A Couple of Kooks Hung Up On Romancing by wordslinging

A Couple of Kooks Hung Up On Romancing by wordslinging

As the Sparty crew prepares for Crixus and Naevia's wedding, tensions run high, but through it all, Nasir and Agron strengthen their bond and look to the future.

I was so happy to discover this story. Unfortunately, it seems like less and less Nagron fics are being written, so finding this fluffy story was a breath of fresh air. There is a little drama, but it's not overwhelming and definitely serves a purpose. Agron and Nasir, as always, melted my heart. Check it out!

~ M

picture edit by crazylady19

Book Review: Written in Stone by David Connor

This book is about Geoffrey, a man in his 50s, who is trying to move on from an unhealthy relationship and the death of his beloved dog. He ponders why he can't move on, even though he knows that his previous relationship was toxic, but still has a small glimmer of hope for the future.

I found this short book to be somewhat slow and difficult to immerse myself in. The writing is good, but the subject matter is so heavy that it was difficult for me to connect with the characters. Much of the story is told in flashbacks, which help readers gain some understanding into what happened in Geoffrey's past, but I often felt that I was pushed a little too deep inside his head.



                                                                              2.5 stars

I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.

Buy links
Less Than Three Press

~ M

Coliver High School!AU by Blink_Blue

Coliver High School!AU by Blink_Blue

Oliver has just awakened NAKED in bed with his best friend! He's having a major freak out because he can't believe this has happened. Not only has he slept with Connor, whom he's known forever, but he also potentially ruined their friendship. What is he going to do?

This is an adorable AU fic that I really enjoyed! It's so nice to see Connor and Oliver in a different setting, away from all of the murder, hacking and law school antics. The Blink_Blue did a great job of showing readers the depth of not only their friendship, but also their feelings for one another. Highly recommended!

~ M

I ❤ Yaoi: Let's Return Together by Kabuto (Free! Doujinshi)

Good morning yaoi lovers! Today's selection is the adorable Free! doujinshi, Let's Return Together by Kabuto.

Love can be a strange thing. Some people fall in love instantly, others after a long while, and then there are special people who spend their entire lives in love with each other. Ever since they were babies, Haruka and Makoto have always been together and through the years, their bond did nothing but strengthen as they taught each other how to become better people and they stood by each other’s sides.

I loved this look at Makoto and Haru's relationship as they grew from infants to teenagers. You will see how Haru always looked out for his friend, protected and occasionally annoyed him. Definitely give this cute slice of life manga a try! You won't be disappointed!

Read Let's Return Together here.

~ M

Book Review: Spencer Cohen (The Spencer Cohen Series #1) by N.R. Walker

Spencer Cohen, an expatriate from Australia, has created a pretty good life for himself in Los Angeles. He has good friends and carved out a niche for himself as a for-hire boyfriend. Clients hire him in order to get their ex-significant others back. He is able to either make the exes realize what they've lost or they decide to walk away for good.

When new client, Andrew Landon, comes into his life, things are a little tense and awkward at first, but as the two men get to know one another, Spencer begins to experience feelings he's never felt before. He wants to remain professional, but it's so difficult when there is a this adorably hot guy right there pretending to be his boyfriend.

I adored this story! As a fan of N.R. Walker's for years, she never fails to create interesting and complex characters that I not only like, but would also want as my own friends. Spencer is the epitome of a lumbersexual. He's is big, (somewhat) burly and bearded. Andrew is a sweet, preppy guy whose self esteem has been battered due to his past. When the two were together, I could actually feel the sparks between them. Their banter was silly and amusing, and their more serious and tender moments were endearing. I highly recommend trying out this book, and I look forward to reading the next two parts of the series!

4.5 stars

~ M

Book Review: The Way You Look Tonight by Jo Tannah

Jamie Abello's dreams of becoming a doctor are nearly ruined when he is abruptly sent away from his home country of the Philippines by his father to start a new life in the United States. His step-mother and half brothers are involved in insurance fraud that could potentially send his father to prison. In an effort to protect his son, Jamie's father urges him to start a new life in Los Angeles where he can begin his residency in pediatrics and stay away from the drama at home. Even though his family life is in turmoil, Jamie somehow manages move forward while in L.A., but things are about to become much more complicated when he is introduced to his hot new boss, Dr. Miles Kwon.

I really enjoyed this short story! It had a great mix of mystery, tension, friendship and romance. The characters are very likable and seem true to life. The only thing that made me uncomfortable was the way that the assistant of Jamie's father, Letty, was described. It bothered me a little that she was essentially characterized as ugly, but was good to keep around because she was intelligent and had a good head on her shoulders. I also found it odd that all of the women who were considered beautiful in this book were blonde and blue-eyed. Then there is Letty, whom Jamie makes sure to tell us is dark-skinned (morena in the Philippines) and large, who is considered unattractive. In the end, after being Jamie's father's right-hand person and confidant, Letty was reduced to being a maid/house mother for Jamie and his housemates.

It took a while to warm up to Dr. Kwon, but I completely understand why. Readers were learning about and getting to know Dr. Kwon right along with Jamie, so finally seeing the real Miles was a treat.

3.5 stars

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

~ M

I Kissed a Dolphin at SeaWorld and it Was Less Confusing by arulal

I Kissed a Dolphin at SeaWorld and it Was Less Confusing by arulal

Haru and Makoto have been friends since before they could remember and have always been extremely close. As they grow into young men, they continue their affectionate touches and glances, but neither of them thinks it odd or out of the ordinary.

This is another sweet MakoHaru story in which poor Makoto is completely oblivious to his best friend's feeling for him. He, no doubt, knows that Haru loves him, but romantically? If you're in the mood for a silly romp, this is the story for you!

~ M

I ❤ Yaoi: Nandaka Ii Nioi by Chiba Ryouko

Hello yaoi lovers! This week's selection is Nandaka Ii Nioi by Chiba Ryouko!

Konishi's colleague Nagumo is a first rate slob, unable to keep himself or his surroundings clean at all, but for some inexplicable reason, the scent of Nagumo's body makes Konishi feel relaxed and safe. Is it just a scent fetish or something deeper?

This is certainly different from what I usually read, but once you get past the whole scent fetish, there is really sweet love story! I enjoyed this quick read and recommend it to those looking for something that's pretty uncomplicated and angst-free.

3.5 stars

 ~ M

Book Review: Status Update (#gaymers 1) by Annabeth Albert

When game designer, Adrian Gottlieb, finds himself stranded at an RV park in Utah after his current boyfriend kicks him out and drives off with all of his money and belongings, a kind geoarcheology professor, Noah Walters, takes him in and agrees to drive him home to Denver. Even though Adrian is instantly attracted to Noah, he also knows better than to dive right in to another potential relationship so soon.

Noah Walters grew up in a strict evangelical household. He attended Christian schools and is well on his way to tenure at a well-known Christian university. He lives a solitary life, his dog his only companion, because he's hiding his true self; a part of him that can never be revealed. Not even to the cute game designer he's driving to Denver.

Overall, this is a sweet book. It took quite a long time for the story to actually get rolling (I was 41% through the book before things finally started to pick up) and there is certainly a slow burn between the main characters. Noah's constant self-loathing and regression of his feelings was a frustrating at times. On one hand, I empathized with Noah because I understand the brainwashing and strong hold a strict Christian upbringing can have on a person; but on the other hand, I just wanted him to stand up for himself. He was a grown man, who could do as he pleased, but he always held himself back because of his career. He was resigned to being stuck in a miserable life just so he could have tenure. That was mind boggling to me.

This is an enjoyable book, but I wish there had been less exposition and set up at the beginning.

3.5 stars

An ARC of this book was provided by the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.

Buy links
Carina Press | Amazon

~ M

Whole Lotta Love by oliverwalsh

Whole Lotta Love by oliverwalsh

Connor and Oliver's relationship is great, so the two men decide to take it to the next level and discuss the possibility of children.

This is such a heartwarming read! Seeing our beloved Coliver prepare for the arrival of a child will absolutely bring a smile to your face. If you're in the mood to curl up with a sweet story that will warm you from the inside out, this is definitely the story for you!

~ M

picture credit: Conrad Ricamora's instagram

I ❤ Yaoi: Embodiment of Love by Otame (Free! Doujinshi)

Greetings fellow yaoi fans! This week's feature is the Free! doujinshi Embodiment of Love by Otame.

Ai is lonely. He misses his senpai, but is afraid to approach him because he feels he doesn't have the right. Rin always looks so happy with his childhood friends from Iwatobi, so why would he want anything to do with his former Samezuka roommate?

Why are stories featuring Ai so heartrending and emotional? I don't mind one bit because they're always good reads! This is a really great read that will pull on your heartstrings and make you fall even deeper in love with kind, sincere and insecure Ai! Give it a try!

Read Embodiment of Love here.

~ M

Blog Tour: Hell to Pay & 21st Century Demon by Asta Idonea

Hell To Pay Synopsis

The contract was destroyed and Tom’s soul saved from Hell.

Or so they thought.

Demon deal-maker, Saul, and his mortal lover, Thomas Ives, find themselves on the run when the other demons take none too kindly to Saul’s bending of the rules. With the denizens of Hell on their heels, Saul and Tom must fight to stay one step ahead, knowing that if they’re caught there’s only one direction they’re headed: down.

When Heaven decides to get involved, Saul’s actions are no longer a mere bureaucratic misdemeanor but the basis of a factional confrontation. And now only one question remains: to whom does Tom’s soul truly belong?

21^st Century Demon Synopsis

It should have been an easy job: a contract signed and a new soul earmarked for Hell. But when suave demon deal-maker Saul chooses nerdy Thomas Ives as his next target, events take an unexpected turn. The lines between business transaction and pleasure blur, and Saul must decide whether he cares more for his professional reputation or the soul he just condemned to eternal damnation.

Pre-order Links

Don’t miss the Amazon Sale – 30% off for pre-orders and for the first 48 hours after release.

WIP | ARe

Book Review: Yes, Chef by Alex Cohen

Diego is the executive chef in a swanky restaurant in the northern midwest. Not only is he an incredible chef, but he also runs a tight ship in his kitchen. When the owner hires his own nephew, Ben, to be the restaurant's new pastry chef, Diego does not want to like him at all. However, Ben is so charming and nice that it's actually pretty difficult to dislike him; and Diego enjoys spending more and more time in his presence. Both men are harboring painful pasts, and those issues could potentially hinder any romantic opportunities presented to them.

I have to say that I was neither wowed nor bored with this novella. It was okay. I loved the cooking aspect of the book, but the actual romance between the main characters fell flat. Diego and Ben also suffered from an extraordinary (and annoying) case of not being able to communicate. This is standard in many books, but these two just refused to utter even a single word that could have made their lives better.

All in all, it was a nice book, but not all that memorable.

An ARC of this book was provided by the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.

Buy Links
Less Than Three Press | Amazon

~ M

Not Mine by OhMyNanase

Not Mine by OhMyNanase

Makoto would do absolutely anything for Haru. He loves him with all his heart, mind and soul, and wishes he could express his feelings to him. However, there's an obstacle in the way; Haru has been in a relationship with Rin for years, but there is trouble in paradise. Every time Rin and Haru have an argument, Haru seeks solace and comfort in Makoto. He wishes things could be different and that he didn't hurt each time Haru returned to Rin, but he could never turn his back on the man he loves.

Wow! This story is so beautiful! Your heart will break for Makoto, Haru and Rin as you witness their trials and tribulations, but the story isn't all angst. There are some really cute and humorous moments as well. Give this story a try!

~ M

artwork credit: strawberry4750

I ❤ Yaoi: Otona-chan by Umiyuki Lily

Greetings, yaoi lovers! This week's feature is Otona-chan by Umiyuki Lily.

In this story, Hiroto is well-liked by people in his school, but is always view as childish, which he hates. When a new student teacher arrives, Hiroto sees that being an adult is very cool and feels even more compelled to grow and mature. His best friend, Masaki, reluctantly agrees to help Hiroto when he expresses a romantic interest in the new teacher. However, he harbors feelings for his adorable friend. If only Hiroto would notice him.

Aww! What a sweet read! I really enjoyed the interactions and strong bond between Hiroto and Masaki and look forward to seeing how everything turns out between them! I'm rooting for Masaki, but the new teacher is pretty handsome as well! lol

4.5 stars

~ M

Be Together (Spartacus Nagron Fanvid) by figbash

Be Together (Spartacus Nagron Fanvid) by figbash

This is a lovely Nagron fanvid created by figbash. I always enjoy reading her headcanons for our favorite Sparty couple and the song she used for the video perfectly matches the Nagron storyline. This is guaranteed to make you swoon! Check it out!

~ M