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

Book Review: The Music of Love by Diana Sheridan

Chance has been studying piano under Daniel's tutelage since his mid-teens. He's recently graduated from high school and is about to embark an adventure studying at Julliard in New York City. Daniel is extremely happy for his student, but there is one thing that has been plaguing his thoughts for a while now. He is in love with Chance.

I wish I could say I really enjoyed this short story, but unfortunately I cannot. After reading the book's synopsis and falling in love with the gorgeous cover, I thought this would be an interesting look at how two men, who were formerly teacher and student, can move past all of the obstacles in their way and possibly fall in love. That is not what happened at all.

Throughout most of the book Daniel laments about how in love he is with Chance and the fact that he's 17 years older. It's brought up constantly.

"Would Chance want to be with someone 17 years older?"
"How could Chance deal with being with a man 17 years older than himself?"
"I'm so much older than Chance..."
"Does Chance even like men?"

I Don't Do Families by queenbea

I Don't Do Families by queenbea

It's no secret that Connor does not do boyfriends. However, after a little good-intentioned finagling, Oliver convinces him to attend a family function as his plus one, but only as  friends.

This story will really tug at your heartstrings. There were times when I wanted to strangle Connor, but then he'd do something that made it hard to stay mad at him. After the huge steps Connor and Oliver took in the first half of season two, it may seem a little jarring to see them back at this point, but that didn't make the one shot any less enjoyable. Definitely give this quick read a try!

~ M

I ❤ Yaoi: The Tachibana Family's Holiday by nezumi_ya (Free! Doujinshi)

Hello fellow yaoi lovers! This week's yaoi manga pick is the Free! doujinshi, The Tachibana Family's Holiday by nezumi_ya.

The MakoHaru family is surprised one day with a special delivery package sent by Makoto’s mother. It’s a big box full of cute clothes that used to belong to Ren and Ran but have now gone unused. The clothes will make the children look so adorable it will be hard to contain the excitement. But wait- there’s more! Makoto’s mother seized the opportunity to send a special gift for her son and his partner; something that will make them look equally adorable on such wonderful, snowy day.

Oh my goodness! This doujinshi is absolutely adorable!!! I enjoyed every moment reading about this delightful family. Not only is the story heartwarming, but the drawings are wonderful and add to the kawaii feel of the entire doujinshi! Be sure to check out the last story in the series, The Tachibana Family's Daily Life! You can read my review for it here.

Read The Tachibana Family's Holiday here.

~ M

Book Review: Reindeer Games by Kenzie Cade

Wassail is a small town that loves Christmas! There are plenty of activities, decorations and holiday whimsy. Dashing "Dash" von Stride works diligently to make toys and prepare for the big Christmas decorating competition amongst fellow shop owners. For most of the participants, the contest creates friendly competition, but there is always that one person who has to take everything a step too far. Frustrated that his display will fall flat, Dash opens his shop one morning to find a gorgeous sleigh, which would be perfect for his entry in the competition. He doesn't know where it came from or who left it there. However, that sleigh will open up a whole new world of possibilities, discoveries and even love.

Reindeer Games is a sweet Christmas tale which weaves the legend of Santa, his elves and reindeer into a more modern setting. Dash is a likable character who I rooted for, and Nik is mysterious and dashing (no pun intended) in every way. The only problem I had with the story was the lack of chemistry between the main characters. We are told they are destined to be together, but I never felt their connection. They are certainly attracted to one another, but in this type of situation when there is insta-love due to fate and/or being soulmates, I have to really believe their strong bond. Unfortunately, I did not.

All in all, this is a nice, relatively uncomplicated, quick Christmas read.

I received an ARC from the publisher, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

Buy Links
Less Than Three Press | Amazon

~ M