I ❤️ Yaoi: I Swear by Honetsuki Niku (Free! Doujinshi)

Greetings yaoi lovers! Today's selections is I Swear by Honetsuki Niku.

Rin wants to change the world and Sousuke wants to ensure that Rin can accomplish his goal without any interference.

Wow! This is a great doujinshi! We all know what to usually expect from yaoi manga, it's one of the things that made us love it in the first place, but I have to admit that it was refreshing to read one that has a solid, well-thought out plot. Rin is great as a military leader who wants to make the world a better place, and Sousuke is the strong, silent partner who always supports and encourages his best friend.

This definitely a wonderful doujinshi to read if you have the opportunity!

4.5 stars

Read I Swear here.

~ M

Itty Bitty Nagron (Volume 2): Toothpaste Kisses by figbash

Itty Bitty Nagron (Volume 2): Toothpaste Kisses by figbash

This is another superb creation by the talented author/artist figbash. In this comic we see the quieter moments of Nasir and Agron's life. figbash never fails to impress me with her drawings and interpretations of the Nagron relationship. I know you will really enjoy these drawings! Be sure to let know that I sent you!

~ M

artwork credit: figbash

Book Review: Dating for Deafies by Nikka Michaels

Evan York leads a solitary life. After losing his hearing as a child, he often feels cut off from the world. It also doesn't help that most of his dates bolt once they realize he cannot hear. Evan is resigned to his fate until an email from a handsome author, Tristan Gaines, accidentally finds its way into his inbox.

I loved this short story! It's a very quick read, but Nikka Michaels made me really care about Evan and want him to find happiness. He'd been through so much in his life. At one point I think I turned into a mild fangirl when he started communicating with Tristan. Their interactions were not only silly and funny, but also warmed my heart!

I would love to read more about this couple in the future! Highly recommended!

 Book Excerpt

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

Buy Links
Wayward Ink Publishing | Amazon

~ M

Let Me Sing You a Song by SpiffyBeluga

Let Me Sing You a Song by SpiffyBeluga

Two years ago, Rei broke up with Nagisa quite suddenly and cut off all contact with him. Nagisa wracked his brain trying to figure out why his Rei-chan would hurt him like that to no avail. Now he's a famous singer and Rei has reappeared to make things right. Will Nagisa be able to forgive Rei for the pain he'd caused him for so long?

It's hard to imagine Nagisa and Rei being so distant and upset with each other, but this story shows a different side to their relationship. I look forward to seeing if Rei can earn Nagisa's forgiveness and if they can regain the love they once shared.

~ M

artwork credit: ChibiGuardianAngel

I ❤ Yaoi: Darenimo Furesasenai by Toshinari Arihito (Free! Doujinshi)

Hello yaoi lovers! Today's yaoi feature is Darenimo Furesasenai by Toshinari Arihito.

When Makoto finds a stray cat, he begs Haru to keep it with them until they can find it a good home. Haru begrudgingly agrees, but soon finds himself jealous of the little creature. He has a plan to ensure that Makoto's attention remains firmly on him and only him.

Makoharu fans will love this doujinshi! Makoto, as always, is the ultimate sweetheart, and Haru remains apathetic towards all things that aren't Makoto, water and mackerel. This is a really quick read that will bring a smile to your face!

~ M

Big Brother, Big Problem by Cheryl1964

Big Brother, Big Problem by Cheryl1964

By some twist of fate, Nasir's long lost brother, Ahmed, has found his way back into his younger brother's life. Nasir is happy but cautious, and Agron fears that his love may be ripped away from him.

Every so often I come across stories which feature Nasir's brother, but I like the direction this story is taking. Set between Vengeance and War of the Damned, Nasir is still figuring out his place in the world. Now his beloved brother is back and hoping to make up for not protecting him as a child.

I'm looking forward to seeing where this story goes and exactly how Nasir will deal with the extremely territorial Agron and his brother, who doesn't quite understand Nasir's new life, but is determined to make things right.

~ M

Book Review: Misfits by Garrett Leigh

Tom and Cass have a strong, committed relationship. They are not only romantic partners, but also business partners as they own and run a number of restaurants in the London area. Their work keeps both of them extremely busy and apart way too often. Even though they love each other fiercely, they also have an unconventional relationship.

When a young man storms into their lives and sparks new feelings within Tom and Cass, the three men must decide how they want to move forward. In the process, they must each deal with their personal demons without potentially dragging the others down into the abyss.

I must admit that threesome stories are not my thing, but I've heard great things about Garrett Leigh's work and decided to give it a try. I'm glad I did. This is a wonderful story that immediately pulled me into the lives of Tom, Cass and Jake.

I truly liked all of the MCs and my heart broke for each of them during their trials and tribulations. Tom is a complete sweetheart and nurturer who strives to take care of those he loves; Cass is exuberant, edgy and proud; and Jake is often the voice of reason who manages to be the bridge that connects Tom and Cass when they can't seem to come to an agreement, whether personal or business-related.

I also appreciated the way Garrett Leigh handled Jake's Tourette Syndrome (TS) and showed what a struggle it can be without making the situation look bleak and hopeless. Yes, Tourette's can be frustrating, embarrassing and scary, but Jake was still just a human being who refused to let TS stifle his life.

There were only two small issues I had with the book. I wish readers could have read more of the story from Cass' point of view. We saw almost everything through the eyes of Tom and Jake, so I always felt like we weren't getting the whole story. Plus, Cass was such an enigmatic character that I wanted to know more about him besides his rough, East End past. Throughout the book I often found myself frustrated with the characters and their lack of communication. Granted, this often happens in fiction, but there were times when I wanted to shake all three of the MCs and scream "just speak!"

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from Garrett Leigh in the future.

4.5 stars

A copy of this book was provided by Riptide Publishing, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

Buy links
Riptide Publishing | Amazon

~ M

What if Oliver Found Out? by Aravis713

What if Oliver Found Out? by Aravis713

What if Oliver found out about Connor's participation in the murder? Oliver puts two and two together and confronts his boyfriend.

Since canon Oliver still does not know about Connor's connection to Sam's murder, I like how this story handled the hypothetical revelation. It's definitely a tense time for the couple, but it doesn't seem melodramatic and over-the-top. Definitely check out this au look at the htgawm universe!

~ M

Another Life by SubtextEquals

Another Life by SubtextEquals

Nasir and Duro have just graduated from high school and are celebrating that accomplishment by traveling to Rome with Agron and Spartacus. Seeing the ancient ruins stirs something within each of the men; all of them feeling the oddest sense of deja vu.

This is an interesting spin on the reincarnation trope. I liked seeing how each of the men reacted to the various places they visited, and I loved how their individual and shared reactions differed depending on how they knew each other in the past. I think fans of the series will see this short story as a breath of fresh air. Check it out!

~ M

Book Review: Opposite Attract by Lily G. Blunt

Chris and Andreas have a well-established relationship and love each other very much. They are total opposites, but recently their differing interests have caused a crack in their relationship. While on holiday, the two men find themselves stranded on the side of a mountain. Will they be able to find common ground or lose one another for good?

This is a nice, solid effort from author Lily G. Blunt. She effectively pulled me into the lives of Chris and Andreas and made me truly worry about the future of their relationship. Even though Andreas and Chris both exhibit insecurities, I appreciated the fact that they each made a concerted effort to try to fix the problem. So often in fiction, I notice that the MCs either don't see the problem, or they do and just hope their partner will come around and fix things.

Opposites Attract is a quick read that will show you that sometimes love just isn't enough and communication and compromise are key for a healthy relationship.

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

Fourteen Little Black Numbers by dontsaycrazy

Fourteen Little Black Numbers by dontsaycrazy

Each person knows the exact time and date they will meet their soulmate by the fourteen numbers scrawled across their skin. Decades usually pass before finding the one, so imagine the Nanases' and Tachibanas' surprise when they discover their newborn sons will meet their soulmates within months.

This one shot is absolutely adorable! You will sit on the edge of your seat anticipating the introduction of the Makoto and Haru, while the idea of the two boys being soulmates will warm your heart! Definitely check it out!

~ M

artwork from pixiv

I ❤ Yaoi: Southern Cross Under a Blue Sky by mugiya (Free! Doujinshi)

Hello yaoi lovers! Today's selection is another Free! doujinshi, Southern Cross Under a Blue Sky by mugiya.

Haru decides to visit Rin in Australia prior to a meet. Even though the visit is sudden, Rin is willing to adjust his schedule to ensure Haru doesn't lose is way upon arrival. Haru, however, has different plans up his sleeve.

This is a really cute story about how to two close friends can hold on to their strong bond, even when they are fierce competitors. Haru and Rin push each other to be better and, because of that, are destined for great things.

Definitely give this quick read a try!

~ M

Holding On by ladyvenoms

Holding On by ladyvenoms

Life seems to be going pretty well for our friends in the Ludus Crew, but all of that is about to change. Once again friendships are tested, relationships are fractured and more than one person's sanity is brought into question.

Castus still refuses to let go of his dream of being with Nasir, and because of this he continues to lash out, resulting in a terrifying incident. Nasir must now pick up the pieces and heal, but he knows it's not that easy. Castus will not stop unless he gets what he wants or is completely out of the picture. Nasir knows what needs to be done, but Agron fears that if he follows through, the man he's grown to love so much will be lost forever.

Wow! Talk about suspense! With each new chapter I find myself sitting on the edge of my seat wondering what was lurking around the next corner. Your heart will break for Nasir and Agron as they try to move forward with their lives, all the while dealing with the threat of an obsessed ex-lover looming over them.

I highly suggest this emotionally-charged story in ladyvenoms' Ludus Crew series. You won't be disappointed!

~ M

Book Review: Baked Fresh (Portland Heat #2) by Annabeth Albert

Baker Vic Degrassi lives a pretty simple life. He's creating quite a name for himself in Portland food community and he also recently lost 100 pounds after losing family members to heart disease. After years of making resolutions (attending culinary school, losing weight, etc.), he decides that his next resolution is to find a boyfriend.

Robin, a volunteer at a homeless shelter, recently got out of a relationship and is not interested in dating at all. He's had a rough life and believes it would be simpler if he just concentrated on his work and cast romance and sex aside.

Vic and Robin have an easy rapport and get along very well. Vic has had a crush on Robin for a while, and would love nothing more than to date the volunteer, but Robin's "no dating" stance hampers his plans a bit. Will he be able to break through all of Robin's walls and find the love he so desperately yearns for?

I really liked Vic. He is a total sweetheart who also possessed a protective side that was very attractive. Even though he'd lost weight, he still sees himself as overweight and his self esteem suffers because of it. A character in the novella states that if Vin Diesel and The Rock had a child, Vic would be it. In my opinion, that's quite a hot combination! My heart went out to Vic when he never thought he was good enough or didn't deserve what others have. I rooted for him throughout the entire book.

A Quiet Sunday Morning by JoJoStories

A Quiet Sunday Morning by JoJoStories

Connor and Oliver have been in comfortable relationship for years now. Even though the demons from Connor's past still haven't quite disappeared, he know that the incredible man lying beside him will chase them all away.

This is an absolutely adorable, fluffy one-shot that will warm you to the core and bring a smile to your face. JoJoStories kept each individual true to his character, but managed to make me love them even more. If you're a Coliver fan, you do not want to miss out on this lovely story!

~ M

I ❤ Yaoi: I Want to Become Number One by Saku (Free! Doujinshi)

Greetings yaoi lovers! Today's manga pick is the Free! doujinshi, I Want to Become Number One by Saku.

While helping Ran prepare a surprise for her onii-chan, Haru discovers just how important Makoto is in his life.

Oh my! This is one of the most adorable fan-created mangas I've read! Not only is the artwork lovely, but I really enjoyed the story! It's sweet, fluffy, funny and heartwarming! Highly recommended!

Read the manga here.

 

~ M

Letting Go by ladyvenoms

Letting Go by ladyvenoms

After the events of Four Days, Agron and Nasir finally have the opportunity to explore their deepening connection. Unfortunately, Nasir's ex is still have trouble letting go and allowing Nasir to move on.

Once again ladyvenoms knocks the ball out of the park! I was already invested in each of the characters after reading Four Days, and this story only cemented my desire to see most of them happy, fulfilled and successful. There are a few tense moments, scenes that will make you laugh out loud and instances when your heart will absolutely melt. Definitely check it out!

~ M