[Review] Brave Face by Shaun David Hutchinson

Brave Face

Shaun David Hutchinson

What rating would you give it?
♥ 5 of 5 Stars ♥

Give us a summary.

(Goodreads Description)
Critically acclaimed author of We Are the Ants—described as having “hints of Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse-Five” (School Library Journal)—opens up about what led to an attempted suicide in his teens, and his path back from the experience.

“I wasn’t depressed because I was gay. I was depressed and gay.”

Shaun David Hutchinson was nineteen. Confused. Struggling to find the vocabulary to understand and accept who he was and how he fit into a community in which he couldn’t see himself. The voice of depression told him that he would never be loved or wanted, while powerful and hurtful messages from society told him that being gay meant love and happiness weren’t for him.

A million moments large and small over the years all came together to convince Shaun that he couldn’t keep going, that he had no future. And so he followed through on trying to make that a reality.

Thankfully Shaun survived, and over time, came to embrace how grateful he is and how to find self-acceptance. In this courageous and deeply honest memoir, Shaun takes readers through the journey of what brought him to the edge, and what has helped him truly believe that it does get better.

What did you think of the book?

And this is how you get a person who HATES MEMOIRS to read a memoir.

WOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOW

First off, this is one of the books I featured on W2RO2 (Want To Read Or Own) AND I managed to find it at my local library last month to read for my N.E.W.T.S.

Secondly… I said this before, and I’ll most certainly say it again: TBH, I’m actually NOT the biggest fan of memoirs, autobiographies, and biographies. I have nothing against them, I just tend not to wast–EHEM–spend my money on them. XD EVEN IF THEY’RE AMAZING. That being said…

Third… IT ABSOLUTELY LIVES UP TO THE HYPE. ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

I knew I’d love this book from it’s catch line:

“I wasn’t depressed because I was gay. I was depressed and gay.”

Because I can SO relate.

What a fantastic, emotionally charged read. I’m still feeling that IN MY BONES.

Holy cow. There was so many relatable moments in there for me. You just would NOT believe. I felt his isolation, his pain, his struggles, his desolation, his despair, and inevitably his acceptance of self (even if it came at the expense of deciding he that acceptance came in the form of hating oneself until he finally learned to stop doing that and ACTUALLY live with who he is).

Listen. Anyone like me who honestly can’t understand why someone else would wanna read a memoir (Like, whhhhyyy??), you NEED to read this. It will change your life and your perspective of why memoirs (NOT ALL, BTW) are really, REALLY important and need to exist and continue to exist for generations to come.

This is one of those types of memoirs. I’m SHOOK.

Any warnings you wish to make for your readers?

Well… this IS a memoir about some pretty heavy topics, so go in understanding that.

Brave Face delves into life with depression, suicide, as well as what life is like being gay and not having a strong sense of self and acceptance, in part because the world around us offers none of the role models we deserve to see. Whether you are gay, lesbian, biThe author is raw and honest about his life, including many of the poor decisions he made and behaviors he engages in that shine in him a negative light. He keeps it real to the very end and I greatly appreciate that (because we all make stupid mistakes and I cannot stress enough that we NEED to own them and not simply hide them away, never to see the light of day, or deny them when they DO come to light because someone unearthed a “dirty little secret”).

Does it count towards any reading challenges?

• 2019 GoodReads Reading Challenge
• 2019 N.E.W.T.S.

Would you recommend this book?

IS THAT A TRICK QUESTION?!

OF COURSE GO READ IT!!

Reviewed by AMS (amomentsilence)

Publisher: Simon Pulse Publication Date: May 2019 Format: Hardcover Pages: 369 Genre & Themes: Nonfiction, Memoir, Autobiography, LGBTQUAI+

Age: Adult Reviewer: AMS (amomentsilence) Source: Borrowed from local library Challenge:  Goodreads 2019 ReadingChallenge, 2019 N.E.W.T.S.,

[Review] The Grownup by Gillian Flynn

The Grownup

Gillian Flynn

What rating would you give it?
2.5 of 5 Stars

Give us a summary.

(Goodreads Description)
A canny young woman is struggling to survive by perpetrating various levels of mostly harmless fraud. On a rainy April morning, she is reading auras at Spiritual Palms when Susan Burke walks in. A keen observer of human behavior, our unnamed narrator immediately diagnoses beautiful, rich Susan as an unhappy woman eager to give her lovely life a drama injection. However, when the “psychic” visits the eerie Victorian home that has been the source of Susan’s terror and grief, she realizes she may not have to pretend to believe in ghosts anymore. Miles, Susan’s teenage stepson, doesn’t help matters with his disturbing manner and grisly imagination. The three are soon locked in a chilling battle to discover where the evil truly lurks and what, if anything, can be done to escape it.

“The Grownup,” originally appeared as “What Do You Do?” in George R. R. Martin’s Rogues anthology.

What did you think of the book?

Okay. So I had high hopes for this one. Really, I did.

I found it rather oddly at my local library, stuck in-between two ENORMOUS books that just caused this tiny, itty-bitty thing of a book to stand out even more prominently on the bottom shelf of that aisle.

I opened the cover. Read the description. Turned it over and found these onimous words printed IN HUGE, BOLD LETTERS:

“YOU LIKE GHOST STORIES?”

and I was hooked.

Sat down in the library. Finished reading it in a single sitting.

And was THOROUGHLY DISAPPOINTED AFTER BEING ENTERTAINED AND ENTHRALLED FOR NEARLY 50 PAGES OF SUSPENSE AND WONDERING.

When I started, I honest to goodness enjoyed this story. I really, REALLY did.

Then from, like, page 47 or so it all started to go to hell and the whole damned thing just fell apart. I honestly have no idea why the author decided – of all things – to give us such a crap-shoot ending to such a promising short story! In fact, it’s because of the way the story ended that I can’t possibly say I enjoyed reading this. I felt cheated and used.

…which I guess might have been the feeling the author was going for, considering the main character’s lifelong profession and occupation (and even the way in which the story, itself, ended). It’s just… I don’t think you’d want YOUR READERS feeling like they’ve been duped because it probably won’t do well in endearing them to you so they’ll come back to read more of your books. (*accent* You know what I’m sayin’, sweetheart?)

The pacing was good, and the writing itself was very good. Simple. To the point. The voice of each character was superb. That first line definitely got me from the start. If nothing else I kept turning to the next page simply because I kept uttering, “What? …..WHAT?” under my breathe with each turn.

But ultimately… I feel like I was click-baited IRL. That’s NOT a good feeling AT ALL, so no way is this book getting my recommendation — UNLESS, that’s the sort of feeling you’re going for. Or you wanna give this book to someone as a prank. Then by all means.

Any warnings you wish to make for your readers?

I think the biggest one (and the one that threw me because it was so unexpected) were the copious recounts of sexual situations enacted by the MC.

There were also some implications of “bad family life” going on, ghost stories, hauntings, and mentions of grisly murder.

Does it count towards any reading challenges?

Two.

• 2019 GoodReads Reading Challenge
• 2019 N.E.W.T.S.

Would you recommend this book?

As mentioned before, I – personally – wouldn’t. Maybe only as a prank or something.

Reviewed by AMS (amomentsilence)

Publisher:  Crown Publication Date: Nov 2015 Format: Hardcover Pages: 64 Genre & Themes: Fiction, Short Stories, Mystery, Suspense, Thriller

Age: Adult Reviewer: AMS (amomentsilence) Source: Borrowed from local Library Challenge: 2019 GoodReads Reading Challenge, 2019 N.E.W.T.S.

[Review] My Sister, The Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite

My Sister, The Serial Killer

Oyinkan Braithwaite

What rating would you give it?
5 of 5 Stars

Give us a summary.

(Goodreads Description)

My Sister, the Serial Killer is a blackly comic novel about how blood is thicker – and more difficult to get out of the carpet – than water…

When Korede’s dinner is interrupted one night by a distress call from her sister, Ayoola, she knows what’s expected of her: bleach, rubber gloves, nerves of steel and a strong stomach. This’ll be the third boyfriend Ayoola’s dispatched in, quote, self-defense and the third mess that her lethal little sibling has left Korede to clear away. She should probably go to the police for the good of the menfolk of Nigeria, but she loves her sister and, as they say, family always comes first. Until, that is, Ayoola starts dating the doctor where Korede works as a nurse. Korede’s long been in love with him, and isn’t prepared to see him wind up with a knife in his back: but to save one would mean sacrificing the other…

What did you think of the book?

LET ME START BY SAYING: THIS IS NOT A THRILLER, NOR A MYSTERY, NOR A COMEDY, NOR A HORROR, NOR EVEN ALL THAT “DISTURBING” (at least not in the context of the bloody title reading “My sister, the SERIAL KILLER“). At most, I’d call this simple contemporary fiction showcasing mildly disturbing content.

That being said, I still ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS BOOK, but I DO believe it has been mislabeled and falsely advertised, which is why it’s getting some low star or “bad” reviews. People are going into this book looking for a thriller or murder mystery and getting… a confession? A “this is what happened – take it or leave it” sort of book, and it’s not what they expected??? If they could separate themselves from their initial disappointment (maybe even put the book down, walk away, and come back when they’re in the mood to read a different kind of book and not a nail-biting thriller-mystery) they’d realize the the book itself is GREAT. The hints of humor amidst a darkly cast scenario of two sisters struggling to keep it together and take control of their lives in world where women can be bought and sold into marriage no different than selling cattle to the highest bidder, is wonderful.

But is it thriller or nail-biting or have-you-at-the-edge-of-your-seat? Absolutely not.

This book reads almost like a “fictional” memoir than anything else. (Which is, I think, what it should have ACTUALLY been marketed as, jus’ sayin’…)

It’s a quick-paced, easy read that I finished in a single midday sitting. My three favourite aspects of this novel were (1) the message of strong family ties between the sisters, (2) Korode (the older sister)’s dry, almost sarcastic humor, and (3) the wholly entertaining interactions between the sisters: their bickering, their compromising, and their love. The characters are wonderfully developed, and the plot — though relatively predictable — was clear, well-thought, and still had a few surprises throughout, with insightful and illuminating flashbacks to the sisters’ childhood that 100% shaped them into the… *ehem*… killer women they are today.

I absolutely LOVE books that showcase strong bonds between siblings, and this book definitely fits the bill. It goes up there as a newly minted-five star favourite and I would definitely recommend it if you’re looking for a quick read novella or cozy thrillers/fictional memoirs/literary fiction with strong themes in: family, women supporting women, and African culture.

Any warnings you wish to make for your readers?

Nothing particularly out of the ordinary.

There’s blood, killing, some mildly sociopathic behavior, and more killing (and cleaning up the murder scene), but I mean… with a title like that, what else did you expect?? xD

Does it count towards any reading challenges?

Three, this time!

• 2019 GoodReads Reading Challenge
• 2019 N.E.W.T.S.
• Hannigram Day 2019

Thaaat’s right, folks! This was the book I decided to read in honor of Hannigram Day 2019 xD It actually came across much milder than I thought, but it was still a good choice.

Would you recommend this book?

Definitely, definitely, definitely!

Just heed my warning and don’t be misled by all the crap advertising.

I REPEAT:

THIS IS NOT A THRILLER, NOR A MYSTERY, NOR A COMEDY, NOR A HORROR, NOR EVEN ALL THAT “DISTURBING”. At most, I’d call this simple literary fiction showcasing mildly disturbing content.

Reviewed by AMS (amomentsilence)

Publisher: Doubleday Books Publication Date: Nov 2018 Format: Hardcover Pages: 226 Genre & Themes: Fiction, Contemporary, Cultural > Africa, Mystery > Crime, Thriller

Age: Adult (??) I mean, as a teen I’d definitely read it no problem… Reviewer: AMS (amomentsilence) Source: Borrowed from local library Challenge: Goodreads 2019 Reading Challenge, 2019 N.E.W.T.S., Hannigram Day 2019

[Review] Choco Strawberry Vanilla [チョコストロベリー バニラ] by Delico Psyche (manga)

Choco Strawberry Vanilla

Delico Psyche

What rating would you give it?
5 of 5 Stars

Give us a summary.

Hiroi always shared what he liked, things and people alike, with his childhood friend Take. Take always returned Hiroi’s affections. Mine, who because of his deep love for Hiroi, accepts both of them. The relationship of these three classmates was in a good balance, but because of a subtle change in their feelings, this balance slowly gets unhinged…?!

What did you think of the book?

That was delicious. I am so glad I decided to read this. I’m not one to read threesome stories, but this one was DELISH. The relationship between the three MCs is not one of love per se, but it is addicting to watch unfold as the chapters progress. Abusive at times, tender at others, twisted throughout.

I totally get Hiroi’s need to “share” his things with his best friend Take, although I can understand why other people don’t. That’s actually the most fascinating part of this story, the relationship between Hiroi and Take. How they see themselves and how they see themselves fitting into the world and WHY this sort of relationship and behavior for them is natural. Also like parasitic or even conjoined twins, except in verse. They almost share one mind while inhabiting two bodies and somehow navigating through life in this manner. For them, “what’s yours is mine and what’s mine is yours and you are me and I am you” is just their perpetual state of being.

Mine is also a strangely complex character, namely for being able to not only put up with this bizarre relationship, but also for eventually finding his own rhythm in it — one which he even finds to “dislike less” than he once did (which is actually his tsundere self saying he’s lovin’ it, freak that he be, bless his soul. <3)

Such great storytelling without getting into too much. Letting us see into each character’s mindset, getting to know their very different, but also similar personalities. Seeing how important each one is in different ways and just… UGHHH

This was good. This was SO. GOOD.

All the stars. ALL OF THEM.

Delico Psyche you haven’t failed me yet. Another great job!!

PS – For those of you planning to or already giving this a one star rating b/c you were looking for some sappy lovey-dovey shit, go elsewhere. This story has a HEA ending of sorts, but it’s not all roses and butterflies and puppy dog tails. There’s a reason it’s called “CHOCO STRAWBERRY VANILLA.” Choco = sadomasochist, Strawberry = Sadist, Vanilla = Masochist. I’ll let you all decide who’s who in this savagely beautiful throuple.

Any warnings you wish to make for your readers?

God, if you only knew. XD I can’t even begin to describe what to warn about. Umm… let’s just say there isn’t anything like… torture or anything like that. It’s just REALLY messed up with SO MUCH EMOTIONAL MANIPULATION GOING ON. LORD.

Does it count towards any reading challenges?

Just the two…

• 2019 GoodReads Reading Challenge
• 2019 M3W2 Reading Challenge (Manga, Manhua, Manhwa, Webcomic & Webtoon)

Would you recommend this book?

OHMYGOD

GO GET IT.

(Just keep all the warnings in mind before you read it. That’s all. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.)

Reviewed by AMS (amomentsilence)

Publisher: — Publication Date: September 2013 Format: Paperback Pages: 190 Genre & Themes: Yaoi, Erotica, M/M/M Threesome, Romance, Slice of Life, Smut, Dubcon, LGBTQUAI+, Polyamory, Bisexual, Jealousy, Group Intercourse, Emotional Manipulation

Age: Adult (18+) Reviewer: AMS (amomentsilence) Source: Bought Challenge: 2019 GoodReads Reading Challenge, 2019 M3W2 Reading Challenge

[Review] Giocatore Hokaku Keikaku by Hyougo Kijima (manga)

Giocatore, Hokaku Keikaku

Hyougo Kijima

What rating would you give it?
4 of 5 Stars

Give us a summary.

(Goodreads Description)
Story 1: To Capture a Giocatore
Something’s up with Soccer Club S’s Katou Sora! Even with his strong fighting spirit, Katou’s tough body and charisma meet their match when he collapsed in the middle of practice. Could it all have happened because of that ‘thing’ Katou’s kouhai used in his body while training?!
Story 2: Young Guys, Get Going!
Childhood friends seem to have gone in circles to avoid admitting their feelings to one another until an incident with the local cat.
Story 3: Brother Complex
Story 4: Last Minute Count 2.9!
Story 5: Lustful Music
Story 6: Yatsuromachi Cucumber Tenno Festival
Story 7: Weak Point Honey

What did you think of the book?

This was a win for me. Bara. Nasty shit. Kinks galore. Yaaass please. Give me some more. xD

I have a serious weakness for anthologies and collections of short stories. I think it’s the “surprise factor” of what’s gonna be inside that I love (and both dread). This one surprisingly came out nearly 10 for 10 (or rather 7 for 7 lol) with all manner of deliciousness happening within some 200+ pages of buff debauchery.

Any warnings you wish to make for your readers?

AHAHAHAHAHAHA

If you like kinky, THEN BY ALL MEANS. This book’s got SO MUCH NASTY IN IT.

Otherwise… just… don’t. XD

Does it count towards any reading challenges?

Just the two…

• 2019 GoodReads Reading Challenge
• 2019 M3W2 Reading Challenge (Manga, Manhua, Manhwa, Webcomic & Webtoon)

Would you recommend this book?

Reviewed by AMS (amomentsilence)

Publisher: — Publication Date: November 2007 Format: Paperback Pages: 213 Genre & Themes: Yaoi, Bara, Hardcore, High School, Comedy, Drama, Collection of Stories, Masculine Uke, Incest, Group Sex, Bondage, S&M

Age: Adult (18+ ONLY!!!) Reviewer: AMS (amomentsilence) Source: Bought Challenge: 2019 GoodReads Reading Challenge, 2019 M3W2 Reading Challenge

[TBBReview] @Full Moon series by Sanami Matoh (manga)

Although I’m categorizing this as a Totally Biased Book Review (TBBR), it’s actually much more like an angry chapter-by-chapter reaction rant rather than an actual review.

SPOILERS ABOUND!!  You have been warned…

---

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

@Full Moon (Vol. 1 & 2)

Sanami Matoh

What rating would you give it?
1.5/2 of 5 Stars

Give us a summary.

(Goodreads Description)
VOLUME 1
After ten years apart, aristocratic vampires and childhood friends Marlo and David are back together– as fiancés! Being half werewolf and half vampire, Marlo undergoes a peculiar transformation, becoming a woman rather than a beast under the full moon. So there’s no problem for a wedding and David’s womanizing fangs– right?

VOLUME 2
CAN’T MAN UP!
Half vampire, half werewolf, Marlo is a bit of an anomaly. When exposed to the light of the full moon, HE becomes a SHE! To make matters worse, it seems as though his rivals have plans to keep Marlo trapped as a woman – FOREVER! Join us as this epic vampire romance reaches its dramatic conclusion in this final volume of At Full Moon!

What did you think of the book?

Lord.

The weirdly misogynistic, toxic masculinity, homophobic bullshit of this series. =A=

Let me just start by saying, JUST HOW PROBLEMATIC this whole series (Until The Full Moon and it’s sequel @Full Moon) is TO BEGIN WITH.

Then I’m gonna say how — EVEN THOUGH IT’S PROBLEMATIC — I still, at least, liked the first series, Until The Full Moon.

But this one…

But thing here….

WHAT THE eFF EVEN DID I READ

WHY DID IT–

HOW—

Okay… Okay…

Lemme just explain something before I get into my “in-the-moment-thoughts-while-reading-this” commentary.

This series COULD have been REALLY cool and interesting and breaking gender boundaries and empowering towards the LGBTQUIA+ community. Or at least, I dunno, ACTUALLY MADE SOME COHERENT SENSE IN TERMS OF GENDER IDENTITY AND HOW YA DEAL WITH IT AND THE SPECTRUM OF SEXUALITY AND ALL THAT.

But no.

Nooooooo.

It was SO CAUGHT UP IN KEEPING WITH THE “NO HOMO” VIBE THAT IT COMPLETELY MISSED THE MARK ON ALL REGARDS – SAVE ONE.

David continually makes it clear that he doesn’t care which version of Marlo he’s with. He loves him regardless of whether or not he’s in his male form or his female one.

WHICH IS AWESOME.

Except he insists he isn’t gay. (Which he’s not. I’m not concerned with that.)

And Marlo’s “an exception”. (Which I suppose IS true, but not in the way you’d think, or at least hope he’s indicating.)

And Marlo loves David. And David loves Marlo. In fact, here’s where the BIGGEST PROBLEM LIES:

They’ve BOTH HAD THESE FEELINGS SINCE THEY WERE CHILDREN AND DIDN’T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT MARLO BEING ABLE TO CHANGE INTO A GIRL ONCE A MONTH.

SO WHY DO THEY INSIST THEY’RE NOT ATTRACTED TO “MEN”? They’re AT LEAST attracted to each other, even if they don’t necessarily find other men attractive or sexually appealing or whatever. And they’re attracted to each other WHILE BOTH BEING IN THE MALE FORM. They both get aroused with each other. There’s no woman in their bed or superimposed their heads when they’re being intimate or kiss.

AND THEY BOTH LOVE EACH OTHER.

HAVE SINCE FOREVER.

SO WHAT IS WITH THE OVERBEARING NO HOMO THEY KEEP PUTTING UP LIKE IT ACTUALLY HAS ANY VALIDITY WHATSOEVER IN REGARDS TO THEM?!?!

I…. I…..

Okay… Let’s get on to my chapter-by-chapter reactions before I honestly couldn’t keep them up anymore and was just left with a big “WTeffingF?!”

THOUGHTS AFTER CH.1

Okay, so I’ll be totally honest. It’s weird getting used to the new art style. I LIKE it… like AT LOT. But it’s sooooo different from the previous style that it’s really throwing me for a loop.

Outside of that, I’m surprisingly enjoying it so far. Definitely looking forward to seeing where this goes.

Also, I like that the first kiss scene we see between Marlo and David is with Marlo in his male form, because back then there was A LOT of censoring going on and it was like the mangaka or publisher or whoever was trying to make it a very exclusive “They only kiss when Marlo’s female” kinda thing. I’m glad I’m seeing more of a reverse of that now, this many years later.

THOUGHTS STARTING CH.2

NEVERMIND. Not even 3 pages in and they’re wholly sticking to the whole “we’re not gay” blah blah blah bullshit again. *SIIIIIIGGGHHHHH* Such a disappointment. Ya’ll ARE gay or at least bi or sumthin’, because long before you could transform into a woman, Marlo, you were in love with him and he was in love with you. Suddenly being able to change into a woman only makes it convenient for the world to accept you better (I GUESS????!?) but that’s really about it. Marlo is STILL A GUY SOME 27 DAYS out of EVERY MONTH. He’s not trans or doing this for drag. He still SEES HIMSELF AS A MAN… So then, WHAT THE HELL IS THE PROBLEM?!

THOUGHTS AFTER CH.2

OKAY… so after reading chapter 2 completely I’m even MORE confused. I mean, it’s not like he only started liking Marlo AFTER he found out he could become a girl. He liked him since THEY WERE CHILDREN. In fact, the reason he was always only “playing” with the girls he went out with was because he was already in love with someone he thought he couldn’t have AKA Marlo. So… I mean… what gives? Why do you guys keep saying “Oh Marlo’s a special case” and all that, when it really doesn’t mean a damn thing since you were in love with him (and him, with you) since ya’ll were children? I DON’T UNDERSTAND and quite frankly, I don’t think the writer or translator does either.

Like… I don’t know if this is just bad translating, westernizing, censoring, or something… but this is someone trying TOO FUCKING HARD to say “NO HOMO!!!” because I’m just like…

…over here. IT DOES NOT HAVE TO BE SO FUCKING COMPLICATED. You’re a guy who likes girls, but fell in love with another dude who happens to become a girl once a month for like 3 days TOPS. Even if your preference is still basically females, it really doesn’t apply to THE DUDE YOU’RE MARRIED TO, now does it? I mean, after all, it’s not like you don’t love him when he’s a guy. That’d be like a guy saying to a girl that he can’t love her or have sex with her unless she’s wearing makeup or looks a certain way or something. And if that’s actually what he’s saying, then that’s some serious denial shit going on there LEFT AND RIGHT. (It’s fine if it arouses you or you like the way they look dolled up, BUT ACTUALLY SAYING YOU CAN’T LOVE A PERSON BECAUSE UNLESS THEY LOOK A CERTAIN WAY IS REALLY… I mean… WOAH.)

God… I was SO hoping this series would be better than the first. Now it’s looking just a problematic – perhaps EVEN WORSE (even if I *DO* actually really like all of the characters)… *SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIGH*

THOUGHTS AFTER CH.3/BEGINNING OF CH.4

What even. This is getting ridiculous (And I don’t mean in a good way either…) Why the fuck is Marlo mad at David if he wanted him to be jealous in the first place? This is just plain dumb.

THOUGHTS ON CH.4 – DATE

Awwwwww… okay. So even if the rest of it is a bit of a tragedy, I REALLY like Chris. He loves his momma and he’s awkward AF and adorable AF and I’m diggin’ him. (Any man who loves his mom and isn’t ashamed to admit it is a good man. Means he’ll treat his woman right, too. <3)

I will say though, I’m curious to find out how he reacts to finding out that Marlo is married (since I kinda think he actually doesn’t know yet and this is all the butler’s doing giving him bad advice… he seems like the really innocent, socially awkward type, y’know?). How he reacts to this news is really how I’ll judge him.

AFTER READING CH.4

Okay… so I don’t know how I feel about reading this chapter. If *I* were writing this, then I know I’d have nothing to worry about, especially in regards to how things are shaping up with Chris’ personality (and the fact that he DID know Marlo’s married but still wants to make him his wife??? Waaaah???). But since I’m *not* the one writing this, and I’ve already seen the HIGHLY questionable life choices the writer/translator/mangaka has been going with in regards to this series and its characters… I’m concerned. I really don’t want to hate Chris (because he’s super adorbs) but I have a feeling I’m going to regret saying anything good about him because this writer is just…

DO YOU EVEN KNOW HOW TO CREATE AND DEVELOP CHARACTERS AT ALL?!

THOUGHTS FROM CH.5 ONWARD

UGHHHHHHH….

SOMEBODY SHOOT ME NOW

FINAL THOUGHTS

I sort of want to scratch my eyes out after reading this. I’d actually been fine with never knowing this sequel existed.

Any warnings you wish to make for your readers?

Dun read it.

Especially if you ACTUALLY LIKED the first series, Until The Full Moon. This sequel series literally ruins it, like you have NO IDEA.

Does it count towards any reading challenges?

Just the two…

• 2019 GoodReads Reading Challenge

…and my own self-imposed one. Guess I should give it a name or something, huh? Hmm….

• 2019 M3W2 Reading Challenge

Y’know… M3=Manga, Manhua, Manhwa; W2=Webcomic, & Webtoon

Sounds doable. Maybe I’ll add parentheses or something to it to explain it. Whatevs.

Would you recommend this book?

Like I said before… I certainly wouldn’t recommend it. It seriously does NOT portray a good picture of… anything. And the fact that it also tries to lay on comedy to mask some of the serious issues going on in it really doesn’t help.

.

Reviewed by AMS (amomentsilence)

Publisher:  Kodansha Comics Publication Date: Nov 2011 & Jan 2012 Format: Paperback Pages: 384 (192+192) Genre & Themes: Fantasy, Romance, Gender Bender, Bisexual/Gay Sexualities, Comedy

Age: Teen/OT Reviewer: AMS (amomentsilence) Source: Bought Challenge: 2019 GoodReads Reading Challenge, 2019 M3W2 Reading Challenge

[Review] Omega Society Auction: Book One (Rourke #1) by Eileen Glass (FREE BOOK)

Omega Society Auction: Book One (Rourke #1)

Eileen Glass

What rating would you give it?
4 of 5 Stars

Give us a summary.

(Goodreads Description)
When the alien alphas arrived on Earth, omega-compatible men weren’t given a choice in mating with them. After a long and troubled war, Earth brought down the harem towers and exiled the alien lords to the moon where they rule from afar.

Things have calmed down in recent history; the powerful alphas seek mates who will submit themselves voluntarily. But who would sell themselves into slavery? Who would want to become a breeder?

Rourke’s terminally ill mother needs a cure that’s only accessible to the very rich. An omega auction can pay for it.

What did you think of the book?

WHAT A PLEASANT SURPRISE! A free book that’s actually REALLY good. Omega Society Auction is an interesting take on your typical M/M Alpha/Omega trope, combined with aliens, a dystopian future, sci-fi setting, and m-preg. Lots of m-preg. (Although none of it actually happens in this book. But Rourke’s already gearing up for the role of babymaker extraordinaire!) The pacing, plot, characters were all well-thought out (although I could definitely see room for improvement and growth as the series continues). Although this book would actually be considered tame (there was no sex, just a hot make-out scene and some seriously questionable life choices on the MC’s part), I suspect the subsequent books will have more of a heat index to them. (Which I am WHOLEHEARTEDLY looking forward to!)

Literally my only complaint is two things:

One… it was never made clear whether or not our MC is actually gay/likes guys or not, is bi, or is straight but for whatever reason is gay-for-you to his Alpha. That sorta… irked me a little, but wasn’t that big a deal.

Two… and THIS WAS THE BIG DEAL ANNOYANCE… THAT FREAKING ABRUPT “ENDING”. A warning to all who start this ACTUALLY REALLY AMAZING SERIES: This is more like a SERIAL than a SERIES. Meaning the book ends like almost like a chapter would and then the next book picks up where you left off. Had I known that, I might not have started reading this series (because I was just looking for another fore-day morning read to keep me company until I dozed for a couple hours and then went off to work). I HAD NO INTENTION OF READING A BOOK/SERIES THAT WOULD LEAVE ME BEGGING FOR MORE AND ANNOYED THAT I COULDN’T RIGHT AWAY (cuz no money til Friday sadface) I’ll definitely be coming back for the rest of this series come the weekend, but for now I have to suffer through with that ANNOYING CLIFFHANGER (ughhhhuuuguuguguh)

Thus, why this book only gets 4 stars instead of 5 from me. CUZ THAT ENDING

Any warnings you wish to make for your readers?

Well… there is mention of rape, and probably some sort of dubcon going on towards the end of the book. But like I said, nothing actually happens in terms of sex in this book, and tbh I was more annoyed with Rourke for acting pissed off AFTER GIVING HIS CONSENT for his Alpha to have sex with him even though his Alpha told him he’s losing control and would probably — and I quote — “rape him” if he didn’t postpone their meeting for another time.

Furthermore, the whole damned thing was actually Rourke’s fault to begin with (and if/when you read, you’ll understand WHY I say that, cuz I don’t want to give that away). But yeah… I dunno. I guess depending on how the reader takes it, they could blame his Alpha or Rourke (but it’s totally Rourke’s fault. Like not even GONNA ATTEMPT to imply it’s anyone else’s fault but his. What he did and CONTINUED TO DO and EVEN GOT CAUGHT DOING was DUMB AF)

Does it count towards any reading challenges?

Just the one…

• 2019 GoodReads Reading Challenge

Would you recommend this book?

ABSOLUTELY! If you enjoy M/M, m-preg, Alpha/Omega, scifi, aliens… this is the book for you! Get your free copy here:

• GOOGLE PLAY
• AMAZON KINDLE

Reviewed by AMS (amomentsilence)

Publisher:  Glass Fiction Publication Date: December 16th 2017 Format: eBook Pages: 113 Genre & Themes: Sci-Fi, Aliens, M/M Romance, Alpha/Omega, m-preg, Dystopian future

Age: Adult Reviewer: AMS (amomentsilence) Source: Bought Challenge: 2019 GoodReads Reading Challenge

[Review] The Aliens and Their Omega (Volardi Mpreg #1) by Tabatha Austin (FREE BOOK)

The Aliens and Their Omega (Volardi Mpreg #1)

Tabatha Austin

What rating would you give it?
2.5 of 5 Stars

Give us a summary.

(Goodreads Description)
Genre: Gay Alien MPreg / MPreg Non Shifter / M/M/M

James hoped his jump would finally bring his miserable life to an end. It did, but not in the way he intended.

High above Earth, the Volardi – tall, muscular, virile aliens – are in desperate need of males to repopulate their race. Their desperation gives rise to the Omega Program, an active campaign to convert the perfect candidates.

When Melk and Trevah rescue James from a rocky cliff free-fall, they entice him with an opportunity to be the first Earthling Omega and bring Earth into a Golden Age.

Hot gay guys, a science fiction lifestyle, and a family? What could go wrong? Unfortunately for James, everything.

Note: The Aliens and Their Omega is a complete standalone alpha/beta/omega non-shifter mpreg (male pregnancy) romance.
This 31,000-word science fiction m/m/m novella contains detailed descriptions of steamy threesome sex with muscled aliens. Includes anal and oral situations with a firm touch of dominance.

What did you think of the book?

Where to even begin with this?

First, a confession:
I should REALLY, REALLY stop going through Google Play’s free books at, like, 3 in the morning and picking up the first “this-could-be-interesting” free book I find and reading it. It most likely won’t end well. xD

Now onto the review:
I liked the basic concept (this is seemed like SOOOO my cup of tea… A/B/O Aliens? GIMME EVERYTHING YOU HAAAAVVVVEEEE) but the writing was so mediocre that I constantly found myself rubbing my temples just to will myself past all the typos, spelling mistakes, and grammatical horrors that kept popping up left and right and pulling me out of the story. Also, though the BASIC concept was fine, I really didn’t like how it was executed in this story (which makes me cringe to think what the follow-up novels are like).

I don’t think I’ll read any of the other books (although reviews say the last — I think it’s the last — book in the series is the best written of them all). I only read this one ’cause I was bored, it was free, and I had absolutely nothing else better to do.

Any warnings you wish to make for your readers?

Uhhhhhhh… WELL… the synopsis basically lays them all out for you. I mean, it’s gay, mpreg, non-shifter A/B/O, threesome, graphic sexual situations, serious dubious consent, pregnant sex… I mean… it’s… it’s definitely an acquired taste.

If that’s your thing and you don’t mind mediocre writing in need of some SERIOUS editing, plot holes, and a very abrupt ending…

Does it count towards any reading challenges?

Just the one…

• 2019 GoodReads Reading Challenge

Would you recommend this book?

I really would not. But then again, it IS free (or at least it was when I found it on Google Play), so if you want to give it a shot? Go for it.

Do you, my friend.

Get it here FOR FREE:

• Google Play Books
• Amazon (Kindle)

Reviewed by AMS (amomentsilence)

Publisher:  Self Published Publication Date: January 2018 Format: eBook Pages: 112 Genre & Themes: 18+ M/M/M Romance, Fiction, Aliens, Sci-Fi, LGBTQUIA+, M-preg

Age: Adult (18+) Reviewer: AMS (amomentsilence) Source: Purchased on Google Play Challenge: 2019 GoodReads Reading Challenge

[Review] The Merman’s Kiss (Mates for Monsters, #1) by Tamsin Ley (FREE BOOK)

The Merman’s Kiss (Mates for Monsters, #1)

Tamsin Ley

What rating would you give it?
2 of 5 Stars

Give us a summary.

(Goodreads Description)
Even Monsters Need a Mate 

After the death of her child, Brianna seeks to end her life within the ocean’s final embrace. Instead, she falls into the arms of a sexy, sleek-tailed monster. He’s wild, seductive, and sets her blood on fire every time he touches her, and soon she begins to need him for more than his magic to breathe underwater. He might just give her a new reason to live.

Zantu has evaded the mate-bond for thirty-five years, dodging promiscuous mermaids with vile intents. Unlike mermaids, mermen bond for life, and Zantu refuses to accept the heartbreak most mermen die of. That is, until the glint of gold catches his eye, and a simple salvage mission turns to passion. Now he’s bonded to a human, and begins to wonder if bonding to the right mate might not be so bad. The problem? A finless female won’t live long among the dangers of the sea.

Now Zantu must choose between keeping her at his side, and keeping her safe. Either way, he’s sure he’ll end up with a broken heart.

Content Warning: Explicit love scenes, dangerous mermaids, and sexy merman secrets. Guaranteed HEA with no cliffhangers. Intended for mature audiences.

What did you think of the book?

Honestly, I wouldn’t have picked this up had it not been free, my laptop battery was dead, and I was without any other reading material at the time.

I was sitting in my car waiting for the paint inside my house to dry and needed something to to. Browsed Google Play and found this under the free book section. Figured, “Why not?”

….yeah… why the fuck not…

This… was not what I was hoping for. Although I don’t have the same complaints as other reviewers who read and hated/didn’t like it, I wasn’t blown away or even mildly entertained. I was… underwhelmed by the story, characters, plot-what-plot, and endless random sex scenes which made absolutely no sense (except for maybe, like, one where it actually made sense that they’d have sex then).

I got to nearly the end before I venture back inside my house and found I actually could without dying, and promptly forgot about this book. Then I saw it again, literally a chapter from being finished and said, “Fuck it! Why not?”

….why… the fuck… not…

*SIIIIIIIIGH*

The hell was up with that ending?! I don’t mean the supposed HEA ending that the author promised from day one, I mean the

!!SPOILER ALERT!!

Zantu POV: okay so yeah you managed to save me but now I’m gonna leave you on land after I’m ALMOST 99.99999999999% sure you’re pregnant, even though this whole fucking book I’ve been bitching and moaning about how horrible it is for mermaids to leave their mates because that’s what they do and now I’m gonna do it to you so byyyeee have a nice life preggos human bond-mate see you NEVER

!!END SPOILER!!

LIKE WHAT THE ACTUAL HELL?!

At any rate, this book proved to be a colossal waste of time, but at least it DID help me waste time quicker while I was letting paint dry, so I won’t give it one star.

But honestly….

What did I even read?

Any warnings you wish to make for your readers?

Ugh… instead of me listing them, how about you just not? Kay? Kay.

Does it count towards any reading challenges?

• 2019 GoodReads Reading Challenge

Would you recommend this book?

No. God no.

However, if you DO want to read it FOR FREE, you can find it here:

• Google Play Books
• Amazon (Kindle)

Reviewed by AMS (amomentsilence)

Publisher:  Twin Leaf Press Publication Date: February 2017 Format: eBook, RvC Pages: 115 Genre & Themes: Fantasy, Mermen, M/F Erotica, Crazy Mermaids, Stillborn children, breeding

Age: Adult (18+) Reviewer: AMS (amomentsilence) Source: Google Play Challenge:  2019 GoodReads Reading Challenge

[Review] Otte Otte, Koi wo Shite by Jiiko Homura (manga)

Otte Otte, Koi wo Shite [追って追って、恋をして]

Jiiko Homura

What rating would you give it?
2 of 5 Stars

Give us a summary.

Warehouse worker Makoto Ishida has been stalking his slightly clueless coworker Arata Yoshimoto, watching him from behind his geeky glasses. He’d even moved into the room right below Arata’s. He lives to admire the photos he secretly takes of his sweet, sweet love… Except, one day, Arata discovers his prized photo collection!! In Makoto’s fantasies, his encounters with Arata turn naughty fast, but now that the real Arata’s standing in front of him, he doesn’t know what to do!!! There’s no way this love could ever work out. Just what lies in store…!? A story of possessive, stalkery love!! Includes a previously unpublished story

What did you think of the book?

This book was adapted from Shitsuke Kata wa Nijuumaru.

Honestly didn’t like this one as much as the others in this universe. Oh well…