Perhaps it’s a bit late in the month for gift recommendations, but at least with Renta! you don’t have to worry about shipping! (Let’s give those overworked postal workers a break…) Since it’s that giving time of year, I figured why not make a nice list of recs for that BL fan in your life? Or, for yourself? Christmas is still a good time for self-care in the form of BL, surely.
So I decided to take our top ten categories and list my top three for each, and why I think they’re a great option for anyone who’s into those tropes.
1. Older Bottom
2. Delinquents
3. Omegaverse
4. Beast
5. Childhood Friends
6. Younger Top
7. Hosts
8. Businessmen
9. Sadistic Boyfriend
10. Fantasy
Without further ado, read on for thirty of my personal pics that should satisfy and heal any BL fan during this hectic holiday season!
Older Bottom (ćŖć¤ćøåć)
Naughty Models -A Sensual Picture Book Of Beefy Guys In Suits-
(Iyarashii Manekin Gachimuchi Suits Seiyokuzu)
by Satomichi
The glorious Satomichi’s debut work (if you haven’t read Sacrificed to the Shark Clan, you have to—it’s a masterpiece), and a must for anyone who likes older, beefy gentlemen. Makoto drives luxury suit salesman Arata crazy. Arata is the type who always wants to be the best at everything—the most popular, the most attractive, the best salesman, etc. However, as he finds himself having dirty dreams about Makoto, maybe a jealous drive to better him isn’t the only reason he’s infatuated. Slightly less plot-driven than it is ero, if you want to see sexy, beefy, older Makoto get topped by a variety of younger guys while pining for his rival Arata, don’t miss this.
Heaven and Demon (Oni to Tengoku)
by Oyoshikawa Kyoko & NAOMI AGA
Middle-aged high school teacher Aoki has spent his whole life trying not to make waves, so the infirmary nurse Manabu Tengoku is his worst nightmare. Mysterious, blunt, and playful, Tengoku is hard to read and impossible to understand. When Tengoku comes on to Aoki, while it brings up a lot of the past trauma and shame Aoki’d previously suppressed about his sexual desires, he can’t help but feel drawn to this younger man who’s unlike him in every way. To be honest, even though it’s incredibly popular and has been recommended to me countless times by trusted friends, I put off reading this one for a long time because I’m not a fan of older guys (sorry…), but the way it handles parental trauma and growing up and having to unpack those issues later in life is something that could only be done with an older guy and is done very masterfully. So don’t make my mistake—even if you’re on the fence about whether you like BL with older guys, please check this one out!
No one’s perfect
by chabasu
Hurdling fast toward 40, elite salaryman Masami still isn’t interested in settling down. He’s got four different boyfriends, each of which excels in their field (and in the bedroom)—but one boyfriend in particular, youthful and sexy 20-something Tora, is a head above the rest. Tora is gentle, kind, and considerate; he can cook and clean; and, best of all, he doesn’t mind Masami’s player attitude. But as Masami finds himself relying on Tora more and more, and continuing to be drawn to him, perhaps he wants Tora to be a bit more jealous and a bit more 100% his. A really great story about a dirtbag player of an older guy trapped in his ways until a younger man shows him what it means to truly fall in love.
Hachi the Mad Dog (Kyoken Hachiko)
by Miki Laika
This is definitely the sexiest of my delinquent recommendations. Seishiro is the incredibly strong and beautiful leader of Asanagi High’s gang of delinquents, but when he meets Hachi—who reminds him of “someone” he once knew—the distance he puts between himself and the world starts to break down as Hachi refuses to be pushed away. However, Seishiro has a dedication to the previous leader of Asanagi, Mao, that he can’t just ignore, so he’s trapped between his desire for Hachi and his respect for Mao. This one is a very traditional delinquent story, from the character designs to the clothes to the boys’ obsession with talking with their fists (I guess that’s better than using their single braincell). So if you’re interested in a lot of action, whether in the bedroom or battling out on a beach, this one’s got you covered. Also, the sex scenes are always in color, which is a silly and enjoyable touch. Also also, Seishiro is stunning.
Twilight Out of Focus (Tasogare Out Focus)
by Jyanome
A story about roommates Mao and Hisashi. Mao is a quiet but friendly boy in the school film club, while Hisashi is a lone wolf—quiet, mysterious, and beautiful. In their first year, they make a pact that Mao will keep it a secret that Hisashi is gay and has a boyfriend, and in return Hisashi will never turn his gaze to Mao. As they get closer, though, what if Mao himself doesn’t want Hisashi to keep that promise? This is slightly less “traditional” delinquent fare than the previous title; Hisashi is a rebel not because he’s violent or outspoken, but because he’s just quietly his own person, dealing with his own trauma and coming into who he is—with Mao’s love and support, of course. If you want a story about a beautiful delinquent that’s a bit more sad and sweet and touching rather than action-packed, I couldn’t offer you a better recommendation.
The Monster & The Ghost (Monster & Ghost)
by Himemiko
Due to his massive build, intense gaze, and bad reputation that follows him wherever he goes, Tsubaki Koton is feared by pretty much all that lay eyes on him. When he’s transferred into a new school he doesn’t particularly care about starting over, since he’s given up on anyone trying to understand him. However, when he goes home, he finds himself haunted by the ghost of a schoolmate who recently died. Seeing Tsubaki’s true kindness, this ghost—Kabuto Yuuki—seems determined to make everyone give Tsubaki a chance to show his true colors. But as Tsubaki and Kabuto continue to grow closer, one fact remains: Kabuto is no longer of this world. An amazing read if you like slowburn forbidden love, and even more so if you’re into buff guys with giant tiddies.
Omegaverse (ćŖć”ć¬ćć¼ć¹)
What We Do When the Curtain Comes Down
(Maku ga Oritara Bokura wa Tsugai)
by Same Zarame
Mitsuki has spent his entire life suppressing and hiding the fact that he’s an omega, knowing that the title would just hold him back from achieving his dreams. Finally rising in the ranks of the entertainment industry as a top idol, Mitsuki hates his rival Mahiro—an alpha idol with all the markers of his superior genes, Mitsuki feels Mahiro’s just had everything handed to him. But Mahiro has taken a liking to Mitsuki, seeing him as his respected senpai in the industry, and when he walks in on Mitsuki just as his heat sets in, Mitsuki’s life and career trajectory are going to change forever. This series definitely has much more traditional Omegaverse vibes, with Same Zarame building an entire world and cast of characters that makes Mitsuki’s anxieties about his second gender feel very real.
Omega Paradise (Omega no Rakuen)
by Howako
Taking place in a society where birthrates are plummeting because of mistreatment and subjugation of omegas, Omega Paradise is a bit more of a darker take on the Omegaverse subgenre. In an attempt to correct past mistakes, society now places omegas on a pedestal, as their fertility is necessary for society to stop shrinking into nothingness. In this world, alpha Yuma and omega Ichita are fed up with the obsession with second gender, just wanting the world to end already—until they meet sincere and naĆÆve beta Usui, their new plaything. While I’m usually not so fond of dark stories, there are just so many unanswered questions that I found myself just so fascinated with the direction this one is going. Unfortunately, it’s been on hiatus in Japan for the last few years…
Omega Marking (Omega Porno)
by Cana Hirosato
Tatsuru’s dream is to hide the fact that he’s an omega forever, marry a nice beta girl, settle down, and live a calm, peaceful life. However, when he loses his meds at school, he goes into heat at the most inopportune time and ends up getting found out by alpha Yuta. After they give in to their instincts, Tatsuru can feel his dream of a peaceful life slipping away from him. But, knowing how good it feels to be devoured by an alpha—maybe he’s okay with that after all. This manga has been going on forever, and is like the MCU of Omegaverse, with tons of interconnected couples and scenarios and relationships. But somehow I end up loving every single couple as much as the last, and all the characters are so cute. A really great comedic Omegaverse if you’re in the mood for something silly and cute.
Playboy Beast
by Minomushi Momonoki
Demi-beast Riku is cool and popular, but he’s hiding a secret: he’s never gone into heat before, and is thus a total virgin. He covers up his lack of experience with a mysterious, standoffish aura, but that makes the girls like him even more. When his roommate Touma walks in on him during his first heat, Touma decides to “help” him along—by playing with his ass. Riku doesn’t understand why it feels so good, as Touma tells him he’s got what it takes to be a perfect bottom. A very sexy romp, and a good balance of “beastly” and human features, the author does a wonderful job of capturing the animalistic appeal of beast stories like this.
The “Growth” Progress Of The Sexy Helper Dog
(Ecchi na Otetsudaiken no Seicho Kiroku)
by Chiku Nii
After Dr. Takatsuji finds human-dog hybrid Kohaku digging through the pharmacy of his veterinary clinic, desperate to find suppressants, he brings Kohaku home and “helps” him calm down. It turns out Kohaku’s “beast sex” is female, and so regular suppressants won’t work for him and he desires being fucked by a male rather than it being the other way around. This series is equal parts sexy, absurd, and cute, with just the right dash of drama thrown in with Kohaku’s previous “owner.” If you’d like to see a thicc and good boy get… um… rewarded for his good deeds and finally given the care and love he deserves, this is just the series for you.
The Prince’s Collar (Oji no Kubiwa)
by Yukihiko Sano
After running away from his kingdom, Prince Rushka is captured by traffickers and sold to a brothel where he’s drugged and forced to ‘service’ any number of clients. When a wolf named Calvados patrons the brothel, he becomes infatuated with Rushka’s scent and decides to steal him away. Definitely not a recommendation for the faint of heart, since there’s quite a lot of dub- and non-con (also fairly significant size difference kink, if that makes you uncomfortable), but the art is stunning and Rushka is unbelievably cute and the slow nurturing of feelings between naĆÆve, refined Rushka and grungy Calvados is really enjoyable.
My Cutie Pie -An Ordinary Boy And His Gorgeous Childhood Friend-
(Kawaii Kimi -Bijin na Osananajimi to Heibon na Boku-)
by Kana Riyuma & Yomayoi
While Naho and Kana grew up together as neighbors, high school life is threatening to separate them. Kana is older and more mature, and incredibly beautiful. Naho, on the other hand, is younger and more plain. While he’s grown up his whole life being told he’s cute by Kana and various adults, Naho’s “cute” is similar to that of a little hamster. Finally joining the same high school as Kana, their peers are vocal about not understanding why someone like Kana would hang out with Naho, and for the first time in his life Naho’s confidence is shaken—in his own appearance, and his friendship with Kana. An incredibly bittersweet twist on the “childhood friends” trope, this manga does a wonderful job of capturing the moments of adolescence when you become aware of the pressures of society for the first time. If you’ve ever dealt with low confidence the same way Naho does, make sure to have tissues on hand reading this.
Navy Blue
by Sanba Maekawa
Nao and Aki have always been together. Even as high schoolers, while they go to different schools (Nao wasn’t smart enough to get into Aki’s school) they always make time to see each other in the evenings, or eat dinner together, bathe at each other’s homes, etc. But all this time, they’ve both been harboring a secret—they’re incredibly in “one-sided” love with each other. This one is a very cute, sweet slice-of-life romp. They get together very early on, and then it’s just them navigating the last of their high school years while preparing to build a future together. A great choice if you’re in the mood for something very sweet and gentle and slow-paced.
Training Tape -The Road to a Dry Climax-
(Kaihatsu Douga -Mesuiki Motomete Huntouchuu-)
by minoru
Fumito and Kazuharu are childhood friends, but what Kazuharu doesn’t know about Fumito is that he’s been posting videos of himself jerking off online. At least, he pretended he didn’t, until one day he casually drops “I’ve been watching your videos for a while” while offering to help Fumito practice playing with his prostate. Is Kazuharu just a really good, supportive friend, or does he have his own ulterior motives? A really great friends-to-lovers option as Kazuharu has to find a way to just be honest with his feelings rather than going with the flow and hoping clueless Fumito will eventually catch on.
Lonely Nights In Bunny Paradise (Bunny Bunny Lonely Nights)
by Tonomaro
Yeonwoo is the pride and joy of boys bunny bar “Lapin Paradise,” but in his personal life he doesn’t treasure himself nearly as much as his customers do. Trapped in a loveless relationship with his deadbeat, cheating boyfriend, Yeonwoo pours everything into work to stay strong. When he’s asked to train giant, buff Mahoro it initially seems like too much of a hassle, but Mahoro instantly takes an interest in him and showers him in adoring words. How is Yeonwoo, whose taken abuse for so long, supposed to resist? At first I considered not putting this one on the list, since the difference in their ages isn’t particularly important, but I think Mahoro is a good example of the “promise of change” aspect of the younger top category. A really sweet story about how it’s never too late to change your life for the better.
I Don’t Mind If You’re Not So Pure (Sonna ni Kirei Janakute Ii)
by Uri
When model Akito offers to house his younger cousin Junpei at his place in order to make it easy for him to commute to university, he isn’t expecting the tall, handsome, perfectly-his-type man that shows up. However, while the two were apart, Akito’s become more and more laid back and promiscuous, and he can’t be the kind, perfect, pure older brother figure Junpei seems to remember him as. While Akito is more than happy to close their physical proximity, he’s not so sure he has it in him for a proper relationship with someone so intensely in love with him. This manga is the perfect mix of sexy, sweet, and emotional. Akito is so cute, and it’s so sweet watching him become someone who can accept Junpei’s love! I can’t recommend it enough.
Strictly Physical (Warikiri)
by Kaneko Nakagawa
This manga is a wild ride. Constantly exhausted from his mentally taxing job, Shu is only interested in mindless, no-strings-attached sex from random men he meets on the dating apps. When he hooks up with Yukiya, he feels like he’s finally found his match—cool, silent, and sexy, Yukiya doesn’t pressure him to talk, nor does he pry into his personal life. However, Shu finds himself slowly more and more drawn to and curious about Yukiya—and is absolutely horrified by what he find out. I recommend reading this without reading any other descriptions, because the reveal from just the manga is great. The sexual tension between the two is so good, and there’s also a wonderful emotional payoff once they get together.
Red-Light Trouble (Pink Work Trouble)
by Pzou Nicoyama
One of the newer additions to our line-up, this follows the story of Riya who’s trying to shoulder his brother’s massive debt. Desperate for low-experience, high-paying jobs, it’s no surprise that he keeps getting dragged into bizarre mishaps in the red light district. Thankfully, top host Takuto instantly takes a liking to him, and is always lurking nearby to help—or perhaps bully him a bit on his own. A bit light on the host aspect aside from Takuto, but very heavy on the Kabukicho culture, this is definitely a more humorous host story. But it’s not light on the ero, either, as all the situations Riya finds himself in with Takuto always seem suspiciously sexy. Who’s up for naked hotpot?
Kabukicho Cat Honey
by Nekojita Udon & Toriumemaru
Haru is a popular prostitute and top in the gay nightlife district. Deep down, however, he’s desperate to be seen as the bottom he’s always wanted to be, saving his bottom virginity for the man he someday falls for. When popular host Shinya comes into Haru’s life, Shinya sees right through the faƧade and instantly pegs Haru for a bottom. Is Shinya really the arrogant fuckboy he presents as, or is his interest in Haru sincere? This is all-around an amazing manga if you’re a fan of nightlife boys—Haru is so cute, and the more you get to know Shinya the more you realize he’s a sweet, sincere, love-struck guy beneath his sexy host persona. Plus, the art is so unique. A wonderful, sexy, sweet look into Shinjuku’s nightlife.
The Host with a Little Boy and His Dangerous Neighbor
(Komochi Host no Kiken na Rinjin)
by Sae Momoki
Number one host Seiya is as beautiful as they come, but he doesn’t let anyone in. In reality, he goes home from work every night… to his beloved son Tenma. When his weirdo neighbor Ibuki suddenly comes on to him, he’s ready with his usual rejection. But when Ibuki shows he cares not just about Seiya, but about Tenma as well, Seiya feels his icy heart starting to thaw. I really love this story, since it deals with the difficulties of trying to raise a child while working in the nightlife industry, and the importance of being with people who share your values and treasure the things you love. Also, Ibuki is really sweet with his willingness to wait for Seiya to equally desire him. (By the way, volume two should be coming soon!)
I’m An XL. Could You Find Me A Spouse?
(XL size Desu ga Kekkon Sasetekuremasuka?)
by Tamachi
Working as a consultant in a match-making agency, Minato originally handled female clients but he kept getting stalked, so he switched over to men. The second he does, he meets Akihi—incredibly accomplished and handsome, Akihi seems like he’d be a walk in the park for match-making… until he suddenly whips his dick out to show it’s too big for him to ever use it on a single partner. When Minato forces a business smile and promises to stay by Akihi’s side as his consultant, Akihi decides then and there: Minato will be his partner! Tamachi is a god of drawing handsome men in suits, and it’s fun watching two attractive and accomplished guys constantly losing their shit and being dumbasses when they’re together.
A Hole Craving to be Touched (Koi suru Bitch no Toro Ana Jijou)
by ITTOUMAI
“Even during work I desire it. My Butthole tingles in my chair…” Those are Souta’s drunken words after getting trashed at a work drinking party. Abandoned by his boyfriend and unlucky in love, Souta is desperate to have something in his ass—and his coworker Kento is more than happy to oblige. While this manga starts out as a silly, sexy time in the workplace, it also gets surprisingly emotional later on so watch out for that. Very business. Very man.
Yuichiro Wants to be Special to Takaki
(Kunieda-kun wa Kouduki-san no Tokubetsu ni Naritai)
by Sakaomi Yuzaki
Takaki has dealt with a lot of trauma surrounding his sexuality, so he’s all but given up on finding love. But when half-Japanese, half-Caucasian Yuichiro suddenly shows up at their office, he’s ready to shake up Takaki’s nonchalant life. Yuichiro isn’t as used to just putting up with bullshit the way Takaki is, and is always willing to share his honest feelings—having put up with discrimination all his life over not being full-blooded Japanese, he took the opposite lesson about the importance of speaking up rather than shutting down. From consent contracts before they can have sex, to PowerPoint presentations on the importance of dating in order to get to know each other, Yuichiro is ready to court Takaki with his entire soul on display. (Also, yes, this is the same author of the amazing GL foodie series She Loves to Cook, and She Love to Eat!)
Sadistic Boyfriend (ćSå½¼ę°)
Kabukicho Bad Trip
by Eiji Nagisa
Toru has two secrets: the first is that he can read someone’s mind just by looking into their eyes, and the second is that he really likes the male model Mizuki. When he meets Mizuki by chance at a corner store he takes the opportunity to get to know him better—only to realize by accidentally reading his mind that Mizuki is a massive pervert and sadist, who wants to mount Toru and pierce his nipples and make him cry. Toru is scared at first, but he can’t seem to get himself to put distance between himself and Mizuki. In fact, maybe he’s a little intrigued… This series is another one I put off reading for way too long even though tons of friends had recommended it, since I’m not usually a fan of sadistic or mean dudes. However, while Mizuki is a huge sadist in the sack, he’s careful to keep his urges in the bedroom and is actually a huge sweetheart at all other times. Great for people who like a little kinky play, but without having to read about actual assholes in the process.
Lovingly Cruel Services (Koisuru Sadistic Service)
by Kaoru Watanabe
Just because he’s a cool, standoffish guy in a rock band, everyone always mistakes Subaru for some kind of sadist in the bedroom. It’s the other way around, though—Subaru is desperate to be dominated and let his true masochistic nature out. When he’s at a bar playing up his “dom” persona for his fangirls, Subaru’s accosted by bartender Ryunosuke who sees right through him. Ryunosuke promises to help Subaru accept his true nature, if he’s so willing. In general, I really love Kaoru Watanabe’s art—it’s so unique and beautiful. Also, she really captures the sensuality of S&M play well.
I Want To Spoil You (Motto Kawaikunatte Ii)
by Nobiru Hoshi
“Another day of being scolded by my supervisor.” Wataru Manaka can’t seem to catch a break—his supervisor Reiji seems to find no merit in his work, no matter how much effort he puts in. In reality, deep down Wataru wants nothing more than to be praised, and in fact has a bit of a praise kink even though he’s never been able to see it through. Due to various circumstances, Wataru ends up becoming roommates with Reiji, and he eventually can’t hold it in any longer and has to touch himself while listening erotic praise ASMR (considering he gets no praise at work…). When Reiji walks in on him, he’s willing to give all the praise Wataru wants and needs—but only after he’s earned it. While Reiji definitely has the markings of a sadistic boyfriend, this one definitely leads equally into praise kink territory, while Reiji being willing to whisper sweet nothings as aftercare. Also, the art is just stunning!
Fantasy (ćć”ć³ćæćøć¼ļ¼
He Calls Me Every Night (Yobau Yomosugara)
by Bond Mitsuya
After his parent’s divorce, Sumito moves to a small town in the sticks that’s still superstitious enough for the townspeople to believe it’s governed by the crow demon. However, there actually are some strange things happening in the town—for instance, Sumito wakes each night to someone touching him sensually. Convinced it’s an old pervert sneaking into his room and that he’s also a weirdo for being into it—looking forward to it, even—it turns out it’s the heir to the crow demon throne, Gaku, who claims Sumito is his fiancĆ©. A very Japanese fantasy with countryside gods and tengu, this also has Bond Mitsuya’s characteristically stunning art that makes every page even more of a joy to read. Also, the way she draws bodies is just. Chef’s kiss.
My Bias Is A God!? (Ore no Oshi wa “Kamisama” Desu!?)
by Fuyu Touji
Mamori has loved the idol group “Gods” pretty much since their debut, and he’s particularly font of frontman Kamui. When he gets front-row seats to their concert, he underestimates just how close he’ll be to his beloved idol—during and after the show. It turns out Kamui is an actual god, and Mamori is the holy vessel that will hold his child. This is a bizarre fantasy story with a modern twist, connecting the god-like status of idols to the power of actual holy beings. Initially, Mamori wholly rejects that Kamui could be a god, and that he will be having Kamui’s child. But it turns out Kamui is a sad and lonely man who has treasured Mamori for longer than the human could even know. Also, a massive rec to Mpreg fans, as they actually show the pregnancy.
Sacrificed to the Shark Clan (Samezoku e no Sasagemono)
by Satomichi
Another Satomichi great! In this fantastical world of clan warfare, the Tangata sacrifice one of their men to the Miyaru clan each year as a sign of goodwill. This is because, for the Tangata, their first sexual experience determines their gender and ability to have children, which benefits the all-male Miyaru clan. So when Tangata patriarch-to-be Avel is taken against his will by a Miyaru man, Tukiri, he decides to sacrifice himself, knowing that his path has been decided for him. However, it would appear he and Tukiri have stronger ties that led them to each other than he could possibly grasp. A cute story particularly for those who like buffer guys, and also has Mpreg undertones (though the pregnancy is never shown). Honestly just a really cute fantastical story about Mpreg and sharks.
rentaBLog 
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