Review of Nakaba Harufuji YOU'RE MY CUTIE, volume 1

 

Madoka has a thing for cute boys, especially those whose personalities match their appearances. One day, she learns that her father hired a part-timer. Shikura treats Madoka rudely, and he wants nothing to do with her. Madoka soon understands why he behaves so standoffish when his female classmates come to the restaurant. She selflessly steps forward to protect Shikura from unwanted attention. A tentative friendship blooms between them.

Shikura’s situation reminds me of the four protagonists of Tomoko Hayakawa’s THE WALLFLOWERS – where girls are only obsessed with his looks, and when he is with Madoka, their behavior turns catty and mean. However, Shikura’s temperament is completely different.

I really like Madoka. She is so understanding. Her attitude towards Shikura changes once she understands why he behaves so unapproachable. She also tries to put him at ease, avoiding subjects that would make him feel uncomfortable, and protects him from his fanbase.

This manga did not disappoint! I found it incredibly cute! I will definitely be picking up a volume for my collection once it is released.

Out now: Jeffe Kennedy's The Dragon's Daughter and the Winter Mage

 

Invisible Loner

 Gendra—partblood daughter of an elite mossback soldier and the only shapeshifter to achieve the coveted dragon form—is anything but interesting. She’s actually plain and awkward and … invisible. Every guy she meets either looks right through her or—worse—thinks of her as just a friend. Fortunately Gen is far too practical to wallow in self pity. Much.

 A Search for True Love

 But as Gen accompanies her oldest friends on a quest for Her Majesty High Queen Ursula, she can’t help feeling bitter about her lonely fate as, two by two, they pair off with each other. As usual, everyone but odd-woman-out Gen seems to be finding the happiness in true love that has always eluded her. And Gen’s pathetic attempts to come out of her shell have only met with social disaster.

 Dragon’s Daughter

 Still, with magic rifts plaguing the Thirteen Kingdoms and a strange intelligence stalking them from an alter-realm, Gen has plenty to deal with—especially when she’s cut off from the group, isolated and facing a lethal danger. It just figures that Gen is on her own, once again. But with no one coming to save her, she has only herself to rely upon.

 And, perhaps, the help of a mysterious, stranded magician…

Releasing September 24, 2021 

buy links: https://jeffekennedy.com/the-dragon-s-daughter-and-the-winter-mage

Review: Jill Shalvis' THE FAMILY YOU MAKE

 

Rating: 4.5

Jane Parks is a traveling nurse. She is not the kind of girl who sticks to one place or puts down roots. Jane annually returns to Tahoe, California, to work the ski season. She finds herself stranded in a gondola, during a freak blizzard, with a good-looking stranger. Jane reluctantly agrees to be Levi’s pretend girlfriend for his parents’ anniversary dinner. She soon finds herself conflicted by what is happening between them. Can Jane trust Levi with her heart? Will she let their fake relationship become real?

Levi Cutler is a data scientist consultant. He hesitantly returns home to help his family with their sporting goods store. A snowstorm strands Levi and a snarky red head on a gondola. He prepares for the worst and calls his mother to lie about having a girlfriend. Levi convinces Jane to pretend to be his girlfriend, only to appease his mother. He never thought he would actually fall in love with her. Can Levi help Jane heal from her trust and abandonment issues? Will he convince her to give them a chance?

I am overjoyed that Levi is a nerdy type! He is the family oddity. I love how Levi throws out random science facts. He reminds me of my favorite character, Dr. Spencer Reid, from the crime drama Criminal Minds. I admire Levi’s dedication to his family. He may often feel like he does not belong, but he has never ignored his family when they need him the most. What I adore the most about Levi is his ability to understand Jane. He knows that she has issues to work through, and he accepts her for herself.

Jane is such a remarkable yet flawed woman. I could not help but empathize with her from the start. I understand Jane’s trust and abandonment issues. She has been dealt a bad hand in the family department. I like how Jane is not put off by Levi’s intelligence. She understands that is part of his unique charm, and she accepts him for who he is. What I love the most about Jane is her need to help others. Despite her crummy childhood, she chose a profession that helps those in need.

THE FAMILY YOU MAKE is the first book in Jill Shalvis’ contemporary romance/woman’s fiction series, THE SUNRISE COVE. Fans of the author’s WILDSTONE books will love this brand-new series. It follows the same formula, especially the humorous wit Jill Shalvis is known for. I adore the secondary romance in the background. We get two romances for the price of one.

THE FAMILY YOU MAKE is an uplifting tale of two rejected souls learning to heal from their pasts and open-up to love. No one can write small-town romances like Jill Shalvis. I cannot wait to see who is next in this keeper series!

Review: Julie Ann Walker's SHOT ACROSS THE BOW

 

Rating: 4.5

Spiro “Romeo” Delgado is a former Navy Seal. He and his six Seal brothers search for a particular Spanish sunken ship. Romeo has no intention of giving up on his womanizing ways. That is until he meets one Mia Ennis. Romeo fights against his building interest in the shy yet smart woman. When they find themselves marooned on a sandbar, he gives in to the inevitable. Can Romeo protect Mia from the threat following them? Or will he lose more than just his heart?

Mia Ennis is an accomplished marine archeologist. She helps the Deep Six guys by documenting the salvage process of the legendary galleon Santa Cristina. Mia hides a painful past that she fears will alienate herself from the others. She agrees to keep things amicable between herself and Romeo. However, the man tests Mia’s resolve. Things heat up between them when they end up stranded on a small island. Can Mia come to terms with her past? Or will it stand between her and Romeo?

Romeo is so much more than what I expected. He is a man blessed with a sexy face and incredible physique. However, Romeo proves that good looks bring its own set of complications and problems. I admire Romeo’s bravado and determination to become someone better. He escaped his crummy roots without his family’s approval or help. Romeo even wants to help kids like himself avoid that kind of future. What I adore the most about Romeo is how he comes to Mia’s defense. He tries to help her see past her mother’s lies to her true worth and beauty.

Mia is such a great fit for Romeo. Her quiet and reticent demeanor balances Romeo’s flirty, outgoing ways. They both come from dysfunctional families, which painted their outlook on their self-worth and relationships. I like Mia’s selflessness. She thinks of others before herself, even when that person is not so deserving. What I adore the most about Mia is how she sees past Romeo’s sexy appearance to the man beneath the façade. She acknowledges the qualities other women either overlook or dismiss openly.

SHOT ACROSS THE BOW is book five in Julie Ann Walker’s romantic suspense series, THE DEEP SIX. It is necessary to read the prior four books to understand the overall plot. I like how the author sets up the next couple for her upcoming book in the background. It makes me antsy for the next installment because I am already invested. I am still glad the author returned to this exciting series after a lengthy pause.

SHOT ACROSS THE BOW is a thrilling tale of two people overcoming not only danger but their insecurities to be together. I am bummed that this series is coming to an end. I simply cannot wait for Doc and Camilla’s story! It promises to be a good one!

Review: Sophie Jordan's THE RAKE GETS RAVISHED

 Rating: 5

Silas Masters owns and operates London’s most popular gaming establishment. He wins the Kittinger farm in a game of cards. Silas finds a mysterious woman awaiting him in his rooms, and he falls for her alluring wiles. When he discovers what she did, he plans to find the nameless woman and make her pay. However, Silas’ plans change once he finds Mercy. She awakens something within him. Can Silas protect Mercy from her brother’s thoughtlessness? What will he willingly give up for her?

Mercy Kittinger works and maintains the family farm. She also oversees her younger sister’s welfare. When their brother gambles away the farm, Mercy does what she must to get it back, even seduce the blackguard. She never thought Silas would follow her home. Mercy tries to forget their one passionate night, but Silas’ presence makes it difficult. However, her brother’s wastrel ways catch up with the Kittinger family. What sacrifices will Mercy make for her siblings? Will she lose more than just her heart?

Silas won me instantly. He plays the sardonic and cold-hearted blackguard, but in truth, he really is a decent man at his core. I admire Silas’ stance on women. He refuses to allow any man to disabuse or take advantage of them, especially in his establishment. Silas even accepted Gwen’s profession when other men disapproved. What I adore the most about Silas is his instant protectiveness towards Mercy. He hated how her family used and treated Mercy and her altruism.

I liked Mercy from the start! She is a woman who is no stranger to hard, respectable work. Mercy refuses to live an idle life like her twin brother and younger sister. Instead, she works tirelessly alongside her employees. I admire Mercy’s selflessness. She purposely puts her siblings’ needs and wants before her own, despite their disrespect. What I like the most about Mercy is her temerity. She is a woman who knows her mind. Mercy does not second guess her wants, especially when it comes to sex.

THE RAKE GETS RAVISHED is the second book in Sophie Jordan’s historical romance series, THE DUKE HUNT. The story can easily stand alone. There is no major ongoing plot happening in the background. I would, however, suggest reading the previous book, only to familiarize with the story’s setting. The couple from the first book, THE DUKE GOES DOWN, does make a brief appearance, close to the end.

THE RAKE GETS RAVISHED is a captivating tale of two souls discovering love during an unlikeliest time. I practically gobbled up this book in one sitting. I could not put it down. I have a hunch on who the author plans to pair Gwen with. I cannot wait to see if my guess is correct!

A recommended read.

Review: Casey Griffin's A WEDDING'S TAIL

 

Rating: 4.5

Zoe Plum is a wedding planner. She is a sexual health representative on the side. She encounters the flirtatious Levi Dolson at the most harrowing wedding of her career. She hopes the Wedding Expo will help boost her business even higher, only to find herself running into Levi again. The sexy rockstar refuses to take no for an answer. A series of accidents threatens to ruin all of Zoe’s plans for her best friend’s wedding. Can Zoe pull off a miraculous wedding for her friend Piper? Will she finally open her bruised heart to Levi?

Levi Dolson is the lead singer for a promising rock band. He agrees to be his college friend’s last minute, stand-in groomsman. Levi cannot conceal his growing interest in the cool and aloof wedding planner. In hopes of furthering their association, he signs up for the Wedding Expo. However, Zoe continues to play hard-to-get. When a series of disastrous incidents follows her, Levi tries to help her uncover the saboteur. Can Levi sway Zoe to take a chance on them? Or will he be forced to give up on her for good?

I cannot help but like and admire Zoe. She is the ever practical, responsible, and confidant one of her trio of friends. However, Zoe has been hurt in the most horrendous way possible. I like how Zoe’s past heartache and pessimism does not interfere with her business. She strives to make every customer’s dream come true on their special day, regardless of their bizarre demands. What I adore the most about Zoe is her steadfast dedication to her two best friends. There is little she would not do for Piper and Addy, even jeopardize her life and business for them.

What is there not to like about Levi! He is such a fun character! Levi’s outgoing personality really balances out Zoe’s cool and collected demeanor. I admire Levi’s determination to follow his own path and dream rather than the one set up for him. He knows better than anyone what would make him happiest. What I love the most about Levi is his determination. He never once gave up on Zoe. Levi knew that she was well worth the wait. He realized that she first needed to heal before she could open her heart again.

A WEDDING TAIL is the third book in Casey Griffin’s doxie-themed series, A RESCUE DOG ROMANCE. The author received the rights back from her previous publisher to this fun series, which gives her the chance to reintroduce it. This story got a touch up too, as with the previous two. It is shorter than its 2017 release. I do recommend reading this series in order. Each story can stand alone; however, there is a background plot that spans the three books. Also, readers can get a better understanding of Piper, Addison, and Zoe’s close bond.

A WEDDING TAIL is a remarkable tale of one woman finally letting go of the past to heal and discover love again. I am delighted that the author announced there will be a fourth book. Yay! More dachshund books to look forward to. I cannot wait to see who is next!

Review: Karakarakemuri's LAUGHING UNDER THE CLOUDS, volume 4

 

RATING: 4.5

Soramaru and Chutaro are having difficulties coming to terms with their brother’s death. Sora feels lost without Tenka’s guidance, so he resumes his training beneath Abe no Sosei. While training, he finds his resolve to assume the Kumo’s duties. Meanwhile, a lost Chutaro leaves home

Everyone, except a certain few, believes the Orochii threat is finished. New players enter the fray. But is the Orochii truly dead? Did Tenka sacrifice his life in vain? Or are things about to take a drastic turn?

My heart aches for Sora and Chutaro.  Tenka willingly stepped forward to be mother, father, and elder brother to the younger Kumo siblings. He gave up his former life for them. Sora and Chutaro finally realize that he kept their little family together. But can the two continue without him?

Okay, so I hope something “more” brews between Soramaru and Nishiki! The two are so adorably cute in their interactions. I like how kind and concern Sora is towards the Fuuma girl.

The anime really follows the manga faithfully, so far. I really miss Tenka’s comical antics.

Review thanks to Netgalley

Review for Nalini Singh's ARCHANGEL's LIGHT

 

Illium – Blue or Bluebell to his friends - is the son of the Archangel Aegaeon and the angelic artist, The Hummingbird. He is one of Archangel Raphael’s elite Seven. At his sire’s behest, Illium travels to China to assist Aodhan. He feels conflicted. Illium mourns the closeness he once shared with Aodhan, but he does not want to stand in the way of his friend’s healing. They investigate the wreckage China’s former archangel leaves behind, but what they discover will shock them down to their core. Can their strained relationship be repaired?

Aodhan -Sparkles to a chosen few- is one of Archangel Raphael’s Seven. He is an accomplished artist, and the Hummingbird’s cherished protégé. Aodhan agrees to act as Archangel Suyin’s temporary second. He believes time apart from Illium will help him move past his trauma. Aodhan hopes they can salvage their deep bond while investigating a ravaged China. However, they find more than what they bargained for. What new horrors did Lijuan leave behind? Can Aodhan convince Illium that he is no longer broken?

Illium has always been my favorite character from this series since his first appearance. I adore his playful and infectious personality. Illium loves everyone in his close sphere equally and unconditionally, well except for Aodhan. That is just the type of angel he has always been. Someone must do something horrendous or evil to make Illium despise or hate them.  What I love the most about Illium is his selflessness. He may not understand the hurt his mother and Aodhan went through, but he never begrudged them the space they needed to heal, even if it hurt him.

Aodhan is another one of my fond favorites. I could not help but empathize with him from the start. I have always had a soft spot for the wounded/tortured types. The author finally reveals Aodhan’s past, and man was it devastating.  What I adore the most about Aodhan is how he always looks after Illium. Even at his lowest, Aodhan made the effort to reach out to his friend when Illium needed him most.

 ARCHANGEL’S LIGHT is book fourteen in Nalini Singh’s wildly popular paranormal series, GUILD HUNTER. I highly recommend reading the prior books to understand the build-up leading to this story. I love how the author balances the chapters. One will be about the present, and then the next gives readers a glimpse into the two’s past. This formula allows us to see the bond between Illium and Adohan start and grow.

This book does not follow the standard m/m romance storytelling, which I adore. The author focuses more on the gritty and raw emotion between two individuals than dirty smut.

I know there will be people unhappy that these two ended up together. Honestly? I would have it no other way. It made sense to me. Illium and Aodhan belong together. I have always felt that way early in the series.

ARCHANGEL’S LIGHT is the most anticipated book in Nalini Singh’s GUILD HUNTER series. Illium has always been the fandoms’ favorite. Generally favored characters from a series, their stories tend to fall flat. That is not the case with this book. The author did not disappoint!

Review for Eva Leigh's 'THE GOOD GIRL'S GUIDE TO RAKES"

 Rating: 4.5
Review courtesy of Romance Junkies

Kieran Ransome is the third son of an Earl. He, along with his brother and friend, must marry a respectable woman within a year or be financially cut off. Kieran turns to the one woman who can help him accomplish such a feat. Reluctantly, he agrees to Celeste’s astonishing terms. However, he never expects to lose his rakish heart to her. Can Kieran help Celeste escape an unwanted engagement? At what risks?

Miss Celeste Kilburn is the daughter of a dockyard magnate. She is society’s most respectable woman. Celeste tires of playing the good girl. She craves for a taste of adventure before becoming engaged to a pretentious Earl. She agrees to assist Kieran, only if he agrees to escort her around London’s immoral scenes. Can Celeste maintain her sterling reputation? Or will she willingly embrace Kieran’s wanton lifestyle?

Kieran is such a delectable bad boy. He is a man who does not care what other people think of him and his past times. Instead, he embraces them to the fullest. I absolutely hate how Kieran’s parents and elder brother treats him. It explains why he does such outrageous and naughty things. I adore Kieran’s protectiveness towards his other brother and fellow partner-in-crime. He despises how their parents and their peers malign Finn, especially in front of him. What I love the most about Kieran is how he encourages Celeste to be her own person. He does not try to curtail her as society and others do.

Celeste is such a remarkable young woman. She is tired of being the person society and others dictate her to be. I like how intuitive and observant Celeste is. She sees far more than what people are aware of. Plus, she knows when to use that information as a weapon. I admire Celeste’s altruism. She willingly sacrifices her own happiness to appease and protect both her father and brother. What I love the most about Celeste is how she wants to help the poor and working class better themselves. She does not try to hide her humble background, nor does she try to forget it. Instead, Celeste wants to use her new resources to give back to her old community.

 THE GOOD GIRL’S GUIDE TO RAKES is book one in Eva Leigh’s historical romance series, LAST CHANCE SCOUNDRELS. I am new to this author’s works. The story’s synopsis is what tempted me to give this book a try. It did not disappoint. I will be checking out the author’s other series when I get the chance.

THE GOOD GIRL’S GUIDE TO RAKES is a captivating tale of two peoples’ adventures through society’s respectable and seedier sides, only to discover their true selves and love. I have a guess on who the author plans for Finn Ransome. I cannot wait for the next book and see if my guess is correct!

Review for: Casey Griffin "FALLING FOR THE UNDER-DOG"

 

Rating: 4.5

Addison Turner is a dog stylist and doggie fashionista. She plans to present her doggie fashion line at a mixer for the Western Dog Show. Addison hopes to meet her Mr. Perfect there, also. However, things take a drastic turn when thieves dog-nap her show-dog models. Wherever she goes, more high-end dogs disappear. Addison turns to the other person being framed for the crime to clear their names. Can Addison and Felix catch the culprit before the dog show? Will she realize Felix is her true Mr. Perfect?

Felix Vaughn works the dog-circuit as a bartender. He plans to use his extra wages to put a down payment on a bar. Felix encounters Addison at the mixer for the Western Dog Show. When she asks for his help, he turns down her tempting offer. However, Felix changes his mind when he is implicated on the latest dognapping. Things heat up between them as he and Addison try to clear their names. Can Felix convince Addison he is the better man? Or will the situation ruin his chances at purchasing his bar?

Generally, I am not fond of the pink-wearing and overly optimistic heroine types. However, I grew to love Addison from book one, PAWS OFF THE BOSS. I adore her close friendship with Piper and Zoe. I only wish this book had more interaction between the three women like the first book. My only nitpick about Addison is how she wants the movie type happily-ever-after. She has this mental image of how her Mr. Perfect should be and looks like. That blinds her to the perfect person right in front of her.

Felix is such a dream!  He is a nice change-of-pace from the usual hero types found in all romance genres. Felix is a hardworking, single father doing the best he can. I love Felix’s wicked sense-of-humor. He is not afraid to be openly frank with Addison, especially regarding his interest in her. What I adore the most about Felix is his sense of responsibility towards his daughter. Everything he does is to benefit her. Felix puts his daughter’s needs before his own.

FALLING FOR THE UNDERDOG is the second book in Casey Griffin’s dachshund-themed series, A RESCUE DOG ROMANCE. Its former title was BEAUTY AND THE WEINER. The author revamped the story since she received the rights back to the three-book series. I like the subtle changes she made. There are more updated movies and actors mentioned in the story compared to the 2017 release.

FALLING FOR THE UNDERDOG is a charming and entertaining tale that proves what we want is not always what we need. I cannot wait to read the changes the author made for Zoe’s book!