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Fake #3
Fake, Volume 03
Ryo and Dee are on the hunt for a serial killer who murders women who look like prostitutes. They're aided by FBI agent Diana Spacey, a brilliant investigator who is an old friend of Berkeley's. Soon, she is caught in the serial killer's web, and it's up to Berkeley and the gang to save her. In the second act of the story, Ryo's childhood is explored. It's revealed that Ryo's parents died when he was young and that he was raised by his aunt. It's the Christmas season, and Ryo doesn't want to spend it alone. On Christmas Eve, Dee comes to wish him a "Merry Christmas" and Ryo is extremely touched by the sentiment. All of their fiery feelings finally lead to one, hot kiss.
183 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1996
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175 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
October 27, 2023
someone put these kids in a kennel also why is the child racist
February 21, 2022
The cases are getting better and better! This time we meet FBI agent Diane Spacey and she kicks ass, both figuratively and literally. She works with Dee while the ever-annoying Berkeley works with Ryo, all so he can try getting in his pants. They both are working in separate cases but they end up finding that they are connected. The case is pretty bloody and again involves Leo. He will continue to pop up and you will start to come to understand how truly horrible he is. Let's just say when you learn about Ryo's sad past you will come to understand why. We do learn the saddest thing in Ryo's past that made him the cop he is today. He went through so much and you feel so sad for him. Luckily her has Dee there for him. I love seeing their relationship evolve and Berkeley helps Ryo to come to understand some things. Let's just say that Dee and Berkeley are like two peas in a pod. I also live the extra chapters in the newer Volume. I can't wait to see what's in store for our duo next!
August 26, 2020
Been having fun re-reading this series, now I feel it too young regarding the charactes behaviour, but I still enjoy very much the cases they have to solve as they give it a more mature tone to the story.
I'm impressed by how little I remember of this plot. I do remember a few of the cases, specially the ones that shocked me most, and I do remember bits and pieces of Ryo and Dee's background story, but not a lot, so it feels like reading them anew.
In this one we get a glimpse at Ryo's past (which I was sure was a little later into the story). I like Ryo's character a lot, he's been through so much so I kinda understand why he is so quiet and reserved.
I'm impressed by how little I remember of this plot. I do remember a few of the cases, specially the ones that shocked me most, and I do remember bits and pieces of Ryo and Dee's background story, but not a lot, so it feels like reading them anew.
In this one we get a glimpse at Ryo's past (which I was sure was a little later into the story). I like Ryo's character a lot, he's been through so much so I kinda understand why he is so quiet and reserved.
June 20, 2024
La parte de la navidad<3
Y de verdad que quiero que aborden la trama de los padres del Ryo así que toca cruzar los dedos🤞🏻
Y de verdad que quiero que aborden la trama de los padres del Ryo así que toca cruzar los dedos🤞🏻
August 9, 2017
The simple pleasure continues. This volume is a bit heavier on the crime stories but still they don't go into spotlight too much. It's slightly silly, slightly ridiculous at times, but a cute, fluffy read nonetheless (well, there are also corpses, killing teenagers, psychos, drug trafficking and all that but... still cute?). There are lots of kisses on the couch, bare feet and a game of 'everyone has to kiss Ryo when he doesn't expect it.' I do get that, I'd have nothing against kissing him, too.
December 27, 2015
12/25/11: 5 stars
04/06/15: 4 stars
04/06/15: 4 stars
February 12, 2024
Drama, angst, and action. Ryo is dodging advances from Commissioner Rose, Diana is making out with Dee, and jealousy abounds. All the while, they need to track down a serial killer.
October 2, 2025
I enjoyed this. We get to see more of both Dee's background in book 2 and we get to see Ryo's background in book 3. We also get to see Ryo and Dee grow closer, with more intentionalism from Ryo's side, which was lovely to see.
Of course, Berkeley was back (and yes, I am rolling my eyes as I say that). I was pleased to see that they didn't drag that plot line out too much, though. Diana was a great character and I loved both her and Ryo's way of handling the situation.
There was a build-up in this book which gives a sense of anticipation for book 4. There were no cliffhangers, per se, but I'm excited to see if they finally take that next step in their relationship.
Edit to note: the issue of consent was far less problematic in this book. It was definitely still there, but more in terms of sexual harassment than assault. In today's terms, it's still bad... but compared to book 2, it's toned down a lot and much more palatable (also, very well dealt with in one scene ^_^ ).
Of course, Berkeley was back (and yes, I am rolling my eyes as I say that). I was pleased to see that they didn't drag that plot line out too much, though. Diana was a great character and I loved both her and Ryo's way of handling the situation.
There was a build-up in this book which gives a sense of anticipation for book 4. There were no cliffhangers, per se, but I'm excited to see if they finally take that next step in their relationship.
Edit to note: the issue of consent was far less problematic in this book. It was definitely still there, but more in terms of sexual harassment than assault. In today's terms, it's still bad... but compared to book 2, it's toned down a lot and much more palatable (also, very well dealt with in one scene ^_^ ).
December 8, 2018
quick series review:
so, so good!
I had not read fake in years and oh, I am so glad I did so on a whim! the series is just so refreshingly free of many of the genre's most troubling and terrible stereotypes, it's a truly a breath of fresh air! and then there are the very lovable, well-rounded main and side characters... fake is just really, really good.
some of the smaller cases feel a bit rushed and I wish some arcs/cases had more time to them, but overall the crime story aspect of fake is solid.
content note:the manga can be quite graphic when it comes to the depictions of homicides, that's something to be aware of and maybe look into depending how sensitive you are to such things.
so, so good!
I had not read fake in years and oh, I am so glad I did so on a whim! the series is just so refreshingly free of many of the genre's most troubling and terrible stereotypes, it's a truly a breath of fresh air! and then there are the very lovable, well-rounded main and side characters... fake is just really, really good.
some of the smaller cases feel a bit rushed and I wish some arcs/cases had more time to them, but overall the crime story aspect of fake is solid.
content note:the manga can be quite graphic when it comes to the depictions of homicides, that's something to be aware of and maybe look into depending how sensitive you are to such things.
March 23, 2022
🍍 Read for the 2022 Weaponized Bingo of Pineapple-y Doom™ (WBoPD™) challenge at Weaponized Pineapples 🍍
Bingo Images:
•• 19. Judge It By The Title ••
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September 19, 2018
Of course, we have to have the "jealous boyfriend" episode which gets Ryo to admit his feelings for Dee. Sweet but kinda cliche. Also Bikky is the ultimate chastity belt -- that kid has a sixth sense.
June 10, 2022
Main story 3.5 I love the relationship dynamic. One is a solid rock personality the other is sorta squishy.
Bonus story 1 star, way to many racial slurs and I didnt care for any of the extra up until now but now I really dont like the bonus story for Bikky.
Bonus story 1 star, way to many racial slurs and I didnt care for any of the extra up until now but now I really dont like the bonus story for Bikky.
December 15, 2022
This really enjoyed this book and I found this book to be funny in some parts but I would of like the characters and the relationship to be flash out bit more.
Both the ending and the atmosphere was that fine also I didn't really like the cover or art style.
Both the ending and the atmosphere was that fine also I didn't really like the cover or art style.
July 20, 2018
OMG just this story is making me feel so many things. I'm still loving it so much. AHHHHHHH just I love it so much.
September 19, 2018
I feel like my reviews are going to get repetitive because it's basically just "DEE CALM THE FUCK DOWN" and "Bikky and Carol are sweet and I love them."
January 17, 2019
A bit of a let down, but I continue to enjoy the budding romance between Dee and Ryo.
June 28, 2021
Me encanta como han avanzado en su relación y los nuevos personajes son geniales. Soy muy fan de Diana. <3
April 12, 2023
Diana te entrego el culo si me lo pedis😍
April 28, 2024
More bloody than the first two volumes for sure! But also with enough cute moments to offset the violence.
July 10, 2022
I don't know what possessed me to keep reading this series, because there are a lot of problems with it, and I didn't particularly like the first two volumes, but somehow vol 3 was fairly better.
February 22, 2014
I my review of Fake, Vol 2 I wrote that the quirky, comical, sexually charged and energetic camp allure of the series was working, but would soon turn old if Sanami Matoh wouldn't offer us something novel or more substantial.
After reading the third volume I can repeat this sentiment, this time even more forcefully. Surprisingly, the pace of the storytelling and the tongue-in-cheek writing were still so very well executed that they carried through one more volume. But it’s obvious that the themes about sexual identity and sexual politics the series lightly dabbled with at first are gone by now.
I’m not a big fan of pulpy entertainment, but Matoh writes pulp so well it’s a joy to read just for the energy and the technique. But it looks like “Fake” might be a series that seduces you with its tone and then leaves you starved for content. So far, everything is still okay, but this one needs to change by the end of volume 4. Here’s hoping that it will; with this pacing and these characters, good things could be built.
After reading the third volume I can repeat this sentiment, this time even more forcefully. Surprisingly, the pace of the storytelling and the tongue-in-cheek writing were still so very well executed that they carried through one more volume. But it’s obvious that the themes about sexual identity and sexual politics the series lightly dabbled with at first are gone by now.
I’m not a big fan of pulpy entertainment, but Matoh writes pulp so well it’s a joy to read just for the energy and the technique. But it looks like “Fake” might be a series that seduces you with its tone and then leaves you starved for content. So far, everything is still okay, but this one needs to change by the end of volume 4. Here’s hoping that it will; with this pacing and these characters, good things could be built.
Read
July 14, 2012[2007-05-13] 3rd of a seven part manga about two New York cops. On l_prieto's recommendation I picked up the volumes that were in stock in Bookbuyers, which happened to be 3,5 and 6, so I'm starting part way in. Interesting story so long as you don't demand realism, great semi-UST (semi, because there's some fairly intense kissing). I found it hard to keep track of what was going on at times, although I think that's largely down to coming in part-way through. The art shows them as adult men rather than very feminised or young, which is much more to my own taste than bishie boys. However, there's also a lot of the very stylised stuff, which I personally dislike. When the art's good, it's very good. Oh, and it has some seriously hot guys. Not sure yet if I like this series overall.[return][return]http://julesjones.livejournal.com/152...
February 12, 2011
In the first story, we get introduced to Diana Spacey, an agent with the FBI and long term friend of Commissioner Berkeley Rose. She is in love with him, but he only has eyes for Ryo, much to Dee's chagrin. Dee has his own problems in the unwanted attention from J.J. and Bikky doing his best to keep him away from Ryo. In the meantime, Diana ends up being offered up to the killer, but manages to hold her own till the motley crew of Berkeley, Dee, Bikky and Ryo, can figure out what has happened to her.
In the second story Ryo almost ends up spending Christmas Eve alone, the first since his parents were murdered, but Dee comes to the rescue.
In the last story about Bikky and Carol, they are both older again and make some new friends in the form of Lai and Lass.
In the second story Ryo almost ends up spending Christmas Eve alone, the first since his parents were murdered, but Dee comes to the rescue.
In the last story about Bikky and Carol, they are both older again and make some new friends in the form of Lai and Lass.
August 2, 2017
3rd in the 7 book series. Introduces F.B.I agent Diana Spacey. 1st story has Berkley Rose splitting up Dee and Ryo onto different cases so that he can hit on Ryo! Our boys find out that they are in fact working on the same case from different angles. We get a cute Christmas eve story - Ryo is left all alone on the anniversary of his parents death until Dee comes over and makes everything OK. Lastly we get another Bikky/Carol story introducing their rival/friends Lai and Lass. Another great volume with some pretty dark themes - we have a mentally unstable villain murdering prostitutes because they remind him of his mother, being manipulated by a drug cartel. The dark is as ever balanced by the slapstick comedy and endearing characters.
August 22, 2025
The following review is recycled for each book of the series.
I honestly can’t even with these two assholes. I love them so much. You know, it’s fucking hilarious how blind I fucking was to the tags for this manga when I first read it. I literally didn’t even know it was LGBT, because I didn’t look at the tags, and I was all “oh my god, they are literally boyfriends; I can’t”. And I usually avoid rereading certain things because I don’t want to risk ratings getting much lower (because thoughts and feelings, and opinions, change all the time) but I really wanted to reread this one and I’m so glad I did. I still love them. And I love how dumb this is.
The consent issue is probably the only thing that bothers me but it’s not bad enough that I’d lower the rating.
I honestly can’t even with these two assholes. I love them so much. You know, it’s fucking hilarious how blind I fucking was to the tags for this manga when I first read it. I literally didn’t even know it was LGBT, because I didn’t look at the tags, and I was all “oh my god, they are literally boyfriends; I can’t”. And I usually avoid rereading certain things because I don’t want to risk ratings getting much lower (because thoughts and feelings, and opinions, change all the time) but I really wanted to reread this one and I’m so glad I did. I still love them. And I love how dumb this is.
The consent issue is probably the only thing that bothers me but it’s not bad enough that I’d lower the rating.
January 31, 2023
Esta vez, Dee y Ryo trabajan por separado con una agente del FBI y Berkeley, el jefe que tiene su puesta mira en Ryo. Sus casos tan diferentes, se mezclan cuando el asesino de jovencitas resulta estar vinculado al narcotraficante local.
Finalmente Ryo nota que siente algo diferente por Dee, que a diferencia del beso sorpresa de Berkeley, empiezan a gustarle sus avances románticos. Pero como siempre, se les aparecen JJ, Carol o Bikky para interrumpirlos.
Descubrimos algo del pasado de Ryo, tras la muerte de sus padres, y pasa junto a Dee la navidad.
Finaliza el extra al final del tomo sobre los días de Dee como uniformado y su plan para librarse de su compañero corrompido.
Finalmente Ryo nota que siente algo diferente por Dee, que a diferencia del beso sorpresa de Berkeley, empiezan a gustarle sus avances románticos. Pero como siempre, se les aparecen JJ, Carol o Bikky para interrumpirlos.
Descubrimos algo del pasado de Ryo, tras la muerte de sus padres, y pasa junto a Dee la navidad.
Finaliza el extra al final del tomo sobre los días de Dee como uniformado y su plan para librarse de su compañero corrompido.
April 19, 2015
I picked up the first 7 volumes of this Manga at a used book sale.It follows two New York cops who just might be attracted to each other. Oh, they're both guys. The stories are good,and the various side characters are interesting. I probably wouldn't have tried this series if I had to pay full pice, but I'm glad I did.I really love Manga as it provides so many types of stories, not just a million different super heroes. Three cheers and a 21 gun salute to the Japanese and their contributions to the world of comics.
July 21, 2016
I must admit, I'm starting to get a little bored. There is hardly any character development, and each story just seems a way to introduce more characters that can be enamoured by Ryo or Dee. The best story in the volume was the short story about the death of Ryo's parents - it showed character development. I'm still not overly comfortable about how sexually forceful all the characters seem, and how it implies that this behaviour is not only cute and acceptable, but that it's actually 'romantic'.
November 10, 2012
Another in the wonderful "Fake" series, the third volume sees Ryo finally begin to accept his feelings, but worry not! There is still plenty to come in this manga. I've loved these books since I first picked them up, and have never found another manga quite as good. I love the slow build up and tension, and the misunderstandings and awkward circumstances. Look out for my reviews of the rest of the series, another five star book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews