Book Review: Love Lost by Hayden Hunt

Derek and Scott dated in college, but jealousy and insecurity drove them apart. Fast forward several years and the two men find themselves together once again, only this time Derek is training Scott in a new position after he moves back to their hometown. Although engaged, Derek feels stuck. He loves his fiance as a person, but he just doesn't feel any kind of spark or passion with her. He can't help but think back to his relationship with Scott, the one he compares to all others. Will the former lovers be able to move forward and let go of the past or will they be doomed to repeat it?

I had issues with this book. The overall premise is great, but unfortunately the execution did not work for me. The book was littered with typos and grammatical problems, and in the span of 2.5 chapters, the name Britney was spelled three different ways.

In terms of the characters, Scott was very likeable and sweet. I often found myself frustrated with Derek's character, though. He tried to be a good person and in many ways, he was; however, I just can't get past his part in the "big misunderstanding". It only took a fleeting moment for him to regress and it was disheartening to watch. in the aftermath, I felt that Scott was a little too forgiving, but you can't help who you love.

All in all, this story had a lot of potential, but I think it was pushed out a little too fast. The editing issues made it difficult to fully focus on the story, and I ,as a reader, felt I had to suspend belief on certain issues just to move the story along.

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

Buy Link
Amazon

~ M

Meaningless by DatHeetJoella

Meaningless by DatHeetJoella

What would have happened if Makoto hadn't regained consciousness after Haru pulled him out of the ocean?

This story is so great!!! The author gives a different look at what happened after Makoto almost sacrificed himself trying to save Rei during training camp. The emotions DatHeetJoella portrays will leave a lump in your throat as you watch the Iwatobi crew try to come to grips with the accident and its aftermath. For those who may be a little fearful of the direction of this story, please read the warnings. You'll soon find that you have nothing to worry about. ;) Definitely give this powerful story a try! It'll be worth every minute!

~ M

animation credit: Kyoto Animation

I ❤️ Yaoi: Kodomo x Otona no Houteishiki by Mayami

Hello fellow yaoi lovers! This week's selection is Kodomo x Otona no Houteishiki by Mayami! This is more of a shōnen ai story, but it's worth the read!

It's Chiharu's first day of kindergarten and he's very nervous. Fortunately, his teacher, Aiba-sensei, is more than willing to help him through his first day jitters. Chiharu's father, however, doesn't feel Aiba can handle his son, let along a classroom full of children. Aiba makes it his mission to prove Chiharu's father wrong, but ends up inserting himself into the little family.

This is absolutely ADORABLE! I know your heart will melt reading this manga. Not only is the story fluffy, but it also has a few humorous moments as well. The artwork is lovely and I especially enjoyed seeing Chiharu's father in a more casual style of dress and manner. If you're looking for a quick, sweet and drama-free read, this is the only for you!

Read Kodomo x Otona no Houteishiki here.

~ M

What Future Holds by F*ck_The_Gods

What Future Holds by F*ck_The_Gods

After witnessing the birth of a child, Agron begins to think about the possibility of starting a family with Nasir.

This quick one-shot is so heartwarming. You will melt as Agron declares to the love of his life that he wants to raise a family with him. The plot is pretty straight forward, but also extremely sweet and perfect for all Nagron fans!

~ M

photo credit: Startz, Inc.

Book Review: The Weight of It All by N.R. Walker

Henry decides to make some changes in his life after his boyfriend breaks up with him due to his weight gain. At first, he just wanted to make his ex realize what he'd lost, but soon his reasons for the lifestyle change shift when he encounters his personal trainer. Reed shows Henry that anything is possible and that superficiality can affect everyone, no matter how they look.

Overall, this is a sweet story about self-discovery and self-reflection wrapped in humor and romance. I'm sure many have seen this ugly duckling-type of story in other books, movies and TV, but that doesn't make this story any less entertaining. All of the characters are very likeable and I found myself rooting for the main characters.

I have absolutely no complaints about the writing. N.R. Walker has always been superb when it comes to evoking feelings from readers. The only thing that really stood out to me were the numerous conversations the main characters had with their friends. I know some of this is necessary for the sake of exposition, but I felt like the main characters talked to everyone else more than they talked to each other. My other point of contention was the flurry of self-deprecating jokes from Henry. I completely understand that snarky humor is just part of his personality, and it really worked on several occasions, but after a while it became too much. I will say that the jokes were somewhat toned down as the book progressed.

All in all, this is an enjoyable read that I would recommend to any m/m romance fan! Oh, and I am still looking for Henry's citrus tart recipe! Yum!

3.5 stars

Buy Links
Amazon

~ M

Blog Tour: A Face without a Heart by Rick R. Reed

Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK | DSP Publications

Cover: Aaron Anderson

Publisher: DSP Publications

Length: 56,887 words

Blurb

A modern-day and thought-provoking retelling of Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray that esteemed horror magazine Fangoria called it a book that is brutally honest with its reader and doesn't flinch in the areas where Wilde had to look away. A rarity: a really well-done update that's as good as its source material.

A beautiful young man bargains his soul away to remain young and handsome forever, while his holographic portrait mirrors his aging and decay and reflects every sin and each nightmarish step deeper into depravity even cold-blooded murder. Prepare yourself for a compelling tour of the darkest sides of greed, lust, addiction, and violence.

Blog Tour: Soothsayer by Cari Z.

Title:  Soothsayer

Author: Cari Z

Publisher:  NineStar Press

Release Date: January 30

Heat Level: 3 - Some Sex

Pairing: Male/Male

Length: 68,200

Genre: Romance, Action, urban fantasy, magic, magic user, psychic/soothsayer, myth/folklore, mafia, reunited, road trip, spirits, posession

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Synopsis

Cillian Kelly can look into people’s eyes and see their fates. He’s running from a past filled with mistakes, lying low and selling his services on the sly. When he learns that Sören Egilsson, a man who sacrificed himself so Cillian could escape imprisonment two years ago, is somehow still alive, Cillian has to find out how. What he gets is the body of the man he loves possessed by an ancient spirit who draws Cillian into a battle to the death for the right to control Sören’s fate, and the power that comes with it.