Review for Kotaro's "VOICES IN THE SEA FOAM"

 

VOICES IN THE SEA FOAM.
Boys Love

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Kotaro

RELEASE DATE:
May 05, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Kodansha Comics

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781647295806

RATING:
4

 

 

Aito is a reincarnated mermaid princess, one who died tragically from unrequited love. He believes the curse followed him into his new life as a human. Aito has sworn off love because of it. However, a chance encounter with Toru causes him to change his mind. Can Aito find a way to break his curse? Or will history repeat itself?

Toru is a junior in the sound and engineering department of college. After watching a video of Aito singing, he realizes he wants him to do vocals on a track. Whenever Toru is around Aito, the other man cannot speak. When he finds a way around their communication barrier, Toru finds himself falling in love with Aito. Can he convince Aito to go out with him?

Poor Aito. I can understand his reasons for being so jaded about happy endings and love. Being bombarded with such heart-wrenching memories at a young age would have anyone swearing off love.

I only have one small nitpick. I would have liked more of Toru’s point of view. Aito’s friend Mizuki has more scenes than Toru – which seems odd and off putting for me. It did not allow me to connect with him.

Mizuki may be a side character but he/she is a GREAT friend. I admire how far he/she went to help Aito overcome his curse. There was no derision, just acceptance.

This is basically a Boys Love twist to The Little Mermaid telling – the Grimm version not Disney. There are no heated sex scenes nor any heated kissing. Overall, it gives off a wholesome vibe.

A one-shot manga. So the pacing between Aito and Toru is rushed in some places. I would not be adverse to another volume being released, side stories showing the progression of Toru and Aito’s relationship.

Review for Jil Hashikura's "HONEY BEE & LEMON BALM" Volume 1.

 

HONEY BEE & LEMON BALM Vol 1
Boys Love, Slice of Life, Yakuza

 

 

AUTHOR:
Jil Hashikura

RELEASE DATE:
April 7, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Kodansha Comics

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9798888777589

RATING:
4.5

 

 

Kaoru Mitsuya is a down on his luck, former yakuza. Yuichiro Shirouzu is a florist in the entertainment district. Kaoru discovers Yuichiro unconscious in an alley and helps him return to his shop. Yuichiro offers him both a job and a place to stay. Kaoru finds himself falling in love with his beautiful employer. Will he confess to Yuichiro? And how does Yu feel towards Kaoru?

Kaoru and Yuichiro’s personalities complement each others. Kaoru is rough-around-the-edges and abrasive. Yuichiro is calm and often clueless. I like how Yu tries to help Kaoru turn his life around. My heart melted when he held an impromptu birthday party for him. I adore how protective Kaoru is towards Yu, especially once he finds out about his frailty.

This manga is such a wholesome yet fun read! Some parts had me laughing (especially Ryo’s interaction with Kaoru. I can see those two becoming friends). There are no sex scenes – which I am totally fine with. The story and its progress does not call for it. I am glad it was not mired down with it.

I will be buying a copy for my collection when it is released. This is totally a keeper. I cannot wait for the next installment!

Review for Eliana Piers' "CRUVES FOR THE GRUMPY DUKE"

 

CURVES FOR THE GRUMPY DUKE.
Eliana Piers

 

AUTHOR:
Eliana Piers

RELEASE DATE:
April 7, 2026

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781834204703

RATING:
4

AUTHOR LINK:
https://www.elianapiers.com/pages/home

 

 

Honoria Harrington wants to honor her father’s dying wish: to paint a duke’s portrait and display it in a gallery. She first needs to gain a certain duke’s consent. An unforeseen ally helps Honoria in securing Dermont’s agreement to pose for her. During a session, she and the duke find themselves unable to resist their mutual attraction. Will Honoria fulfill her father’s final wish?

Dermont, the Duke of Kolbridge, does not have time for Honoria’s antics. He is worried about his sister’s acceptance amongst their peers. An incident forces Dermont to agree to pose for Honoria. When a suitor attempts to abduct his sister, Dermont realizes what Honoria truly means to him. Can he help her achieve her goal? Will Dermont persuade Honoria to marry him?

The shortness of the book made it difficult for me to connect with Honoria and Dermont. I feel that the characters would have benefitted with a longer story. I love Honoria’s insistence on completing her father’s last wish. And she would do whatever it took to achieve it. I do adore Dermont’s desire to look after and protect his sister.

CURVES FOR THE GRUMPY DUKE is the first book in the Busty Bodice Club. Each story is written by a different author featuring full-figured heroines. Eliana Piers is a new-to-me-author. Novella in length, it did not take long for me to read. Some areas felt a little rushed, which made it tough to get into the storyline and characters.

I am curious about the next installment. Celeste is the next Harrington to fulfill their father’s dying wish. I wonder what he has in store for her.

Review of Sofie Darling's "LADY DELILAH DARES A DUKE"

 LADY DELILAH DARES A DUKE

Historical Romance

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Sofie Darling

RELEASE DATE:
March 17, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Oliver Heber Books

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
B0G155LRZ4

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://sofiedarling.com/

 

 

Lady Delilah Windermere is the youngest daughter of an earl. She views the Duke of Ravensworth as her nemesis. After her cousin weds Delilah secretly joins a traveling theater company for the summer. During a production Sebastian almost sabotages her opportunity to perform, again. Now Delilah must deal with the man for the remainder of the summer. Will she ever achieve her dreams of acting? Or will something stand in Delilah’s way?

Sebastian Crewe, the Duke of Ravensworth, is widely regarded as the “Patron of the Arts”. He has always been captivated by Delilah. Sebastian finds her performing with a traveling troupe of actors. When she refuses to return home, he decides to accompany her in disguise. During their summer together, away from their peers, Sebastian and Delilah begin to see each other in new light. Will he reveal the truth behind the Eton incident? Can Sebastian persuade Delilah that they belong together?

There were moments, in this book and the other four, that Delilah annoyed me. I understand that acting and performing on a stage is her passion and dream. And that her noble status hindered Delilah following it openly. However, I always felt that she treated Sebastian rudely and unfairly. She never truly given him the chance to explain his reasons for what he did at Eton.

There are so many nummy things about Sebastian. He may appear arrogant and cold, but he does have a heart of gold. I admire Sebastian’s dedication to supporting the arts and not just one aspect of it. He even uses his ducal influence to pressure his peers into doing the same. What I love the most about Sebastian is how he never wanted to curb Delilah’s personality. It is the part of her that first drew his attention. Sebastian loved watching her chase after her dreams.

LADY DELILAH DARES A DUKE is the fifth and final book in Sofie Darling’s historical romance series, WINDERMERES IN LOVE. LDDaD was first published in January 2023 by Dragonblade Publishing, Inc. The author and Oliver Heber Books re-released it, along with the others, with new covers. To better understand everything about the Windermere family, it is important to start at the beginning. Each story, including the prequel, is novella length.

Amelia and Tristan, Archer and Valentina, and Juliet and Rory make an appearance at the end. I am so happy that they did! And, we finally got to meet the Windermere siblings’ parents. They have been mentioned in the prior books except the prequel. Yes, even the ever-annoying Oliver Quincy has a part to play.

Review for Larissa Ione's "BOND OF PASSION"

 BOOK OF PASSION

Paranormal Romance

 

 

AUTHOR:
Larissa Ione

RELEASE DATE:
February 24, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Blue Box Press

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
B0GP6NKGCR

RATING:
4.5

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

 

 

Tavin is a Seminus demon haunted by his past deeds as a former assassin. He works at Underworld General Hospital to atone for all the lives he took. Tavin finds himself the target of his resurrected victims… And his savior is one of UGH’s newest nurses. Something about the beautiful yet prickly female feels familiar. Will Deja give Tavin the redemption he desperately needs? Or will she spell his doom?

Deja wants revenge on the lover who killed her twelve years ago. She is given the chance when her soul gets resurrected into a new body. Deja becomes a nurse at Underworld General Hospital, so she can get closer to Tavin. A life and death situation causes her need for retribution waver. Will Deja get the vengeance she craves? Will she learn the reason for her death? And can Deja forgive Tavin?

Poor, poor Tavin! The guilt that man lived with for twelve years. Yeesh, I would have buckled within an hour. What I admire the most about Tavin is that he chose a profession that is the opposite of his former one. He believes it is the best way to atone. Sure, it does not absolve Tavin for all he has done. But he truly did not have much of a choice.

I understand Deja’s need for vengeance. The hurt and betrayal she must have felt when her lover killed her. That would make anyone, demon or human, want revenge. But I love how that all changes once Deja learns the truth behind her death. And Tavin’s circumstances. Plus, Deja is granted another chance at life, one that she does not have to worry about because of her species.

BOND OF PASSION is the twenty-first book in Larissa Ione’s popular dark-paranormal romance series, DEMONICA. It is imperative (I cannot stress this enough) to read these books in proper order. Things will make sense, especially the state of the world, etc. What I absolutely adore about BoP is that it takes place in Underworld General Hospital. Oh, how I have missed this fictional place! I may not like real-life hospitals and doctors (have been there enough for the hubby), but I love these ones!

And the Seminus siblings! Eidolon, Shade, Wraith, Lore and Sin! I could not contain the huge grin I got when reunited with them. It is almost like seeing friends that have been absent for years. They, especially Eidolon, Lore and Sin, play an important part in the story. Azagoth and Lilliana even make an appearance. Now I must buy the novellas I need (two or three I believe) and Revenant’s book, so I can say I read every DEMONICA book out there!

The whole highlight of the book for me is when Lore brought up D&D’s drow. My favorite species of elves (just as past role-playing friends).

BOND OF PASSION’s first publication came in November 2022 by 1001 Dark Nights Press. The author re-released it, BOND OF DESTINY, and seven titles in her DEMONICA UNDERWORLD series. It received a new cover and bonus content.

Review for Larissa Ione "BOND OF DESTINY"

 

BOND OF DESTINY
Paranormal Romance

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Larissa Ione

RELEASE DATE:
February 24, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Blue Box Press

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
B0GP2VR858

RATING:
4.5

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

 

 

Tracker (aka Whine) is a werewolf who spent the entirety of his existence as a slave. His slave bond now belongs to one of the Four Horsemen’s mates. When his mistress’s friend arrives injured, Tracker knows he must help her. Stacey makes him want things a slave cannot have. Stacey makes him want things that are forbidden to slaves. Can Tracker find the bravado to break his invisible shackles? And at what cost?

Stacey Markham, a former sheriff’s deputy, is a DART agent in charge of dealing with demon incursions in Colorado. She has always been interested in the werewolf that her best friend unwillingly owns. An accident sends an injured Stacey to Tracker’s home amid a blizzard. She wants to help him assimilate to the new life that her friend granted him. Can Stacey help Tracker find a way to gain his freedom?

It has been fourteen plus years since I last read the LORD OF DELIVERANCE book. Sadly, I do not remember Tracker. The wounded/tortured hero is my favorite trope.  And Tracker has that in spades, so he did not disappoint me. My heart literally bled at all the degradation and pain he endured. All thanks to his flea-bitten parents. What I love the most about Tracker is how Stacey helps him come into his own. It is a slow process (hate when authors make it instantaneous). She became the incentive Tracker needed to strive for a better life.

As with Tracker, I do not really remember Stacey overly much.  One of these days I seriously need to do a re-read of the entire Demonica collection (spinoff included). Stacey is perfect for Tracker. She may not understand the full scope of the trauma he has endured. But Stacey takes her time with Tracker, helping him through any of his hangups. Yeah, she makes some blunders but that is to be expected.

BOND OF PASSION is the twentieth book in Larissa Ione’s paranormal romance series, DEMONICA. I strongly recommend starting these books from the very beginning. New readers will not be disappointed. And it allows them to understand the world’s current situation and the forces at play. Plus, characters from the previous books either appear (have a role in the plot) or are mentioned. This story takes place after the events of REAPER, the last book in the DEMONICA UNDERWORLD series.

Jillian and Reseph (ROGUE RIDER) - have a pivotal role in this book, as does Harvester. Jillian’s part is larger than the other two. Thanatos (LETHAL RIDER) and Eidolon (PLEASURE UNBOUND) do make an appearance towards the end. Okay, I did a nerdy, happy squeal when Eidolon appeared. Kynan, Underworld General, Suzanne (HER GUARDIAN ANGEL), Azagoth and Sheoul-gra are mentioned.

BOND OF DESTINY’s first publication came in August 2021 by 1001 Dark Nights Press. The author re-released it, BOND OF PASSION, and seven titles in her DEMONICA UNDERWORLD series. It too received a new cover and some bonus content.

 CIPHER

Paranormal Romance

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Larissa Ione

RELEASE DATE:
February 24, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Blue Box Press

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
B0GP6121F9

RATING:
4.5

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

 

 

Cipher is Azagoth’s cyber-specialist. While on a mission, he gets himself kidnapped and brought to Sheoul. Cipher wakens to find his new True Fallen powers and wings bound by one of Satan’s henchmen. He refuses to comply with his captor’s demands. And then there is his sexy yet baffling handler. Is Lyre friend or foe? Will she cause Cipher to betray Azagoth? Can he escape Sheoul before its evil corrupts him?

Lyre is a True Fallen fueled by revenge. She is assigned to encourage Cipher to give her boss what he wants. However, Lyre balks when she learns what Bael intends to do with that information. She decides to help the newly fallen angel any way that she can, even betray her boss. Can Lyre let go of her hate? Will her abilities be enough to help Cipher find a way to escape? And at what cost?

Cipher surprised me! He did not leave much of an impression on me in the prior books. Not until Suzanne’s books. Then I began to see his true personality emerge. Cipher almost makes me think of Hades. The two angels have warped, snarky personalities.  I like that he did not lose that personality in Sheoul. What I adore the most about Cipher is his loyalty to Azagoth. He knows who the bigger threat was… and it was not Bael. Plus, it gutted Cipher to learn that part of his plan backfired.

Lyre is another pleasant surprise. She is an angel consumed by hatred and the need for vengeance. Lyre is not as evil as I expected her to be. Not even mildly. She is just a woman who allowed hatred to lead her down the wrong path… and align with the wrong person. I like how Cipher helped Lyre see the folly of her rage-induced decisions.

CIPHER is the seventh book in Larissa Ione’s paranormal romance series, DEMONICA UNDERWORLD. A spinoff from her popular DEMONICA and LORDS OF DELIVERANCE books. As I stressed before in my reviews of the prior books, it is necessary to read D and LoD first. Many characters and places (such as a certain hospital) from those two series either appear or are mentioned. Then there is the fact that HER GUARDIAN ANGEL, book six, sets up Cipher’s novel.

Some beloved (and favored) characters from prior books crop up here or there. While some are merely mentioned. Azagoth and Sheoul-gra play an important role in the story. Hawkyn does too since he is Cipher’s best friend. Lilliana brings us a nice development to her and Azagoth’s relation. Hades and Z make brief appearances. Tayla (PLEASURE UNBOUND), Arik (IMMORTAL RIDER), Declan (HER GUARDIAN ANGEL) and Kynan have a scene. As does Reaver and Revenant (I have not read his book). Cara (ETERNAL RIDER) makes a small appearance. Eidolon (PU), Underworld General, Ares (ER), Limos (IR), and Suzanne (HGA) are mentions.

What I adore about this series so far is how the author injects her favorite fandoms into each story. In HER GUARDIAN ANGEL there were a lot of Marvel and DC references, along with one Big Bang Theory.  I may not be into the superhero scene, but my husband is. In CIPHER there is an Aliens reference (I never got into them), Star Wars and Star Trek (Hubby would side with Cipher; he likes Boba Flett. I am not a sci fi person) and Big Bang Theory. My nerdiness comes out when it deals with D&D lore (from what I read from Forgotten Realms books. I am a big drow nerd), Mercedes Lackey’s Valdemar books, and anime/manga.

CIPHER’s first publication came in July 2019 by Evil Eye Concepts, Inc. The author has re-released nine volumes of the series with new covers, tweaked/fleshed out scenes, and added bonus content.