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Katakoi Lamp
Kazuto Muronoi runs a cute little coffee shop, where many people enjoy doing some work or writing papers for school. Among his coffee shop's regulars is a college student named Jun, who often studies there. It was love at first sight for Kazuto! Will Kazuto be able to find the courage to confess his crush before Jun graduates college and stops frequenting the shop? And to make matters even more complicated... it seems Jun has his sights set on another worker at the café!
194 pages, Paperback
Published March 9, 2021
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501 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
June 3, 2021
*More of a 3.5*
This was really cute, but there are some parts that are lacking due to it only being one volume.
I felt like the friend's confession was a little pointless. It didn't really add or take anything away from the story. Maybe if there was more time to dwell on it and give the friend more of a purpose to the plot it would've been better. Kazuto was so rude about it too like damn I felt bad for the friend. I felt like that part could've been removed altogether and could've still been the same story.
Overall though, super cute. I thought it was really sweet and fun.
This was really cute, but there are some parts that are lacking due to it only being one volume.
I felt like the friend's confession was a little pointless. It didn't really add or take anything away from the story. Maybe if there was more time to dwell on it and give the friend more of a purpose to the plot it would've been better. Kazuto was so rude about it too like damn I felt bad for the friend. I felt like that part could've been removed altogether and could've still been the same story.
Overall though, super cute. I thought it was really sweet and fun.
March 17, 2021
I received this book from Netgalley/publisher in exchange of an honest review.
I am sooooo happy that more LGBT manga is added on Netgalley, I am a big fan of Yaoi/Shounen ai and Yuri/Shoujo Ai, so I am hyped to get a chance to read these manga early! dances
In this one misunderstandings turn into something adorable. I just felt so much for Kazuto, he was thinking that Jun liked him… but actually Jun was looking at Kazuto’s parttime worker, Hisahara. That poor guy, who never fell for a guy, building up the courage to talk to him, and then finding out that it wasn’t him he was looking at… but someone else. OUCH. Painful! And to make things more painful, he is helping Jun out… Yep. Which on the one hand gave him the chance to talk, but otherwise made it all the more painful for Kazuto. He has to put a play. And so things continue…. I was a bit worried about things, I mean, Kazuto, I know you like Jun, but he is clearly not into you (at least NOW he is not) and this is just not healthy. I get that it will take you a while to get over someone, but maybe that is better done away from that person…
I definitely didn’t see that confession coming! But that explains a whole lot about that person’s behaviour when Kazuto was ranting to them about Jun. Haha, oh my goodness. I did like the talk they had and how mature they both were (well, with a couple of exceptions, but for most I am happy). Quite often in manga it isn’t dealt with right, so this makes me happy.
THOUGH, after that I found it a bit awkward and maybe a tad rude that Kazuto kept going to that person to talk about their romance. I mean, I get you need someone to talk to.. but maybe not the person who you just rejected, haha, that is just too much man.
The end of chapter 5 and the beginning of chapter 6? Squee! Of course, I knew it was coming, come on, just look at the cover. You know how it is going to end so I don’t think it is a spoiler.
I love how it ended… though I would have definitely liked to have seen more of our couple! They really are adorable and I love how they are both new to this thing. Neither of them have been interested in boys before, so neither of them have done sexy times with boys. It was just cute and sweet to see them try out things. And they really match well together. I hope they are both very happy!
The art was just so pretty, though I have to say at times I confused Kazuto with Jun. Haha.
All in all, a cute manga featuring two very cute boys finding each other! With mature conversations, jealousy, food, and more! Definitely would recommend it.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
I am sooooo happy that more LGBT manga is added on Netgalley, I am a big fan of Yaoi/Shounen ai and Yuri/Shoujo Ai, so I am hyped to get a chance to read these manga early! dances
In this one misunderstandings turn into something adorable. I just felt so much for Kazuto, he was thinking that Jun liked him… but actually Jun was looking at Kazuto’s parttime worker, Hisahara. That poor guy, who never fell for a guy, building up the courage to talk to him, and then finding out that it wasn’t him he was looking at… but someone else. OUCH. Painful! And to make things more painful, he is helping Jun out… Yep. Which on the one hand gave him the chance to talk, but otherwise made it all the more painful for Kazuto. He has to put a play. And so things continue…. I was a bit worried about things, I mean, Kazuto, I know you like Jun, but he is clearly not into you (at least NOW he is not) and this is just not healthy. I get that it will take you a while to get over someone, but maybe that is better done away from that person…
I definitely didn’t see that confession coming! But that explains a whole lot about that person’s behaviour when Kazuto was ranting to them about Jun. Haha, oh my goodness. I did like the talk they had and how mature they both were (well, with a couple of exceptions, but for most I am happy). Quite often in manga it isn’t dealt with right, so this makes me happy.
THOUGH, after that I found it a bit awkward and maybe a tad rude that Kazuto kept going to that person to talk about their romance. I mean, I get you need someone to talk to.. but maybe not the person who you just rejected, haha, that is just too much man.
The end of chapter 5 and the beginning of chapter 6? Squee! Of course, I knew it was coming, come on, just look at the cover. You know how it is going to end so I don’t think it is a spoiler.
I love how it ended… though I would have definitely liked to have seen more of our couple! They really are adorable and I love how they are both new to this thing. Neither of them have been interested in boys before, so neither of them have done sexy times with boys. It was just cute and sweet to see them try out things. And they really match well together. I hope they are both very happy!
The art was just so pretty, though I have to say at times I confused Kazuto with Jun. Haha.
All in all, a cute manga featuring two very cute boys finding each other! With mature conversations, jealousy, food, and more! Definitely would recommend it.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
February 5, 2021
Katakoi Lamp was a cute tale of two guys finding love after meeting in a cafe. This is very much a slow-burn story, but I liked the gradual development of their relationship, which felt realistic and allowed for a little angst along the way. The illustration was also good, so all up this was a fun and quick read that will please fans of the sweeter end of the BL story spectrum.
I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 17, 2021
Katakoi Lamp is a very cute manga set in a cafe. It's an adorable and sweet story about Jun and Kazuta slowly falling for each other.
It's a single volume manga and the art style is really good. I wish it was a bit more longer but overall there's a cuteness overload! Also I'm a sucker for pretend dates and that was my favourite part!
If you're looking for something light hearted and quick to pick you up with great art and also love coffee shop tropes, definitely pick this up!
*ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review
It's a single volume manga and the art style is really good. I wish it was a bit more longer but overall there's a cuteness overload! Also I'm a sucker for pretend dates and that was my favourite part!
If you're looking for something light hearted and quick to pick you up with great art and also love coffee shop tropes, definitely pick this up!
*ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review
April 4, 2021
I received a copy from the Independent Publishers Group through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Kazuto Muronoi is running his dad’s coffee shop when he falls for his sweet and cute favorite regular, Jun. After six months, Kazuto makes it his mission to get his name in hopes that it leads to something more. Unfortunately for him, it turns out that Jun has been frequenting the shop because he’s crushing on Hisahara, a woman who works at the café. Content with being just friends, Kazuto is determined to help Jun get with his crush even if he gets hurt somewhere along the way.
This is a cute slow burn following Kazuto and his crush, Jun. It’s slow enough that we get to know nearly anyone in the story quite well before it suddenly picks up speed at the very end. I thought it was quite cute with a cast of sweet characters. Though, I found myself thinking some of the supporting characters far more interesting than the leads. As much as I liked Kazuto and Jun, I think I would’ve enjoyed it more if we followed Hisahara and Kazuto’s friend, Kyosuke, at some point since they’re more interesting characters.
That said, I had a great time reading the book. It’s cute and short on top of having great artwork and a set of mostly realistic characters. If you’re looking for a slow burn slice of life romance, I think that this will be a great book to pick up.
Kazuto Muronoi is running his dad’s coffee shop when he falls for his sweet and cute favorite regular, Jun. After six months, Kazuto makes it his mission to get his name in hopes that it leads to something more. Unfortunately for him, it turns out that Jun has been frequenting the shop because he’s crushing on Hisahara, a woman who works at the café. Content with being just friends, Kazuto is determined to help Jun get with his crush even if he gets hurt somewhere along the way.
This is a cute slow burn following Kazuto and his crush, Jun. It’s slow enough that we get to know nearly anyone in the story quite well before it suddenly picks up speed at the very end. I thought it was quite cute with a cast of sweet characters. Though, I found myself thinking some of the supporting characters far more interesting than the leads. As much as I liked Kazuto and Jun, I think I would’ve enjoyed it more if we followed Hisahara and Kazuto’s friend, Kyosuke, at some point since they’re more interesting characters.
That said, I had a great time reading the book. It’s cute and short on top of having great artwork and a set of mostly realistic characters. If you’re looking for a slow burn slice of life romance, I think that this will be a great book to pick up.
February 11, 2021
Probably more a 3.5, but rounded up for extreme cuteness and a genuinely nice and sweet story about two guys falling for each other before they know it. If Tokyopop keeps licensing such feel-good fluffy BL I will completely forget that I was ever out of sorts with them.
And I'd really like for Kyousuke to get a book now...
And I'd really like for Kyousuke to get a book now...
April 15, 2021
This was a cute read, but it honestly didn't bring anything new to the table. If you haven't read a lot of BL, this might be a good one for you. It gets smutty at the end without being too graphic.
February 21, 2021
4.25 stars
Super cute story!
Super cute story!
May 11, 2022
A wholesome BL manga filled with miscommunication.
April 17, 2022
מנגה מתוקה ברמות סקירה בקרוב
July 9, 2021
Very sweet but kinda thin… on the plot tbh. But the art was clean so 3,5/5⭐️
May 8, 2021
Sweet, fluffy, and really cute. I love the jealousy the two feel and the way they got together. Not as many sexy times in the volume, and some kissing. Its more the start a cute lil romance.
I also enjoy the art style. Cute, fluffy romance style with lots of blushes, wide eyes, and great chibis and sweets. If you like your Boy's Love manga more on the Shojo-story style, Katakoi Lamp is a great one to read.
I also enjoy the art style. Cute, fluffy romance style with lots of blushes, wide eyes, and great chibis and sweets. If you like your Boy's Love manga more on the Shojo-story style, Katakoi Lamp is a great one to read.
November 20, 2021
If there is one thing I love, it’s slice of life mangas revolving around food. So naturally I wanted to snatch this up right away! Katakoi Lamp follows Kazuto, a young man who has taken over his father’s coffee shop as he starts to realize that he has a crush on one of his regulars, a college student named Jun. Kazuto is the perfect amount of idealistic and oblivious that just works so well for romance. And Jun is just the embodiment of being adorable. So the reader is in for a sweet treat right off the bat.
Of course, it isn’t all so easy for Kazuto. While he’s coming to terms with his own sexuality, he starts to realize Jun may not be so into him and might be more interested in one of his employees. We don’t just get a love triangle though, nope, we get a love square, which I found very entertaining. Of note, I was expecting food to have a bit more influence in the story, but mostly it’s just there in the setting. Still, this was a light, lovely read that I think a lot of manga readers will enjoy.
Finally, the art is stunning, and the setting is so cozy. Not to mention that the food looks absolutely delicious! I look forward to reading more from this author.
Content warnings for some internalized homophobia and on page sexual content.
*Thank you Independent Publishers Group (LOVE x LOVE) and NetGalley for the ARC*
Of course, it isn’t all so easy for Kazuto. While he’s coming to terms with his own sexuality, he starts to realize Jun may not be so into him and might be more interested in one of his employees. We don’t just get a love triangle though, nope, we get a love square, which I found very entertaining. Of note, I was expecting food to have a bit more influence in the story, but mostly it’s just there in the setting. Still, this was a light, lovely read that I think a lot of manga readers will enjoy.
Finally, the art is stunning, and the setting is so cozy. Not to mention that the food looks absolutely delicious! I look forward to reading more from this author.
Content warnings for some internalized homophobia and on page sexual content.
*Thank you Independent Publishers Group (LOVE x LOVE) and NetGalley for the ARC*
October 21, 2022
ONE OF MY FAVORITE BL ONE SHOTS OMGOMGOMG!
THERES SUGAR, THERES SPICE, AND EVERYTHING NICE (๑>ᗜºั) These are a few of my favorite things EVER
Sweets, unrequited love, pink hair, and a love triangle. Or maybe a love circle? I love I love I love. ~( °٢° )~
THERES SUGAR, THERES SPICE, AND EVERYTHING NICE (๑>ᗜºั) These are a few of my favorite things EVER
Sweets, unrequited love, pink hair, and a love triangle. Or maybe a love circle? I love I love I love. ~( °٢° )~
November 9, 2021
This was cute but would've needed either tighter storytelling or more chapters. It ended rather suddenly after the love square got solved, kind of. Unfortunately the Kyosuke thread was completely left dangling so it didn't add much, I was just left feeling bad for him.
June 3, 2021
Both guys are so adorable, I wish glasses got himself a side story 🙁
February 18, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley and TokyoPop for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
First of all, I have to come clean and say that the cover made me want to read this manga. There's strawberries! I love strawberries. It's one of my favorite fruits. It's a tasty looking cover, so of course, I had to request a copy based on that alone;
Katakoi Lamp is a sweet slice of life, boys love story about a so called unrequited love between Kazuto, a young coffee shop runner, and Jun, a college student. There's nothing special about the story, except one thing. Cuteness all over. One is a natural cutie, while the other is falling for his cuteness, turning himself into a sweet bean. It's adorable! That's the series best selling point!
The characters are alright. I think everyone was likeable, which I appreciate. Sometimes, it happens to be that one character that'd annoy me, but not this time. I got to say, I liked Jun most. He's so cute. I think the art has a "fault" to that, especially when he's drawn like a chibi, a little squirrel. I want to keep him in my pocket. ♥ Kazuto was nice too. I was glad to see that he's not forcing himself on Jun, and he's considerate of his feelings. But! Poor Kazuto's friend, Something about that bothered me though. I can't really say what, because that'll mean spoilers. Anyway, it was a short, very sweet and light hearted read overall. I enjoyed it.
Story rating: ★★☆☆☆
Characters: ★★★☆☆
Art style: ★★★★☆
Rating overall: ⭐⭐⭐/5
First of all, I have to come clean and say that the cover made me want to read this manga. There's strawberries! I love strawberries. It's one of my favorite fruits. It's a tasty looking cover, so of course, I had to request a copy based on that alone;
Katakoi Lamp is a sweet slice of life, boys love story about a so called unrequited love between Kazuto, a young coffee shop runner, and Jun, a college student. There's nothing special about the story, except one thing. Cuteness all over. One is a natural cutie, while the other is falling for his cuteness, turning himself into a sweet bean. It's adorable! That's the series best selling point!
The characters are alright. I think everyone was likeable, which I appreciate. Sometimes, it happens to be that one character that'd annoy me, but not this time. I got to say, I liked Jun most. He's so cute. I think the art has a "fault" to that, especially when he's drawn like a chibi, a little squirrel. I want to keep him in my pocket. ♥ Kazuto was nice too. I was glad to see that he's not forcing himself on Jun, and he's considerate of his feelings. But! Poor Kazuto's friend, Something about that bothered me though. I can't really say what, because that'll mean spoilers. Anyway, it was a short, very sweet and light hearted read overall. I enjoyed it.
Story rating: ★★☆☆☆
Characters: ★★★☆☆
Art style: ★★★★☆
Rating overall: ⭐⭐⭐/5
June 19, 2021
The art was very cute and pretty, but I didn't find the story to be very satisfying. The characters seemed unnatural, meaning, they react in ways no one really does in the real world, which personally disconnected me from the story. The characters had little to no development besides the obvious: Jun becoming more comfortable and opening up. On another note, there was buildup for them to be together, making it seem like it was going to be very hard for them to be together, but it happened way too easily, if that makes sense.
Kyosuke and Hisahara have no development or interesting ending/ cliffhanger to show what happens to them, which I would be fine with if they were background characters, but they played a role in the main story, so it bothers me that they don't get their own "ending." The story just seemed a little thrown together and unpolished, though it wasn't bad.
Kyosuke and Hisahara have no development or interesting ending/ cliffhanger to show what happens to them, which I would be fine with if they were background characters, but they played a role in the main story, so it bothers me that they don't get their own "ending." The story just seemed a little thrown together and unpolished, though it wasn't bad.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2021
[rating = A-]
This was just so adorable. Taking place in a cafe, the owner Kazuto crushes on a regular customer (as in he comes in a lot, not that he's basic), Jun. However, conflict ensues when Kazuto tries to help Jun go out with a waitress instead of opening up about his own feelings. Also, Kazuto's roommate, a model, gets involved with this snafu and the plot moves on from there. Though I like the straightforward nature of the story, there could have been a little more to it. Especially when Jun gets jealous near the end. Otherwise, it is a perfectly sweet manga about miscommunication and learning to be in love.
This was just so adorable. Taking place in a cafe, the owner Kazuto crushes on a regular customer (as in he comes in a lot, not that he's basic), Jun. However, conflict ensues when Kazuto tries to help Jun go out with a waitress instead of opening up about his own feelings. Also, Kazuto's roommate, a model, gets involved with this snafu and the plot moves on from there. Though I like the straightforward nature of the story, there could have been a little more to it. Especially when Jun gets jealous near the end. Otherwise, it is a perfectly sweet manga about miscommunication and learning to be in love.
June 22, 2021
I’ll never get tired of the romcom in the coffee-shop trope and I might be a bit biased but this BL was absolutely adorable. The drawing style was beautiful too and overall, it had a nice story telling –though, it’s nothing new for those who are used to read BL like myself.
The boss falls for a client (though the guy is a bit younger than him), he befriends him and later on, they end up dating. They’re kinda new at this “dating” thing but that makes them even cuter –first times at anything are always fun to explore.
The boss falls for a client (though the guy is a bit younger than him), he befriends him and later on, they end up dating. They’re kinda new at this “dating” thing but that makes them even cuter –first times at anything are always fun to explore.
September 6, 2025
Cute! 3.5 stars rounded up. Usually find slow-burn love triangle/square situations too messy but I’m glad I stuck this one out since it was a single volume because it ended up being really cute. Love the cafe setting, the gloomy bestie, and the fact that the MMC is a kind of a himbo 🤭
December 7, 2025
I don’t think this genre is for me, though I’ve given it a good college try.
Slightly sweet at the start, but turned quite manipulative and not very endearing. Only recognisable trait being ‘cute’ isn’t enthralling to read
Slightly sweet at the start, but turned quite manipulative and not very endearing. Only recognisable trait being ‘cute’ isn’t enthralling to read
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March 17, 20210-0
>^<
>^<
July 18, 2024
cute one shot, the art is nice and setting in the café is cute as well. it’s not really memorable but just a fun relaxed read
July 28, 2024
Very cute but also nothing standoutish ~ a light fluffy read.
February 25, 2022
I think this story was really cute but I don’t like the way the treated the best friends confession it’s was basically pointless to the story. I also don’t like how the main character pushed his friends feelings away but continued to go to him for relationship advice, he basically told him he had no other choice but to still be friends with him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 3, 2021
Cute and I was actually surprised by the amount of steaminess compared to other manga that have an M rating....
The story is sweet and wholesome with a bit of a love square just to increase the angst.
The story is sweet and wholesome with a bit of a love square just to increase the angst.
March 12, 2021
Katakoi Lamp is a simple and focused BL using the coffee shop prompt that shippers love to use. Focused with its small cast of four characters, every chapter centers on the main relationship making for a story where nothing feels rushed (well except for the lewd). I like this setup as most single volume BL usually only dedicate three or so chapters to the cover couple leaving the rest of the volume for one shots that are often hit or miss. In any case, I consider Katakoi Lamp to be a simple story because, using its prompt, it is easily a story that feels like a writers first BL (it isn’t). I say this only because the lewd scenes are rather condensed and basic, also, they don’t even get undressed even in the hot springs, so…yeah. The writer, humble of course, says there is room for improvement, but they liked the story, and so did I.
That said, I will probably always remember this story as the straight main character falls for the straight guy that is crushing on him, or actually not, is packed with really cute moments. Miss Understanding is here and ever present and makes for some great moments. And lastly, the story is full of heart. I’m a sucker for pretend dates and I loved that the most.
Otherwise, definitely check this out if you want to smile and feel warm inside from the cute characters and their cute friendship.
That said, I will probably always remember this story as the straight main character falls for the straight guy that is crushing on him, or actually not, is packed with really cute moments. Miss Understanding is here and ever present and makes for some great moments. And lastly, the story is full of heart. I’m a sucker for pretend dates and I loved that the most.
Otherwise, definitely check this out if you want to smile and feel warm inside from the cute characters and their cute friendship.
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