, alpha women characters aren’t often spotlighted. She already seems like the main rival to Mamiya for the position, so I look forward to seeing her story arc! I am also rooting for Kayo and hope she gets to further her education. Iori too is interesting, as he seems to have a good heart underneath it all.

Omega Megaera overall has a promising start with an interesting cast of characters and suspense. It is a series I would only recommend to those who are either familiar with the omegaverse genre or willing to learn about it. It’s themes and topics are deep and do relate to things seen in reality as well, making it even more compelling.

Thanks to NetGalley and Kodansha for having the DRC available.

PS: To be honest, I took a peek at volumes 2 and 3 in Japanese, thanks to them being free digitally on different ebook platforms! And without spoiling, I can confidently say the story gets even more interesting. I also have a sense something may be brewing between Mamiya and Iori…?

Yankee & Carameliser by Chiuko Umeshibu

Yankee & Carameliser by Chiuko Umeshibu

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EN Title: Yankee & Carameliser
JP Title: ヤンキーとキャラメリゼ
Author/Artist: Chiuko Umeshibu
Publisher: Yen Press
Publisher Rating: Older Teen
Status: Ongoing (a sequel is serializing in Japan)

Content Notes: Sexual content (epilogue chapter only)

Story Overview
High school student and social media influencer Yasokawa knows that Maki, his delinquent classmate, is secretly a baker. When the opportunity arises, Yasokawa convinces Maki to make him a dessert. He subsequently ropes Maki in to turn his simple social media account into the next viral sensation! With Yosokawa as his manager, Maki’s new videos and recipes take off. And as the two spend more time together, both of them find themselves with unfamiliar emotions.

Review
Yankee & Carameliser is a sweet single-volume BL with an opposites-attract storyline. I honestly did not expect it to take the route of the two making a social media cooking account, which I found intriguing when I read the premise. Delinquent characters who have a sweet, hidden side to them is a trope I have seen in BL and other manga genres, and it’s one I enjoy. Maki is no exception, especially when he gets flustered by Yasokawa! I was also touched by his backstory mentioned in chapter two, as the story is more lighthearted. Hiding your interests and true self because others ridicule or reject you is tough. so it was sweet to see him allow another to see him as he is. Yasokawa really is a great match for Maki. His persistence allows him to hang out with Maki and eventually get him to reveal his feelings. And while he pushes Maki out of his comfort zone, he does it out of admiration and caring for Maki. While he initially joked about exposing Maki’s hobby on social media early on, he’s really not the type to post something on social media at another’s expense.

With the story ending as they get together, I found myself wanting to see what kind of future is in store for them! Will Maki keep baking and making videos with Yasokawa? Which is why I’m so happy to see there’s a sequel currently serializing in Japan! This time, Yasokawa is in university while Maki now aims to become a patissier. Hope to see second bake in English in the future as well.

Thanks Yen Press and Edelweiss for the DRC. Yankee & Caramelizer is available now~

Perfect Propose by Mayo Tsurukame

Perfect Propose by Mayo Tsurukame

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EN Title: Perfect Propose
JP Title: パーフェクトプロポーズ
Author/Artist: Mayo Tsurukame
Publisher: Futekiya/Manga Planet
Publisher Rating: Mature
Status: Complete

Content Notes: Sexual content

Story Overview
Exhausted from overwork and poor nutrition, Hirokuni Watari winds up passed out on the sidewalk one night. When he comes to, a young man he named Kai Fukaya stands before him. Though they haven’t met in years, Kai asks to stay over, saying they promised to marry. After Kai explains his situation, Hiro lets him stay. As time passes, Hiro begins to fall for Kai, who is confident in winning Hiro’s affection… The more time he spends with Kai, the more he gets used to living together. What will happen when it’s time for Kai to leave? At the same time, his stressful work situation intensifies.

Review
I really enjoy stories showing how people have the ability to affect others’ lives. Even if it’s only because of simple kindness. Hiro simply spending time with Kai impacted him enough to want to find Hiro later on. And in Hiro giving him a place to stay this time, he returns kindness back to Hiro. While his attitude is cool, seeing him care for Hiro was so sweet. As for their romantic relationship, they really are a bit of an odd couple as Hiro’s coworkers said! But the two do fit together well. The homey feeling of their relationship was charming to me and suited their characters. As both aren’t the most social, seeing them casually talk and live together showed how comfortable they are with each other. It’s as if they weren’t apart for half a decade! Part of me did feel the dialogue was too casual at times, but it wasn’t too jarring. Regardless, Kai’s forwardness contrasting with Hiro’s wavering feelings was a fun dynamic to me.

I also love the glimpses of other relationships they have. For example, Kai learns how people can affect others in talking with the son of the restaurant owner who took him in. The brief hospital visit scene gives a little glimpse at how the old man cared for Kai. There’s also Kaneko, to a lesser degree. Even though he said he couldn’t help Hiro at work, he did stay at his job longer to watch over Hiro, and he eventually helped Hiro get new work. Perfect Propose also portrayed Hiro’s work situation and how it wears him down. One really good scene was Kaneko’s conversation with Hiro on how they use it to manipulate his confidence. I also liked Hiro and Kai’s conversation on life what we keep in our hearts to keep us going every day when times are tough.

Overall, Perfect Propose is a grounded slice-of-life, showing love in seeing your loved one at the end of the day and sharing meals with them. This is one of my favorite titles that is available on Manga Planet, so I’m so happy to see it available in print now!

To close out, Perfect Propose was ranked 15th for Best Comic Category in the Chill Chill BL Awards back in 2021. Here’s the illustration Mayo Tsurukame drew as a thanks!

I Don’t Know How to Love by Yu Machio

I Don’t Know How to Love by Yu Machio

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EN Title: I Don’t Know How to Love
JP Title: 恋の仕方がわからない
Romaji: Koi wo Shikata ga Wakaranai
Author/Artist: Yu Machio
Publisher: Yen Press
Publisher Rating: Older Teen
Status: Complete

Content Notes: Sexual content

Story Overview
Aimi is known to be willing to date anyone, as long as they agree to his condition. Since that includes meeting up with women, many of his relationships don’t last. But his junior Kaede is happy to agree the open relationship! Aimi thinks Kaede will be like the others but is surprised Kaede genuinely respects his condition. As their relationship continues on, Aimi begins to have seemingly inexplainable feelings, but surely he can’t be falling in love!

Review
When Aimi’s friends eventually point out that he’s acting like an elementary school boy, I wholeheartedly agreed. But rather than be irritated at the story progression, I was amused by his attitude and overall. The way he checked his phone, looked out for, and just constantly thought about Kaede throughout the story was adorable. So when he finally admitted his feelings, the goofiness of it was endearing for me. I do think this only worked because the story is in his point of view. If the story were from Kaede’s side, Aimi really would just look like a jerk for the most part. And because Kaede wanted to respect Aimi’s condition, the story would have a bit of a different tone. But I do wish there was a little bit more of Kaede’s inner thoughts in the story. I loved how he would brighten up whenever Aimi showed up, so it would have been nice to know more about him! In general, having more details of the characters would have been nice and give them more depth.

I Don’t Know How to Love is a quick, silly romcom with low stakes. The story’s pretty straightforward, so I recommend it for those who want something light and sweet. The book is out now!

Thanks to Yen Press and Edelweiss for the DRC.

In Love’s Key, Reprised by Guri Nojiro

In Love’s Key, Reprised by Guri Nojiro

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EN Title: In Love’s Key, Reprised
JP Title: くりかえしあいのおと
Romaji:  Kurikaeshi Ai no Oto
Author/Artist: Guri Nojiro
Publisher: Kodansha
Publisher Rating: Mature
Status: Complete

Content Notes: Sexual content

Story Overview
The strict conductor Kiri returns home to Hokkaido to rest due to health issues. Despite Kiri’s harsh attitude, Osamu, his fan and the local grocer, helps him keep warm when his electricity is off and finish moving in. Kiri eventually gets roped into helping the local junior high school’s choir, of which Osamu’s younger sister Lala is a part. As a loner who struggles to get a long with others, Kiri has difficulty getting along with the choir, especially Lala. At the same time, Osamu also gets closer and closer to him, giving him a warmth he doesn’t realize he has been longing for.

Review
In Love’s Key, Reprised is a short, heartwarming story of a lonely man who finds both love and better understanding of caring for others. It’s also a story of working with grief, as Kiri’s harshness partially stems from missing his mother who had passed. The comfort and care he receives from Osamu helps Kiri find he does have a chance at changing and improving.

The story focuses more on the romance between the two and skips out on showing Kiri becoming more friendly with the choir and those in town over time. The story dedicates a few panels showing a timelapse, but I think the story would have been stronger if readers had the chance to experience it more. This story then, once again does suffer a bit from it being a single volume BL. I still found the romance between Kiri and Osamu very adorable, as I do like the dynamic of an overly friendly person and cold loner couple. Even though Kiri for the most part just gave into Osamu’s kindness and warmth, I found it sweet. Guri Nojiro’s linework has a certain softness to it that gives an extra cozy feeling to the story and romance.

Despite weaknesses that come with being a single volume, In Love’s Key, Reprised is a manga I could find myself going back and reading when I need a little pick me up.

Thank you NetGalley and Kodansha for the DRC!

Guri Nojiro is an author I have been a fan of, and has two others works available in English:
A Beast’s Love Is Like the Moon – published by Tokyopop
It Was the End of Spring – debut work; localized by Renta! (digital only)

Worst Soulmate Ever + Proposal by Haruta

Worst Soulmate Ever + Proposal by Haruta

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EN Title: Worst Soulmate Ever
JP Title: 運命の番がお前だなんて / 運命の番に求婚（プロポーズ）だなんて
Romaji: Unmei no Tsugai ga Omae da Nante / Unmei no Tsugai ni Kyuukon (Propose) da Nante
Author/Artist: Haruta
Publisher: SuBLime
Publisher Rating: Mature
Status: Complete (2 Volumes, second volume is titled Worst Soulmate Ever: Proposal)

Content Notes: Sexual content

Story Overview
Yu Shishikura struggles with romantic relationships but is desperate to find his true mate. Being an omega makes is more difficult too. After participating in a soulmate consulting service, he finds out his perfect match is alpha Haruto Kotani, his coworker and former classmate who has been holding a grudge against Shishikura since… middle school?! Kotani may have helped Shishikura through a heat once, but he doesn’t believe in the result! But after having sex again, his thoughts are full of Kotani, who also has a nicer side to him…

In the sequel Worst Soulamate Ever: Proposal, Shishikura and Kotani have admitted their feelings for each other and have become a couple. Shishikura is finally one step closer to his dream of marrying his soulmate! Kotani, on the other hand states he has no plans to legally marry. Shishikura then has to decide on if he wants to stay with Kotani or his dream of marriage. When another man hits on him, both have to decide on the future of their relationship.


Review
I like to say that I’m not the biggest fan of the bickering couple trope, but every time I read a story with one, I eat it up anyways! (In Japanese, these couples are known as ケンカップル (kenkappuru). From the beginning I had to laugh at the story’s set up, especially for Kotani’s long and really petty grudge. And when the steamy scenes came around, Haruta showed the chemistry well! Story wise, their judgments and pride preventing them from admitting their feelings is one I feel is a classic story line in BL, yet I still kept flipping through. I really enjoyed the moments where Kotani was caring toward Shishikura and also seeing him realize he was falling for him. The comic didn’t have much of his perspective, so I was curious to know more about him. The story ended happily with them recognizing their feelings, but I do wish there was more development between the two. There were still were a lot of loose ends as well! Even if the feelings were now reciprocal, what about becoming mates? Luckily, there’s the sequel.

Worst Soulmate Ever: Proposal starts out with what I assume is an extra story where the two going on a hot spring date, giving more insight on their new relationship. Overall it was really funny, as they try to exorcise a ghost by having sex at the hot springs. As for the main story itself, it gave a little more insight into Kotani’s character and feelings on bonding and marriage, which I had been looking forward to seeing. His reactions to Shishikura talking positively about his family shows Kotani mostly had the opposite. And when his family past is revealed, he finally tells his honest fears and concerns about marrying. The rest of the story was sweet as Kotani makes peace with the past and marries. I found it funny his brother got in the way for two chapters, only to quickly disappear after that until the wedding. I thought he’d also maybe get involved with helping Kotani and Shishikura with the father afterwards, but then again it makes sense he didn’t? But his little appearance was really quick. Regardless, the sequel wrapped up the story nicely, and I’m glad to see the two get their happy ending!

I enjoy the omegaverse setting, though I like stories that are more unconventional, whether through different gender pairings or a deeper exploration of the setting. But I still had a lot of fun reading Worst Soulmate Ever! There were glimpses to some of the worldbuilding and how people view omegas, which I always enjoy seeing. This is my first time reviewing an omegaverse story, so for those unfamiliar with this setting: it was originally a fanfiction trope that eventually made its way into fanworks and original BL in Asia. The books contain brief information on the setting for unfamiliar readers, which I find is a good practice! Worst Soulmate Ever was overall light and fun, so I’d recommend it for mature readers who want something more steamy and comedic, maybe to wind down after a stressful day!

Thanks to SuBLime and Edelweiss Plus for the review copies! I ended up getting the books myself afterwards since I had fun reading~

Happy Yaoi Day 2025!

Happy Yaoi Day 2025!

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For those unfamiliar, August 1st is Yaoi Day! 8 can be pronounced “ya” in Japanese, so 801 can be read as “yaoi”. So what does “yaoi” actually mean?? Here is an except from James Welker’s “A Short History of Shonen’ai, Yaoi and Boys Love” chapter from Boys Love Manga and Beyond (p. 55).

“By the early 1980s, the term “yaoi”—in recent years a truly global label for male homoerotic manga and anime—was beginning to be used in the amateur comics sphere to name these amateur homoerotic works. The word is an acronym for “yama nashi, ochi nashi, imi nashi,” or, roughly, “no climax,
no point, no meaning,” an apt description of the relatively plotless original narratives and parodies replete with implied or roughly depicted male-on male sex. Its coinage and initial use had little specifically to do with the genre, however.”

Though “yaoi” was originally created and used by doujinshi creators, the term was used in some commercial BL magazines in the 90s. But eventually, boys love/BL became the main term in Japan. While yaoi fell out of use in Japan, its use by English publishers when they began licensing BL manga in the early 2000s means it basically became synonymous with commercial BL for Anglophone readers. Many Anglophone BL fans know and understand it’s an old word, but enjoy using the term. (Me included!) However, some people think yaoi specifically means explicit BL while shonen’ai is focused more on romance and has no sexual content. (That’s a whole other conversation though.)

I’ve been pretty busy wrapping up my summer classes, but I still want to include some recommendations in this post! While many BL manga is only a single volume, it often means a story has a quick development. That is why my personal favorite type of short BL titles are ones that are 2 volumes long, which gives the story a bit more breathing room. These titles often have 上 (jou) and 下 (ge) to mark volumes 1 and 2 respectively.

Stigmata: Love Bites by Hidebu Takahashi
Publisher: SuBLime
Rating: Mature
This story was the first one I’ve read from Hidebu Takahashi, whose unique artwork is very captivating. I thought the premise for this was so interesting, as Asako (left) can feel the pain and obtain wounds of victims when he is near a crime scene… So what happens when you feel the emotions of your superior’s ex-wife who was murdered? I loved how both Kuroiwa (right) and Asako struggled to navigate their feelings, trying to figure out if it’s only because of the case or not.

Before its print release, Stigmata:Love Bites was released digitally on Futekiya. For Yaoi Day, Futekiya announced that Hidebu Takahashi’s work Psychedelia, which also centers around detectives, has been licensed for print! So excited to see another work have a physical version.

Haberdashery Ginmokusei by Mamita
Publisher: KUMA
Rating: Mature
Note: Currently only volume 1 has released! Volume 2 is slated to release in October.

When I first started getting into BL manga a few years back, Haberdashery Ginmokusei was actually one of the first manga I purchased in Japanese! Like Mamita, I too love suits and thought the idea of a BL set in a tailor shop was so cool. When Ubuki (left) is struggling to keep customers at the tailor shop he inherited from his grandfather, Theo (right) suddenly appears and offers to help improve business. Learning why Theo decided to help Ubuki was very sweet, and I’m excited that there’s a sequel serializing in Japanese!

I’ve read most of Mamita’s works, and I can say that this one is still my top favorite. I’ve enjoyed all of them to be honest, so you can’t go wrong with any title! Many of Mamita’s works were licensed in English last year are now releasing this year! Natsume Wants to be Trained will actually release later this month from Seven Seas.

My Instructor Won’t Yield by Deme Kingyobachi

My Instructor Won’t Yield by Deme Kingyobachi

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EN Title: My Instructor Won’t Yield
JP Title:  千葉教官はなびかない
Romaji: Chiba-kyoukan wa Nabikanai
Author/Artist: Deme Kingyobachi
Publisher: Kodansha
Publisher Rating: 16+
Status: Ongoing (in Japan)*

Synopsis
Thirty-year-old Chiba is a handsome driving instructor, whose looks and kind words capture the attention of all the students. His new student is Yaotome, a handsome man his age. Upon meeting Chiba, Yaotome calls him “Maki” and turns out to be the total opposite of Chiba’s expectations. The two gradually get to know each other after meeting again outside the school. Chiba eventually learns Yaotome is an otaku and manga artist. But an off-handed comment from another student leads Chiba to learn “Maki” is Yaotome’s character based on him! Having been betrayed once in the past, Chiba confronts Yaotome. But he still winds up on a Hokkaido trip with Yaotome, who confesses he fell in love with Chiba two years ago. Yaotome once worked at the convenience store Chiba regularly visits. In the end, Chiba sorts out his past and begins dating Yaotome, who earned his license.

Review
I originally heard of the title last fall when Kodansha announced new licenses. I would have never guessed there would be a BL centered around driving school! And back in April, My Instructor Won’t Yield was runner-up in the BL Sommelier Recommendation Category for the Chill Chill BL Awards! So, when I saw it available on NetGalley, I immediately read it. The story has a familiar premise of one character, Chiba in this case, having a heartbreak that makes him distrustful of new love. I was delighted throughout the story, especially because of the contrast in Yaotome’s personality and looks. (I am very weak to gap moe.) His clumsy attempts to be put together and failure to hide his feelings makes him an endearing love interest. I particularly loved his introduction, where he initially has an aura of a shojo manga hero. But when Chiba enters the car with him it all vanishes, with Yaotome trembling behind the wheel instead.

Deme Kingyobachi times the story beats of the different comedic moments really well throughout the story. While there was some emotional whiplash before chapter three’s Hokkaido trip, the story is overall very light and sweet. Being a single volume story, the story progression is rather quick, and I wish there were more! I truly enjoyed the spin of the driving school setting, and the artwork added extra charm. I especially loved the way Deme Kingyobachi drew all of Yaotome and Chiba’s blushing faces and silly expressions. The confessions from both characters were also very sweet moments in the story, especially Chiba’s.

After reading, I can see why the BL Sommeliers enjoyed this story! Though the storyline is familiar, it’s unique setting and fun characters make it stand out. As a last note, I liked the translation notes on Japanese driving schools at the end, which was a neat culture note. Thanks again to Kodansha and NetGalley for the DRC! My Instructor Won’t Yield releases on August 19.

Here’s a little illustration from Deme Kingyobachi celebrating the BL Awards Sommelier results!

* The story is described as a “one-shot” (though I think “single volume” is the more appropriate term) by Kodansha USA, but in Japan the comic release is labeled as千葉教官はなびかない 1. So I’m not sure what exactly the status is?

Old-Fashioned Cupcake (+ with Cappuccino) by Sagan Sagan

Old-Fashioned Cupcake (+ with Cappuccino) by Sagan Sagan

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EN Title: Old-Fashioned Cupcake
JP Title: オールドファッションカップケーキ
Author/Artist: Sagan Sagan
Publisher: SuBLime
Publisher Rating: Mature
Status: Complete (2 volumes, second volume is subtitled with Cappuccino)

Content notes: Sexual content (really only seen in the extra chapters)

BL featuring men in their forties and above (sometimes includes late thirties too haha) is a subset of the BL genre, sometimes called “ojisan BL” (おじさんBL) or “oyaji BL” (やBL), from what I’ve see on ebook sites and social media. Depending on the person, ojisan BL can include a story between an age-gap couple between a younger and older man. For others, they must both be middle-aged or older men. While not as popular in Japan, it’s much loved by English-speaking fans. In English, the equivalent term is “old man yaoi”, which has gone viral online. I am very much a fan of this sub-genre, and I find Old-Fashioned Cupcake to be a great story to introduce it.

Synopsis
At work, many admire the popular and reliable Nozue. Approaching forty, he remains unmarried and lives a simple and routine life and has no plans of changing it. Togawa, his subordinate who is ten years younger, one day convinces him to try something different: to hang out like teenage girls. So the two begin to visit various spots popular with young women. As they become closer and closer, their conversations become more personal. When Nozue learns Togawa likes someone, the atmosphere changes and Nozue becomes aware of his changes. Togawa eventually admits the one he’s in love with is Nozue, who too recognizes and eventually accepts his own feelings. In with Cappuccino, the two have been happily dating for six months. But when Nozue’s friend and coworker recognizes Togawa wearing one of Nozue’s old ties, the Nozue begins to fear for their relationship. He especially worries about what would happen to Togawa if others learned about the two. He puts distance between them, but he learns how his one-sided decisions hurt Togawa. Togawa also wishes to find a solution, and he eventually decides to take a new job in order to grow. The two reconcile their thoughts on a trip, and they move together in the end.

Review
Old-Fashioned Cupcake wonderfully tells the story of a man who slowly learns to embrace new changes in his life. In the beginning, Nozue is resigned to live his routine life, believing himself too old for things like romance. His self-deprecating attitude makes him resist both his growing attraction to Togawa and realization that he himself is Togawa’s crush, seen in his thoughts. But in the panels, Sagan Sagan hints at Nozue’s true feelings through his expressions until Nozue finally admits it to himself. One of my favorite things about comics as a medium is the way artists can stretch or crunch time within a page and give feeling through its visuals. I also love the use of close ups and overall flow of the pages Sagan Sagan creates.

The story itself is also oh so sweet in the way they fall for each other over their dates. They had inspired each other to live and enjoy their lives, leaving deep changes on each other. They’re not drastic in the sense they become completely different people, but enough to find the courage to accept their feelings. Both of Togawa and Nozue’s confessions to each other were a delight, but Nozue’s was especially adorable. Togawa’s response is one of my favorites.

Togawa: I don’t want to be just “a part” of my life. I want you to be all of it.

With Cappuccino is a strong sequel continuing on with their relationship. In a way, it calls back to the end of the first volume, where Togawa hopes they argue and make up more in the future. It may feel like Nozue is regressing in his development as he gets caught up in his thoughts again, but it doesn’t feel like an exact repeat of the first volume. I’m reminded of the scene near the end, on their way to the onsen. Nozue still worries about Togawa changing their jobs. They talk as they walk, until Nozue wants to stop. Togawa once again has a sweet reply. (Thank you Adrienne Beck for the translation of both volumes!)

Nozue: I don’t want to ruin our vacation by fighting.
Togawa: Nozue… What’s wrong with it? Fights are fine. Life isn’t like the movies. Problems don’t end with one solution. You wrestle with them again and again.

Old-Fashioned Cupcake and with Cappuccino, for me, is a love story that isn’t like the movies. It’s not a glamorous romance that sweeps readers off their feet. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely adore BL like that, but I also love stories grounded in the everyday.

I originally read this story in Japanese and didn’t read it in English until now. Thank you to SuBLime and Edelweiss for the DRC for the first volume! I ended up getting my own copies so now I have both the Japanese tankobon and English translation of the story haha.

If It’s You, I Might Try Falling in Love by Maru Kubota

If It’s You, I Might Try Falling in Love by Maru Kubota

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EN Title: If It’s You, I Might Try Falling in Love
JP Title: 君となら恋をしてみても (なら恋)
Romaji: Kimi to Nara Koi wo Shitemite mo (NaraKoi)
Author/Artist: Maru Kubota
Publisher: Yen Press
Publisher Rating: Older Teen
Status: Ongoing (5+ Volumes)

Content Notes: Volume 4 has sexual content

Synopsis
Set on the island of Enoshima (not too far west of Kamakura in Kanagawa prefecture) If It’s You, I Might Try Falling in Love tells the love story of two high school classmates. Amane, a gay teen whose relationships have been strictly physical, prefers not to fall in love. But his chance meeting with Ryuuji just after he arrives turns his plans upside down. The next day, they find out they’re classmates. Having been hurt in the past by a friend after coming out, he jokes to Ryuuji about his sexuality to see how he’ll react. But to his surprise, Ryuuji calmly accepts it. After getting to know Ryuuji better and seeing his kindness toward others, Amane begins to realize his attraction has turned into something more.

Review
With soft artwork and a steady story pace, If It’s You, I Might Try Falling in Love is a very sweet high school romance BL. While I’m honestly not one to gravitate towards a high school setting, I’ve liked the light yet grounded feeling of the story. I think Maru Kubota does well in introducing the main characters, especially Amane, whose point of view is the most prominent in the first volume. Through his thoughts, actions, and words, readers get a rather clear picture of who he is. I also love the artwork! Even with a simpler art style, her character art is expressive. I especially adore the extra simplified and exaggerated expressions of the characters sprinkled throughout the volume! In addition to character art, the pacing of the panels to story beats keeps the story flowing smoothly.

Volume one is available now, with the next releasing in August. I started reading this story after hearing about it on social media, getting the digital volumes in Japanese. Volume one’s exposition of the story drew me in to want to continue reading on. And if you’ve seen the blurb for volume two, it doesn’t take much longer for Amane to confess! The story then follows them navigating their new relationship, and the sweetness from volume one definitely continues on. Seeing Ryuuji also fall for Amane is a treat, so I’m excited for it to release in English! For those who want an a heartwarming romance story, I definitely recommend If It’s You, I Might Try Falling in Love.

Thank you to Edelweiss and Yen Press for the DRC for volume 1!

A few weeks ago, there was an exhibition for Hanamaru, the BL magazine If It’s You, I Might Try Falling in Love is in. Amane and Ryuuji were two of the characters featured in the event, so here is an illustration Kubota Maru drew a week into the event! (The thread below this post introduces some of the illustrations that were displayed.)