I ❤️ Yaoi: Kekkon Shitara Dou Naru!? by kyuukyuubako (Free! Doujinshi)

Hello yaoi lovers! Today's selection is the Free! doujinshi,  Kekkon Shitara Dou Naru!? by kyuukyuubako.

Makoto and Haru have just returned from their honeymoon and decide to have a nice, relaxing day at home. Throughout the day, Haru makes some discoveries about his relationship and the man he loves.

*swoon* This is pure fluff and I loved every second! I have no doubt there will be moments during this dj that will truly warm your heart and bring a smile to your face. The artwork is quite nice and there is a good balance between smut and sweet romance. 😉

Check it out!

Read Kekkon Shitara Dou Naru!? here.

~ M

artwork credit: kyuukyuubako

Chosen by His Hands by SubtextEquals

Chosen by His Hands by SubtextEquals

A person's soulmate is always determined by a mark that appears on the wrist. Even though this process is pretty common, there are people who never receive a mark and are free to be whomever they want; they can choose their own fates. Nasir never had a mark, and it never really bothered him until meets a tall German gladiator and finds himself wishing that special mark would find its way to his wrist.

I really enjoyed this story! SubtextEquals stays true to the canonical Spartacus storyline, but adds the soulmate trope as a twist. If you're in the mood for a quick read that is fluffy and heartwarming, this is the story for you!

~ M

picture credit: Starz, Inc.

Book Review: Crushed (Foster Puppies #1) by A.R. Steel

When fashion blogger Tynan comes across a frightened and hungry stray dog under his car, he's at a loss of what to do. He makes several calls and finds an animal rescue who will help coax the poor thing out. As the animal rescue employee, Harley, works his magic, Tynan can't help but find him attractive and admire his love and care for animals. Thus begins the start of finding love, one's self worth and confidence.

As an animal lover, I could definitely relate to both Tynan and Harley. Their story is somewhat of a slow build, but once it gets going, things move pretty fast. Some of the angst is laid on pretty thick, particularly concerning a four-legged friend, but I could empathize having been in their shoes before. All in all, this is a sweet read that will make you smile, laugh and possibly shed a tear or two. I look forward to reading future books in the series.

 
I received a copy of this book from the author and voluntarily provided my honest review.

Buy Links
Amazon

~ M

The Art of Exaggeration by letters_of_stars

The Art of Exaggeration by letters_of_stars

Nagisa finally found the courage to confess to Rei, only to have him completely ignore his confession and tell him to do his homework. What just happened here?

This is a really fun and silly look at Nagisa and Rei as they figure out their relationship. There is a little angst, but the rest of the story is filled with humorous and cute moments. I'm sure you'll chuckle at Rei cluelessness and marvel at Nagisa's unending determination and love. Give this sweet story a try!

~ M

photo credit: Kyoto Animation

I ❤️ Yaoi: Sick by Kurahashi Tomo

Good morning, yaoi lovers! This week's feature is Sick by Kurahashi Tomo!

He's good-looking, he's suave and he comes from a rich family. Everything is all smooth-sailing in Sudou's life. Not to mention, he doesn't have a girl tying him down.

He's got drama-free friends and basically a blossoming campus life. That's how it was supposed to be. However, the highlight of his day is always teasing socially crippled Kishi, who shares the same seminar as him.

"What in the world am I doing!?"

This was a sweet story! Kishi is absolutely adorable and I loved the relationship he had with his siblings. This manga has a nice mix of humor, romance and a little angst. Even though Sudou will always be cocky and a bit of a know-it-all, I appreciated his development as a character once he started dating Kishi. The sex scenes became a little repetitive after a while, but thankfully there was an interesting storyline to back it up. All in all, this is a solid effort and a nice read on a Saturday afternoon.

~ M

Blog Tour: Stepping Out (Cozzi Cove #3) by Joe Cosentino

Title:  Cozzi Cove: Stepping Out

Series: Cozzi Cove book 3

Author: Joe Cosentino

Publisher: NineStar Press

Release Date: January 23rd

Heat Level: 3 - Some Sex

Pairing: Male/Male

Length: 62600

Genre: Romance, contemporary, vacation resort, New Jersey, beach/shore, transgender, religion, Bhuddist, bartenders, doctors, college, humorous, weddings, off-page non-con

Add to Goodreads

Synopsis

It’s time for another summer of sun, sand, suntan lotion, sandals, and Speedos on Cozzi Cove at the New Jersey Shore. Cal Cozzi’s seven bungalows are once again open for love. This summer, sexy Cal welcomes back his brother and sister, who are confronted with people from their pasts. Connor, the maid packed with muscle and mayhem, becomes the subject of a handsome young psychologist’s study on human sexuality. Tommy, the strapping, bald and tattooed local bartender, is captivated with guest Cory Magnum, a police officer with a secret. Another guest, Bill, a disbelieving pastor, is inspired by a vision of two sexy male angels on the cove. And Cal and Michael reach a plateau in their relationship. What secrets, humor, tragedies, mysteries, and passions lie waiting to unfold in this magical place called Cozzi Cove?

Purchase

NineStar Press | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Smashwords

Book Review: Cabin Love by Hayden Hunt

I've given up on love.

Well, there it is, another failed relationship. And right before Christmas time, too. After breaking up with my boyfriend, the only thing I want to do is get out of town and have some time to myself. Thankfully, my best friend Jake has a cabin that I can go to for the weekend.

Except that Jake forgot that the cabin already has been booked for the weekend. So I'm pretty surprised when I go up there and find Chris relaxing in the cabin. And I drove four hours to get here! Thankfully, Chris is nice enough to let me stay the night so I don't have to drive home in bad weather.

But when I wake up the next morning and we're completely snowed in, one night together turns into the entire weekend and we get to know each other a lot better than I originally intended. And it doesn't take long for me to realize I'm crushing on him hard.

This isn't the vacation I planned for.

Honestly, I was happy when James came up to the cabin unexpectedly. I'd been having a pretty boring vacation and somebody else around definitely kept things more interesting.

Of course, I wasn't expecting us to get snowed in together. But if you have to be locked in a cabin with another person, this is the guy to do with it. He's smart, funny, warm, and very cute. He seems a little hesitant to admit he likes me too, but that won't stop me from pursuing something with him.

I have the feeling that this is the start to something more. I know it's soon, but he really seems like the guy for me.

This wasn't the best read for me and I didn't feel there was much depth to this short story. I wasn't connected to the characters, and what I did know about them dissuaded me from wanting to know them further. Much of the book is spent in the main characters' heads as they come to terms with their feelings for one another. They do talk, but readers are in the MCs' heads so much that when they finally sit down to communicate, I just didn't care anymore. The antagonists (James' ex and James' parents) came off as horribly despicable caricatures whose only purpose was to show just how terrible James' life is. Unfortunately, editing issues plagued the book and served as a huge distraction.

Overall, this was an okay story, but certainly not a favorite from this author.

I received a copy of this book from the author and voluntarily provided my honest review.

Buy Link
Amazon

~ M

So...did you miss me? by Bisexualtrashlord

So...did you miss me? by Bisexualtrashlord

Connor has been studying abroad for four months and he's finally coming home to Oliver.

This has to be one of the most adorable Coliver stories I've read in a while! It's pure fluff and is much needed given the current state of their relationship on the show. If you're in the mood for smile-inducing sweetness, this is the story for you!

~ M

I ❤️ Yaoi: Juicy Live on Mermaid by Mew & Siren (Free! Doujinshi)

Good morning, yaoi lovers! This week's selection is the Free! doujinshi, Juicy Live on Mermaid by Mew & Siren.

Haru is a very jealous person who only has room for mackerel and Makoto. Makoto doesn't quite feel the same about mackerel, but definitely does about Haru.

This is a quick and silly read in which Haru becomes jealous and shows Makoto just how much he adores him. The artwork is really cute and there is also an appearance by Rei and Nagisa for the Reigisa fans. If you're in the mood for a quick chuckle, this is the doujinshi for you.

Read Juicy Live on Mermaid here.

~ M

Dad by Utsukushin

Dad by Utsukushin

Not having his parents around for a good portion of his adolescence has been weighing heavily on Haru's mind as of late. He soon finds himself at the Tachibana house even though he knows his best friend isn't home. It's Mr. Tachibana who offers fatherly advice and helps Haru through his feelings of resentment, pain and abandonment.

Even though this isn't a typical MakoHaru offering, I wanted to recommend it because it's such a beautiful short story. Haru is really feeling low and Mr. Tachibana, in all of his fatherly kindness and wisdom, shows Haru a different way of thinking. I am positive that this one shot will warm your heart. Definitely give it a try!

~ M

 

image: Kyoto Animation

Book Review: Disarming Donner (North Pole City Takes #5) by Charlie Cochet

As one of Mayor Kringle's Rein Dear, Donner prides himself on being loyal, level-headed and kind. When his best friend's brother, Calder, comes to North Pole City, everyone is aghast. Calder is a dark elf, capable of raining death and destruction to the entire city. However, Calder is different. He wants to use his power for good and prove that not all Dockalfars are bad. Calder hopes that even though he's not a typical Christmas elf, that he can catch the eye of Donner. It's going to be a long road, but definitely worth it!

It's no secret that I love the North Pole City Tales series. I've been reading it for four years now, and I eagerly await a new book every Christmas. Disarming Donner does not disappoint. The underlying issue of people being afraid and distrustful of Calder really lends itself to things that are happening in society today when it comes to racism, xenophobia, homophobia, etc. Because of these preconceived notions, not only the townspeople, but Donner, the Rein Dear and Jack Frost himself do not treat Calder well. Donner is quite snarky, but that's because he's secretly attracted to Calder and doesn't want to admit to himself.

This book manages to be filled with humor, suspense and romance in its scant 68 pages and I highly recommend it. It's not completely necessary, but I recommend at least reading book four, Loving Blitz, before starting this one. It will help you understand some of the characters much better.

4.5 stars

North Pole City Tales Series
Mending Noel
The Heart of Frost
Vixen's Valor
Loving Blitz

Buy Links
Dreamspinner Press | Amazon

~ M

Promises, Promises by thoughtless_dreamer

Promises, Promises by thoughtless_dreamer

Haru has been Makoto's biggest confidant for longer than he can actually remember, and vice versa. He holds complete trust in him and he would never question his best friend's, his boyfriend's, loyalty. So why is it so hard for him to handle Haru spending the weekend with Rin? He has no idea. Well, actually, no. No. That's not true.

This is a sweet and fluffy piece that will make your heart smile! Makoto's insecurities about Haru's relationship with Rin resurface when Haru spends the weekend with him. He feels he can't compete with Rin and that he may not be the best choice for Haru, whom he loves dearly. It'll take a lot of time and patience, but Haru is determined to make Makoto see that he's the only person for him. Check it out!

~ M

artwork credit: lanimalu

I ❤️ Yaoi: Itadakimasu, Gochisou-sama by Kurahashi Tomo

Greetings yaoi lovers! This week's feature is Itadakimasu, Gochisou-sama by Kurahashi Tomo!

While spending Christmas without a boyfriend, an angel-faced boy grabs my hands and says “An angel!” to a single 31-year-old like me. Could this be a present from Santa?

Hiroto, a cook, picks up a 19-year-old ikemen, Haru, from the streets and allows him to stay with his other housemates.

I loved everything about this manga! The storyline is so sweet and the artwork is beautiful. The added bonus of Hiroto being a cook and seeing all of his delicious creations made me yearn to be Haru's place so I could taste everything! I liked the slow build that occurred between Hiroto and Haru because readers really had the chance to see them get to know each other before things turned romantic.

Not only are readers treated to an interesting plot between Hiroto and Haru, but their housemates, Kouta and Riku, are just as adorable and have a touching backstory. If you're in the mood for heartwarming fluff, this is the perfect manga for you!

~ M

The Great Spartacus Bake Off by SubtextEquals

The Great Spartacus Bake Off by SubtextEquals

Spartacus enters his friends into a tv baking competition and antics ensue.

If you're in the mood for a quick, silly read, this is the perfect story for you. Spartacus enters his friends Agron, Nasir, Duro and Varro into a televised baking competition (a la The Great British Bake Off) with some questionable results. I don't want to reveal too much of the story, so you'll just have to check it out for yourself!

~ M

picture edit: figbash

Blog Tour: Alpha Delta by RJ Scott

Now Available on Kindle Unlimited

This book was previously published with All Romance Publishing. There are no additions to the original story, just a change of cover art but due to the demise of All Romance, if you have already purchased this title and require a copy, please email Rachel (rjscott.team@gmail.com) with proof of purchase and she will send you a replacement.

Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK 

Summary

Officer Finn Hallan has never run from a fight. With Niall’s life and love at stake, he’s not about to start now…

Finn Hallan is a member of the elite Norwegian Emergency Response Unit, code name Delta. When the team is sent to respond to a hostage situation on a Oil Platform in the Norwegian Sea, he has to face demons he thought he had buried a long time ago.

Scottish engineer Niall Faulkner’s skills in oil platform decommissioning takes him to the Forseti platform at the worst possible time. When he’s captured by terrorists, his only thought is that he will never get to tell his lover how he really feels.

Can Finn keep Niall alive? Or will they both die at the hands of hijackers in the frigid waters of the Norwegian sea?

Book Review: Strange Mercy by Francis Gideon

When doctoral student, Bryan, decides to surprise his family for a Christmas visit, the reaction is bittersweet. His family is very happy to see him, but also don't have enough room in the house due to his sisters' families also visiting. Bryan is relegated to a hotel, which dampens his mood considerably. He decides to visit one of his old haunts and meets, Jordan. The two men hit it off immediately and Bryan soon realizes that his trip home might not be so bad after all.

I thought this  story was just okay. The writing is fine and I liked the characters, but nothing wowed me about them. My heart went out to Bryan, especially when he was hurt by his parents telling him he'd have to stay in a hotel. Don't get me wrong, his parents weren't horrible people, they were just placed in a precarious position and tried to come up with the best solution possible.

Unfortunately, I did not feel much chemistry between Bryan and Jordan. They seemed more like good buddies than a budding couple. I also felt like Bryan's sisters were kind of thrown into the story; one was the happy-go-lucky supportive sister, while the other was the uptight ultra conservative type. I would have much rather read more about Jordan's background than the drama created amongst family members.

All in all, this is a nice holiday read.

Buy Links
Less Than Three Press | Amazon

I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via Netgalley, and voluntarily provided my
honest review.

~ M

The Ali Forney Center

Learn more The Ali Forney Center here.

Rapture by glitterbb

Rapture by glitterbb

After experiencing a painful break up, Oliver just wants to forget about things for a while. His self esteem is at an all-time low, but he still has the desire for companionship and feeling wanted. Going against his best judgement, he arranges for an escort for one night. However, will one night with gorgeous Connor be enough?

Even though I've read this trope in other fandoms, I'm actually looking forward to seeing how this will play out for Coliver. We all know Connor loves sex, but how will he deal with potentially falling in love with a client; someone he's supposed to keep at a distance? It's just sex, right? I can't wait to see what happens next!

~ M

I ❤️ Yaoi: Tonari no Haru Onii-chan by Kashima Chiaki (Free! Doujinshi)

Good morning yaoi lovers and happy new year! The first yaoi recommendation of 2017 is Tonari no Haru Onii-chan by Kashima Chiaki.

Makoto looks up to his childhood friend, Haru, is many ways. He's three years older,an incredible swimmer and just all around cool. As Makoto grows, Haru helps him through the hiccups of adolescence.

This is a really cute read. The slight diversion from canon breathes new life into the story, and Makoto is absolutely adorable! I have no doubt you'll fall in love with him all over again. Haru is perfect mentor (of sorts 😉) and you can tell he really cares about Makoto. Check it out!

Read Tonari no Haru Onii-chan here.

~ M