A Love Too Captivating 1

たまらないのは恋なのか [Tamaranai no wa Koi na no ka] #1

by Mia Sorahana

A standoffish “bad boy” meets the honor student determined to break down his walls in the debut volume of this pure BL (boys’ love) manga series!

This tender story of high school love is so popular in Japan, it was adapted into an animated short with over half a million views on YouTube! Author Mia Sorahana’s first work to be translated into English!

Tender, heartwarming, and sweet, the debut volume of this eagerly anticipated BL series is perfect for new and dedicated readers of the genre and fans of Sasaki and Miyano, My Summer of You, and My Ultramarine Sky!

Misuzu never goes looking for fights—they just always come to him. But when he sees the local punks trying to start trouble with his classmate, the honor student Kitahara, he can’t help stepping in. Ever since, Kitahara has been following Misuzu all over, trying to get to know this so-called bully who is actually much sweeter than he seems. Misuzu does his best to keep the straitlaced Kitahara away…but soon, something begins to blossom between the two—something that may just prove too captivating to resist.

Genres: Manga, Romance, Boys Love, Young Adult, LGBT, High School, Contemporary

198 pages, Paperback

First published December 13, 2023

About the author

空華みあ

Reviews

[Jessi ❤️ H. Vojsk [if villain, why hot?] · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

Oh I love BL mangas so so much.

Especially when they’re drawn so incredibly well, I loved the art it was stunning.

Those two boys are so adorable.

I definitely gonna read the second volume when it comes out! So so cute!

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m not really sure whether to laugh or cry? The story has some merit, and there are some emotionally moving scenes between the MC and LI. The idea of the dynamic is really cute. However, I wish the protagonists weren’t minors. A lot of the hijinks seem unnecessarily sexual, especially for high-school-aged protagonists. So not only is it a bit sus, it cheapens the relationship and detracts from the believability of it all. It’s also a bit instant-romance-y; I don’t think we got enough information on why the LI, Kitahara, cares so much for the MC, Mizusu, and Kitahara even comes off as creepy at times— not to mention Mizusu’s downright dangerous behavior towards Kitahara. It’s a cute concept, but I really wish the mangaka had spent more time broadening the main couple’s personalities, other than them just being kinda horny.

[kiara ✾ ·˚ · Rating 5 out of 5]

kitahara went to the tom holland school of boyfriendism

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was too cute!! I loved that Kitahara saw Misuzu as a sort of angry cat!! And then even when Misuzu lashed out he still pursued him. The art is so sweet and this is such a sweet high school BL!! I can’t wait to see what happens in the next vol!!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Fallon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great 👏🏻 spectacular 👏🏻 cute 👏🏻 amazing 👏🏻 give me ♾️ volumes of them right now 😭

[Jesica Canto · Rating 4 out of 5]

Había escuchado de los BL con un uke pandillero y no comprendía como sería, pero acá aparece y funciona muy bien. El seme es de esos personajes insistentes que personalmente me resultan odiosos, pero ese comportamiento es la única forma de derribar las barreras de Misumi. En este primer tomo vemos la bondad y dolor de Misumi, y como Kitahara logra empezar a ablandar un poco ese corazón tan lastimado.
Ya hay (4/2025) una adaptación al anime de los primeros capítulos de este tomo inicial y es muy bonito verlo en color y animado.

[Curious Madra · Rating 2.75 out of 5]

It’s a really wholesome BL with hot tempered delinquent boi x very smart but smittenly romantic boi. Now I will say it’s simple enough and there’s an extra one soon which put me off a bit since it’s been done many times. However warning, this will still give u diabetes regardless.

Thanks netgalley and publisher for helping me discover this boys love manga!

[psyche · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tenía 0 expectativas y ahora quiero a Misuzu con TODO EL CORAZÓN.

[⭐Toonasa⭐ *Romance Book Lovers' Haven* (For long and deep.... reviews!) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Love Too Captivating is a Boys-Love High-School manga that is cute, fun, hits in the feels & beautiful to look at!
I found this by a rec post on Facebook & seeing the animated ova (?) on YouTube! The animation was only ch1 + some part of ch2, & a little weird at places, but it was enough to get me captivated (lol) 🙌.

This review is my thoughts for ch1 through ch18, as there's 4 volumes out (I'm guessing they include in it). I read it all on same day! It had quite a cliffhanger at end as it's ongoing but I am loving the story. The manga artstyle is stunning & pleasing. It looked awesome with colors in animation! The MCs are just 16, but damn they look college age 🤣.

Misuzu is a delinquent loner who saves Kitahara from some bullies. M never thought the smart, seemingly quiet K'll be so persistent to be his "friend" 🤭. M's a gorgeous baddie with a nice heart & so expressive 🤣! His flashback kicked me in the feels 😩. K isn't as expressive but I liked his patience & care for M.

It's a bit of Slowburn, with Push/Pull mainly from M's side, but he's got good reasons for it. It's overall low angst, very cute story. It has action & hurt/comfort too. The adults in this world are so useless tho 😤. When they finally became bfs (& the kisses, the lil touches 🥵!!), I cheered. They're adorable 😍. I'm also happy my Misu has friends now 🥰, all thanks to K.

There's still a lot of story to be told for them (I'm assuming), plus there's the blast (friend) from the past in the latest chapters. Hopefully he's not evil 🤔. I'll be looking forward to more ch/volumes!

Comic rating (Ch 1 – Ch 18): Enjoyed? —> Heck yeah! So cute!

1) The Characters: 5/5
2) Story feels: 😳🤨😣😉😋🤭🥺☺️😍😤🥰😅🙃😂🥰😁😬
3) Art: 4.75/5 (not colored)
4) Sexy/Steamy scenes: Eh, not really. 1 makeout scene tho!

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[Bere ^^ · Rating 4 out of 5]

¡Caí en la tentación y lo leí antes de tiempo!

Estaba esperando a tenerlo en físico para leerlo, pero al final no resistí y lo leí en digital primero. Es culpa de la propaganda, me animaron a hacerlo.

No solo eran las recomendaciones, buenas críticas o que decidieran publicarlo en mi país, sino que la sinopsis por sí sola es atraparte. Porque es el tipo de tropo que me gustan. Así que con la promoción por su lanzamiento, me vi tentada, lo compré y aún así terminé leyéndolo en digital. Vaya experiencia!

Especialmente porque creí seria de tomo único y en realidad resulta que hay al menos tres publicados actualmente. Y quien sabe cuantos le sigan.

Yo solita me puse la soga al cuello y acabo de comprometerme con esta historia a largo plazo. Porque para que negarlo me han comprado y realmente quiero saber a dónde irá a parar.

Esta historia es de un chico malinterpretado que ha tenido que aislarse como forma de protegerse. Todos creyendo que es un bravucón. Cuando en realidad, son las ideas equivocadas lo que lo han llevado a ser eso mismo. Hasta que aparece este chico estudiante de honor que se empeña en ser su amigo. Una relación que lentamente daña las heridas del otro.

Pero esto es solo el inicio, el primer tomo es apenas una probada, porque estamos lejos de terminar y… bueno, me quedaré aquí para ver en qué termina. Solo entonces daré un veredicto final. Por el momento me ha gustado el incio.

[Marta · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Kodansha for the ARC!

A BL about a delinquent and a nerd? Yes, please.

Misuzu is always getting into fights; matter of fact fights find him and Kitahara, nerd and good student will have none of it. He seems to always be at the wrong place at the right time to save Misuzu from getting hurt. Misuzu keeps pushing him away, stating the obvious: stick with him and you will be hurt and lose your good boy reputation. Kitahara does not care. He will stop at nothing to make sure the boy he is interested in, the boy he wants to get to know and become friends with stays safe.

Have heard about this manga and was so happy for the ARC. The boys are hot and there is a sweet side to Misuzu that is very intriguing. Kitahara can be so persistent but he has been smitten. He can definitely be overprotective borderline obsessive but is it just what Misuzu needs to get his life back on track? We will have to read on volume 2. I am in!!

[Skye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super cute! The story follows Misuzu, a bad boy that’s always getting into fights. Honor-student Kitahara was going to get into it with some troublemakers when Misuzu steps in. Soon, Kitahara pursues Misuzu for friendship. I loved the artwork and the story. Misuzu tries so hard to get Kitahara away from him (to protect him from his life), but he also yearns to be close to him. And Kitahara won’t give up on him. Ahhh, it’s too cute! Definitely picking up volume 2.

Thank you, NetGalley and Kodansha Comics, for the ARC.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a sweet story. Misuzu took on a fight that Kitahara was going to get attached for and then Kitahara decided to befriend him. It was very cute. Misuzu is like the stray kitten that keeps slashing at your hands and hissing but secretly wants a gentle touch. Kitahara was so patiently working through all his walla until they were close. I can't wait to see how this progresses.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hoy en la madrugada, me regreso el insomnio. Por lo que decidí tomar un manga para acompañarme y este fue el elegido 🫵

Quedé enamorada de la interacción de estos dos, aunque resulta ser el típico cliché de chico malo que tiene buenos sentimientos, y el joven bien portado que será su salvación.

¡Amo totalmente!
Ya quiero seguir leyendo el siguiente tomo, para ver cómo se desarrolla su relación 🫶

[Fany Herondale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Uno de los protagonistas sabe lo que quiere

[Miryam Drakon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read this before, so this was basically a reread for me. BUT I'M STILL NOT OVER THEM!!! They're so precious, I could cry.

I NEED VOLUME 2 NOW!!!

[Mella aka Maron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solidly adorable yaoi. There is no spice in this volume but I bet it’ll come really soon. There are some majorly sexy scenes though. 👀

I’m not positive if I will continue just because it’s moving a little too fast for my liking… but I do adore the MC’s backstory. It’s so sad. 😭

[Julie · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

I feel like the progression is a little over dramatic, but I'm looking forward to reading more and seeing their relationship progress. I also hope they go a little deeper into why Misuzu is the way he is and we learn more about his family and the situation that happened I'm assuming with a friend in the past.

[Moony Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

Es lo más bonito que he leído

[Cassandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty cute so far. 3.75 a bad boy who wants to change when someone finally steps up and seems to actually care about him. Honestly, feel really bad for him. the flashback with his dad, heart breaking.

Updated:

I have reread this and I liked this more than first time I read it. The setup of the series is done really well here. We are introduced to our loner delinquent and see glimpses into why he doesn't believe he deserves kindness or love from anyone. He pushes people away because of this and to keep other safe. One day, he notices someone being picked out and it changes his life they begin a reluctant friendship which will become more. I like that our fighter is soooo blushy. I love how these two aspects feel so extreme and different.

The art is just okay, the necks are a bit odd sometimes but it is still very pretty.

[Elo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Vẽ đẹp còn cốt truyện thì khá chán dù đủ tình tiết để có thể phát triển cho hay, gu mình là slowburn cơ mà truyện dùng dằng qua các chap slow có burn cũng có mà nó lạ lắm, chưa cảm được cách hai nhóc nó yêu nhau. Với lại xây dựng uke vừa mạnh mẽ khi quánh nhau vừa có nét nũng nịu cơ địa dễ đỏ mặt, kiểu tsundere thế này tuy dễ mà khó đó, truyện này xử lý chưa tới, nó khá ngẫu hứng nên đọc khó nắm bắt được cá tính của cậu nhóc ghê. Chưa kể Kitahara cũng không được miêu tả lý do cho sự quan tâm đặc biệt với Mizusu, tiếp cận và làm thân với cậu nhóc rồi xuất hiện cả những lúc khó ngờ khi đánh nhau mà không có câu chuyện hợp lý đằng sau. Chỉ có một điểm cộng là vẽ đẹp, nhất là đôi mắt nhân vật với đổi bông tai cho bạn uke, giống vẽ mấy nữ chính trong truyện shoujou ấy, đẹp nhưng nét quá mềm mại nên đâm ra vẽ lúc đánh nhau lại thấy nét vẽ mặt này lại đâm không hợp.

[Iyas Utomo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really love the art style in this manga. Everyone is an ikemen—honestly, one of the things that makes me feel very alive.

As for the story, there’s nothing particularly new. A delinquent kid and a smart kid—a contrast (and pairing) we’ve seen countless times in BL. Still, it’s quite a fun read. The MC is super shy despite being a delinquent, while the serious ML comes off as oddly eccentric here.

Can’t wait to read the second volume.

[ciel · Rating 3 out of 5]

it’s a cute manga, honestly if you’re bored and just want to read a cutesy hs coming of age story i’d recommend it. it doesn’t touch up on many heavy topics (so far) so i think it’s an easy story to stomach if you’re into the idiots-in-love tag 😭

[Joselyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

El man cayó full rápido jsjs tiene los pensamientos claro y decisivos bueno esperemos

[Shantal · Rating 3 out of 5]

~3.5⭐~

[Mae🧚‍♀️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m obsessed with Kitahara soft loving on Misuzu

[clau · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO CUTE OMG I LOVED THEM

[Hidrox Zilla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute, but a bit insta love-y

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kinda shallow and super tropey, but cute. Misuzu vaguely defends Kitahara from bullies once and Kitahara’s like, “Ah, yes. I must marry that man.”

[Jenny · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

this is so shoujo coded, oh my god. it's so soft...

Misuzu is your typical misunderstood delinquent; he gets into fights he doesn't wanna be in because he doesn't clear up accusations and even if he tried, the label has been pinned to him for the rest of his school life. However, when he saves Kitahara, a classmate, from being involved in a fight, his daily life takes a turn. Kitahara does his best to befriend Misuzu, but Misuzu lets memories from his past keep him from letting Kitahara close. Misuzu has to overcome his fears and let a captivating Kitahara into his heart.

Am I a sucker for a delinquent type and an honor student type combo? Maybe so, but the story so far is so fluff I can't help it. Though the plot and character development is rather shallow so far (I don't expect a whole lot for future volumes, if it even gets more than 2 in English), it's quite a light-hearted read where you can let yourself indulge without being too caught up in whether or not there's going to be further development. The art style is gorgeous and the relationship between Misuzu and Kitahara is very cute. Kitahara reminds me a lot of a shoujo male lead, though Misuzu is not much like a shoujo main character (but I'd rather he wasn't anyhow).

thank you netgalley and kodansha for the eARC! I look forward to volume 2!