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    • 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
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  • manga,  Uncategorized

    MANGA: Bros.

    May 13, 2023 / No Comments

    Bros. – Tobi Washio

    A cute little brother suddenly became a beast. “Little brother, don’t you have something to tell me?” “You’re one to talk!” Yusuke and Tokio are brothers living together in their parents’ house during their absence. One night they have an unexpected encounter in the city, and their secret is revealed: Yusuke is gay, and Tokio is bi. Even though it was a choking discovery, Yusuke keeps trying to play the good older brother role, while the younger brother Tokio can’t see him with the same eyes anymore. The love battle between a poker face brother and another that has a soft spot for bad men begins!

    Bros. is brother complex turned brotherly love with the usual caveat to make the taboo more palatable. Rarely does this trope employ actual brothers.

    Big brother Yusuke wears his heart on his sleeve, is a bit of a doofus, unlucky with men, and determines to be the bestest big brother to poker-faced Tokio, a surly guy with an aggressive streak. Things took a turn when the brothers bumped into each other one night with their male dates. It surprised the heck out of them to know they are both queers, and Tokio started seeing his brother in a different light.

    Tokio is one of those semes who dub-cons his way into things. The transition from brothers to lovers was done in a brilliant cliffhanger which would have been effective if I hadn’t seen it so many times already.

    The brother side of their relationship was actually more endearing because Yusuke is such a doting big brother. He’s very conflicted but it doesn’t stop him from taking care of Tokio like he always has.

    The overall execution was good but lacked the oomph to make the story more memorable for me. If brotherly love is your jam, this one’s tasty enough.


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    You May Also Like

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  • book,  Uncategorized

    REVIEW: Zero Divergence by Aimee Nicole Walker

    May 13, 2023 / 1 Comment

    Zero Hour: Zero Divergence – Aimee Nicole Walker

    Zero Divergence, noun: no deviation from a course or standard.

    After a key piece of evidence goes missing, a suspected serial rapist and killer evades prosecution. More than Royce Locke’s reputation is on the line when his investigation into the failed chain of custody suggests Franco Humphries might’ve had inside help. There’s no one Royce trusts more than Sawyer Key to help him right a wrong and uncover the traitor in their midst, but can they do it before the Savannah Strangler strikes again?

    Relentless plus fearless equals flawless. Sawyer and Royce have come full circle—from hostile strangers to best friends and lovers. Neither a sniper’s bullet nor an arsonist’s fire could keep them apart, but what about a psychopath hell-bent on revenge? The stakes are high, and there’s no turning back now because the zero hour is upon them. Tick tock.

    Zero Divergence is the conclusion to the best-selling Zero Hour series, which follows Locke and Key’s investigations and evolving relationship. This is a series you MUST read in order. It contains mature language and sexual content intended for adults 18 and older.

    Trigger warning: Part of the storyline involves coming to terms with a friend’s suicide, which may be difficult for some people to read.


    Back when Zero Divergence was newly released, I read a review complaining about the unsatisfying parking lot HFN closing scene of the series finale. It put me off this book, but now we know author Aimee Nicole Walker has something more in store for Sawyer and Royce, in their second series, Sawyer and Royce: Matrimony and Mayhem.

    Before I delve into that, this finale needs to be read.

    The story picks up right after the big fire in Book 2, Devil’s Hour. Sawyer is coping with the aftermath of his injuries, bit of a blow to his vanity but trying not to let it so. Royce is the extra supportive and loving boyfriend so relationship-wise, the boys are stronger than ever. Uptight Sawyer now shows his playful side more often.

    The plot tackles the case of a serial killer who was convicted but released after key evidence went missing. It is a disturbing tale of how charismatic serial killers could be and the lengths their rabid, deluded fans go through to aid and abet their evil schemes.

    So the detectives had to play it smart, especially with the killer easily gaining sympathy and many people still believing his innocence. The investigation brought together various frenemies with the necessary skills, many of them characters from the spin off series, Sinister in Savannah.

    This is the kind of mystery where I enjoy tagging along with the detectives. I am also heavily invested in them giving the villain his comeuppance. The bad guys were already known, and it was a matter of retracing evidence, and gathering new ones to make sure the vile bastard stayed in prison for good.

    Zero Divergence doesn’t read like a series finale, and we now know why. But it gives us one hell of a showdown and a satisfying conclusion to a gripping investigation. Overall, a solid police procedural and a romantic suspense that delivers the squees and the thrills!

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

    Soundtrack: Bound
    Artist: Indiana
    Album


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

    Zero Divergence: US

    You can also use my Bookshop affiliate links to buy paperbacks and MP3 CD audiobooks and help support independent bookstores.

    ZERO DIVERGENCE

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  • song,  Uncategorized

    SOUNDTRACK: Bound by Indiana

    May 13, 2023 / 1 Comment

    Soundtrack to Zero Hour: Zero Divergence by Aimee Nicole Walker

    Bound by Indiana for a book about a serial killer and the women bound to him literally and metaphorically.

    My hands are tied, admitting defeat
    You have corrupted, the innocent me
    I didn’t fight, it was always beneath
    This isn’t love, it’s dangerous
    This isn’t love, it’s dangerous
    This isn’t love, it’s dangerous

    I’m tangled up, beautifully crushed
    I’m torn to pieces, scattered like dust
    I am addicted, to the limits you push
    This isn’t love, it’s dangerous
    Dangerous
    Dangerous

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  • quote,  Uncategorized
    May 13, 2023 / No Comments

    I feel your touch, under my skin
    Where you stop, that’s where I begin
    I’m feeling weak, take pity on me
    This isn’t love, it’s dangerous

    I bear this cross, I am immune
    Desensitised, be kind and be cruel
    I will abide, you make the rules
    This isn’t love, it’s dangerous

    My hands are tied, admitting defeat
    You have corrupted, the innocent me
    I didn’t fight, it was always beneath
    This isn’t love, it’s dangerous
    This isn’t love, it’s dangerous
    This isn’t love, it’s dangerous

    I’m tangled up, beautifully crushed
    I’m torn to pieces, scattered like dust
    I am addicted, to the limits you push
    This isn’t love, it’s dangerous
    Dangerous
    Dangerous

    I felt my way, into the dark
    I am converted, I treasure my scars
    Once your creation, now I’m in charge
    This isn’t love, it’s dangerous
    This isn’t love, it’s dangerous
    This isn’t love, it’s dangerous
    This isn’t love

    Read More
    neverhollowed

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  • trailer,  Uncategorized

    MOVIE FEATURE: Lie With Me

    May 13, 2023 / No Comments
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  • Uncategorized

    NEW RELEASE BLITZ: Hunter by Mell Eight (Excerpt & Giveaway)

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