Review: Kaoruko Miyama's TOMORROW, MAKE ME YOURS

 

Yuki is quiet and shy. When classes get switched, he hopes to find at least one friend. Hayato is outgoing and friendly. Everyone flocks around him. Yuki cannot hide his surprise when Hayato starts talking to them. The two boys form an easygoing friendship, until a female classmate shows interest in Hayato. Then Yuki realizes the feelings he has for Hayato – who, surprise, surprise, shares the same feelings.

TOMORROW, MAKE ME YOURS is a really sweet and wholesome BL. I like the pacing of Yuki and Hayato’s relationship. The two let a lot of miscommunication and misunderstanding crop up between them. However, they soon situate things and air out what is bothering them.

I will definitely be adding this title to my manga collection once it is released.

Review: Ruri Kamino's GETTING CLOSER TO YOU manga

 

Hibi is a muscle fanatic. She likes to observe the sports clubs just to ogle the team members’ muscles. Hibi literally runs into Natsume, and she falls in love with his muscles.

Natsume is a starter on the basketball team, and a third year. He rescues Hibi from a fall, and he discovers her muscle journal. Natsume persuades Hibi to become the basketball team’s manager.

Hibi’s fascination/obsession reminds me of Gou Matsuoka from Free! Iwatobi swim club. The two girls have the same energy when it comes to muscles. The only difference is that Hibi enjoys their (muscles) creations. However, Hibi’s fascination does border on the unhealthy side.

Natsume won me instantly. I like that thanks to Hibi’s journal, he knows she is the perfect manager for the basketball team. She would not have ulterior motives unlike their past manager candidates. I adore his crusade to getting Hibi to notice him as a person rather than his muscles! That is such a switch.

I would be inclined to check out the next installment to see what hijinks will insue.

Review: Maki Miyoshi's NIGHTTIME FOR JUST US TWO

No one in school remembers Miyako’s name. She has accepted that she is a “nobody” to her peers. Then, one night, Miyako runs into a Koga – the most popular boy in school and her classmate. She, at first, believes he is teasing her by claiming to be an alien and by wanting to be her friend. However, Koga/Chiro is the only person who acknowledges Miyako’s existence.

First off, I could not help but identify and empathize with Miyako. I know how it feels to be a nobody to the people around me.

Koga and Chiro are two different personalities. Koga is manipulative. Chiro is sweet-natured and kind. The alien angle is a bit hard to accept. I think I would have liked it better if Chiro had been another personality of Koga’s.

I am on the fence about this manga. It is a quick read, but I am uncertain if I want to continue with it.

Review: BIG DUKE ENERGY anthology

 

Review courtesy of Romance Junkies

Rating: 4.5

BIG DUKE ENERGY is a collection of historical romance short stories that feature secondary characters receiving their happily-ever-afters. Unfortunately, I am only familiar with three of the five authors presented in this anthology. And two of those authors, I have only read one of their series. So, I had hoped this anthology would broaden my horizons to new books to explore.

 

THE EARL ON THE TRAIN by Kerrigan Byrne

Sebastian Moncrieff is a former pirate, one who has indulged in nearly every sin available. Among his peers, he is known as The Erstwhile Earl. Veronica Latimer is a dowager countess, who now designs and makes garments for the wealthy. She has never really forgotten Sebastian, nor the erotic scene she witnessed on his ship. Neither expected their paths to cross again, especially on a luxury train heading to another country. Veronica makes Sebastian long for forbidden things. Will Sebastian give up his dastardly ways for Veronica? And can she trust him with her body and her heart?

The man practically oozes sex appeal and danger. What I adore the most about Sebastian is his rage against Veronica’s late husband. He wants nothing more than to erase the monster’s abusive ways from her mind permanently. Veronica is a remarkable woman. She has survived an abusive relationship. Instead of hiding away, Veronica tries to help other women in a similar position. I admire that about her!

THE EARL ON THE TRAIN is book eight in Kerrigan Byrne’s historical romance series, VICTORIAN REBELS. I have been wanting, and waiting, for this couple’s story since, THE DUKE WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO, book six in the series. I highly suggest reading that story before delving into this one.

This novella alone, I would gladly give five stars! Kerrigan Byrne always blows me away with her stories. She is the main reason I picked up this anthology.

 

LOVED AND FOUND by Christi Caldwell

Former Lieutenant Thaddeus Phippen is the son of a bricklayer. Free from the war, he now works for his older brother. Lady Edith “Edie” Peregrine is the daughter of a duke and a widowed Marchioness. She has survived a cold and loveless marriage. Neither one has forgotten about their forbidden love when they were younger. A snowstorm forces Edie and Thaddeus to reconnect. However, the past continues to loom over them. Will Thaddeus and Edie reconcile their differences? Or will their shared past keep them separated forever?

It took me a while to warm up to Thaddeus. I understand why he felt so disillusioned and bitter towards Edie. However, I feel that Thaddeus should have anticipated some trouble from her parents because of their social differences. What I like the most about Thaddeus is despite his feelings towards Edie, he refused to leave her injured and susceptible to the elements.

I could not help but like Edie! Even at a young and impressionable age, she did not care about class distinction. Edie befriended a commoner despite her parents’ approval. What I admire the most about Edie is the sacrifice she made for Thaddeus’ family. She gave up her own happiness to make certain his family prospered.

I am only familiar with Christi Caldwell’s ALL THE DUKE’S SINS series.  After some sleuthing, I discovered LOVED AND FOUND goes with HIS DUCHESS FOR A DAY, book four in the author’s HEART OF SCANDAL series. I could not shake this suspicion that Edie’s brother, Crispin, had a story.

 

THE WOLF OF WESTMORE by Amalie Howard

Wulfric Bane, the Duke of Westmore, co-owns a pleasure club that is open to all who will abide by their rules. His peers know him as the Wolf of Westmore. Lady Jocelyn Capehart is the youngest daughter of a cruel and heartless duke. She wants to experience one pleasurable night on her terms before being forced into a marriage to an old lecher. The Banes and the Capeharts have been age-long rivals. Can Jocelyn find a way to escape her dour future? Will Wulfric choose revenge over a future with Jocelyn?

I admire Jocelyn’s fortitude. She knew what her father had planned for her, so she risked severe reprimand by sneaking out for a small taste of adventure. I like Wulfric’s sense of honor. He may want revenge on the Capehart family, especially the patriarch; however, he refused to ruin an innocent girl to achieve it. What I like the most about Jocelyn and Wulfric is their common ground. They may have been born natural enemies, but they were both close to one particular person.

THE WOLF OF WESTMORE is book 2.5 in Amalie Howard’s EVERLEIGH SISTER series. I am new to this author’s works. However, I want to check out the previous two books in this series. Roth and Beswick entertained me. Plus, I would like to learn about the women that tamed them!

 

PUT UP YOUR DUKES by Janna MacGregor

Martin “Duke” Richmond is the editor and owner of a popular gossip pamphlet. He is not above embellishing a story to sell more papers. Amelia Richmond spends most of her time volunteering at a foundling house. She cannot abide the trash that her husband publishes. Martin and Amelia have been estranged for five years; however, the two meet every Wednesday for coital relations. Will Martin let The Midnight Cryer destroy his marriage? Can Amelia convince her husband to choose her over his job?

Martin annoyed me. I understand his resentment towards the nobility; however, he took his vengeance too far for my tastes. He did not seem to care that he alienated Amelia from her friends because of his paper. Amelia is a saint! She handled the trouble her husband generated with aplomb. What I adore the most about Amelia is her dedication to the foundling house. When people came to buy her help, she nudged them to donate there instead.

PUT UP YOUR DUKES is a part of Janna MacGregor’s historical romance series, CAVENSHAM HEIRESSES. The hero from book four, THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE DUKE, makes appearances in this story. Sadly, I am only familiar with Janna MacGregor’s WIDOW RULES series.

 

DUKE OF EVERY SIN by Stacy Reid

Ethan Benedict, the Duke of Bainbridge, has been riddled by guilt and regret over his friend’s death. He discovers an abandoned baby on his doorstep. Lady Verity Stanton is the disgraced daughter of an earl. She tries to steal her nephew from the Devil Duke, only to be caught. Ethan sees the baby and Verity as his chance for atonement. Verity agrees to marry the duke to stay in her nephew’s life. Can Verity help Ethan forgive himself for his part in his friend’s death? Or will his secrets destroy their marriage?

My heart went out to Ethan. He is a man consumed by grief, guilt, and remorse. What I adore the most about Ethan is how he helped Verity get retribution. He made sure all the shallow people who shunned her saw her rise in status. Verity is such an inspirational woman. I love how she did not abandon her sister. Instead, Verity willingly followed her into disgrace. She also refused to give up on her nephew.

I am new to Stacy Reid’s works, so I do not know what series/book DUKE OF EVERY SIN belongs to/connects with. The story could easily stand alone. The other novellas I could easily determine where they belonged, after some careful looking around.

 

BIG DUKE ENERGY is book one in the SEASONS OF SIN anthology collection. Each story can easily stand alone. I love how anthologies allow me to try out new authors. BIG DUKE ENERGY is no exception. I really enjoyed Amalie Howard and Stacy Reid’s writing style.

REVIEW: Casey Griffin's RUFF ROAD TO ROMANCE

 Review courtesy of Romance Junkies
Rating: 5

Lily Baker is tired of being a doormat to her overbearing and selfish family. She impulsively travels to California under the pretense of visiting her aunt. Lily discovers a handsome stranger waiting to pick her up at the airport. She reluctantly agrees to help Ethan relocate his ailing mother from Seattle, Washington, to California. However, their impromptu road trip is fraught with mishaps and accidents. Will this trip be what Lily needs? Or will she return home in utter defeat?

Ethan Summers is Seattle’s former golden boy attorney. He has never forgiven himself for choosing his career over his family. Before he can move to California, Ethan needs to settle some loose ends in Seattle and to collect his mother. When Lily is volunteered to accompany him, he promises to make the trip worthwhile. However, things do not go exactly as he planned. Not to mention some dachshund puppy hijinks. Will Ethan and Lily survive their road trip? Or will Ethan find something equally precious along the way?

Lily is a heroine I easily relate to. She is a pushover, a people pleaser, who does not have much confidence in herself. I empathize with Lily’s feelings. I understand how it feels to have family who walk all over you and disregard your thoughts and opinions. It can be dispiriting. What I admire the most about Lily is her willingness to change. She no longer wants to be at her family’s beck and call or have them take advantage of her nature. Instead, Lily wants to live her own life free from such handicaps.

Ethan is such a great redeemable hero. I admit that I never cared for his snobbish behavior in the first book, PAWS OFF THE BOSS. However, at the end of book three, A WEDDING TAIL, it became obvious that Ethan was slowly changing. I love how he wants to mend the rift between himself and his sister. Ethan regrets not being there when Piper needed him the most. What I adore the most about Ethan is his faith in Lily. He wants her to have more faith in herself. Ethan knows when to push and when to draw back.

RUFF ROAD TO ROMANCE is the fourth book in Casey Griffin’s dachshund-themed, contemporary series, A RESCUE DOG ROMANCE. This story can easily stand alone. But I highly recommend reading the previous three books, especially PAWS OFF THE BOSS. The first novel emphasizes the tenuous relationship that the Summer siblings have. I am so stoked that the author wrote more in this fun and entertaining series! Molly, the dachshund puppy, stole the show. She reminds me of the fun times I had with my doxies at that age!

RUFF ROAD TO ROMANCE is a hilarious tale of two people’s misadventures, which leads them to discover not only themselves but love. I cannot wait to see what else this author has in store for this series! There are never too many dachshund-related stories!

Review: Sherrilyn Kenyon's EVE OF DESTRUCTION

 

Rating: 4.5

Evelita “Eve” Erixour is a mercenary. She is trying to figure out a way to bust her sister out of a League prison. Jinxanthus “Jinx” Shadowbourne is a top tier League assassin. He comes to Eve’s aid in a bar. Just being with her is a death sentence. For the both of them. Jinx soon finds that someone has put a hit on him. Can Jinx keep his brethren from going after Eve? Will Eve manage to free her sister?

It has been a couple years since I last read Sherrilyn Kenyon’s LEAGUE series. Plus, I have not read the first several books, so it took me a while to acquaint myself with the setting and characters.

Overall, this short story is a quick, enjoyable read. It has all of Sherrilyn Kenyon’s trademark wit and humor woven into it. I found myself immersed in the universe and with the characters.

Review: Sophie Jordan's 'THE SCOUNDREL FALLS HARD"

 Rating: 4.5
Review courtesy of Romance Junkies

Gwen Gully is a third-generation blacksmith to oversee her family’s forge. Her business is slowly dwindling because a new blacksmith moved into her village. Gwen intervenes to save a fugitive from her community’s angry wrath. She soon finds herself tied to the handsome swindler. Gwen suggests a marriage of convenience for a year. However, she finds it difficult to stick to their original arrangement. Can Gwen save her floundering business? Or will she be forced to accept her rival’s distasteful proposition?

Kellan Fox is a con artist. He reluctantly assists his father in the man’s latest scheme, only to be caught by the townspeople. Kellan’s savior arrives in the guise of a tall and striking female blacksmith. When she saves him from the noose, he agrees to a marriage of convenience. However, Kellan finds that he cannot keep his hands off Gwen. Will Kellan turn a new leaf? Will he choose domesticity over his former life? Can Kellan help Gwen save her blacksmith business?

Gwen is such an admirable woman. She is a woman comfortable working in a male-dominated profession. Gwen knows she is just as capable as a man, despite the public’s outdated and chauvinistic views on a woman’s place. I love how Gwen refuses to let people’s opinions bother or sway her. She has accepted her differences from other women. Gwen acknowledges her strengths and her weaknesses. What I admire the most about Gwen is her selflessness. She willingly risks her livelihood and reputation for a stranger.

Kellan is such a swoon-worthy, redeemable bad boy. The fraudulent lifestyle is the only one he has ever known. I like how Kellan has his own code of conduct. He may be a swindler and thief, but there are certain people he deems off limits. Also, Kellan often gives his ill-gotten gains to the needy. What I adore the most about Kellan is his protectiveness towards Gwen. He hates when others bully or mistreat her because of her height and profession.

THE SCOUNDREL FALLS HARD is the third book in Sophie Jordan’s historical romance series, THE DUKE HUNT. The story can easily stand alone. There is no on-going plot. I like that Imogen, the heroine from book one, THE DUKE GOES DOWN, does make a couple appearances. I do have a few little nitpicks. I feel that the break in at Gwen’s forge went unresolved.  My other nitpick is that Silas and Mercy, the couple from book two, THE RAKE GETS RAVISHED, never appear in the book. They are my favorite couple.

THE SCOUNDREL FALLS HARD is an enjoyable tale of two lonely souls forced into close proximity, only to learn to trust and love each other. I have this suspicion that the next book will be about the new duke and his housekeeper. I cannot wait to see if my assumption is correct!