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.



View all my reviews

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.



View all my reviews

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. :)



View all my reviews

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. ;)



View all my reviews

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.



View all my reviews

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.



View all my reviews

Hounded [IDC, #1] (review)

Hounded by Kevin Hearne

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I so thoroughly enjoyed this! Atticus and Oberon are awesome-their relationship and bond is so strong you can't separate them, and their conversations were just hilarious-from sausage scented fresheners to a french poodle harem; not to mention their penchant for attracting the attention of several goddesses.



There was an eclectic abundance of characters, each one important in their own way as the story unfolds. I liked the fact that there's enough backstory and info to move the story along w/o dragging it down. Great world building, with lots of action, and very likeable and memorable characters.



Definitely a series that's going on my Favorites list!











View all my reviews

Reads of the Week 6/5/11-6/11/11

Dark Horse [Dark Horse, #1] (review)

Dark Horse by Kate Sherwood

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This is a story of a man trying to cope with the loss of a great love, and finding the strength to let go. Dan is not looking for anyone new, he works with horses and he is content with that. Then two men stride into his life and suddenly he is offered a second chance at happiness.



I loved this story and especially Dan, he just pulled so many emotions out of me-he is a character that will stay with me for a long time that's for sure.



What I liked about this novel in particular is that he is not thrown straight into bed w/Evan & Jeff and the usual happily ever after that follows. There's the emotional struggles that Dan and the other two men have to go through before coming to terms with this new attraction.



There's tension, sexual and otherwise. Tumultuous emotions rattle this men, and you wonder what's in store for them, and whether it will work out or not in the end.



A beautiful and emotionally gripping novel. I'm very much looking forward to reading their continuing story in Out of the Darkness.





View all my reviews

Only the Ring Finger Knows (review)

Only the Ring Finger Knows by Satoru Kannagi

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This was my first intro into boy's love. It still is one of the most cherished and favorite manga I've read.



Matching rings are the in thing at Wataru's high school-they signify whether your best friends, single, currently seeking or an actual couple. Wataru wears his ring, for none of these reasons but because he has a special attachment to the ring itself.



Through a series of events he finds out that the prince of the school, Yuichi Kazuki, wears a ring that's a match to his! He doesn't understand why someone who is so kind and friendly to others would actually act the opposite towards him. Wataru realizes soon that his interest in Yuichi, and the emotions that he invokes in Wataru run deeper than he imagines. But he's even more suprised when he finds out Yuichi's real feelings.



This story is beautiful, funny, and sweet. I fell in love with Yuichi and Wataru as they struggled and came to terms with their feelings.











View all my reviews

I Love You, Asshole! (review)

I Love You, Asshole! by Amy Lane

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This story was at turns frustrating as well as bittersweet. Marcus is the 'nice guy' not willing to push Phillip after realizing his feelings; and Phillip is trying to understand his relationship with Marcus and going about it in a way that seems to do more harm than good.



Usually I feel a little daunted by polyamorous relationships or orgies in the stories I read, yet the one in this story made me think of how puppies/kittens pile together. I saw it as their way of trying to cope with their immense loss; it wasn't about gratification but connection and togetherness.



So while these guys had me cussing at them, and pulling out my hair, I really enjoyed it.



View all my reviews

Valley of Shadows (review)

Valley of Shadows by Phoenix Emrys

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


"I see dead people." Nope it's not Haley Joel Osment. Meet Ellery James, a popular historical romance writer that hides himself and the secret behind his novels in a small town. He is the dead's messenger, their guide, and a friendly ear willing to listen to what they have to say.



He meets, unexpectedly, with Boone Dantrell; a man on the brink after suffering a great loss. An urgent plea manages to sway Ellery to break the rules and help Boone from a tragic decision which has some unexpected consequences. But their connection runs deeper than Ellery knows, and it might just be what saves him and Boone when Evil comes knocking at his door.



This novel was not what I expected, and so I was pleasantly surprised by it because it was exactly what I had been searching for in a book-a story that made me laugh. I loved Ellery, who bears the burden of his gift without losing his optimism. He takes it in stride although he has given up on having any kind of normal relationships, until Boone. And I love Boone because of his unconditional feelings and acceptance (after a little convincing)of Ellery's talents. There are some unanswered questions but I'm hoping this means there's more to come from these guys.



View all my reviews

Lorcan's Desire [A Whispering Pines Ranch Novel, #1] (review)

Lorcan's Desire by S.J.D. Peterson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This series has a great start; with a set of strong characters and an emotionally packed storyline. While I was surprised at what happens w/the MCs, I think it actually works out well. It wasn't an HEA and maybe not even HFN b/c I think Lorcan's and Quinn's feelings were not tied in a perfect bow; even though the choices, Lorcan's anyway, were settled, his feelings for Quinn weren't.



Lorcan's a great character, he's unpretentious and open with his emotions. Quinn on the other hand, knows who he is but prefers to hide it to keep his town's acceptance and approval, it's the hardest battle he fights within himself. He realizes too late that his decision will be the cause of pain and heartbreak, not just for himself but Lorcan as well. Jess by far, is my favorite character (along with Conner, he's just so wonderfully awesome!). I love the way he loves, and how easy going and truly kind he is-he just makes me want to cuddle him. His openness and devotion to Lorcan was just beautiful.



For me this was a story of Lorcan's discovery and learning; he discovers the truth about himself, but he also learns that loving someone sometimes isn't about what your heart wants, but what it needs. Now I can't wait to read what lessons are in store for Quinn.



View all my reviews

Wes & Toren (review)

Wes and Toren by J.M. Colail

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


The first thing that came to mind as I read this book was the Only the Ring Finger Knows novels. The author's writing style reminded me so much of mangaka Satoru Kannagi and her way with words, it brought back a beautiful memory-Only the Ring Finger Knows (graphic manga) was the first boys love novel I ever read and the impact of Yuichi's and Wataru's sweet relationship is how I became a Huge Yaoi fan; from there I delved deeper until finally I started reading m/m and gay fiction, and so now here I am.



Synopsis:

Wes, the popular bad boy, and Toren, the shy introvert, are two young men hiding their sexuality; until they meet each other. Working on a project together gives them the opportunity to get to know each other and Toren works hard at hiding his attraction to Wes, who doesn't fall for it-the more courageous of them both, Wes is willing to keep quiet about their relationship. Toren is afraid of being ridiculed at school but that's not his only fear, he is also scared of his family's reaction-due to a past event that hurt his family and his relationship with his father, Toren is especially fearful of his mother's reaction.



This is a sweet and poignant story that shows the purity of first love, and the hardships that come with it. Toren matures and grows strong in his love for Wes; and Wes through his love for Toren finds the strength to move on without his parent's support and acceptance.





View all my reviews

That Was Good (review)

That Was Good by CJ Michalski

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


****That Was Good! & More, Please! & I'd Love Some...: Hiroto is a convenience store clerk. On one particular afternoon while having his lunch break at the park, a little boy (Mamoru) approaches him; as he shares his home made lunch with Mamoru, the child's father shows up calling after him. It turns out that Suguru-an international pilot, surprised by Mamoru's obvious enjoyment of Hiroto's meal, is in need of a live-in housekeeper and asks Hiroto if he'll take the job. Suguru soon finds himself fantasizing about Hiroto, while Mamoru warns Hiroto not to fall in love with his father as that was the reason the previous housekeepers had to leave! But feelings are revealed after a situation places Suguru's life in danger.



In More, Please! & I'd Love Some...Hiroto, Mamoru, and Suguru are happy living together when a surpise visit by Suguru's brother pulls their peaceful life into emotional chaos. Hiroto-afraid that his relationship with Suguru will end if others were to find out-asks Suguru to pretend he's just the help; Suguru, doesn't intend to hide it but he fears Hiroto might leave b/c he's never made their relationship official. After a terrible misunderstanding, Shuu-Suguru's brother-fires Hiroto. With no place to go, Hiroto ends up 'living' at a net cafe trying desperately to find work; but with no home address, his situation is grim. Meanwhile, Shuu is trying to take over Mamoru's care, but Mamoru is heartbroken over Hiroto's departure and won't eat. In a desperate effort to find Hiroto, Mamoru runs away from home; this gives Suguru the chance to set everything right.



I had been on the lookout for this particular manga ever since I read That Was Good! online, it was a treat to find out that there was the additional stories More, Please! & I'd Love Some...While I really love this story about Hiroto and Suguru, it's Mamoru who stands out for me. Mamoru is an extremely adorable character, and his love for Hiroto...and his food, is really cute. When he cried over Hiroto, it about made me cry. I'm glad that I can finally add this title to my collection!



***I Love That Part of You & Do You Love This Part of Me! Youhei is the most popular boy in school, there is no end to the girls who line up to have sex with him. But when he bumps into Takumi and sees him without his glasses, it's a case of love at first sight for Youhei. Yet his declaration of love is rejected because Takumi is an otaku who's only interested in 2-D Love. Youhei now has to become part of the world of otaku if he wants to win his Takumi's heart, using any means necessary-even cosplaying as Vampire Knight, Takumi's all time favorite character and his ideal man.



***Even If I Must Sacrifice Myself...Riku's twin sister Miku plans to elope with a man who is arranged to be married to someone else solely for the benefit of his family's company. In a case of mistaken identity, Kazuya-Shinji's older brother-takes Riku when he steps out of his sister's apartment. Riku pretends to be Miku in order to give his sister and Shinji enough time to run away. He only has to keep up the charade until after Shinji's engagement party-the morning Miku and Shinji will run away together; but as that day approaches, he wonders what will happen now that his fallen in love with Kazuya.



****You Love Sausage, Right? A funny short with Mamoru, Hiroto, and Suguru about Suguru's & Hiroto's *eating sausage* in bed. ;)



Although these shorts are basically 'love at first sight' stories, they were enjoyable and a fun way to pass the time. I like Michalski's work, but her penchant for drawing boyish (almost shota-ish) faces in her ukes sometimes makes me uncomfortable-but I was happy this wasn't the case with Hiroto and Riku, with Takumi maybe just hitting the mark.





View all my reviews

Reads of the Week 5/29/11-6/4/11

Dreamlands [Dreamlands #1] (review)

Dreamlands by Felicitas Ivey

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


The author's writing style was so fluid that I was midway through the book before I realized it. She gives you a look into the beauty and violence of ancient Japan in the setting of this story, the Dreamlands.

Keno is a bright young man that due to a careless mistake is kept captive in a covert government agency that deals with the monsters and we're not talking about werewolves and vampires here, but oni (demons). Badly mistreated he finds a freedom of sorts when he ends up in the Dreamlands where he meets Samojirou-an oni. Their relationship grows slowly but steadily and is threatened when Keno's captors find their way into the Dreamlands intent on its destruction.



There is mentions of violence and abuse but although there is mild petting there is no actual intercourse between the main characters which, for me at least, enriches their relationship making it a real love story. It brings to the forefront that sometimes true evil wears a human face and that just because it looks like a monster doesn't mean it has the heart of one.







View all my reviews

The Desert Prince (review)

The Desert Prince by Shushushu Sakurai

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


****The Desert Prince: Zaeek, also referred to as The Desert Prince has always felt disillusioned with life; that there's something missing. Pressured to marry, he escapes to the desert where after a mishap with his camel, he meets Haruto. Haruto is an archeology student on a search for 'The Desert Rose'. He comes upon Zaeek, offering him water and bread. Zaeek moved by Haruto's kindness decides to make him his bride. Haruto manages to escape, but his supposed happiness is temporary...because his prince has traveled a long way to get back his bride to be.



Okay, this is my favorite merely because I'm a sucker for Sheikh stories. I liked that Zaeek is so over the top, going to extremes to prove his love for Haruto. Haruto is just overwhelmed; trying to deal with Zaeek's overzealous and fiery overtures, but he's a sweet and down to earth kind of guy.



****Spoiled Hero, Shining Knife & Howling Crook, Cherry Blossom Blizzard: These 2 shorts are a combination of old fashioned Yakuza traditions with a modern gangster flair. The sex scenes are very hot and raunchy, with a sexy guy wearing a fundoshi as a bonus (slurp).



Nuinosuke is a 19yr. old who is to become the successor of the Ootsuka Clan and Ryuhei is the temporary leader and Nuino's current guardian. Ryuhei is doggedly tenacious in his protection of Nuino; there is no limit to what lengths he'll go to, to keep him safe. Nuino believes he'll get some freedom-and out of Ryuhei's watchful eye-now that he's going to be attending school. But a rival clan has his eye on Ryuhei, so now Nuino has to show Ryuhei where he really belongs.



***Hold My Soul: This is a tender story about a man trying to repay a kindness. Shoichi is a 27yr. old freelance systems engineer. He gets a surprise when a salesman-Tanaka-tries to sell him a roll away bed. After hearing the exhorbitant price, he agrees to pay it-if Tanaka takes care of the household chores, then sewing his shirts, preparing his meals and satisfying his sexual needs. Soichi starts wondering why Tanaka would go along with it, even go so far as not to take the payment for the items that he continues to bring to Shoichi's apartment. Tanaka suddenly disappears after Shoichi saves him from a dangerous situation at work. Now Shoichi's memory of a childhood friend is the key to realizing who Tanaka is.



***Mister Y's Lover: This story is really nice and sort of comical in a cute sort of way. It's a May-Dec. romance involving Takahiro, an older man in a relationship with Jesse, a young foreigner, who tutored Takahiro. The first story is a flashback of how they met; while the second is about their anniversary and Takahiro's reticence in giving himself fully to Jesse.



View all my reviews

Love Syndrome (review)

Love Syndrome by Yura Miyazawa

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


The overall collection of stories were both fun and sweet; all pure fluff with no major angst or drama. I really loved the illustrations; my favorite was It Always Starts Suddenly.



****It Always Starts Suddenly: Serizawa and Shinoda have been friends since childhood. So when Serizawa's apt. gets flooded, he asks Shinoda if he can stay at his place for awhile. Shinoda agrees...naming 3 conditions; no going into his study, no answering the phone, and greet him with a good morning kiss! Serizawa agrees, but each time they are disrupted just when he's about to go through with it. Serizawa finally realizes the motive behind Shinoda's strange request when the time comes for him to go back to his apt.



***Be Happy: Suzumu is a high school student, he moves into the dorms where Rinri-his roommate, is already settled in. Rinri is a guy who appears unable to take care of himself, so Suzumu-elder brother to 5 sister-starts looking after him. His feelings begin to change and fearing that Rinri might be too innocent to understand those feelings; he starts pulling away, not realizing that Rinri has felt the same way all along.



***Shackled by a Promise, Part I & II: Ritsu and Kazuma have been friends for a long time, but Kazuma has been in love with Ritsu for 10yrs. Each time he tries to confess, he's held back by a promise they both made when they were children. Yet he realizes that he might be running out of time, when he finds out Ritsu made a bet with a friend...for who might be the first to find a girlfriend during vacation.



***Unchanging Emotions, Unchanging Wishes: Chihiro and Yukito are stepbrothers, separated when their parents divorced. Years later, Yukito returns to live with Chihiro and his father. But Chihiro doesn't know how to hide the fact that he has more than 'brotherly' feelings towards Yukito.



****Endless Loop, an It Always Starts Suddenly Extra: Shinoda has convinced Serizawa to move in with him.



View all my reviews