...Is how if the emotionally distant player had been the seme, there would already have been 50 comments gushing over how amazing this manga is. But since it's a role reversal where the seme is repeatedly being duped and seduced (despite still being the one who's dominant in bed, obviously) while the uke can truly hold his own and is deceptive as hell, we have two lukewarm comments, one disapproving one, and just one favourable one

So what if the relationship "isn't equal?" There's no such thing as an equal relationship in BL Land. Actually, Kuchizuke wa Uso no Aji is more balanced than 99% of yaoi out there, by dint of Makio's manipulative personality that doesn't waver even though he's obviously as head-over-heels for Wachi as Wachi is for him. And it's pretty refreshing to see the cold b***ard who always treated his lovers and friends like cr*p finally getting a dose of his own medicine; if you sorely want to see the typical seme with an EQ of -1000 get owned, this is definitely for you. (Though in classic seme style it just makes him more stubborn, not less, so don't expect too much character development from Wachi in that department)

One of the small handful of modern-day BL that has managed to keep my interest for longer than a couple of chapters: both the relationship and the unpredictable con-related plotline of the story is pretty engaging, at least as of v2 c4. I do hope the mangaka can keep up this pace in future chapters, though my cynicism says it can only go downhill from here...

... Last updated on December 5th, 2016, 12:04am

I think this manga gets better the more you read it. The seme in this manga really, really loves his uke, and that makes me happy. I love it when a seme cherishes his uke. He started off as such an a-hole to his former lovers, so it's great to see how hard the mighty falls, if you know what I mean. And yeah, he fell really hard for this uke... desperately, obsessively, and ok, maybe to a degree that is more than healthy because of who the uke is. But, I don't mind that. I prefer relationships that are a little twisted and love that borderlines crazy. It's great because, even though the seme is outwardly cold to everyone, his inner monologues about how he feels about his uke are really passionate and romantic. And his newfound understanding about love changes him for the better. It's fun to watch this all unfold.

... Last updated on July 30th, 2018, 12:26pm

noooo as someone who thinks this is a really great series the seminegative reviews made me feel sad
(

The story is great, it's unique, and the art is gorgeous. Sure, Makio scams Wachi over and over again, but I think Makio just tries to test him and loves conning people. He wants to see if Wachi will choose him, choose to trust him and love him, even if he pushes him farther. In the end, Makio doesn't /really/ scam Wachi out of anything because Wachi consents to it all (he knows what he's getting into) and the borrowed money is returned. In his own way, I think Makio is looking out for Wachi.

I find Wachi's love for Makio, despite his brain telling him otherwise to not trust him, to not be so close to him, beautiful and romantic.

I have to say, I don't care for how this series romanticizes unhealthy relationships (in the way that almost seems to be making excuses, like, "as long as B loves A, it's ok"--don't get me wrong, I'm all for unhealthy relationships--as long as they're unapologetic about it). Many parts, I don't find believable even in mangaverse.

As a Shizaya fan, this was right down my alley, except, well. Wachi is rather pathetic, and rather dumb and probably an emotional masochist. So just bear that in mind. They are not equals.

The art is great, and Makio is drop dead gorgeous, and his personality and slyness makes him 100x more alluring...

Hm. I have mixed feelings about this series. Is it worth reading? Yes.

edit: Four years later.... lmao Anyway, I've now read this manga a dozen times and I love it to death now so rip me lmao. I embrace its imperfections. It's simply too charming.
Wachi is still not super smart, but it's sufficient. I wouldn't say they're equals now but there's much less imbalance now. But yeah, I gotta say, must read.

... Last updated on October 28th, 2018, 6:48am

i actually really like the premise and the dynamic between the two main characters. wachi is the stereotypical cold bastard type you'd usually see abusing a girly uke in another manga but he goes all mushy when he meets makio. makio draws him in and seems to trick him all the time but his feelings for wachi are obvious. i wish we had more insight into makio's character to see what makes him tick and what made him choose wachi (to flesh out both of their characters at least, as of now they're a little on the flat side)

my one major problem with this manga is the way it's written. it's so melodramatic and clumsy that it's painfully laughable sometimes. when wachi suddenly started crying because of his suddenly found feelings or whatever i literally burst out laughing. it feels like bad fanfiction writing. i hope it improves because i like the premise. i'll continue reading for now.

The art was cute, but the story made me grit my teeth.

The relationship is mostly one-sided, too. If stories like these fit your taste, I'd say you give it a shot. But stuff like this just isn't my cup of tea.