Youka Nitta

I love Youka Nitta's "Embracing Love" series. It is one of the top 3 hard yaoi series available, and is a more or less a straight up romance. This, however, is not so simple. At first, I was a little off-put. The minister isn't very likeable, and the diplomatic storyline really requires attention. A person actually has to read this manga carefully to follow along. Not because of poor translation or misplaced bubbles, but because the language is that intricate. I quickly realized this could show more be Nitta's best work. The artwork is her typical high standard, with clean lines and well defined backgrounds. The men are attractive (and look suspiciously like Iwaki and Katou;), and undeniably male.

Nitta obviously did some research for this title. The conversations between the ambassadors are clever and have a lot of innuendo and hidden meaning. The story revolves around a young up and coming diplomat. There is a vicious rumor that he uses his body for negotations instead of words. However, readers learn that he truly is a brilliant diplomat. Those rumors aren't completely off-target though. He is hiding a scandalous secret - just not that! When another young diplomat, who happens to be the brother of his fiance, learns his secret he seduces him. And then proceeds to play mind games with him throughout the novel! This is what makes him not so likeable. However, the minister has demons of his own that make him crave destruction as much as success and he needs someone to love him. And I loved how Nitta shook up the traditional yaoi roles. The young diplomat is the seme but it's the minister who's obviously in control. Delicious.

The interplay here is fabulous. The sex isn't as frequent as in "Embracing Love" but it's actually a little more graphic and surprisingly crude at one point. These two men are having an affair that could destroy them. And they know it. They are complicated characters in a complicated plot. Nitta includes a note at the end that this was intended as a stand alone, but she loved the characters so much it will continue. Phew..boy are we lucky!

I would have given this more than 5 stars if I could. I hope volume 2 comes quickly. Highly recommended! show less

Great new omnibus editions of a wonderful, classic Yaoi series.

V1: This is my second favorite yaoi after Yamane's Finder series. Katou and Iwaki are rival porn stars auditioning for the same part in a more mainstream film. However, the producer decides that to win the part, they have to have sex with each other! Iwaki wins the part, and also Katou's heart - if he can only convince Iwaki! A fabulous romance with good character development and lots of hot, explicit sex. Nitta's artwork is show more clean and well drawn. Her men look like men (instead of boys/flat chested girls) and the sex is graphically rendered. Highly recommended! There are 6 volumes available in English (so far).

V2: Katou and Iwaki have moved in together in Iwaki's tiny flat. Just as they are adjusting to living together, and the unexpected publicity it generates, tragedy strikes Iwaki's family. Can their fragile relationship survive? More hot sex, the addition of more secondary characters, and even more development to the two protagonists. Highly recommended! show less

SuBlime continued their beautiful omnibus editions of the EL series.

V3: Our couple begins having relationship pains such as jealousy and miscommunication. Iwaki feels pressured by Katou to have sex all the time, Katou needs re-assurance that Iwaki loves him. Angst galore, with lots of "make-up" sex. Yes, it's a lot like a soap opera, but that's what makes it fun!

V4: Iwaki and Katou are cast in competing tv shows; their demanding schedules keep them apart and put a strain on their show more relationship. Katou decides to take drastic action (hot sex in the parking lot) to bring him closer to Iwaki.

This romantic yaoi gets better with every volume, as we get to know the characters more and their relationship goes through realistic bumps (such as careers, time management and family problems). Highly recommended! show less

Youka Nitta is known for her explicit renderings and hot action, and this one shot does not disappoint. There is hot graphic sex here, but also an interesting storyline. Casino Lily's luck is cursed - he can only win with other people's money! He's on a mission to break the curse, and if he finds true love so much the better. Carlo is a sexy hotel/casino owner who initially wants to have Lily for his casino as a tourist draw, but soon falls for him instead.

This book was well done. All the show more panels are clear, and the language smooth without the awkward phrasing that can occur with translation. Highly recommended for hard yaoi fans. show less