Review for Saburo Nagai's "SMELLS LIKE GREEN SPIRIT"

 

SMELLS LIKE GREEN SPIRIT
Boys Love

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Saburo Nagai

RELEASE DATE:
July 21, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Kodansha Comics

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781647295585

RATING:
2.5

 

 

Futoshi Mishima is a gay boy growing up in a backwater, homophobic town. He is always being bullied for looking too feminine. Kirino is the school’s most popular boy. He torments Mishima because he recognizes that they are the same. Kirino finds the lipstick that Futoshi lost, and he decides to try it on, only to be caught. That starts the two boys’ unlikely friendship, one that allows them both to come to terms with their sexuality and paths.

The story jumps too much for my tastes. It does touch on some dark and triggering things: bullying, pedophile, sexual assault. I understand the manga’s concept and the message it is trying to convey. I just had a tough time getting into the story and characters.

The ending left me baffled and sad. Mostly for Kirino. Mishima and Taro both had supportive parents – who encouraged them to be their true selves, no matter what. Kirino did not, which left me disappointed. I did feel for all three for having to grow up in such a closed-minded community.

Review of Anji Seina's "COMEBACK AFTER FATE"

 COMBACK AFTER FATE

Boys Love; K-pop Idols

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Anji Seina

RELEASE DATE:
August 18, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Kodansha Comics

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9798888778395

RATING:
4

 

 

Eri is a rising idol from a newly debuted group. Sooyoung Lee is a star from a major agency’s elite, alpha unit. A renowned producer notices Eri’s dancing talent. And he wants to pair Eri with Sooyoung in a dance number to a particular song. Eri stumbles upon Sooyoung’s secret while rehearsing their dance number – that he is no alpha but secretly an omega. This secret has the potential to threaten both of their careers if revealed.

I did not care for Sooyoung that much. He just rubbed me the wrong way, especially his method to gain Eri’s silence. Yeah, I understand Sooyoung’s cynic views of fated love/alpha-omega bonding. He has been exposed to it at an early age… and he has seen the destruction it caused with those involved.

Sooyoung’s father irked me. I wanted to throttle the jerk for behaving as he did. He did not see Sooyoung as his offspring, but a product that brought him and his agency money and fame.

Eri is such a cinnamon roll! It is really easy to like him, especially his work ethic. He did not rely on his secondary gender as most idols did. Instead, Eri put all his effort and energy into his idol practice and rehearsals.

I did adore Eri’s group mates! They showed just how much they cared and valued their youngest member. And when Eri needed them most, they were there helping where they could.

I thought Eri would have more problems and issues with Sooyoung’s group-mate Reno. Sadly, that did not happen. Most of Eri’s problems came from his and Sooyoung’s agencies than Reno. Though, I think Reno deserves to find his destined mate! Perhaps someone from Eri’s unit?

Fans that love the raunchy side of M/M, omega/alpha story lines will enjoy this manga. There are more than simply one or two such scenes.

Review for Kinley MacGregor's "THE FORGOTTEN"

 

THE FORGOTTEN
Historical Romance

 

 

AUTHOR:
Kinley MacGregor
(other alias Sherrilyn Kenyon)

RELEASE DATE:
June 16, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Oliver-Heber Books

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9798900431987

RATING:
5

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

 

 

Sin is the illegitimate son of a Scottish laird and an English gentlewoman. He is the English king’s most feared knight and trusted advisor. Sin despises everything Scottish except his half-brothers. When the king orders him to marry a Scotswoman, he resists. The monarch has another reason for sending Sin into enemy territory: to find the raider attacking his people. Caledonia baffles him. She invokes feelings and desires he has no business having. Can Sin trust his wife with his heart? Or will Caledonia betray him as others have?

Caledonia “Callie” MacNeely is a political hostage of the English crown. She tries valiantly to escape with her younger brother only to fail. Callie realizes marriage to Sin is her only path home. However, she fears how her kinsmen will treat him once they arrive. On the trip to Scotland, Callie begins to see there is far more to her husband than his sinister reputation suggests. Can she teach Sin how to love and be loved? Will Callie convince her clan to accept him? Or will political unrest stand in the way of their happiness?

Sin’s backstory is every bit as heartrending as I remember. The abuse and neglect he suffered in childhood, followed by the rejection and hostility in adulthood. It made my heart ache! I can understand why Sin is so guarded, broody, and distrustful. It has been hammered into him continuously. I like the glimpses of who Sin might have been if he had grown up with love and support of family. Generally, those moments only appeared whenever he was around his Scottish siblings. What I admire the most about Sin is how he treats children. He refuses to let any child suffer abuse or endure the kind of cruelty he experienced.

Caledonia is no damsel in distress. She does not wait to be rescued but instead devises her own escapes. She is not deterred by failure. What I admire most about Callie is her ability to see the man beneath Sin’s feature reputation. She understands how traumatic his childhood was and how it shaped him. Callie feels empathy for him, not pity. I love how openly she defends him against those who shun and speak ill of him. Callie is not afraid to earn their censor or ire.

THE FORGOTTEN is the third book in Kinley MacGregor’s historical romance series, BROTHERHOOD OF THE SWORD. Originally released in 2003 by Avon as BORN IN SIN. The author has re-published the series with different covers and new titles. I have not re-read this book since its first release in 2003. Not because it is terrible but because of the traumatic life Sin had. This read through reminded me why Sin is still my favorite wounded/tortured hero of all time.

I love how the MacAllisters (Braden, Ewan, and Lochlan) play parts in the story. Simon also plays an important role throughout the book. Maggie from THE HIGHLANDER does appear in the epilogue. And Draven and Emily have a couple scenes.

 

Review for Kinley MacGregor's "THE HIGHLANDER"

 

THE HIGHLANDER
Historical Romance

 

AUTHOR:

Kinley MacGregor
(other alias Sherrilyn Kenyon)

RELEASE DATE:
June 16, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Oliver-Heber Books

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9798900431932

RATING:
4.5

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

 

 

Braden MacAllister is the youngest of his siblings. He returns home to Scotland to find the women of the clan boycotting their men. Braden discovers that the mastermind behind the revolt is Maggie, his friend’s younger sister.  He offers to seduce Maggie into ending the mutiny, but the stubborn hellion appears to be immune to his charms. Braden begins to see Maggie differently. Can Maggie persuade him to give up his womanizing ways? Or will he unintentionally break her heart?

Maggie ingen Blar is determined not to lose another brother to the ridiculous feud with the MacDouglas. She persuades the women of both clans to revolt against their men until the lairds agree to negotiate peace. The only threat to her carefully laid plan is Braden MacAllister. She has loved him since childhood, but she refuses to let that distract her. Can Maggie successfully end the feud between the two rival clans? Or will her plan have dangerous repercussions for all?

I have noticed that rereading certain books years later can completely change one’s view on a character. Braden clearly did not leave much of an impression on me the first time. On this second read, now that I am older and hopefully wiser, I find him easy to like. He is such a lovable rascal. Yeah, his womanizing made Braden a red flag. However, I understand his aversion to commitment. What happened with Sin and Braden’s mother clearly had a lasting effect on him. What I adore the most about Braden is his love for his brothers. It hurt him deeply when he lost one, and he vows not to lose another for any reason.

Maggie is awesome! She is a woman worn down by the fallout of a senseless feud. I admire Maggie’s ingenuity in uniting the women in two clans against their menfolk. In that time period, women did not have many rights, so they did not stand up to their fathers, brothers, husbands and sons. I am surprised Maggie and the others did not get into more trouble than what they did. I understand her reasons and feelings for putting an end to the animosity between the two clans. Men never really notice how the women and children suffer from such disputes.

THE HIGHLANDER is the second installment in Kinley MacGregor’s historical romance series, BROTHERHOOD OF THE SWORD. Originally released in 2002 by Avon as CLAIMING THE HIGHLANDER. The author has re-published the story with a different cover and new title. I remember buying and reading this book twenty-four years ago. Unfortunately, I do not recall much of what happened in it (they say as you age, the memory goes). Sad, I know. Bits and pieces did feel familiar to me, such as the MacAllister brothers’ banter and their closeness. So, it is like reading the book for the first time all over again.

Re-reading Braden and Maggie’s story did remind me why I fell in love with Sin. Him, I did not forget! I am anticipating his book’s re-release! Until then, I will re-familiarize myself with the MacAllisters as each new book comes out.

Review for Megumu Seto's "You Might As Well Be the One" Volume 1

 

YOU MIGHT AS WELL BE THE ONE, Volume 1
Romance, College

 

 

AUTHOR:
Megumu Seto

RELEASE DATE:
August 11, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Kodansha Comics

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9798888778371

RATING:
3.4

 

 

Ichika Nakajo wants a boyfriend. Her flashy looks make it hard for Ichika to meet the kind of men she is looking for. She attends a mixer in hopes of finding one, only to end up in disappointment. Ichika does make a new friend. Kosei Sanari is perfect. The two share many of the same interests. There is just one problem: Kosei is not interested in a long-term relationship, just casual hook-ups. Will Kosei end up breaking Ichika’s heart?

What I like the most about Ichika is how she is not conceited about her appearance. She does not dress to gain other people’s attention nor is she self-absorbed. Ichika is fully aware of her self-worth. I like how she is upfront with Kosei about searching for a boyfriend. I understand her frustration. She finally finds someone she clicks with… then discovers he is not interested in permanent relationships.

I am on the fence about Kosei. I like that he tells Ichika straight out that he is not boyfriend material. He cautions her about falling for him, and he pushes and encourages her to still look for ‘the one’. However, I feel that he is giving Ichika mixed signals. He gives off this hot and cold vibe. I sense there is a reason or trauma behind Kosei’s preference for casual relationships. Perhaps it will be explored in further volumes.

I like that the story is centered around college students. It is a nice change-of-pace from high school romances. I am not sure if I will be continuing this manga series. It just did not really grab me or my interest like some others did.

Review for Molly Ni Cheileachair's "ACCIDENTAL ASSASSIN, Vol 1"

 

ACCIDENTAL ASSASSIN, Vol 1
WEBTOON Graphic Novel, Contemporary, Romance

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Molly Ni Cheileachair

RELEASE DATE:
September 01, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Wattpad WEBTOON Book Group

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781834110509

RATING:
4.5

 

 

Bonnie “Bon” Baily works in a corporation’s accounts receivable department. Her co-workers have no idea about Bon’s unusual upbringing. A late night at the office turns into an attack by assassins. Bonnie manages to take one down with ease, which gets her invited to join a secret organization called the Fianna. Her new partner is not exactly thrilled to be paired with her. Now Bonnie must balance her job at Fintech with her internship to the Fianna.

Bonnie may look like a ditsy, airheaded damsel. However, looks are deceiving. She has been trained, by her father, in how to survive and protect herself. Skills that are not necessary or needed in her corporate job. It is something that Bonnie does not broadcast to others around her.

The art style reminds me of comic books than manga. How the panels are drawn, the direction they are read, and the flow of the story. It took me a while to realize not to read this like I would a manga. I am not too familiar with web comics and only read a few comics like Critical Role and comic versions of my favorite romance book series (example Kinley MacGregor/Sherrilyn Kenyon’s Avalon series).

There are two aspects that drew my particular interest in this webcomic: that the story takes place in Ireland (sucker for anything Irish) and there is a secret organization called Fianna. I have always been fascinated by Celtic lore, so I am somewhat familiar with the Fianna.

I only have one nitpick, and it has nothing to do with the content. Mostly, it deals with the format Netgalley gave me to read. I like reading on my Kindle Fire, not my computer. However, I was not given that option. Why it took me longer to read this volume.

Review for Jill Shalvis' "FALLING INTO YOU"

 

FALLING INTO YOU
Contemporary Romance

 

 

AUTHOR:
Jill Shalvis

RELEASE DATE:
July 14, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Sourcebooks Casablanca

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781464261060

RATING:
4.5

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

 

 

Hazel Pierce owns Pierce Custom Woodworks, a business she started after returning to Star Falls. On her way to a job site, a wasp sting causes her to crash her van into a river. The man who comes to her rescue is the last person Hazel wants to see. She and Tucker have history – one she has no desire to revisit or repeat. However, things do not go as Hazel plans. Will she find a reason to remain in Star Falls? Or will her complicated feelings for Tucker send her running once more?

Tucker Colburn is a firefighter for Star Falls. Between shifts, he also helps at his brothers’ restoration company as their project estimator. Tucker is the one who finds Hazel after her accident and rescues her. He knows that things between them are complex and unresolved. But Tucker cannot help his instinctual need to protect her. Can he trust his heart to Hazel? Will Tucker convince her to stay? Or will history repeat itself?

Hazel and Tucker both endured painful childhood. Tucker grew up with an abusive father and the loss of his mother. Hazel found herself spiraling out of control when her mother passed, which caused her to do some things she later regrets. They truly are kindred spirits.

Hazel’s sarcasm and sass is her defense mechanism. What I truly like the most about her is the way she makes up for her teenage mistakes. She does it willingly. Tucker has defenses of his own. He feels this need to rescue people. I love how Tucker has always believed in Hazel, even when their relationship becomes strained. He always wanted the best for her.

FALLING INTO YOU is the third and final book in Jill Shalvis’ contemporary romance series, COLBURN BROTHERS. The story can standalone. However, reading the first two books will help readers understand the Colburn’s dynamics. The past that continues to haunt all four. Why they feel like they are defected and broken. I love seeing the couples from the prior two books play important roles throughout the story. It made it feel like an extension of their own stories.

Generally, I am not a fan of the second-chance trope. However, I like how Shalvis handled this one. The beginning of their second chance begun in the background of the first two books…

The only nitpick I have is I wanted Kiera to have her own book. Sadly, that does not look like it will happen. Her “romance” feels like a loose end that is pushed into the story, a side note. Honestly, I feel like Kiera got cheated.

 

Thank you NetGalley, Sourcebooks, and the author (Jill Shalvis) for the opportunity to read this ARC.