Secret xxx is the debut manga of Meguru Hinohara, both in Japan and in North America, and I think I may have just found myself a new favourite to add to my list of top Boys Love mangaka!
Synopsis:
Since Shohei’s father is a zoo keeper and his mother is a vet, he grew up surrounded by rare and exotic animals of all types, but the animal that he loves beyond all others is the gentle and fluffy rabbit. Too bad that this is also the only animal that he’s allergic to! Despite this, Shohei starts volunteering at a pet store that specializes in rabbits while keeping his allergy a secret from the store’s manager, the sweet and handsome Mito, whom he has a major crush on. Shohei is desperate to keep Mito from discovering the truth about his allergies, as he doesn’t want to be barred from working at the shop and lose his only means to see Mito and his beloved bunnies. He reasons that, if he just doesn’t touch the rabbits or stay in the store for too long, he should be able to keep up the ruse, but, as the days go by, it becomes harder and harder for Shohei to keep the truth of his allergies, and his feelings for Mito, a secret.
Review:
Secrets, and their damaging effects, are the main focus of this adorable and extremely sexy manga. Poor Shohei’s life would have been so much easier if he’d just come clean about his allergies from the start. Seriously, the silly goose wasn’t even taking antihistamines to help with the symptoms! Likewise, Mito keeps secrets regarding his tragic background and checkered dating history from Shohei because he worries about losing Shohei’s good opinion. In both instances, a weight is lifted off our protagonists’ shoulders when their secrets are exposed and they can finally start dealing with their problems instead of worrying about keeping things hidden. They’re also able to finally make progress in their love lives when they’re no longer hiding things from each other. It’s a simple and straight-forward, but sweet, message that perfectly suits Hinohara’s light-hearted storytelling.
Despite their propensity to complicate their lives unnecessarily by keeping secrets that didn’t need to be secret, Mito and Shohei are an easy couple of root for – they’re both kind people and are very caring with each other, though, amusingly, Mito turns out to be more assertive in bed then Shohei had been expecting, based on his delicate appearance. Luckily, Shohei is pretty into it. Oh, and did I mention that their sex scenes are hot and explicit? ‘Cus they are!
The supporting cast in this manga is also a riot. Shohei’s older brother was recently dumped and spends the whole book having an emotional meltdown and drunkenly crying his eyes out in drag bar. Meanwhile, Mito’s protective, younger brother, a trouble-making pretty-boy with a bad attitude, initially spends all his time messing with Shohei and trying to sabotage his relationship with Mito, only to be won over by Shohei’s clear devotion to his brother. He remains a smart-ass jerk, but becomes surprisingly helpful after that, seeming to possess a preternatural sense of when his brother needs him. These two characters apparently have a sequel series focused on their relationship, which I’m very interested in reading. Shohei’s parents are also great and there’s a touching storyline that focuses on Shohei’s relationship to his mother in the later chapters. The real stars of the manga, however, are, of course, the adorable bunnies and Shohei’s family pets. They’re all just too cute! Seriously, I wanted a bunny myself after reading this.
Secret xxx is a funny and romantic romp that manages to be equal parts heart-warming and erotic. I had a great time reading this and am looking forward to picking up the spin-off series, Therapy Game, when it’s released.
Final Score: 8.5 out of 10
For more information on this manga, visit SuBLime Manga’s website: https://www.sublimemanga.com/reader/791
What did you think of this manga? Who else is looking forward to the spin-off? Let me know in the comments! You can also check out some of my other recent BL manga reviews:
- Cherry Magic! Thirty Years Of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard?! Vol 1 Review
- Manga Mini Reviews (Caste Heaven Vol 1, Deko-Boko Sugar Days & The Conditions of Paradise)
- Given Vol 1 Review
- Liquor & Cigarettes Review
Al's Manga Blog 
This looks really cute! When I read the title, I thought this was going to be mindless smut, but it sounds like it really has some nice character interactions both romantic and familial.
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