Friday, February 7, 2020

Book Review: Bleach, Vol 15 by Tite Kubo


Bleach, Vol 15      

Author: Tite Kubo
Publisher: Viz Media
American release date: October 3, 2006
Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Manga/Supernatural/208 pages
Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

Ishida is facing down the Captain of the 12th Company, Mayuri Kurotsuchi, and is doing very well for himself, despite Kurotsuchi’s immense spiritual pressure and his paralyzing tactics. The captain is so impressed he decides not to kill Ishida, so that he can capture and study him. But Ishida will have none of that, especially after learning the part the Soul Reaper played in the death of his beloved Grandfather. He calls upon a power that amazes Kurotsuchi, who warns him of the devastating side effect of such a move. Will Ishida throw caution to the wind in order to avenge his mentor?

Meanwhile, Yoruichi is determined to teach Ichigo what often takes soul reapers ten years to master—namely, how to bankai—in only three days! In order to do this, she manifests Zangetsu in his physical form and Ichigo must defeat him. But that’s easier said than done, as Ichigo finds himself surrounded by a number of swords and must choose the right one in order to cut Zangetsu down!
Renji, Kira, and Hinamoi are being held in cells until they find themselves unexpectedly released by one of the captains! Meanwhile, a baffled ishida awakens to find himself in the Soul Reaper infirmary, along with Ganju and Chad. Chad feels that all they can do is to stay there and heal and wait for Ichigo to come for them, which he is confident Ichigo will do. Orihime, who was rescued against her will by a random member of the 11th Company, finds herself with members of the 12th Company, namely Yachiru, Kenpachi, Ikkaku, and Yumichika. Kenpachi decides to watch over the girl, confident that where she is, there will Ichigo end up, and he wants to have another battle with Ichigo!

Matsumoto is with Captain Hitsugaya, after she fell asleep in his office, when he learns of the prisoner escape. He knows just where to go, and hopes to arrive there before Hinamori. He knows she blames Gin for Captain Aizen’s death and is determined to avenge him! In the meantime, taking a break from his bankai traning, Ichigo learns some things about Uruhara that he never knew before!
We see more of Ishida than we ever have before, including some backstory, and the last Quincy really shines. If you ever wonder what he’s doing with the others, this volume shows that he definitely belongs among their company. He may be irritating at times, and often insufferable, but he is more talented that I gave him credit for, and loyal to a fault. When he has a difficult decision to make, he doesn’t hesitate to do what’s best for everyone, whether or not it’s best for him personally.

Ichigo’s bankai training is absolutely essential to his growth and development. It’s imperative that he master it, as will become even more evident as the story continues. Watching him train with Zangetsu is great. Ichigo pushes himself constantly, doesn’t know the meaning of defeat, and would never give up. He still has a lot to learn, but he’s definitely on his way to bigger and better things.

The untold story at the end concerns Renji, Kira, and Hinamori as young soul reapers who encounter something beyond their skill level while on a training mission and who decide to handle it as best they can.

Knowing what’s coming, since I already watched the anime, allows me to look for things I missed in that, or things that were missing. It also keeps me from missing the anime too much, since I am revisiting everything. I’ve also started to watch the movies. There is no such thing as boredom when you’re reading these books! Can’t wait to read the next one!


Thursday, February 6, 2020

Book Review: Bleach, Vol 14 by Tite Kubo


Bleach, Vol 14      

Author: Tite Kubo
Publisher: Viz Media
American release date: August 1, 2006
Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Manga/Supernatural/208 pages
Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★


Captain Ukitake, head of the 13th Company, awakens to learn the news of Captain Aizen’s death and decides to look into things for himself. Meanwhile, Ganju is arguing with Hanatoro about rescuing Rukia, on Ichigo’s orders as he faces down Byakuya. Ganju refuses to help the soul reaper who killed his brother! However, he relents when he sees Hanatoro prepare to face down the powerful Byakuya without even a sword!

Mr. Yoruichi has taken the injured Ichigo to safety, to his dismay. But when he wonders how the cat was able to drag him to safety, he is in for a huge surprise! Meanwhile, Ganju is facing Byakuya, who plans to simply walk away from him until he learns that Ganju is a Shiba! Now it’s on! Only Ukitake’s provident arrival saves Ganju’s life.

Ichigo arrives and announces his intention of saving Rukia, despite her protestations, but Byakuya tells Ukitake that he will dispose of the pest. “You’ve got a big mouth, boy,” he tells Ichigo. Can Ichigo defeat such a powerful Soul Reaper? Or will he require some kind of divine intervention?

Orihime has a plan to help Ishida and herself not stand out to the Soul Reapers. They “borrow” some Soul Reaper uniforms in order to be inconspicuous. But when someone asks what squad they belong to, they give the first answer that comes to mind, only to find they chose the wrong one. But help comes from an unexpected source… or is that a trap?

Each volume of Bleach gets more and more exciting! And we learn more and more about the characters. The people you might think you dislike grow on you while some turn out to be wolves in sheep’s clothing! But there is still so much to discover! What about the mask in Ichigo’s pocket? How did it get there and what does it mean? Also, the more we find out about Kiskue Uruhara, the more we don’t know. Former Captain? The plot thickens indeed! I love the scenes of Ichigo learning to use his bankai, and I love Zangetsu! Also, the scenes with Ishida facing down Captain Kurotsuchi are fabulous! The captain is rather different, I have to admit, and difficult to like but very interesting.

Looking forward to the next volume!

Virtual Book Tour: The Brothers' Band by Liza Malloy

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





The Brothers’ Band
by Liza Malloy



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GENRE:  Contemporary Romantic Fiction, Romantic Women’s Fiction

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BLURB:

Bookworm Lily Mitchell vowed never to date another musician, but Dylan Parker is nothing like the stereotype. Sure, he’s mysterious and sexy, with a flashy car and serious bedroom skills, but he’s also smart, hardworking, and humble. He shares Lily’s passion for classic literature and constantly surprises her with romantic gestures. Their steamy relationship moves at whirlwind pace, and Lily has never been happier.

It’s all so perfect that at first, Lily wills herself to ignore the emerging red flags. As her worries about Dylan increase, she finds friendship and comfort in his brother and bandmate, Thomas. But Lily soon discovers that as much as Thomas cares for his brother, he’s also fallen hard for her.

As Dylan spirals further out of control, Lily must decide what she really wants, and whom she is willing to hurt.

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EXCERPTS:




I sensed Dylan behind me and turned quickly. He offered a mug of tea to me and I accepted. “Five guitars?”

“You’d be surprised how often strings break.”

“I thought musicians were supposed to be superstitious. Don’t you have a lucky guitar you have to use each time?”

He kissed the side of my head, inhaling the scent of my hair. I hoped it still smelled like vanilla and lavender and not like hotdogs and carnies. “And just when I hoped you’d stop generalizing about us musicians,” he said. He ambled across the room and began opening each of the guitar cases.

“They’re identical,” I observed. He nodded.

I gestured to the piano. “Do you play?”

He sat at the bench. “What do you want to hear?”

“Surprise me.”

Without pause, he started into a beautiful song. I’d heard it before and suspected it was Chopin, but couldn’t be certain. His fingers moved effortlessly across the ivory keys, his eyes staring straight ahead, closing for long periods. There was something so peaceful about the way he played, and yet so unnerving all at the same time. Dylan was a rocker; he wasn’t supposed to know classical music, let alone to feel it so deeply.

I stepped closer, set my tea on the table beside his, and slipped onto his lap facing him. He smiled, and his hands fell away from the keys only briefly before resuming the song. I smiled at his impressive trick, playing without any visual on the piano, and he leaned in for a kiss.





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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Liza Malloy writes contemporary romance, women's fiction, suspense romance, and fantasy. She’s a sucker for alpha males, bad boys, dimples, and muscles, and she can’t resist a man in uniform. Liza loves creating worlds where the heroine discovers her own strength and finds her Happily Ever After. When Liza isn’t reading or writing torrid love stories, she’s a practicing attorney. Her other passions include gummy bears, jelly beans, and the occasional marathon. She lives in Hamilton County with her four daughters and her own Prince Charming. Her books Sixty Days for Love, For Love and Italian, and Forbidden Ink are available in paperback and ebook, and can be found on Amazon, iBooks, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo. More updates and fun bonus content available on her website, www.LizaMalloy.com.

Social Media Handles:

Twitter: @AuthorLizaM
Facebook: @authorLizaM
Instagram: AuthorLizaM
Pinterest: @authorLizaMalloy
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18966268.Liza_Malloy
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Liza-Malloy/e/B07PY14X4D?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_3&qid=1573506297&sr=8-3


Links to other books on Amazon*:

Sixty Days for Love- http://amzn.com/B07PJL92PD

            For Love and Italian- http://amzn.com/B07RDXBY6N

            Forbidden Ink- http://amzn.com/B07V1Q3VC9



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Wednesday, February 5, 2020

Wednesday Briefs: Super Trooper #2 (1.2)

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.

Last week, as you'll recall, Chahandras was late for work due to helping his neighbor, and trying to make up for lost time, he drove too fast and was pulled over by a State Trooper. Too upset to think straight, Chan snaps at the Trooper! See what happens with that 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 #2 (1.2)


The instant he uttered the fateful words, he regretted them. This was not him. He never spoke harshly to anyone, much less a figure of authority such as this man. He was always respectful and polite. But he couldn’t do anything about it now. With any luck, perhaps the trooper hadn’t noticed his surly tone. Or would be so used to hearing such rudeness from the drivers he pulled over that he would not think it anything out of the ordinary. He trained his eyes on his steering wheel, wishing the ground would open up and swallow him whole. He would be late to work for sure now.

“Step out of the vehicle!” a deep voice commanded, breaking into his unhappy thoughts.

Chandrahas didn’t think twice—he obeyed the trooper without hesitation. Not until he’d exited the vehicle did he dare to his look in the direction of the speaker, from the ground up.  Beginning with gleaming black boots, up the length of long legs encased in dark tan, past the black leather gun belt with the silver buckle. Up and up, across a muscular looking chest, until he reached the face of a veritable god. Such a man as he’d never seen before. White blond hair, short on the sides and longer on top. A strong jaw with a dimpled chin. Nose slightly askew, as if it had been broken at one time. And eyes of the most beautiful jade green Chan had ever seen.

“Now,” the officer continued in the same firm vein, as if totally unaware of Chan’s awestruck gaze. “This will take just as long as it needs to take and no longer. Do you understand?”

Chan nodded, unable to find his voice.

“I said, do you understand?” the blond god repeated.

“Yes, sir. I do. Thank you, sir.”

“Now then, license and registration.” Still in that tone of supreme authority.

“In my car, sir. Permission to get them?”

“Permission granted.”

Chandrahas scrambled into his car and sprawled across the front seat to reach the glove compartment. He brought out his registration, then fumbled in his pocket for his wallet and pulled out his driver’s license. He handed both documents to the trooper, who took them without comment and strode to his car. Chand watched him walk away with great interest. Lord, that man had a fabulous ass. So very toned. One could probably…

He caught himself quickly. No time to be thinking in those terms. He had no time for such things. Not at this moment, anyway. His free time was another matter entirely. He suspected this encounter would fuel some very erotic fantasies for him, fantasies far beyond anything which was likely to happen here and now. Or ever.

Caught up in a haze of imaginary bliss, he was caught by surprise when the trooper returned. “Are you aware how fast you were going?”

Chan darted a glance at the man’s name tag, located just above his breast pocket. Evan Rainsford.
“Yes, sir. I know I was speeding, but—”

The trooper thrust his property back at him, cutting off his attempt to explain his wrongdoing. Chan’s heart sank. He realized he had no valid excuse, not one this man would accept, anyway. He glanced up into those very green eyes and was alarmed to find himself growing weak in the knees. If he didn’t sit down, and very soon, he was most likely going to fall down. That would not do at all.
* * * *
Evan had surprised even himself with the tone he’d taken with the speeder. Barking orders like a drill sergeant, which he most certainly wasn’t. What about ordering him out of the car before he even asked him if he knew why he’d been pulled over, before requesting his license and registration? That was a rookie move, no, a stupid move, and Evan Rainsford was neither stupid nor a rookie.

He hadn’t intended to do more than issue a warning. And yet he’d taken the man’s license and run it through the system. Why? Hell if he knew. Time to send this man on his way, wherever he was going.
And yet… and yet… something felt so right. Something he sensed in… what was his name? Oh yes, Chandrahas.  Something in him called to something in Evan. The very submissiveness of his responses, the way he’d instantly fallen into the same behavior Evan expected from all his subs. As if he was born to the role.

That must be it, he was responding to the man’s submissive nature. His reactions had nothing to do with large dark eyes, and lips that begged to be kissed.

He needed to get out of here. Right now. Before he said and/or did something stupid. He was on the clock. And while it may be acceptable for him to seek partners on his own time, right now he wore the uniform of a Texas State Trooper and any such behavior was completely inappropriate.

“Don’t do it again,” Evan warned him in a voice that suddenly sounded shaky to his own ears. He cleared his throat. “Carry on,” he said gruffly before spinning on his heel and marching stiffly away.

That had far too close. Maybe it had been too long since his last… encounter. Maybe he needed to spend a little time at Partners. Surely there he could find the cure for what ailed him.

to be continued

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






Tuesday, February 4, 2020

Virtual Book Tour: The Kronicles of Korthlundia by Jamie Marchant

Good morning! Please welcome author Jamie Marchant to Full Moon Dreaming! She is here to tell us about her Kronicles of Korthlundia!  Jamie will be awarding a $25 Amazon/BN GC to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour via Rafflecopter. 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!



The Kronicles of Korthlundian
by Jamie Marchant

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GENRE: Epic Fantasy

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BLURB:

“Magic, love, hate, torture, heroes, and a story that will never stop blowing your mind!”  Cheree~For Love of Books

The three volumes of The Kronicles of Korthlundia plus The Ghost in Exile: A Korthlundian Kronicle brought together for one low price. In addition to the novels, the collection features several bonus short stories, previously available only to members of my readers’ club.

The Goddess’s Choice--In a world where the corrupt church hides the truth about magic, the fate of the joined kingdom falls on the shoulders of two young people from opposite ends of the social hierarchy.

Crown Princess Samantha’s life begins to fall apart when she starts seeing strange colors around her potential suitors. She fears that she’s going insane--or worse that she’s defying the Goddess’s will. Robrek is a lowly farm boy with incredible magical powers. He has been biding his time waiting to get revenge on those who call him a demon.

Thrown together by chance, they must overcome their differences to fight their common enemy Duke Argblutal, who, with dark magic, is slowly poisoning the king’s mind and turning him against his own daughter. Time is running out for those chosen by the Goddess to prevent the power mad duke from usurping the throne and plunging the joined kingdoms into civil war.

The Soul Stone-- A match made by the goddess is threatened by an Ancient Evil.

As Samantha and Robrek prepare for their marriage and coronation, they are met with opposition on all sides. Not all believe that the peasant sorcerer is worthy to be king, and the young couple must perform delicate political maneuvers to prevent the joined kingdoms from breaking apart.

As the church splits over opposition to their union, an unseen force is poised to release an ancient evil that was last defeated a thousand years ago. When the Soul Stone is broken free of its bonds, all life in its path succumbs to its power. How much will the new royal couple have to sacrifice to free the joined kingdoms of its evil?

The Ghost in Exile—A special Kronicle outside of the series that tells the story of Darhour. The novel takes place at the same time as The Soul Stone. The Ghost is going to hell. Not even the goddess can forgive his sins: assassin, oath-breaker, traitor (an affair with the queen earned him that title). No one can ever learn the princess is his daughter. To keep this secret, he flees to the land that turned him from a simple stable groom into an infamous killer.

His mission now? To find evildoers and take them to hell with him. But when an impulsive act of heroism saddles him with a damsel who refuses to be distressed, her resilience forces him to question why he really ran from his daughter.

The Shattered Throne-- Queen Samantha’s spirit brightens as the festival of renewal approaches. The Ancient Evil that drained life from the land has been destroyed, and life is returning to the joined kingdoms. The birth of her heir gives her even more reason to celebrate. But a coup orchestrated by the unlikely alliance between a freedom-loving count and a fanatical church shatters both her plans and the ancient throne itself.

With her infant daughter missing and death and destruction spreading, Samantha finds herself faced with an impossible choice: save her daughter or her people. Already torn between a mother’s love and her duties as a queen, Samantha learns that an even greater danger threatens: the goddess herself is fading. What sacrifices will Samantha have to make to stop an evil god from taking Sulis’s place?

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EXCERPT:


As The Ghost entered Ares’s temple, an oppressive presence settled over him. He seemed to be alone in the huge sanctuary, but he knew the acolytes of Ares watched through hidden panels. Rumors claimed they waited for someone with signs of weakness to enter. Then they would pour forth, seize the unfortunate, and sacrifice him to their god. The Ghost had found no evidence to support such rumors, but he knew that animals and criminals were regularly sacrificed on Ares’s altar, bleeding out their lives into the bowl at the foot of his statue. It was a hard death, both the blood and the pain feeding the magic of Ares’s priests.

The Ghost knelt at Ares’s feet, where the stench of blood was nearly overpowering. The altar was stained with it, and the bowl at the god’s feet was full from a fresh sacrifice. The power present in this place was undeniable—dark and forbidding, far from the peace and serenity in Sulis’s temples. But he was no longer worthy of Sulis’s blessing. The Ghost drew his dagger, held his left forearm over the sacrificial bowl, and sliced a new cut alongside his numerous scars. As he bled into the bowl, he felt the magic of the place coalesce around him. His blood sizzled as it hit the bowl, and the wound on his arm healed instantly, signaling that The Ghost truly belonged to the Saloynan god.

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1) 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?
I know it’s sappy and predictable, but the person I’d choose is my husband. The item is more difficult, but I believe I would choose a good-sized sharp knife. There are so many things you can do with a knife: you can cut branches and vines to weave into a shelter, you can defend yourself, you can use it with a rock to start a fire; you can kill small prey or even bigger prey if you mount the knife on a pole and make it a spear. At least, my husband can do all of those things with a knife. I write stories and teach college. When it comes to survival skills, I’m practically useless,  thus the reason for choosing my husband as the person. Besides that, he’s cute, and we’ve been together a long time.

2) Take these three words and give me a 100 word or less scene using them: hammer, saucer, traffic lights
April Bennett sat on her front porch drinking her morning tea. Her house stood on a corner with a traffic light, giving her more leisure to observe passersby who frequently had to wait for the light to change. She sighed; nothing new ever occurred. Suddenly, she sat her teacup down on the saucer. Why was she waiting for something interesting to happen when she come make it happen instead? Looking around, she spotted the hammer the workman who repaired her door the previous day had left. She grabbed the hammer and headed into the street. Today would be different.

3) When you start a new story, do you begin with a character, or a plot?
All my work starts first with the characters. For me to enjoy a book, I have to care about the characters in the story. If I don’t care about them, I don’t care what happens to them. You people your world with interesting people, and they will direct the plot.

4) If they were to make the story of your life into a movie, who should play you?
First, they shouldn’t make the story of my life into a movie. It would be a very boring movie. If someone wants to make a movie, they should base it on my books, not my life. But if someone were so unwise as to try to film my life, I’d go with Shelly Long. I’ve occasionally been told I look a bit like her.

5) Who’s your favorite horror villain and why?

I’m not a big fan of horror. But if you’re going to make me choose, I’ll go with Jack Torrance from The Shining. Jack, like me, is a writer, and I can identify with the frustration that comes from writer’s block. Turning that frustration into murderous rage is a bit over the top, but I do get where he’s coming from.



AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Jamie began writing stories about the man from Mars when she was six, and she never remembers wanting to be anything other than a writer. Everyone told her she needed a back up plan, so she pursued a Ph.D. in American literature, which she received in 1998. She started teaching writing and literature at Auburn University. One day in the midst of writing a piece of literary criticism, she realized she’d put her true passion on the backburner and neglected her muse. The literary article went into the trash, and she began the book that was to become The Goddess’s Choice, which was published in April 2012. Her other novels include The Soul Stone, The Ghost in Exile, The Shattered Throne, and The Bull Riding Witch. In addition, she has published a novella, Demons in the Big Easy, and a collection of short stories, Blood Cursed and Other Tales of the Fantastic. Her short fiction has also appeared in the anthologies Urban Fantasy, Of Dragons & Magic: Tales of the Lost Worlds, and Waiting for a Kiss. She claims she writes about the fantastic . . . and the tortured soul. Her poor characters have hard lives. She lives in Auburn, Alabama, with her husband and five cats, which (or so she’s been told) officially makes her a cat lady.  She still teaches writing and literature at Auburn University. She is the mother of a grown son.


Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B082S5J8RR
Email: jamie-marchant@jamie-marchant.com
Website/Blog: http://jamie-marchant.com/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jamie-Marchant-Author/164706710298768
Twitter: @JamieMarchantSF



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Sunday, February 2, 2020

Book Review: The Way of the Househusband, Vol 2 by Kousuke Oono


The Way of the Househusband, Vol 2     

Author: Kousuke Oono
Publisher: Viz Media
American release date: January 21, 2020
Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Manga/Comedy/160 pages
Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

Tatsu seems to be under the impression that his body is going to hell, and his attempts to prevent that are annoying Miku. He goes to a fitness gym, where the ladies find him to be a little intimidating.

Tatsu is growing an assortment of herbs and vegetables on the balcony of his and Miku’s apartment, intending to use them in cooking and making tea. However, he is under surveillance by some zealous police officers who think he is up to something nefarious. Trailing him on his bike, they watch his meeting with Masa, which only reinforces their suspicions as they prepare to pounce!

In his enthusiasm for the way of the househusband, Tatsu’s household gadgets and hobbies are beginning to overwhelm their small apartment! Miku suggests he sell some of it at a flea market. But he discovers that another gang is working that territory and intimidating some of the vendors. Tatsu feels compelled to step in!

Tatsu goes with Masa to his apartment and is appalled at what he finds, especially in the laundry room. It’s up to Tatsu to aid Masa in this turf war!

Miku is in the market  for a new car and takes Tatsu along with her. Tatsu is ready, willing, and able to give his opinion on every model she looks at. Will he be a help or a hindrance? And will any vehicle live up to his standards?

Tatsu is teaching Masa the finer points of shopping when they run into another former Yakuza named Tora. The two men know what must be done to settle old scores!

When Tatsu does anything he gives it his all, whether it’s cooking or helping out the housewives’ volleyball team. When they find themselves in a practice match with a team composed of all men, will Tatsu be an asset or a liability?

Miku gets to leave work early one day. Running into Tatsu, she accompanies him on his mission. He says he’s gonna throwdown today. Say what? When Miku’s parents come for an unexpected visit, Tatsu shines with his domestic skills. But when Miku’s father wants to play catch with the son he never had, Tatsu is unsure how to respond.

Another wonderful volume of The Way of the Househusband! I know I’ve said it before, but I absolutely love love love this series. Tatsu is sooooo adorable! He tries so hard, and even when he doesn’t succeed, he learns from his experience, not to mention he is most apologetic. I love the relationship between him and Miku, and the way they are obvious equals, each one looking out for the other. I’m still hoping to see more of their backstory. Maybe in the next volume.

I forgot to mention the bonus stories in the first volume. There are three more in this one, one of which involves their cat Gin, who is also adorable. The artwork is wonderful. I did notice a couple of videos on Youtube. They should totally make this into an anime. The next volume comes out in May. Guess I’ll have to re-read the first two to get my Tatsu fix lol

I suggest you buy a copy of this manga for yourself and a copy for someone you love. I bought my two daughters each a copy of both volumes. Can’t wait for the next one!




Saturday, February 1, 2020

Book Review: The Way of the Househusband, Vol 1 by Kousuke Ono


The Way of the Househusband, Vol 1       

Author: Kousuke Oono
Publisher: Viz Media
American release date: September 17, 2019
Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Manga/Comedy/160 pages
Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

Once a fierce Yakuza known as “the immortal Dragon”, Tatsu has chosen to walk a different path now—the way of the househusband. He is very meticulous in everything he does, whether it’s meal preparation, laundry, or feeding the cat. He takes each duty very seriously and does the best he can, always eager to learn new ways to improve his performance.

The trouble is, people remember him for what he was, or they make assumptions based on his seemingly fierce appearance. On the other hand, his past experiences often guide him through the ins and outs of his current situation. When a shyster salesman with a shoddy product calls on him, he is more than happy to demo the man’s product.

One of Tatsu’s former men, Masa, is searching for his boss, wondering where he went. A chance encounter at the grocery store reunites them.  Masa wants to know why his former boss quit the Yakuza, so Tatsu invites him to take a walk with him.

Tatsu is headed out on urgent business. He doesn’t let a chance encounter with members of a rival gang deter him, not when there is a sale in progress! This is a great opportunity to show these yakuza the way of the househusband!

Tatsu’s wife, Miku, is crazy about Crime Catch Poli-cure, and is a huge collector. Tatsu plans to surprise her for her birthday with an addition to her collection.

On learning that the chairperson of the Women’s Association is coming to his apartment, Tatsu has to prepare, which includes utilizing the automatic floor cleaner, which brings unexpected results.

Watching a young boy for a neighbor leads to unexpected complications for Tatsu. Afterward, he teaches some supposedly tough guys about the way of the househusband.

While out shopping with Miku one day, Tatsu is dismayed to learn that people find him intimidating. How to change his image?

It’s only the first volume of this series, but I’m already in love with it, and am half way through the second volume and have pre-ordered the third. Tatsu, the former Yakuza, is completely adorable. He wears an apron with a shiba on it! He takes everything he does very seriously, determined to do his best. He and Miku are an awesome couple! This series is funny, sweet, romantic, and endearing. I love the artwork. Kousuke Oono does a fabulous job. The covers featuring Tatsu are priceless!

I guess you would call this a slice-of-life manga, as there isn’t one plot line but a series of incidents in Tatsu’s life as a househusband. There is a brief glance into how Tatsu was when he met Miku. I’m hoping to see more in a future volume. I want to see what brought these two together, and was she responsible for him quitting the yakuza way of life.

I can’t say enough good things about this series. I am looking forward to reading it for a long time to come!