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.



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Yellow 2: Episode 2 (Review)

Yellow 2: Episode 2 by Makoto Tateno

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This is a novella where the guys are reminiscing on their initial meeting, their first assigment as partners, and the exact moment when they realized their feelings for each other. Of course as is customary in Tateno-sensei's style; she mixes a dose of action, with a pinch of comedy, a sliver of drama, and tops it with a heap of steamy sex and a dash of romance. The result was a fun and sweet-although very short- read. Now to wait for the 3rd. episode to see what Goh, Taki, and the rest of the gang get up to.



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Trifecta (review)

Trifecta by Kate Sherwood

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


There are some (very) slight similarities between these guys relationship dynamics and the guys from the Dark Horse'verse, BUT Tyler, Alistair, and Mark are each dealing with a whole different set of issues. Mark is working through the aftermath of a divorce-dealing with an understandably hurt but bitter ex-wife, fighting to keep a relationship with his children, and struggling to express himself as a gay man in public. Alistair is in love with Mark but he feels pressured and guilty because of what he feels Mark sacrificed just to be with him; but it also hurts him that Mark isn't dealing well with their relationship beyond the boundaries of their home. They have an open relationship, but even with this they are struggling. Both fell in love but soon realized that they both prefer to be the top and don't feel comfortable being the bottom-enter Tyler.



Tyler meets and sleeps with these men at different times and under different circumstances. Through their interactions and sexual interludes Mark and Alistair realize that Tyler might be what makes their relationship complete. Tyler is a sweet and selfless young man, but he made my heart hurt-it always seemed that he got the raw end of the deal. I felt like he didn't think he deserved something for himself; it's like his longing was almost palpable and it almost made me cry.



I'll say this truthfully, I'm not a big fan of menage or polyamorous relationships in the novels I read, but Kate always manages to make me enjoy the ones in her novels.



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Putting Out Fires (Review)

Putting Out Fires by Marie Sexton

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


When I think about the Coda books, Matt and Jared are the first thing that come to mind-they are my favorite couple in the series-so I was a little disappointed that the story was so short. BUT, what it lacks in length it makes up in pure sweet comedy at Matt's expense (sorry Matt!) as he tries to (1) come up with something special for his sweetie on Valentine's, and (2)-to actually go about doing it when he has no idea how!



A hilarious and romantic short, and great addition to the Coda series. :D



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The Mercenary (Review)

The Mercenary by Cornelia Grey

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This is a wonderful read. Short at less than 67 pgs. the author managed a well written story. Saved only by chance when he comes under attack, Asher is invited to join Gabriel on his journey home with the incentive that Asher's damaged arm (think Will Smith in I, Robot) will be repaired.



Once there, Asher discovers that this little home town has some secrets-with Gabriel at the center of them. His interest is piqued and so he finds himself trying to discover just what is going on; especially when his feelings for Gabriel seem to be turning into something deeper than just simple lust.



Then his fears turn into reality and he must find a way to save Gabriel before it's too late.



I truly loved Gabriel; this is a young man who can take care of himself...and Asher exceedingly well. He is an adrenaline junkie, a capable fighter, and someone who does what he needs to in order to save his people. He has an explosive chemistry w/Asher; their sex scenes are scorching (insert nosebleed here), and their relationship-while not defined, felt that it had the beginnings of something more.

But as much as I loved the guys, my hero is Athena-she is so cute and very brave.



Definitely will look forward to more from this author.













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No Touching at All (Review)

No Touching At All by Kou Yoneda

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Shima, starting at a new job, begins an affair with his boss; both caught in an unexpected attraction. But Shima is an extremely shy man who is carrying the emotional scars from a previous relationship that ended badly and cost him his job, so he fears his liasion with Togawa is going to have the same consequences.



A sudden transfer for Togawa causes Shima to distance himself in order to avoid the heartbreak and the inevitable breakup he believes is soon to come. When he fully realizes Togawa's absence, Shima must take the chance and put his heart on the line or risk losing Togawa forever.



Some parts of the dialogue seemed distorted or disjointed and didn't make sense, but for the most part (and since I'd already read it online several times) DMP did a good job on this. I'm just hoping that that this isn't the only title they licence, since I love Yoneda-sensei's work; Kanjou Spectrum is an all time favorite! :)



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Open the Door to Your Heart

Open The Door To Your Heart by Yugi Yamada


My rating: 5 of 5 stars


With each story that I read, Yamada-sensei cements her status as one of my top most favorite mangaka; so I always find it such wonderful news when I hear more of her works are being licenced and released. This manga was no exception. Although it can be read as a stand alone, it makes a little more sense if you're familiar with Kenzo Honda (Close the Last Door 1 & 2).




Adopted and raised as the eldest brother to Shunji and Kenzo, Shoichi tries to always be the good son and do right by his 'family'. To do this he fights his attraction and feelings for his younger brother Shunji-although it hurts him to do so. A decade ago, he and Shunji gave in to their attraction, but fear at the repercussions caused Shoichi to push Shunji away. Shunji left the house to travel around the world. Out on his job as a tax collector, Shoichi is surprised to discover that Shoichi has returned.




Yet their feelings for each other haven't changed. Now Shoichi has to decide whether to let his fears send Shoichi away again or give in and open to door to his heart and finally let Shunji in.




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