Starting our list today is a steamy yaoi fantasy about forbidden love between predator and prey in Suzu Hebi Kyuuairon (The Snake Who Loved a Sparrow).

In a world of shapeshifting humans, Komazu is a sparrow who fears deadly snakes. When he meets Shiratou—a white snake—Komazu is sure his time has come…but instead, Shiaratou saves him from a stampeding boar. Has the sparrow misjudged the snake? As the two become friends, something more is blossoming between them—a love that might overcome the very laws of nature!

The Snake Who Loved a Sparrow is a standalone arriving—completely uncensored!—in February 2023, courtesy of Tokyopop.

We’ve got a delicious slice of life about baking and navigating a world that’s slowly becoming more accepting of queer relationships in Futari de Okashi na Kyuujitsu o (Confessions of a Shy Baker).

Toshimitsu owns a real estate agency, and spends his spare time baking up healthy snacks. The opportunity arrives to advertise his business as LGBT-friendly to help people who face discrimination in the industry—but will that decision out him as gay? Concerned about the move, Toshi is joined by his boyfriend Gonta, and together these men navigate the changing world, facing their fears, to help make the world a better place for everyone.

A charming look at being gay in a society moving towards acceptance, Confessions of a Shy Baker is popping out of the oven in February 2023.

A feel-good story that’s romantic and cheesy (in the good way!), Yuki no Yousei (Snow Fairy) is a cozy shounen ai slice of life.

When the famous wildlife photographer, Narumi, heads from the city into the wintery wilderness of Hokkaido, he ends up stranded in a storm. He’s rescued by Haruki, a born-and-bred country boy who’s the total opposite of Narumi’s city-boy vibes—but they quickly find themselves bonding over Narumi’s photography. When the cute, animal-like Haruki becomes the subject of Narumi’s photos, the pair’s relationship grows ever closer!

Snow Fairy is a standalone romance about photography and opposites attracting, and will be available at all good bookstores in April 2023.

Against the backdrop of World War II, two men with a complicated past seek to reunite and allow their hidden feelings to bloom in Makotoshiyaka ni Mau Hana wa (The Flower That Seems To Truly Dance).

Soutarou once told his childhood best friend, “I hate the way you dance.” Years later, after returning from studies abroad, he intends on apologizing to Haroumi, who has now become a renowned dancer. But wounds of the past don’t heal so easily, and Haroumi is intent on avoiding Soutarou—or is there another reason that he’s avoiding him? This childhood reunion won’t be easy, especially in an era that makes same-sex relationships all the more difficult…

The Flower That Seems To Truly Dance is a historical drama and a standalone volume, coming to your local bookstore in February 2023.

Our top pick for yaoi/shounen ai releasing in the first part of 2023 is the mystery thriller Manner of Death.

When skilled coroner Bunnakit is called upon to investigate the suspected suicide of his childhood friend, he determines that she was actually murdered. As the mystery around her death grows thicker, he meets a stranger who warns him to declare the death a suicide. Ignoring the warning, Bunnakit confides in his friend—who suddenly goes missing. Facing a dead end, the coroner finds a lifeline in the form of a young lecturer named Tan. The only problem? Tan is Bunnakit’s chief suspect…

An intense mystery drama with a tense romance bubbling beneath the surface, Manner of Death has the makings of an incredible series—and the first volume is releasing in May 2023!