--"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

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

Ancient or Cultivation BL reads that will make you feel you didn't waste your time. This list is apart of a series classified by genre; other lists of this series include Thriller/Action, Fluff, and Modern/Transmigration novels. I tried to include both known and unknown novels to give more diversity to the reading list. Honest note--not a big fan of ancient settings. I've judged quality by reviews and seeming plot. ... more>>

So what is my subjective version of a quality BL of this list?

-No/little plot holes & well developed plot

Capable MC and ML  (not aggravatingly s*upid and knows when to respect each other but also put their foot down at the right moments). 

 -Lasting impression. I made this list by memory so if it's not on here...Chances are it's not worth remembering for the list.

-Makes me think--especially applies to this genre since I usually read this genre for the court schemes and palace intrigues. 

-Make me cry, laugh, yell or gasp. Perhaps all at the same  time. 

*****I have also included BL novels that have high expectations from me. The higher the expectations, the higher the stars. Hence, "***, **, *."

PS. Novels I've read are the only ones rated according to number. The rest (unread) are just listed randomly.

 PSS. There are always exceptions on this list that don't fit the requirements. But it's not bad to explore out of your comfort zone.  <<less

These are the novels which has good plotline and smex scenes. I have included short novels as well if their is a considerable plot. (Some novels even after having just 10 chapters can have good plotline)... more>>

Degree varies; whether the scenes are detailed or not is mentioned

I personally prefer such novels where 'willing' physical intimacy is also shown. So descriptions are based on my likeness to the relationship.

Consent.is.Important. 

I have only included the ones I have read.

If you have novel recommendation(s) please comment.

Note : Novels which are not available on novelupdates can be found in comment box. <<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

BL Cultivation... more>>

These heartless Shizuns! Oblivious to romantic feelings because they're too focused on cultivating! These evil and sinful disciples! Harboring unpure feelings towards their Shizuns!!! >A<

What the "smut" part means: If there is a "yes," that means there is at least one detailed/moderately described love scene.

Just a list because I need to get my sh*t together. Most importantly, I need to get my BL cultivation obsession sorted out.
Transmigration included, but no world hopping/quick transmigration. <<less

this list is for the novels that i've finished reading, that you might like and i want to recommend to you (i might include some that i couldn't finish because ...(╥⁠﹏⁠╥⁠))... more>>

note: you're safe here, not much angst cause my heart can't bare it

my ratings: no more ratings because your dear author is very lazy but everything here is perfect, amazing, good and decent. ╮⁠(⁠.⁠ ⁠❛⁠ ⁠ᴗ⁠ ⁠❛⁠.⁠)⁠╭ <<less

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

You're at the right place if... more>>

↬You're tired of: Non-con | Major power imbalance | Romanticisation of toxic, manipulative, and controlling behaviour. 

↬And you want: Novels that put emphasis on consent | Mutual respect, trust, and understanding between the main cp | Forehead pecks | Character development | Couple growth | Misunderstandings that get resolved through proper communication. 

・୨・┈・・┈・୨୧・┈・・┈・୧・

Please make sure to first check the tags on these novels before starting them though, as some of them talk about sensitive matters (Mistakenly Saving the Villain for example) 

Also, aside from Saye — which holds a special place in my heart, rest of the list isn't arranged by my personal preferences but rather the covers, as I like to keep my lists colour-coordinated. However, if you were to ask me, my favourite healthy relationships out of these would be — Saye, Mistakenly Saving the Villain, Restricted Area, Heaven Official’s Blessing, and To Rule in a Turbulent World.

・୨・┈・・┈・୨୧・┈・・┈・୧・

Please let me know if there's more novels with healthy relationships or if I accidentally added a novel which doesn't have one ( ˊᵕˋ ; ) <<less

Shoes are nice and comfy! ☺️  ... more>>

4.3 or higher!

Some shoes are uncomfortable, so read the tags!!

18+!!                     

Some have Plot+Smut, some only have smut.

I personally like Plot+Smut, so there’s more Plot+Smut. <<less

Since I don't have any new space in my former BL list, here is the new one!! ... more>>

I'll add every new novel that I've recently found and judged as an amazing one~  (人*´∀｀)｡*ﾟ+

PS: I like almost every genre, so I guess everyone can find something for themselves here haha <<less

The MCs of the list are comparatively active ones. They can be dense before the relationship like Wei Ying but they get enlightened sooner or later (≧▽≦).
They may or may not be the first one to fall in love.... more>>

It may sound weird but before reading 'Advance Bravely' novel I almost came to believe that in all the Chinese BL novels, One partner is always reluctant or passive; well it maybe noted that I haven't had read that many BL novels before it; this novel enlightened me.

I have only included the ones I have read.

If you have novel recommendation(s) please comment.

Note : Novels which are not available on novelupdates can be found in comment box. <<less

No toxicity. No frustrating 'lack of communication' couple. ... more>>

Note : Novels which are not available on novelupdates can be found in comment box. <<less

[Some of these I have not completed (or are ongoing) so the list is subject to CHANGE at ANY TIME]... more>>

Notes contain mini introductions of the MC (with information from the first few chapters) and what I like about them. I also add novels that have potential to be great reads with promising MCs. But if they repeatedly annoy me, they are off the list.

(Despite the continued list, I am still updating this rec list (as some are still ongoing, and some I have yet to add notes for). <<less

Going against heaven's will is no easy feat! ... more>>

Comments/feedback/criticism, all interactions welcome! <<less

This is a list of BL I found to be really good reads with small NU readership (<4000 readers), and/or few reviews. They usually feature one or more of the following:... more>>

1. Strong plot

2. Good characters/characterization

3. Power couple.

Most (but not all) are HE as well. I generally read more historical, but there will be others as well. The list will be slowly updated over time. I will also try to add comments or reasons to why I like the novel, especially to titles I didn't leave a review for already.

Additionally, while this generally a rec list, that doesn't mean that I will have glowing things to say about every single one of them. I will still have criticisms and complaints about things I didn't like about each of these.

Note: This is NOT a list of all BLs that I consider to be excellent (there are many I consider to be good reads but are much more well-read i.e. >6,000 readers, even). An absolutely favorite list might be posted separately at another time. <<less

No description.

Edit: I will no longer update this list. For more recommendations, please refer to my other list “golden collection”... more>>

Books I found  good enough to be called fantastic. Warning: Some books may have triggering/disturbing content. Please read the tags before reading. 

In no specific order. Ratings: 1-6 <<less

These are the novels which couple get together in first half of the novel or maybe already in a relationship.... more>>

No slow burn <<less

Just the ones that caught my eye or were recommended frequently. Will have to look into them later, so PLEASE NOTE that I have not vetted all of these or anything! Many are ongoing, but there are also quite a few that are completed.... more>>

This may be a good source for people who want some novels that are not typically suggested, which is exactly what I was looking for.  <<less

This is a continuation from my other list ah XD I reached the limit hehe

Really good novels that I would read again (HE only).

No description.

The mc and ml are each other's first love as well as sexual/intimate partners.No past relationships .No dogblood plot. No toxic and scummy characters. Some might have mpreg but others dont. Has a beautiful fairytale like romance or rather the kind that makes you not loose hope on pure , true love!^^ The books have virg*n ml and MC which is either directly mentioned through narration or through  character delivery or is vaguely mentioned from other party perspective . I have verified all the above standards strictly. Especially the first love tag ^^... more>>

(No ranking btw)

Check out part 2 as well~ <<less

As a sucker for cultivation novels, I felt creating this list as a must. This list include all the bl tag as Xianxia, Xuanhuan and Wuxia that I found here and picked my interest. Cultivation and martial arts, both present. ... more>>

I did not include those I've already read or I'm reading, though. So I listed some of them bellow for you in comments section 

There's a part 2! <<less