Pale as a Ghost (Review)

Pale as a Ghost by Stephen Osborne

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I had a lot of fun reading this. Duncan is an awesome character-he's such an optimist. No matter what situation he found himself in, he always had a witty remark or tried to see it in a positive light. For a guy who has a sixth sense for the supernatural, is living with the ghost of his long dead boyfriend-Robbie, has a pet who just happens to be a zombie, and whose best friend is a witch-that is no small feat, especially taking into account that he hasn't been with anyone in 10 years.



The chance for something new comes along just as he takes on 2 cases; one is that of a ghost who might have ties to his client's husband, and the other is a missing person case. Nick is a history teacher and Duncan feels attracted to him, yet it's not only his gift that holds him back; it's also the fact that he still loves Robbie.



Robbie's love for Duncan is so sweet, and it was sad but also funny what lengths he's willing to go to, to be with Duncan again. Gina, Duncan's friend is a mystery since there's not much that's revealed about her life-except that she's lived for a loooong time. Daisy the zombie bulldog is a cutie, though her meal of choice is not exactly puppy chow.



The story was engaging, as well as all characters involved; both cases where intriguing for me, as well as the triangle forming between Duncan, Nick, and Robbie-although the latter felt unresolved at the end; which gives me the hope that maybe, possibly, (really crossing my fingers here) there might be more of these guys in the future.

















View all my reviews

Intense Rain (Review)

Intense Rain by Shinri Fuwa

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Five years after a very painful breakup Ryuuji finds himself working in the same school his philandering ex, Takaaki is currently teaching. But he soon realizes that the Takaaki he knew has changed and matured; and though Ryuuji fears pain and betrayal again if he gives in to his lingering feelings for Takaaki-this time he's willing to take the risk and not run away again.





Bonus story: Because I Said I Definitely Like You



Kei, a high schooler, has a one night stand with Satoshi, a businessman in his 30's. Thinking he's found the one, he gets a rude wake up call-literally-when he finds himself alone in bed the next morning. It turns out that Kei's older brother is Satoshi's colleague and friend; but the bigger surprise is when he discovers Satoshi harbors feelings for his older brother. But that isn't the only obstacle in Kei's path to attain Satoshi as his own; b/c Satoshi has known the heartbreak that love can bring and he isn't willing to go through it again.



These were nice stories about giving love a second chance. This manga was sad, sweet, and funny at times and definitely a nice addition to my ever growing yaoi collection.





View all my reviews

Downtime (Review)

Downtime by Tamara Allen

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


The story was a treat to read, but I felt that for a few chapters the focus strayed and centered on a notorious crime that Nash becomes embroiled in and feels compelled to solve. It doesn't affect the major plot line in any way but it sort of felt that I was reading a story within a story; the outcome of the crime is favorable (although the culprit's history is tragic and painful). I wish it would have been the case in real life, instead of the mystery it remains.



Ezra is a kind and sensitive man, and I loved how well he clicked with Nash although their first interactions where a little...a lot strained, especially Nash's skepticism regarding Ezra's gift. Their relationship develops slowly and beautifully as they work together to solve a crime and try to find the book required to send Nash home. Derry is one of my favorites; his friendship and loyalty as well as his open acceptance of Ezra's homosexuality and ability made him a very endearing character.



For me this was one of those kinds of novels, where the characters become so familiar I was left with the yearning to learn more about them and their lives. It would be wonderful to see how they are faring as Nash settles permanently into Ezra's century; or what mischief they might get into solving crimes. This novel is definitely going into my list of favorites.





View all my reviews

Go Fish (Review)

Go Fish by H.T. Murray

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Ian realizes he has feelings for his friend Cal. What follows is a hilarous and sometimes embarrassing comedy of errors as he goes about trying to make his feelings known.



This novella definitely hit the spot. I loved the fact that instead of a drama about a straight man falling for his gay friend and coming to terms with his sexuality, it was just a fun and sweet story about a guy falling in love with a dear friend-that this friend was male wasn't even the issue. I totally loved this...Ian was just so much fun and Marcy is the coolest friend ever!





View all my reviews

Tale of the Waning Moon v. 1 (Review)

Tale of the Waning Moon, Vol. 1 by Hyouta Fujiyama

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


[read in Sept. '09 but reread to refresh b/c the 2nd. volume is coming out this June '11]



Dumped and drunk Ryuka makes a wish "Someone...anyone...please help me forget that woman. I want someone to genuinely love, someone who will genuinely love me in return." He's surprised to find out that his wish has been heard by Ixto-Spirit of the Last Quarter Moon. When Ryuka declines the candidates-who all turn out to be men, he falls subject to a spell after having an intimate encounter with Ixto.



The spell is a journey that Ryuka must take and that will lead him to Ixto. Ryuka's body compels him to follow the path (if he doesn't disastrous situations arise), even though his heart wars against the notion that he might be falling for a man. Ryuka sets out with Coon the Moon Cat as his guide, meeting an eclectic cast of characters along the way; including a millionaire whose love interest has been cursed.



Ryuka is a simple guy who only wants someone to love him, it's fun watching him fight his feelings for Ixto. I really liked Coon, he's so sweet and pervy, but he's also loyal to Ixto and cares so much for Ryuka. Aldin, the millionaire, who acts more mature and level headed than Ryuka is a great addition to the band of travelers-I hope I get to learn more about him and his cursed love in future volumes.



I enjoy Fujiyama-sensei's work, she has this flair for the comedic and romantic that always makes me smile when I read her stories.



View all my reviews