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

  • May 2023 (93)
  • 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: Don’t Stay Gold

    December 8, 2020 / No Comments

    Don’t Stay Gold – Yoneda Kou

    A Yakuza boss really wants this “Mad Dog” fighter he found to work for him, but the “Mad Dog” isn’t too keen on the idea, even though he owes a debt. After being injured and refusing to go with the boss, the “Mad Dog” winds up staying with the doctor.

    Already included in vol 1 of “Saezuru Tori wa Habatakanai”

    Readers of Saezuru Tori wa Habatakanai are familiar with Yashiro’s childhood friend and hopeless crush, the doctor Kageyama. This is his little gay awakening with a young punk, Kuga a.k.a. Mad Dog.

    This is a cute little age-gap side story. It’s not as angsty and explicit as the main manga. The feels are subtler. I was actually rooting for Yashiro and Kageyama before. I still do now but Kuga is giving the jaded Kageyama life so I can’t complain.

    Read More
    neverhollowed

    You May Also Like

    LAST YEAR I WAS READING…(June 8, 2022)

    June 8, 2022

    BLOG TOUR: Prince of L.A. by Patricia Logan (Excerpt & Giveaway)

    September 16, 2022

    SERIES REVIEW TOUR: The Speakeasy by K. Evan Cole & Brigham Vaughn(Excerpt & Giveaway)

    June 6, 2020
  • book,  Uncategorized

    REVIEW: Headlines by Ella Frank

    December 8, 2020 / 2 Comments
    53341955

    Prime Time: Headlines by Ella Frank

    USA TODAY bestselling author Ella Frank concludes the story of Sean Bailey and Alexander “Xander” Thorne in Headlines.

    Xander

    If I had to describe Sean Bailey, it would be as the sexy, caring, wonderful man I’ve gone and fallen in love with. I never could’ve imagined a world where he was my everything. But with each passing day, the connection between us grows stronger, and the idea of a world without him is something I can’t imagine.

    But Sean’s love doesn’t come without complications. As the older brother of my lifelong best friend, this new love has caused relationships to break down and communication to become stilted, and the one question that remains is: am I willing to give up the love and friendship of one for the chance of love and forever with another?

    Sean
    I didn’t mean to fall in love with Alexander Thorne, my brother’s ex and the number one prime-time news anchor in the country. I mean, no one could’ve seen that coming—least of all me. But that’s exactly what happened over these past couple of months: I fell in love.

    That’d be complicated enough, I suppose, but Xander? Well, he fell in love with me too, and while it’s caused some major upset in the dynamics around here, I have to believe that a love this real can only lead to somewhere amazing.

    This thing between us started out as a job, a friend helping out a friend. But after playing the role of Xander’s boyfriend, I find myself wanting the job full-time, because neither of us are playing anymore.

    Headlines is the final book of the Prime Time Series and should only be read after book one, Inside Affair, and book two, Breaking News.


    I was drawn to Prime Time because of its spectacular premise about an out and proud news anchor and his surly, straight detective bodyguard who’s also the big brother of his ex boyfriend cum best friend. It’s a fabulous setup that grabbed me immediately with its enemies to lovers, opposites attract, gay for you scenario.

    And the first book, Inside Affair held true to it’s promise. I was extremely wowed! However, the author tends to end her books with cliffhangers. This would have been okay had the succeeding books offer substantial plots to merit a separate volume.

    The second installment, Breaking News, moved the romance forward several notches. The rest of the book were non-events that weren’t adding anything to the story. It also ended with a cliffhanger.

    Headlines picked up on the aftermath of Sean’s younger brother Bailey finding out about his best friend and big brother. Bailey felt hurt and betrayed that the two important people in his life did not tell him about their relationship.

    Personally, I think this Bailey issue was dragged out for too long. I understand why he reacted that way but story-wise, I think this could have been resolved sooner.

    There’s not much I can say about Headlines because, again, there’s not much going on. There was a mini thread where Sean and Xander were splashed on the tabloids. I appreciated that the author did not make it into a coming out issue.

    However, it was also kind of blah because Xander immediately realized who leaked the story to the press. That it was a person he worked closely with and trusted should have been a bigger deal but it was treated as a non-event.

    I am of the opinion that the entire series could have been done as one book. Removing the fillers, all the essential plot points combined could have made it into a delicious, suspenseful slow-burn story bursting with USTs, snarky banter and first time gay revelations. Sadly, this third offering did not quite capture the magic of that wonderful opener.

    On the upside, Sean and Xander were really good together. There was an almost break up courtesy of Sean’s self-sacrificing nature but Xander kept his head. They remained solid throughout the Bailey debacle. The way they went from strength to strength as a couple and me rooting for their HEA was what kept me reading.

    The part that brought Headlines up to a 3-star rating was the epilogue. It was a lovely tribute and I think it was the perfect way to end the series.

    So do I recommend Prime Time?

    Yes, if you want to witness Sean and Xander’s beautiful romance. This was what made it worth sticking with them until the end.

    No, if you hate cliffhangers or are looking for a trilogy with solid sequels.

    P.S.

    The Prime Time books are not standalones. Check out my reviews of the first two books:
    Inside Affair by Ella Frank (4.5 stars)
    Breaking News by Ella Frank (3 stars)

    Rating:
    3 Stars – not exactly setting my world on fire but I liked it

    Soundtrack: Alan
    Artist: Perfume Genius
    Album: No Shape


    If you like my content, please consider using my Amazon affiliate links below to get your copy of Prime Time. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying Amazon purchases at no additional cost to you.

    You can also use my Bookshop affiliate links to buy paperback copies and help support independent bookstores.

    INSIDE AFFAIR | BREAKING NEWS | HEADLINES

    Read More
    neverhollowed

    You May Also Like

    NEW RELEASE BLITZ: Junior Hero Blues by J.K. Pendragon (Excerpt & Giveaway)

    March 31, 2021

    COVER REVEAL: Haven by Morgan Brice

    April 9, 2021

    NEW RELEASE BLITZ: Magic & Home by Alexa Piper (Excerpt & Giveaway)

    October 10, 2022
  • song,  Uncategorized

    SOUNDTRACK: Alan by Perfume Genius

    December 8, 2020 / 1 Comment

    Soundtrack to Prime Time: Headlines by Ella Frank

    Read More
    neverhollowed

    You May Also Like

    NEW RELEASE: Stroking Pride by Crea Reitan

    October 30, 2022

    RELEASE BLITZ: Head Over Tentacles by K.L. Hiers (Excerpt & Giveaway)

    August 26, 2021

    NEW RELEASE BLITZ: Haint Nothin Like Me by J. Hali Steele (Giveaway)

    November 14, 2022
  • quote,  Uncategorized
    December 8, 2020 / No Comments

    Did you notice
    We sleep through the night
    Did you notice babe
    Everything is alright

    You need me
    Rest easy
    I’m here
    How weird

    Thought I’d hide
    Maybe leave something
    Secret behind
    Never thought
    I’d sing outside

    You need me
    Rest easy
    I’m here
    How weird

    Read More
    neverhollowed

    You May Also Like

    LAST YEAR I WAS READING…(June 16, 2021)

    June 16, 2021

    LAST YEAR I WAS READING…(March 10, 2021)

    March 10, 2021

    NEW RELEASE BLITZ: Dash by Rae Marks (Excerpt & Giveaway)

    January 11, 2022
  • trailer,  Uncategorized

    MOVIE FEATURE: Golpe De Sol (Sunburn)

    December 8, 2020 / No Comments
    Read More
    neverhollowed

    You May Also Like

    BLOG TOUR: Friendly Fire by Saxon James (Excerpt & Giveaway)

    September 10, 2021

    MUSIC MONDAY: Brimful of Asha by Cornershop

    August 3, 2020

    LAST YEAR I WAS READING…(February 3, 2021)

    February 3, 2021
  • Uncategorized

    COVER REVEAL: Fake Friends by Saxon James (Giveaway)

    December 8, 2020 / No Comments
    Read More
    neverhollowed

    You May Also Like

    BOOK BLITZ: Strut by Jay Hogan (Excerpt & Giveaway)

    July 17, 2022

    MUSIC MONDAY: All I Want To Hear You Say by Sea Girls

    July 13, 2020

    PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE (June 10, 2020)

    June 10, 2020
  • Uncategorized

    NEW RELEASE BLITZ: Burying The Hatchet by A.C. Thomas (Excerpt & Giveaway)

    December 8, 2020 / No Comments
    Read More
    neverhollowed

    You May Also Like

    BLOG TOUR: Unholy by Morgan Brice (Excerpt & Giveaway)

    March 4, 2020

    FLICKer: In Half

    April 22, 2021

    RELEASE BLITZ: Calling Your Bluff by Saxon Bluff (Excerpt & Giveaway)

    May 21, 2020

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

December 2020
M T W T F S S
 123456
78910111213
14151617181920
21222324252627
28293031  
« Nov   Jan »

If you like my content, please consider using my Amazon affiliate links below 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!

Twitter feed is not available at the moment.

Rakuten Kobo UK
SEARCH NOW:
by title
by author

Instagram

…
2023©Never Hollowed By The Stare