You Have a Choice to Make by ChocolateLime

You Have a Choice to Make by ChocolateLime

Alec is at a crossroads. He can carry out his duty and marry a woman he doesn't love or he can call everything off and live the life he was meant to live. A chance encounter with an enigmatic warlock changes Alec's life forever.

I really love this story. Even though it's an AU, it still very much falls in line with events that occurred in the TV show, just with a slight twist. Magnus and Alec never knew each other prior to the wedding. This adds a completely new dimension to the story that I'm sure you'll really enjoy. There are some really cool twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat, and I'm looking forward to the overall outcome. Definitely give this story a try! It'll be worth your while!

~ M

photo credit: Freeform

I ❤️ Yaoi: Sado no Otoko o Otosu Houhou by Yamaomi

Hello yaoi lovers! This week's feature is Sado no Otoko o Otosu Houhou by Yamaomi.

After losing his parents in a tragic car accident, Honma Shuuta, must now look after his three-year-old brother, Fuuta. When tragedy almost strikes again, Homna encounters a handsome, but arrogant man who turns his life upside down.

This is a really cute read! The artwork is adorable and I liked that the story is lighthearted and silly. Honma experiences self-reflection and realizes that he wants to be the best he can be for his little brother, and I found that lovely. Also, Honma's Sado dialect is interestingly portrayed. I look forward to reading more!

Give this manga a try!

Read Sado no Otoko o Otosu Houhou here.

~ M

Dream: A Skins Novel by Garrett Leigh

I can’t sleep…

When unrequited love leaves Dylan Hart sleepless and nursing his wounds, instinct draws him to the one place he's found mindless respite in the past—Lovato’s. It’s a place for every fantasy — for crazy-hot encounters — where a night of insane NSA sex brings relief to Dylan’s fragile feelings.

It should be a perfect escape, and for one magical night it seems that way, but then worlds collide, and reality bites when his hookup desperately needs a friend. Surely Dylan can’t trust his instincts when friendship has bruised his heart so badly before?

It’s burying me alive…

The deck is stacked against former ballet dancer Angelo Giordano ever finding real love. At least visiting Lovato’s offers respite from a life defined by illness; a glimmer of light in the dull grey of his so-called life without dance. But then he encounters Dylan — a glorious ray of the brightest sunshine — who makes his heart pound once more with purpose.

Angelo’s mind is blown by this man, but the disease that ended his career won’t let him bask in new love. He’s drowning, and Dylan can’t save him while insecurities swamp them both. The only way to make it means confronting their demons.

If Dylan can turn his back on the past, and Angelo can face his uncertain future, maybe they can chase their dreams together.

This was a really interesting read. It is hot, there's no doubt about it. The first chapter alone will have you reaching for a bucket of ice. However, it's the deeper issues that really captured my attention. I liked the way that chronic illness was portrayed very realistically. You feel sympathy for the character, but at the same time, he doesn't come off as a cliché. If you're in the mood for a captivating and steamy story with a lot of heart, Dream is the one for you!

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

Buy Link
Amazon

~ M

Even If I Yell by Yram_78

Even If I Yell by Yram_78

After an argument with Magnus, Alec wonders if their relationship hangs in the balance. He's been through this before and is more scared than ever. He can't lose Magnus; not again.

While I adore soft, fluffy Malec fics, I also enjoy an angsty piece every now and then. Even If I Yell is a great example. The emotions experienced by Alec and Magnus are palpable, and I was instantly immersed in the story. It's a quick read, but you'll be engrossed throughout.

~ M

photo credit: Freeform

Stay With Me by Kira Hawke

Logan Woods just survived an attempted murder. Maybe. Left for dead in the sketchiest part of town, Logan has no idea how much time he has left. But through this disaster forms an unlikely friendship that might be worth living for.

This is a VERY quick read; however, Kira Hawke manages to portray such strong feelings that I immediately felt emotionally invested in the main character. I'm afraid to say more because I don't want to give anything away. Just know that this short story will probably stay with you for a little while. Like so many others, I wish that Stay with Me was longer and that I could have gotten to know the main character better, but it was nice to know him for a little while.

Buy Link (FREE READ)
Smashwords | Amazon

~ M

Without Flinching by fanatic_weirdo

Without Flinching by fanatic_weirdo

While on a mission, Rafael makes a mistake that gravely injures Alec. Will he ever be able to live with himself is Alec doesn't make it? And how will he ever face his Papa and little brother, Max?

This was an excellent read! It's filled to the brim with emotion and tension, and it will leave you on the edge of your seat. I have a soft spot for Lightwood-Bane family fics and this one is definitely worth the read!

~ M

artwork credit: martastab.tumblr.com

Book Review: Remember When by Harper Logan

When Cuke awakes in the hospital, a piece of him is gone. Three years have disappeared from his mind, and he’s doesn’t even recognize his life - or the people in it. And then there's this super hot guy who appears to be his boyfriend...

Bouj will never be able to erase the memory of Cuke's skull cracking against the pavement during a typical game of basketball. He'd do anything to help his roommate piece his life back together, but he runs into an awkward situation when Cuke seems to think Bouj is his boyfriend. He knows he should correct his friend's mistake... and yet, something stops him.

Will Bouj realize that his feelings for Cuke run deeper than heterosexual affection? And even if they find love in each other's arms, will Cuke ever remember how they got to this point?

This was an interesting read. The main characters are quite likable and I easily became invested in their happiness.

Pros:

• The friendship between Cuke and Bouj was lovely and I enjoyed watching their relationship evolve.
• I thought the last few chapters were great! There was angst, but it was balanced with sweet moments.
• A character that is introduced late in the story was probably my favorite part of the entire book.

Cons: 

• The nicknames Cuke and Bouj were distracting and not my cup of tea. Their given names of Jake and Bryan, respectively, were perfectly acceptable and I wish they would have been used more rather than the unconventional nicknames.  
• I'm not a fan of  the "dude bro" mentality of many of the characters. To be fair, this is a story about college guys who love to party and live it up, but it became exhausting after a while.
• The parents. Talk about exhausting!

All in all, this is a pleasant story that should hold your attention. My cons are more about personal tastes, but you may want to take those things into account prior to reading.

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

Buy Link
Amazon

~ M

I ❤️ Yaoi: Gravity by mememery (Free! doujinshi)

Good morning, yaoi lovers! This week's feature is the Free! doujinshi, Gravity by mememery.

Makoto will do anything for Haru. He's like gravity and Makoto will always feel drawn to him, but does Haru feel the same?

This is an interesting story. From the outside it looks rather sweet and innocent in many ways, but once you delve deeper, it has a sinister edge. I have to admit I felt a little uncomfortable at times and I don't know if it was because Makoto's level of affection bordered on obsession or something else entirely. Give this doujinshi a try. The artwork is beautiful and the plot will challenge your perception of Makoto and Haru.

3.5 stars

Read Gravity here.

~ M

Bright Lights, Small Town by Lecrit

Bright Lights, Small Town by Lecrit

After the sudden death of his mother, Magnus must leave the comfort of New York City to handle her estate. The thought of going to the small town in Indiana turns Magnus' stomach, especially since he and his mother hadn't been very close after she moved away. When he arrives, he encounters a motley crew of characters who welcome him with open arms. It's the town vet, however, that causes the biggest reaction. Magnus doesn't know if he wants to punch the guy or kiss him. Will Magnus be able to take care of his late mother's affairs and return to New York, or will the quaint gentility of the town and its inhabitants make him want to stay?

This is an incredibly good story! Lecrit takes all of our favorite Shadowhunters/TMI characters, seamlessly places them in an AU, but keeps them pretty true to canon. The bickering and subtle flirting between Magnus and Alec is hilarious to watch. It's obvious from the start that there's a spark between them, hence the constant arguing, and I often found myself thinking "Just have sex already!" lol If you're looking for a pretty epic love story that will take you through a myriad of emotions, Bright Lights, Small Town is the one for you.

~ M

Beautiful Tragedy by MagicHappenx

Beautiful Tragedy by MagicHappenx

When Magnus come to live with the Lightwoods due to issues at home, the family is incredibly happy to have him. Well, everyone except Alec. Abandonment issues, jealousy and the fact that he believes sweet and kind-hearted Magnus will replace him, causes Alec to act out. No matter what Magnus does, he can't seem to get through to Alec, but when tragedy strikes, both men will realize just how strong, forgiving and resilient both of them can be.

I really enjoyed this story. There were moments when I wanted to scream at Alec for being such an asshole, but I also really enjoyed the family dynamic between Magnus and the other Lightwoods. This is definitely a slow burn, so grab a blanket, some hot cocoa and settle in. 😃 ☕️

If you're in the mood for an engrossing read that's pretty heavy on the angst, but is well-balanced with heartwarming fluff, Beautiful Tragedy is for you!

~ M

photo credit: Bello Magazine/William Callan