Sky Link

Sky Link by Shiro Yamada

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


**** Sky Link-Ritsuki is wandering through life with no goals and no purpose. His divorced parents went their separate ways and he goes to university at the request of his aunt and uncle. He doesn't realize that the stranger that crashes into him is about to bring some unwelcome change to his life.



Takagi is the new instructor in East Asian Studies, a job that he never thought he would be cut out for or be good at. He crashes into Ritsuki outside the university and feels an instant connection. Takagi doesn't hide his attraction for Ritsuki and tries his hardest to break through Ritsuki's defenses, even as an admirer of Takagi's insinuates himself between them.



Both men have something in their pasts that they want to forget or just surpass; for Takagi-a famous journalist before he started teaching-is the death of a colleague and for Ritsuki it's a little unclear as the guy that seems to be stalking him is never really identified (was it a gang member, a psycho ex,...). Takagi sees something of himself in Ritsuki, but he also realizes it's not just their kindred spirits that brings them together; like him, Ritsuki loves to watch the sky.



Takagi makes Ritsuki a promise, for him to study photography. If he gets good enough, Takagi will take him anywhere he want to go....half a year later, Takagi fulfills his promise.



*****You through a kaleidoscope pt. 1 & 2-Kazu & Yuki are friends. Half Japanese and half English Yuki has always been bullied for his looks and Kazu has always protected him, even though he always looses the fight and ends up getting beat up; but Kazu can't help it as he's always loved Yuki. The only problem is that he's never confessed his feelings and feels he doesn't deserve to-he's always believed that he destroys all the beautiful things he touches.



Then Kazu's friend shows an interest in Yuki and he makes the choice to finally reveal his feelings. After all, Kazu's favorite things are rooftops, bicycles, riverbanks, children's books, kaleidoscopes...and snow (yuki).



These stories were sweet and full of hope. The character's emotions were beautifully portrayed and the illustrations were really well done.





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An Even More Beautiful Lie

An Even More Beautiful Lie by Kei Kanai
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Kurosu enrolls into Teio Art University at the last minute, surprising his friends as he barely had a passable grade in art and has the minimum of talent for it. It's there that he becomes a fan of Yukari's work, and so is pleased when a chance meeting brings them face to face.

But Kurosu learns little by little that Yukari lives and breathes for his art, that apart from keeping his bed sheets clean and changing his clothes as soon as he gets home everything else falls by the wayside. Yukari warns Kurosu that he doesn't have anything to give, aside from his body, that painting is all he thinks about.

Instead of heeding Yukari's words, Kurosu takes it upon himself to care for Yukari; preparing his meals, fixing stuff around the house, and even bathing him. Like a painter with a blank canvas, Kurosu fills the empty spaces with color and warmth; his strokes sure and bold as he tries to bring Yukari to life.





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Reads of the Week 7/17/11-7/23/11

Reads of the Week 7/10/11-7/16/11

Reads of the Week 7/3/11-7/9/11

Muscling Through

Muscling Through by J.L. Merrow

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Al is not an attractive man nor is he a brilliant one; but although physically imposing, he has a heart of gold and a gentle soul. Larry is his exact opposite; a posh, smart, and pretty little man.



They get together after Larry apologizes for a situation in which he'd misconstrued Al's behaviour and actions as a threat. It takes Al some time to understand Larry's feelings for him, as he thinks Larry is too smart and pretty for someone like him. But he's amazed when Larry discovers his artistic talents and pushes him to show them to the world.



A really sweet story with a very special man and the guy who is smart enough to see it.









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Taken

Taken by Kate Sherwood

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Cody and Tristan are friends w/benefits, something that has worked for them when their other relationships don't seem to work out. But Cody, now emotionally invested w/Tristan, feels that he needs to make a break and just remain friends. Cody wants more than he thinks Tristan is willing to give, and so tries to move on. Then an attack on Cody serves as a catalyst, moving Cody into confessing the feelings he's been harboring, and making Tristan realize that what he's been searching for, has been in front of him all along.



A wonderful short story that has just the right touch of angst and steamy sex, with Tristan channeling Tweety and the use of some very fitting and romantic headwear.







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*This is part of the Hot Summer Days-Don't Read in the Closet project that the Goodreads M/M Romance Group is putting together, the stories are free so be sure to check them out!

Deefur Dog

Deefur Dog by RJ Scott

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This is a feel good story. A sweet novella about a man trying to cope with the loss of a loved one and having to balance the responsiblities of a career and fatherhood on his own. Cameron's at the end of his rope when he makes the hard decision to give Deefur-his beloved Dane-up for adoption. It's at the animal shelter that he meets Jason-a volunteer at the shelter; just the person who might be the answer to his prayers and his heart.



I really loved this; Emma and the guys gave me the warm fuzzies, and of course the scene stealer-Deefur, made it all kinds of entertaining!



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Teahouse, Chapter 1 (review)

Teahouse by Emirain

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


1st read: 2/4/11

Reread: 7/16/11



Xanthe Atros (aka The Owner) as well as the manager of Teahouse-a brothel he inherited from his father. Within it's walls a colorful and assorted cast of characters make a living as courtesans.



There's Linneus (aka The Doormat); he is the longest running courtesan of the group. He is quiet, reserved, and with a delicate sort of beauty and grace that doesn't manage to hide the indefinable emotions and tension between him and Atros.



Lilith (aka The Bitch) is the top earning female courtesan and one who does her nickname justice by never missing the opportunity to belittle Linneus, especially since she is the one that Atros is currently bedding.



Axis (aka The Womanizer) is the top earning courtesan overall. A hit with the ladies with a wild look and personality; he's currently a favorite of Rhys-a male client who gets a kick out making the 'supposedly straight' Axis submit to his desires.



Rory Dubois (aka The Virgin) is a new addition to Teahouse. Highly prized for his chastity; he is a young shy bishie boy still trying to settle down into his environment, but he is sweet and kind. In the cliffie he comes face to face with a potential suitor-Reed (aka The Mystery Man).



Claret (aka The Ditz) is a simple, big chested, and curvy woman. She manages to do well but finds herself as the cause of Axis' jealousy when Rhys-in one of his visits-picks her instead.



Then there's Mercutio (aka The Freak) a wacky character who obviously enjoys his job, as he is the one who handles the fetishists.



Finally, rounding up the cast is Argent(aka The Bodyguard) who is loyal to Atros.



This is a wonderful introduction, giving a little of each character and an incentive to keep going in order to learn more about them and what lies in their past, present, and future. It's a solid 48 pgs. replete with comedy, drama, and hot man love; the artwork is gorgeous and the artist's fine detail-especially when the guys are getting it on-is just eye popping. So come on into Teahouse, where the fun awaits as soon as you step through the door.



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Yellow 2: Episode 3 (review)

Yellow 2: Episode 3 by Makoto Tateno

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Goh and Taki are back again with another adventure. Sadly, for Goh the case involves his mother-a woman that left him behind to run away with a man. His masters-the men that taught him the tricks of his trade and the ones responsible for raising him-come bearing a note.



The cipher-a musical scale-is one that Goh has to decipher by searching the memory of a hymn his mother used to sing; but first, it's up to Taki to convince Goh to look into it.



Goh tries to deal with old hurts as he gives in and starts looking for what his mother was trying to hide; it brings him face to face with his mother's lover-a man that is obviously desperate for whatever's hidden away.



A nice short read. It was great to get a glimpse of Goh's past, and of course it's Yellow so there's some action-wailing on the bad guy and each other-and some hot sex (in a church!). Don't know if there's more to come from these 2, but I'm seriously hoping their adventures continue.











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Men of Tattoos (review)

Men of Tattoos by Yuiji Aniya

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This is a story divided into chapters but through different perspectives as the plot unfolds; while funny and touching at moments, the story does not have a happy ending. It is a bittersweet drama that made me both happy and so terribly sad.



***My Katagi-kun-The story opens with Katagi and Kubota; childhood friends who end up reuniting after several years and are now lovers. Katagi-a member of the Yakuza-is a sweet and playful guy who just not seem to belong in this line of work. He has an important meeting to get to but is diverted by Kubota, first with a bout of sex and then with a sudden arrest-as it turns out that Kubota is a cop.



****Dog of the Ranunculus-Mutou is Katagi's boss and he cares deeply for his young master-Arima, the son of the organization's leader-a greedy man who only uses him as a pawn to amass fortunes in the stock market. Mutou gives in to his young master's plan to leave together, the choice made easier when his father tells Mutou that he can have the boy as a plaything-as long as his son continues to make more money for him. Mutou gives instructions to Katagi, to pick them up at a specific time and drive them to the ferry terminal.



***Cinderella and the Mad Shark-Kubota is at it again, dressing up as a woman to nail another member of the organization the police has been tracking and responsible for the murder of another member's death.



****Everyone's Song-Mutou and Arima appear to be enjoying a nice outing; buying ingredients for a meal they're going to prepare. In bed together, Arima gets scared when he starts hearing this loud ringing in his ears.



-Finally released Kubota waits for Katagi. But Katagi is a little unforgiving after what happened, and gives him a few good punches. Kubota learns that Katagi was raped repeatedly in jail-an ex-boxer, he was unwilling to fight back in order to get an early release on good behaviour. What Katagi doesn't tell him is that one of the inmates was HIV positive.



-Kubota takes Katagi to a hospital, where he discovers terrible news about his boss Mutou and his young master Arima.



***The Spring Time of Love & The Path of Dreams-This is a bonus story about Mitsuhisa, a university student who happens to be in love with his friend Haruno-one Mitsu believes is totally straight and a real player. Wondering if he should have the courage to reveal his feelings, it takes an event of paranormal proportions to actually push him into making his love known.











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Reads of the Week 6/26/11-7/2/11

Loving Luki Vasquez (review)

Loving Luki Vasquez by Lou Sylvre

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Like Sonny's tapestries, this story was exquisitely woven. From the bright warm colors of Sonny's and Luki's meeting and tentative relationship, to the dark somber hues of a growing threat to them and their loved ones.



Luki is an ex-ATF agent who now works in security. It's by chance that he meets Sonny, and begins a brief affair that grows into something deeper-more profound that Luki is prepared to deal with. He is a man bearing painful memories and scars that won't allow him to get close to anyone. I love Luki; he's a physically strong and able man, yet their is an intense vulnerability beneath his armor.



Sonny is a weaver; he's reclusive and spends his time creating his tapestries and dyes, taking walks in the wooded area surrounding his home, tinkering with his cars, or enjoying a swim. Luki comes into his life at a crucial moment-his sick nephew has been out of contact for several weeks-something that has him extremely worried. He's trying to fight the rising dread of his nephew's possible whereabouts and Luki's reluctance in their relationship, when violence hits too close to home. I like Sonny's character, at least from what little was gleaned; basically I felt that he-and some details about his life-was still a mystery 'til the end.



Sonny & Luki have to deal with what they feel for each other as they untangle the mystery of how 2 abused brothers, hateful attacks against a friend and Sonny's homes, the strange disappeance of Delsyn (Sonny's nephew), the sudden return of Luki's childhood nemesis-one that left him both physically and emotionally scarred all tie together...and who is behind it all.





This is a wonderful mystery. The story flows well and the nail biting tension when the action finally unfolds was both excruciating and exciting, truly a story worth rereading again and again.



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Reads of the Week 6/19/11-6/25/11

Butterfly of the Distant Day (review)

Butterfly of the Distant Day by Tooko Miyagi

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


****Midsummer's Distance: In the opening story we get a peek at how Riya and Atsushi are doing. The guys, while doing well, are having some trouble dealing with the distance and financial inbalance Riya's career creates. This all comes about because of a broken a/c. The weather is HOT, and Atsushi's a/c breaks down. Unfortunately he holds back on purchasing another, he's trying to save in order to maybe go with Riya but he feels that he'll never reach that goal no matter how much he works to save. He gets a surprise when he discovers Riya has come for a surprise visit and learning that it's not possible for Atsushi to get a new a/c, he volunteers to buy it. Atsushi is bothered by this and after trying to deal with it by having some sexy and meltingly hot (literally & figuratively) sex. They finally talk and come to an understanding about what's going on between them and they both split the cost for a new a/c.



****Butterfly of the Distant Day: This story focuses on Saki-Riya's cousin. They are going to spend the summer at a cottage, where both of them will take part in a concert. But this place holds painful memories for Saki, as it is the place where he was involved in his first affair with another student-Irving...who just happens to be in charge of the concert. As a teen, Irving warns Saki to be careful of the musical director (Mr. Foreman)-who even though he was married, had flings with his students.



Out of curiousity, Saki asks Irving to show him what it means to be with another guy since he's never even thought about it. Their affair comes to a bitter end because of a severe misunderstanding; Saki feels that Irving was just using him as a replacement because he's still in love with a lover from his past, and Irving thinks that Saki is with him because having sex with a man is still a novelty to him.



Now that Saki and Irving are reunited, Irving plans a trap to lure Saki back into his arms. But Saki once again misinterprets the situation. It is Riya who finds the key piece that will finally make Saki realize the truth of Irving's feelings; and it will be up to Saki to create the notes that will finally complete the composition that will bring them together.



****Both Night and Afternoon: Saki wants more from Irving, yet he discovers that being drunk might have loosened his tongue more than he intended and brought upon a tighter bond that he anticipated.



***On a Sunny Day: A little meeting between the musical director Foreman, who has a little fun teasing Irving; but Irving puts one over the director by calling Saki in front of him, asking him to wait in the lobby and inviting him to dinner.



This was a beautiful spin-off to Il Gatto Sul G; I managed to get reacquainted with Riya and Atsushi and finally learned a little more about Saki. I was happy to see Riya doing so well after everything he dealt with; it was pleasant to watch him play around and actually have fun. As for Saki and Irving, I like their story. It was kind of painful watching them hurt it each other and be so at odds, but it was so sweet how they finally got together. I always savor Miyagi-sensei's art. There's just something so delicate and ephemeral about it that just fills me with warmth.



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Reads of the Week 6/12/11-6/18/11

Rabbit Man, Tiger Man v. 1 (review)

Rabbit Man, Tiger Man Volume 1 by Akira Honma

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH! *phew* Okay, now that this moment of yaoi fangirling has been taken care of, I can happily say that I loved this! Ever since I learned that this series was being licenced by June, I have been waiting eagerly for it.



Uzuki is a timid and sweet man, a surgeon that heading home follows the cries of mewling cat only to find a man bleeding in an alley. The man with the huge tiger tattoo on his back seems shady; still Uzuki tries to assist him, but the injured man refuses to go to the hospital. He asks for Uzuki's phone to call for someone to pick him up, and then tells Uzuki he should go. Uzuki actions remind the man of a rabbit before he loses consciousness once again.



Uzuki feeling bad about running away and leaving someone hurt, goes back with some supplies from the hospital he works at and treats the guy's wound. Convinced he's done his best, he walks away leaving his coat behind.



Nonami is one of the heads of a crime organization. He is attacked by someone who sees him as a rival for the organization's leadership-as he later learns his boss is dying of cancer, and so that's how he manages to get injured and left for dead. Not really lucid when someone comes to his aid, he mistakes Uzuki's name for Suzuki. Armed with this name and knowledge that his 'nightingale' works at the nearby hospital, he makes his cousin fake an illness so that he'll be admitted as a patient-a ruse to grant Nonami the access he needs in order to find his Suzuki.



But something's not right, as his tiger tattoo tingles every time Uzuki is close; his instincts are telling him that his nightingale might not be a woman at all. Yet he has to tread carefully because his enemies are moving, and he has to keep Uzuki out of harms way.



I find Honma-sensei's work so pleasurable. Her Semes are always 'bad boy' types; they have such intensity and there's always this hint of darkness to their personalities. Nonami is no exception, but I like that he has this soft and playful side too. Although a man involved in a shady business and a killers instinct, he's also a man who loves animals and likes family movies e.g. Heidi and A Dog of Flanders. Uzuki is just fun to watch; his reactions, particularly with Nonami are just hilarious. He's just a ball of nervous energy the whole way through, poor guy must drop dead tired every time he sleeps.



I'm excited for the 2nd. volume but it's a little ways away-it doesn't come out 'til Oct.; so I guess I'll just content myself rereading this until then. :)



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Tale of the Waning Moon v. 2 (review)

Tale of the Waning Moon, Vol. 2 by Hyouta Fujiyama

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


So we find Ryuka and company on the road to the moon, where Ixto-the Last Quarter Moon Spirit-is eagerly awaiting Ryuka's arrival. Of course this road is paved with obstacles-or more like comical misadventures-that make the journey a little bumpy along the way.



The first comes in the form of a cave that they must enter as within it's depths lies the 'Door to the Moon', which is the only way to get there. But warnings of young men-like Ryuka and Aldin-disappearing and never seen again make the group wary of going in.



Once inside, they're suprised to discover another Moon Spirit-Widow-who seems to have a bone to pick with Ixto; yet the story there isn't revealed quite just yet. Aldin however discovers something about Ral's curse. As it turns out he himself is under a spell and Widow hints 'That which has been cast on you and the horse cannot be undone on the moon' and in a contradictory move he wants to bargain with Aldin saying that it isn't impossible but that if he lays with him in front of Ral he'll do it--of course Widow gets turned down. With no way of keeping them as pets for his pleasure-due to both being spelled-Widow lets them go.



Finally able to get to the door, the group realizes it's not so simple as the door is chained and there are a set of particular items they must acquire in order to get through. One of the items is already at hand (some of poor Coon's tail hair), another is in Aldin's family's possession (Breath of the Fire Dragon) and the rest they have to seek out (One platter of burning wind, one sprig of peach pearls, and a sack of seven colored balls).



A helping hand reveals another of the articles (the sprig of peach pearls), but the owner makes a deal that brings the group into contact with the twin nemesis, Kapel & Qwen (see vol. 1). It's a close call for Ryuka and Al who have to use their manly wiles on them to grab the eye patches the twins wear; but Ixto, using Cymric w/Coon's assist rescue the guys.



With another item in their grasp they head out to Aldin's home to request the Breath of the Fire Dragon from Aldin's father and while Ryuka is a little taken aback by the obvious love they have for Aldin, he finds himself the object of displeasure of one of Al's older brothers, Mashura, who appears to hate him on sight. It's here that we are left with a major cliffhanger; Mashura, with the excuse of walking out Ryuka so that Al can spend time with his parents, kicks him out and claims that Ryuka will not be allowed inside again!



This was a nice and fun follow up; there's some progress with Ryuka's feelings and his journey. Aldin, now that he's learned a little more about Ral's & his curse might be on the verge of discovering who is behind it all and why. Coon-my fave character, provided some cuteness (his adult form is very sexy) and Ixto was being his sexy helpful self. There's a side story of a pair of minor characters (hopefully that story continues as well) as well as 2 extra short stories of Ryuka and Co.: Tale of the Moonlit Night 1 & 2 with the guys doing cosplay. ;)



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The Betrayal Knows My Name #1 (review)

The Betrayal Knows My Name, Volume 1 by Hotaru Odagiri

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Yuki Sakurai is afraid of being alone and unwanted-abandoned at an orphanage at birth-it is his greatest fear. Already a high schooler, he is trying to seek a place of his own to avoid being a burden to those that cared for him, especially now that threatening letters are being left at the orphanage's mail box.



A sweet and kind hearted teen, he feels different from those around him; with dreams that plague him constantly but has no memory of when he wakes and a strange empathic power that he feels is more a hindrance than a help.



Suddenly things in Yuki's life are changing; a friend is in peril, his powers are evolving, he discovers he has an 'elder brother' who has located him after several years and wants him back home, and he meets others with powers of their own.



Yuki is happy to finally belong, even if it is as a part of the Giou clan-a group with mystical powers who destroy demons. But his instant bond with Luka is both comforting and intruiging, and makes him wonder why Luka is always looking out for him and his safety.



Yet not everything is what it seems; events are unfolding that put the world at risk and Yuki's life as well. Because Yuki is the Light of God-a healer and the strength of the clan and the Duras (demons) will do everything in their power to destroy him.



I'll admit I was completely surprised when I saw this...and truly pleased as well, the manga is 360+ pgs. long, which is a little rare in graphic novels (at least from what I've seen)so it gave me something to really sink my teeth into. The cover is very fetching and colorful as well as the beautiful inserts and that was enough to have me starry eyed. You get a few bonuses; including an afterword, a fan corner, a terms & character lexicon, a fan corner autograph session report, as well as 2 extra short stories. There are many characters introduced, but my favorite of course is Luka with Hotsuma running a close second-he's just so fiery! There's some mysteries, secrets, and comedy that made this a joy to read, so I'm definitely hanging on to see what comes next.



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Hexed [IDC, #2] (review)

Hexed by Kevin Hearne

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Atticus loves nothing more than a peaceful morning, working at his store, communing with the earth, training his apprentice, and going on long runs with Oberon; unfortunately for him, trouble seems to be the serving of the day.



Aside from having to deal with a coven of nasty witches that are trying to take over East Valley-a territory it seems now is his to protect, there's the sudden attention of Gods trying to make him the weapon of choice to rid themselves of rivals-this after taking down Aenghus Og and Bres (with a bit of help, of course).



Then there's the fact that he's the prize catch between 2 Goddesses fighting for rule in Tir na nOg. Finally there's a few Bacchants intent on mayhem, a mysterious pair of strangers with a secret agenda, and a detective on his tail. With more trouble than he can handle on his own, Atticus has to make some risky bargains in order to take care of business. It goes to show that a Druid's work is never done.



Hexed is a wonderful continuation of Atticus' adventures. It has a great mix of action-both physical and magical; awesome characters-Leif trying to be cool was hilariously comical and who would've thought it of Mr. Semerdjian, and of course we can't leave out Oberon, Atticus' witty hound. A sneak peek at Hammered already has me revved up for more of Atticus' and Oberon's antics and adventures.



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