Book Review: Bleach, Vol 32 by Tite Kubo

 

Bleach, Vol 32      

Author: Tite Kubo

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: September 7, 2010

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Manga/Supernatural/200 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

 

Nel and Orihime are stricken at the idea of Ichigo having to face down Grimmjow yet again, but he assures them everything will be all right. Heartened by his words, Orihime reassures the still upset Nel that Ichigo is a man of his word, and if he says he will do something, he will. Grimmjow continues to taunt Ichigo until he releases his inner Hollow, which frightens Orihime. Is this the same Ichigo she has always known? Now it is Nel’s turn to tell Orihime to have faith and to cheer on Ichigo, for if they don’t, who will?

Gillians are the lowest class of Menos. They consume souls to the point where they lose all individuality. But occasionally, one of the consumed Hollows takes control of the others and dominates, continuing to consume until it becomes an Adjucha. If this Adjucha doesn’t continue to eat Hollows, it will regress into a Gillian and then there is no coming back from that. This is the perpetual fear that keeps them going. Grimmjow was once such an Adjucha, who continued to climb in the ranks until he became an Espada. He never wishes to go back again, so he must defeat Ichigo.

Although, if he fails, there is always another Espada waiting in the wings…

This volume of Bleach is concerned with the ongoing epic battle between Ichigo and Grimmjow, both of whom are determined to win. This fight was inevitable, considering their history together.  Orihime and Nel are helpless to do other than cheer Ichigo on, but never underestimate the value of a good rooting section! Reading about how Grimmjow became what he is was interesting, and gives us more insight into the hierarchy of the Hollows, as well as their development.

There is also a bonus story concerning Hitsugaya which I enjoyed.

Looking forward to the next volume!

 

 

 

Book Review: Blue Exorcist, Vol 25 by Kazue Kato

 

Blue Exorcist, Vol 25       

Author: Kazue Kato

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: February 2, 2021

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/manga/paranormal/282 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

 

The Blue Night has begun…

A rapidly deteriorating Satan has found what he has sought, namely Yuri. But in his mind, he thinks she has betrayed him, so seeks her destruction. Father Fujimoto helps Yuri to deliver her second son as the others keep Satan at bay. At first, he is not responsive, then he takes his first breath, to her relief.

At that moment, who should appear but Sir Pheles himself, who announces he is in charge, following the death of the Paladin. He tells everyone else to withdraw and then proceeds to discuss matters with Fujimoto. Pheles tells the priest that no ordinary sword will kill the son of Satan, as the first child continues to fly out of everyone’s reach, but perhaps the Koma sword could. Too bad he gave it to a young monk a long time ago. Nevertheless, Fujimoto struggles to kill the child, only to have Pheles give both children to their grateful mother. A jealous Satan appears and begins a standoff with Father Fujimoto.

Fujimoto takes Yuri and the babies and escapes. She decides on their names.  The first one is Rin, like a Rinka, since he burst into blue flames. The other one is Yukio, because Yukiotoko are strong and warm! Yuri and Shiro make plans for the future, their future with the babies. But alas, Yuri’s health fails her and she dies, to Shiro’s grief. He protects the babies as best he can.

In the aftermath of the Blue Night, everyone begins to pick up the pieces, even as Samael makes a deal with his father to provide a proper vessel for him, as does the traitor Dragulescu. Pheles leaves the kids with Shiro to raise, but he’ll have to change some of his ways. And it won’t be easy. He becomes the next Paladin, and does his best to bring up Yuri’s boys, always mindful of the power inherent in Rin. Up until the moment when Rin’s father reappears to try to claim him…

And so we reach the end of the past. Rin has seen it all and now he understands so much more than he did before, primarily that he is not an abomination or a mistake, that he and his brother were loved and wanted by their parents, but fate would not allow them to be a happy family.  He uses the key to return to his brother, who is about to…

This volume of Blue Exorcist is jam-packed with action. So much going on, so much explained. So much tragedy. And yet from all of this we know Rin and Yukio will emerge much stronger for the experience. The love story of Yuri and Satan has come to a tragic end, but that isn’t exactly news. We’ve known that since the beginning. But it’s just heart-breaking to see it play out. I couldn’t help but wish they could have been together. I like Shiro, and I’m sorry his story came to such an end, but he was a good father to the boys, and taught them much. Mephisto Pheles is still somewhat of an enigma, but I have to believe there is more good in him than not, even if he loves a good joke at the worst of times.

There is so much to be done, but I’m sure that Rin and Yukio can succeed, if they only stay together, a united front. Another great volume, looking forward to the next!

Wednesday Briefs: Super Trooper #57 (13.3)

Good morning and Happy Hump Day! If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts. 

Chan thinks things might be looking up when Evan proposes taking the kids to the park to play. See what's going on with them in this week's chapter of Super Trooper. Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what's up with them. Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

Super Trooper #57 (13.3)

The park was within walking distance of the house. Chan had gone there with his family many times, and had often taken his siblings there on his own as well. Used primarily by children from nearby neighborhoods, it was filled with  everything a child could hope for in a playground—swings and seesaws, equipment to climb on, a merry-go-round, and even small playhouses for sitting inside quietly with a book. Benches for the parents, of course.  Shady trees dotted the park, inhabited by friendly squirrels whose antics were often amusing, and whose broad leaves provided relief from the sometimes harsh Texas sun. And of course picnic tables and bbq pits for those who enjoyed eating outdoors.

There had never been any trouble at the park. Chan knew his parents trusted Laksha enough to take her brother and sister there to play under her supervision. Kamal and his friends frequently played there after school and on weekends. Altogether a familiar place. One Chan hoped would provide a much-needed feeling of familiarity.

How much he loved Evan for having made the suggestion.

 The kids readily agreed to the plan, of course. Although Chan thought they could have been more appreciative of Evan, since it was his idea. Laksha did say thank you, but Kamal acted as though it was his right, but Chan let it pass rather than spoil a day which held so much promise.

While the children got ready, Evan made a trip to a nearby deli and brought back an assortment of sandwiches and chips and bottled water. Chan’s mother had always discouraged them from drinking coke, as Texans referred to any brand of soda. He was more than happy to follow her direction in this as in anything else. He knew she would have wanted it that way.

Once they reached the park, Kamal spotted some of his friends and immediately became immersed in a game of tag.

Chan started to ask Laksha if she wanted to join them, but one glance told him she was not interested. Naturally not. She was four years older than the boys, and not given to the physical pursuits they frequently enjoyed.

Even Madhu seemed happy to be there. She obviously had her favorite spots in the park, tugging at Laksha’s hand just as she opened her book. “Want to swing,” Madhu said.

“We’ll take her,” Chan quickly volunteered. He glanced at Evan, who nodded his approval, to Chan’s relief.  Reaching for Madhu, he swept her up into his arms.

“Okay,” Laksha agreed, immersing herself in her book. Something about genetics, he noticed. He was always amazed at how advanced she was for her age. Sometimes he forgot she was only eleven.

Besides a full-sized set, the park contained swings that were designed with younger children in mind, and that is where they directed their steps. Such a beautiful day. He couldn’t have asked for nicer weather. Not a cloud in the sky, a gentle breeze. Life was good.

He carefully set his sister into one of the swings, making sure she was carefully locked in place before he began to push her. She squealed with joy and kicked her feet.

 The swing beside her was occupied by a small boy, who was being pushed by his mother. She turned toward Chan and smiled.  “You have a beautiful daughter,” she said.

“Sister,” Chan replied. “And thank you. Your son is very handsome.” The mother beamed at him in return.

Chan and Evan took turns pushing Madhu until she decided she was done. Chan released her from the swing and she immediately began to run off. Not that she could get far on her fat baby legs. Apparently she just wanted to stretch them. They easily strolled behind her in her wake as she zigzagged about the park on a random course.

Chan noticed that Evan hovered like a worried mother hen, and the sight warmed his heart. Maybe everyone was adjusting to the new situation and all would be well. He certainly hoped so.

Just then, he noticed Madhu stumble on something. She fell face first into the soft grass with an indignant wail. Evan was at her side in an instant. He reached for her, but she wouldn’t let him pick her up, struggling against his efforts. She reached out for Chan instead.

“Chan!” she cried insistently until he took her into his arms and cradled her, after making sure she wasn’t injured, just shaken up.

He glanced at Evan, not sure what to say to soften her rejection. He thought he saw pain reflected in Evan’s eyes and his heart went out to him. “She’s just used to me,” he said. “It’s nothing against you. She was just scared.”

But he wasn’t sure Evan believed that any more than he did. Chan stifled a sigh, as they headed back toward the picnic table they had staked out earlier, where Laksha sat.

 to be continued

Now go see what's up with the other Briefers!

Cia Nordwell

J Alan Veerkamp

J Ray Lamb

 

Book Review: Bleach, Vol 31 by Tite Kubo

 

Bleach, Vol 31               

Author: Tite Kubo

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: June 1, 2010

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Manga/Supernatural/192 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

 

Ichigo comes face to face with Ulquiorra, who informs him that Rukia is dead. And so is the Espada she was fighting. Ichigo doesn’t believe him, insisting he will save her. When Ulquiorra asks why Ichigo doesn’t attack him, he says it’s because Ulquiorra hasn’t hurt any of his friends. That quickly changes when Ulquiorra replies,” What if I told you that I brought Orihime Inoue to Hueco Mundo?” And the battle is on…

Meanwhile, Orihime is alone in her room, her solitude disturbed by two young Arrancar girls, one of whom is determined to torture her. But their fun is quickly disrupted by Grimmjow, who sets the torturer straight, despite her threats to tell Aizen what he did to her. But Grimmjow has his reasons for his actions, which he reveals to Orihime.

Renji is still battling Szayelaporro, who has a rather disturbing way of replenishing his health. Renji is at the end of his strength when help arrives from an unexpected source. Grimmjow has taken Orihime with him, for his own purposes, despite the intervention of Ulquiorra. Grimmjow is determined to use Orihime’s healing ability to fully heal the opponent he intends to fight. Orihime doesn’t wish to obey, until she is presented with a good reason to do so.

Another battle-centric volume of Bleach. I imagine that’s what we’ll be getting for a while as Ichigo and his friends make their way to Aizen’s inner sanctum. I’m sure he’s anticipated all this in advance and is waiting for them with plans of his own.

I love the banter between Renji and Dondochakka, and Uryu and Pesche. Not to mention Nel and Ichigo. At the same time, they are more than mere comic relief. If we know nothing else about Ichigo, it is that he will not give up, no matter what the odds, in order to save the people he cares about. Never say never is his motto.

More battles ahead, looking forward to the next volume!

Virtual Book Tour: Moscow Nights by R.W. Buxton

 Good morning everyone! Please welcome author R. W. Buxton to Full Moon Dreaming! He's here today to tell us about his new release, Moscow Nights. He will be awarding a $20 Amazon/BN GC to one randomly drawn commenter via Rafflecopter during the tour. The more you comment, the better your chances of winning. To find the other stops on his tour, go here. Don't forget to look for the Rafflecopter at the end of this post!

 

Moscow Nights

by R.W. Buxton

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

GENRE: Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Romance

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

BLURB:

 

Erin is desperate to save Gerry from shadowy forces that would do anything to prevent him from fulfilling the prophecy. But when she arrives, he’s with another woman and the worst thing is it’s Tina, his former partner at the FBI.

 

Can she convince him the threat is real, and not just to him, but Mary his young daughter.

 

Halfway around the world ominous figures hiding in the night plan the unthinkable and Gerry is the only one that can stop them. The threat is genuine but will he believe her? Will he believe in the prophecy?

 

Erin must face her own past, a past she thought was over. It opens old wounds that send her careening on a path of destruction. Can she overcome them in time to save Gerry or will she lose everything because of a deep-rooted hurt that can’t be healed?

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

NOTE: The book is on sale for $0.99.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

EXCERPT:

 

 

She pulled him closer, and he decided not to reply. Gerry glanced down at Erin. Even though her dark hair partially covered her face, he could still see emotions tug at her. There was more she hadn’t told him, but he didn’t pry.

 

Their walk ended as they climbed the stairs of the Bolshoi Theatre. It was more amazing than any building he could think of in the States. It rose with pillars and lights, lit for a gala event.

 

“Shall we go in?”

 

“Just a moment more. I want to spend a few more minutes with you.” Erin clasped her hands around his arms.

 

He looked down at her. The lines of worry were gone, replaced with a softness he had never seen in her. There was a kindness there. He found it hard to reconcile it with what she was. Without thinking, he leaned down and kissed her.

 

Erin stammered, “Wait here, and I’ll go to will call to pick up the tickets.”

 

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

You’re marooned on a small island with one person and one item of your choice—who is that person and what item do you have?

The who part of this is pretty easy. It would be my wife. I guess I could pick some famous person or someone that knows about survival like Bear Grylls. I would be set up for survival. But to be honest, if I was stranded, I would want it to be my best friend and partner. More often than not my voice of reason. Over thirty years, we’ve survived some rough and tumble times and being stranded would be a walk in the park.

As for what item I would take. I’m not really sure. It seems to me I would want something practical, either to start a fire with or build a structure and hunt for food. Since a knife would help with food and a place to live I guess that would be it. I learned long ago in Scouts that it is possible to start a fire with a stick and a little piece of wood, so I hope I would remember how.

Which musical would you say best exemplifies your life – and which character in that musical are you?

I can’t say that any musical really exemplifies my life, but Old Deuteronomy from Cats is certainly one cat that I can identify with. Being the leader of the Jellicles he’s old, wise and respected. I only qualify for old and wise, and not even wise if you ask my kids. Sometimes, like Old Deuteronomy, I feel like I’ve lived my nine lives.

What is your idea of how to spend romantic time with your significant other?

This is a tough one. We both have completely opposite ideas of romantic, but somehow we’ve managed to survive. For me, it would be a romantic getaway to a mountain retreat. Someplace surrounded by massive old-growth trees, that has fine dining, hiking trails and a beautiful porch to sit on and watch the sunset.

For her, it would be somewhere near the beach. Over the years, we’ve compromised, which means we go to the beach. But to spend an evening at a local restaurant overlooking the water, watching the fishing boats come in, is pretty idyllic.

When you start a new story, do you begin with a character, or a plot?

I always, (maybe I shouldn’t use always), start with a character. Once I have a character, I work on their arc. I want to know who they are and where they are going. This gives me ideas for the plot. I then work on the people that will influence their lives and the impact they have. Then once I have a framework, I think about the plot that will move the character from the beginning of their journey to the end.

Who’s your favorite horror villain and why?

The Joker is my favorite villain. No real reason, he’s just a cool guy that’s misunderstood. Not to mention really cool makeup and a personal style that says, “I don’t care.”

 

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

I love a good paranormal read, something about the un-dead haunts the fringes of my mind. Mix in romance, love, loss, and you have a great story.

 

I voraciously read everything, fiction, and non-fiction but always find myself turning back to the darker stories. I’ve always wanted to write and the dream became a reality with Capital Thirst, and the remainder of the Erin Kingsly novels.

 

I spend most of my days designing and building websites, but my free time is devoted to my wife, family, and cats. Yes three grown children and three cats. Things can be hectic.

 

For fun you might find me driving winding roads with the top down or out photographing nature.

 

Website

RWBuxton.com

 

Facebook

R.W. Buxton - Home | Facebook

 

Twitter

RW Buxton Author (@rwBuxtonAuthor) | Twitter

 

Other Links

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/r-w-buxton

 

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19658320.R_W_Buxton

 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48481089-capital-thirst

 

https://allauthor.com/author/rwbuxton/

 

 

Buy Links

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08KXG6CWS

https://books.apple.com/us/book/moscow-nights/id1527771232

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/moscow-nights-rw-buxton/1137483626

https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/moscow-nights-7

 

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Review: You by Caroline Kepnes

 

You             

Author: Caroline Kepnes

Publisher: Atria/Emily Bestler Books

American release date:  October 13, 2020

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Serial Killer Thriller/448 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★

 

The moment Guinivere Beck walked into the NYC bookstore that Joe Goldberg manages, she becomes his instant obsession. His new love. What else can he do, in her best interest, other than to find out everything he can about her and stalk her? And Joe is very good at what he does.

Determined that Beck love him as much as he loves her, he goes about learning what makes her tick. So naturally he needs to spy on her inside her apartment (good thing she doesn’t believe in curtains). A stroke of fortune (or is it Fate?) finds him in possession of her cell phone, so now he can follow her every message, tweet, and email. He gets to know her friends, the most obnoxious of whom is Peach, an entitled rich beeyatch. And then there’s Benji, the surfer-looking dude with his own artisanal water company who seems to be a friend with benefits.

Good thing Joe has the patience of a saint, because the road to winning Beck’s heart is not going to be an easy one. And if, well, he has to kill a few people along the way, all in a day’s work, right?

You pulls you in from the first page with its compelling first person narration. Joe Goldberg is “likeable”… in that charming, demented, narcissistic serial killer kind of way. Poor Joe. Sometimes it seems as though he takes one step forward and three steps back in his pursuit of the elusive Beck. After a while, you begin to wonder just what it is he sees in her that makes him so crazy.

Oh, and just to be clear, this is not his first rodeo, as he plainly admits. So maybe he just wants to get it right this time… unless things don’t work out, and then he can just start again, right?

This book will make you laugh and will also horrify you… and leave you hoping you never meet any people like these. But it’s definitely a fun, wild ride, a psychological rollercoaster that will leave you wanting more. And luckily, there is a second book. Looking forward to reading it.

Virtual Book Tour: His Marriage Gamble by Nancy Fraser

 Good morning everyone!  Please welcome author Nancy Fraser to Full Moon Dreaming! She is here to tell us about her new release, His Marriage Gamble. Nancy will be awarding a $15 Amazon/BN GC to one randomly drawn commenter via Rafflecopter during the tour. The more you comment, the better your chances of winning. To find the other stops on her tour, go here. Don't forget to look for the Rafflecopter at the end of this post!

 

His Marriage Gamble

by Nancy Fraser

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

GENRE: Historical Romance

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

BLURB:

 

Felicity Beaumont, the rebellious daughter of Louisiana elite devises a plan to move her father’s illegally owned slaves north to safety using the gambling river boat known as the Lucky Lady. Dressed as a young farm boy, she attempts to sell family heirlooms to raise the funds she needs. Short the full amount, she continues her ruse and bargains her way aboard the boat as their chaperone.

 

Charismatic owner of the Lucky Lady, Jake McAlister doesn’t trust women, and when he discovers Felicity’s subterfuge, he remembers exactly why.

 

While they find themselves in agreement about helping the free men and women, they are at odds over everything else, including their quickly escalating feelings for one another. When caught between Felicity’s powerful father and the ire of a local judge, they’re forced into a marriage neither wanted.

 

Can they make the best of a bad situation? And, will gambling on love be a bust or reap them both a happily ever after?

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

EXCERPT:

 

Jake McAlister lifted his foot to the railing above the Lucky Lady’s stern and lit a thin cheroot, its tip glowing bright red in the dark night sky. His cargo hadn’t yet arrived, and he felt the first stirring of concern. He’d asked permission to dock at this unfamiliar port under the guise of making some repairs. To overstay his welcome would draw attention he didn’t want or need. He’d give them twenty minutes and then…

 

“Excuse me, are you Jake McAlister?”

 

Jake raised his head. A young boy of no more than fifteen or sixteen stood before him. “Can I help you, kid?”

 

“I’m here to arrange passage for some of my friends.”

 

The boy coughed out his words, and Jake had to stifle a chuckle at the lad’s attempt to hide the obvious changes in his voice. “You’re the one who contacted me?” Jake asked.

 

“Yes.” The boy shuffled nervously from one foot to the other and kept his gaze narrowed on the ship’s deck.

 

“And, just where are these friends of yours?”

 

The boy let out a shrill whistle and a long line of blacks came out from behind a nearby building, first the men, then the women and, finally, the children. They arrived carrying their worldly belongings in a few large satchels, a handful of worn burlap sacks and, surprisingly, one rather expensive-looking steamer trunk. Jake counted heads as they came on board.

 

“I count four men, six women, and sixteen children. At fifty bucks a head for the adults and twenty for the children, that comes to eight hundred and twenty.”

 

“That’s right,” the boy confirmed, “how much extra for me?”

 

“I don’t take spectators on these runs, boy. The agreement is to take the blacks north to freedom. From the looks of them, they don’t need a caretaker, unless it’s to help them read.”

 

“My friends all know how to read, Mr. McAlister. And write.”

 

“Then they don’t need you, do they?”

 

“I’ve got the money.”

 

“Which you are going to give to me.”

 

 

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

Jumping Across Romance Genres with Gleeful Abandon—is an Amazon Top 100 and Award-Winning author who can’t seem to decide which romance genre suits her best. So, she writes them all.

 

Like most authors, Nancy began writing at an early age, usually on the walls and with crayons or, heaven forbid, permanent markers. Her love of writing often made her the English teacher’s pet which, of course, resulted in a whole lot of teasing. Still, it was worth it.

 

Nancy has published over thirty-five books in full-length, novella, and short format.

When not writing (which is almost never), Nancy dotes on her five wonderful grandchildren and looks forward to traveling and reading when time permits. Nancy lives in Atlantic Canada where she enjoys the relaxed pace and colorful people.

 

Author Social Media:

 

Website: www.nancyfraser.ca

Facebook: http://facebook.com/nancyfraserauthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/nfraserauthor  @nfraserauthor

Bookbub: http://bookbub.com/profile/nancy-fraser

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Nancy-Fraser/e/B004AOL61Y/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7206382.Nancy_Fraser

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ca/fraser425/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3gC68iMStwKCr4v_S6fMIA

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/romauthor_nancyfraser/

Newletter Sign Up: http://eepurl.com/bxkKvD

 

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Bookbub ~ Instagram

Amazon Author Page ~ Goodreads ~ Pinterest ~ YouTube ~ Newsletter

 

~ ~ ~

 

Trailer: https://youtu.be/1StNRvGpAUE

 

HTML: <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1StNRvGpAUE" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

 

Jigsaw: https://bit.ly/36moGf3

 

Will doing the right thing be his first mistake? Or, his last?

He's the owner of a gambling riverboat. She's the willful daughter of a rich man, hoping to free his wrongfully indentured slaves.

Can he help her with her quest without consequence? Or, will he end up with a bride he didn't want?

 

https://www.bookgems.com/3417/his-marriage-gamble/

 

 

Purchase Links:  The Book is on sale for $0.99 During the Tour.

 

ASIN: B08TMQ9C3W

 

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08TMQ9C3W

 

Apple:  https://books.apple.com/us/book/id1550045267

 

Barnes & Noble:  https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/his-marriage-gamble-nancy-fraser/1138654225;

 

Kobo:  https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/his-marriage-gamble

 

Universal Link: https://books2read.com/u/bxjxP6

Custom Link: books2read.com/MarriageG

 

Print Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08TZ6TBTL

 

BookBub:  https://www.bookbub.com/books/his-marriage-gamble-love-s-a-gamble-book-2-by-nancy-fraser

 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56775984-his-marriage-gamble

 

 

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Review: Twentieth Century Boys, Vol 5 by Naoki Urasawa

 

Twentieth Century Boys, Vol 5: Reunion       

Author: Naoki Urasawa

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: October 20, 2009

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/manga/paranormal/216 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

 

Kenji summons all his friends who knew of the clubhouse and the book to a secret meeting. Well, almost all. But she shows up anyway, thanks to a map carelessly left behind by one of the group, and dares them to deny she is as strong as they are, maybe even stronger. Kenji tells them he was told they would need nine people to accomplish their task, but only have seven have assembled. Luckily, as he tells them, he has contacted two others.

Yanbo and Mabo were twin terrors who made the lives of Kenji and his friends living Hell back in the day. Grown now, they own their own IT company and seem the antithesis of what they once were. Yoshitsune goes to see them on Kenji’s behalf and is amazed at the change in them. They seem to understand what Kenji is asking of them… but then they take a meeting with Inshu, the smarmy FDP politician. Are they deluded as to what is going on, and do they really not remember how awful they once were?

Kenji disguises himself in order to take his niece Kanna out for ramen before he sends her and his mom off in order to keep them safe. Yukiji tells him he’s doing the right thing, and also not to worry about her. She’ll be fine, and she wants to be a part of what’s going on. Consulting their book of Doom, they see that a giant robot is due to make an appearance, but aren’t sure what the picture before that means.

Kenji begins to doubt himself, doubt their theories. Everything is quiet. Is he just being paranoid? Is he causing trouble for his friends for no good reason? And then Ocho remembers what the picture means, and that too comes to pass… all around the world.

In the year 2014, a young woman named Kanna Endo has her own apartment…

In this volume of Twentieth Century Boys, the plot definitely thickens. There are so many questions, and few answers as of now. What about the twins? Are they going to be a help or a hindrance to Kenji and his friends? Do they not really remember what bullies they were when they speak of having played with these guys as kids? Is Kenji really blind to the fact that Yukiji likes him? Can they really take on the Friends and do they have any hope of defeating them? Will they ever find out the true identity of their mysterious leader?

Is this future written in stone? Can it end in some other way? Prepare to be shocked at the ending. What the hell happened? And is everything we assumed totally wrong?

Another great volume, looking forward to the next one.

 

Book Review: Bleach, Vol 30 by Tite Kubo

 Bleach, Vol 30      

Author: Tite Kubo

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: March 2, 2010

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Manga/Supernatural/192 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

 

Chad’s newly realized powers stand him in good stead in his battle with the Arrancar, who wishes him well, but suddenly tells him to run. Another opponent has entered the field, Nnoitora, who seems unimpressed with Chad’s strength. T

The others feel Chad’s loss but there is nothing they can do at the moment as each has their own problems. When Ulquiorra relays the information to Orihime, she confidently tells him that Chad is not dead.

Rukia finds herself drawn into a building by a strange masked man. Once inside, he removes his mask, telling her his name is Aaroniero Arruruerie. But Rukia knows that face too well to be fooled, for he is none other than Kaien Shiba, one time second-in-command. But Kaien is dead. She should know, as she killed him herself!

Renji and Dondochakka fall into a trap and find themselves face to face with Szayel-aporro Grantz, the octava Espada. Renji, confident of his ability to take down this foe, attempts Bankai only to learn that Bankai cannot be performed in this room. What’s a guy to do?

This volume of Bleach is mostly concerned with the battles being fought by Renji and Rukia, especially Rukia. Rukia is forced to confront her demons, and the guilt she continues to feel over the death of Kaien Shiba. Almost to the point where she believes she deserves to die for what she did. We see flashbacks of what happened, and it’s impossible not to feel her pain.  On the other hand, Renji and Dondochakka is like the comic relief of the volume.

And at the very end, two people confront one another. Will this lead to a battle? Gotta wait for the next volume to find out.

Another great volume, looking forward to the next one!

Wednesday Briefs: Super Trooper #56 (13.2)

Good morning and Happy Hump Day! If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts. 

Chan is guilty because Evan spent the night in the guest room and still got up and made them breakfast. Evan makes a great suggestion, and Chan is very happy to hear his idea. See what's going on in this week's chapter of Super Trooper. Don't forget to see what's going on with the other Briefers. Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

Super Trooper #56 (13.2)

After breakfast, Chan volunteered to do the dishes. Only fair, since Evan had cooked. Even so, Evan insisted on helping, so they worked together in a companionable silence, the only sound that of the running water, and the dishes Evan dried and put up.

Laksha had carefully cleaned Madhu’s face and hands then instructed Kamal to make his bed. When he protested that it was Saturday, his day off, she gave him a look and he grumblingly did as she asked. Chan had to stifle a laugh. Maybe she was acting like his mother instead of his sister, but he had the feeling she felt better for doing so. He wasn’t about to tell her not to.

Once everything was done, and the kitchen was clean once more, Chan dried his hands as he turned toward his lover. “Breakfast was delicious. Thank you again.” He wanted to say more, but he didn’t want to open any wounds, his or Evan’s. Evan said he wasn’t angry, he would have to believe him.

“You don’t have to go in today, do you?” he asked Evan, a hopeful edge to his voice. He didn’t think so, but he wanted to make sure Evan hadn’t had to take on another extra shift for any reason.

“Nope. Not until Monday morning.”

Chan smiled in relief as Evan wound his arms about Chan’s waist and held him in his embrace.

“Afraid you’re stuck with me for the weekend.” He leaned in and kissed Chan softly.

“Mmm, guess I am,” Chan murmured, returning the kiss. “Good thing I like to be stuck with you, Mr. Rainsford. In handcuffs or out.”

Oh the things they’d done with Evan’s handcuffs. Role-playing had never been so much fun.

“I had an idea,” Evan said softly.

Chan’s cock began to twitch. He had to remind himself the children were awake, and any such ideas would have to wait until tonight so please behave.

“It’s a beautiful day. Why don’t we take the kids to that park they like so much? Let them play?”

Chan’s heart melted at Evan’s words. Even after everything they put him through, he was still making an effort. No wonder he loved Evan so much.

“I think that’s a wonderful idea. You sure you’re up to it?” He was trying to be thoughtful, considering Evan had worked a double yesterday, and had gotten up early today to cook for them.

Evan arched a white blond brow. “If you’re trying to insinuate that I’m getting old,” he said in a faux stern voice. Chan had to resist the urge to giggle. He loved Evan’s playful side, although that was something he’d seen little of lately. Not surprising, considering everything they’d been going through.

“Well, you are over thirty,” Chan teased. “Perhaps you should think about your poor old bones—”

“Want me to show you what these old bones can you?” Evan licked around the edge of Chan’s ear, pressed up against him so hard that Chan could feel Evan’s unmistakable desire for him. Which matched his own for Evan.

Oh yes, show me right now.

Those were the words Chan longed to say, but he knew that wasn’t likely to happen. They couldn’t very well excuse themselves and go into the bedroom without an explanation. And he was not ready to give the birds-and-the-bees speech quite yet. He wondered how parents managed to have second and third children or more, what with dealing with the first one.

“I’ll show you tonight,” Evan promised with a long hard kiss that did indeed promise much.

Chan quivered at Evan’s touch. While Evan’s words didn’t satisfy his immediate need, they provided anticipation, and wasn’t that just the best aphrodisiac? He could hold on to that thought as long as he needed to.

“I’ll tell them to get ready,” Chan said happily. Maybe they could have a little picnic too? His siblings would love that. He’d be sure to tell them this was all Evan’s idea too, so they would hopefully appreciate his thoughtfulness.

Hopefully.

to be continued

Now go visit the other Briefers and see what's up with them!

Cia Nordwell

J Alan Veerkamp