Romantic Reads for Valentine's Day! 💘

Valentine's Day is this coming Sunday, and here at Yen Press, we're in the mood for romance! Here are some of our favorite manga and light novels about ~love~ to heal your heart and feed your soul. ❤️

Sasaki and Miyano, Vol. 1
By Syou Harusono

Miyano loves reading BL manga. When a chance encounter brings the "bad boy" Sasaki into his life, Miyano finds that he's sharing this unconventional hobby...and oblivious that his life has become a BL story, itself! This is a sweet romance that promises to be big on the "awwww!"-factor, especially with its lovely artwork.

Golden Japanesque - A Splendid Yokohama Romance -, Vol. 1
By Kaho Miyasaka

In Meiji-era Japan, Maria's blonde hair and blue eyes are considered strange -- so much so that she blackens her hair and always looks down. Until she meets Rintarou, whose exposure to Western influence means he's a little more open-minded -- and thinks she's beautiful! With classic shojo art and delicious romantic drama, this is a perfect tale to set your heart aflutter!

Mint Chocolate, Vol. 1
By Mami Orikasa

Ah, the appeal of forbidden romance! Nanami's mother is recently remarried, and Nanami learns that here new step-brother...is the hot guy at school she's been crushing on?! Now under the same roof, the two need to get along as siblings, but that's easier said than done as they keep getting under each other's skin. Thus begins a tense story of will-they/won't they that's sure to leave you on the edge of your seat!

The Girl Without a Face
By tearontaron

Who knew yokai romance could be so wholesome? Noppeko is a nopperabou, a yokai without a face. This lack of features doesn't stop her devoted boyfriend from finding her utterly charming, however -- and readers are sure to feel the same way! This one isn't out until later in February, but if you need a healthy dose of the warm fuzzies, this standalone manga is for you!

Horimiya, Vol. 1
By HERO, Daisuke Hagiwara

Hard-working, popular Hori is totally different at home than at school; she cleans, she cooks, and she cares for her little brother -- totally domestic! Quiet, gloomy Miyamura also has an after school secret self -- a pierced, tattooed cool-guy demeanor that he doesn't show anyone. When a chance encounter outside school kicks off an unlikely friendship, these two teens will find themselves changing for the better, and bringing their friends along for the ride. With an incredible anime adaptation airing right now, Horimiya is a timely tale of teenage love!

Strawberry Fields Once Again, Vol. 1
By Kazura Kinosaki

What would you do if the new girl at school came up to you and told you that she came from the future, where she's your lover? It's certainly something game-loving Akira Kouno never imagined. She's content to spend all her time playing games, but Pure Sakurasaka has appeared with romance on her mind. Unsure of where this will all lead, Akira reluctantly agrees to friendship with this strange newcomer. This is a sweet yuri story with an interesting sci-fi twist, keeping things interesting!

Unnamed Memory, Vol. 1 (light novel)
By Kuji Furumiya, chibi

We would be remiss if we didn't include some light novel love in this round-up! Poor Oscar is cursed; the woman who becomes his wife is fated to die. In the hopes of breaking this curse, Oscar seeks out Tinasha, the Witch of the Azure Moon. Upon meeting her, he is mesmerized by her beauty and, hopeful that her incredible magic power will protect her, suggests she marry him instead! Tinasha isn't so sure, but agrees to live with him for a year while researching his terrible curse. It seems like a classic romance set-up, but Tinasha has some dark secrets of her own.... For the fantasy romance lover, it's hard to get any better than Unnamed Memory!

Adachi and Shimamura, Vol. 1 (manga)
By Hitoma Iruma, Moke Yuzuhara

First love is complicated, even moreso if you're not sure if the other person likes you back. When does friendship become something more? How do you navigate all these confusing feelings? This is a great series for anyone who loves a thoughtful yuri story, and it's available at the end of February!

I Cannot Reach You, Vol. 1
By Mika

To keep the love going beyond Valentine's Day, you should absolutely check out I Cannot Reach You, available in March. Kakeru and Yamato are best friends, and have been for ages. They're so different in so many ways, and Kakeru is convinced that includes their feelings for each other. How can Kakeru possibly let Yamato know his true feelings when he believes he's not worthy of his amazing best friend? Enjoy the sweet, sweet heartache of (possibly) unrequited love in this upcoming BL series!

❤️

We here at Yen Press hope you have a lovely Valentine's Day, no matter your relationship status. Remember, we love you!

Happy Reading!