Review of Takiba and Fuuko Minami's LIGHT OF MY LIFE

 LIGHT OF MY LIFE

BL Manga

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Takiba

RELEASE DATE:
October 28, 2025

PUBLISHER:
Kodansha Comics

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9798888775035

RATING:
4.5

 

 

Minagi has always had an inquisitive mind. He decides to become a host instead of pursuing a career in the medical field. An accident in his third year of high school forces Aki to give up on becoming a pro soccer player. He now runs the hair salon he inherited from his late grandfather. Aki always wonders why Minagi never followed through on becoming a doctor. When Minagi needs a place to stay, Aki reluctantly agrees to let him live with him. Will the truth force Minagi and Aki apart?

Poor Minagi!  I understand his main reason for giving up on his dream. Yeah, it is a little misguided. Guilt causes many people not to think straight… But his heart is in the right place.

This is a one-shot manga. I really like the art-style. It made following the storyline and characters enjoyable. The sex scenes got steamy…

Review for Guri Nojiro's IN LOVE'S KEY, REPRISED

 IN LOVE’S KEY, REPRISED

BL Manga.

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Guri Nojiro

RELEASE DATE:
September 16, 2025

PUBLISHER:
Kodansha Comics

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781647294823

RATING:
4.5

 

 

Kiri Azumi is an in-demand orchestra conductor with an abrasive personality. Due to his health, he is forced to return to his pastoral hometown to recuperate. Osamu is a delivery boy. He gets ecstatic to learn his favorite conductor is coming to town to stay. Kiri does not know how to deal with Osamu’s enthusiasm. Can Kiri overcome his emotional issues with Osamu’s help? And will Osamu have the courage to follow Kiri back to Tokyo?

Osamu is so easy to like! I adore how steadfast he had been towards Kiri. He never allowed the man’s antisocial demeanor to dissuade him. Osamu was always quick to show his affection. Yeah, he got a little overzealous at times.

My heart hurt for Kiri. He had really been simply existing since his mother’s passing, with no one really in his corner... Until Osamu. Osamu helped Kiri come to terms with things.

Grumpy/Sunshine trope – which is a favorite of mine (Kiri is the grump/Osamu is the Sunshine). This manga was a cute and quick story! I even enjoyed the art style.  I plan to buy a physical copy to add to my personal collection!

 

Review for R.A. Salvatore's THE FINEST EDGE OF TWILIGHT

 

THE FINEST EDGE OF TWILIGHT
Fantasy / Dungeons & Dragons

 

 

AUTHOR:
R.A. Salvatore

RELEASE DATE:
October 07, 2025

PUBLISHER:
Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9780593875261

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://rasalvatore.com/

 

 

Briennelle Zaharina Do’Urden, Breezy to her friends and family, is no ordinary half-elf. She is the daughter of Drizzt, a drow hero and renown warrior, and his human wife Catti-brie, the goddess Mielikki’s avatar. Breezy has grown up with a lot of important people and legendary heroes and warriors. It is her turn to make her own mark in Faerûn, away from her family’s reputation and notoriety. Can Breezy prove to her family that she no longer needs their coddling and protection? What path is she destined to walk?

I am still undecisive about Breezy. There were some instances when her attitude and demeanor annoyed me. She sometimes took things and situations for granted due to who her parents and grandparents are. Breezy also struck me as flighty. I often wondered if she has ADHD. Or if that is possible for a half elf. Her behavior reminds me of how my son used to act before he was diagnosed. I understand Breezy’s need to find her niche in the world. She wants to forge her own path with her own skills and abilities than hang onto her family’s greatness.

R.A. Salvatore started my obsession with dark elves/drows twenty plus years ago. Two online, role-playing friends highly recommended that I read the ICEWIND DALE trilogy. Fortunately, I found an omnibus with all three books into one at Waldenbooks (wow, that shows how long ago it has been. Lol).

I remember the author’s writing style enrapturing me. He opened this amazing world to me. Yeah, Drizzt became an instant favorite. However, I became more interested (more like fascinated) with his race. When I mentioned this to my friends, they suggested HOMELAND, EXILE, and SOJOURN.

Unfortunately, I have not read EVERY Drizzt book out there. Just what I could afford at the time or when life allowed me to indulge. I knew enough about the world (Faerûn), the lore, and the characters involved to follow the book’s plot without problems. There were a few characters and situations mentioned that I was unfamiliar with.

I love reacquainting myself with Drizzt and Jarlaxe. I also enjoy seeing the fruition of their paths. It is awesome to see that Jarlaxe has not really changed much. His demeanor still amuses me. He, like Drizzt, are timeless characters. I cannot wait to see what Jarlaxe has planned for Breezy.

I have missed this kind of fantasy story! I wonder what plans Jarlaxe has for Breezy. Will he help her outshine her infamous father, her heroic mother, and great grandfathers… I cannot wait for the next installment.

REVIEW for Suji Kim's UNDER THE OAK TREE, Volume two - novel

 

UNDER THE OAK TREE: VOLUME 2
Fantasy

  

AUTHOR:
Suji Kim

RELEASE DATE:
November 18, 2025

PUBLISHER:
Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9780593871225

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/authors/2300262/suji-kim/

 

 

Lady Maximilian “Maxi” Calypse – nee Croyso – has been flourishing in her new surroundings. She strives to be a good and competent Lady of the Castle for Riftan. Maxi works diligently to speak without a stutter and to practice her healing magic. However, an unexpected visit from Princess Agnes may undermine all her progress. Maxi even worries that the army of monsters plaguing the realm will take her husband on another campaign. Can Maxi’s magical ability be beneficial to Riftan? Or will his overprotectiveness strain their relationship?

Maxi has shown incredible growth in this installment. She is still timid. And her confidence in her abilities and herself wavers. But she is slowly learning to overcome those fears and her self-doubts. I admire her determination in standing up to Riftan. Maxi no longer wants to remain in the gilded cage he erected for her. She instead wants to be an equal, a helpmate to lessen the day-to-day burdens Riftan carries.

Sadly, I have not yet read the first volume of the novel. I have, however, read the first book of the comic. I remember loving the storyline and the characters involved. Wounded or tortured hero and heroines are my favorites. I like seeing such characters overcome their shortcomings and difficulties. And Maxi is doing just that. She is pushing past her limits.

The novel does delve more into Maxi’s point of view. Her insecurities. Her fears. Her determinations. I just wish the author switched to Riftan’s point of view.

I am now fully invested in this story, both the novel AND the web comic. I cannot wait for the next installments of both.

Review: Kerrigan Byrne's "A GRAVE GAMBIT"

 

A GRAVE GAMBIT
Historical Romance – Mystery Suspense

 

 

AUTHOR:
Kerrigan Byrne

RELEASE DATE:
August 26, 2025

PUBLISHER:
Oliver Heber Books

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
B0DV1QY4XT

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://www.kerriganbyrne.com/about

 

 

Miss Fiona Mahoney is London’s principal post-mortem sanitation specialist. She is no stranger to death or the darker side of life. When three dub-up corpses are found on wealthy doorsteps, Fiona is chosen to investigate. She poses as a lady’s maid to gain entry in the upper elite’s social scene. Fiona finds herself immersed in a dangerous conspiracy. She must decide which man will keep her safe as she navigates the deadly scheme in play. Aramis Night Horse, the Syndicate’s assassin and Fiona’s former lover? Or grim Inspector Grayson Croft of Scotland Yard?

Fiona has really grown into her own since the start of the series. She understands and acknowledges what her top priority should be. Her survival. Fiona knows to survive in the world she works in is a balancing act.

A GRAVE GAMBIT is the fourth book in Kerrigan Byrne’s historical-mystery series, FIONA MAHONEY MYSTERY. It is best to start from the beginning. The first book, THE BUSINESS OF BLOOD, introduces the setting and the characters involved. It also explains Fiona’s complicated relationship with the Syndicate, Night Horse and Croft.

I guess I am more on Team Croft than Team Night Horse. Either man is better for Fiona than Roth, aka the Hammer. Something about the man just repels me. I admit that I was bummed until I hit Chapter 15 and Croft made his appearance. I literally squeed in happiness. Croft is taciturn and gruff, but I like the way he interacts with Fiona.

Night Horse has that wounded/tortured aspect that I love. However, I feel he is too immersed in his grief to truly allow Fiona in. I simply cannot see him loving her the way she deserves. Plus, Night Horse is too entrenched in the Syndicate.

My review for Sofie Darling's "WIN ME, MY LORD"

 

WIN ME, MY LORD
Historical Romance

 

  

AUTHOR:
Sofie Darling

RELEASE DATE:
July 29, 2025

PUBLISHER:
Oliver Heber Books

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
B0DPVKPMGB

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://sofiedarling.com/

 

 

Lady Artemis Keating is the sister of a duke. After the death of her beloved horse, she starts an animal rescue and sanctuary Artemis hears rumors that Branwell, the man who abandoned her ten years ago, is staying with her neighbor. She becomes involved in a certain racehorse’s training, which involves being around Bran. Artemis notices he is not the same man she once remembered or loved. Will Artemis and Bran learn the truth about their past relationship? Can they forget the past to forge a new relationship?

Lord Branwell “Bran” Mallory is the brother of an impoverished earl and a war hero. An unfortunate accident has left him scarred mentally and physically. His godfather entices him with an offer Branwell cannot refuse. If he can train the nonagenarian’s horse to win a particular derby, Bran can keep the prize money. However, the training must involve Artemis. Branwell fears that she sees him as another wounded soul in need of fixing. Will a new career path open for Bran? And does that future involve Artemis?

Artemis can also be classified as the wounded/tortured type. Her scars are located within, especially the heart. First, dealing with her mother’s mental abuse dressed up as parental concern. Then losing her precious horse in the middle of an important race. I adore how the latter circumstances prompted her to open an animal sanctuary, no matter what they were. Artemis did not allow the loss to close her off helping other less fortunate animals in need.

I am generally blasé when it comes to second-chance romances. It is my least favorite trope (unfortunately for me, it seems to be a favorite of most authors). However, when it is coupled with a wounded/tortured hero type, I do not mind much. And Branwell did not disappoint me! I like how he is still trying to come to grips with his body’s limitations. Such things are not easy to accept and move on from, even two years from the fact. And I like how he openly acknowledges that his inability to ride horses all stems from the mind.

WIN ME, MY LORD is the fifth book in Sofie Darling’s historical romance series, ALL’S FAIR IN LOVE AND RACING. I recommend reading these books in chronological order to better understand the participants and the preparations leading to the Race of the Century. The entire series revolves around horse races set in Regency times. I started late (third book) but that did not hinder my ability to follow the plot’s flow. I still need to read the second book, THE DUCHESS GAMBLE.

I wonder if the author plans to write a sixth book. Yeah, I know the great race is done and the winner announced, but I really want Blaze Jagger to get his happily-ever-after. It would be interesting to see him paired up with either Saskia or Viveca, Gabriel and Tessa Siren’s sisters (hero from THE DUCHESS GAMBLE and the heroine from WAGER WITH A SIREN). I shall be keeping my fingers crossed…

Review for Janna MacGregor's "TWO RUINS MAKE A RIGHT"

 

TWO RUINS MAKE A RIGHT
Historical Romance

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Janna MacGregor

RELEASE DATE:
July 22, 2025

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
B0FBSBLM82

RATING:
4

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

 

 

Nellwyn Whitton, the widowed Marchioness of Whitten, has always regretted jilting James Richardson. An accident strands her in the last place she wishes to be: at the man’s residence amid a house party. Things turn worse when her sister and James’ cousins are caught in a compromising position. Nell is determined to safeguard her sister’s future; even deny her the man she loves. Being around James again reminds Nellwyn of everything she has sacrificed. Will Nell tell James the real reason she jilted him eight years ago?  Or will she maintain her family’s dirty secret?

Mr. James Richardson is the nephew and heir presumptive to a dukedom. He is ready to remarry and give his young daughter the mother she desperately needs. The last person he expected to find at his house party is the very woman who jilted him eight years ago. When his cousin compromises her sister, James has no other choice but to spend time with Nell. He intends to help his cousin persuade Nellwyn to allow the lovers to wed. Can James forgive Nell for the decision she made eight years ago? Can two ruins make a right?

I do have a few reservations concerning Nell. It deals mostly with her late husband and his machinations at gaining her consent to marry. If I were in Nell’s shoes, I would have some lingering resentment towards the man, especially his taking advantage of my family’s dire situation. Instead, Nell played the martyr and accepted her lot. That just did not set well with me. What I like the most about Nellwyn is her selfless insistence on wanting to protect her sister. Yeah, she did go about it the wrong way, almost causing her sister to share her fate.

James’ unconditional love and devotion to his daughter is admirable and cute. One can tell that his entire world revolves around Valentina. I like that James is prepared to take a giant step to ensure that his daughter has a mother’s guidance. He even involved Valentina in the selection process. What I admire the most about James is his decision to help his cousin. Despite his tangled past with Nell, he set out to help his cousin gain her permission to marry Christa.

TWO RUINS MAKE A RIGHT is a standalone Regency romance. Originally, the story started out as a novella. The author has added a prologue and additional scenes to make it a full-length novel. I finished this book in one evening, staying up passed three am to boot (which I am paying for this morning) My nitpick concerning Nell’s late husband is the reason behind my 4-star rating.