In a media format dominated by hetero-normative narratives, Boys Love novels have slowly started gaining traction, evident by their rising popularity among light novel enthusiasts. However, the BL genre is yet to attain mainstream status as rarely any Yaoi stories are adapted into anime. While this could largely be attributed to Japan’s stance on same-sex unions, a lack of proper audiences for these series also hinders their adaptations.
Nevertheless, fans have a multitude of distinct BL themes and narratives to choose from in the light novel landscape. From heartwarming rom-coms to deviant fantasies, the Boys Love genre is populated by a number of intriguing stories waiting to be explored. Since anime adaptations tend to condense stories due to time constraints and censorship laws, readers can indulge in the true Yaoi experience with these LN-only Boys Love stories.
7 The Aristocrat and the Desert Prince
A wealthy Japanese aristocrat’s decision to visit the Middle Eastern nation of Cassina turns into a thrilling tale, one laden with treachery and uncertainty. Luckily, a majestic man draped in a Keffiyeh (traditional Arabian headdress) comes to the rescue, protecting the aristocrat from the merciless desert and its savage inhabitants.
Despite the desolate environment, love still finds a way to blossom, serving as an oasis in the sweltering desert heat. The Aristocrat and the Desert Prince takes a rather unorthodox route, one that provides readers a thoroughly distinct experience. With a bold intermix of Yaoi and Arabian Nights thematics, the result is a one-of-a-kind premise that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
6 Utsukushii Koto
Hooked to the idea of crossdressing, Matsuoka would go on nighttime walks in his ex-girlfriend’s clothing every night, until one chance encounter led to sexual assault. He is saved by his senior, Hirosue, leading to Matsuoka finding his mundane senior’s heroics rather charming. This leads to the two meeting up several times, albeit with Matsuoka dressed as a woman.
Sentiments of love nurture on both sides, until a confession finally reaches Matsuoka’s doorsteps. Torn between his feelings and the lies he concocted, Matsuoka is left in a daunting predicament of either keeping this secret or living his truth. Utsukushii Koto takes on a few audacious themes, since crossdressing is rarely explored outside comedic contexts, even within the Yaoi genre.
5 Body Language
Kanae’s beauty is renowned throughout the college campus, giving way to several rumors about his unchaste nature. For Kanae, however, all that matters is what his crush Yuuichi thinks about him. In a surprising turn of events, Kanae is approached by his secret love for a no-strings-attached physical relationship.
Kanae may value his expression of love above all else, but an opportunity to sexually engage with the love of his life is one offer he could never resist. Body Language is as raunchy and crude as they come, embodying the wild side of the Yaoi genre. Despite its sexual nature, the light novel still features an intriguing premise to keep readers engaged and make the story feel whole.
4 The Sundered
Yu Kisaragi may be a fine physician with a stable life, but his heart remains in shambles as his feelings for his colleague remain unreciprocated. This unrequited love leads Kisaragi down a string of questionable decisions, ending at a bar with a hook-up with his patient’s husband.
The premise of the Sundered is rather gloomy and despair-ridden, as Kisaragi soon realizes his newfound love is also out of bounds for him. The story also explores the societal pressures on closeted gay men, and how these unspoken expectations can lead to sundered lovers.
3 S
As a detective in the anti-organized crime division of the Tokyo Police, Shiba is required to have a spy of his own, referred to as ‘S.’ To serve as his key informant in information gathering, Shiba trains a spy to infiltrate the Budoha crime syndicate. However, his ‘S’ has a special form of payment – sex
For every lead Shiba receives from his ‘S,’ it must be fully repaid in the form of physical intimacy. S features a unique narrative imbued with crime and mystery, with just a touch of unhinged Yaoi fantasies.
2 Only the Ring Finger Knows
Wataru’s school features an eccentric tradition, where students must wear matching rings to signify their relationship. In an uncanny coincidence, Wataru’s ring matches with Kazuki, a senior fawned over by the entire school. While the entire school knows Kazuki as a charming gentleman, his personality around Wataru flips a switch, embodying nothing but contempt and detest for his junior.
True to its namesake, Only the Ring Finger Knows follows the mystery of Kazuki’s hatred for Wataru, despite the two barely knowing one another. The premise further features Wataru navigating through high school, all while balancing his feelings for a senior that detests his existence.
1 The Guilty
Toya Sakurai’s dream comes true after he gets assigned as his favorite author’s editor. Kai Hadoka is the center of attention and fame, yet Toya remains interested in the man behind the facade of fame. He soon finds out his hero’s true personage – a morally bankrupt author forcing his editor into a sexual relationship.
Toya’s dream of working alongside his favorite author finally comes true, but not in the way he had hoped. The Guilty follows Toya Sakurai’s professional life as he succumbs to his boss’s carnal desires, tainting his career with the guilt of sleeping his way up.