I Love Your Beautiful Wings by InkWitch

I Love Your Beautiful Wings by InkWitch

He doesn't know hot he got caught in the bear trap is that cutting through his ankle, but if he doesn't get help soon, Sousuke will be in trouble. Humans aren't the kindest to his kind and the last thing he needs is to encounter one. Surprisingly, it is a human who frees him from the trap and nurses him back to health. Even though he fought against it, he fell in love with the fiery human who toils in the fields in hopes of making his father's dream come true. Unfortunately, circumstances beyond their control could rip them apart forever.

Wow! This story is GORGEOUS! It's based on an old Japanese folktale, but I don't want to give it away so you'll be surprised when you read this story. This is one of those fics that stay with you long after you've finished it and I can't say enough good things about it! Highly recommended!

~ M

artwork credit: logicandfeels

I ❤ Yaoi: First Kiss by Nishida Higashi

Greetings yaoi lovers! This weeks feature is First Kiss by Nishida Higashi.

Years ago while in school, Yuri stole Yumino's first kiss completely out of the blue. Yumino didn't fall in love, but the moment stayed with him for many years. At his wife's funeral, Yumino notices Yuri among the mourners and the two strike up a somewhat strained friendship.

I'm not quite sure what I think of this one shot. It felt unfinished and I didn't believe that Yuri was truly in love with Yumino. I don't want to give away major plot points, but if you read this manga, you'll know exactly what I mean. In my opinion, this manga seemed like an excuse for a sex scene and that's pretty much it. The story was interesting at first, but it went downhill pretty quickly and left me confused.

~ M

Our Days of Blood and Sunset by aldiara

Our Days of Blood and Sunset by aldiara

Now that Agron has returned to his arms, Nasir must deal with his conflicting feelings. He's ecstatic that his heart has escaped death, but also angry that the man turned from him and took away his choices.

This is quite an emotional read, but I like the fact that it fills in the gaps between Agron's return and the final battle. Seeing Nasir finally express his feelings, not only about Agron leaving, but also the accusations of betrayal with Castus, was awesome! Definitely recommended for all Nagron fans!

~ M

New Release: The One That I Want & Hopelessly Devoted by R.J. Jones

Title: The One That I Want; Hopelessly Devoted
Author: RJ Jones
Genre: Gay Romance, Musical
Length: Short Stories
Publisher: Wayward Ink Publishing

Synopsis

Jason escapes into the magic of a Broadway play every weekend. Musicals always have a happy ending and for a few hours he can believe there’s a happy ending waiting for him, too. When the tall drink of water who works on the top floor of Jason’s building, wants to take him on a date, Jason is surprised. After all, Jason is awkward and skinny, and sees himself as a boring accountant, while Paul is tall, dark, and incredibly hot.

Despite Jason’s reservations, Paul and Jason start dating and attending the shows Jason adores. But if Paul likes musicals as much as Jason, why does he always doze off? Is Paul leading a double life? Does he have a wife tucked away somewhere?

Jason knows Paul is hiding something and when the secrets come out, Jason finds his fantasy comes to life, right there on the stage.

Add to Goodreads.

Buy Links

WIP | Amazon US | Amazon AU | Amazon UK | Amazon DE | ARe

Book Review: Such a Dance by Kate McMurray

In the late 1920s, during the height of Prohibition, Eddie Cotton works towards his dream of becoming a Broadway star by performing in a song-and-dance duo with his good friend, Marian. People enjoy his act and the duo manages to bring a lot of money to the club. However, Eddie is harboring a secret that could not only cause him lose him his job if the wrong people found out, but also his life.

Lane Carillo is entrenched in the life and business of the Mob. When he arrived in New York from Chicago, he needed a job and his cousin provided just that. Looking back, it was a blessing and a curse. Not only is he part of the Mob, but he's gay, which is not something celebrated in organized crime, especially when trying to earn the respect of those who work with and for you.

When the two happen to meet by chance, sparks fly, but will they be able to explore their attraction for another or are they doomed to remain in a friends with benefits situation out of fear of being exposed?

I have a great fascination with the Mafia, so an m/m romance mixed with organized crime and set against the backdrop of the roaring twenties in New York City would seem like a win win situation. With this book, it is for the most part. The first 30-40% starts off pretty slow as the author establishes the world she's created and a myriad of characters, all of whom are complex and interesting. The romance between Eddie and Lane is also a slow build. There are moments of action sprinkled within the book, especially when Lane had to deal with "the family" or when Eddie must navigate the close-minded and homophobic producers in entertainment industry.

All in all, Such a Dance is a solid read, but I wish the pacing had been just a little tighter.

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

Buy Links
Kensington Publishing | Amazon

~ M

Untitled (Home) by sulkybbarnes

Untitled (Home) by sulkybbarnes

Connor has just casually moved all of his stuff into Oliver's apartment, completely shocking the kind-hearted man. When he receives an emergency phone call from Annalise and leaves in a whirlwind, Oliver takes a moment to let it all sink in.

*swoon* This has to be one of my favorite parts of the season opener of HTGAWM. I'm sure all of us were shocked when Connor took it upon himself to move into Oliver's apartment as a way of proving his devotion and commitment to their relationship. This short read provides a little insight into how Oliver feels as it finally sinks in that he and Connor are officially a couple. Check it out!

~ M

gif created by kinghernando

I ❤ Yaoi: Good Boys Gone Bad by Iincho

Good morning yaoi lovers! This week's feature is the free doujinshi, Good Boys Gone Bad by Iincho.

Rin and Sousuke have just taken the next step in their relationship, but Rin is now more confused that ever. Will people know just by looking at him? Will his friends and family turn their back on him once they find out? Sousuke is wonderful, but is that enough?

Wow! This is an extremely emotional and heartwarming read. The myriad of emotions Rin experiences while thinking of the current state of his ever-evolving relationship  with his best friend are palpable and tense. His confusion will kind of break your heart, but Sousuke is so patient and confident in his feelings that you will have no doubt that these two can weather the storm together. Highly recommended!

Read Good Boys Gone Bad here.

~ M

Remove Head From Ass (And Other Useful Advice) by aldiara

Remove Head From Ass (And Other Useful Advice) by aldiara

Nasir has become quite skilled with the sword, but Spartacus believes that training in a different weapon might suit him better. What better teacher than...Barca!

I really enjoyed reading this short one-shot which gave fans a glimpse into what life might have been like had Barca and Pietros lived. The banter and teasing between Nasir and Barca is quite humorous, and, of course, Agron is there to get jealous and defend his precious lover. I honestly don't know how Pietros handles the Beast of Carthage. lol If you're in the mood for a pretty lighthearted read, this is the one for you!

~ M

Top Shelf by Right___Meow

Top Shelf by Right___Meow

Best friends and teammates, Haru and Rin, hang out at the local bar, Top Shelf, each week with their other teammates to wind down after a stressful week of classes and training. When the two men encounter bartenders, Makoto and Sousuke, their entire existence is rocked to the core.

It's funny that I discovered this story while searching for Reigisa fanfiction, but I'm so glad I did! This is a gorgeous story about four men who are not only finding themselves and where they belong in life, but they're also discovering just how nerve-wracking and awkward it can be to have a crush and fall in love. I devoured each chapter over the course of a couple days and now I can't wait to read more! Right___Meow keeps the characters very true to character and writes them exquisitely. For example, Makoto has to be the most perfect person to ever walk the earth, but he certainly isn't one-dimensional. There's a complexity to him that makes him that much more interesting. I can't say enough good things about this incredible story! Definitely check it out!

~ M

artwork credit (makoharu): Official Free! Eternal Summer artwork
artwork credit (sourin): 2y

It Was Fate I Met You Now by Kairat11

It Was Fate I Met You Now by Kairat11

While visiting with his best friend in her quaint bookshop, Nasir sees Agron for the first time. Little does he know that Agron is the man Naevia tried to set him up with years prior, but due to his busy work schedule it never worked out. Nasir is absolutely enamored with the beautiful man, but Agron harbors a painful and tragic past that changed him forever. Will Nasir be able to break down Agron's walls and show him how truly beautiful and worthy he is?

When I first read the summary for this story, I was immediately interested. Hurt/comfort Nagron stories are a weakness and this one did not disappoint. There is plenty of angst, but also a ray of hope that will warm your heart after it's been shattered by the revelation of Agron's sad past with his ex. Definitely give this beautiful story a try! Highly recommended.

~ M

New Release: The One That I Want by R.J. Jones

Synopsis

Jason escapes into the magic of a Broadway play every weekend. Musicals always have a happy ending and for a few hours he can believe there’s a happy ending waiting for him, too. When the tall drink of water who works on the top floor of Jason’s building, wants to take him on a date, Jason is surprised. After all, Jason is awkward and skinny, and sees himself as a boring accountant, while Paul is tall, dark, and incredibly hot.

Despite Jason’s reservations, Paul and Jason start dating and attending the shows Jason adores. But if Paul likes musicals as much as Jason, why does he always doze off? Is Paul leading a double life? Does he have a wife tucked away somewhere?

Jason knows Paul is hiding something and when the secrets come out, Jason finds his fantasy comes to life, right there on the stage.

Add to Goodreads

Buy Links

WIP | Amazon US | Amazon AU | Amazon UK | Amazon DE | ARe

Guilt by Friskies12

Guilt by Friskies12

Oliver has just revealed how he contracted HIV when Connor asks him to. However, he did not think hearing the words come out of Oliver's mouth would be so incredibly painful. How can he ever forgive himself for doing this to the one person who means the most?


Wow! Not only was this a heartrending scene in episode two, but reading this story brought back all those heartbreaking feelings. Friskies12 does a good job of filling in the gaps that we missed during the episode and leaves readers with a sense of calm and hope. Check it out!

~ M

gifs created by moonchild30

I ❤ Yaoi: Himitsu Tsuushin by 007

Hello yaoi lovers! This week's feature is the Free! doujinshi, Himitsu Tsuushin by 007.

Long distance relationships are difficult, but with the help of technology, Rei and Makoto keep their relationship surprising and exciting.

This isn't one of the typical Free! ships, but I really liked this story! I'm an equal opportunity shipper, so pretty much any pairing from Free! is great in my opinion. The pairing of sweet, caring and motherly Makoto with the straight laced, mild mannered, and endearing Rei is really sweet to see. The artwork is also superb and very close to drawing style seen in the anime.

Even if the Rei/Makoto pairing isn't exactly your cup of tea, I highly recommend this dj! It's has a great mix of humor, heat and fluff!

Read Himitsu Tsuushin here.

~ M

You Are The Gift I Want by Kairat11

You Are The Gift I Want by Kairat11

After being together for over three years, Nasir reminisces about his relationship with Agron as he prepares to take one of the biggest steps of their relationship.

This is one of the prettiest, fluffiest, most feel-good Nagron stories I've ever read. Your heart will warm and you may even shed a tear. It's a pretty quick read, so I don't want to give away more than I already have, but You Are The Gift I Want is highly recommended! It's one of the best!

~ M

Cover Reveal: The One That I Want by R.J. Jones

Synopsis
Jason escapes into the magic of a Broadway play every weekend. Musicals always have a happy ending and for a few hours he can believe there’s a happy ending waiting for him, too. When the tall drink of water who works on the top floor of Jason’s building, wants to take him on a date, Jason is surprised. After all, Jason is awkward and skinny, and sees himself as a boring accountant, while Paul is tall, dark, and incredibly hot.

Despite Jason’s reservations, Paul and Jason start dating and attending the shows Jason adores. But if Paul likes musicals as much as Jason, why does he always doze off? Is Paul leading a double life? Does he have a wife tucked away somewhere?

Jason knows Paul is hiding something and when the secrets come out, Jason finds his fantasy comes to life, right there on the stage.

Pre-order Links
Wayward Ink Publishing | All Romance eBooks
Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon AU | Amazon DE