Perfect World, Volume 1

 This is a cute slice of life story.

I like how one of the characters is handicapped, and how fate brought the two together again. Fate sometimes understands what people need before they do.

Tsugumi learns the challenges Itsuki faces on a daily basis. It opens her to a world she never thought or considered until now. I also adore Itsuki's determination to pursue his dreams. Sure, he has a bit of a disadvantage; however, he never let that stop him. 

I borrowed this book from the library. I cannot wait to read the second volume.

Kerrigan Byrne's ALL SCOT AND BOTHERED

 BUY LINKS:

Apple: https://apple.co/3cFWSn6

Amazon: https://amzn.to/306huiR

B&N: https://bit.ly/2LvJmGJ

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/all-scot-and-bothered-1

Indiebound:

https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781250318862?aff=macmillan

This is the second book in the series. It is so worth the read. Here is the review I done for it (and yes, I am eagerly anticipating the next book): https://romancejunkies.com/reviews/all-scot-and-bothered/

Review of Volume 3 of Given

 The Live is now over. Uenoyama, Mafuyu, Haruki, and Aikhiko must deal with the aftermath.

Uenoyama acknowledges his feelings for Mafuyu. He wonders if Mafuyu feels the same. A relationship with a band-member could spell trouble for the band. Do they take that chance?

Meanwhile, the four decide a new name for their band and set up an account on social media. What does the future hold for the band Given?

Basically,  this manga is where the anime ends off. I still like both equally, and I cannot wait for the next installment!

Review of BY BLOOD AND MAGIC by Jamie A Waters

Sabine is a Fae trying to stay alive by alluding her family. She must find and collect certain artifacts to keep the dragon portal from re-opening. Sabine’s travels bring her and her friends to the high seas. When their ship is attacked by Merfolk, and her friends taken prisoner, she agrees to find their missing kinswomen. However, Sabine’s latest mission comes with a time limit. She travels to the desert with only a shape-changing dragon and pixie. Will Sabine find the Merfolk’s missing kinswoman?

Malek is a shape-changing dragon. He assists Sabine in collecting the artifacts needed to keep the portal closed. When his ship is waylaid by hostile Merpeople, Malek has no other choice but to accompany Sabine on her newest mission. The trio stumble upon dark and dangerous secrets in the desert. Will Malek be strong enough to keep Sabine safe?

I found Sabine fascinating! She is a Fae being hunted by her people. I admire how Sabine’s quick to educate others on Fae’s practices. She does not give away their secrets; instead, she imparts helpful ways for non-Faes to protect themselves against her people. I love how Sabine is able to admit her shortcomings and vulnerabilities. She is well aware of her strengths and weaknesses. What I like the most about Sabine is her protectiveness towards her friends. She refuses to allow any of them to suffer. If she could help, even sacrifice something, Sabine will do it to help or protect her friends.

Malek is such a dream. But, then again, I have a thing for dragons! I cannot wait to learn more about his secrets. I adore Malek’s consideration and patience with Sabine. He may be curious about her and her secrets, but he never once pried into her privacy. Instead, Malek patiently waited for Sabine to feel comfortable enough to confide in him.

BY BLOOD AND MAGIC is book two in Jamie A. Waters’ fantasy series, THE DRAGON PORTAL. I have not read the first book, so I have missed a great deal of the world-building and backstory. However, that did not hinder my ability to follow the story’s plot or the characters’ dynamics. The author does a great job of summarizing the important parts of the first story.

I have to say this story totally satisfied my high-fantasy needs. I wish there were more books in this genre. The characters kind of reminds me of my old role playing characters – the diversity of species races and such.

DARK BEGINNINGS box set by Donna Grant

DARK BEGINNINGS is a great way for newbies to try out Donna Grant’s writing. It is also a wonderful way for current fans to give her other series a try.

The three stories in this box set are different than her Highlander, Dragon, and Cowboy series. Two are set in and around New Orleans.

WILD FEVER, book one in the CHIASSON series

Vincent Chiasson comes from a long line of supernatural hunters. Their unorthodox occupation has ostracized them from their community. Olivia Breaux returns to her hometown after a work scandal forces her to leave Dallas. She wants to re-piece the shambles of her life, but Vincent Chiasson makes that difficult.

Readers who enjoy the television show SUPERNATURAL will adore this series. It almost has the same “vibe” while being wholly different.

MOON KISSED, book one in the LARUE series.

Myles LaRues co-owns a bar in New Orleans, Louisiana with his brothers. The LaRues are related to the Chiasson’s. Unlike their cousins, the LaRue branch is cursed, but they still follow the same ‘family occupation’. Addison Moore is a down-on-her-luck college student. When her intuition money runs out, she drifts into a bar to lick her wounds. Addison is brutally introduced to the supernatural world.

This series follows the same vibe and feel as the CHIASSON series. I love that the story takes place in New Orleans. It has a little more paranormal element than the other series.

PRINCE OF DESIRE, book one in the ROYAL CHRONICLES series.

Lucian Sinclair is a prince of a secret and hidden kingdom. He must find and bring his eternal mate back (willingly) to Drahcir within an allotted time. Lucian rescues his mate from ruffians intending her harm. Isabelle has lived her entire life in a small Scottish village. She also accepted the fact that she would always live there. A mysterious yet dangerous stranger swoops to her rescue.

This is the only story in the box set that brings to mind Donna Grant’s DARK SWORD series. It has the same feel and flavor yet wholly its own.

Review of Given Volume 2

The Live is just around the corner. The four band members reach an impasse. Mafuyu struggles to put words to the song Uenoyama composed for him.


Uenoyama hears rumors about Mafuyu’s past. He struggles to come to terms with his feelings. Plus, he is afraid to hear the lyrics that Mafuyu will write.


The concert finally frees Mafuyu’s voice. And Uenoyama comes to terms with what he feels for Mafuyu.


The third volume cannot be released too soon! I have the next two volumes pre-ordered.

Given Volume 1 (manga) Review

Sometimes it takes the right person to re-spark one’s passion. Ritsuka Uenoyama learns this firsthand. He never realized it, but he has gradually lost his passion for playing guitar and music. Then he stumbles upon a quiet interloper at his favorite “nap spot” at school with a broken-stringed guitar.


Mafuyu Sato is simply existing and drifting through life. He meets Uenoyama at a secluded spot at school and his entire world changes. Uenoyama not only fixes his guitar but opens the world of music to him. That is not the only thing Uenoyama opens for Mafuyu.



I LOVE the manga – I have Volume 3 and 4 pre-ordered. Now I am just waiting for the anime to be released on dvd/blue-ray to buy.

The story really tugs at the heartstrings without being too depressing. I adore the storyline and characters. They are just so easy to connect with.

I also love the manga’s art style.

Bleach: Can't Fear Your Own World, Vol. 1 Review

I am more familiar with the anime. I have been meaning to delve into the manga. So, seeing this story in novel format came as a surprise. A nice surprise since I do enjoy novels (obviously).


It has been a year or so since I watched Bleach, so occasionally I had to look up certain names to put a face to them. Some characters, such as Kenpachi, Ichigo, Urahara (aka my favorites) I did not have to do that.


In this format, certain aspects about the world are better explained than the manga or anime could ever do. For example, soul tickets. Also, it is nice to get into certain characters’ heads to get a feel about their emotions and innermost thoughts. 


The story in itself is well-written and easy to follow.


I am not familiar with the plot, so I deduce this takes place beyond what I have watched in the anime. It was new material for me.

Karneval Omnibus Volume 9 Review

I am so happy that this manga is continuing in English. I have been reading / buying their manga faithfully since I watched the anime.

Yes, I am the type of person who likes to read the manga and watch the anime. Sometimes an anime will turn me to the manga because I "have" to know what happens next for characters I have connected with.

Yogi is just one of those characters. There is just something about him that makes me like him. He's like a big kid at heart. Also, there is a mysterious air about him. Well, in this volume we learn about Yogi's history. Why the Silver Yogi exists. 

Yogi not only finds the key to his past, but who he is, and something most dear to him.

I also own the anime. 
It is one of my go-to animes whenever I'm feeling down.
Whenever I read the manga, I always hear their English voice actors.
 Yes, I watch both subbed and dubbed. The dub allows me to appreciate the art style.
This is another anime I wish there was a second season!

Yona of the Dawn, Vol. 24 review

I generally do not review manga. However, I thought this would be a nice change-of-pace for me.



I am a fan of both the manga and anime. The anime’s ending convinced me to start the manga – which I am so glad I did. So, when I saw Netgalley offered a chance to read and review the newest volume, I jumped at the chance.



I like seeing into the shared past of Yona, Hak and Su-won. The scenes really shows the bonds the three had as children. Also, how Yona and Hak continue to puzzle over Su-won’s betrayal.  A familiar face arrives, one Yona nor Hak thought never to see again.



I am insanely curious to see how Yona and Hak’s relationship evolve. I am so invested on seeing them as a couple. It is always a treat seeing their development. This volume did not disappoint on that score.



There is a sense that something is about to happen… for good or worse, is still the ultimate question.



I adore the art. The scenes are done in such vivid detail.  Even this far in, the art style has not changed which I like.

I cannot wait for Volume 25. Oh the anticipation! To see what will happen between Xing and Kouka. 

It is a shame the anime did not get a Second Season. There is enough material to make it so. There are some characters I could see come alive in animation.