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
    • FAVORITE BOOK COVERS
    • 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
    • FAVORITE BOOK COVERS
    • 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

  • April 2026 (62)
  • March 2026 (83)
  • February 2026 (71)
  • January 2026 (65)
  • December 2025 (81)
  • November 2025 (76)
  • October 2025 (72)
  • September 2025 (83)
  • August 2025 (49)
  • July 2025 (73)
  • June 2025 (82)
  • 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)
featured, Uncategorized

NEW RELEASE: Wine Quest by Dann Hazel (Excerpt)

read more
April 27, 2026
featured, Uncategorized

RELEASE TOUR: Wake by Anyta Sunday

read more
April 21, 2026
featured, Uncategorized

BLOG TOUR: Love Me Do by Meg Macy (Excerpt)

read more
April 19, 2026
featured, Uncategorized

MUSIC MONDAY: Sail by Future Islands

Pick a song that you really like and share it on Monday.

read more
April 20, 2026
featured, Uncategorized

NEW RELEASE BLITZ: Treasure by Chance by Brenda Murphy (Excerpt)

read more
April 23, 2026
featured, Uncategorized

MUSIC MONDAY: Czar by Holy Fuck

Pick a song that you really like and share it on Monday.

read more
April 27, 2026
featured, Uncategorized

NEW RELEASE BLITZ: Claimed Without Mercy by Dulce Dennison (Excerpt)

read more
April 26, 2026
featured, Uncategorized

PROMO BLITZ: Shattered Hoops by Becca Seymour

read more
April 17, 2026
featured, Uncategorized

FLICKer: Parallel Circuit

Featuring LGBT short films I found around the interwebz a.k.a Youtube. Okay sucky intro, but yeah, that’s it. Parallel Circuit is an intimate LGBTQ+ coming-of-age short film about two teenage…

read more
April 23, 2026
featured, Uncategorized

RELEASE TOUR: Claim by C.F. White (Excerpt)

read more
April 24, 2026
featured, Uncategorized

BOOK TOUR: The Labyrinth of Waking Dreams by Michelle Kulwicki

read more
April 20, 2026
featured, Uncategorized

DOUBLE COVER REVEAL: Texas Pride & Broken Pride by Kindle Alexander

read more
April 22, 2026
featured, Uncategorized

AUDIO BLITZ: This Guy by Lane Hayes

read more
April 24, 2026
featured, Uncategorized

RELEASE TOUR: Never Annouce You’re Dating The Massage Therapist by Portia Blake

read more
April 27, 2026
featured, Uncategorized

FLICKer: Fan Letter

Featuring LGBT short films I found around the interwebz a.k.a Youtube. Okay sucky intro, but yeah, that’s it. He was the biggest star of the 1950s. But before every show,…

read more
April 16, 2026
featured, Uncategorized

NEW RELEASE BLITZ: Transition by Nicole Dykes

read more
April 27, 2026
Link 1
FAVORITE COVERS: March
Link 1
MINI MOVIE REVIEWS
Link 1
GIVEAWAYS
Link 1
REVIEW INDEX
Link 1
BOOK REVIEWS
Link 1
MANGA REVIEWS
  • Uncategorized

    RELEASE TOUR: Whisper Woods by Ali Woods (Excerpt)

    March 17, 2025 / No Comments
    Read More
    neverhollowed

    You May Also Like

    SERIES TOUR: Love At Lake Clyde by Aiden Ainslie (Excerpt & Giveaway)

    June 15, 2022

    RELEASE BLITZ: Ruler of the Waves by Aiden Ainslie (Excerpt & Giveaway)

    May 12, 2023

    BLOG TOUR: Veggie Burger To Go by Karenna Colcroft (Excerpt & Giveaway)

    September 8, 2022
  • Uncategorized

    NEW RELEASE BLITZ: Specimen by C. Quince (Excerpt & Giveaway)

    March 16, 2025 / No Comments
    Read More
    neverhollowed

    You May Also Like

    RELEASE BLITZ: Death Of The Moon by S.A. Pavlik (Excerpt & Giveaway)

    April 14, 2022

    DESERT ISLAND CASTAWAYS: C.P. Harris

    January 10, 2023

    COVER REVEAL: Up In Arms by Kindle Alexander

    January 18, 2022
  • manga,  Uncategorized

    MANGA: Ore no Itoshii Kaijin R

    March 15, 2025 / No Comments

    Ore no Itoshii Kaijin R – Katou Susu

    Kureno Rei, the straight-laced, over-serious president of the student council, is the type of person that treats everybody equally. Day after day, he strives to carry out his duties. Suddenly one day, an evil monster called “Dark Genesis” came flying in from space. His aim is “to obliterate the hero who’s occupying the body of a student in the academy”. In order to protect the students, Rei let himself be possessed by the monster…! And then, showing up in front of Rei’s eyes is Fuwa Minori, a delinquent who had no idea that he’s the hero. Rei wanted to clean up the villain in the most amicable way possible, so he approached Minori and deepened their relationship. However, Minori got attracted by Rei and when Minori confessed to him, Rei’s body changed into a monster’s. The way for him to return to normal is through the hero’s kiss…?!!

    My Dear Monster R is a story of an evil space monster about to wreak havoc on Earth when it met the student council president.

    Kureno Rei is the high school’s beloved student council president, known to champion students’ interests first and foremost. He’s dedicated, serious, and caring so when an evil monster from beyond the galaxy invaded his body looking for the hero among the student body, Rei transformed into the gentlest villain to ever exist, seeking the hero .

    Although he’s a delinquent, Fuwa Minori comes from a family of heroes. His dormant powers awakened when Rei approached him, though he was initially confused by Rei’s friendly approach.

    The student council president politely asked if he had any concerns he wanted to share, as Rei was willing to lend an ear and assist. Soon, Minori found himself falling for the president.

    Then, one day, Rei’s monster form appeared, and only Minori’s presence made it disappear.

    The story takes the hero and villain archetypes and gives them a fun and spicy codependency twist. The monster boyfriend is virginal, straight-laced, and vulnerable, with a self-sacrificing streak, always putting others before his own needs. The hero is popular, laid-back, not-so-academically inclined, a former playboy who completely adores his dear monster.

    The two had to watch out for those touch-and-go moments when the monster was about to rear its ugly/kawaii head, and they rushed to a secluded area to do something about it. The rest of the plot highlights the increasing difficulty of getting rid of the monster and the development of their physical and emotional connection.

    Our boy Rei is willing to do what it takes to save the world, a.k.a., the students. Minori will do what it takes to save his boyfriend. All in all, the friendliest, most fun, and hella delicious way of vanquishing evil!!!


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

    Read More
    neverhollowed

    You May Also Like

    RELEASE BLITZ: The Honeymoon Gambit by I.M. Flippy (Excerpt & Giveaway)

    August 14, 2020

    NEW RELEASE BLITZ: Stranded With Desire by Rick R. Reed & Vivien Dean (Excerpt & Giveaway)

    November 30, 2020

    RELEASE BLITZ: Day Of Judgement by Aurora Crane & Briar Kearney (Excerpt & Giveaway)

    September 3, 2022
  • book,  Uncategorized

    REVIEW: Never Say Never by Brea Alepou & Skyler Snow

    March 15, 2025 / 1 Comment

    Vitale Brothers: Never Say Never – Brea Alepou & Skyler Snow

    I’d do anything for my family. Even go undercover and devote my life to the FBI so they can continue to thrive. Everything I do is for the Vitale name. I just have to focus, complete my job, divert attention and stay out of trouble.

    But trouble finds me.

    Not just me, but York Washington. He’s my boss, but more than that he’s my friend. When he and his daughters are thrown into danger I have no choice but to step into the light. Finally, I get to go back home.

    But home is a strange hellscape I no longer understand.

    While a war wages on, I’m caught between who I am and who I was with a man I’ve betrayed. There’s no happily ever after for me.

    The fourth book in the Vitale brother series. Each book can be read as a standalone but best enjoyed read in order. HEA guaranteed.


    The Vitale Brothers is an all-time favorite series, and each brother is memorable in his own way. I thought this would be a trilogy, so learning Gin has a twin in the previous book, Say I Do, made my jaw drop.

    Never Say Never finally unveiled Gianpaolo Vitale. Going undercover in the FBI for his family as Paul Gallow, he keeps tabs on cases and passes information to Benito, the only brother who knows about his mission. Paul is known as a man whore in his department, dating coworkers left and right and getting in trouble with HR.

    But the man Paul is really crushing hard on is his boss, York Washington, an Idriss Elba of a hunk who’s good at his job and keeps his personal life private. And so he was pleasantly surprised to discover York in a gay bar and that he has twin daughters.

    The plot highlights Paolo’s dual identity. In the first part, as Paul, I wouldn’t say there’s none of the darkness but mostly hints of a deeper obsession. You got to hand it to Paolo. The man buried his Vitale so deep it didn’t feel like a Vitale book at all. I was even borderline bored.

    It took me a while to warm up to York. A 46-year-old widower and first-time gay, he’s still figuring out most things. Paolo is eager to lend a hand and I get that York doesn’t want to complicate things with a subordinate. At the same time, the older man wants to explore his sexuality.

    The thing with York is that he’s hot and cold for almost the entire book and I wasn’t convinced he’s actually in love with Paolo. Also, his characterization lacks depth. It was only at the end that he stood out as a character.

    My favorite in the first part is Paolo and York’s twin daughters. Paolo adored the girls from the get-go and would die to protect them. And being a twin himself, he knows all about the mischief the clever girls cook up, even taught them a trick or two.

    And we all agree, we could do without the nanny. This character was terrible and unnecessary.

    When York and the twins were in danger, he didn’t hesitate. When Gianpaolo shed the Paul Gallow persona, revealing his Italian heritage, his tattoos, and became a full-on Vitale, it was glorious!!! And this is where the real crazy starts! I wish we got to this part sooner because this is what I came for.

    “Sanity was only a facade with me. I was born into chaos and I wielded mayhem freely.”

    You can tell he and Gin are twins because Paolo is one fucked up motherfucker with fucked up thoughts and zero qualms dub-conning his boss into staying in the Vitale building for their safety. He has already declared the twins his daughters, whether York agrees or not. I loved how fiercely protective he is of those he loves.

    My favorite in the second part is when the Vitales unleashed hell on their enemies. It was a spectacular free-for-all violence, gore, and mayhem with a dash of humor, usually involving a brother’s weapon of choice. All the known brothers were there, plus Benito’s beloved monstrizio, Harlow, because as the queen, he has to have the head of the enemy.

    I have yet to meet a Vitale I didn’t love, and Gianpaolo stands rightfully beside Gin, finally completing the Murder Twins. Paolo was thrown in a unique position and showed his true colors much later, but he proved a Vitale through and through.

    Overall, Never Say Never is a mixed-bag yet ultimately thrilling story of loyalty, trust, and family, where the mind says no, the heart says yes, and the blood screams vengeance.

    Rating:
    3.5 Stars – that place between like and love

    Soundtrack: Say It First
    Artist: Sam Smith
    Album: The Thrill Of It All

    P.S.

    Vitale Brothers is best read in order. Each brother is fascinating so go ahead and meet them all.

    Take Me Apart by Brea – Vitales like to live dangerously and Enzo did it by kidnapping a cop

    Paid In Full by Brea – Gin found himself a twink he can’t let go

    Say I Do by Brea – Benito don’t do things by halves so he married a complete psycho


    If you like my content, please consider using my Amazon affiliate links below to buy your copy of Never Say Never. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying Amazon purchases at no additional cost to you.

    NEVER SAY NEVER: Kindle | Audiobook

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

    Read More
    neverhollowed

    You May Also Like

    RELEASE BLITZ: 7 Minutes in Kevin by D.J. Jamison (Excerpt & Giveaway)

    November 11, 2022

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

    October 5, 2020

    AUDIO TOUR: On A Midnight Clear by Lily Morton (Excerpt & Giveaway)

    January 21, 2023
  • song,  Uncategorized

    SOUNDTRACK: Say It First by Sam Smith

    March 15, 2025 / 1 Comment

    Soundtrack to Vitale Brothers: Never Say Never by Brea Alepou & Skyler Snow

    Say It First by Sam Smith for a book about a secret identity, a bloody past, a forced proximity, and a fierce obsession.

    I never feel like this
    I’m used to emptiness in my heart
    And in my arms
    You’re not what I’m used to
    You keep me guessing with things that you do
    I hope that they’re true

    ‘Cause I’m never gonna heal my past
    If I run every time it starts
    So I need to know if I’m in this alone

    Come on baby, say it first
    I need to hear you say those words
    If I’m all that you desire, I promise there’ll be fire
    I need to hear you say it first
    Come on baby, do your worst
    I know you’ll take me higher

    Read More
    neverhollowed

    You May Also Like

    RELEASE BLITZ: Savage by Brooke Blaine & Ella Frank (Giveaway)

    January 24, 2025

    NEW RELEASE BLITZ: We, Kraken by Eule Grey (Excerpt & Giveaway)

    October 12, 2022

    FIRST LINES FRIDAY 56: Got Weird Fast

    September 3, 2020
  • quote,  Uncategorized
    March 15, 2025 / No Comments

    I never feel like this
    I’m used to emptiness in my heart
    And in my arms
    You’re not what I’m used to
    You keep me guessing with things that you do
    I hope that they’re true

    ‘Cause I’m never gonna heal my past
    If I run every time it starts
    So I need to know if I’m in this alone

    Come on baby, say it first
    I need to hear you say those words
    If I’m all that you desire, I promise there’ll be fire
    I need to hear you say it first
    Come on baby, do your worst
    I know you’ll take me higher

    So come on darling
    If you love me, say it first
    Say it, say it, say it
    Won’t you say it to me?
    Say it, say it, say it
    Won’t you say it to me?

    I know you’re right for me
    But I’m waiting for everything in your world
    To align with my world

    I think of you while I sleep
    I dream of what we could be if we grow
    Together unfold

    ‘Cause I’m never gonna heal my past
    If I run every time it starts
    So I need to know if I’m in this alone

    Come on baby, say it first
    I need to hear you say those words
    If I’m all that you desire, I promise there’ll be fire
    I need to hear you say it first
    Come on baby, do your worst
    I know you’ll take me higher
    So come on darling
    If you love me, say it first

    Say it, say it, say it
    Won’t you say it to me?
    Say it, say it, say it
    (Won’t you say it to me?) Say it first
    Say it, say it, say it
    Won’t you say it to me?
    Say it, say it, say it
    Won’t you say it to me?

    Come on baby, say it first
    I need to hear you say those words
    If I’m all that you desire, I promise there’ll be fire
    I need to hear you say it first
    Come on baby, do your worst
    I know you’ll take me higher
    So come on darling
    If you love me, say it first

    Say it, say it, say it
    Won’t you say it to me?
    Say it, say it, say it
    Won’t you say it to me?
    Say it, say it, say it
    Won’t you say it to me?
    Say it, say it, say it
    Won’t you say it to me?

    Read More
    neverhollowed

    You May Also Like

    RELEASE BLITZ: Show Me by Neve Wilder (Excerpt & Giveaway)

    March 24, 2021

    AUDIOBOOK REVIEW TOUR: Love’s Glory by Janice Jarrell

    August 20, 2020

    BLOG TOUR: Consort of the Dragon King by Ariella Zoelle Writing as Zarina Aston (Excerpt & Giveaway)

    November 8, 2024
  • trailer,  Uncategorized

    MOVIE FEATURE: A Nice Indian Boy

    March 15, 2025 / No Comments
    Read More
    neverhollowed

    You May Also Like

    FLICKer: Matt

    April 15, 2021

    FLICKer FADE SUNDAY: Thylacine

    May 24, 2020

    NEW RELEASE BLITZ: Repentance and Absolution by A.E. Lister (Excerpt & Giveaway)

    November 19, 2022
  • Uncategorized

    COVER REVEAL: Devastated by Fire by Lizzie James

    March 15, 2025 / No Comments
    Read More
    neverhollowed

    You May Also Like

    BOOK BLITZ: Pinot & Pineapple Lumps by Jay Hogan (Giveaway)

    March 20, 2021

    MUSIC MONDAY: No One Was Driving The Car by La Dispute

    October 20, 2025

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

    June 8, 2022
  • Uncategorized

    NEW RELEASE BLITZ: Eight Second Magic by W.M. Kirkland (Excerpt & Giveaway)

    March 15, 2025 / No Comments
    Read More
    neverhollowed

    You May Also Like

    MUSIC MONDAY: Magnet by Anamanaguchi

    September 1, 2025

    FLICKer: I Just Don’t Like You…A Love Story

    May 2, 2024

    LAST YEAR I WAS READING…(December 9, 2020)

    December 9, 2020
  • Uncategorized

    RELEASE BLITZ: The Liar’s Reckoning by August Jones

    March 14, 2025 / No Comments
    Read More
    neverhollowed

    You May Also Like

    FLICKer: Acceptance

    April 24, 2025

    COVER REVEAL: Revenge by Dani Hoots

    August 17, 2021

    FLICKer: Blister

    September 22, 2022
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

April 2026
M T W T F S S
 12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
27282930  
« Mar    

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!

Rakuten Kobo UK
SEARCH NOW:
by title
by author
2026©Never Hollowed By The Stare