criminally underrated BL

[18+, historical, romance]

TW: boss × employee, power imbalance, past pedophilia and sexual assault (not between MCs)

+ beautiful and heartwarming
+ likeable MCs
+ good dynamic between MCs

About Ryuuji, a young master of a renowned apothecary and Kondou, his blunt and straightforward (if rather airheaded) chaffeur. I love these characters so much, and seeing them learn to help and rely on each other was so rewarding.

[18+, slice of life, rom-com]

CW: boss-subordinate relationship, age gap (side story), underage & teacher x student (side story)

I like the laid back feel of the manga. The story's straightforward without unnecessary drama or fanfare, so i really don't understand the low rating.

[18+, found family, slice of life]

CW: age gap, boss-subordinate rs

Found family! Bonding over food! Slowburn romance! Well developed and respectful relationship! Also, that extra chapter about the MCs taking their time to find out how sex can feel good for both of them is so freaking important -- because YES, sex doesn't work like it does in the majority of BL mangas and YES it's mostly figuring it out step by step slowly for it to be pleasurable for both parties. Kudos to the author!

[18+, drama, romance]

CW: dubcon, secret identity, promiscuous MC, sex work

Another favorite of mine by nishida higashi! The pacing is too fast because of the manga length, but nevertheless i'm once again reminded how good higashi is when it comes to writing romance between men--it always feels organic and makes sense in the context of mlm relationship to me, even when there are unsavory or outlandish elements in the plot. Idk how to explain it better, but this manga fuckin rocks, man.

this review is FOR THE FIRST STORY

☆ 4.5/5

[18+, romance, drama]

CW: homophobia, dubcon, sexism, manipulation, cheating

This manga is another example of why i love reading Nishida Higashi's mangas--the characters are so flawed, but they felt human for that. The longing, heartache, mistakes and regrets between the two MCs felt so real all the more because of how they were written. It baffles me again and again to see people not liking Nishida's stories as much as i do.

[18+, fantasy, romance]

CW: violence

Read the continuation here: https://www.mangago.me/read-manga/the_pure_knight_s_shining_journey_the_road_home/

Fantasy romance BL are you kidding me?? The genre itself is already a win, but the main characters, their virtue, and the pure almost innocent romance between them took this series to another level. Such a warm and loving read.

Continuation of https://www.mangago.me/read-manga/the_pure_knight_s_shining_journey/

[18+, supernatural, mystery, found family]

CW: vampire, blood, violence, blackmail, murder, child abuse, self harm, toxic relationship

Oh god this is so good! The art, the characters, the plot... like i'm seriously regretting that i'm reading it now, i should have waited until more chapters are released.