Never Hollowed By The Stare

boys love manga | MM romance | indie music | giveaways and more

Never Hollowed By The Stare
  • Home
  • REVIEWS+RECS
    • MANGA
    • BOOK REVIEW
    • SOUNDTRACK
    • QUOTE
    • TRAILER
    • DESERT ISLAND CASTAWAYS
    • BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS
    • Reviews A-Z
    • MINI MOVIE REVIEWS
  • MEMES+TAGS
    • MUSIC MONDAY
    • LAST YEAR I WAS READING
    • FLICKer FADE SUNDAY
    • TAGS
    • MISC POSTS
    • PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE
    • FIRST LINES FRIDAY 56
  • TOURS & BLITZES
    • COVER REVEAL
    • GIVEAWAYS
  • About + Ratings
    • ABOUT + RATINGS
    • ADVERTISE WITH US
  • Policy + Contact
  • Home
  • REVIEWS+RECS
    • MANGA
    • BOOK REVIEW
    • SOUNDTRACK
    • QUOTE
    • TRAILER
    • DESERT ISLAND CASTAWAYS
    • BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS
    • Reviews A-Z
    • MINI MOVIE REVIEWS
  • MEMES+TAGS
    • MUSIC MONDAY
    • LAST YEAR I WAS READING
    • FLICKer FADE SUNDAY
    • TAGS
    • MISC POSTS
    • PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE
    • FIRST LINES FRIDAY 56
  • TOURS & BLITZES
    • COVER REVEAL
    • GIVEAWAYS
  • About + Ratings
    • ABOUT + RATINGS
    • ADVERTISE WITH US
  • Policy + Contact

Archives

  • June 2025 (41)
  • May 2025 (84)
  • April 2025 (71)
  • March 2025 (83)
  • February 2025 (72)
  • January 2025 (75)
  • December 2024 (90)
  • November 2024 (82)
  • October 2024 (96)
  • September 2024 (71)
  • August 2024 (99)
  • July 2024 (96)
  • June 2024 (94)
  • May 2024 (94)
  • April 2024 (93)
  • March 2024 (100)
  • February 2024 (94)
  • January 2024 (85)
  • December 2023 (85)
  • November 2023 (84)
  • October 2023 (97)
  • September 2023 (93)
  • August 2023 (100)
  • July 2023 (100)
  • June 2023 (97)
  • May 2023 (100)
  • April 2023 (76)
  • March 2023 (106)
  • February 2023 (104)
  • January 2023 (109)
  • December 2022 (118)
  • November 2022 (128)
  • October 2022 (122)
  • September 2022 (107)
  • August 2022 (118)
  • July 2022 (104)
  • June 2022 (112)
  • May 2022 (114)
  • April 2022 (61)
  • March 2022 (115)
  • February 2022 (88)
  • January 2022 (92)
  • December 2021 (90)
  • November 2021 (114)
  • October 2021 (118)
  • September 2021 (127)
  • August 2021 (84)
  • July 2021 (114)
  • June 2021 (113)
  • May 2021 (119)
  • April 2021 (112)
  • March 2021 (122)
  • February 2021 (101)
  • January 2021 (90)
  • December 2020 (121)
  • November 2020 (127)
  • October 2020 (129)
  • September 2020 (120)
  • August 2020 (131)
  • July 2020 (131)
  • June 2020 (138)
  • May 2020 (118)
  • April 2020 (109)
  • March 2020 (105)
  • February 2020 (99)
  • January 2020 (111)
  • December 2019 (112)
  • November 2019 (94)
  • October 2019 (74)
  • September 2019 (54)
  • August 2019 (51)
  • July 2019 (54)
  • June 2019 (47)
  • May 2019 (43)
  • April 2019 (53)
  • March 2019 (41)
  • February 2019 (41)
  • January 2019 (47)
  • December 2018 (52)
  • November 2018 (51)
  • October 2018 (56)
  • September 2018 (61)
  • August 2018 (55)
  • July 2018 (59)
  • June 2018 (90)
  • May 2018 (60)
  • April 2018 (60)
  • March 2018 (57)
  • February 2018 (51)
  • January 2018 (50)
  • December 2017 (45)
  • November 2017 (50)
  • October 2017 (52)
  • September 2017 (35)
  • August 2017 (50)
  • July 2017 (12)
  • June 2017 (12)
  • May 2017 (21)
  • April 2017 (87)
  • March 2017 (16)
  • January 2017 (5)
  • December 2016 (4)
  • November 2016 (25)
  • October 2014 (67)
  • September 2014 (109)
  • July 2011 (7)
  • June 2011 (14)
  • May 2011 (77)
  • April 2011 (25)
  • March 2011 (5)
  • manga,  Uncategorized

    MANGA: One Reason Why He Hates Me

    January 31, 2020 / No Comments

    One Reason Why He Hates Me – Migab

    Jaeshik is head over heals in love with Doyoung, except there seems to be a major problem… Doyoung hates him. After a love fairy visits Jaeshik, he’s given a chance to make Doyoung fall in love with him, but only on one condition- he needs to find out the one reason why he hates him.

    We all know why he hates him.

    Read More
    neverhollowed

    You May Also Like

    PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE (Dec 4, 2019)

    December 4, 2019

    RELEASE BLITZ: Keeping Casey by Amy Aislin (Excerpt & Giveaway)

    February 24, 2021

    RELEASE TOUR: The Fulbourn by D.K. Girl (Excerpt & Giveaway)

    October 24, 2022
  • book,  Uncategorized

    REVIEW: The Witch’s Blood by Michele Notaro

    January 31, 2020 / 2 Comments
    49656503. sx318 sy475

    The Ellwood Chronicles: The Witch’s Blood – Michele Notaro

    I’ve been living with this burden for years, but my secret has finally been revealed and I feel like I can breathe again. I’ve wanted to ask—to beg—for help, but the spell that’s held me captive wouldn’t allow it. With it out in the open, I’m more determined than ever to break the seal from my chest so I can truly be free. 

    But what if my seal has something to do with one of the most feared prophecies of the millennium?

    “A broken seal breaks the fragile hold…” 

    What does that mean? How am I connected? And why do I find myself so deeply drawn to Julius when I know my viramore, my soulmate, is out there somewhere? It’s not fair to either of us for me to lead Jules on, but it seems that my vampire companion is fierce in his determination to help me. 

    The Witch’s Blood is the third book in The Ellwood Chronicles and is a continuation of the overall story as we follow Emrys, Julius, Sebastian, and Ailin on their journey. It contains explicit material and is intended for mature adults 18 years of age and older.

    Recommended Reading Order: 
    The Enchanter’s Flame
    The Witch’s Seal
    The Enchanter’s Soul
    The Witch’s Blood


    That damn long-ass prophesy continues to haunt the Ellwoods. This time, it’s all about Emrys and the seal that cost him everything.

    Em was part of the Ellwoods coven and also Ailin’s ex-boyfriend who, for reasons unknown at that time, betrayed them. Or so, they thought. It was Sebastian who finally shed some light when he saw that there was a seal on the witch’s chest, preventing him from telling Ailin and the coven the truth.

    Reading the books in sequence is the best way to get to know the Ellwoods. I liked how each book build up on the previous one. There are a lot of things going on but it’s not as overwhelming as other urban fantasy books (*side eyes Soulbound*) and it never loses sight of the main thread.

    The series is full of magical creatures up the wazoo, either making it on page or name-dropped. Each creature has its own magic. I do wish we get more details about the magic systems or creature abilities. What we know is that witches have different magical affinities, ex. Ailin has nature magic. Enchanters have their own special magic but what makes it different from witch abilities was not explained.

    The Witch’s Blood is as riveting and magical as the first two books but with more bloodsucking. The romance takes focus but is nicely integrated with the prophesy and the overarching thread. Since this is the third book, the world is already established so there not so much info-dump.

    The book picks up on the aftermath of the ogre battle where the Ellwoods’ nearly lost Seb. Em is now with his friend/lover Julius, a vampire, in coven grounds as they try to recuperate. This is where they, Julius in particular, constantly butted heads with Ailin as they try to find a way to break the seal while trying to keep all the coven members safe.

    The story is presented through four POVs, Emrys, Julius, Ailin and Sebastian. This is very effective in showing the group dynamics and how each character developed as their world descends into chaos.

    Sage Ailin continues to take responsibility for everything because the witch just loves to bear the weight of the world on his shoulders. He is a giant asshole but we all know A’s heart is in the right place because he couldn’t resist bringing home yet another stray. Seb is forever the peacekeeper, defusing the easily triggered A everytime his viramore (soulmate) gets ticked off.

    I was already invested in Em and Jules since the previous books and I’m glad that the author gave them their own story. Emrys is a death witch. He has magical affinity for dead things. I think it’s very apt that his partner is a vampire. It adds an extra kick to their relationship because he could very easily control the undead.

    I love how Jules really shine here. You gotta love his devotion to his witch. The vampire is all about keeping Em safe. Once you read about his past, you will love him even more. Regularly drinking a witch’s blood gives him access to their powers. He could use it anytime he wishes. But would he?

    This is what’s fascinating about Em and Jules’ relationship. There are many nuances to their relationship, much more so than Ailin and Seb. Later, it turned out that they are even more deeply connected.

    A big hug goes to Tobi, Julius’ fledgling. I don’t know why everybody was threatening the guy, he was a cinnamon roll! If A didn’t make him part of his coven, I would have hexed the damn witch. Luckily, A has a soft spot for lost creatures.

    And me, I have a soft spot for the Ellwoods a mile wide. Why can’t those evil creatures leave them alone?

    We’re near the end of the prophesy. Armies gather. War is here. Another horrid monster rises out of some Goddess-forsaken hole. You can bet one of these Ellwoods is going to make the ultimate sacrifice.

    I can’t wait for the final book!!!!

    P.S.

    Review of The Enchanter’s Flame here.
    Review of The Enchanter’s Soul here.

    Rating:
    4 Stars – minor quibbles but I loved it to bits

    Soundtrack: Blood Sings
    Artist: Suzanne Vega
    Album:

    Read More
    neverhollowed

    You May Also Like

    NEW RELEASE BLITZ: Unraveling by Rick R. Reed (Excerpt & Giveaway)

    January 13, 2020

    FAVORITE COVERS: August 2021

    September 7, 2021

    NEW RELEASE BLITZ: La Petite Mort by Pelaam (Excerpt & Giveaway)

    October 23, 2021
  • song,  Uncategorized

    SOUNDTRACK: Blood Sings by Suzanne Vega

    January 31, 2020 / 2 Comments

    Soundtrack to The Ellwood Chronicles: The Witch’s Blood by Michele Notaro

    Read More
    neverhollowed

    You May Also Like

    COVER & EXCERPT REVEAL: Divine Heart by Garrett Leigh (Excerpt & Giveaway)

    August 14, 2024

    COVER REVEAL: Dirty Martini by Addison Beck

    August 20, 2024

    AUDIO BLITZ: Starting From The Top by Lane Hayes (Giveaway)

    March 25, 2021
  • Uncategorized
    January 31, 2020 / No Comments

    When blood sees blood
    Of its own
    It sings to see itself again
    It sings to hear the voice it’s known
    It sings to recognize the face

    One body split and passed along the line
    From the shoulder to the hip
    I know these bones as being mine
    And the curving of the lipAnd my question to you is:
    How did this come to pass?
    How did this one life fall so far and fast?

    Some are lean and some with grace, and some without;
    All tell the story that repeats
    Of a child who had been left alone at birth
    Left to fend and taught to fight

    See his eyes and how they start with light
    Getting colder as the pictures go
    Did he carry his bad luck upon his back?
    That bad luck we’ve all come to know

    And my question to you is:
    How did this come to pass?
    How did this one life fall so far and fast?

    When blood sees blood
    Of its own
    It sings to see itself again

    Read More
    neverhollowed

    You May Also Like

    RELEASE BLITZ: Daruss by April Kelley (Excerpt & Giveaway)

    March 7, 2024

    DESERT ISLAND CASTAWAYS: Rick R. Reed

    December 13, 2022

    RELEASE BLITZ: Level Up: Ducky’s Story by Kindle Alexander

    July 18, 2022
  • trailer,  Uncategorized

    MOVIE FEATURE: Oh Vey! My Son is Gay!!

    January 31, 2020 / No Comments
    Read More
    neverhollowed

    You May Also Like

    BOOK BLITZ: Demon’s Dream by M.D. Stewart (Excerpt & Giveaway)

    October 6, 2021

    COVER REVEAL: Real Trouble by Elle Keaton (Giveaway)

    April 30, 2021

    COVER REVEAL: Back To You by Kiska Gray (Excerpt)

    June 9, 2020
  • Uncategorized

    NEW RELEASE BLITZ: Fight for This by Suki Fleet (Excerpt & Giveaway)

    January 31, 2020 / No Comments
    Read More
    neverhollowed

    You May Also Like

    RELEASE BLITZ: The Layover by Roe Horvat (Giveaway)

    December 16, 2019

    NEW RELEASE BLITZ: Boundaries by A.J. Graham (Excerpt & Giveaway)

    May 28, 2022

    NEW RELEASE BLITZ: The Beast of Bodmin Moor by Zakarrie C (Excerpt & Giveaway)

    April 9, 2020
  • Uncategorized

    FIRST LINES FRIDAY 56: Feelings are for the Weak

    January 30, 2020 / No Comments

    “First Line Fridays” is by Hoarding Books and is all about the first line of a current/upcoming read. Friday 56 is a meme hosted by Freda’s Voice, where you turn to page 56 (or 56%) in what you’re reading a find a snippet that jumps out at you. The idea to combine the two came from Kat @ Here There Be Dragons“

    I found this meme on The Writerly Way. And I’m doing this on a Thursday just to be difficult.

    Read More
    neverhollowed

    You May Also Like

    RELEASE BLITZ: Confessions: Ethan by Ella Frank (Giveaway)

    February 21, 2023

    BLOG TOUR: Point Blank by Morgan Brice (Giveaway + Guest Post)

    August 8, 2023

    NEW RELEASE BLITZ: Far Away Eyes by Megan Slayer (Excerpt & Giveaway)

    September 7, 2021
  • Uncategorized

    BOOK TOUR: Gates of Heaven by M. Tasia (Excerpt & Giveaway)

    January 30, 2020 / No Comments
    Read More
    neverhollowed

    You May Also Like

    NEW RELEASE: For Your Time by Crea Reitan

    August 17, 2023

    FLICKer: Matt

    April 15, 2021

    NEW RELEASE: Skin and Bones by Sophia Soames (Excerpt)

    January 31, 2024
  • Uncategorized

    BOOK TOUR: Wild Magics Series by Diana Waters (Excerpt & Giveaway)

    January 30, 2020 / No Comments
    Read More
    neverhollowed

    You May Also Like

    RELEASE BLITZ: Draw by V.L. Locey (Giveaway)

    September 16, 2020

    BLOG TOUR: Godspeed, Lovers by T.Q. Sims (Excerpt)

    April 18, 2024

    NEW RELEASE BLITZ: The Safe Zone by Amy Marsden (Excerpt & Giveaway)

    March 6, 2024
  • Uncategorized

    RELEASE BLITZ: Everyday History by Alice Archer (Excerpt & Giveaway)

    January 30, 2020 / No Comments
    Read More
    neverhollowed

    You May Also Like

    BOOK BLAST: Light Falls Away by Teegan Loy (Excerpt & Giveaway)

    June 8, 2022

    FLICKer: Engaged

    May 9, 2024

    BOOK TOUR: Shadow Ops by Sarah Luddington (Excerpt & Giveaway)

    July 11, 2020
Load More

You can never have too much MM romance or indie music. Welcome and enjoy your stay!

FOLLOW NEVER HOLLOWED BY THE STARE

Follow Never Hollowed By The Stare on WordPress.com

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Follow Me

January 2020
M T W T F S S
 12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
2728293031  
« Dec   Feb »

If you like my content, please consider using my Amazon affiliate links to get a copy of your favorite MM romance & yaoi manga. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying Amazon purchases at no additional cost to you.

As a more ethical alternative, you can also use Bookshop.org to buy paperbacks and MP3 CD audiobooks and help support independent bookstores.

Rakuten Kobo UK
Alibris: Books, Music, & Movies

DISCLAIMER

Book images and promotional materials are from Goodreads or media kits provided for blog tours, cover reveals and release blitzes. Manga covers and other images are sourced through Google image search. The two dorks in the header image is from a manga by TogaQ & Kikuchi Neko. The cat logo is my own design. Reviews and other writings found in the blog are mine unless otherwise stated. All Buy Links to Amazon and Bookshop in my posts contain affiliate links.

Support This Site

If you like my content, please consider supporting me on Ko-fi. Your donations will help keep this website going. Thank you so much!

Never Hollowed By The Stare Follow

🌈boy's love manga | MM romance | music | giveaways and more 🐾

neverhollowed
neverhollowed Never Hollowed By The Stare @neverhollowed ·
10 Jun

𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐮𝐦 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲—𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬.

COVER REVEAL: Shaken and Stirred by Lilly Atlas



https://neverhollowed.com/2025/06/10/cover-reveal-shaken-and-stirred-by-lilly-atlas/

Reply on Twitter 1932501164781605184 Retweet on Twitter 1932501164781605184 Like on Twitter 1932501164781605184 Twitter 1932501164781605184
neverhollowed Never Hollowed By The Stare @neverhollowed ·
10 Jun

NEW RELEASE BLITZ: The Spy by Mell Eight (Excerpt & #Giveaway)


https://books2read.com/the-spy

https://neverhollowed.com/2025/06/10/new-release-blitz-the-spy-by-mell-eight-excerpt-giveaway/

Reply on Twitter 1932500571094986813 Retweet on Twitter 1932500571094986813 Like on Twitter 1932500571094986813 Twitter 1932500571094986813
neverhollowed Never Hollowed By The Stare @neverhollowed ·
9 Jun

Unrequited love can make you blind.

COVER REVEAL: Doink by Crea Reitan



https://neverhollowed.com/2025/06/09/cover-reveal-doink-by-crea-reitan/

Reply on Twitter 1932149586279162358 Retweet on Twitter 1932149586279162358 Like on Twitter 1932149586279162358 Twitter 1932149586279162358
neverhollowed Never Hollowed By The Stare @neverhollowed ·
9 Jun

Sometimes growing up means growing apart in this queer take on As You Like It featuring first loves and friend breakups, from award-winning author Julia Drake.

BOOK TOUR: Lovesick Falls by Julia Drake



https://neverhollowed.com/2025/06/09/book-tour-lovesick-falls-by-julia-drake/

Reply on Twitter 1932149225539932351 Retweet on Twitter 1932149225539932351 Like on Twitter 1932149225539932351 Twitter 1932149225539932351
Load More
Rakuten Kobo UK
SEARCH NOW:
by title
by author
2025©Never Hollowed By The Stare