I ❤️ Yaoi: Happy Yaoi Day...And Happy Birthday, Hazuki Nagisa!

Happy Yaoi Day!!!

Not only is it Hazuki Nagisa's birthday, but it's also National Yaoi Day! Here's a little blurb from Wikipedia explaining why August 1st has this honor: "In Japan, the term yaoi is occasionally written as 801,^[22] which can be read as yaoi through Japanese wordplay:^[9] the short reading of the number eight is 'ya', zero can be read as "o" (a western influence), while the short reading for one is 'i'.^[23]"

Let your fujoshi/fundanshi flag fly today by reading one of your favorite mangas or watching a cool BL anime! Not sure what to read, check out some of my yaoi reviews and recommendations.

Hazuki Nagisa (Free!)
picture credit: Kyoto Animation

~ M

I ❤️ Yaoi: Gravity by mememery (Free! doujinshi)

Good morning, yaoi lovers! This week's feature is the Free! doujinshi, Gravity by mememery.

Makoto will do anything for Haru. He's like gravity and Makoto will always feel drawn to him, but does Haru feel the same?

This is an interesting story. From the outside it looks rather sweet and innocent in many ways, but once you delve deeper, it has a sinister edge. I have to admit I felt a little uncomfortable at times and I don't know if it was because Makoto's level of affection bordered on obsession or something else entirely. Give this doujinshi a try. The artwork is beautiful and the plot will challenge your perception of Makoto and Haru.

3.5 stars

Read Gravity here.

~ M

I ❤️ Yaoi: Children’s Toys by Aozora Megumi (Free! Doujinshi)

Hello, yaoi lovers! This week's feature is the Free! doujinshi, Children’s Toys by Aozora Megumi!

Makoto can't stand it when his friend Haru has to go home with his mom after a play date. Their mothers soon discover that the little boys adore each other very much and rely on one another in many ways.

This is pure, unadulterated fluff that will truly warm your heart! Makoto and Haru are so adorable and I love the way that the artist portrayed them. If you're in the mood for a quick, but very sweet, read, this is perfect for you!

4.5 stars

Read Children's Toys here.

~ M

Mine Alone by Oxymoroff

Mine Alone by Oxymoroff

Haru loves listening to all of the reasons Makoto loves him.

This is a very quick read, but it is extremely sweet and heartwarming. It's just a moment in time where Makoto and Haru reflect about their love for one another, and I can't think of anything better from these characters. 💚💙💚💙

~ M

picture credit: Kyoto Animation

A Summer's Day by twinkiecas

A Summer's Day by twinkiecas

The boys go out and have some fun at a water park!

This is a cute day-in-the-life one shot of Rin, Sousuke and the Iwatobi boys. The story is filled with sweet moments between the characters as well as fluffy moments between the three couples. I know this quick read will bring a smile to your face!

~ M

picture credit: Kyoto Animation

I ❤️ Yaoi: Two Strip Tease by Tata (Free! Doujinshi)

Hello, yaoi lovers! This week's feature is Two Strip Tease by Tata!

Rei and Nagisa are enjoying their time in college and in their relationship. They're happy, but they also want their best friends, Makoto and Haru to be happy as well. The penguin and butterfly are determined to do their best and make it happen!

This is a really sweet dj. Nagisa and Rei and so adorable that my heart melted. Nagisa's perverted yet innocent nature is a great juxtoposition that made me chuckle on several occasions. I wish more could have been explored regarding Makoto and Haru's storyline, but all in all, this was an enjoyable read.

3.5 stars

Read Two Strip Tease here.

~ M

The Adventures of the Silver Spyglass Crew by LilacChocolate

The Adventures of the Silver Spyglass Crew by LilacChocolate

Pirate captain Matsuoka Rin kidnaps Prince Nitori Aiichirou of Iwami and starts to fall in love with him. His little servant, Nagisa, is forced to share quarters aboard the ship with navigator and inventor, Rei. Rin's first mate, Makoto, is in a secret relationship with a beautiful blue-eyed mermaid. There must be something in the water.

This is a really sweet, epic story that any fan of Free! would enjoy! All of our favorite characters stay pretty close to their canon personalities, and there is a wonderful mix of adventure, angst, romance, mystery and heat. Check it out!

~ M

artwork credit: aku-usagi.tumblr.com

I ❤️ Yaoi: Dependence & Coexistence by Junky Crown (Free! Doujinshi)

Good morning, yaoi lovers! This week's feature is the Free! doujinshi, Dependence & Coexistence by Junky Crown!

After some prodding from Nagisa, Haru realizes just how important Makoto is in his life.

This is a short, but sweet dj featuring Makoto and Haru being completely clueless about their feelings for one another. It takes a mischievous friend to open their eyes, but the rewards are totally worth it! Give it a try!

Read Dependence & Coexistence by Junky Crown here.

~ M

The Secrets I Hear in Your Song by twinkiecas

The Secrets I Hear in Your Song by twinkiecas

Style Five has become one of the most popular bands in the industry after winning a singing a competition. All seems great except for the fact that Makoto and Haru have to hide their relationship, Nagisa and Rei aren't sure what to call their relationship and Rin finds himself falling for a hot male model.

This is really cute! All of the characters stay pretty true to their canon personalities, and I can't wait to see how their relationships grow and progress. Give it a try!

~ M

artwork credit: むぎ

I ❤️ Yaoi: Suenagaku Oshiawase ni! by Kubu

Hello, yaoi lovers! Today's selection is the Free! doujinshi Suenagaku Oshiawase ni! by Kubu.

Makoto and Haru have been dating for a while now, so Makoto plans a very special surprise for the person he loves most in the world.

This is 100% pure sweetness! I loved every moment and I know you will too! The romance is swoon-worthy and the appearance of Haru's elusive smile will make your heart quicken! Please give this beautiful dj a try! You won't be disappointed!

Read Suenagaku Oshiawase ni! here.

~ M

For the First Time by shions_heart

For the First Time by shions_heart

How ReiGisa, SouRin and MakoHaru first spoke those three life-changing words.

This is such a sweet story! shions_heart stays pretty true to the canonical behaviors of each of the characters when describing their relationships and conversations. Your heart will warm reading about the sweet things the boys do for one another. Check it out!

~ M

picture credit: Kyoto Animation

I ❤️ Yaoi: Forever and Ever by Kouryuseki (Free! Doujinshi)

Hello yaoi lovers! This week's feature is the Free! doujinshi, Forever and Ever by Kouryuseki!

Makoto has a nightmare and fears it could be a premonition of the future. He will do everything in his power to ensure that what happened in his dream does not happen in real life.

This is a pretty serious and emotional dj, but it also shows the depth of feeling Makoto and Haru have for one another. The story not only portrays romantic love, but also plantonic love, admiration and friendship in a really beautiful way. Give this dj a try!

Read Forever and Ever here.

~ M

Blue Lotus, White Lotus by shions_heart

Blue Lotus, White Lotus by shions_heart

Nagisa, Makoto and Haru are stolen from their homes when they are children to serve under King Matsuoka. As they grow into adults, they face many difficulties, but also discover love, hope, friendship and the true meaning of loyalty.

This is an absolutely FANTASTIC read! I spent two days binge reading this fic and I loved every single moment. It has everything you could ever want from an epic fanfic, and I loved that the author stayed true to the canon characteristics of the Free! characters even though they were in an AU setting. shions_heart  received inspiration from this gorgeous tumblr post:
http://hubedihubbe.tumblr.com/post/122183301415/reigisa-desertau-with-princerin-incomplete

If you're a ReiGisa, MakoHaru and/or SouRin fan, you will love this story! Highly recommended!

~ M

artwork credit: pixiv id 476111

I ❤️ Yaoi: Shouboushi to Ningyo no Hon by delica (Free! Doujinshi)

Hello, yaoi lovers! This week's feature is the Free! doujinshi, Shouboushi to Ningyo no Hon by delica!

Makoto discovers Haru's secret after saving him in a fire.

This is a really sweet story, but I wouldn't expect anything else from a MakoHaru dj! I don't want to give too much away because this is a pretty quick read, but if you like Future Fish, you'll definitely enjoy this au!

Click here to read Shouboushi to Ningyo no Hon.

~ M

Connecting the Dots by RamenKitsune

Connecting the Dots by RamenKitsune

While spending a quiet winter evening indoors, Haru realizes his true feelings for Makoto.

You know that warm feeling you get when you read a really sweet book or fanfic? Well, Connecting the Dots will definitely give you the warm and fuzzies as you delve into Haru's inner thoughts. It's a quick read, but very fluffy and cute.

~ M


picture credit: Kyoto Animation

I ❤️ Yaoi: 18-nen me no Saki ni by Hisato (Free! Doujinshi)

Good morning, yaoi lovers! This week's selection is the Free! doujinshi, 18-nen me no Saki ni (Before the 18th Year) by Hisato.

With graduation and the future coming up, Makoto wonders how much longer he has until he has to part ways with Haru. But then, some surprising news arrives…

This is a lovely, heartwarming story about how Makoto and Haru handle preparing to being separated and attending different colleges after high school. The emotion is so strong that it may even bring a tear to your eye. Definitely give this beautiful story a try! You won't be disappointed!

Read 18-nen me no Saki ni here.

~ M

Protection by RamenKitsune

Protection by RamenKitsune

Since they were children, Haru has protected Makoto from just about everything he fears; and Makoto has always admired Haru for his seemingly unwavering courage. What happens when it's Makoto's turn to protect his best friend?

This short drabble-esque story is absolutely adorable! My heart melted by the end and I know yours will too! This is very short read, but well worth a couple minutes of your time!

~ M

picture credit: Kyoto Animation

Deeper Than Bass by tayeah

Deeper Than Bass by tayeah

Makoto is been in a band with his friends, but always asked Haru to refrain from watching them perform. One day Haru decides to see what the big deal is and is shocked (and turned on) by what he sees.

Wow! This story is awesome! tayeah effectively wrote the tension, electricity and heat Makoto projects while performing and the utter disbelief and extreme interest that Haru displays. In other words, this fic is hot, hot, HOT! Definitely give it a try!

~ M

artwork credit: j-witless

I ❤️ Yaoi: Nan demonai hi janai hi by Lionni

Good morning yaoi lovers! This week's feature is the Free! doujinshi, Nan demonai hi janai hi by Lionni!

Sousuke's birthday is coming up, so Rin asks him what he would like as a gift. Unfortunately, Sousuke does not give him the answer he'd hoped for.

I was pleasantly surprised by how emotionally charged this doujinshi is! It's pretty heavy on the angst, but you can feel just how much Rin & Sousuke care for one another. It's beautifully written and drawn. Highly recommended!

Read Nan demonai hi janai hi here.

~ M

Water Birth by KireinaAme

Water Birth by KireinaAme

Makoto and Haru are happy, in love and married. Of course the next step would be children, so now the two men are eagerly awaiting the birth of their first. It should come as no surprise that Haru chose a water birth.

This is a very sweet one shot! I know some people are turned off by mpreg, but I think the author did a pretty good job with it. You can feel love Makoto and Haru have for one another, and the joy the experience once their child is born. Give this story a try!

~ M

artwork credit: yuilien