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Too Close to Fall in Love
The ultimate “stepbrother” I can’t escape from. My father remarried and now I have a younger brother. He is fearless and handsome. To be honest, I’m in trouble because he’s really my type. I tried to keep my distance so I wouldn’t fall for him even more, but Motoya kept coming on to me and asking if I liked him, so I lost control and we became a bit too intimate...
This book contains explicit content and mature themes, including adopted incest. It is not intended for anyone under 18 years of age.
This book contains explicit content and mature themes, including adopted incest. It is not intended for anyone under 18 years of age.
Kindle Edition
First published October 7, 2021
21 people are currently reading
112 people want to read
About the author
Akira Nakata
34 books5 followersNAKATA Akira
Associated names : Urge
Name (in native language) : 中田アキラ
Doujinshi circle: Urge
Zodiac: Pisces
Associated names : Urge
Name (in native language) : 中田アキラ
Doujinshi circle: Urge
Zodiac: Pisces
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
October 3, 2024
A cute stepbrother romance. The men are in their early 20s when their fathers get married. Typical back-and-forth angst that is familiar with this trope, but overall a good story.
April 10, 2025
Based on the premise, I thought I'd really enjoy this, but everything about it was disappointing. The characters were flat and uninteresting, the plot was underwhelming, and them being stepbrothers wasn't even an issue because they're in their 20s, have no prior ties to each other, there wasn't any moral hesitation on either of their parts, and their parents didn't care at all. It was uneventful and boring.
And to be honest, there really wasn't any romance in this. Shizuka thinks Motoya is 'totally his type', and Motoya thinks Shizuka is "cute." Motoya wants to have sex with Shizuka and... yeah, that's about it. How others are giving this manga high ratings is beyond me. No offense if you liked it, though. We all like what we like, and there's nothing wrong with that. 😊 1.5 stars
And to be honest, there really wasn't any romance in this. Shizuka thinks Motoya is 'totally his type', and Motoya thinks Shizuka is "cute." Motoya wants to have sex with Shizuka and... yeah, that's about it. How others are giving this manga high ratings is beyond me. No offense if you liked it, though. We all like what we like, and there's nothing wrong with that. 😊 1.5 stars
August 21, 2024
Motoya & Shizuka
Rating: 3.5 ⭐
This was a cute stepbrothers to lovers story. These two don't become stepbrothers until they're adults and their fathers ask them to move in with them to be a family. They are both drawn to each other instantly but Shizuka is a little shy and uncertain about relationships due to his father's previous partner. There's some trauma there that holds him back from accepting being with Motoya sooner. Motoya is a bit pushy in this and kind of makes all the decisions for Shizuka whether he's ready for them or not.
I'm not sure why there's an incest tag on this since they're not blood related in anyway, they're adults when they meet, and Shizuka was adopted by his father so they don't even share the same DNA. Weird choice but maybe culturally it has to be tagged as such.
Content Warnings:
- Graphic sexual content between consenting adults
- Somnophilia scene included in bonus material
Verse: No
HEA: HFN
POV: Dual
Breakup: No
Cheating: No
OM/OW Drama: No
Ages: Their 20's
Rating: 3.5 ⭐
This was a cute stepbrothers to lovers story. These two don't become stepbrothers until they're adults and their fathers ask them to move in with them to be a family. They are both drawn to each other instantly but Shizuka is a little shy and uncertain about relationships due to his father's previous partner. There's some trauma there that holds him back from accepting being with Motoya sooner. Motoya is a bit pushy in this and kind of makes all the decisions for Shizuka whether he's ready for them or not.
I'm not sure why there's an incest tag on this since they're not blood related in anyway, they're adults when they meet, and Shizuka was adopted by his father so they don't even share the same DNA. Weird choice but maybe culturally it has to be tagged as such.
Content Warnings:
- Graphic sexual content between consenting adults
- Somnophilia scene included in bonus material
Verse: No
HEA: HFN
POV: Dual
Breakup: No
Cheating: No
OM/OW Drama: No
Ages: Their 20's
February 6, 2025
3💫
This manga was, at best, passable—neither remarkable nor wholly disappointing. It offered a few endearing moments, some flirtatious exchanges, and a scattering of instances with emotional depth, but, unfortunately, much of the narrative felt devoid of substance. While the premise held promise, the storytelling did little to capitalize on its potential. There were glimpses of conflict, small flickers of dramatic tension, but before anything could develop into something compelling, it dissipated, leaving no lasting sense of tension or resolution. It was as if the emotional stakes were fleeting, offering little payoff.
The chemistry between Motoya and Shizuka, though present, never quite reached the level of intimacy that might have made their dynamic truly captivating. While Shizuka certainly embodied my personal ideal—his blushing, flustered, and utterly endearing persona was a joy to witness—there was a sense that his emotional journey lacked the depth needed for a truly immersive connection. Motoya, equally striking in appearance, added to the visual appeal, but beyond their superficial attributes, their relationship never transcended the realm of the mundane. It was a coupling that, despite the potential for emotional richness, fell somewhat flat.
The artwork itself was competent, yet disappointingly conventional—polished and easy on the eyes, but ultimately forgettable. The pacing, too, left much to be desired, with transitions between scenes feeling abrupt, as though crucial moments were hastily cut short in favor of moving the plot along. The bonus scene, in particular, felt disjointed and lacked any substantial contribution to the narrative—its lackluster nature further underscoring the sense of unfulfilled promise that pervaded the entire work.
Ultimately, this manga failed to leave a lasting impression. The most memorable aspect of the story was Shizuka’s unintentional charm—his blushing, bashful nature, which will likely resonate with fans who appreciate such moments. However, if you are seeking a more dynamic or engaging narrative, there are certainly other BL titles that offer richer storytelling and deeper emotional resonance.
This manga was, at best, passable—neither remarkable nor wholly disappointing. It offered a few endearing moments, some flirtatious exchanges, and a scattering of instances with emotional depth, but, unfortunately, much of the narrative felt devoid of substance. While the premise held promise, the storytelling did little to capitalize on its potential. There were glimpses of conflict, small flickers of dramatic tension, but before anything could develop into something compelling, it dissipated, leaving no lasting sense of tension or resolution. It was as if the emotional stakes were fleeting, offering little payoff.
The chemistry between Motoya and Shizuka, though present, never quite reached the level of intimacy that might have made their dynamic truly captivating. While Shizuka certainly embodied my personal ideal—his blushing, flustered, and utterly endearing persona was a joy to witness—there was a sense that his emotional journey lacked the depth needed for a truly immersive connection. Motoya, equally striking in appearance, added to the visual appeal, but beyond their superficial attributes, their relationship never transcended the realm of the mundane. It was a coupling that, despite the potential for emotional richness, fell somewhat flat.
The artwork itself was competent, yet disappointingly conventional—polished and easy on the eyes, but ultimately forgettable. The pacing, too, left much to be desired, with transitions between scenes feeling abrupt, as though crucial moments were hastily cut short in favor of moving the plot along. The bonus scene, in particular, felt disjointed and lacked any substantial contribution to the narrative—its lackluster nature further underscoring the sense of unfulfilled promise that pervaded the entire work.
Ultimately, this manga failed to leave a lasting impression. The most memorable aspect of the story was Shizuka’s unintentional charm—his blushing, bashful nature, which will likely resonate with fans who appreciate such moments. However, if you are seeking a more dynamic or engaging narrative, there are certainly other BL titles that offer richer storytelling and deeper emotional resonance.
March 15, 2024
bonus chapter shouldn't have been published. (tw - sleep sex)
June 12, 2025
This was a cute little stepbrothers-to-lovers setup, with just enough emotional baggage to keep things interesting.
Shizuka and Motoya don’t actually become stepbrothers until they’re already adults, when their dads decide to get married and ask them to move in together. Cue the domestic tension and awkward new family vibes that quickly shift into... something else.
There’s definitely instant attraction between them, but Shizuka’s a bit hesitant, he’s been burned before by one of his dad’s past partners, so his guard’s understandably up. Meanwhile, Motoya is kind of steamrolling his way through this whole thing. He’s into Shizuka from the jump and doesn’t really give him much breathing room, which was... a bit much sometimes.
That said, heads up: there is a somnophilia scene in the bonus chapter, so just be aware of that going in.
It’s not super deep, but it delivers on the emotional and romantic beats and the dynamic between the two has its sweet moments.
Definitely one of those “go with the vibes” kind of stories 💓
Shizuka and Motoya don’t actually become stepbrothers until they’re already adults, when their dads decide to get married and ask them to move in together. Cue the domestic tension and awkward new family vibes that quickly shift into... something else.
There’s definitely instant attraction between them, but Shizuka’s a bit hesitant, he’s been burned before by one of his dad’s past partners, so his guard’s understandably up. Meanwhile, Motoya is kind of steamrolling his way through this whole thing. He’s into Shizuka from the jump and doesn’t really give him much breathing room, which was... a bit much sometimes.
That said, heads up: there is a somnophilia scene in the bonus chapter, so just be aware of that going in.
It’s not super deep, but it delivers on the emotional and romantic beats and the dynamic between the two has its sweet moments.
Definitely one of those “go with the vibes” kind of stories 💓
February 5, 2025
4/5 stars.
Shizuka and Motoya meet when their dads start a relationship and move in together.
At first they weren't close to each other, Shizuka is very insecure because of the trauma left over from a past relationship his father had, and Motoya wants to rush everything, which doesn't work.
But even though they are stepbrothers, little by little they will realize that they have no choice but to succumb to their deepest desires trapped by the attraction they feel for each other.
I really liked this story, I wasn't expecting much and not much happened either, but it was entertaining.
Plus my edition of this manga was uncensored, which made me enjoy it more 🤭
There were some scenes without consent or with dubious consent, which made me think a lot about what rating to give it, but at the end of the day I always come across scenes of this type in these readings so I shouldn't be surprised 😅
Shizuka and Motoya meet when their dads start a relationship and move in together.
At first they weren't close to each other, Shizuka is very insecure because of the trauma left over from a past relationship his father had, and Motoya wants to rush everything, which doesn't work.
But even though they are stepbrothers, little by little they will realize that they have no choice but to succumb to their deepest desires trapped by the attraction they feel for each other.
I really liked this story, I wasn't expecting much and not much happened either, but it was entertaining.
Plus my edition of this manga was uncensored, which made me enjoy it more 🤭
There were some scenes without consent or with dubious consent, which made me think a lot about what rating to give it, but at the end of the day I always come across scenes of this type in these readings so I shouldn't be surprised 😅
August 4, 2024
Firstly, I'm just going to say how refreshing it is to see two same sex parental figures in a healthy, long term relationship! That's HUGE coming from Japan! This whole story, honestly, was just to honest and refreshing. So good!
July 1, 2024
Great setup; weird execution.
I can't decide if I liked it. I didn't dislike it; the art is nice, the characters and their dynamics are interesting, and there's sort of a cute story in there. I might just be distracted by my expectations of a pretty different narrative flow that would've made everything feel more substantial - and spicy. If you're going to write about forbidden love, why not commit to it?
This is a stepbrothers story where they meet and move in together when both of them are somewhere in their 20s. Motoya works at a bar, and Shizuka is some sort of construction worker/carpenter/painter? I really liked that he had a career I don't see often in BL, so it would've been nice to see more than a quick glimpse of him at work.
Shizuka, like his adopted dad, is gay, and massively attracted to Motoya on their first meeting. He can't act on it, of course, for reasons of being family now, etc. Except that reason doesn't actually matter too much to the story, and it ends up being a more classic case of Shizuka having regular old trust issues where he's afraid of getting too attached to Motoya and being abandoned by him. Heightened, I guess, by the stupidity of getting involved and then breaking up with someone you live with and wouldn't be able to avoid seeing in family gatherings.
This fear of abandonment stems from his dad's previous relationship, which must've lasted like...into the double digits in years? Because we see a young Shizuka talking to the ex-partner seven years into the relationship, then he looks about middle or high school age when he walks in to see his dad crying after the breakup. In some ways, I guess that makes it worse, because Shizuka has it in his head that someone can tell you for years upon years that they care about you, then suddenly leave. So how can you ever trust anyone?
That honestly doesn't really get resolved at all. How can it, when we're not seeing 7+ years of their relationship? They talk a little, and Shizuka decides to let go and let himself care about Motoya. It helps, I think, that Motoya is "so pushy" - something that could definitely go the wrong way but somehow doesn't really bother me in this volume. I think it's because his aggressiveness is mixed with a lot of genuinely gentle behavior. He's careful with Shizuka and does his best to take care of him, even though he's the one who's a couple years younger. And Shizuka, I think, trusts that Motoya is upfront enough to be honest with him about whatever he's feeling, which means they're less likely to run into a scenario where things suddenly go bad - or they drift apart - without warning.
They mirror their dads' relationship in a lot of ways - which the dads think bodes well for their future together, since obviously they're doing well.
I wish there'd been a volume about the dads. Shizuka says at one point that he heard the story of how they got together, and Motoya said, "Oh I don't even know that," and neither do I!! Are you going to tell us or not? I have a feeling that might be more interesting, in the way Don't Call Me Dirty was okay, but Don't Call Me Daddy was spectacular. Maybe there will be more in the future.
I can't decide if I liked it. I didn't dislike it; the art is nice, the characters and their dynamics are interesting, and there's sort of a cute story in there. I might just be distracted by my expectations of a pretty different narrative flow that would've made everything feel more substantial - and spicy. If you're going to write about forbidden love, why not commit to it?
This is a stepbrothers story where they meet and move in together when both of them are somewhere in their 20s. Motoya works at a bar, and Shizuka is some sort of construction worker/carpenter/painter? I really liked that he had a career I don't see often in BL, so it would've been nice to see more than a quick glimpse of him at work.
Shizuka, like his adopted dad, is gay, and massively attracted to Motoya on their first meeting. He can't act on it, of course, for reasons of being family now, etc. Except that reason doesn't actually matter too much to the story, and it ends up being a more classic case of Shizuka having regular old trust issues where he's afraid of getting too attached to Motoya and being abandoned by him. Heightened, I guess, by the stupidity of getting involved and then breaking up with someone you live with and wouldn't be able to avoid seeing in family gatherings.
This fear of abandonment stems from his dad's previous relationship, which must've lasted like...into the double digits in years? Because we see a young Shizuka talking to the ex-partner seven years into the relationship, then he looks about middle or high school age when he walks in to see his dad crying after the breakup. In some ways, I guess that makes it worse, because Shizuka has it in his head that someone can tell you for years upon years that they care about you, then suddenly leave. So how can you ever trust anyone?
That honestly doesn't really get resolved at all. How can it, when we're not seeing 7+ years of their relationship? They talk a little, and Shizuka decides to let go and let himself care about Motoya. It helps, I think, that Motoya is "so pushy" - something that could definitely go the wrong way but somehow doesn't really bother me in this volume. I think it's because his aggressiveness is mixed with a lot of genuinely gentle behavior. He's careful with Shizuka and does his best to take care of him, even though he's the one who's a couple years younger. And Shizuka, I think, trusts that Motoya is upfront enough to be honest with him about whatever he's feeling, which means they're less likely to run into a scenario where things suddenly go bad - or they drift apart - without warning.
They mirror their dads' relationship in a lot of ways - which the dads think bodes well for their future together, since obviously they're doing well.
I wish there'd been a volume about the dads. Shizuka says at one point that he heard the story of how they got together, and Motoya said, "Oh I don't even know that," and neither do I!! Are you going to tell us or not? I have a feeling that might be more interesting, in the way Don't Call Me Dirty was okay, but Don't Call Me Daddy was spectacular. Maybe there will be more in the future.
September 10, 2024
I didn't have many expectations for this title, but it was very good. There's an easy acceptance of queer love in here, not just from our main couple, but in what originally brought them together- their fathers falling in love and moving in together. The central relationship moves really quickly, but it worked for me.
July 21, 2024
I think I like the pushy types like Motoya 😜😆😆
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 11, 2025
todo iba bien hasta el bonus track, wtf?
April 16, 2024
Schöne Geschichte für "Zwischendurch".
Niedliche - sympathische Charaktere, die den Manga zwar nicht zu einem meiner Lieblingsbücher werden lassen, aber dennoch zu einem, welches ich wiederlesen würde - vielleicht... irgendwann. ^-^
Niedliche - sympathische Charaktere, die den Manga zwar nicht zu einem meiner Lieblingsbücher werden lassen, aber dennoch zu einem, welches ich wiederlesen würde - vielleicht... irgendwann. ^-^
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August 19, 2024Idk what even to rate this and idk why I read it. I bought it bc the cover was cute but I honestly didn’t know what it was about. It’s not horrible just weird
July 30, 2024
"Shizuka... was I too pushy?"
Yes. Yes you were.
(I am kind of joking, but in that scene specifically, yes, yes he was.)
I'm not against pushy tops, and I think it can be done really well, but something about Motoya was just... slightly too pushy for my tastes. I think, personally, I would have liked a bit more working to understand Shizuka and emotional reflection on Motoya's part (for example, him actually taking the time to reflect and realize that ), then I would have been completely all in on him being the more pushy, decision maker part of the relationship. Because I do really, really love that dynamic!!! But something about this just felt... shallow.
I can't pin in down exactly, but something about Motoya and Shizuka's relationship was just lacking to me. Something about their scenes felt like... each scene was just checking the boxes for what needed to happen, but the depth was missing? I'm not sure. I am tempted to say it might be just because characters actually talked to each other, so conflicts were resolved directly and fairly quickly, but that was something I actually really liked about this story (healthy communication ftw) -- but maybe it was that becauseso much was resolved through communication (or rather someone telling someone need-to-know information), there was a lack of internal reflection and coming to one's own conclusions about what happened and/or needs to be done.
On the other hand, maybe the thing that made Motoya and Shizuka's relationship feel shallow was the fact that Motoya and Shizuka themselves felt shallow. As I mentioned above, it doesn't seem like Motoya actually understands Shizuka and thinks about why he's feeling/acting the way he is; instead, he is told why by someone else and acts accordingly. We don't even really get to see who he is or how he thinks -- I mean, outside of him wanting to bang Motoya, I really can't even tell you much about him as a character. Similarly, we are told that there is this traumatic background event in Shizuka's life that I would very much expect to see impacting him later in life and in his own relationships (like he SAYS it is), yet... that whole conflict is resolved much too easily/quickly, if it's resolved at all, as it seems more like it's just forgotten.
I loved the inclusion of their dads --- to be honest, I am like 100% more invested in their dads' relationship. Please give me the old man yaoi and Jace healing from his wife's death and Satoshi recovering from his past, really long term relationship, and both of them dealing with being queer single parents to young boys. I need it. I actively wish I had been reading about them instead.
I also really liked the art style?? I was very unique for BL manga, in terms of general style and character design. There was this kind of rough, almost plain, and kind of retro, like, 80s manga like look to the characters -- and I mean all of that positively. I really like how it looks like nothing I've ever read; it's really cool.
To be honest, I don't know if I liked this. It, like most of the LoveLove publications this year, just felt like an interesting concept that was executed poorly.
Yes. Yes you were.
(I am kind of joking, but in that scene specifically, yes, yes he was.)
I'm not against pushy tops, and I think it can be done really well, but something about Motoya was just... slightly too pushy for my tastes. I think, personally, I would have liked a bit more working to understand Shizuka and emotional reflection on Motoya's part (for example, him actually taking the time to reflect and realize that ), then I would have been completely all in on him being the more pushy, decision maker part of the relationship. Because I do really, really love that dynamic!!! But something about this just felt... shallow.
I can't pin in down exactly, but something about Motoya and Shizuka's relationship was just lacking to me. Something about their scenes felt like... each scene was just checking the boxes for what needed to happen, but the depth was missing? I'm not sure. I am tempted to say it might be just because characters actually talked to each other, so conflicts were resolved directly and fairly quickly, but that was something I actually really liked about this story (healthy communication ftw) -- but maybe it was that becauseso much was resolved through communication (or rather someone telling someone need-to-know information), there was a lack of internal reflection and coming to one's own conclusions about what happened and/or needs to be done.
On the other hand, maybe the thing that made Motoya and Shizuka's relationship feel shallow was the fact that Motoya and Shizuka themselves felt shallow. As I mentioned above, it doesn't seem like Motoya actually understands Shizuka and thinks about why he's feeling/acting the way he is; instead, he is told why by someone else and acts accordingly. We don't even really get to see who he is or how he thinks -- I mean, outside of him wanting to bang Motoya, I really can't even tell you much about him as a character. Similarly, we are told that there is this traumatic background event in Shizuka's life that I would very much expect to see impacting him later in life and in his own relationships (like he SAYS it is), yet... that whole conflict is resolved much too easily/quickly, if it's resolved at all, as it seems more like it's just forgotten.
I loved the inclusion of their dads --- to be honest, I am like 100% more invested in their dads' relationship. Please give me the old man yaoi and Jace healing from his wife's death and Satoshi recovering from his past, really long term relationship, and both of them dealing with being queer single parents to young boys. I need it. I actively wish I had been reading about them instead.
I also really liked the art style?? I was very unique for BL manga, in terms of general style and character design. There was this kind of rough, almost plain, and kind of retro, like, 80s manga like look to the characters -- and I mean all of that positively. I really like how it looks like nothing I've ever read; it's really cool.
To be honest, I don't know if I liked this. It, like most of the LoveLove publications this year, just felt like an interesting concept that was executed poorly.
August 9, 2025
Parental advisory:
The usual yaoi mess:
Incestuous relationships, sexual assault made into a joke or shown as "romantic/"hot", awful relationships dynamics and nonsensical plot/plot holes.
1 star.
Read:
Saturday August 9,2025
This story was one of the most boring and strangest stories I've read.
There is no proper development between the two main characters Shizuka and Motoya.
Both men only knew each other for a month and never went on a proper date.
The writer does a poor job at introducing each character and how they met one another.
I've seen multiple comments defending this awful story saying "it isn't incest,that isn't Shizuka's real father and their adults"
First off their age has nothing to do with the criticism this story was received.
Second it doesn't matter if the author "pulled a Brothers Conflict",Shizuka is still Motoya's stepbrother and it doesn't help that he calls him his brother,introduced him as such,refers to both their fathers as "dad" and says he wants to be a family.
It makes no sense that the fathers are fine with their sons being in a sexual relationship.
The worst part is that Motoya is pushy and doesn't ask for permission before kissing or touching Shizuka's body.
The bonus chapter was even worse because he sexually assaulted Shizuka while he was sleeping.
It blows my mind how many stupid fujoshi give these stories high ratings while complaining about actual good MxM and shounen-ai manga such as No.6,Within the Abyss and Lullaby of the Dawn.
I don't understand why publishing companies are still promoting toxic/dysfunctional relationships in BL/MxM as romantic.
This story didn't need to be officially translated.
The usual yaoi mess:
Incestuous relationships, sexual assault made into a joke or shown as "romantic/"hot", awful relationships dynamics and nonsensical plot/plot holes.
1 star.
Read:
Saturday August 9,2025
This story was one of the most boring and strangest stories I've read.
There is no proper development between the two main characters Shizuka and Motoya.
Both men only knew each other for a month and never went on a proper date.
The writer does a poor job at introducing each character and how they met one another.
I've seen multiple comments defending this awful story saying "it isn't incest,that isn't Shizuka's real father and their adults"
First off their age has nothing to do with the criticism this story was received.
Second it doesn't matter if the author "pulled a Brothers Conflict",Shizuka is still Motoya's stepbrother and it doesn't help that he calls him his brother,introduced him as such,refers to both their fathers as "dad" and says he wants to be a family.
It makes no sense that the fathers are fine with their sons being in a sexual relationship.
The worst part is that Motoya is pushy and doesn't ask for permission before kissing or touching Shizuka's body.
The bonus chapter was even worse because he sexually assaulted Shizuka while he was sleeping.
It blows my mind how many stupid fujoshi give these stories high ratings while complaining about actual good MxM and shounen-ai manga such as No.6,Within the Abyss and Lullaby of the Dawn.
I don't understand why publishing companies are still promoting toxic/dysfunctional relationships in BL/MxM as romantic.
This story didn't need to be officially translated.
July 24, 2025
[My reviews are for me/my memory, so spoilers are likely.]
There wasn't really anything "wrong" with this, other than the fact that all of the characters are pretty flat and there's not really anything to the romance.
Step-sibling stuff in general doesn't really bother me since it's usually when they're teens and not really raised as siblings. It'd be weird if they were like 5 when they became siblings, but that's about the only time I'm against it. In this case, Shizuka and Motoya's dads are partners and move in together, and their sons just come with them. Shizuka and Motoya are both in their 20s--Shizuka works in construction or something and Motoya works in a bar.
Shizuka immediately thinks that Motoya is his type. Motoya thinks that Shizuka is cute but has never been into a guy before. He isn't bothered by this, gets over it immediately, and eventually they confess and become a couple. There's really not much to it, and there's no real development of a romance here.
I think the dynamic between the dads and sons was cute. Shizuka is actually adopted because his dad is gay, and Motoya's dad was married to Motoya's mom, but she passed away seven years earlier. When the boys tell their dads that they want to be together, no one is upset or surprised. And that's about it.
The art was nice, but there just wasn't much to this.
There wasn't really anything "wrong" with this, other than the fact that all of the characters are pretty flat and there's not really anything to the romance.
Step-sibling stuff in general doesn't really bother me since it's usually when they're teens and not really raised as siblings. It'd be weird if they were like 5 when they became siblings, but that's about the only time I'm against it. In this case, Shizuka and Motoya's dads are partners and move in together, and their sons just come with them. Shizuka and Motoya are both in their 20s--Shizuka works in construction or something and Motoya works in a bar.
Shizuka immediately thinks that Motoya is his type. Motoya thinks that Shizuka is cute but has never been into a guy before. He isn't bothered by this, gets over it immediately, and eventually they confess and become a couple. There's really not much to it, and there's no real development of a romance here.
I think the dynamic between the dads and sons was cute. Shizuka is actually adopted because his dad is gay, and Motoya's dad was married to Motoya's mom, but she passed away seven years earlier. When the boys tell their dads that they want to be together, no one is upset or surprised. And that's about it.
The art was nice, but there just wasn't much to this.
February 13, 2025
Too Close to Fall in Love is sort of a relationship between step-brothers, but there’s a little more to the story. If this piques your interest, you might like this manga.
The story is steamy and packed with romantic tension in a cohabitation situation. Shizuka and Motoya try to make the best of things. As the eldest, Shizuka handles things logically. Motoya, on the other hand, represents the impulsive, emotional side of love, regardless of where it blooms.
It’s short and sweet; nice and simple. Your mileage may vary in terms of development and their relationship. Development isn’t that vast, but it gives you enough to understand the story. It felt very “classic 2010s BL.”
Who is this manga for
This one is for fans of domestic living and a pushy love interest who somehow makes things work!
Check out the full review on the blog
https://yeolliestorytime.com/too-clos...
The story is steamy and packed with romantic tension in a cohabitation situation. Shizuka and Motoya try to make the best of things. As the eldest, Shizuka handles things logically. Motoya, on the other hand, represents the impulsive, emotional side of love, regardless of where it blooms.
It’s short and sweet; nice and simple. Your mileage may vary in terms of development and their relationship. Development isn’t that vast, but it gives you enough to understand the story. It felt very “classic 2010s BL.”
Who is this manga for
This one is for fans of domestic living and a pushy love interest who somehow makes things work!
Check out the full review on the blog
https://yeolliestorytime.com/too-clos...
September 18, 2024
There were trust issues and all those good drama points, the drawings were good. The plot was okayish. I disliked the character design and I couldn't care for the characters.
There are two main issues I have, that chin beard, I am sorry, but that is the ugliest thing I have seen. Second, the stepbrother thing. I don't care how old and what else is going on, that is just always going to be iffy. I do not like the idea of it, and the principle of it will not change just because they are adults.
The question is, why would I read it, when I know that I do not like those kinds of relationships? The easy answer is because I can, but the actual answer is that I read everything I can get my hands on and that Manga was new in the bookshop. I still like to keep an open mind and see if I like the story when I just ignore the stepbrother thing, but that was not the case either.
There are two main issues I have, that chin beard, I am sorry, but that is the ugliest thing I have seen. Second, the stepbrother thing. I don't care how old and what else is going on, that is just always going to be iffy. I do not like the idea of it, and the principle of it will not change just because they are adults.
The question is, why would I read it, when I know that I do not like those kinds of relationships? The easy answer is because I can, but the actual answer is that I read everything I can get my hands on and that Manga was new in the bookshop. I still like to keep an open mind and see if I like the story when I just ignore the stepbrother thing, but that was not the case either.
May 5, 2024
oOoOO! Interesting! I feel like I've read a few stories where the parents get together and (eventually) the sons get together but this is the first time I've read one where the sons are grown ups (like they look old, LOL). It made for some interesting dynamics, especially when they're kind of similar to their dads. Also, Shizuka is soooo cute! All his expressions were 💯💯 and there were quite a few sexy scenes. Surprisingly (??) my favorite sexy moments were of the non-penetrative variety, kinky boys~ (ok it was moreso soft but like sexy). I think it's because the characters were older (and maybe it's their personalities too), but I really liked that they kept a clear head and generally talked things out/didn't do unnecessary things
A cute read :)
3.5/5
A cute read :)
3.5/5
November 29, 2024
It’s a solid step brothers trope, specifically the we are adults and just met when our parents introduced us now that they are together and oh look we also find each other attractive. Doesn’t focus much on the angst around potential taboo of step siblings since they are both consenting adults meeting for the first time and don’t have to worry about the queer aspect being accepted by parents since it’s their dads that are together so there’s the assumed acceptance going in.
It probably could have spent a bit more time (even half a chapter) addressing the ramifications of starting something and it not working out since they stuck together since their dads are together. But it’s a 5 chapter standalone so wasn’t expecting it to get to deep. Mildly spicy 😉
It probably could have spent a bit more time (even half a chapter) addressing the ramifications of starting something and it not working out since they stuck together since their dads are together. But it’s a 5 chapter standalone so wasn’t expecting it to get to deep. Mildly spicy 😉
July 4, 2025
Now this was a much better developed manga , over 200 pages !! Finally!!
Please keep in mind that everything in the manga might not be for everybody , it’s a taboo manga. It says so in the description so I don’t need to say more than that but I don’t know why it just works for me.
There was a good amount of communication and an amazing amount of consent and boundary setting. It just worked I wish it was a series tho just to see how their relationship would grow and work over time because that ending wasn’t really an ending to me.
Overall solid manga , would recommend
Triggers warning for CNC towards the end tho
Please keep in mind that everything in the manga might not be for everybody , it’s a taboo manga. It says so in the description so I don’t need to say more than that but I don’t know why it just works for me.
There was a good amount of communication and an amazing amount of consent and boundary setting. It just worked I wish it was a series tho just to see how their relationship would grow and work over time because that ending wasn’t really an ending to me.
Overall solid manga , would recommend
Triggers warning for CNC towards the end tho
August 11, 2025
Two adult males get married, making their sons (one from each) new borthers,but they immedciately realize that there is no way they can manage to stay "just famly".They each like living tgether, and with their fathers, but they both want more.
So for a while one of them tries to avoid the other because he is scared. He is afraid that if they start getting close, he will get attached and will then end up getting hurt. But the other pursues him and tries to pull him up so of course he eventually surrenders and they becaue close and are sexually involved as well as living with both their fathers and being family.
Recommended for those that enjoy erotic gay romance.
So for a while one of them tries to avoid the other because he is scared. He is afraid that if they start getting close, he will get attached and will then end up getting hurt. But the other pursues him and tries to pull him up so of course he eventually surrenders and they becaue close and are sexually involved as well as living with both their fathers and being family.
Recommended for those that enjoy erotic gay romance.
May 17, 2024
4.5
I mean it's a stepbro trope, but I've been fed well. The art is exactly the style I like. There's some great subtley with emotions conveyed with the art that was perfect and made the more intimate moments between the mains more powerful. Also the ml is 😏🫡 The alternating povs are chefs kiss. It's a good amount of emotional angst, so it feels realistic. The progression of the two mains is cute and not scummy or coercive. I wish there was more.
Cw of dubious consent 🥲
I mean it's a stepbro trope, but I've been fed well. The art is exactly the style I like. There's some great subtley with emotions conveyed with the art that was perfect and made the more intimate moments between the mains more powerful. Also the ml is 😏🫡 The alternating povs are chefs kiss. It's a good amount of emotional angst, so it feels realistic. The progression of the two mains is cute and not scummy or coercive. I wish there was more.
Cw of dubious consent 🥲
November 30, 2024
This is what it says on the tin - stepbrother smut. If that's your jam, go nuts. I was kind of thinking it would have more plot or characterisation to it than that and so ended up disappointed by the flat characters. I didn't feel any chemistry between them, and nothing much happens in the way of character growth or overcoming external obstacles to the love story. Overall, just not very engaging.
October 4, 2025
The art’s pretty but the story was… bad. There was hardly any chemistry between them, it wimped out on the brothers premise, and the seme was waaaay too pushy (the bonus story where things suddenly dipped into Dubcon Somnophilia Time was just the cherry on top!). Spent the whole time being like “I DON’T want these two to get together, actually.” 😅
April 22, 2024
This was actually a really sweet story about insta-attraction between step brothers and how they navigated their relationship with each other and their fathers. There was a nice twist with the back stories too.
July 4, 2024
I think this started off strong, it was so cute with the right amount of smut and good MCs, but then it got slower halfway through and dropped on some of the cute romantic scenes. Still an enjoyable read, it just lost some of the intrigue for me personally halfway through
November 25, 2024
adorable little story! I wanna know more about the dads, seems like there's a juicy angsty story there.
I love how Motoya was dominating without being abusive, and the sleepy wake-up sex in the bonus was just the right level of dubcon for me.
I love how Motoya was dominating without being abusive, and the sleepy wake-up sex in the bonus was just the right level of dubcon for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2025
This manga was OK. It's a stepbrothers falling in love story but doesn't have much angst, especially in relation to that trope. It was cute and an enjoyable read, but nothing too new to make it stand out for me.
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