Monday, January 15, 2024

My review of Kiyuhiko's THE WHITE AND BLUE BETWEEN US

 

THE WHITE AND BLUE BETWEEN US
Boys Love

 

 

AUTHOR:
Kiyuhiko

RELEASE DATE:
February 13, 2024

PUBLISHER:
Kodansha Comics

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781646519774

RATING:
3.5

 

 

Hozumi returns home after seven years. He discovers, at a school reunion, that his friend and first love became a shut in. Hozumi wants to make amends for rejecting Mishima. However, Mishima rebuffs his every attempt. Hozumi desperately wants to explain his reasons for breaking up with Mishima.

Mishima’s entire world revolves around the lighthouse. He does not associate with anyone in his hometown. Then the person responsible for breaking his heart returns. Mishima distrusts Hozumi. However, Hozumi refuses to leave him be. Can Mishima and Hozumi make peace with their past?

The story (and art) was “okay”. Even in the romance novels I tend to read, I am not a fan of second-chance trope. I always feel cheated out of the romance (as in the start of their attraction, following the build-up and then the confession). I guess I expected a little “more” from the plot and storyline.

This was a quick read.


Friday, January 12, 2024

My review for Larissa Ione's LEGACY OF TEMPTATION

 

LEGACY OF TEMPTATION
Paranormal romance

 

  

AUTHOR:
Larissa Ione

RELEASE DATE:
February 6, 2024

PUBLISHER:
Blue Box Press

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
1957568704

RATING:
5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://www.larissaione.com/

 

 

Logan is the son of the Horsemen known as Death and an Aegis defector. He works in the Spirit Management Division at DART, an agency that deals with supernaturals. Logan finds himself babysitting a group of Aegis guardians in the exchange program. There is one among their group that garners his complete notice. Logan knows better than to trust anyone in The Aegis, but he cannot seem to ignore Eva. When tragedy strikes, pitting DART and The Aegis against one another, he must protect her from his friend. Can Logan trust Eva? Or will he be forced to choose his friend’s life over hers?

Eva Tennant excels at her work as the Deputy Spokesperson for the Aegis. She aims to win the promotion of becoming the next Chief Spokesperson. However, Eva first needs to participate in an exchange program with DART, an agency known to employ demons and supernaturals. When the program fails drastically, Eva and her comrades find themselves being hunted. She knows the only chance of survival is with Logan. While on the run, Eva learns a great many things about herself and her agency. Will Eva betray Logan for her career? Or will she side with him and DART?

I just have one word for Logan. “Rawr”. He is the perfect blend of both his parents. Logan may be Death’s son, but he never once behaved arrogant or conceited about the fact. I remember the details surrounding his conception and birth from LETHAL RIDER, book three in LORDS OF DELIVERANCE. Ione did a great job keeping that circumstance from being the main focus of the story. What I love the most about Logan is his camaraderie with his family and friends, especially Cujo. They mean the world to him, and Logan would do just about anything, ignore his heart and feelings, to help or protect them.

 

Eva is a career-minded woman. Everything she worked for centered around getting a certain promotion. I like how Eva did not seem as fanatical as her superiors and comrades. Yes, she believed everything taught to her in school and the agency as truth. However, when faced with factual truth, Eva did not cling to it. Instead, she started questioning everything she had been taught. I really respect that about her. What I really like about Eva is her ability to accept Logan’s heritage. She understood his reasons for omitting them when they first met and sympathized.

 

LEGACY OF TEMPTATION is the first book in Larissa Ione’s brand-new paranormal romance series, DEMONICA BIRTHRIGHT. This series deals with the next generation, so I highly recommend reading the DEMONICA and LORDS OF DELIVERANCE books. Some of the later books I have not read, but it did not impede my ability to follow the state of their world or the storyline.

I cannot stress how psyched I am for this story. I fondly remember when I first discovered this author and her world. The DEMONICA and the LORDS OF DELIVERANCE books became fast favorites of mine. I never realized how much I missed the characters, especially Thanatos and Wraith! It was like re-acquainting myself with beloved friends I haven’t seen in ages. I love the fact that their children are snarky replicas of their parents.

Now to wait for the next installment! All I can say is: BRING. IT. ON!


Friday, January 5, 2024

My review for Donna Grant's DRAGON KISS

 

DRAGON KISS
Fantasy Romance

 

 

AUTHOR:
Donna Grant

RELEASE DATE:
JANUARY 09, 2024

PUBLISHER:
Evil Eye Concepts, Incorporated

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9798885420525

RATING:
3.5

AUTHOR LINK:
www.donnagrant.com

 

 

Alasdair and Lotti prepare to retrieve the massirine stone, a magic stone that can benefit their enemy. Varek and his mate Jeyra join the couple in their quest. It is a race to see who will reach it first. What dangers will the four face? Can the Dragon Kings keep a war from breaking out between the humans and dragons? And will Lotti learn the extent of her magical ability?

I like how Lotti is slowly learning about her magic. Mostly, through trial and error. I dislike it when authors make their characters strong within a short amount of time. Lotti does not yet know the limitations of her ability. She is often plagued by self-doubt, which is understandable and believable.

I like how Alasdair encourages Lotti to believe in herself and her magic. Doubt can hamper the strongest of abilities. I admire how Alasdair is learning how to deal with his worry over his mate. He knows that he cannot protect Lotti from everything. That he may well have to rely on her protection against the invisible entity after them or the Star People.

DRAGON KISS is the seventh installment in Donna Grant’s fantasy-paranormal romance series, DRAGON KINGS. This story is basically a continuation of book six, DRAGON ARISEN. I am curious why this piece was not included in the prior novel. Why make it a stand-alone novella? Did the author really want this part of Lotti and Alasdair’s tale told, and DRAGON ARISEN already reached a certain world count? Just things that went through my head while I was reading.


Wednesday, January 3, 2024

My review for Nagisa Furuya's MY ULTRAMARINE SKY

 

MY ULTRAMARINE SKY
Boys Love, High School Romance

 

 

 AUTHOR:

Nagisa Furuya

RELEASE DATE:
December 26, 2023

PUBLISHER:
Kodansha Comics

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781646518319

RATING:
4.5

 

Kai and Ren have been in the same class/homeroom since middle school. That all changes during their third year of high school. Separation helps Kai realize his true feelings for Ren. However, he fears confessing would jeopardize their friendship. Then things grow strained between the boys when Kai accidentally states his feelings. Does Ren feel the same?

This is such a cute and sweet high school romance. There is no heat or spice – which I am totally fine with. The story did not need that. I enjoy the wholesome vibe this manga gave off. It is a one-shot, kind of like MY SUMMER OF YOU.

If you like raunchy BL, then this manga is not for you.

I cannot wait to buy this manga to add to my collection.


Tuesday, January 2, 2024

My review of Lenora Bell's YOU’RE THE DUKE THAT I WANT


 YOU’RE THE DUKE THAT I WANT

Historical Romance

 

 AUTHOR:

Lenora Bell

RELEASE DATE:
December 26, 2023

PUBLISHER:
Avon

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9780063316881

RATING:
3.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://lenorabell.com/

 

 

Dane Walker, a renowned rake, is heir presumptive to the dukedom of Rydell. He visits an idyllic seaside village incognito, only to encounter Sandrine. Something about the innocent miss makes Dane want to do good. When he receives news about his brother, Dane leaves both Sandrine and her home behind. He never expected to run into her again in London. Sandrine’s presence jeopardizes things for Dane. Can Dane discover who is behind his brother’s death? Or will he succumb to Sadrine’s innocent wiles?

Sandrine Oliver wishes for adventure not the stifling future her overprotective mother has planned out. She never expected to meet a person like Dane. He turns her ordinary, mundane world upside down, only to leave without an explanation. Sandrine visits London for business only to run into Dane. She and her new friends intend to make him pay for his past treatment. Can Sandrine convince Dane that they belong together? Or will London prove to be too much for her sensibilities?

YOU’RE THE DUKE THAT I WANT is the first book in Lenora Bell’s historical romance series, THE THUNEDERBOLT CLUB. The story is heavily inspired by the movie Grease. Which shows with the names and certain situations within the storyline. I wanted to enjoy the story because that movie is one of my all-time favorites. However, the historical take just did not mesh well for me. I found some of the characters and scenes over-the-top and cringe worthy. It just felt off with me that dampened my enjoyment.