Review for Fuyumi Soryo's "MARS 30th Anniversary Edition, Volume 1"

 

MARS 30^th Anniversary Edition, Volume 1
Romance. Manga

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Fuyumi Soryo

RELEASE DATE:
June 16, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Kodansha Comics

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9798888777848

RATING:
4.5

 

 

Rei Kashino lives a fast-paced, reckless life. He skips school, gets into fights, womanizes, and races his motorcycle. Rei happens upon Kira at a park when he asks her for directions. He later recognizes her at school the following day. Rei cannot help but be drawn to the timid girl, thus starting their unorthodox friendship.

Kira Aso is a withdrawn, unassuming girl - who spends most of her time drawing. She encounters Rei in the park. He is the epitome of everything Kira distrusts. Instead of answering him, she draws him a map on the back of an old drawing. Kira’s opinions of Rei change as they slowly get to know one another. She even dares to ask him to model for her.

Kira and Rei are complete opposites, especially in personality. Rei is popular and recalcitrant. He likes to do things his own way and on his own terms. Kira is introverted and timid. Her timidity often leads people to take advantage of her. For all their differences, Kira and Rei are both wounded souls, damaged emotionally and mentally. I like how they seem to help each other confront their demons. Kira finds confidence while Rei decides to come to terms with his past.

The art style is clearly old school – which I found refreshing. The manga was first released, in English, in 2002. And it has been out of print for decades. I never heard of it until I saw it available on Netalley. I wanted to try something a little different than what I generally read.

The story’s plot is easy to follow. Yes, there are some trigger warnings, such as bullying, suicide, sexual assault and harassment, and violence. I found Kira and Rei easy to like and connect with (but then I am a sucker for the wounded/tortured types. I would love to continue with the manga… Enough to buy the hardback version once it releases? Now that is a stretch. I would if it came into omnibus format.

Review for Kumosoku "WHAT IF I SAID, "I LOVE YOU"? Volume 1

 

WHAT IF IS SAID, “I LOVE YOU”?, Volume 1
Boys Love, Manga

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Kumosoku

RELEASE DATE:
June 30, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Kodansha Comics

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9798888778203

RATING:
3

 

 

Kazuho and Tokio have always been close friends. As they enter high school, everything shifts. Kazuho realizes his feelings for Tokio are romantic, not platonic. He worries how Tokio might react if he learns the truth, so he begins to distance himself. Will Kazuho find the courage to confess his feelings? And what will Tokio’s answer be?

I am still on the fence about this manga. The storyline just did not invoke much interest in me. I would have liked a little more on Tokio’s point-of-view. It would have allowed the story to flow a little better and to allow readers to connect with him better. It felt one sided, like everything centered around Kazuho.

Volume One reads more like a one-shot. So, I am curious yet not so curious, what the mangaka plans for the next volume.  And for readers who like the steamy, raunchy sex scenes will be disappointed. It is mostly Kazuho agonizing over his feelings and yearning for Tokio. His angst that it will be unrequited.

Review for Kinley MacGregor (Sherrilyn Kenyon)'s THE FORSAKEN

 

THE FORSAKEN
Historical Romance

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Sherrilyn Kenyon (under the alias Kinley MacGregor)

RELEASE DATE:
May 12, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Oliver Heber Books

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
B0GY5KNSLK

RATING:
4.5

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

 

 

Draven de Montague, the Earl of Ravenswood, is known for his reputation on and off the battlefield. When his neighbor accuses him of raiding their villages, he consents to his king’s solution. Draven assures his sovereign that he will not lay a hand on his guest-slash-hostage in anger or lust. However, she tests the boundaries of his resolve. Can Draven resist Emily’s amorous pursuit? Or will he forsake his honor to have her?

Lady Emily is the youngest daughter of a powerful earl. She yearns to leave her father’s household and to start her own family. When she becomes a political hostage for a year, Emily decides to seize her chance. Tempting Draven to the altar proves to be a difficult endeavor, but Emily refuses to relent. Can she breach the barrier surrounding Draven’s heart? Or will another obstacle stand in Emily’s way?

Kenyon is the reason why I am a sucker for the wounded/tortured hero types. She writes them incredibly well. And Draven did not disappoint me. He has survived a traumatic childhood full of emotional and physical abuse. My heart bled for everything Draven underwent from his father’s hand. I can understand why he chooses to shut himself off from others and distrust them. What I love the most about Draven is how Emily helps him overcome his demons. It is not instant progress but a slow, agonizing one.

At first, she is afraid of him because of his reputation and her father’s prejudiced. However, Emily’s opinion of Draven changes as she spends time in his presence. She starts to see the good that others either ignore or overlook. I adore Emily’s determination to show Draven the love he never got to experience as a child. She never gave up on him. What I admire the most about Emily is how she openly rebukes her father for his cold treatment of Draven.

THE FORSAKEN is the first book in Kinley MacGregor’s historical romance series, BROTHERHOOD OF THE SWORD. I have been a fan of this author’s works (as both Kinley MacGregor and Sherrilyn Kenyon) for about seventeen years now. Originally released in 2001 as MASTER OF DESIRE, this is one of the author’s earlier works I have not read. I am ecstatic that she re-published it. I hope Kenyon plans to do that with the rest of her out-of-print titles.

Review for WITCH HAT ATELIER, Grimoire Edition 1

 

WITCH HAT ATELIER, Grimoire Edition 1
Fantasy

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Kamome Shirahama

RELEASE DATE:
May 5, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Kodansha Comics

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9798888777794

RATING:
4.5

 

 

Coco is a young girl from a remote village, who is fascinated by magic. She discovers that becoming a witch is not possible for everyone. When a witch visits her mother’s shop, Coco’s curiosity leads her to secretly watch him. She attempts to replicate what she observed, but things go terribly wrong. The witch decides to accept Coco as his latest apprentice. Her magical journey starts from there.

I really do not understand why many have problems with Coco. She is your typical child. Curious about the things that they are into and prone not to listen to adults/parents. I like that Coco is floundering in her introduction to magic, clumsy even.

What I like the most is how the magic system works in this world. Why the secrecy… And why a selective few are allowed to practice it. The mangaka does a brilliant job explaining the reasons. It is different, and it does not follow the same ol’ mold from others.

I have noticed a mixed range of opinions regarding the anime adaptation of this manga. I wanted to see what the hype is all about. When I discovered this edition available on Netgalley, I decided to take a chance to see if I would enjoy it. If I enjoy it, I plan to watch the anime and buy the manga.

Small nitpick – though I completely understand – the ARC only covers content from the first volume and some art. It is a preview edition than the full thing. So, no behind-the-scenes information on the world, interview with the mangaka, or early sketches. For the purpose I wanted, it is enough. I got a taste of the art style and the story’s premise. The art, including the few colored versions, is beautifully and tastefully done. It is not flashy or too detail orientated as some. I plan to start the anime sometime this week and buy the manga when finances allows.

Review for Casey Griffin's "A FAKE WORSE THAN DEATH"

 

A FAKE WORSE THAN DEATH
Paranormal Romance, Mystery

 

 

AUTHOR:
Casey Griffin

RELEASE DATE:
May 15, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Charming Frog Publishing

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781990470455

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://books.caseygriffin.com/

 

 

Violet Woods directs her efforts to investigating her fiancé’s murder. She reluctantly accepts help from her nemesis, who promises to share useful case intel. Violet attends the exclusive estate auction without Lucy when the reporter fails to show. A corpse and counterfeit jewels land her into yet another mystery to solve. Plus, she suspects her deceased fiancé is keeping secrets from her. Is this new case somehow linked to Nolan’s unsolved murder?

Violet has shown such incredible growth through the series. Her return to Charm Island forces Violet to face her inner struggles, both mentally and emotionally. She is also taking her witchy abilities more seriously. I like how Violet and Lucy finally come full circle. This latest case helps them finally discard their rivalry. What I love the most is the slow progression of Violet and Max’s relationship. It is more like a slow-burn, second-chance type deal. And I admire Violet’s determination to stop running away when things get dicey or difficult.

A FAKE WORSE THAN DEATH is the fourth installment in Casey Griffin’s paranormal-mystery series, A CHARM ISLAND MYSTER. I suggest starting this series from the beginning, as each book reveals a clue to her fiancé’s cold case. The prior novels also explain the setting, Charm Island and its quirks, along with Violet’s witchy abilities.

Review for Sherrilyn Kenyon's HELL TO PAY

 

HELL TO PAY
Paranormal / Urban Fantasy

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Sherrilyn Kenyon

RELEASE DATE:
April 28, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Oliver Heber Books

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
B0G631NF1Z

RATING:
5

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

 

 

Luke Teivel, Lucifer’s son and heir, finds himself exiled from Hell and stranded on Earth. He vows to find the one responsible and make him/her pay. Luke works for Infernal Affairs – a covert division of the police that deals with supernatural cases. He and his new partner are investigating one that involves art students and missing souls. Someone is framing Luke with the murders. Could this case be connected to his banishment?

Detective Sorcha O’Malley is transferred to Infernal Affairs after an incident at her previous department. She is assigned to be Luke’s latest partner. Sorcha tries to adjust to the eccentricities of her new workplace and colleagues. Her and Luke’s first case quickly pulls Sorcha into the supernatural world. When he is framed for murder, she helps him clear his name. Will Sorcha be able to settle in within her department?

Luke made the entire story so fun to read. His snarky wisecracks and antics made me giggle continuously. I never knew what to expect him to do next or what sardonic remarks would come out of his mouth. My favorite thing about Luke is that he is more of an antihero than a traditional one. He is not above bending the rules or doing underhanded things to get the necessary clues for his cases. Luke’s mannerisms and quips remind me so much of Tom Ellis’s portrayal of Lucifer. They literally have the same vibe.

Sorcha proves that she is the perfect balance for Luke. She has this steadying influence that seems to mitigate his satirical nature.  I like how Sorcha could not stand Luke’s personality at first. Then slowly, she begins to find her groove with him and interact accordingly. I cannot wait for the author to delve more into Sorcha’s lineage and background. She has alluded to two significant events in her past which continue to impact her.

HELL TO PAY is the first book in Sherrilyn Kenyon’s brand-new paranormal series, INFERNAL AFFAIRS. It blends elements of SUPERNATURAL and LUCIFER, especially the cop angle. This series’ tone reminds me of the early DARK-HUNTER books. Same snarky humor, which is the author’s trademark. And quirky and entertaining characters with sarcastic wit and bold personalities. A name from one of the author’s Kinley MacGregor series is mentioned. I freely admit I had a fangirl moment because I recognized the character.

As I told my husband, there is no sex scenes. Yet. There is a lot of innuendo, flirting, and sexual awareness between the two mains. I have a feeling this series is going to be like Nalini Singh’s GUILD HUNTER series, mainly focusing on Luke and Sorcha. Which, I am totally on board with.

Review for Janna MacGregor's "CURVES FOR THE SECRET DUKE"

 

CURVES FOR THE SECRET DUKE
Historical Romance

 

AUTHOR:
Janna MacGregor

RELEASE DATE:
May 26, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Self-published.

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
B0FTGG52WQ

RATING:
4.5

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

 

 

Lady Penelope Harrington needs to marry and live humbly to secure her inheritance. She accepts a teaching position at an all-girls finishing school in Scotland. Penelope persuades her friend Edward to accompany her. She leads everyone at the school to believe he is her husband. However, the unknown stranger following them may reveal their deception. Will Penelope succeed in the task that her father left her?

Mr. Edward Thornton is the son of a tutor. He promises Penelope’s late father that he would always look out for her. When she asks him to act as her escort, Edward reluctantly agrees. He even assumes the role of her husband to protect her on the journey. Edward suspects the man trailing them works for a villainous viscount seeking to marry Pen. Who is the man really seeking? Penelope? Or could it possibly be Edward?

Penelope is an effervescent whirlwind with a love for ridiculous hats. I like her teaching style. It is a little out there, but it did capture her students’ rapt attention. What I love the most about Penelope is how she never cared about her and Edward’s stations. She treats him as her equals and knows that she can trust him.

Edward is such a sweetheart! He has always been Penelope’s staunchest ally, even with the differences in their station. He refuses to allow anyone to take advantage of her or hurt her. I love how Edward adores Pen’s full figure. He is quick to admonish her whenever she bashes on her curves.

CURVES FOR THE SECRET DUKE is the seventh book in the BUSTY BODICE CLUB series. Each of the seven stories are written by a different author featuring full-figured sisters. Novella in length, the stories do not take long to read. This installment is by Janna MacGregor, an author that I am familiar with.