I'm Someone Who Loves You by SubtextEquals

I'm Someone Who Loves You by SubtextEquals

It's Nasir's freshman year in college and while trying to acclimate himself to college classes and college life, he encounters the insufferable Agron, who snores in class and (accidentally) breaks Nasir's nose while playing soccer. As their friendship slowly develops into something more, jealousy, insecurity and misunderstandings threaten to tear them apart for good.

Oh my goodness, I was blown away when I read this story! I couldn't put it down and completed it in one sitting. SubtextEquals has taken my favorite modern au trope, college life, and created a complex story filled with characters that have depth and complexity. The relationship between Nasir and Agron, as always, is lovely to watch, but the road to happily ever after is filled with many bumps, accusations and ugly words. My emotions were so wrapped up in this story that I didn't want it to end. However, the author hinted that a sequel is a possibility and I absolutely cannot wait. If you read only a few Nagron stories this week, make sure this is one of them. You will not be disappointed!

~ M

Book Review: Heart Knot Mine by Lily Velden

Noah Daniels' life lacks color, passion and excitement. He's very successful in his career, has a great relationship with his brother, sister-in-law and nephews, but no matter how hard he tries, he just can't seem to find that special person. When Noah decides to participate in a teacher exchange program, his life is completely changed and the world as he knows it will never be the same.

Already a fan of Lily Velden's, I was anxious to read her latest work, and I was not disappointed! The relationship between Noah and his British counterpart, Robert Callinan, is not only sweet and extremely hot, but also very believable. Noah is the type of guy that you can't help but like; he's sweet, responsible and has a good head on his shoulders. Robert is the quintessential British man that could easily make an American like me swoon at the drop of a hat.

I enjoyed the fact that Noah's sexual self-discovery was gradual and didn't turn into the gay for you (gfy) trope. There's nothing wrong with gfy, but I appreciated that Noah took steps to try to feel out his new desires before even trying to start anything with Robert. Robert, on the other hand, is out, proud and oozes sensuality and confidence. He's no where near perfect, but the journey that he and Noah embark upon definitely brought a smile to my face.

I'm hoping there is a sequel because I would love to read more about Noah's fractured relationship with his family and how he deals with it going forward. All in all, this a great read that I really liked!

Buy Heart Knot Mine here and here.

~ M

It's Not Goodbye by Fatebegins

It's Not Goodbye by Fatebegins

Agron always returns relatively unharmed from battle. As he prepares to once again fight for the rebels' cause, he promises that this time will be no different. Nasir, on the other hand, has good reason to worry. Not only does he want the love of his life to return safely to his arms, but his soon-to-be-born child needs to grow up with both fathers. When tragedy strikes, Nasir must remain strong for his newborn son as Agron fights for his life.

Short and sweet, this story packs and emotional punch. Your heart will break as you watch Nasir struggle with the fact that Agron may be lost to him forever. That's all I'm going to say concerning the plot, so you should definitely check out this lovely story that portrays sorrow, pain, regret and hope so beautifully. It is m-preg, but it's not squicky, weird or in your face. I know there are some out there that don't particularly care for this trope, but Fatebegins includes it subtly, mainly as a plot device for showing the even greater importance of Agron's safe return from battle.

Enjoy!

~ M

Freedom is What You Do With What's Been Done to You by aislingdoheanta

Freedom is What You Do With What's Been Done to You by aislingdoheanta

After success as a gladiator, Agron is sold to Julius Caesar and charged with being his bodyguard. Life basically means nothing to Agron after the death of his brother in the arena, so he keeps quiet and focuses on his tasks. However, when another slave, Nasir, tries to break down his walls, Agron soon finds himself falling under his spell. They live a life without free will and choice, but Agron dreams of a day when he and his love can live a life of free of Roman demands and servitude.

This story is beyond good. I practically read all 10 chapters in one sitting and I don't regret one moment! aislingdoheanta has created an alternate universe in which readers see how the lives of Agron and Nasir are quite different without the influence and encouragement of Spartacus. The love story is 100% swoon-worthy and will definitely bring a smile to your face. Give this engrossing story a try, it's emotional, tense and just all around good!

~ M

I ❤ Yaoi: Sekaiichi Hatsukoi by Shungiku Nakamura

Ohayou!

Last year, when I finished reading the various volumes of Junjou Romantica that were out at the time, I moved on to another popular series by mangaka Shungiku Nakamura. This manga series soon became a favorite of mine that I still love to this day. Sekaiichi Hatsukoi (The World's Greatest First Love) tells the story of four couples who try to deal with their hectic work schedules at Marukawa Publishing and falling in love. Each couple has its own special inner workings and complicated backstories that I immediately became engrossed in.

Even though each couple is enjoyable, I can't help but have favorites. Onodera Ritsu, new shojo manga editor, and Takano Masamune, his editor-in-chief, brought a smile to my face as they continuously find themselves pushing and pulling each other in an effort to either gain affections or thwart them. They dated 10 years prior in high school, but a misunderstanding tore them apart. Once reunited, Takano is determined to make Onodera admit his feelings for him, come hell or high water.

A Beastly Tale by DreamingPoet1988

A Beastly Tale by DreamingPoet1988

Anthony Edward Masen has it all. He's popular in school, is the son of a wealthy businessman and can manipulate just about anyone with his killer good looks. He and his friends take it upon themselves to ridicule and bully anyone who doesn't meet their standards of wealth and beauty. Jasper is particularly plagued by Anthony and his cronies. All he wants to do it get through each day with little to no pain. One day Anthony's behavior catches up with him when a witch curses him, making his outward appearance just as ugly as his insides. Will he learn his lesson before it's too late, and will be Jasper, even after all the pain he's been caused, be the one to help him?

This is the classic Beauty and the Beast story with a Twilight twist. Anthony (later referred to as Edward) is absolutely reprehensible when we first meet him. He finds enjoyment in others' misery, especially Jasper's and anyone who doesn't fit his warped perception of perfection. I couldn't help but cheer a little when Edward is cursed, but seeing his transformation, both physically and emotionally, over time was quite touching. Jasper, on the other hand, must not only deal with the jerks at school, but also an alcoholic father and a "disease" he must kept hidden each night.

I was amazed how DreamingPoet1988 managed to make me sympathize with such a hateful character like Edward, almost to the point where I had a lump in my throat a few times due to the emotionally-charged scenes. This is one of those stories that will take you on an emotional roller coaster ride, but it's oh so entertaining and worth it!

~ M

Black Ink Swirls by kateyes085

Black Ink Swirls by katyeyes085

For years Nasir has harbored a crush on his older brother's best friend, Agron. He knows the incredible strong and sexy man would never see him as more than Ashur's baby brother, especially after the parade of women du jour coming in and out of Agron's life. Little does Nasir know that his crush is suppressing feelings of his own.

I've always found this trope incredibly sweet. It's second only to my beloved college fics. Your heart will melt as you watch Nasir secretly pine for the older and more experienced Agron, but what I think will really catch your attention is the love that Agron has for his "little man". Definitely give this story a try! It's sweet, fluffy and a little angsty, but also really good. kateyes085 could use a good beta to help clean up various typos, but don't let that deter you from the lovely story she has shared with us.

Also be sure to check out Black Ink Swirl's  sequel, Only Mine, which chronicles Agron and Nasir's developing relationship. I'm sure you'll enjoy it just as much!

A moment from Only Mine... lol

~ M