Yaoi Manga Review: Blue Morning, Vol. 2 Paperback

I've finished "Blue Morning Vol. 2" by Shoko Hidaka.

“I will serve you my entire life. In exchange, you bring the Kuze family the rank of count or higher.” The young viscount Akihito agrees to this condition laid out by his butler Katsuragi, who is thus forced into his arms. But no matter how deep their affair goes, Katsuragi’s attitude towards him remains cold. Akihito is plunged into a turmoil of fierce emotions, as frustrated by this unyielding distance as he is driven to violent passion by his butler’s cleverness and beauty. The situation reaches a breaking point when master and servant are invited to a party at the Marquise Moriyama’s.

Reads R to L (Japanese Style) for mature audiences.

About the Author

Shoko Hidaka’s works have been published in English, French and German. Her previously published English-language releases include Restart and Not Enough Time. She was born an Aries on March 31st in Tokyo and has an A blood type.

Product Details
Series: Blue Morning (Book 2)
Paperback: 200 pages
Publisher: SuBLime; Original edition (August 13, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1421555530
ISBN-13: 978-1421555539

My Review:

This volume we learn more about Katsuragi the Kuze's butler history and his motivations with some surprises along the way.

Akihito's friend, Ishizaki and Katsuragi's family have a bigger role as they get more involved in the game.  The artwork is gorgeous and fully detailed especially the explicit sex scenes.

4/5

Thanks Simon and Schuster Canada for sending me this yaoi manga to review, greatly appreciated!

Days of Cool Idols! (Yaoi) [Paperback]

I've finished "Days of Cool Idols" by Mizuki Watanabe.

Product Description

Talentless, shy Tsubasa has just been accepted into the prestigious Seiko Academy. He soon gets mixed up with the most popular kids in school -- and the entertainment world! Forced to join the pop idol group RINX as their lead FEMALE singer, Tsubasa soon finds himself stuck in the middle of a cross-dressing comedy full of mistaken identities, blackmail, and kidnapping!

This is a one-shot (single volume) manga from the Go! Boyz Love imprint.

Product Details
Paperback: 200 pages
Publisher: Go! Comi (May 12, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1605100285
ISBN-13: 978-1605100289

My Review:

Tsubasa is shy and talentless who comes to a new prestigious Seiko Academy.  He is asked to substitute as  as a female pop idol with the pop idol band RINX helping him along the way.  It was hilarious when someone touched Tsubasa Reiji would spaz out and it's obvious that Kaito (a member of RINX) has a crush on Haruna (another member of RINX).

The character designs were well drawn and the storyline was quite interesting.  I didn't see any yaoi in this one shot though there is touches of shonen-ai with Kaito's crush on Haruna.

3/5

Yaoi Review: Tale of the Waning Moon, Vol. 2 [Paperback]

Tale of the Waning Moon Review

Product Description

Enchanted by the Spirit of the Last Quarter Moon to follow in his footsteps, the beleaguered young Ryuka discovers en route that all kinds of men (with varying degrees of morality) are attracted to his body like bees to honey. But despite Ryuka's initial resentment of and rage at his fate, his feelings for the moon spirit Ixto are softening into something like ... possibly ... love? That said, finer feelings won't make his trials and tribulations on this lengthy journey any easier! Standing between Ryuka and Ixto is the door to the moon, a stolid, unmoving thing said to open only if certain conditions are met. However, completing this quest will put the chastity of both Ryuka and his traveling companions on the line! At this rate, will Ryuka even make it to the moon in one piece?

About the Author

Hyouta Fujiyama is a well known Japanese boys' love manga artist. Several of her works are in print in English, including Sunflower, Ordinary Crush, Lover's Flat, Sunflower, and Pure Heart.

Product Details
Paperback: 176 pages
Publisher: Yen Press (June 28, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0316178012
ISBN-13: 978-0316178013

My Review:

In this volume the mystery and character development of the secondary couple are explored more.  Ryuka and Ixto's relationship is developing to being more affectionate and moving along at a good pace.

It's still full of humor and it's always a pleasure to see what kind of predicament Ryuka always finds himself in and Ixto riding to the rescue.  It's not as sexy as the first but more about teasing which is hot and sexy too!

4/5

Thanks Hachette Book Group Canada/Yen Press for sending me this yaoi manga to review, greatly appreciated!

Yaoi Review: Tale of the Waning Moon, Vol. 1 [Bargain Price] [Paperback]

Tale of the Waning Moon Review

Product Description

After a night of serious boozing, a jilted young man named Ryuka speaks his wish for true love atop a starlit hill. His words reach the ears of Ixto, the spirit of the last quarter moon, who decides to grant Ryuka's wish. Unfortunately for Ryuka, Ixto's handpicked selections to be the young man's lover are all men themselves! And when his rejection of these choices leads to an unexpected night of passion that casts a spell on him, will Ryuka give in to his enchanted body's urge to chase after Ixto and journey through worlds unknown, or will his mind win over his heart? Critically-acclaimed boys' love mangaka Hyouta Fujiyama lends her copious talents to this wacky, role-playing fantasy-romance that will tickle your funny bone and tug at your heart!

Product Details
Paperback: 160 pages
Publisher: Yen Press (September 15, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0759530734
Age: 18+
 
 My Review:

One night on top of "The Wishing Hill" a drunk and angry Ryuka makes wish to find his one true love who would love him back after being dumped by his girlfriend.  Ixto a bespeckled man who is a spirit of the waning moon appears before him and grants him his wish.  Unfortunately they are all men on the fate of cards he picks and he rejects them while Ixto decides he wants Ryuka all to himself.  After a night of forced love he realizes a spell was cast on him that forces his body to chase after Ixto though his head doesn't want too.

He is also forced to take a journey and along the way he picks up an interesting cast Coon a moon-cat boy servant of Ixto, Aldin a millionaire's son also looking for his one true love and Jii Aldin's loyal butler.  During his journey Ryuka and Aldin find themselves in some dire situations with some near rape scenes but are saved at the last minute.

I really enjoyed the touching scenes between Ryuka and Ixto because you can tell Ixto cares for Ryuka and it was funny that Ryuka blushes when Ixto is near him.  I also enjoyed the touching scenes between Aldin and Rai because it was sweet and caring.

4/5

Yaoi Manga in series:


1.  Tale of the Waning Moon Vol. 1
2.  Tale of the Waning Moon Vol. 2
3.  Tale of the Waning Moon Vol. 3


Thanks Hachette Book Group Canada/Yen Press for sending me this yaoi manga to review, greatly appreciated!

Yaoi Review: Punch Up!, Vol. 2 (Yaoi Manga) [Paperback]

I've finished "Punch Up! Vol. 2" by Shiuko Kano.

Product Description

Reads R to L (Japanese Style) for mature audiences.

Architect Maki Motoharu is thoroughly enjoying life with his new roommate, ironworker Ohki Kouta.

Although he’s young, Kouta is responsible and sees to the chores Motoharu tends to forget. Their nightlife together is full of new, wonderful discoveries, too! Things seems perfect for the new couple until Kouta's old crush shows up and Motoharu finds himself grappling with feelings of jealousy for the first time in his life.

Includes bonus comic strips, along with the side story "Honeymoon."

About the Author

Shiuko Kano is the creator of over 30 manga. Her English-language releases include: Affair, I'm Not Your Steppin' Stone, Kiss All The Boys, Maybe I'm Your Steppin' Stone, Play Boy Blues, Tough Love Baby, and Yakuza In Love. A native of Osaka Prefecture, she was born on March 4th with an O blood type, and is the sister of mangaka Kazuna Uchida. You can find out more about Shiuko Kano at her website, http://www.studioe-kennel.com.


Product Details
Paperback: 216 pages
Publisher: SuBLime (October 9, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1421543508
ISBN-13: 978-1421543505
My Review:

I found Maki's quirky obsession with q-tips hilarious especially his fantasies of where he wants to use it on Kouta (I was laughing so hard).
 
The love scenes are beautifully graphical and rendered hot and explicit and boy are there plenty of them (7 to be exact).  You can tell and feel how much Maki and Kouta love each other during these scenes (and I think they are funny I don't know why but I just find them funny)!  Both finally admit they love each other and those scenes were very tender and loving.

Then Kouta's first love arrives back on the scene when they bump into each other on the subway.  Maki becomes jealous and hurt when Kouta isn't quite truthful about the encounter.  Kouta realizes he hurt Maki and is determined not to do that again.

We also get a bittersweet flashback on the sidestory Honeymoon when Kouta first met his first love and how they became involved and their breakup.

5/5

Thanks Simon and Schuster Canada for sending me this yaoi manga to review, greatly appreciated!

Yaoi manga in series:

1.  Punch Up Vol. 1
2.  Punch Up Vol. 2
3.  Punch Up Vol. 3 - January 8, 2013
4.  Punch Up Vol. 4 - April 9, 2013

Yaoi Review: Starting with a Kiss, Vol. 1 (Yaoi Manga) [Paperback]

I've finished "Starting With a Kiss Vol. 1" by Youka Nitta.

Product Description

Toru, the son of a yakuza boss, is sent into exile on a deserted island for his own protection during a gang feud. Fiery and impetuous, he isn't thrilled to be sidelined when he'd rather be in the fight, and is even less thrilled that Mutsumi, son of the gang's second in command, is going with him. The serious, studious Mutsumi is Toru's opposite in every way, and it doesn't take long before the sparks between them begin to fly!

Reads R to L (Japanese Style) for mature audiences.

About the Author

Youka Nitta made her publishing debut with GROUPIE in 1995 and since then has become one of the most prolific and popular boys' love creators worldwide. Her most well-known series, Embracing Love, has been adapted into both a drama CD as well as an anime series. Born March 8th in Fukui Prefecture, she's a Pisces with a B blood type. Her hobbies include walking and going to the theater. To find out more about Youka Nitta, visit her English-language website at http://nittayouka.com.

Product Details
Paperback: 192 pages
Publisher: SuBLime; Original edition (August 14, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1421550024
ISBN-13: 978-1421550022

My Review:

WARNING:  18+  Explicit love scenes

I highly recommend this series if you love yakuza with hot and good looking characters, explicit love scenes  and violence.

Tohru the beautiful and hot headed son of the current yakuza leader is ordered to hide on a deserted and isolated island with the son of their second in command handsome and deadly Mutsumi to not get involved in a conflict.  Mutsumi is determined to stay on the path of respectability and not long after sparks fly between these two virile and handsome guys during their stay in close quarters.  Boy did they fly!

The three main characters (except for Tohru) understand that just using guns, knives, drugs and extortion are not enough.  Using sex as a weapon can be very powerful as seen with the back story between Shinya and Itsuki.  Shinya used sex to elevate Itsuki's position and to win him over to his Yakuza group and he hopes that will be same with both their sons.  Mutsumi is quite smart and figures out that is what Shinya was after and falls for Tohru who he pledges his loyalty and brotherhood.  He informs Tohru he should use his sex appeal as a weapon and not just act as a typical Yakuza.

The illustrations were beautifully drawn and the sex scenes were really smutty and explicit.  The characters are all hot and handsome (Shinya and Itsuki were quite good looking in their young years).

5/5

Other yaoi manga in series:

1.  Starting With a Kiss Vol. 1
2.  Starting With a Kiss Vol. 2 - November 13, 2012

Thanks Simon and Schuster Canada for sending me this yaoi manga to review, greatly appreciated!

Yaoi Review: His Favorite, Vol. 1 (Yaoi Manga) [Paperback]

I've finished "His Favorite Vol. 1" by Suzuki Tanaka.

Product Description

Reads R to L (Japanese Style) for mature audiences.

Awkward Yoshida is hated by all the girls in school for his perceived closeness with hot guy Sato, who uses hanging out with Yoshida as an excuse to turn them all down. If Yoshida is merely an excuse, why does Sato taunt him in private about “his favorite”? Is it possible Sato’s feelings run deeper than friendship? And what could he possibly see in the funny-looking Yoshida? Watch Yoshida’s life turn upside down with hilarious results!

About the Author
Known for her engaging stories and dynamic art style, Suzuki Tanaka has garnered plenty of attention for her latest hit, His Favorite. After taking first place in the 2009 boys' love watch list book Kono BL ga Yabai! the series exploded in popularity and led to the reprint of her earlier work, Menkui.

Product Details
Paperback: 216 pages
Publisher: SuBLime (September 11, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1421543516
ISBN-13: 978-1421543512
My Review:

Sato is the hottest guy in high school which all the girls want him but he uses Yoshida as an excuse to turn them all down.  For this reason all the girls hate Yoshida who is considered awkward, short, unattractive and scarred.  Sato loves to torment Yoshida like crazy but for some reason he loves to call him "his favorite".

This volume isn't as explicit as some of the other yaoi books I have reviewed (boy are they very explicit and I mean that in a good way) but it has alot of romantic situations which result in humorous and funny results.

3/5

Thanks Simon and Schuster Canada for sending me this yaoi manga to review, greatly appreciated!

Yaoi Review: Tale of the Waning Moon, Vol. 3 [Paperback]

I've finished "Tale of the Waning Moon Vol. 3" by Hyouta Fujiyama.

Product Description

Bewitched by a spell that makes him popular to individuals of the same sex (!!) and leads him to chase his enchanter — the moon spirit Ixto — the chagrined Ryuka persecutes himself for being unable to make his body do what he wants it to! Instead, his convoluted romance with Ixto rollicks to the next level! The two play at being lovers to obtain a treasure that just might help them break the curse that further complicates the relationship between Aldin and Ral, whose master-servant love is already troubled by the pair’s difference in status! How far will the merry band of misfits have to go to make sure that love prevails?

Product Details
Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Yen Press (September 25, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0316225460
ISBN-13: 978-0316225465

My Review:

I highly recommend reading this series in order but even if you don't you understand what is happening.  You won't know some of the key players though.

In this volume Ryuka and Ixto pretend to be lovers so that Aldin's parents would believe they are star-crossed lovers who can't touch each other in real life.  Aldin's father agrees to allow them to use the Dragon Breath so they can finally touch.  They manage to obtain the Dragon Breath but Aldin and Ral still need to past another test and obtain a sword.  Accompanying them is Aldin's man servert Ji-San who says he will help him obtain the sword.  As you see Ral has a curse placed on him which makes him turn into a horse and both are hoping they would be able to break the spell once they obtain the sword.  They manage to get the sword when a witch girl appears and asks them a question which they answer truthfully and Ral's spell is revoked.  She also gives them a scarf to release once they use the magic powers of the Dragon Breath.

Aldin's parents can't except that Aldin has picked Ral as his life partner and they throw him out of the mansion but Aldin's oldest brother makes a demand that if Aldin can spend three years in college and Ral works for him for three years he will finally let them leave the mansion together.  They both agree but meanwhile Ixto has offered to shelter his powers into the Dragon Breath Lamp.  He gets Ryuka to agree to show his gratitude in a more meaningful way later.  Ixto gets Coon to get another room so he and Ryuka can!  The next morning Ryuka could tell that Ixto was acting different.  When he calls Ixto he doesn't come and Ryuka thinks it's only because he can be summoned only during the night.

Ryuka and Coon find themselves in a dire predictment (they are going to be raped) but are saved by a couple of guys that Ixto knows.  Ryuka promises that they can do anything to his body if only he could arrive on the Moon planet.  He learns that Ixto is imprisoned because he broke a Moon rule which was he stored his powers to help reach the Moon planet.

I highly recommend this yaoi manga if you like hot guys, very steamy and sizzling love scenes and a great storyline.


Yaoi Manga in series:

1.  Tale of the Waning Moon Vol. 1
2.  Tale of the Waning Moon Vol. 2
3.  Tale of the Waning Moon Vol. 3


5/5

Thanks Hachette Book Group Canada and Yen Press for sending me this yaoi manga to review, greatly appreciated!

Yaoi Review: Awkward Silence, Vol. 1 (Yaoi Manga) [Paperback]

I've finished "Awkward Silence Vol. 1" by Hinako Takanagi.

Reads R to L (Japanese Style) for mature audiences.

Satoru Tono is too shy to speak to classmate Keigo Tamiya. Instead he fills his sketchbook with drawings of the boy he likes. But perhaps Keigo has noticed him too ...?

Satoru is an introvert with a longtime crush on Keigo, a popular boy on the baseball team. But much to his surprise, Keigo comes up to him and asks him out! Satoru is so overcome he can’t respond. Will Satoru be able to get past his shyness, or will he lose his chance with the boy he loves?

About the Author

Hinako Takanaga was born on September 16 in Nagoya, Japan. She is the creator of many popular series, including The Tyrant Falls in Love, which was also adapted into an anime series. She is a virgo, blood type O, and a self-proclaimed coffee addict who can get violent if she doesn’t get her daily dose. A fortuneteller once told her she wasn’t suited to be a manga artist, but she doesn’t believe in fortunetelling anyway. She currently lives with her vicious cat Choro.


Product Details
Paperback: 200 pages
Publisher: SuBLime (July 10, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1421543478
ISBN-13: 978-1421543475

My Review:

This manga series deals with the growing relationship between the Satoru Tono a high-school-er and Keigo Tamiya.  Satori has had a long time crush on Keigo but is too shy to talk to him.  It was so funny when Keigo asks Satori out and Satori is in shock he can't answer right away and Keigo is embarrassed.

This is a cute series with a lot of misunderstandings on part of Satoru's trouble with expressing his thoughts and feelings.  The love scenes are very explicit and hot.

4/5

Manga in series:

1.  Awkward Silence Vol. 1
2.  Awkward Silence Vol. 2 - October 9, 2012
3.  Awkward Silence Vol. 3 - February 12, 2013
4.  Awkward Silence Vol. 4 - May 14, 2012

Thanks Simon and Schuster Canada for sending me this manga to review, greatly appreciated!

Yaoi Review: Punch Up!, Vol. 1 (Yaoi Manga) [Paperback]

I've finished "Punch Up! Vol. 1" by Shiuko Kano.

Product Description

Reads R to L (Japanese Style) for mature audiences.

Architect Maki Motoharu is hanging out at the construction site ogling a particular hunky, well-toned construction worker when he is unexpectedly reunited with his lost cat, Shinobu. The reunion is all thanks to Ohki Kouta, a foul-mouthed young ironworker who found and cared for the lost cat. Unfortunately for Ohki, this act of kindness led to his eviction! When Maki agrees to take in young Ohki, will he be able to tame this feisty stray? Includes a bonus “P.B.B” side story.

About the Author

Shiuko Kano is the creator of over 30 manga. Her English-language releases include: Affair, I'm Not Your Steppin' Stone, Kiss All The Boys, Maybe I'm Your Steppin' Stone, Play Boy Blues, Tough Love Baby, and Yakuza In Love. A native of Osaka Prefecture, she was born on March 4th with an O blood type, and is the sister of mangaka Kazuna Uchida. You can find out more about Shiuko Kano at her website, http://www.studioe-kennel.com.

My Review:

One day when architect Maki Motoharu is hanging around a construction site he is reunited with his lost cat Shinobu.  He is ogling a hunky, well toned and handsome construction worker the foul-mouthed iron worker Ohki Kouta who is currently taking care of the lost cat.  This very act got him kicked out of his apartment.

He starts living with Maki taking care of Shinobu and there is scenes of jealousy and violence.  There are plenty of sex scenes that are very graphic and hot.  The artwork was great and the storyline has humor with a blend of drama too.

4/5

Manga in series:

1.  Punch Up! Vol. 1
2.  Punch Up! Vol. 2 - October 9, 2012
3.  Punch Up! Vol. 3 - January 8, 2013
4.  Punch Up! Vol. 4 - April 9, 2013

Thanks Simon and Schuster Canada for sending me this yaoi manga to review, greatly appreciated!

Yaoi Review: Three Wolves Mountain (Yaoi Manga) [Paperback]

Yaoi Manga Review

I've finished "Three Wolves Mountain" by Bohra Naono.

Product Description

Reads R to L (Japanese Style) for mature audiences.

Way up in the mountains, far from any major cities or towns, Kaya Susugi runs a small cafe by day and guards a haunted cemetery by night. Then, one night, he comes across werewolf brothers Taro and Jiro. Cheerful but klutzy younger brother Jiro quickly falls head over heels for the capable loner Kaya. What results is a dive into the hot, tail-twitching delight of werewolf mating season!


Product Details
Paperback: 216 pages
Publisher: SuBLime (June 12, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 142154346X
ISBN-13: 978-1421543468