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Yamada to Shounen – Mita Ori
On his way back from work on Christmas Eve, Yamada (26) discovers a drunk and crying high school boy and takes him home. That boy was mulling over being in love with someone of the same sex.
A straight adult and a gay high schooler.
It is a piece that sets gender aside as their hearts grow ever closer. This is Mita Ori’s long-awaited series.
Yamada looks like shit, is only 26 but act likes an old man. The boy is sweet and is good at cooking. The story was underwhelming but is thankfully kept short.
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Wanted, A Gentleman – K.J. Charles
WANTED, A GENTLEMAN
Or, Virtue Over-Ratedthe grand romance of
Mr. Martin St. Vincent … a Merchant with a Mission, also a Problem
Mr. Theodore Swann … a humble Scribbler and Advertiser for LoveAct the First:
the offices of the Matrimonial Advertiser, London
where Lonely Hearts may seek one another for the cost of a shillingAct the Second:
a Pursuit to Gretna Green (or thereabouts)
featuring
a speedy Carriage
sundry rustic Inns
a private Bed-chamber***
In the course of which are presented
Romance, Revenge, and Redemption
Deceptions, Discoveries, and Desiresthe particulars of which are too numerous to impart.
Eloping couples, damsels in distress, bland heroes, dastardly villains, wild goose chases. Your average penny romance novel tropes except that things are not always what they seem.
Swann runs a business publishing ads from people looking for husbands or wives and moonlights as a writer. He has a scheming mind and I love it that he looks average. St. Vincent is a black merchant with a lot of baggage from the past. He was tasked to pursue his former master’s daughter who ran away with a man a.k.a Troilus. The story itself was not all about the Swann and St. Vincent. It was discovering who was the mystery man who swept away the underage heiress and stopping them before they reach Gretna Green and exchange vows. Swann and St. Vincent’s relationship gradually developed over the course of the chase. In order to bring back the errant damsel to the bosom of her family, they realized they needed a villain more than a hero.
Is it a fun read? Yes! K.J. Charles never lets me down. But I didn’t feel that much invested in the couple. I felt the friendship more than the romance between them. If they didn’t end up together romantically and settled as friends, it would have been entirely OK with me.
Rating:
3.5 Stars – that place between like and love(https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31225405-wanted-a-gentleman)
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Loneliness has followed me my whole life. Everywhere. In bars, in cars, sidewalks, stores, everywhere. There’s no escape. I’m God’s lonely man.
Travis Bickle -
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Natura-turaly – Ichikawa Kei
A collection of stories, Includes:
1) Natura-turaly from Joshi BL
My twin brother and I, we like and dislike the same things. Whatever we do, we do together. I thought we’d always be together—it seemed obvious. But a man appeared who says he loves my brother. Is the world I thought would go on forever starting to collapse?!
2) Veranda Nite (On the Veranda)
3) Count 3632
4) Step One
Suichi does not like to socialize with people. Why does Hana keep finding excuses to talk to him?
5) Last Play from Itai Ero
A couple’s relaxed routine is disrupted when the one partner proposes a new kind of play. To his surprise, his significant other discovers a higher affinity to his role than expected.
6) Michidzure from Gesu BL
A boy who is easily roped into things & a cool beauty who is a natural asshole.Extra: Prologue & Afterword
Had mixed emotions about the first story. I wanted the twins to be together but I also wanted the two boys to be together. Argh, such dilemna! Second story ended on a hopeful note, third one was so-so, fourth was already posted here previously and the last two were NSFW.
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Speechless – Kim Fielding
Travis Miller has a machining job, a cat named Elwood, and a pathetic love life. The one bright spot in his existence is the handsome guitar player he sometimes passes on his way home from work. But when he finally gathers the courage to speak to the man, Travis learns that former novelist Drew Clifton suffers from aphasia: Drew can understand everything Travis says, but he is unable to speak or write.
The two lonely men form a friendship that soon blossoms into romance. But communication is only one of their challenges-there’s also Travis’s inexperience with love and his precarious financial situation. If words are the bridge between two people, what will keep them together?
Lots to love in this little gem. Drew plays punk and grunge (shout out to The Sex Pistols!). Travis is a one-eyed guy with a one-eyed cat. The conversation was mostly Travis babbling away but it never felt one-sided and he seem to understand Drew instinctively. The disabilities were handled sensibly and you can’t help but root hard for these two. The fluff is also strong in this one. This could have gone the angsty route but the author kept it light and warm. It’s also refreshingly not insta-love but a more gentle and slow realization of feelings. Cheers to Kim Fielding for creating a great love story about two people who are not perfect but are more alive and real because of it
Rating:
4 Stars – minor quibbles but I loved it to bits(source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15733541-speechless)
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Problem? I haven’t got a problem. I’ve got fucking problems. Plural.
Ted the Bellhop -
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Sugar in My Coffee – Kitahata Akeno
A young coffee shop worker dreams of finding love.
The obvious hints were a bit embarrassing but he got what he deserved.
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REVIEW: The Ruin of a Rake by Cat Sebastian
The Turner Series: The Ruin of a Rake – Cat Sebastian
Rogue. Libertine. Rake. Lord Courtenay has been called many things and has never much cared. But after the publication of a salacious novel supposedly based on his exploits, he finds himself shunned from society. Unable to see his nephew, he is willing to do anything to improve his reputation, even if that means spending time with the most proper man in London.
Julian Medlock has spent years becoming the epitome of correct behavior. As far as he cares, if Courtenay finds himself in hot water, it’s his own fault for behaving so badly—and being so blasted irresistible. But when Julian’s sister asks him to rehabilitate Courtenay’s image, Julian is forced to spend time with the man he loathes—and lusts after—most.
As Courtenay begins to yearn for a love he fears he doesn’t deserve, Julian starts to understand how desire can drive a man to abandon all sense of propriety. But he has secrets he’s determined to keep, because if the truth came out, it would ruin everyone he loves. Together, they must decide what they’re willing to risk for love.
I don’t know how Cat Sebastian did it but she did it! She set the bar high in The Lawrence Browne Affair but this one exceeded my expectations. Julian is a peevish math genius who thought he was immune to feelings and Courtney was a reformed scoundrel blessed with too much good looks and little financial sense. I just love the two of them together, Julian being in charge and going all business-like even in the heat of the moment and Courtney letting him get his way. And whatever buns and pastry Courtney is feeding Julian, I need to get me some of those.
The side story about Ned and Eleanor Standish was a bonus. I’m glad they got their HEA. The author wrap it up nicely with the summer tea party at the ending.
Can we please have a book on Simon and Lady Montbray’s son?
Rating:
5 Stars – absolutely perfect
(source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32600210-the-ruin-of-a-rake)
