Embracing Love Vol. 2by Sheena McNeilReviews may contain information that could be considered 'spoilers'. Readers should proceed at their own risk.
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Credits Grade: 9 Youka Nitta sure knows how to keep things interesting, and how to spice up an already dangerously tantalizing story. Iwaki comes to realize his feelings for Katou are growing, and Katou is determined to make Iwaki fall for him, but many obstacles are in his way. First, Katou moves in and then refuses to make love to Iwaki, trying to get him to release the pent up tension himself. Then, Katou's sister gets married and invites them to the wedding, but Katou's father is not happy about his gay, porn-star son being there — quite a shock to Katou, and it brings up issues with Iwaki as he has been cut off from his own family for what he does. Then, there's the rumor of Katou having a female lover overseas. Iwaki shuts him out and it's up to a signicant third party to bring them back together. Finally, Kikuchi, an older porn star who was shunned for his being in a gay relationship, returns to try and stir things up by making some moves on Iwaki. Each segment turns up the heat in this steamy yaoi, and with every passing incidence, Iwaki melts a little more.It is amazing to me that out of all of BeBeautiful's yaoi titles, Embracing Love is the one more blatanty about sex (as the main characters are porn stars), but has one of the strongest stories. This second volume really ties you to both Iwaki and Katou emotionally as well as sensually because Youka Nitta knows how to create characters that are real and complex and knows how to convey their emotions, and distresses visually like a true manga master. Embracing Love ranks right up there with Kizuna for quality of story, characters, and art. The sex scenes have real passion behind them. Some are intimate, others needful, and some are there so these guys can physically prove a point or make a statement to one another. Yes, the sex is there to satisfy all of us yaoi-lovin' fans, but with Katou and Iwaki it also seems to serve a purpose in furthering or creating their relationship. Nitta uses viewpoint angles to her advantage in every scene, but especially these. The most powerful aspect of her art though is the eyes. They are relatively simple and small by typical manga standards, but are perfect for her characters — the smaller size and correct shape add to the realism and the expressions and emotions of the characters are conveyed so clearly and magnificently. You will definitely remember these eyes. Far from your average fluff, Embracing Love will have you begging for more. This second volume has truly captured my attention, and I can't wait to read more as Nitta hints at the end that Iwaki may yet become the seme (top). Written: February 16, 2006
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