The plots were so staged and simplistic that it seems like something a high schooler would have written, but hey, there was no rape, anything offensive, and everything was tied up in a nice little package for both stories.

The first story with the guy in love with his sister's fiance sounded interesting, but it turned out really bland.

The second story with about a guy on death row is a LOT more interesting. If you're short on time, I recommend you just skip the first and go straight to this one.

one huge meh. Nothing riveting, poorly thought out scenarios, and they lacked a lot of correct sequence of events. The only thing I liked was the bit of mystery in the second story and the art. It could've been so much more.

awesome.

I loved the second story. The first one was okay but the second story is really nice. I kinda liked the uke's determination and the scene where he shot the drug smuggler was kinda...COOL. It's a very refreshing story and gives off satisfying endings. Try this if you haven't!

I liked the art and the overall development of the relationships, but the plot fell through in a few places for me.

In the first story, I have to admit, I loved the first part of the story. Unlike pleochroic, I liked the fact that Sakaguchi The outcome gave the most courage and strength, in my opinion, to the main female character in a yaoi, something that doesn't happen often. It also showed that Sakaguchi would've otherwise been too cowardly, quite an opposite image to the usual strong-willed seme. To me, it was a true weakness in his character which made him feel more real than many other characters in fiction.

Of course, that same weakness resulted in a rather irksome ending. I did not like

As for the second story, I liked it. Didn't love it as much as the first part of the first story, didn't dislike it as much as the first story's ending. Again, it was simply a bit of the plot here that bothered me - mostly to do with lack of research on the mangaka's part. Firstly: drug-smuggling is more likely to come from Latin America than the Middle East (Middle Eastern Terrorists are waaay overdone, but it's the first time I've heard of one dealing in drugs). Secondly: FBI agents can't shoot wanted suspects at random to arrest them - they'd have to be a serious threat before that (just 'cause Japanese can't have guns except under special permit doesn't mean Americans go shooting anyone they please Dx That scene was rather painful to read). Thirdly: What kind of career criminal gives up so much information (which was surprisingly believed without question), without first asking to make a deal?! <-pet peeve

Well, overall, enjoyable minus a few plot points which are in some cases ignorable. Read it for the relationships and you won't go astray

The art style almost put me off, but I'm glad it didn't!
This was one of those series that makes a really emotional connection, and stands out from the rest. I especially liked the way the characters didn't all just assume that the other guy would be gay too, it made it feel more realistic than many other yaoi works.
It may not be for everyone, but I'd definitely recommend giving it a try.

the first story, "last portrait" has too convenient an ending for me. so what would sakaguchi have done if this handy ending hadn't been presented to him? looks to me like he'd have gone through with it, which doesn't sit well with me. i was a lot more interested in that inner conflict than in what i got. i also thought sakaguchi didn't have sufficient rationale to marry without so much as approaching yamato first and feeling him out. this didn't really work for me.

the second story; well, let's just say the FBI doesn't work that way, *snicker* -- realistic this ain't. but it was fun to read anyway -- well paced, and the denouement wasn't completely predictable. i don't think these stories are particularly deep, but they have a plot, follow it through, the characters are likeable, have some personality, and there is enough detail to the worldbuilding. the uke were both a little on the weak side for my taste; which is interesting because factually they're not all that weak, certainly not the second one, but they FELT weak to me. maybe because they need the superior-in-all-things seme's guidance not just in bed but in their professional lives; they're the ones who cry, their health is shown as fragile, etc. very typical uke-like, while i prefer stories in which the roles aren't so rigidly defined.

the art is pleasant; faces could be more expressive, but layout is better than average and viewpoints are at times interesting. i did occasionally go back to look at some panels again because they were appealing.

There are two stories in this volume, both deal with love in an adult way that made me think "oh god finally a good manga!". There are too many silly yaoi stories out there, too many shallow plots and sudden deep feelings. These stories are deep, the characters are adults who know what love is and what consequences it has.
Although the first one is nothing new (in terms of plot) the way their struggling love and events are described is realistic, heartwrenching and sweet.
The second one is a bit more movie-like but the two characters are really lovable and their story is captivating.
Some good sexual tension too and a great way of describing actions and even thoughts without words.

For both the stories, Last Portrait and Stairway to Heaven, the men looked gorgeous. Beautifully drawn effortlessly! But...the male characters were all stiff in facial expression and I didn't like it, but it was still nice.

Since I love art, it's nice to have a story about a teenager quite obsessed with art until his father told him it won't go anywhere. And I thought Keith was hot despite his accent. It started getting really freaky when he started making a move on Narumi in the gay bar. (Hehe, but that was only because it was part of the plan to catch that Iraqi guy).

The plot for both stories was good, especially for the second. I didn't see the ending coming for either of them, and she does have a nice buildup of tension, as lethuy said.