Review: The Italian Connection Vol.1 by Alex A. Akira

The Italian Connection Vol.1 (Dojo Boys #4) by Alex A. Akira
Triple A Press
Novel: 213pgs
3.5 Pants Off

Blurb:
This swiftly paced 2 Volume romantic Yaoi love story tells the story of the multi-talented thief/dancer Philippe Michael Ponty. First introduced in Dojo Boys: Dragon & Crow Volume II, the now 22 year old platinum haired, petite Adonis struggles to make a home for himself in America.

Volume I finds Philip settling in Connecticut in disguise as he doesn't want to draw too much attention to his true line of work. Despite his caution, he meets and befriends a local rock musician Tommy Sear, who despairs of ever having his band make it.

Quickly smitten by the dark haired, shy Asian male that is Philip, Tommy seeks to make the young man his, but Philip doesn't believe in love, besides he has a very real problem, he can't seem to get the victim of his last burglary, green eyed, virile Italian male... out of his mind.
With Philip's encouragement, Tommy renews his efforts to get his band Sear a record deal. He makes a demo and shortly after a scout contacts him, from Italy no less.

The Italian scout is coming to America hear them play in the hopes of signing Sear to the much sought after label Romano Studios. But Tommy has a secret and he's afraid that without Philip's help, they may not get the deal.

Review:
So I went into reading this one without having read the first 3 volumes, and though there were characters I was unfamiliar with, the story was pretty easy to follow. The book begins with Philippe a lithe thief breaking into a home, research says no one should be home but his plans get thwarted when a beautiful man is asleep in a couch in the very room he needs to steal from. Philippe is attracted to him, and wish he could have seen the man under different circumstances but he's got a job to do. What he never expected was a confrontation with the sleeping man and a kiss that would come to change his life.

Julian Romano is in Italy for a little R&R after a very nasty break-up with his partner. He's hurting and was being a bit destructive, and as a part owner with his twin brother Gregori of Romano Records, he needs to have his wits about. What he never expected was to be robbed on his vacay, and to want the thief something fierce. Many months later he's still pheneing for his little thief, but alas real life calls and it’s time to head back home and get back to work.

The book is very fast paced, and I did enjoy pretty much all the characters but I had a few niggles. The constant knowing what every character is thinking was annoying, really killed the flow of reading. So I found myself not reading all those inner thoughts written in italics (it was like a character always having an aside). The flashbacks also felt very contrived and out of order, which once again messed with overall delivery (it probably cause some confusion for readers). While most things seem all over the place, the author manages to bring everything together, but still left me with questions and anticipating reading the next volume. Things is about to get serious.

The thing to remember is that this book is yaoi, from the very core of the plot to how the characters talk to each other. There is a lot of story happening, with many characters and eye rolling moments. The Italian Connection is a fun read, with likable characters, and pretty men all around. An insta love thing going on which works with the story line and Philip's past which is very questionable, will not be for all readers (underage talk of sex) something which is not unusual in yaoi so I wasn't bothered. Overall, I liked it and can't wait to read volume 2.

Should You Read It? If you are a fan of yaoi and enjoy reading about pretty men then this book is for you. The sex part of it is very tame, and mostly it’s all very character based. Needed to be bit cleaner in delivery, but I liked it nonetheless. Plus, that covers is all kinds of pretty!!

3.5 Pants Off

You, Me, & Yaoi: Yaoi Pushing & Recommendations

I started reading yaoi over three years ago, after the birth of my second son. I was home, he was sleeping a lot and my oldest was spending lots of time with his grandparents. I read the Twilight books at lightning speed, devoured the House of Night series (don’t freaking ask) and I just wanted something new. I have told this story before, but I will share it again.

I wanted to read M/M after reading about the of the chain chemistry between Vishous/Butch from the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. I wanted it bad! I got a few recs from some online friends, and I did a little search around by myself. Someone had mentioned Jet Mykles, and so I visited her website and she mentioned Yaoi. Googled that sucker and it was as if heaven opened up and let me in it’s arms of insanely awesmazing boy love. I could not believe I was blinded for so many years T_T I totally made up for it, by devouring and making my eyes happy. Yaoi was the shit and I was 100% addicted.

I found some good sites like Aarin Fantasy, and Mangafox, which provided me with all my yaoi needs. I spent a year reading as much as I could, and with no exaggeration I must have read close to a 1000 yaoi mangas *I freaking killed it*. So now, I had M/M and Yaoi together they created an addict and left me broke ass. I have never been happier.

So I wanna push my love of yaoi unto POR readers, yes suckers I said push. I am pusher, an enabler, unleashing the peer pressure. I am no expert, but I do have some favourites that have stuck with me, and I go back to re-read them again and again. If you haven’t read any yaoi before, then starting online would be your best bet that way you can’t lose. And if you love it, then…

My Recs!!!

Junjo Romantic by Nakamura Shungiku

One of my all time fave yaoi series. It's funny, sexy, and I just really want to be Misaki. If you aren't a fan of a 17 year old having sex with an older man then you shloud run from this one. There is dub-consent/non-consent, but it's a story that really evolves and in no time Misaki is 22 and him and Usagi have been together for years. Throw in family drama and jealousy, and you have the makings of a fun wild story. This was made into an anime series, which I also recommend. Just lots of fun.

Status: I believe the publisher for this series was shut down, so I don't think it's available for purchase. Do not worry you can read the series here. I have purchased up to Vol.12 and I am still broke.

Haru Wo Daiteita/Embracing Love by Youka Nitta

This one follows Iwaki and Kato in their over the top but very awesome love story. Both being famous actors and openly gay kind of speak true of the times right now. There were some skeptics, but people have embraced their love, and the series tells of their journey. Lots of ups and downs, but what makes this one stand out is the pure "balls to the walls" theme. Very explicit sex scenes that happen often, but they are so hot its porn art. Youka Nitta is an awesome artist, and I just love these guys so much.

Status: Another series unavailable for order, and very difficult to find online but you wouldn't be disappointed if you spent the time looking. I want to own these mangas so bad and will wait until they are available for re-release.

Update: Embracing Love will be available for purchase come August thanks to Sublime Manga. Are you freaking dead yet? cus I totally am. I am so freaking excited for this the world can't contain me.

Love Mode by Yuki Shimizu

Love Mode is old school but it's freaking awesome! Another one with young characters falling for an older man. It has a bit of everything, the unbelievable mixed with the "that could totally happen" and it's also very sweet. There's a lot of characters in this one but 4 main characters that you will come to know and love. All this revolving around an escort agency, it is all just made of awesome. I really just want to go read this one again.

Status: Yep, you guessed it unavailable for purchase. The good one are just out of order. Don't fret my pets you can read it online It is totally worth your time, and it's just so much fun.

The Prime Minister's Secret Diplomacy by Youka Nitta

Yep, Ms Nitta has made the list again, because she is made of awesome. I love the hell out of this manga and have been waiting for an update like a crack whore. This one is filled with twists and turns, and deep family betrayal, because one of the men is married to the other's sister O_O "oh yes" it's like that. Though you can say that Shiraishi had him first, he is still a very bad brother. It is both sexy and dangerous and you are on the edge trying to figure out how it's all gonna go down.

Status: Good news, you can buy this one and I did. It's frustrating because I want more but I don't know where to find it 'HELP'. Purchase at a most awesmazing price.

Love Pistols/Sex Pistols by Taroko Kotobuki

I love this for only one reason, MPREG. Yes, folks the men get pregnant and I love it, love it, love it. There is a whole lot of story in this series and a whole lot of characters, so you have to be paying serious attention. It's fun and wildly original and I just love the crap out of it. 

Status: Can be purchased but in digital form only for now, and is published by recent yaoi press SuBLime Manga. Purchase

Tea for Two by Yaya Sakuragi

Another all time fave, this one featuring a love between two high-school aged boys. Both are as different as night and day. The distinguished Hasune from a wealthy well known tea house family. The brash Tokumaru, whose clumsy and a big oaf but he steals the heart of Hasune instantly. It's really beautiful to see their relationship progress and you will root for them until the end. So Sweet!!

Status: Unavailable for purchase but you can read it online, so it's still a win.

Groupie by Youka Nitta

This story is a testament to variety that can be found in yaoi. This one has siblings together but it's not exactly a healthy relationship. It deals with what can happen when three people enter into a relationship blind. Feelings get hurt, and I was deeply heartbroken at the end of it. There is also gender pushing, one character dresses like a woman but doesn't want to be a woman. Another winner by the ever fab Ms Nitta, who always bring the pretty and a solid story.

Status: Can be read online.

U Don't Know Me by RAKUN

Awesome, fantastic, and sexy as hell are just a few of the words to describe this manga. It is one of my all time faves and I constantly find myself going to have a peek at it. Another one featuring high-school aged boys on their way to university. Get ready for Seyun, he is so super pretty and wears clothes to tease, There is a bit about family, and it just wraps up in a beautiful story about best-friends finally admitting to their love. 

Status: You can read it online but can be found for purchase.

Complex by Manda Ringo
First of all, don't let the cover fool you. I avoided this one like the plague because of the cover and it was a mistake. This might be the best manga I have ever read! I literally broke down in tears at the end of this one it was just so insanely good.

The book shows the life of two friends from age five until their old (up to 80 or so). Each chapter titled after their age, we experience all their ups and downs and man there are downs. It still does have that craziness of most yaoi but also with a realistic feel. Nothing is ever easy for the boys, and they have to fight for each other in the end. It really is quite breathtaking and the best yaoi I have ever read. I Kid You Not!!

Status: Incredibly hard to find but it would be worth the search.

I believe there is yaoi manga for everyone the hard part is getting through them all. I have read some crappy, others that were ok, and others that are just made of pure awesome. This list is just a tip of the iceberg for my faves, so I will be updating as time goes by. Been thinking about reading yaoi? Check out the websites and find something that is to your taste, it’s the most fun way to pass the time.

Warning: All of the above have been rated NSFW

Review: Bishie Sparkles by Karenna Colcroft

Bishie Sparkles by Karenna Colcroft
Dreamspinner Press
Novella: 82pgs
4 Pants Off

Blurb:
Long-time yaoi fan Grant didn't expect to be so attracted to the main character of his latest purchase—and he definitely didn't expect to wake up next to him one morning. But that’s what happened. Even the sparkles, hearts, and small animals from the manga follow Teruo around Grant’s apartment. If Grant weren’t so distracted by lust, he’d find it really annoying.

When Teruo announces that he intends to stay with Grant because he has nowhere else to go, Grant is both pleased and terrified. Grant has been alone too long, and even with the sparkles, Teruo has made his way into Grant's heart. But if Grant can’t find the words to tell Teruo how he feels, Teruo might vanish as suddenly as he appeared


Review:
Color me surprised by how much I enjoyed this story. I went into reading with preconceived notions about what would be written, because yaoi moved over to M/M can be a bit predictable. Seriously, there was no rape, watermelon eating, and no ‘straight’ character just down for a bit of fucking. Though the timeline and plot might be overly unrealistic, it really added a lot of fun in those 82pgs.

Grant is a yaoi reader, which is like having me at hello. He is so excited to get home and do some yaoi reading in the privacy of his home. Grant finds himself getting all hot and bothered for the uke Terou, and he wants the fictional man in bad way. The next morning when he awakes to Teruo, sparkles and all Grant cannot wrap his mind around how the man came about.

I really loved the plot in this one! Just how awesome would it be if one of your fave characters appeared next to you in bed? For me it would be hella awesome. Imagine my pants losing if Asami from Viewfinder appeared in my bed or Vishous from the BDB. Lets just say that I would be a very happy woman :D

The story is very different and rather cute and I enjoyed reading it. I loved how Teruo sparkles, it so funny and yet so lame at the same time. It’s quite a different read, but still manages to capture yaoi aspect without being stereotypical. I’m glad there was no crying, rape, and character torture >.< 

I will be looking for more from Karenna Colcroft, and that cover is seriously pretty.

4 Pants Off

You, Me, & Yaoi #6: I Can't Stop Loving You

I Cant Stop Loving You Vol.1

By: Row Takakura

3.5 Pants Off

Blurb: Kyouji is a Buddhist exorcist, although he can't see ghosts his best friend and lover, Yu, can Maybe they'd go all the way if Yu's incredible supernatural strength could be held in check. How can a steamy, sexy relationship survive such obstacles?

3.5 Pants Off

Thoughts: With reading Yaoi you have to remember that it's all for good fun. Sometimes shit don’t make sense and the characters say some crazy things that wouldn’t work anywhere else. No matter how crazy I found I Can’t Stop Loving You it hasn’t been craziest thing I have read from yaoi.

Kyouji is an exorcist and a Buddhist monk in training. He is in relationship with his best friend Yu and they are in all kinds of blissful love. They want their relationship to go to the next level but whenever Kyouji and Yu get all up close and personal Yu’s super human strength always leave Kyo in pain. Sometimes it’s a cracked rib or really painful scratches, and due to his pain, they can never consummate their love.

Throw in some evil spirits, spirit possessions, and the most interrupted sex scenes ever and you have yourself a funny and charming read. I found this one to be cute, and a little sexy, and I really like Yu he is one of the best ukes ever. I really enjoyed that he wants Kyo a lot and wasn’t even embarrassed about it. Sometimes the bottoms in yaoi can be so annoying and in denial (Misaki I am talking to you).

Overall, enjoyed reading it because it was cute and made me laugh a few times. Originality not there, but what the hell the most fun way to past time is to read some boy love.

Get Interested 

Kyouji & Yu

Kyouji

You, Me, & Yaoi Cut #5: Target in the Finder

Finder, Vol.1: Target in the Finder

By: Ayano Yamane

Rating: 4 out of 5

Blurb: During a routine journalism assignment, Akihito Takara is captured by the mysterious Asami, a powerful leader in Japan's underworld society. Asami forces his captive to undergo a night of pleasure and pain never before imagined, but before long, the son of a powerful Chinese mafia boss also sets his sights upon Akihito, demanding the critical evidence he's uncovered-or is it something else about him he seeks? Includes three erotic bonus stories and an interview with author Ayano Yamane.

4 Pants Off

Thoughts: I have been dying to read the finder series, for like forever. Crucial situation, I was missing Vol.1, but then I got it and I could not wait a minute longer. So the anticipation was high, because through the yaoi grapevine, this series is one of the best, and I was excited in my pants. Am I slightly disappointed? Perhaps! Could my feelings change? Oh, you bet your sweet ass they will, after all its only volume 1.

Aki is a freelance photographer, trying to make a name for himself behind his viewfinder. He’s naïve and has no understanding that when you want to play with the big boys, you have to be prepared for their big boy toys (ahem, it’s as pervy as it sounds). Aki gets a story on something he has no business taking pics of, and his little ‘I wanna make a name for myself’ lands him in the web of Asami. Sexy crime boss extraordinaire, and too freaking sexy for a damn drawing.

What is it you do when boys are naughty? You punish them of course, and for all that is sweet and holy Asami punishes Aki. Here it comes the plot line that makes it so very yaoi. Aki gets tied up, and Asami uses him like a cum rag. All dirty and ‘wait a moment isn’t this wrong’ because I don’t think he consented to this sex. It depends on how you view it, and I gotta say I have no problems with it but I kind of think that Aki should be really pissed. However, he’s a simple boy, with simple problems.

Then comes the man I have knighted as my manga boyfriend Fei Long. Good grief I love that long hair, and those fine features and I did mention he also went for a ride on the turn style that is Aki. That boy gets his ass into some serious situations, and I do mean his ass.

It has the typical Seme/Uke thing going on. Where Asami never takes his clothes off during sex and the cigarette is always hanging from the side of his mouth. Hey, Asami are you gonna smoke them or are they just decorations. You could save a lot of money if you just smoked the freaking things. Aki, I like! He will forever be in denial that Asami turns him on and the question ‘but I’m a man?’ loses all value. We know you’re a man Aki, and so does Asami.

There are three bonus stories, which offer up some really hot sex scenes but add nothing to the manga. Its just really great smut and folks I am not complaining. With art this beautiful, I will just cry on the inside and salivate over its awesomeness.

I am super excited to read the rest of the volumes, because I just know some serious stuff is gonna go down. I am also deeply interested to see who else will have sex with Aki. Asami will your clothes remain on; will you ever smoke all of one cigarette? I am going to find out folks.
 

Get Interested

Fingers!

Fei Long

 

Strawberries and the Beast

Strawberries and the Beast by April Moone
Dreamspinner Press

Novel: 190pages

3 out of 5

Blurb:
Reckless, flamboyant Keigo is bisexual. Blunt, aloof Masaki is straight. Their conflicting personalities make them unlikely friends, but after some careful maneuvering on Keigo’s part and one strawberry-flavored kiss, Masaki gives more of himself to Keigo than he ever thought possible. More than he’s willing to share with his girlfriend. But Masaki’s fear of commitment threatens to shake their rocky relationship to pieces.

Keigo’s new feelings for Masaki are confusing enough even before his on-again, off-again lover, Kaname, blows back into town. Kaname is a manipulative beast, demanding Keigo’s undying fidelity in return for his cruelty, and Keigo’s fragile relationship with Masaki cracks under the weight of his presence. If Keigo really wants to build a life with Masaki, he’ll have to discover the strength to free himself of Kaname and convince Masaki to be with him forever.

Review:
I am a huge fan of yaoi (broken record). It’s something I read often so I know the similarities of plot lines that can be found in each one. I know that when writing yaoi, some authors try to make it their own because it can become quite repetitive and predictable. This book falls under both those categories. There is a strong part of me conditioned to love it on the yaoi way alone, but this was a novel and I just wanted more. It was like reading a schoolboy yaoi manga and I find that I don’t enjoy it as much in a published novel.

Masaki is the loner, the guy that nobody messes with and wants to become friends with. He’s irritable with a bad temper and constantly gets into fights. While having lunch on the roof, Keigo invades his space begins to chatter and over time the two become friend (somewhat). So one day while sharing lunch on the roof Keigo kisses Masaki, and their relationship escalates into something more. Masaki is the straight man with a girlfriend and Keigo is bi-sexual and carries strong feelings for Masaki.

What happens next, any fan of yaoi would be able to tell you. They have sex, Masaki doesn’t hate having sex with Keigo but he is straight and sticking to that orientation. Keigo feelings goes beyond sex and feels that Masaki won’t be able to reciprocate. Just when things are going smoothly in comes the bad ex-boyfriend of Keigo from years past. He is a sadistic and an abusive bastard with a hold over Keigo’s feelings and gets off on torturing him. I think this is where my feelings for the book started to change.

I began to guess every situation from that point on. As a joke I said to a friend of mine who is an avid yaoi reader ‘that all I am waiting on is for one of the characters to go back to their hometown. Get taken care of by an elderly neighbour and be fed watermelon’. Lets just say I was wrong about the watermelon. It just felt like the author read some yaoi mangas and went with writing this story from there. Its hard to distinguish this one from the rest.

I don’t completely dislike the book. The writing is good and the characters are likeable to a certain point. Its just that everything else felt too simplistic and safe. I wanted it to go further and away from all the stereotypes that can be found soemtimes in yaoi. 

SideNote- Love that cover, so very pretty! 

3 Pants Off

Go Ahead Take Those Pants Off

Strawberries and the Beast was provided by netgalley.com and Dreamspinner Press

Black Gold

Black Gold by Clancy Nacht and Thursday Euclid
Loose-Id

Novel

3 out of 5

2/5 PL Scale

Blurb:
Billy “Goldie” Goldean is the biggest pop star in the world and he’s harboring a terrible, career-killing secret: he’s gay. Even with song titles such as “Astral Glider” and “Winking Brown Eye,” few question Goldie’s squeaky clean teen heartthrob status. That is, until Jethro “Jett” Black, an infamous womanizer and underground punk icon, names him in the pages of Rolling Stone magazine as the celebrity he’d most like to fuck.

After they hook up at an industry party, Goldie’s management dumps him, Jett’s exes come back to haunt them, and even Goldie’s mother makes a public plea for him to come to his senses. Can Goldie trust his untamed new lover, or will the pressures of fame tear them apart?

Review:
This book reads like a yaoi manga. It offers up outrageous characters, a larger than life story and leaves you feeling like most situations are never resolved. The book had the potential to be perfection, but overly described and elaborated scenes just left me rolling my eyes.

Billy Goldean is the biggest pop star in the world. Known as Goldie, he has teenage girls eating out of his hands and going putty at his feet. His life is glam star rich and he looks like he has it all. He has the looks, the money and undying fan following. Well, there is a lot more at the surface of it all, seems Goldie life is only glamorous in the materialistic way, and his true self is hidden behind all the make-up and glam squad clothing. Until an article in rolling stone gets his interest and ultimately might change his life.

Jett Black is sitting in dingy motel talking with an up and coming reporter for Rolling Stone magazine. He’s the bad boy of underground rock, and the man that gets all the women. He would rather be famous for his music, but instead he’s famous for his conquests. When the reporter asks about the one person he would like to sleep with, his answer is both shocking and sexy. He’s a ladies man and to say he wants the hottest pop star in the world, his fans and Goldie’s fans are in for a surprise.

Billy is super happy about what Jett wants to do with him, but the downside is no one knows he is gay, he might be the hottest shit in the world but he is overly insecure. When a label meeting in an upscale penthouse is becoming all sorts of wrong, Jett crashes in all foaming at the mouth, and becomes Goldie’s knight in shining black liner.

As I said before this book had the potential of being perfection, but the overly dramatic scenes and dialogue just made it an ok read. I feel like nothing was resolved and that is still left, is the flawed characters and their insecurities. There were times when I really liked Jett, but he kills it with his obnoxious behaviour, and drunken rants. I am talking outrageous like a Lady Gaga outfit.

The relationship between Jett and Goldie I found a bit confusing. They say they love each other, but clearly both find it hard to believe. I found nothing sexy about their lovemaking, I rather they dirty talk it up. I am just clearly not satisfied and I really hope the authors revisit these characters again. Jett kinda pisses me off, and I want Goldie to have more balls (and by balls, I mean standing up for himself without the aid of Jett. I don’t mean I think of him as a woman). I guess my dislike comes from the fact, that Jett is always inebriated. I just did not like that aspect of the story, it was too much all the time.
 
SideNote- The cover clearly is very pretty. I did enjoy Goldie's description, I can honestly say I do enjoy my men pretty.
 
SideNote2- As you can see I am really liking the word clearly,lol.