I don't like abusive, dog-blood drama, and weak characterization. I don't like Imbalanced Couple where the Seme/Gong is too Overbearing. I don't like weak, femininized, Uninteresting/Lackluster Uke, or bratty/silly Shou whose IQ drop drastically when encountering the Gong.  ... more>>

So these are a few novels with good plots, and mainly consist of interesting MC and good ML I strongly recommend. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE NOVELS IN THIS LIST IS RANDOMLY LISTED WITHOUT FIXED RANKING, and also these are only novels that I HAVE READ. 
This list will randomly be updated if I find another worth noting novel. <<less

The title says it all. BLs with a healthy power dynamic (mostly, since those are pretty rare), well-developed leads, great storylines, almost no unhealthy and unrealistic characterisations like yandere MLs or MCs with questionable IQs. Some exceptions are there, though; I've added the novels I liked despite them having somewhat yandere character(s).... more>>

I've added all the novels that checked off most of the boxes and noted everything I might have liked/disliked about those novels while reading. 

The rankings on each novel don't really matter (except for the ones at the beginning). Don't forget the ones at the bottom, although they're the ones I personally didn't like much! But you might!  <<less

These novels are ranked according to the amount of readers they have. If you're suprised by the ranking, then trust me, I'm also suprised to begin with lmao. I thought some novels, such as 2ha and Silent Reading (because I hear about them EVERYWHERE), would rank a bit higher but the number of readers said otherwise. ... more>>

Not sure about Silent Reading, but in 2ha's case I believe it could be because, compared to other higher-ranked novels (like The Legendary Master's Wife, Quickly Wear the Face of the Devil etc etc), it's pretty new and once its popularity sky-rocketed, it got published with eng translations and the fan translation was removed, so about 40% of readers of this novel probably bought the novel instead of reading it on NU — which is why they didn't add it to their reading list and those readers weren't counted.  <<less

2023 updated list bio:
variety of genres, including but not limited to: historical, sci-fi, unlimited flow(thriller/horror), xianxia/wuxia/xuanhuan, (e)sports, mystery, psychological, supernatural, slice of life, school life, comedy, transmigration. PLOT HEAVY>>>... more>>

enjoy relatively balanced power dynamics between the two leads - especially in the more enemies to lovers novel e.g. ML insanely obsessive paired with a MC who knows his worth and will beat the sh*t out of ML if he tries anything weird

⚠️ NO MPREG, NO “UWU” MC, NO SEME PROTAGONIST, NO SHITTY TRANSLATION, NO BELOW 4.2 STARS

recs are welcomed!

notw: most reviews r very old and cringe… sorry <<less

Novels that I have been following for quite some time. The crème de la crème of BL. I sifted through numerous novels to find these... more>> diamonds in the- okay enough analogies... <<less

[NOT RANKED]... more>>

I'm tired of the double standards, third parties, unnecessary drama, scumbags etc. This list features extremely devoted couple! 1v1 HE. Totally safe to read. 

Gong (Seme) and Shou(Uke) are each others first & only s*xual partner; first & only love.  (Either it's explicitly mentioned, mentioned by the author, mentioned between the lines, or assumed in some cases if no other partners/ prior experience is mentioned). No exes, cinnabar moles, substitutes etc. 

No other partners in case of a seperation or breakup. 

No getting r*ped/ assaulted/ kissed/ mol*sted by passerbys or supporting leads. No love triangles or leading others on. If there's a harem it should be dismissed by the end. If either Gong or Shou are actors, then they should be the type that doesn't do intimate scenes. 

No kids involving other women (surrogacy). No marriage of convenience with other woman. 

P.S I only have requirements for the main cp. 

********************************
I'll try my best to eventually mark the details...

PART 2: https://www.novelupdates.com/viewlist/80741/ <<less

All of these are, IMO, must-reads. Hands-down some of the best novels here. I've also included my own personal ratings and opinions of each of these novels. Well-written stories, great plots, characters, etc. I have relatively high standards for these to be my favorites, so these are all really high quality. I can't recommend them enough! coincidentally, all of them also have very high ratings (4.3-4.8)... more>>

Actively being updated. I haven't finished writing reviews/ratings for all of them yet, but I will in time. Meant to be ordered by highest personal ratings -> lowest personal ratings, but haven't had time to fix it yet. These are also my own opinions and feelings regarding each novel, so they won't be particularly eloquent, and you can definitely disagree. It's just me rambling.

Also added some ones I haven't read but will read and I know i will love. Feel free to recommend any danmei too!

...somehow, this also turned into a list of danmei I also want to read, not just a review of the ones I've read. I really can't control myself from looking for good danmei. Though, I'm sure I'll get to reviewing all of these someday <<less

all the novels that have a special place in my heart - in no particular order. Keep in mind that I am a very very... more>> picky reader but I often go back and reread these wayyy too many times to be healthy. These are all just gems and must-reads you have to know- there’s angst (hardcore and softcore along with stuff that made me ugly sob with hiccups), there’s downright fluff(some of them literally bleed fluff), there’s some that I read just for the plot( YES PLOT IS A TANGIBLE THING IN MOST OF THESE) and some that are just orgasmically dopamine filled. Disclaimer- like 4-5 of these are pretty hardcore so if you’re uncomfortable with yandere, dubcon, kinda~in*est, bd*m (READ THE TAGS ALWAYS) etc Just take it with a grain of salt but like it’s only a few out of this huge list. I hope you enjoy! <<less

A list with some of the best BL novels you'll find out here on NU.... more>>

 It's a mix of historical, modern, futuristic, interstellar or even apocalyptic novels. My list recommends novels that are rich in romance with a good plot to follow up. Some have more serious plots while others are just there for a hearty laugh or cuteness overload. 

[ Relationships between MC n ML are healthy and equal {we don't stan toxicity under this roof!} ] -expect minimum misunderstandings.

look forward to QT, World hopping, Transmigration, Rebirth, second-chance even body swap... //0w0//

these novels definitely won't disappoint, only please remember to check tags (a must!) and even reviews from other readers...also if a novel is not to your taste please refrain from leaving low ratings *>-<

let's interact thru the comment section! you can suggest some of your fav BL's that are not on the list and ill gladly check them out! Follow my list to be updated every time I add novels to the list (usually a bunch at a time) 

Thankyou! <<less

Tried to find some top rated BL to read after LMW, but novels were all over the place, so here goes my attempt at collating them into one list.... more>>

Lowest rating will be 4.4 at that time of collation. Won't be ranked from highest to lowest. I will add novels as I find them.

Origin: No comment - haven't read it yet.    ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ - read it.     ✔️ - liked.    ✔️✔️ - super liked.   ✔️✔️✔️ - in love.

Part 2 - https://www.novelupdates.com/viewlist/18634/ <<less

LIST 1 - 10 ARE THE TOP 10 NOVELS I’VE READ. FYI, my standards are exquisite, meticulous and flawless. You can trust my list. ... more>>

SO FAR, I HAVEN’T READ THE REST AFTER #11 BUT THIS LIST GENERALLY HAS GOOD REVIEWS AND ABOVE 4 STAR RATINGS. 

#ANTI BRAINDEAD MCs ALLIANCE. 
#SOME ARE BL

#HANDSOME MALE PROTAGONISTS <<less

My comments and ratings on the BEST BL out there that I've read over the past 5 years.  Completed as of January 2024 and will start part 2 list soon. ... more>>

I have a soft spot for strong MCs, unusual relationship dynamics, plotty action, and a well-developed side character cast. I tend to prefer feel-good stories over dark, overly complex ones. These stories don't have everything I like, but they're all great for at least one aspect. 4/5 = like it, 5/5 = love it! MXTX novels not included because they are classics. 

Let me know what you think or if you have MTL recommendations! <<less

Just a bunch of reccs :) please beware of the TW for some novels! The novels in this list are mainly on the angsty side and some fluff. Contains both historical and modern day novels. Some novels in this list are completed while some are close to being completed OR i MTL’d them and thought they were good. ... more>>

PS; i actively try to avoid things that portray characters as ‘small and innocent and childish’ (they usually describe the shou like this) so this list may not have novels like that! <<less

!PLEASE READ!:    
ORDER: Alphabetical... more>>

Go check @sonialu 's list < Impression? Quality? Worthy? Check. >  To see summaries for these books. 
All types of genres in here (mostly horror, thriller, mystery, Romance) 

Rest assured my dear action fans 

There might be some BL novels included.  A LOT but don't worry there is also BG, GL ... if i can find it

~.~ !   

There is a lot of BL at first, but keep going and you'll see BG and GL ( if i can find it ) <<less

Note: All novels are rated above 4* and you can be rest assured to find some hidden gems here >o^... more>>

Okay, let's be realistic everyone~ ^v^ Human beings are not of the same mold, shape or size hence everyone's bound to have different preferences in some kind of form. Therefore, here I dutifully present to you my collection of novels that have had made the most impression on me and I can only hope that you may find THE ONE from this list.

PS. I personally love good quality reads that has a decent plot line and good character developments, as well as great translation work lest I have to destroy my brain cells haha Xd <<less

This list contains the novels that i whole-heartedly enjoyed, which isn´t easy to find since I´m a very picky reader. I love novels that wrecks... more>> my emotions. Not a fan of dumb, weak, naive MC´s and prefer novels with  3-dimensional characters. I abhor paper-thin cannon fodders and shallow romance with uneven relationships.  Hope you like my list! <<less

Bl novel with unique character designs, amazing romance and great plot.... more>>

My filters are,

1. Smart characters 

2. Unique or not boring relationship

3. Amazing plot

Even though one had downgrade but other two got hight points, I will still recommend them. But if the characters, specifically main characters are dump, 'high kick to the out of space.jpg'. <<less

For personal reference/rereading. Mostly plot focus & serious favs, with solid writing/characterisations/overarching plot. Any pairings (mostly bl/het), but not many harem/stallion novels. Mostly CN/KR novels for dialogue. Roughly sorted, many genres, no/low spoilers.... more>>

I prefer wuxia over xianxia, tragedy over fluff, etc. Some less serious/non-plot-focused novels included/marked for their definitive traits.
Personal genre/trait favs: comedy, tragedy, historical, mystery, psychological, scifi, realistic, mature, bittersweet, wuxia, delinquents, strategies/war, empire building, betrayal, food.   <<less

haven't read this all BUT this is basically my ongoing list so this is also for me as well HAHA ヾ(*'▽'*) these are very well-recommended... more>> to me so I wanna share these to you guys!!! (⌒ω⌒)ﾉ ps: i'm not really sure if this is ACTUALLY underrated but i just haven't seen that much people talk about this so here you go!!! | 4.5 stars and above and in NO particular order <<less

The rank is unsorted some r rlly good some r just for passing/doesn't leave any much remarks/ very enjoyable/Classic types... more>>

I'm excluding the ones I read from flying Line Novels except for some Novels

UF (This means I haven't read it/I haven't finish reading it/Currently reading)

P.S the current list you're seeing is not every BL I've read, I haven't added the others because this is all I can come up with ATM/there r incomplete ones that I don't feel like adding/ something that I just don't really feel like adding <<less

No description.

I would sell my soul to read these again the first time, they're all absolutely top tier. The first time readers should cherish their first read. The genres are mixed though, there's unlimited flow, xianxia, historical, etc. The novels I added here are 9-10/10 ... more>>

Orders of stories are random. <<less

A series of BL novels with varying plots and subgenres! Fluff, unlimited flow, xianxia, historical, quick transmigration, transmigration, supernatural, slow romance, comedy, mature (in terms of thinking and actions), etc. ... more>>

Minimal amount of angst and dogblood (if there's even any) (￣▽￣* )ゞ

Edit: I may have taken a bit of a liking towards angst nowadays... only a little. ( ˘︹˘ )

BL's I REALLY LIKE based on my own preference, and *coughs* I don't like s*upid MC's (*￣▽￣*)

Personally, I like MC's and ML's to have equal footing in terms of their overall personality, I don't like delicate shou tropes that much. 

And in my own, very subjective opinion, these novels have really good plots, or at least most of their logic is in the bounds of normal human logic. 

Note: Novels are not sorted according to rank, just depends on what I remembered first _(:3」∠)_ <<less

Wuxia, xianhuan, xianxia has some of the best danmei. While it may be hard to grasp at first if you’re not familiar with the setting, I highly recommend you try it out! (This was me when i read victorian steampunk for the first time)... more>>

I’ve tried to include everything: Healthy, power couple; character development; intriguing plots.

Would appreciate recs as well!

—will update— <<less

you could be insane and happy and have a good life without being like everybody else