Chinese BL novels/manhuas  + some Korean manhwas/novels getting adapted to live action (that I've read/heard of/know of) in 2022 (and some are later)... more>>

Let's read them all before the adaptations are here~~~ 

(01/22 edit: ahaha it might be hard now cuz of that situation with the translators, but at least here's a list for (potential) adaptations) <<less

--"my most special person is you" feeling that goes both ways... more>>

-Dote on each other

-Actually COMMUNICATE with each other, like actual functioning human beings

-NO r*pe 

-We don't tolerate MCs or MLs who overstep boundaries

-Angst, only if it burns GOOD

-Place their trust in each other

-fluff all the wayyy

-It'll probably be sad how short this list might be

Someone once told me "Fluffy couples are boring. Isn't it much more interesting when they have drama and misunderstandings. Or when they both hate each other and their relationship is explosive" and I get the hype around that type of romance, but honestly, we need to start normalizing healthy and communicative relationships because it wasn't until I was 18 years old that I realized I've been reading a ton of abusive relationships (that authors painted off as romantic) and it was these FEW novels in this list that made me realize "this is what a loving relationship looks like, wtf have I been reading?" Plus, fluffy couples are not boring. There's a way to keep the reader intrigued; it's called plot. Personal recommendation: Governor's Illness. So many times I thought the protagonists would engage in a hate-love relationship, but they NEVER hold grudges against each other, even when it seemed like they were the cause of each other's issues. Instead, the writer is skilled and doesn't rely on petty drama. The plot itself is suspenseful. <<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

[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

Just BL without the stereotypical overbearing, abusive, rapist ML. Naturally they also have to be good reads (though this is subjective) to make this list. ... more>>

If you feel like something should or shouldn't be included in this list, let me know and I'll review the story in question. The books are in no particular order. <<less

basically e-sports / game related bl novels i've read + some personal opinion about the novel, biased, so don't take it seriously. your taste and... more>> mine might be completely different <<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

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

Because I'm picky.... more>>

Every unlimited flow novel I read is really just a desperate attempt to return to the way I felt reading Liar Game for the first time ten years ago. *lights up a cigarette and takes a long drag, staring vacantly out into the distance*

Note: A lot of titles have had their links removed from NU due to some recent concerns about copyright. I'm not entirely clear on the situation or when/if they'll be returned, but they are still out there to find if you want to read them although there are potentially hoops to jump through to get to the actual texts. Some of the novels are removed for other reasons, such as being officially licensed in English, and I've tried to make a note of those, although I haven't really kept up to date with the status of the super popular novels that are missing or marked incomplete like Husky and his Shizun (aka 2ha). I pretty much just assume that these are in the process of being licensed. If you want to read them, you can find them. <<less

(Updated: 11/23/23) BL novels make up a bottomless chasm that you can’t hope to get out of…... more>>

*No particular order; I don't like ranking*

**Part 2 of list is out**

My preferred taste is FLUFFY, but I also sport for the occasional angst & tearjerker novel. Modern stories are personally easier to digest. Historical or xianxia/cultivation stories are loaded with Chinese references & I can easily get lost. However, they can be very poetic & beautiful, which is why I bear the pain of treading carefully. Unlimited flow is a fun pastime at the cost of my brain cells.  <<less

I read sooo many novels but only a bit I can rate more than 4.5
So, this list consist the novels that I truly enjoy, definitely the stories with top notch plot and I love the characters. Or maybe an average plot but has its own uniqueness. Totally worthy my time to read them. Definitely with reread and recommend to anyone. ... more>>

Mostly consist of either one of them: mature leads, fantasy / action, slice of life, good world building

Not in specific rank.

Any recommendation is very WELCOME! <<less

Looking for HE a good chase without too much sidecar 

why do you even look for knife bro. treasure your life more. treasure your kokoro more. QAQ... more>>

Warning:
- I don't read BE (some might be BE-ish tho :haroldface:)
- I only add titles where I've experienced the knife, or know there would be knife for sure (ex: mudaoli's novel)
- degree of knife sharpness varies for each person. you might agree with this list, you might not. 
- I have low pain tolerance :haroldface: 

my scale of pain, ranged from 'not really hurts' to 'it haunts me every time I see kite': 
1-3: wooden rice spoon (getting hit by one hurts okay)
4-6: paper cut (hidden but suddenly you feel pain)
7-8: knife. be wary. 
9: you're almost ascending via 刀道
10: machete. you've already reached godhood of 刀道. congratulations.  <<less

Anger meter getting high up into the clouds inducing novels. How misunderstandings, miscommunications, hateful third parties are always in the mix. ML's need to STEP... more>> UP!!! The PLOT needs to be straightened!!! THINGS NEED TO BE SET STRAIGHT!!! Genres? Will add whatever genre, whatever language and whatever theme (more or less) so be open. ^^ <<less

Hiii guys these are the favt novels of mine among the others so far and if u guys have read any other good bl completely... more>> translated novels please comment it because now my reading list is almost emptyyyy <<less

Just some novels I have finished/currently reading and enjoyed them a lot! Hopefully you can find something new or share similar interest! (novels in no... more>> particular order) adding novels I plan to read. Let me know if any of those are good :) <<less

BL stories that have hooked my attention. Strong characters, good plot, and writing. [Part 1/2]
Part 2 of list has been started: Alluring BL Stories
Waiting for updates: Glory C.150... more>>

5/5 | LOVE the storyline and the translation. Will Re-read
4.5/5 | ADORE the storyline and the translation. Might Re-read
4/5 | Great Read. 
3.5/5 | Good Read. Some themes or translations might not be completely my cup of tea.
(Anything below won't be on this list) <<less

This list is Yaoi/BL set on modern times. ... more>>

Randomly sorted; not by rankings. 

This will be continuously updated.

Check out my other BL recommendation lists:

The following lists are sorted by GENRES

APOCALYPSE/SURVIVAL GAMES: https://www.novelupdates.com/viewlist/19710/?ft=yes
MATURE/ANGST/TRAGEDY: https://www.novelupdates.com/viewlist/19708/
TRANSMIGRATION: https://www.novelupdates.com/viewlist/19707/
CULTIVATION/XIANXIA/WUXIA: https://www.novelupdates.com/viewlist/19706/
E-SPORTS/ONLINE GAMES: https://www.novelupdates.com/viewlist/19705/
MODERN/FANTASY: https://www.novelupdates.com/viewlist/19704/ <<less

screened for maximum usage of your procrastination time... all of these r good and would highly recommend reading even when you're not procrastinating BUT if... more>> you are, you can guarantee you will be stressed out because you procrastinated but glad that you read these at least lmfao <<less

A compilation of Chrysanthemum Garden BL novels I've read or am currently reading.

I love all of these novels and I hope many other people also would. Some are well known, some less, but all have their charm. There is a variety of genres so I have noted the main theme/trope since different people like different kinds. Some of these I have already read several times and some I might have not finished yet so I'll just put a note their entry is tentative if I am not sure.... more>>

I generally prefer healthier relationship so if you are a dogblood lover you might not find yourself in these. But I also can't guarantee all the ones here are healthy either...

Of course, as with any lists... it is subjective opinion. You don't have to like what others do. But if you find at least one you want to pick up, I'm glad to have helped. I'll keep this updated as I read more.

Non-BL - https://www.novelupdates.com/viewlist/77777/ (That's where ORV is, as much as I would love to put it here, ehe. Wholly recommend that novel.)

Other good novels that just barely didn't make it to this list (mix of genres): https://www.novelupdates.com/viewlist/49840/

Memorable Short Stories (mix) - https://www.novelupdates.com/viewlist/55139/ (some are also in this or other lists) <<less

CN novels where the MC has disabilities or sickly characters, or past trauma. Novels for MLs are in a different list. Contains spoiler. ... more>>

BG/BL. Not much world hopping or historical novels. 

Feel free to recommend any others :D <<less

 It's too wide of a range to specify a particular type, just that they are all BL's. Most are completely translated, some aren't.