[Manga TBBR Review] The Antique Bakery v.1

Antique Bakery v.1

(Antique Bakery, #1)

Fumi Yoshinaga

What rating would you give it?
4 of 5 Stars

Give us a summary.

(Taken from Goodreads)
Ono has come a long way since the agonizing day in high school when he confessed his love to handsome Tachibana. Now, some 14 years later Ono, a world-class pastry chef and outed playboy has it all. No man can resist Ono’s charms (or his cooking skills!) but he has just found a new position under a man named Tachibana. Can this be the only man who resisted his charms, and if so, will the man who once snubbed the “magically gay” Ono get his just desserts? And how in the heck did a former middleweight boxing champion wind up as Ono’s cake boy?

What did you think of the book?

First off – I’d like to mention that this is a RE-READ. I originally read this book back when it first came out in the US in 2005 (and the rest of the series thereafter). I think having seen the anime – which did a fabulous job capturing the nature of the manga – really helped with this secondary read-through. I followed the story better this time, laughed at their antics and the idea of someone being “magically gay” (such people do exist, ya know! I’ve met a couple of ’em xD), and even picked up some things I didn’t catch the first time (which are later revealed in the following books or focused on in the anime).

It’s a light, fluffy, entertaining story with surprisingly deep characters (as will be revealed later on as the series progresses). I think the major reason I originally picked up volume 1 was because I was finished with everything else and needed another yaoi/shounen ai book to read. The fact that it was a foodie manga really didn’t cross my mind until I started reading it and it dawned on me that I was beginning a new series… entirely about food.

And gays.

But mostly food.

Now I’m generally not a “foodie” by any standard. I think this book may very well have been one of the first I ever read where the plot or featured story/setting revolves around food. I was already watching an anime called Yakitate!! Japan…. which is about bread. Yes, you read right: BREAD. Only MasterChef style with competitions and crazy challenges and competitors and shit. And comedy. DID I MENTION COMEDY?!

So naturally I figured, “If I can watch a show about BREAD (THAT’S IT, MAN! That’s ALL THE SHOW IS ABOUT), then I can definitely read a book about pastries. And demonic gays—WTF.”

It was probably a good thing that I already had Yakitate!! Japan under my belt because Antique Bakery definitely went off on an entirely different tangent, one that – while being interesting, amusing to all hell, and mellow at the same time – would probably not have held my interest as much Yakitate!! did. I’d never once considered the thought that food books would be something of interest to me. So starting off with Antique may or may not have worked for me otherwise.

Some things that resonated with me quite strongly though, was the character’s struggles to be accepted for all their reasons. At the time when I first read this book, a lot was going on in my own life that – strange as this sounds – paralleled the situations of the main cast.

Thankfully no one was magically gay.

…

Okay so that might not be true.

As it was now, I felt quite a bit of nostalgia reading volume 1. I kept thinking back to the crazy antics of my own mates and I, and how hard it was for us to be accepted for the things we did or liked to do. Breaking stereotypes or living up to them. Both very difficult feats to accomplish, if you ask me. So I, once again, applaud the cast of Antique Bakery for sticking to their guns. Even if it cost them dearly.

In the end, everything works out. And that’s something to celebrate. 🙂

Any warnings you wish to make for your readers?

Not that I know of. I mean… there’s some domestic violence stuff that happens later in the series, but… this book is pretty clean. It’s just really spazztastic, or downright silly, at times. XD

Does it count towards any reading challenges?

OH yeah. Waay more than I originally thought. xD I was really just re-reading this one again for the 2015 The Eclectic Reader (#6 Fiction For Foodies) reading challenge, but it ended up also fitting all of these challenges as well:

• The Re-Read Reading Challenge
• 2015 Graphic Novel and Comic Reading Challenge
• 2015 GoodReads Reading Challenge
• 2015 LGBT Challenge (SA)
• You Read How Many Books?
• 52 Books in 52 Weeks
• Read A Million Pages
• 105 Reading Challenge (Category: 1, 3, 4, 8, 13)

Would you recommend this book?

Yeah. I would say so. I don’t see why not!

Reviewed by AMS (amomentsilence)

Publisher: Digital Manga Publishing Publication Date: July 2005 Format: Paperback Pages: 200 Genre & Themes: Love, M/M Romance, QUILTBAG / LGBTQUI, Food, Pasteries & Desserts, Bakery, Homophobia, Domestic Violence, Manga, Shounen Ai / Yaoi, Drama, Sports (Boxing), Josei, Comedy, Culinary

Age: It’s a Josei manga so… New Adult? Adult?? Reviewer: AMS (amomentsilence) Source: Bought Challenge:  2015 Good Reads Reading Challenge (32), 52 Books in 52 Weeks, You Read How Many Books?, 2015 LGBT Reading Challenge, Read A Million Pages, 105 Reading Challenge (Category: 1, 3, 4, 8, 13), The Eclectic Reader (#6 Fiction For Foodies), 2015 Graphic Novel and Comic Reading Challenge, The Re-Read Reading Challenge

Parajunkee’s “Book Blogger Checklist”

Now before anyone goes and asks, I want to make it VERY CLEAR.

I DID NOT MAKE THIS INFOGRAPHIC.

😛

Seriously. It’s, like… the most gorgeous thing ever. I am not that gifted in graphic design. At least, not yet. 😉

The fabulous lady behind this Book Blogger’s Checklist is none other than Rachel, or as many may know her as Parajunkee.

I found this a few weeks back, and thought it was really clever and helpful. Figured it would be the perfect thing to share on my blog. I’ve found it to be very useful and pretty much in-line with my own blogging guidelines.

And for anyone wanting to apply some of these suggestions while working on their own blogs, just know you do not need to follow everything a “T.” Even implementing some of these ideas into your blogging routine will definitely improve your workflow and productivity, a 100 percent!

Trust me on this one.

Anyone, who’s NOT doing at least some of these things, is REEEEALLY missing out!

So here it is!

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Infographic by parajunkee.com

Books ‘N Tunes #2: Signal To Noise

Hullo everyone! I’m back with another installment for the Books ‘N Tunes Reading Challenge. Complications, as always, try to hinder the creation of the 8tracks playlist I was going to use, so I might have to end up choosing another platform for the completed list. Who knows…

But never you mind! I’ve got a special treat this time! Two songs for one book. 🙂

Signal To Noise (Psionic Frequency, #1)
by Talya Andor

Publisher: Less Than Three Press Publication Date: October 2012 Format: eBook, RvC Pages: 234 Genre: M/M Romance, War, Love, Twincest, Incest, QUILTBAG / LGBTQUI, Twins, Trust, Science Fiction, Horror, Blood & Gore, Isolation Issues, Claustrophobia, Psi Abilities, Telekinetic Powers, Survivors, Betrayal, Telepathy, Greed, Duty Above Conscious, Thriller,

Age: Adult Reviewer: AMS (amomentsilence) Source: Provided by publisher upon request Challenges: 2015 Good Reads Reading Challenge (11), 52 Books in 52 Weeks, You Read How Many Books?, 2015 LGBT Reading Challenge, Read A Million Pages, 2015 New To You Reading Challenge (Brand New Author To Me & New Series), 105 Reading Challenge (Category: 1, 3, 4), Books N Tunes

SUMMARY

(taken from GoodReads)

It’s been three years since the Incursion; three long years since Bastian and his twin brother Theo became the sole survivors on the planet Noise. Their distress calls have gone unanswered, and they are running out of supplies. They have no one but each other. And when the long-awaited rescue finally arrives, it brings with it complications that make being alone and forgotten look easy.

WARNING: Please note that this story features incest.

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REVIEW

This review can also be found on GoodReads

Originally I was torn over what star rating I wanted to give this book… but now I’m more sure.

This one gets 4 Stars.

I honestly wasn’t sure what to think when I first read the descript for this book. I gravitated towards it because I saw the words twins and M/M romance eventually realized that would translate to twincest, but I still had my reservations.

By the time I finished reading, those reservations were quite gone. xD

I won’t say it was perfect, because it wasn’t. But daaaayum was it GOOD. REAL good, in fact. There could have been more overall world-building and character development going on between some of the cast, but I can’t say I’m entirely disappointed with the current results. One thing I did love was how well rounded (as INDIVIDUALS, yet wholly connected and dependent on one another) the twins were. As characters they really worked for me. They were believable, funny, quickminded a bit beyond their years though also teenagers and capable of acting like such… Brothers, even after taking their relationship to the next level. I just really bought it and loved the portrayal of their love and affection for each other.

Couldn’t ask for anything more.

What I didn’t like was the sudden shift in so many of the other characters… particularly Ventura who literally seemed to go from decent guy (and one of my more favourite characters) to backstabbing asshole in a flash. At least Striker was consistent. Bane, on the other hand, was a character I could only dispassionately like, for he seemed so… unreliable as a person (which worked for him in this story, but as a person I just couldn’t like him for his lack of principles and furthermore, his lack of simply taking an actual side. Either you’re trying to help them or you’re not. It’s not that difficult.) It would have been something if all his uncertainty was just simply because he didn’t want to hurt or betray the twins by following orders, but it wasn’t. He just lacked the conviction to simply make up his damned mind until it was made up for him and suddenly he’s all, “Oh thank goodness you two are alright!”

Some characters are just assholes trying to be hapless victims. Bane, just stfu.

As to any warnings I would give…

UM. WELL. There’s graphic and very detailed sex scenes that feature twincest (click the link if you don’t know what that is) and some zombie-esque horror elements. Some trigger warnings are some scenes of PTSD, claustrophobia, panic attacks, and separation anxiety.

OH! And mention of underage sexual activities.

Since that’s “a thing” some people seem to get all squirmy over.

Why? I have no idea.

You were all kids once. Get over yourselves.

Would I recommend?

Y’know what? I absolutely WOULD. I wasn’t sure at first… but now that I’ve thought about it, I really enjoyed this book. Especially the boys. Bravo!

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TUNES

The Cranberries – Zombie

Coldplay – What If?

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Reason for choosing these songs

Zombie by The Cranberries is a really emotional song that precisely expresses the trauma and violence of war, and its impact on not just the warriors that battle on the field, but also when they return (or never return at all). It’s about how the battle’s never really over. How they keep fighting, even within their minds. How war and the horrors of it, forever change them, mold them into permenant fixtures on the battlefield. How the zombies of their past keep haunting, haunting…

Although the other characters are seasoned fighters and furthermore “the adults” in the situation, it is the boys Bastian and Theo who are forever haunted by the zombies of their past, or the unknown horrors that have forever lurked just outside their perimeter walls.

What If? by Coldplay takes a very different approach from Zombie. It’s a shorter song for one, a little over 4 minutes, and yet… it’s just as moving – if not moreso – than Zombie’s haunting lyrics. I choose What If? to embody the internal struggle that starts to arise in Bastian and Theo once the boys’ “rescue” appears and there are suddenly others. Not them. Not… just, Bastian and Theo anymore. Their world is flipped upsidedown, and with it comes the alarming realization that they are no longer the only two people in all the world anymore. In fact, once it becomes obvious that they’ll be leaving Noise soon, another thought comes to mind… one they’d never considered before. That they’ll be other people – girls, boys, young and old – someone… other than each other. They’ll have a choice… a choice which could destroy what they have now, the relationship they’ve built over their entire young lives.

And… what if…. what if one of them should decide… that he doesn’t want the other brother by his side anymore? What if…. seeing how normal people act and have relationships… he suddenly doesn’t want to be a freak… or want to be in the kind of relationship that would label him and his twin as one?

What if…

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LYRICS

Zombie
Another head hangs lowly,
Child is slowly taken.
And the violence caused such silence.
Who are we mistaken?

But you see, it’s not me, it’s not my family.
In your head, in your head they are fighting,
With their tanks and their bombs,
And their bombs and their guns.
In your head, in your head, they are crying…

In your head, in your head,
Zombie, zombie, zombie,
Hey, hey, hey. What’s in your head,
In your head,
Zombie, zombie, zombie?
Hey, hey, hey, hey, oh, dou, dou, dou, dou, dou…

Another mother’s breakin’
Heart is taking over
When the violence causes silence,
We must be mistaken.

It’s the same old theme since nineteen-sixteen.
In your head, in your head they’re still fighting,
With their tanks and their bombs,
And their bombs and their guns.
In your head, in your head, they are dying…

In your head, in your head,
Zombie, zombie, zombie,
Hey, hey, hey. What’s in your head,
In your head,
Zombie, zombie, zombie?
Hey, hey, hey, hey, oh, oh, oh,
Oh, oh, oh, oh, hey, oh, ya, ya-a…

 

What If?
What if there was no lie
Nothing wrong, nothing right
What if there was no time
And no reason, or rhyme
What if you should decide
That you don’t want me there by your side
That you don’t want me there in your life
What if I got it wrong
And no poem or song
Could put right what I got wrong
Or make you feel I belong

What if you should decide
That you don’t want me there by your side
That you don’t want me there in your life

Ooh ooh-ooh, that’s right
Let’s take a breath, jump over the side
Ooh ooh-ooh, that’s right
How can you know it, if you don’t even try
Ooh ooh-ooh, that’s right

Every step that you take
Could be your biggest mistake
It could bend or it could break
That’s the risk that you take

What if you should decide
That you don’t want me there in your life
That you don’t want me there by your side

Ooh ooh-ooh, that’s right
Let’s take a breath, jump over the side
Ooh ooh-ooh, that’s right
How can you know it, when you don’t even try
Ooh ooh-ooh, that’s right

Oh – Ooh ooh-ooh, that’s right,
Let’s take a breath, jump over the side.
Ooh ooh-ooh, that’s right,
You know that darkness always turns into light.
Ooh-ooh, that’s right

The Re-Read Challenge Review ~ Update 2

THE LIST of Books I Re-Read This Month

      

1. Silver Diamond v.20 by Sugiura Shiho  [Review]
2. Unhinged by A.G. Howard  [Review]
3. The Elf and Shoemaker by M.L. Rhodes  [Review]

WHAT I Remember

About Silver Diamond v.20… that some pretty weird shit was starting to go down.

About Unhinged… that Miss Howard left us readers off on one hell of a shitty cliffhanger.

About The Elf and Shoemaker…

WHY I Wanted to Re-Read

The both Unhinged and Silver Diamond, my reason is simple: I got my hands on the next volume/novel in the series. Needed a refresher. 🙂

As for The Elf and Shoemaker, I make it pretty clear in my review (which I’ll be posting… maybe tomorrow) why I sought this little treasure out again. ❤

HOW I Felt After Re-Reading

After re-reading volume 20 of Silver Diamond, I was definitely “wtf-ing” quite a bit. Because Hoshiminokoto-sama was doing his do, and all I could do was watch and growl and try to calm my twitching eye. Same can be said while re-reading Unhinged. Although, I was reminded of some fonder moments between Alyssa and Morpheus which sort of made my day. :3

But the real winner was – but of course – The Elf and Shoemaker. This book never disappoints. ❤ ❤ ❤

WOULD I Re-Read Again

Definitely to both Unhinged and The Elf and the Shoemaker.

Well… I might not completely re-read Unhinged. I know I’ll go looking for my favourite spots and read again from there… but from start to finish? Naw… I doubt that very much. There were some really tedious and irritating (Jeb) moments in that novel which just… ugh. @___@ I don’t want to think about it again.

Favourite parts? Yes. Whole book?

Furthermore, I don’t know if I’d specifically re-read volume 20 of the Silver Diamond series, but the series as a whole? You can count on it! I’m sure to want to read it all over again one day when I’m finished with all 28 books.

[ Favourite Book Quotes ] From… “On The Road”

“The only people for me are the mad ones, the ones mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones who never yawn or say a commonplace thing but burn, burn, burn like fabulous roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars and in the middle you see the blue centerlight pop and everybody goes ‘Awww.'”

On the Road by Jack Kerouac

[Stage Play Review] Endymion, the Man in the Moon

Endymion, the Man in the Moon

John Lyly

What rating would you give it?
4.5 of 5 Stars

What are your thoughts on the play? How did you come to read it?

So as most of my generation would say, “The first time I ever heard the name ‘Endymion’ was while screaming it alongside Sailor Moon (aka Princess Serenity) as she watched her love die before her very eyes or gets mortally wounded or some other such HORROR from that quaint little show we all watched as children called Sailor Moon.” XD

It was only through that manga (and later the anime) that I learned anything about the myth and the story behind “the man in the moon” (since most schools officially sucked at doing their job and ACTUALLY TEACHING YOU SOMETHING OF VALUE *groan ‘n eyeroll*). Having piqued my interest, I later went on something of a book-hunt to track down a copy to read for my own pleasure and intellectual enlightenment.

Cue actually finding a copy, only to MISPLACE SAID COPY, and thus never actually getting the chance to read said copy. EVER.

Fast forward to the present day and a certain Play On Reading Challenge which challenged me to read plays from different time periods… Add to that me COINCIDENTALLY UNCOVERING THIS PLAY AGAIN AMONG A THRONG OF DUSTY OLD BOOKS, and VOILA! Instant rekindling of old fond memories of Sailor Scouting and Endymion goodness.

P.S. – SPOILER ALERT!

John Lyly’s play actually has NOTHING to do with any girl punishing you in the name of the moon or any dude named Mamoru.

Shocker! I know. XD Just thought I’d let you know in case you were wonderin’. 8D

The original Greek story of Endymion is a bit muddled, where no one is entirely sure if he was king, shepherd, hunter, or vagrant… However, all interpretations agree that whoever this mystery man was… he was undoubtedly the lover of Selene.

Selene — *COUGHprincessSerenityCOUGHCOUGHS* — is the Titan goddess of the moon, daughter of the Titans Hyperion and Theia, and sister of the sun-god Helios, and Eos, goddess of the dawn.

The play by John Lyly is loosely based on that classic Greek tale, but has its roots firmly placed in Elizabethan drama, paralleling the shenanigans of Queen Elizabeth I’s court and many aspiring suitors.

It starts with Endymion talking to his close friend Eumenides about how he’s been feeling a bit lovesick and dispassionate about everything and everyone except for the celestial heavens above. (I’m really not kidding here. The guy is waay gone. xD) Herein, he confesses that he’s fallen in love with the moon Goddess, Cynthia. Eumenides, as any good best friend would, tells him he’s crazy and he needs to come back down to earth.

Cythnia, on the other hand, is totally playing it cool and not falling for this nonsense (even if she does care for this silly love-stricken mortal man).

Meanwhile, Tellus, Endymion’s erstwhile lover, concocts a plan to enlist the help of a sorceress to enchant Endymion so he falls into a deep sleep from which he cannot awaken.

Thus, our story truly begins.

From there, the play plays out in its entirety with intrigue, more hopelessly in-love love-falling, running about not knowing what anyone else is doing, and all the while Endymion sleeps. (All in all — probably the BEST SLEEP OF HIS LIFE. /shuts up holy gods I need to stop making jokes)

Impressions? Well, I for one am REALLY glad I was able to read this play (finally). It was as interesting, kinda purple prose-y and flourishing as I imagined, and full of laugh-out-loud moments that had many around me wondering (and asking), “What are you reading?” I think all the dialogue was rather spot-on, humorous, witty, and satirical while being quite bold for its content matter, especially as it about the reigning Queen (at the time) herself. What an ingenious play, elegantly written and brilliantly executed!

Does it count towards any reading challenges?

Sure does~ Although it was specifically read for the 2015 Play On Reading Challenge! It also fits these challenges as well:

• 2015 GoodReads Reading Challenge
• You Read How Many Books?
• 52 Books in 52 Weeks
• Read A Million Pages
• 105 Reading Challenge (Categories: 9, 10)

Would you recommend this book?

I apparently have very good taste in plays, because this one is also a keeper! I’m just sorry I didn’t read it sooner… But I guess, all things in their time. 🙂

Go find yourself a copy and read for yourself~~~!

Reviewed by AMS (amomentsilence)

Format: Paperback Pages: play itself is 109 pgs Genre & Themes: Love, Divinity, Mythology, Play, Queen Elizabeth I, Stage Play, Comedy, Greek Mythology, Moon, Romance, Love, Jilted Lovers, Satire

Age: Adult Reviewer: AMS (amomentsilence) Source: Bought (If you want to read it online, click here.) Challenge:  2015 Good Reads Reading Challenge (19), 52 Books in 52 Weeks, You Read How Many Books?, Read A Million Pages, 105 Reading Challenge

 

[Play Review] Prometheus Bound

Prometheus Bound

(Part 1 of 3 of The Prometheus)

Aeschylus

What rating would you give it?
4.5 of 5 Stars

Give us a summary.

(Taken from Goodreads)
In Greek legend, Prometheus was the Titan who, against the will of Zeus, stole fire from the gods for the benefit of man. His terrible punishment by Zeus, and his continuing defiance of Zeus in the face of that punishment, remain universal symbols of man’s vulnerability in any struggle with the gods.

What did you think of this play?

First off, let me clarify: I only read the first of three plays to this trilogy, as (I believe) that is the only one known to still exist. The other two, which are missing are “Prometheus Unbound” and “Prometheus Liberator of Fire.”

As for what I thought? Well I thought it was an extremely enjoyable read! I’m glad I finally got the opportunity to read the play behind the famous motif of Prometheus, friend of man. The basic understanding behind the myth is a simple one: Prometheus gives gifts to man and in doing so saves them from Zeus’ destruction, for which he is punished and left in eternal torment.

What struck me as rather interesting was the fact that he not only gave fire to mankind, but he also gave Man hope. This, beyond anything else, may very well be the gift that outshines all others. For one thing is for certain: Man’s ability to hope and believe without proof, without a shadow of a doubt in things unseen, unheard, unknown… literally puts mankind leagues beyond all other creation. By having hope and being able to see beyond the immediate dire-ness of a situation, human beings can strive to accomplish so much. All on the hope that one day things will be better. Change can happen. If you believe it, you dreams can come true.

It’s almost comical in a way, that Zeus should be so angered by the gift of fire being handed over to the mortals, instead of the gift of hope. Especially since it is Man’s capacity to hope which ensures their continued survival even to this day.

Hands down, this play might be among my favourites of the Greek tragedies. Namely for its exquisite metaphors and parallels when comparing it to other myths of firebringers and helpers of mankind. (See Olofat, Coyote, Beaver, Dog, Azazel, Maui, Nanabozho, and others. And although Loki is not said to be a bearer of fire to humans, he too suffers a similar punishment as Prometheus, although perhaps a more gruesome of a one.)

Does it count towards any reading challenges?

Sure does~ Although it was specifically read for the 2015 Play On Reading Challenge! It also fits these challenges as well:

• Ethereal 2015
• 2015 GoodReads Reading Challenge
• You Read How Many Books?
• 52 Books in 52 Weeks
• Read A Million Pages
• 105 Reading Challenge (Categories: 9 & 4)

Would you recommend this book?

Highly recommended! As far as plays go, this is right up there among the best! I’m definitely going to give this one another read this year.

Reviewed by AMS (amomentsilence)

Written: ca. 430 B.C.E Format: PDF Pages: 64 Genre & Themes: Mythology, Greek Mythology, Tragedy, Plays, Prometheus, Absolute Power, Power Hungry, Gods & Goddesses, Fantasy, Betrayal, Anguish, Torment, Punishment, Tyranny, Fire, Firebringer, Vengeance, Cruelty, Injustice, Defiance

Age: Adult Reviewer: AMS (amomentsilence) Source: Click here! Challenge:  2015 Good Reads Reading Challenge (19), 52 Books in 52 Weeks, You Read How Many Books?, Read A Million Pages, 105 Reading Challenge, 2015 Play On Reading Challenge, Ethereal 2015

Bookish Problem #46

“Reading gives us someplace to go…”

[Book Review] When Ryan Came Back

When Ryan Came Back

Devon McCormack

What rating would you give it?
3/3.5 of 5 Stars

Give us a summary.

(Taken from Goodreads)
Steven’s life changes forever the day he discovers his childhood friend and lifelong crush, Ryan Walters, standing in his bedroom. The problem? Ryan Walters committed suicide just days earlier.

Ryan tells Steven that he didn’t kill himself. He believes he was murdered and that his death is linked to an article he was working on for the school paper. Steven sets out to solve the mystery, but as the story unfolds, so does Ryan’s secret life of sex with guys and depression. Steven realizes suicide is more plausible than Ryan’s conspiracy theory, but he struggles to convince Ryan of the real cause of his death. And despite revelations of his friend’s closeted life, he must face the truth that Ryan doesn’t—and never will—love him.

What did you think of the book?

My actual rating is around a 3, maybe 3.5 stars because it was okay, even if it wasn’t the greatest. I doubt I’ll ever forget it, but I probably won’t be reading it again anytime soon.

Overall, this book was alright. A sort of typical angsty teen-mystery thing with a “gay twist,” if that’s what you want to call it. I doubt I’d recommend it to anyone, unless they were really, REALLY curious. The ridiculously slow parts in the middle and beginning as well as that abrupt and rushed ending really didn’t help it any, so frankly I’m not that impressed.

However, it wasn’t a bad book. The writing was decent enough, and the story – though not particularly original – was interesting enough as well. I think I probably wanted more than just a teen melodrama, but as a YA book, I suppose it’s to be expected. (I haven’t really read too many YA books that don’t seem to focus on that, as though it’s the only thing to being a teenager. But whatever. Moving right along.) I was VERY happy with the outcome of the ending though – even if it was abrupt. I sort of wished we had gotten the chance to see more of that instead of all the other seemingly pointless run-around.

Any warnings you wish to make for your readers?

Not particu—WELL. I’d only say, be prepared for some really, really pointless filler action. You will read through areas that are solely there to fill pages. Mark my words.

Does it count towards any reading challenges?

Yup! For a whole bunch~ xD

• 2015 Monthly Motifs & Keyword Reading Challenge (I’m skipping around with this one)
  • Motif: (APR) Murder, Mystery, and Mayhem! = Was Ryan murdered or a suicide like everyone thinks? 
  • Keyword: (AUG) Boy = Ryan
• 2015 GoodReads Reading Challenge
• 2015 LGBT Challenge (YA)
• You Read How Many Books?
• 52 Books in 52 Weeks
• Read A Million Pages
• 105 Reading Challenge (Categories: 10,12,14)
• Ethereal 2015
• NetGalley & Edelweiss Reading Challenge
• 2015 New To You Reading Challenge (Brand New Author To Me)

Would you recommend this book?

Ehhh….

Reviewed by AMS (amomentsilence)

Publisher: Harmony Ink Press Publication Date: October 2014 Format: e-ARC Pages: 230 Genre & Themes: Love, Love Beyond The Grave, M/M Romance, QUILTBAG / LGBTQUI, Paranormal, Ghosts & Spirits, Suicide, Murder, Mystery, YA, Contemporary, Crazy Adults and Equally Crazy Teens, Jealousy, Young/Old Relationship & Sex, Mention of Underage Sex, Mental Health Issues, High School Politics

Age: Young Adult (YA) Reviewer: AMS (amomentsilence) Source: Provide by NetGalley Challenge:  2015 Good Reads Reading Challenge (8), 52 Books in 52 Weeks, You Read How Many Books?, 2015 Monthly Motifs & Keyword Reading Challenge, 2015 LGBT Reading Challenge, Read A Million Pages, 105 Reading Challenge, 2015 NetGalley & Edelweiss Reading Challenge, Ethereal 2015,