Painting fun + story: Keras Spellbow

 The resin figure I chose to show is from LOOT-STUDIO’s February 2021’s Granny’s Prophecy pack.

Mary Arsys – She is one of three heroes (the only female hero in the lot)

She made me think of a minor character in my work-in-progress (MOON WARRIORS). Keras is a bowwoman or bowmark in my story.

There are only a few discrepancies: The cape (she has no use for it) and she never wears her hair like that. Little things I can work around.

Please excuse any grammatical errors in the writing piece. This is actually a section from my novel – that is still in rewriting process. If it will ever get done I cannot say. I feel like I am a one trick pony where writing is concerned…

DISCLAIMER: Rhaedayel’s name will change once/if the story ever gets published. I have yet to find the right name to replace it with. So, it’s a placeholder for now.

This story started from role-play, so his character (and name) belongs to Rhiannon Aelwyn.

Rhaedayel loosened his tense muscles as his mentor coolly diffused the situation. He scooped up a spoonful of oat porridge but lowered his spoon a margin when he spied movement off to the side. The newcomer offered no threat but he respected the woman’s ability to maneuver behind them undetected.

“Come, lil brother,” a tattooed hand slapped down on the teenager’s shoulder, sloshing frothy ale onto his hand. The Bowmark female speared Rhaedayel with a cutting glare for permitting the boy to imbibe. “Tis time for yehr archery lessons.”

Rhaedayel offered the woman a beatific look and plucked his cup out of the startled boy’s grasp, saluting her before taking a drink. Over the rim of his cup, he grazed over the ink on the back of her right hand. An intricate-styled bow covered most of her wrist. The notched, silvered, green fletched arrow’s leaf shaped arrow pointed toward the woman’s middle finger.

“Didn’t know yeh liked them young, Keras,” Dhoryl jeered whistling long and low as he appraised the way her trousers fit lean legs. Nilanail took advantage of the distraction to flee to the safety of the other woman. “How’s about tryin’ a real man,” he cajoled.

Rhaedayel regarded the scene with sardonic amusement anticipating the Keras' brand of retaliation. He had no worries of her ability to handle randy men like Dhoryl. She did not disappoint.

A sharp twang echoed in the morning’s stillness. Dhoryl yelped and jumped up from the log. Between his legs, right where his groin had been, quivered an arrow, its point deeply embedded in the wood.

Rhaedayel swallowed another mouthful of ale to keep from laughing aloud at the spectacle.

Keras’ gaze turned flinty as she gave Dhoryl’s body a quick, disdainful look over. “Do us all a favor, Dhoryl,” her tone lackluster and bored, “Learn to shut that useless yap of yehrs before it lands yeh in more trouble than yeh can get out of. And I advise you to leave Lana alone or my next arrow will hit a vital place.”

Rhaedayel prodded Ly’traer to his feet. The boy acquiesced readily while sporting a lopsided grin, entertained as much as he with Dhoryl’s comeuppance.

She looped a loose arm around his scrawny shoulders and led him away from the fire. “Word for wise, little brother,” she raised her voice loud enough for them to hear, “never beh an ass like that or yeh will never get far with the ladies, let alone bed them.”

Keras turned smoothly. “Oh, and Dhoryl, I want meh arrow back. Good arrows, unlike men, are so hard to come by.”

Rhaedayel’s shoulders shook with suppressed laughter. ‘Well played, Keras, well played.’

Review: Jaci Burton's THE ENGAGEMENT ARRANGEMENT

Review courtesy of Romance Junkies: The Engagement Arrangement by Jaci Burton | Romance Junkies

Brenna Bellini handles the wine and wine-making aspect of her family’s vineyard and wedding venue business. She agrees to be a bridesmaid in a friend’s upcoming wedding. However, the event requires her to be around her ex-husband and her nemesis for four days. She persuades Finn to pretend to be her fiancé for the occasion. Will their fake engagement turn into a real one? Or will Brenna’s uncertainty ruin a good thing with Finn?

Finn Nolan works as a jack-of-all-trades handyman for Red Moss Vineyards. He has always loved Brenna since coming to live at her family’s vineyard in Oklahoma. Finn agrees to play her fiancé at her friend’s wedding. He hopes to convince the feisty redhead they belong together. But first, Finn needs to prove he is nothing like Brenna’s ex-husband. Will Finn’s plan backfire? Or will his love continue to be one-sided?

Brenna took me a while to warm up to. I empathize with Brenna’s reluctance to enter a new relationship, especially after experiencing her ex-husband’s aloofness. However, her hot-and-cold dealings with Finn got repetitious and a bit annoying. What I admire the most about Brenna is how she dealt with her nemesis throughout the story.  She behaved civilly, and she purposely ignored the woman’s insults, especially when they were around others.

Finn has the patience of a saint! I love that he never once rushed Brenna into anything. He understood that her previous relationship bruised her emotionally. I adore how Finn readily adopted the stray he found. He never second-guessed his decision. What I love the most about Finn is how he refuses to sugarcoat the truth. He gives Brenna the unvarnished truth about a situation, no matter how much it might hurt, him or her.

THE ENGAGEMENT ARRANGEMENT is book two in Jaci Burton’s contemporary-romance series, BOOTS AND BOUQUESTS. The story can easily standalone. However, the first book hints at the brewing chemistry between Brenna and Finn. I like how the couples from the prior novel and novella appear throughout the story.

THE ENGAGEMENT ARRANGEMENT is a wonderful tale of one person’s determination to help his love reconcile her past, so they can be together. I am curious to see who the author plans to pair the last Bellini with.

Review: Catherine Stein's DEAD DUKES TELL NO TALES

 Review courtesy of Romance Junkies (https://romancejunkies.com/reviews/dead-dukes-tell-no-tales/)

Clifford “Cliff” Kinsley is a scrap metal entrepreneur from Chicago, Illinois. He inherits a dukedom in England and a mountain of debt. Cliff wants to kill off the Duke of Hartleigh, so he and his daughter can escape to California. The pirate next door may be the answer to his prayers. Cliff soon finds himself and his impressionable daughter swept up in Sabine Diebin’s treasure hunt. What dangers will the three find on their adventures? Can Cliff help Sabine find the treasure she seeks? Or will he be a hindrance?

Sabine Diebin is the renowned airship pirate La Capitaine. She purchases the late Duke of Hartleigh’s ducal manor in hopes of finding clues to a particular treasure. Sabine accepts the new duke’s offer to clear out the clutter his predecessor left behind. Cliff proves beneficial in deciphering the clues they find. She reluctantly drags him and his daughter on her dangerous treasure hunt. Can Sabine resist Cliff’s brand of temptation? Will they outsmart Redbeard to find the elusive treasure?

Clifford is such a fun and delightful character. He is the opposite of what I pictured a duke to be. I would like to see more of his kind in historical romance books. It would be a nice change of pace. I adore Cliff’s bumbling awkwardness. Things never go the way he expects, yet he manages to make the best of his situations. What I love the most about Cliff is his devotion to his daughter. Everything he does is for her benefit.

Sabine is everything I enjoy in a heroine. She is wily and independent with a hidden, vulnerable side. I like how Sabine proves that not all women need a man’s protection. Instead, she protects Cliff several times in their misadventures. What I love the most about Sabine is her interaction with Cliff’s daughter, Lola. She adores the seven-year-old’s spirit and energy. Sabine encourages Lola to be whatever she wants.

DEAD DUKES TELL NO TALES is book three in Catherine Stein’s steampunk romance series, SASS AND STREAM. The story can easily stand alone. There is no ongoing plot or reoccurring characters to require reading the prior two books. This story just focuses on Sabine and Clifford’s escapades. I am new to this author. I could not help but enjoy the humor she infused into her writing style. It made it fun to read.

DEAD DUKES TELL NO TALES is a zany tale of an unlikely partnership between a duke and an airship pirate, and their hilarious hijinks. This story did not disappoint. It filled my steampunk needs.

 

Jeffe Kennedy's novella " THE LONG NIGHT OF THE CRYSTALLINE MOON" and review

 

Tomorrow The Long Night of the Crystalline Moon novella releases. It was previously published in the Under a Winter Sky anthology.

My review is here: https://romancejunkies.com/.../under-a-winter-sky-anthology/

The Long Night of the Crystalline Moon

By Jeffe Kennedy

Shapeshifter Prince Rhyian doesn’t especially want to spend the Feast of Moranu at Castle Ordnung. First of all, it’s literally freezing there, an uncomfortable change from the tropical paradise of his home. Secondly, it’s a mossback castle, which means thick walls and too many rules. Thirdly, his childhood playmate and current nemesis, Lena, will be there. Not exactly a cause for celebration.

Princess Salena Nakoa KauPo nearly wriggled out of traveling to Ordnung with her parents, but her mother put her foot down, declaring that, since everyone who ever mattered to her was going to be there to celebrate the twenty-fifth year of High Queen Ursula’s reign, Lena can suffer through a feast and a ball for one night. Of course, “everyone” includes the sons and daughters of her parents’ friends, and it also means that Rhyian, the insufferable Prince of the Tala, will attend.

But on this special anniversary year, Moranu’s sacred feast falls on the long night of the crystalline moon—and Rhy and Lena discover there’s more than a bit of magic in the air.

https://jeffekennedy.com/the-long-night-of-the...

Painting fun + story - Degahrssin

 

 

The resin figure I decided to show is from LOOT-STUDIO’s October 2020’s An Expedition to the Underworld pack.

Shiza Gallar – she is apart of the heroes. A shame she doesn’t appear in other packs.

She reminds me so much of my original character Degahrssin “Degahr” Mithuth. The hair is almost similar, enough that I could work with it.

Degahr is one of my favorite characters. She is antisocial. The only person she tolerates is Jexnellia, a rogue drow female who saved her. Degahr was onced raised in a prominent drow clan familiar. However, her sisters feared her, so they collaborated to eliminate her.

Here is a revised snippet. Please forgive any grammar or other errors. The original is riddled with them. If you are curious about the old version just ask.

 

Degahr stared straight into diamond-slitted eyes. “Takes more than what you got to do me in,” she rasped in threat.

Slender, ebony fingers applied pressure to the viper’s putrid yellow head. With expert care, she pulled its fangs from her arm.

Agony blazed up her arm. Her stomach cramped and spasmed from the snake’s venom. She waited for her body’s resistance to fight against the poisons.

“Next time, choose your victim wisely.” Her grip tightened. Bone crunched beneath the vise-like pressure.

The viper tried to attack, but it found its movement hampered by the drow’s hold. Its slender body writhed and thrashed.

The smile beneath the veil of white hair turned sinister. “Unfortunately, you don’t have a next time.”

Degahr clenched her jaw against the pain and flicked her wrist. A dagger slid into her waiting palm. She positioned its tip to the viper’s eye.

Blood splattered onto her wrist as she gauged the snake’s eye out. Degahr moved on to the rest of its body. She laughed mirthlessly as the serpent's mangled parts thumped to the ground. 

“Degar?” A masculine, whispery voice queried.

Cold, scarlet-red eyes flicked over to the man’s presence. She recognized him as the tavern’s stablemaster. Omarch, she believed Jex called him.

His green eyes darted first to the snake then back to her. They widened at noticing the darkening stain on her sleeve. “You were bit!” he rushed forward.

Degahr jerked her gangly-thin body from the male’s touch. She held him back with a blood-coated dagger, the very same one she used on the snake. Gore dripped from the blade.

“If you know what’s good for you, jaluk,” she sneered the last word, baring her teeth in warning. “You will keep your distance from me.”

Omarch grunted in frustration, his white forelocks swishing about his broad shoulders. “At least have Jex look at that.” He pointed a gloved finger to her wound. “Tocaths are poisonous.”

“Unless you wish to sire children someday, you will not bother the Mistress about this,” she hissed at the meddlesome male.

Omarch notched his chin up in challenge. “I am more afraid of Jex than you. I hate to imagine what she would do to me if I did not tell her…”

Degahr shoved her dagger back into its sheath beneath her sleeve. “Do what you wish,” she growled in disdain and stalked out of the stable, leaving the male behind.

REVIEW: Lisa Kleypas' DEVIL IN DISGUISE

 Review courtesy of Romance Junkies (Devil in Disguise by Lisa Kleypas | Romance Junkies)
Thanks to Netgalley for the eARC

Keir MacRae is a Scottish whisky distiller. He arrives in London to distribute and sell his wares. Keir never expected to be so attracted to the shipping company’s widowed owner. He soon finds himself plagued by several assassination attempts. The last leaves Keir seriously wounded. While recuperating, with Lady Merritt’s help, he learns some unsettling truths about his birth. Can Keir accept the new revelations about his life? Will he find out who is trying to kill him? And why?

Lady Merritt Sterling is the eldest child of an earl and his American countess. She, with the help of her brother, runs her late husband’s shipping company. Merritt’s world is turned upside down when an angry Scotsman storms into her office. Keir wakes something deep inside her. When he is injured in an accident, Merritt offers to tend him. Danger follows the man. Can Merritt and Keir overcome their social standings? Or will the threats against his life keep them apart?
Keir is my new favorite. Many times, the man made me want to swoon. Keir reminds me of a certain blonde-haired devil who will forever hold a spot in my heart. I like the fact that Keir has chest hair. It is something I rarely see romance heroes having, so it is a nice change. What I adore the most about Keir is his thoughtfulness towards Merritt’s reputation. He never wanted his actions or his association with her to hurt her. Keir always put Merritt’s wellbeing above his own.

I could not contain my giddiness when I discovered who Merritt’s parents are. She is a beautiful mixture of the two. I like how Merritt values her employees’ health and safety over profit. She understands they are the backbone of her business, so she makes sure they get the latest safety equipment and procedures to insure their wellbeing. I also like how Merritt got her name. It is an unusual name for a female. What I adore the most about Merritt is how she refuses to let any man dictate her life. She is a woman who knows her own mind, thanks to her mother’s tutelage.

DEVIL IN DISGUISE is book seven in Lisa Kleypas’ historical romance series, THE RAVENELS. The story can easily standalone. However, I highly recommend reading the prior six books and the author’s THE WALLFLOWER series. The two are intertwined. I love that Sebastian and Evie, from DEVIL IN WINTER, and Lillian and Marcus, from IT HAPPENED ONE AUTUMN, show up, and play a part, in the story.

I cannot get enough of Sebastian and Evie. I always squee in delight when the two appear in THE RAVENEL books. I adore seeing how their love continues to thrive, even after their story. They are still my favorite couple ever in romance books.

DEVIL IN DISGUISE is a captivating tale of two people from different social stations bridging the gap to be together. I hope the author considers writing more stories with the Wallflowers’ children. I want more Hunts, Marsdens, and Challons!

Painting fun...

 

Not that long ago I got into painting 3d figures. My husband has fun printing them out, especially on his resin printers.

 Now, I am not the BEST painter in the world… I have seen some painters who put my feeble attempts to shame.

But, you know what? Who cares? It is for MY enjoyment.

Hubby has a subscription to Loot-Studios. Let us just say, I am not disappointed in their figures. Yeah, there was a few months I was not enamored with the figures, but the quality is so nice.

Generally, I paint them with my own characters in mind. It is fun that way. One month had drows. Oh, my drow geeky heart could not contain itself.

Review: KISSING UNDER THE MISTLETOE anthology

 Review courtesy of Romance Junkies (will link to the site when it goes live)
E-ARC thanks to Netgalley

Each story in this anthology takes place around Christmas. I found it interesting to read how differently the regency era, and the Highlands, celebrated the holiday. I generally do not read holiday-themed stories or anthologies. However, I made an exception because of Suzanne Enoch. She is a favorite author of mine, and I adore the series her novella belongs to.

GREAT SCOT! By Suzanne Enoch
Jane Bansil is the impoverished, spinster niece of a blue-blooded family. She is also Lady Aldriss’ paid companion. Jane accompanies her employer to the Highlands for Christmas. She meets the MacTaggert’s older cousin. The man not only notices her, but Brennan opens her eyes to new possibilities. Can Jane muster the bravado to be with Brennan? Or will she chicken out?
Brennan Andrews is the older cousin to the MacTaggert brothers. His is also a widower and an architect. Brennan agrees to design Lord Glendarril’s dream house. He encounters an intriguing Sassenach female in his cousin’s library. Jane is the first woman to stir Brennan’s interest since his wife died. Can Brennan convince Jane to remain in Scotland? Or will he lose her too?
I am so happy that Jane received her happily-ever-after. She is one woman who deserves it. At one time, I wanted Jane to end up with Gavin, the MacTaggert’s groom. However, I will admit that Brennan is the better man for her. What I adore the most about Jane is the sacrifice she willingly made for her younger cousin. She would rather have Amy happy than stuck in a loveless marriage, even at the price of her job.
Brennan is an absolute love. Honestly, he is every bookworm’s dream man. Who in their right mind would not fall for a man with the capability of designing their dream library? What I adore the most about Brennan is his patience with Jane. He found a kindred spirit in her, especially one who shared his scholarly interests. So, Brennan took the time to coax the true Jane from her shy shell.
GREAT SCOT is book 3.5 in Suzanne Enoch’s historical romance series, WILD WICKED HIGHLANDERS. I recommend reading the prior three books before starting this one, especially book one, since that is where Jane is first introduced.
I still hope Gavin gets a story, even if it is another novella. I just think he needs a lass to tame him.

CHRISTMAS AT DEWBERRY HOLLOW by Amelia Grey
John “Gate” Gatestone is the grandson of a quarrelsome duke. He offers to help his ailing grandfather find a particular tree that bears his and his late wife’s initials. Gate crosses paths with a saucy female in the forest. Isabelle makes him want to abandon his family’s code of conduct. He asks for her assistance in finding his grandfather’s special tree. Will Gate find the tree before Christmas? And will he be able to leave Isabelle behind after?
Isabelle Reed is the great-granddaughter of a viscount. She helps her mother run their family inn. On the side, Isabelle teaches the local village girls how to read and write. She has one rule: never to fall for any of the men who stay at her inn. However, Gate tempts Isabelle to break that rule. She agrees to help him in his search for a certain tree. Can Isabelle give Gate up once he accomplishes his mission? Or will she risk heartbreak?
Gate charmed me from the start of the story. He had this mischievous air about him that made him fun. I love how Gate wanted to have the kind of love that his grandparents shared. He refused to marry out of duty, instead he waited until he found the right woman who stirred his heart. What I adore the most about Gate is his willingness to help his grandfather achieve his last wish. He understood how important this was to his grandfather, so he defied their family to give the old Duke peace.
Isabelle steadily grew on me. She may be related to nobility, but she never put on airs. Isabelle prefers her provincial lifestyle than the active social life of the ton. I love how Isabelle is no stranger to menial labor. She does not make the inn’s staff do all the work. Instead, Isabelle can be found doing some of the chores to help the inn run smoothly. What I like the most about Isabelle is the care she gives to their permanent borders. She treats them as family.
This is my first foray with Amelia Grey’s works. CHRISTMAS AT DEWBERRY HOLLOW is a standalone novella. While reading, I never got the sense it belonged to a series. I am tempted to explore the author’s other stories.

MY MISTLETOE BEAU by Anna Bennett

Jack Hardwick, Earl of Frostbough, is the heir to a dukedom. He has a reputation of being cynical and cold-hearted amongst his peers. Jack happens upon a mysterious lady pawing through his underwear drawer. Eva proves to be the answer to his vexing problem. Jack promises to return her father’s watch if she agrees to a fake courtship. Will Jack and Eva’s fake courtship turn into the real deal?
Miss Eva Tiding is the only child of a widowed viscount. She plans to get back her father’s pocket watch from the earl who swindled him. Eva reluctantly agrees to pretend to a fake engagement to the Earl of Frostbough, a man she detests. Or does she really? The infuriating man brings out the worst, and the best, out of Eva. Can Eva resist Jack’s temptation? Or will she fall madly in love with the jaded earl?
Jack is simply swoon worthy! I never could resist a broody, sardonic man. Jack is a man who let a childhood disappointment twist his outlook on life. He starts off indifferent and aloof. However, Jack begins to soften around the edges the more he interacts with Eva. What I love the most about Jack is his verbal spars with Eva. He never says anything outright cruel; he just knows the right things to get a rise out of her.
I liked Eva from the start. She is not a simpering, timid miss. Eva toes the line of the limitations set to her sex and station. What I love the most about Eva is her ability to stand up to Jack. She refuses to allow the man to intimidate her. Eva continues to prove that she is an even match for the detached gentleman.
Anna Bennett is a new-to-me author. MY MISTLETOE BEAU is a standalone novella. This story made me smile (hugely) at the end. I could not help but be swept up in the wonderful storytelling.

KISSING UNDER THE MISTLETOE is a series of delightful and warm-hearted stories. I like how each author focuses on the characters and the storyline over the festive season. The holiday is more of a backdrop, like a setting.

Review: THE DUKE GOES DOWN by Sophie Jordan

 Review courtesy of Romance Junkies (https://romancejunkies.com/reviews/the-duke-goes-down/)
ebook courtesy of Netgalley

Peregrine “Perry” Butler, the Duke of Penning, once lived a charmed life. When the truth of his birth is revealed, he loses his title, his wealth, his lands, and his dignity. Perry searches for a rich heiress to wed. However, nasty rumors keep him from reaching his objective. Perry demands the perpetrator, a certain vexing spinster, to restore his reputation. Can Perry learn to let go of his former life? Will he find a new purpose for his future?

Imogen Bates is the spinster daughter of the shire’s aging vicar. She views Perry as the bane of her childhood. Imogen protects the heiresses of her community the only way she knows how, by spreading malicious rumors about his person. Now the infuriating man hounds her to restore his honor. And tempts Imogen with pleasure. Will Imogen eventually do right to Perry? Can she see the true man beneath the polished veneer?

I really could not stand Perry as a child. He was such an irksome brat, who desperately needed a spanking. I like that karma finally caught up with him. The change in his circumstance allowed him to do some much-needed soul-searching. What I admire the most about Perry is how he figured out a life path for his future. He first had to come to peace with losing his former life as a nobleman. This allows him to understand the satisfaction of earning his rewards through hard work and not from inheriting it.

I only have two problems with Imogen. The first is her inability to let go of the past. I understand how hurtful and devastating it can be to have people badmouth you, but that does not excuse Imogen’s behavior. The second problem I have with Imogen is her penchant for spreading gossip. It is never okay to spread damaging rumors about a person, no matter how they behave towards you. For all Imogen’s faults, I admire her loyalty to her father and to her community. She does what she can to help all of them.

THE DUKE GOES DOWN is the first book in Sophie Jordan’s brand-new historical romance series, THE DUKE HUNT. I am new to this author’s works. The hero’s situation is what attracted me to this book. It is something I have never heard nor read about happening to anyone in the peerage. Except for a few nitpicks here or there, I quite enjoyed the story, enough to finish the book in a day.

THE DUKE GOES DOWN is a fascinating tale of two adversaries learning to forgive their pasts to forge a future together. I cannot wait to meet the mysterious new Duke of Pennings.

Review of Vol 5 of Given

Once more Mafuyu struggles lyrics. He wants to get this song done before their next show.

Haruki and Akihiko try to move past their troubles. The hurt still lingers, but the two manage to find a way to co-exist together. Could it strengthen their rocky relationship? Akihiko finally lets go of his past to pave way for his future.

This volume focuses on Haruki and Akihiko. Another couple, one close to Mafuyu, is fully introduced. I want more Uenoyama and Mafuyu!

Uenoyama needs to figure out what he wants out of his relationship with Mafuyu. He has his moments of doubts. He wants to help Mafuyu any way he can.

Mafuyu wows the audience with his newest song.

I am preparing for the next volume! September is just around the corner.

Review of Volume 4 of Given

 The last Live unlocked Mafuyu’s talent for music. He is progressing at an alarming rate. Mafuyu gets help from an unlikely source: Ugetsu.

This issue explores Ugetsu and Akihiko’s start…

Haruki struggles to understand his dynamic in the band. It is difficult being a non-genius in the band. But Haruki’s role is even more important.

Uenoyama feels a little left out. Mafuyu has been hanging around Akihiko. How do the two overcome this? Can they continue to create music together?

Akihiko hurts Haruki in the worst possible way.

I simply cannot get enough of this manga.

Review for manga Wotakoi Volume 1- 4

 

With the fifth volume coming in September (and yes, I plan to preorder soon!), I decided a re-read was in order.

Believe me, that is no hardship, especially with this manga! It has quickly become a favorite and my go-to manga. It never fails to make me giggle and feel good inside.

Now, if Sentai or Funimation will buy the license for the anime and dub it, so I can own the anime. I’d be happy!

VOL 1
This manga is one of my favorites.
It is one that I often re-visit and re-read whenever the fancy takes me.

This volume introduces the key characters - Narumi, Hirotaka, Kabakura, and Koyanagi.
Narumi is a fujoshi. Hirotaka is a gamer. Koyanagi is into cosplay. Kabakura is a closet otaku.

Narumi and Hirotaka are childhood friends. The two lost touch after middle school until Narumi starts at the company Hirotaka works at. She has one goal: to hide that she is an otaku. Naru and Hirotaka re-kindle their friendship, but they bump it up to the next step: dating. I love how Naru and Hirotaka can read each other. They each know how the other feels just looking at them. Other people cannot read them... and time did not diminish that ability.

Kabakura and Koyanagi overlook the two's relationship and befriend the two.

I so love the antics of all four. They never fail to make me laugh and feel good inside. I especially love all the many anime and manga references. And I absolutely adore Nao-chan, Hirotaka's brother. Even though the latter is a brat towards him.

The anime really follows the manga pretty well

VOL 2

Hirotaka and Naru decided to go out on a date - an anime-free and game-free date. What fun will the two have? How well will they handle this new situation in their relationship!

Nao meets someone who reminds him of his brother. However, this new person has severe social anxieties. Nao tries to befriends Ko by playing games - something he is horrible at. Is Ko a boy or girl! Okay, I have to say this... Nao and Ko are so damn adorable!! They are my favorites!!

VOL 3

Narumi, Hirotaka, Kabakura, and Hana's company has a mandatory trip to the hot springs! How will the two couples handle hiding their relationship from their co-workers. What hijinks will the four get into.

This volume also shows Naru's foray in cosplay thanks to Hana!

Nao is tore up over his misunderstanding with Ko. However, she has been avoiding him and school. Nao turns to Naru for him. Yet it is Hirotaka that provides him a way to patch up with Ko.

Okay, Ko and Nao are so damn cute! He's pure and clueless. She's so awkward and shy! And really, Nao is the perfect guy to understand a hardcore gamer female otaku like Ko. He did grow up afterall with Hirotaka! I so want these two to be a couple already!

I absolutely love how Ko and Hirotaka hit it off. 

VOL 4

Hana and Kabakura decide to take their relationship to the next step… Things are slowly evolving with Naru and Hirotaka! What will their next step be!

They are not the only ones that is evolving. Nao’s presence helps Ko open up a little more.

She runs into Naru on two different occasions, the second with Hana. The two decide to help the social awkward woman buy new clothes.

I do believe Naru is playing matchmaker. She likes Ko. Naru is not the only person who approves of Ko. Even Hirotaka likes her with his brother, which is evident when he remembers her name.

Nao has reached that turning point…. I want these two to become a couple so damn bad! I love to see more interactions with the rest of the group!! They are so damn wholesome!

Review of DL Gardner's RISE OF THE TOBIAN PRINCESS

 

Rating: 4

Prince Arell is the only son of the Cho Nisi’s king. His father’s death forces him to ascend to the throne – a responsibility he is not prepared for. Arell wants to learn the identity of the person responsible for his father’s demise. A beautiful yet reckless princess may provide him with the opportunity. Arell must ignore his heart to exact justice for his people. Can Arell learn to forgive Erika for her crime? What role does he have in the upcoming battle with the Vouchsaver?

Princess Erika Tobias is the youngest child of the Potamian king. She wants to fight alongside her brother to protect their kingdom from the Vouchsaver’s evil. However, Erika blunders in her first skirmish. Her mistake could threaten the alliance Potamia has with the Cho Nisi. Can Erika find a way to make reparation to the Cho Nisi’s people? Or will she be forced to give up on her beloved?

I feel that there were not enough scenes about Arell or the Cho Nisi people. I would have loved a little more exploration on the Cho Nisi’s culture and their magic system, unless the author plans to do so in future books. I understand and empathize with Arell’s trepidation about ascending the throne. He thought his father would rule longer than what he did. Arell took that for granted and shirked his heir’s duties to learn and observe.  I like Arell’s dedication on becoming a good monarch. He had to learn by trial and error, but he insisted on learning his background.

Erika came off as too self-absorbed and selfish. I understand her need to prove herself, especially since women’s stations are different. I feel that she took things to the extremes or too far. I admire Erika’s determination to make amends to the Cho Nisi. She may be a princess, but that did not exempt her for making reparation.

RISE OF THE TOBIAN PRINCESS is the first book in D.L. Gardner’s fantasy romance series, SWORD OF CHO NISI. I know that first books always start out slow. They must set up and introduce the author’s unique world. However, certain parts felt like it dragged on and on without any real purpose. I commend the author on her worldbuilding skills. She did a wonderful job creating a world so different from others in the genre, especially the magic.

LAUGHING UNDER THE CLOUDS, volume 2 review

 

The Kumo brothers ( Tenka, Soramaru, and Chutarou)  ferry criminals to an inescapable prison located in the center of Lake Biwa.

There is more to Tenka than he lets others to see. He adores (and protects) his younger brothers. However, a murderer brings danger to the Kumo’s world.

Who are the Yamainu? What exactly is the Vessel of Orochi? And what does it have to do with the three Kumo brothers? And what has Tenka been keeping from Sora and Chutarou?

Tenka is a riot! He enjoys playing the fool, but that is just a façade. Tenka is quite shred. But it is all to protect and look after his brothers – who need him and rely on him.

Sora is frustrated with his life. He strives to be strong like Tenka, but his brother refuses to properly teach him. He wants to be Tenka’s equal. It is tough living beneath his eldest brother’s shadow. What secrets will he learn? Who will teach him to be strong?

The anime follows the manga pretty good. Yeah, some of the scenes are switched about. I wanted to read the manga just to see if there were any scenes that did not make it into the anime. I cannot wait for the next installment!