Book Review: In Darkest Peru by Louise Lyons

After his boyfriend of five years unceremoniously breaks up with him virtually out of nowhere, and he loses his computer programming job, Rhys White seeks adventure and the ability to just get away from his troubles. He decides on a solo trek to Peru in hope that he can forget about his jerk of a former boyfriend and just concentrate on himself. When trouble arises during his travels, Rhys thinks all hope is lost until a handsome, Brazilian knight in shining armor appears before his very eyes.

This is a sweet short story about a man who is trying to find himself. Rhys is an extremely likeable character and I instantly found myself invested in his well-being. Rafael is everything you could hope for in a love interest: he's kind, gentle, understanding and HOT! At times I felt the progression of the main characters' relationship seemed a little rushed, but given the length of Rhys' time in Peru, it makes sense. The book certainly ended on a high note, but I hope that one day Louise Lyons revisits these characters so we can learn more about them and the bond they created in darkest Peru.

3.5 stars

Book excerpt

Wayward Ink Publishing provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Buy links
Wayward Ink Publishing | Amazon

~ M

Loving You Like a Friend by pinkphoenix

Loving You Like a Friend by pinkphoenix

Feeling like a social outcast and yearning for attention and affection, Nitori scours Craigslist and finds an ad from someone who looks interesting. Their initial meetings are awkward, but soon Nitori and Rin forge a sweet friendship. Unfortunately, outside forces may kill their relationship before it really has a chance to start.

All I can say for this story is "awwwwwwww!" Nitori is so adorably awkward that you can't help but want to hug and protect him. The progression of his relationship with Rin is interesting to watch and I look forward to seeing how it turns out!

~ M

I ❤ Yaoi: Koi to wa Baka de Aru Koto da by Ogeretsu Tanaka

Greetings fellow yaoi fans! Today's feature is Koi to wa Baka de Aru Koto da by Ogeretsu Tanaka.

When Manaka and Segawa meet, it's love at first sight. Manaka is so happy and content that he revels in the fact that he never has to worry about Segawa keeping secretes or lying to him, something he absolutely cannot stand. However, when he sees a different side to  Segawa, Manaka believes his worst fear has come true.


I thought this particular storyline in the manga was pretty cute. The reasoning behind the relationship conflict is kind of convoluted and could have been resolved quickly, but the characters were likeable for the most part, and I wanted to see if everything worked out in the end. There were a few panels that were really touching and warmed my heart. If you're looking for a quick read, this is definitely a manga worth checking out.

~ M

Four Days by ladyvenoms

Four Days by ladyvenoms

A group of close friends vacation in Lake Tahoe over the holiday weekend and virtually all of the  relationships, both friendly and romantic, are put the test. There are fights, tears and endings, but through it all there is a great deal of love and support shared between the friends.

I read this story a long time ago and fell in love with it. ladyvenoms weaves quite a tale that will have you glued to your screen. The relationship between Agron and Nasir is tentative at first given the circumstances, but I thoroughly enjoyed seeing their friendship grow and strengthen.

Over the next few weeks, I will be highlighting the stories in the series ladyvenoms created featuring the Ludus Crew.

~ M

Book Review: Moscow Nights by T.T. Kove

Best friends, Demitri and Sander, live a pretty good life in Norway. When Demitri is called home to Russia for his sister's upcoming wedding, he doesn't think twice about going. He decides to invite Sander to come along with him to give him the opportunity to see where he grew up. The only problem is that he is hopelessly in love with Sander and he hasn't come out to his family; being gay isn't exactly celebrated in his native country. Sander, on the other hand, also harbors strong feelings for his flatmate. Will the two men have the opportunity to reveal their feelings or continue to wallow in (what they believe is) unrequited love?

I really enjoyed this short story. The rapport between Demitri and Sander was really cute and I found myself invested in their lives very quickly. I also enjoyed getting to know their small group of friends. Overall, the story is pretty uncomplicated, so if you're looking for a quick read with plenty of fluff and just a little angst mixed in, this is the book for you!

Even though Demitri and Sander's storyline is the focus, I couldn't help but feel intrigued by the storylines of their friends Lasse, Marko, and definitely Mikhail. I would love to read more about them and how they handle life going forward.

Buy links
Less Than Three Press | Amazon

Release date: February 25, 2015

This book was provided by the publisher, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
 
~ M

Connor's Apartment by Jaydeemz

Connor's Apartment by Jaydeemz

Connor and Oliver's relationship seems to be making great strides. They're now exclusive and Oliver even, reluctantly, gave Connor a key to his apartment since Connor spends most of his time there anyway. However, he's now starting to regret that decision when Connor bails on the plans they'd made together. 

What an adorable one-shot! If you're a Coliver fan, you will love every single moment of this story! Hearts will melt, ovaries will explode and you'll fall in love with this wonderful couple even more. Since this is a pretty short story, I don't want to give away too much detail, but I highly recommend you take a chance and read this delightfully sweet story!

~ M

I ❤ Yaoi: Hitotsu Futatsu Himitsu by Sasamaru Yuuge

Good morning, yaoi lovers! Today's selection is Hitotsu Futatsu Himitsu by Sasamaru Yuuge.

Ishigami has a secret. He's lived for twenty-eight years desperately hiding this complex, but after an unexpected turn of events, a student, Hanai, finds out! Ishigami asks him to not tell anyone, but for Hanai who's bearing sentiments for sensei, this a chance to live out his fantasy.

This is an absolutely adorable manga. The overall premise is pretty silly, but I liked the characters and the artwork. There is a second storyline in this manga, Number One in the World, which is just as cute and sweet. I think I may even like that one more than the main storyline (Inuyama Eita is so desperately and utterly cute). Sasamaru Yuuge definitely has a knack for making you care about characters and root for their success and happiness!

4.5 stars

~ M

The Wedding of the Century by winterwonderland

The Wedding of the Century by winterwonderland

Nasir and Agron are preparing for their upcoming nuptials. However, their friends and family are bound to make the happy event much more complicated than it needs to be.

So far I am really enjoying this story! Nasir and Agron are, as always, wonderful, but it's the side characters like Saxa, Duro and Nasir's brother, Karim, that really bring the humor and silliness to this story! I look forward to seeing what happens next and if Agron and Nasir manage to make it down the aisle in one piece!

~ M

 

artwork by Steorie

Book Review: Melting Into You by Cassandra Carr

Seth, a chef who runs a mac & cheese food truck in Austin, Texas is immediately enamored with the straight-laced new case manager at the Mission, where he provides leftover culinary delights each day. Ben can't deny his attraction to the chef, but he's apprehensive. He's just moved to Austin and he's unsure about starting anything serious. Seth charms and woos Ben in ways he's never experienced before, and makes him realize that taking a chance on love isn't quite as scary as it seems.

This book was okay to me. It wasn't particularly bad, but at the same time I wasn't wowed. Seth and Ben are both likeable, and I enjoyed their interactions with secondary characters, but there was no oomph or real excitement.

As a self-proclaimed foodie, I loved reading about Seth's dishes, which included various incarnations of macaroni and cheese as well as other food creations. Seth and Ben's interactions were sweet, but it was the food truck aspect that really caught my attention. I really appreciated the index at the end of the book which described all of the Seth's mac & cheese dishes, many of which made my mouth water.

Overall, Melting Into You was a pleasant read, but not something I'd read again in the future.

2.5 stars

Buy Links
Amazon

Release date: March 31, 2015

This book was provided by the publisher, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

~ M

Somewhere Down the Road by hazuki_rei

Somewhere Down the Road by hazuki_rei

At the Iwatobi High School reunion, Nagisa is overjoyed to see his old friends. However, the return of one person in particular causes Nagisa's tight grip on his emotions to snap. Will Rei be able to get back into Nagisa's good graces?

This is an adorable Reigisa one-shot that is filled with emotion, cuteness and fluff. I liked the direction hazuki_rei took our favorite Iwatobi characters, and the extra addition of tension between Rei and Nagisa was just enough without being too much or out of character.

Please give this sweet story a try. You won't be disappointed!

~ M

artwork by kandismom

I ❤ Yaoi: Koisuru Futari no Taion by Yamada Papiko

Greetings, yaoi lovers! Today's selection is Koisuru Futari no Taion by Yamada Papiko.

Not a day passed without a man for the handsome designer, Kanbe. His absolute requirement in choosing a guy is their scent. He's gone out with countless guys already, but has yet to find the one. Wait, there he is! Takahashi, a delivery man, stole his heart and his nose, and Kanbe made a move on him right away. Takahashi is like a puppy wagging his tail at Kanbe with all his heart, but Kanbe starts to feel guilty. Does he only like Takahashi for his appealing scent, or is there more to their relationship?

This is an enjoyable manga that had a nice mixture of everything you want in a good story: fluff, humor, angst and heat. It's kind of difficult to like Kanbe because he's so superficial, but Takahashi definitely won me over with his heart of gold.

3.5 stars

~ M

Winning a Knock Out by SubtextEquals

Winning a Knock Out by SubtextEquals

MMA fighters, Nasir and Agron, seem to have a good friends with benefits arrangement...until Agron starts developing feelings and wants more. Nasir doesn't do relationships, but at the same time doesn't want to lose the man he cares about. When Agron is injured during a match, everything comes to a head and the feelings that both men had tamped down now must be addressed.

This one shot (part two of the Living, Loving, Fighting series) drew me in from the very first paragraph. I enjoyed seeing the rapport between Agron and Nasir, who created quite a bit of heat, and also appreciated the fact that there was also a great plot. I look forward to seeing what the rest of this series reveals about our two favorite rebels.

~ M

artwork by xRaiyax

Book Review: Served Hot (Portland Heat #1) by Annabeth Albert

Robby, a self-employed barista, awaits the daily visit from a handsome businessman, David, to his coffee cart. The attraction between the two men is undeniable, but David has been to hell and back in his previous relationship and is very tentative and apprehensive. Will Robby be able to break down David's walls so their relationship can flourish and thrive?

This was quite an enjoyable read. The main characters were very likeable, and Annabeth Albert effectively portrayed their insecurities and fears without making the short story angst heavy. I felt emotionally invested in Robby and David, so I rooted for a resolution to their issues and a happy ending. I only wish I could have read more about them.

Served Hot is the first book in a series of food-based m/m romance stories set in Portland, Oregon. If the next two books are anything like this one, we're all in for a real treat!

Buy links
Kensington Books | Amazon
Release date: March 3, 2015


This book was provided by the publisher, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

~ M

Atlas by Morethancupcake

Atlas by Morethancupcake

A glimpse into the lives of Connor and Oliver as they traverse life and their ever-evolving relationship.

This is a lovely one-shot chronicling the ups and downs of Connor and Oliver's relationship. Morethancupcake mixed fluff, romance and angst very well and left me wanting more. Not everything is unicorns and rainbows in this story, but it will definitely warm your heart.

~ M

I ❤ Yaoi: The Tachibana Family's Daily Life by nezumi_ya (Free! Doujinshi)

Good day fellow yaoi lovers! Today's feature is the Free! doujinshi, The Tachibana Family's Daily Life by nezumi_ya!

Follow the Tachibana family during their every day adventures.

What a delightful and sweet story! I don't want to give too much away, but if you're a fan of MakoHaru or just Free! in general, you'll enjoy this quick read. The Tachibana children are adorable and I wish there was more to read! Definitely give this dj a try! You won't be disappointed!

~ M

Vi Et Animo by figbash

Vi Et Animo by figbash

Agron and Nasir and their trails, tribulations and successes of goat farming.

GOAT FARM!!! lol This is an adorable look at Agron and Nasir as they build their lives together on a homestead. Not everything comes easy to the two men, but through it all they learn a few lessons and strengthen their bond. This quick read is a real treat for Nagron fans!

~ M