Naptime of the Gods

*I received an eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Image & summary from NetGalley*

Pride Reads 2026, Day 6: What If I Said, "I Love You"?

A pure childhood friends-to-lovers BL series with detailed, cute, and dynamic artwork, perfect for fans of Love on the Horizon, My Summer of You, and Sasaki and Miyano.

As kids, Kazuho and Tokio were close enough to give each other piggyback rides. But now, in high school, a gulf has opened between them—one that’s carrying them further and further apart. It’s a distance Kazuho is keeping on purpose, to keep from revealing the new feelings for Tokio that have been growing in his heart. But one day, Kazuho falls asleep in class, those feelings come spilling out—and it’s all Tokio’s fault…

This is so cute! The art is lovely and the characters have such a sweet bond. I love reading about childhood friends who are close growing up and then fall for each other. Kazuho loves Tokio so deeply but feels like he has to keep his distance, especially when Tokio continues the physical closeness they had as children. Each page is filled with yearning and longing looks, all of it captured in a beautiful art style. I'm looking forward to reading more of this series!

Pride Reads 2026, Day 5: The Metalhead Next Door

This manga is sooooo good!!! I adore the style and characters, they're so pretty! The story is super sweet and left me feeling happy and light. It's about two young men: Kento, a grad student studying early education, and Soshi, a pastry chef who loves metal. They meet when Kento nearly dies of exposure at their apartment building and Soshi saves him. From there the two bond over meals and become friends. Soshi struggles to speak, and Kento is keeping his sexuality a secret from his new friend. Quietly, in the background, their bond deepens into more than friendship...