Elisa Rolle's Blog, page 2

Punks Triangle (2025)

 Punks Triangle is an absolute gem, a drama I'm already itching to rewatch—but I have to be honest, there's one tiny complaint that keeps me up at night: the drama was a total teaser that never delivered the promised spicy meal! Let's talk about the couple, Chiaki and AE/Enaga. They are, in a word, perfection. Everything about their dynamic is a masterpiece of opposites attracting. We have Chiaki, small, utterly cute, and timid, but with a heart big enough to encompass the world. Then there's AE/Enaga, tall, lean, sexy, and outgoing, yet endearingly clumsy and surprisingly lonely beneath that confident exterior. They truly clicked in the most perfect, beautiful way, and the sparks didn't just fly—they ignited a full-blown bonfire! For six glorious episodes, I was at the front row of this romantic journey, enjoying the most exquisite and perfect appetizers. Every longing glance, every accidental touch, every shared smile was a delicious finger bite. I was patiently waiting for the main course—that promised, dramatic spice! Then, the final moments of Episode 6 arrived, and the truth hit me: we just had one kiss. I couldn't help but smile sadly, because while it was an undeniably perfectly cute story, I realized the kitchen was closed and I wasn't getting any more. But here’s the thing, despite the lack of heat, I loved this ride! Even if the final payoff was just one perfect kiss, I’m already hitting 'play' to see the whole series again. Why? Because sometimes, you don't need the main course. When the appetizers are that good, when the chemistry is that captivating, and when the story is that charming, you can absolutely have a whole, satisfying meal made entirely of perfect finger bites. Punks Triangle is a sweet, beautiful, and highly recommended watch—just bring your own spice rack! HEA. You can watch on GagaOOLala. Heat Level: 3/6.

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Manga: amzn.to/43WGmvD

Heat Level:1/6: glances, caress, hugs, no kisses2/6: kisses, closed mouth or camera angles3/6: full kisses, clothes on4/6: full kisses, some clothes off, hands above the waist, pants stay on5/6: most clothes off, they have sex, but it’s masked, no sexy sounds6/6: full nudity mostly hidden by camera angles, they have sex, sexy sounds


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Peach Trap (2025)

 Peach Trap sets a delicious stage for a workplace/romantic drama, centering on the unexpectedly charming Yoo Do Ha. Our protagonist starts the series already reeling from a professional betrayal: he's been unjustly fired from his office job, framed by a colleague while his otherwise caring boss, Jeon Yeon Sang, couldn't save him. But Do Ha's bad day quickly takes a dramatic turn. He finds himself the unwitting centerpiece of a very compelling (and crowded) love quadrangle! The trio of suitors includes: Jeon Yeon Sang: His former, seemingly cold but secretly protective boss. Yeon Ha Ram: The charmingly playful and younger barista. Taek Gyeon: The steady, devoted, and long-time childhood friend. The dynamic among these four men is the show's main draw. Yet, this is exactly where Peach Trap ultimately lost me. The story sets up a clear contrast between the potential partners—some respectful and patient, and others, well, not so much. My frustration rests entirely on Yoo Do Ha's final choice. Throughout the drama, one character consistently showed patience, respect, and gave Do Ha the necessary space to process both his life events and his burgeoning feelings. This character, in my mind, was the clear and deserving frontrunner. However, the path Do Ha took felt strangely forced. He seemed to be swayed not by genuine emotional connection or mutual respect, but by the suitor who was the most forceful and demanding of his time and attention. When the final episode revealed Do Ha's pick, I was genuinely floored. My internal monologue was a loud, frustrated, "Wait... that jerk? After all that?" Yes, Peach Trap delivers what is technically a "happy ending," but it certainly wasn't the one I was rooting for. While the premise is intriguing and the initial setup of the four leads creates exciting tension, the ultimate resolution left me with a bitter taste. If you're looking for a BL where the protagonist chooses the kindest path, beware: this trap might leave you feeling slightly cheated. HEA. You can watch on GagaOOLala. Heath Level: 3/6.

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Heat Level:1/6: glances, caress, hugs, no kisses2/6: kisses, closed mouth or camera angles3/6: full kisses, clothes on4/6: full kisses, some clothes off, hands above the waist, pants stay on5/6: most clothes off, they have sex, but it’s masked, no sexy sounds6/6: full nudity mostly hidden by camera angles, they have sex, sexy sounds


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The Story of Bi Hyeong: Enchanted Master of the Goblin (2025)

 I've been wrestling with my thoughts on The Story of Bi Hyeong, and it boils down to a classic case of mixed feelings. This drama was, for the most part, an absolute delight, building up a fantastic world and dynamic characters... right up until the final two episodes. It genuinely felt like the screenwriter hit a wall and didn't know how to stick the landing, opting instead to abruptly chop major plot threads. We're left hanging on Geum Bok's attachment to his friends. Why does he still remember them when the established supernatural rules implied he should have forgotten? This crucial point is never clarified. Perhaps the most jarring was the Gil Dal and Ji Gwi relationship. Their intense breakup, fueled by Gil Dal's accusation of betrayal, is completely negated when they reunite as if nothing ever happened. There’s zero explanation, which completely undermines the emotional weight of their conflict. The culmination of these loose ends was an ending that felt less like a finale and more like a cliffhanger desperately setting up a second season. Given the rarity of S2 in the South Korean drama landscape (it's happened, but it's very unusual), it's highly likely we'll never get answers to these frustratingly open questions. Despite the weak conclusion, the drama's greatest strength—and the reason it's still worth watching—is the titular Bi Hyeong. He is easily one of the best supernatural characters I've encountered in a K-drama. Bi Hyeong was a captivating blend of characteristics: handsome yet utterly cute, funny and incredibly intense. He was, for lack of a better phrase, the perfect boyfriend character—charming, devoted, and a compelling force in the story. When it comes to romance, The Story of Bi Hyeong leans heavily into cute territory rather than sexy. The physical intimacy between Bi Hyeong and Geum Bok is limited to sweet kisses, which, while few, were handled beautifully and felt genuine. Even the supposedly "sexier" secondary couple, Gil Dal and Ji Gwi, offered almost no sizzle. Ultimately, the overall mood is adorable and heartwarming, which isn't a fault at all, but something potential viewers should know: don't tune in expecting intense passion, but rather a focus on genuine affection. The Story of Bi Hyeong is a must-watch for its irresistible main lead and charming romance, delivering a captivating supernatural experience right up until the final stretch. Just be prepared for a frustratingly rushed and inconclusive ending that leaves you wishing for the answers you'll probably never get. HEA. You can watch on GagaOOLala. Heat Level: 3/6.

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Heat Level:1/6: glances, caress, hugs, no kisses2/6: kisses, closed mouth or camera angles3/6: full kisses, clothes on4/6: full kisses, some clothes off, hands above the waist, pants stay on5/6: most clothes off, they have sex, but it’s masked, no sexy sounds6/6: full nudity mostly hidden by camera angles, they have sex, sexy sounds


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The Journey to Killing You by Sai Asai

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Yakuza members Odajima and Kataoka are sent away on a trip after Kataoka, the young wakagashira, screws up. However, this trip hides the true mission: Odajima has been ordered to kill Kataoka.

My Rate: 7

Having been completely enthralled by the live-action adaptation of The Journey to Killing You, I immediately dove into the source material—the manga itself. And I have to say, fans of the drama will find themselves on incredibly familiar ground. In a rare move for screen adaptations, the live-action drama is an almost perfect visual copy of the manga. Scene for scene, panel for panel, the adaptation faithfully recreates the story. The primary difference? The manga edges out the drama by being just a little more explicit in its content. The core narrative is a seductive blend of dark and sexy. Despite its Yakuza theme, the manga isn't defined by heavy violence. Instead, its "dirtiness" comes from a different place. These aren't the sleek, aloof, or stoic gangsters often depicted; rather, they are surprisingly down-to-earth and perhaps too willing to give in to their baser instincts. Amidst this gritty, unpolished underworld, the central romance manages to shine. It's a stark contrast that makes the relationship compelling—like watching a pure white flower push its way up through the mud. This unexpected purity growing out of a dirty, instinct-driven environment is truly the heart of the story's appeal. Ultimately, I did enjoy the manga and its raw, explicit portrayal of the narrative. However, I found myself drawn back to the live-action drama. The visual impact of seeing these compelling characters brought to life "in flesh and blood" gave the story an extra layer of depth and intensity that elevated the experience for me. Recommended for Fans of dark romance, gritty settings, and those who want the uncensored version of the live-action drama.


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Babanbabanban Vampire (2025)

 Babanbabanban Vampire centers around Ranmaru, a 450-year-old vampire whose life takes an unexpected turn when he encounters Rihito, a five-year-old boy. Rather than anything sinister, Ranmaru is struck by a sense of awe, seeing the child as an angelic being worthy of protection. He pledges to safeguard Rihito, setting the stage for a story that’s both heartfelt and perplexing. Fast-forward ten years: Rihito is now fifteen, still innocent in many ways. Ranmaru’s protective instincts remain, but his focus has shifted. Now, he’s determined to preserve Rihito’s purity until he turns eighteen—at which point Ranmaru intends to drink his blood. This is where the narrative truly starts to twist and provoke thought. What makes Ranmaru fascinating is his conflicted philosophy. If he drinks a human’s blood, it’s fatal—unless he transforms them into a vampire. He refuses to do this, however, believing vampirism is a curse. Ranmaru reveres humans because of their ability to age and die naturally, seeing this as a kind of beauty that immortality can never match. His convictions run deep. He even refused to turn his former the Lord—the only person he ever truly loved—into a vampire, ultimately killing him at the Lord’s own request. Ranmaru claims he will never love again, and with Rihito, he remains steadfast: his affection is not romantic, but he values Rihito above anyone else. Yet, his plan to end Rihito's life at eighteen is unsettling, adding a layer of dark complexity to the story. Despite these heavy themes, Ranmaru delivers a vibrant cast. Every character feels unique and genuine; even the vampires are good-hearted at their core. The tone alternates between slapstick comedy and unsettling horror, with blood splattering and heartwarming family scenes coexisting in surprising harmony. Sometimes you’ll find yourself laughing out loud, only to shudder moments later. This isn’t a romance—at least, not yet—but the story isn’t shy about showcasing gratuitous nudity (Ranmaru himself is particularly easy on the eyes). The unusual mixture of humor, creepiness, and emotional depth makes for a memorable reading experience. Ranmaru is a genre-defying tale that keeps you guessing. Just when you think you’ve pinned it down, the narrative swerves in a new direction. While the plot’s moral ambiguities might leave you scratching your head, the cast and the strange, dynamic blend of comic and dark elements are sure to draw you in. If you’re looking for something offbeat, provocative, and strangely endearing, you’ll find plenty to sink your teeth into here. HEA. You can watch on Prime Video. Heat Level: 1/6.

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Heat Level:1/6: glances, caress, hugs, no kisses2/6: kisses, closed mouth or camera angles3/6: full kisses, clothes on4/6: full kisses, some clothes off, hands above the waist, pants stay on5/6: most clothes off, they have sex, but it’s masked, no sexy sounds6/6: full nudity mostly hidden by camera angles, they have sex, sexy sounds


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You Are My Omega by Mariko Nekono

 

”Primal instincts easily overtake rationality”
Handsome， well-built， and brilliant: Himuro is the picture-perfect Alpha. After suffering at the hands of an obsessed Omega， he vowed to never let his secondary-gender instincts control him again and to stay away from Omegas forever. But it seems that destiny has other plans when a chance meeting one day turns his whole world upside down...

My Rate: 7 (amzn.to/43rIA6b)
While You Are My Omega certainly plays within the bounds of the Alpha/Omega dynamic, it manages to feel surprisingly fresh and original. It's a sweet story that subverts expectations in a number of delightful ways. Our Alpha, Himuro, is a final-year high school student with a serious bias against the Alpha/Omega pairing concept, thanks to being stalked by a fellow Omega student. This sets a fantastic stage for conflict when he discovers his destined Omega is none other than his soft-spoken homeroom teacher, Mr. Itsuki! It’s genuinely hilarious to watch this scenario unfold. The only person who seems truly stressed about Himuro being Mr. Itsuki's student is Itsuki himself! Everyone else—Himuro's parents, Itsuki's colleagues—seems more or less resigned to the idea that these two are destined for a relationship. This collective, knowing acceptance is a running gag that adds a fun, lighthearted element to the whole affair. Despite the potentially sexy nature of an Omegaverse story, You Are My Omega takes a refreshing step back from the explicit. Their intimate time together is often quickly summarized, giving you the high-level details without lingering. This avoidance of drawn-out smut actually makes the story feel more cute than sexy, prioritizing the emotional connection and relationship development. The graphic style is also quite nice. It becomes especially endearing when Mr. Itsuki is forced to adopt the role of the responsible adult, given that Himuro is an underage teenager when they meet. Crucially, the story maintains a respectful boundary—there is no inappropriate behavior from Mr. Itsuki, which is a wonderfully refreshing and responsible choice for a high school-set yaoi manga. If you’re looking for a heartwarming, surprisingly wholesome Omegaverse story that challenges a few tropes and focuses on genuine emotional growth, this is a fantastic read!


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Yotsuya Ghost Knight by Choco Shiroi

 

Exorcism is a messy business...

In a world overrun by spirits, an exorcist must know how to handle himself. ♡

Loner exorcist Okuru Yotsuya has plenty of practice in that department. And while "tears" are essential to his profession, Okuru can only produce so many on his own...

When faced with an especially powerful spirit, Okuru is rescued by Naito Fukase, a pornstar known as "The Squirting Squire." Having witnessed this handsome stranger's splashy supernatural abilities up close, Okuru recruits Naito to teach him the secret to squirting...

And if Naito has anything to say about it, the exorcism business is about to get a whole lot messier...

My Rate: 7 (amzn.to/4oFSMjl)


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Yankee & Carameliser by Chiuko Umeshibu

 

Take one influencer and one bad boy extraordinaire, whisk in a sprinkling of sweets, add a scoop of social media, and you get…? Maki and Akito’s love story, hot out of the oven! After all, even though Maki has a bit of a bad rap, the guy must be just as gooey on the inside as the glorious goodies he posts on social media. So when Akito gets a taste of how dangerously delicious his desserts are, he can’t help wanting a taste of the man himself…

My Rate: 7 (amzn.to/3WvGA96)

If you're looking for a plot with high stakes and deep complexity, look elsewhere. But if you're in the mood for a story that is simply adorable and sweet, Yankee & Carameliser is a delightful treat! The plot is admittedly thin, but it serves perfectly as a backdrop for the truly engaging main characters. This manga shines brightest thanks to its central duo: The Yankee with a Secret: Our first protagonist is a "yankee" (the Japanese term for a high school student with a bad-boy aesthetic: bleached hair, piercings, and a rebellious attitude). Yet, underneath the tough exterior is a boy who has always loved "pretty things"—and he's a talented, self-taught pastry chef. The Sweet Vlogger: Our second lead is a perfectly average high school student who happens to be a video blogging enthusiast with a serious sweet tooth. The story truly clicks when the vlogger discovers the yankee's incredible culinary secret. He basically "forces" the yankee into the spotlight, turning him into an internet sensation by filming his at-home baking videos. Beyond the initial setup, there isn't much more to the story than the slow, charming transition from schoolmates to boyfriends. Their relationship develops with moments that are smooth, sweet, and tender—truly living up to the sugary promise of its title. This is a quiet, comfortable read that unfolds gently, just like a perfect piece of caramel cake. It's the ideal recommendation for fans who love lighthearted, pure-fluff boy-meets-boy romance.


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The Love We Share by Hina Ten

 

In the aftermath of a tragedy, Takumi Machi is left to raise two-year-old Kokoa by himself. While struggling to make ends meet and staggering through the unfamiliar landscape of parenting, Machi collapses in the street... Only to be rescued by an old schoolmate, Ikuto Mihiro.

The good-natured Mihiro offers to house Machi and Kokoa until they get back on their feet, but Machi is skeptical of his motives. What sort of person would go to such lengths without expecting something in return...?

In spite of his doubts, with Mihiro by his side, Machi works to build a life for himself and Kokoa, untangling past trauma and learning what it really means to be family...

My Rate: 7 (amzn.to/48UDqTG)


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The Dashing Zaddy and His Icy Protégé by Fumito

 

An outrageous BL manga about work, unlikely friends, and problems down there! At age 40, Takanashi is in the prime of his life, heading up a high-performing sales team and driving all the ladies crazy. Yet he turns them all down, because he has trouble performing in the bedroom! What will he do when a rising star on his team finds out his secret?!

My Rate: 7 (amzn.to/43I33n2)


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