A review by ellelainey
Kei X Yaku: Bound by Law 1 by Yoshie Kaoruhara

adventurous hopeful lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

  ** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK FOR MY READING PLEASURE ** 

 Copy received through Netgalley 

 ~ 

 Kei x Yaku: Bound by Law, Vol. 01 

 by Yoshie Kauruhara 

★★★★☆ 

 Kei x Yaku is an interesting story about two opposites who are drawn together by the same goal. Shiro is a male escort to various male politicians and involved in a crime family, while Ichiro is a police officer in a special branch. They encounter each other when Ichiro is tasked with investigating Shiro quietly, due to his connection to the politicians he's been associated with. However, upon meeting, they discover they have another link: Ichiro's mentor, Rion Nakaba, is also Shiro's older sister. 

 Rion Nakabi is an off-page third main character, in my opinion. The story centers around her, including many flashbacks about her with the two main characters. While Shiro and Ichiro have to fake being boyfriends to join forces, we explore just as much of Rion's life as theirs. 

 Rion went missing, believed kidnapped, and a video of her torture was posted online, then mysteriously deleted not long after causing a hype online. There's been no sign of her ever since. In the meantime, Shiro has become an escort and part of a crime family, simply to investigate her disappearance, after finding clues in her diary. Ichiro has wanted to investigate ever since she went missing, but has been warned off by the head bosses. When he bumps into Shiro, they both see an opportunity to investigate without anyone getting suspicious or getting in their way. 

 I loved both Shiro and Ichiro equally. They're total opposites but are equally interesting and wonderful in their own ways. I loved how they managed to find a rhythm with each other while continuing their own lives. 

 The artwork was lovely, with a few chibi style panels thrown in. I loved the addition of the bonus panels in between the chapters. I also really appreciated the glossary of terms at the end, which explained the meaning of the title, which really suited the story and the characters. 

 All in all, I'll be looking forward to the next volume.