Favorite

The crown jewel of yaoi. Contains all the tropes but develops them to expand the scope of the genre with characters who are complex individuals in their own right, with compelling motivations. Powerful emotions drive a relationship that is a battle not for domination or submission but for equity and balance. Plus, there is no one hotter than Asami. NO ONE.

Cover art belies a story at once incredibly sexy but sweet, with a great sensitivity for the dark subjects it touches on. Tatsuyuki and Nozomi redefine the roles of uke and seme and build a relationship on beautifully answered needs with mutual care and the most beautiful expression of joy I've seen in a yaoi. This is still a trope-y yakuza story (ie: there's rape) but much like its stand-out main character, it masks a deep tenderness beneath its flippant surface. Masterpiece.

Simply in a class by itself, a work of art rich with symbolism but at the same time a terrific plot, humor, psychologically complex characters. Should not be missed.

It's very nearly perfect. Art borders on bara. No slim pretty boys here. But the relationship is gorgeously portrayed and brilliantly intercut with the Scheherazade story. The last two chapters send this into the stratosphere with the kind of poetic ending you hope for but are very seldom given. Many authors would have gone for an edgier or seemingly realistic ending. Here, you get what your heart desires: perfect closure. Only complaint is that Shouta could have been better developed.

An overlooked gem, not to everyone's taste. Art is highly stylized and the two main characters are very feminine in appearance. The story also deals frankly with non-consensual prostitution, so if that bothers you, this might not be for you. But it's a feels ride for those who can handle the subject matter and with a poignantly happy ending for these two lost boys who find a home within each other.

If you're reading in English, you MUST read the official translation because the translation here is kind of a mess and as a result, the plot doesn't make complete sense. Requires a bit of suspension of disbelief, even for a fantasy, but rewards with gorgeous art, hot characters and a sizzling romance. Escapist fun at its very best.

Unique and engaging art tells the story of a lonely hatter (I know but stick with it!) who picks up a stray who reminds him of a beloved pet dog and finds in him a new inspiration. ETA: Second part of this story, Speaker, goes into much MUCH darker places, still compelling but heart-rending.

Possibly the sweetest thing ever? Main characters are gorgeous, sweet and caring. Their relationship blossoms and grows without either of them hurting the other, played out for an audience of two of the most adorable old men you'll meet in a manga. Look for depth elsewhere but if it's sweet love you want, it's here in abundance.

This one surprised me. I let the art put me off reading it for far too long and nearly missed one of the most adorable stories ever. Truly captivating. Tanihara is a breath of fresh air and Sensei is a sweet surprise. Their relationship develops believably.

Four friends deeply linked by a shared, painful past form a private detective firm, led by Yamato, a kickass uke in need of a seme who can cut through the barbed wire around his heart. Action packed and fun.