Lenni Reviews: "Fourth Generation Head: Tatsuyuki Oyamato" by Scarlet Beriko

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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review and is rated 18+

Tatsuyuki Oyamato may be 4th generation heir to a yakuza family but all he cares about is partying and getting girls. Until he finds himself attracted to a man. After a drunken hookup, he wakes up with someone who proves to be more than just a random dude as he knows Oyamato and his infamous family.

Hooooo boy, this is a dark one. The guy Oyamato sleeps with - mild spoilers - turns out to be Nozomi Koga; the son of a man who once owed money to the yakuza. When Koga was a kid, the yakuza came to collect and found his father had been sexually abusing him. Oyamato was also a child and thought Koga was a girl because of his long hair and the creepy way his dad dressed him.

This book is rife with sexual assault; which is offputting (of course) when it attempts to combine it with the romance forming between Koga and Oyamato. I don't want to spoil too much but yeah, major rape trigger warnings here. It feels almost wrong to say I like it. The art is well done and I adore the main pair. They make the hardest parts of this book worth it for me. 4 out of 5.

Lenni Reviews: "A Strange and Mystifying Story" by Tsuta Suzuki

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*This book was sent to me in exchange for an honest review and is rated 18+

After the unfortunate death of his grandfather, Akio Yamane has no family left and believes he will soon join them. The Yamane family is cursed and Akio is indeed terminally ill. Delirious with fever, Akio desperately prays to a talisman his grandfather said would protect him and summons a demon he names Setsu. Akio begs Setsu to cure his illness and never dreamed how intimate Setsu's "treatments" would be.

Setsu is a straightforward character and he's written in a way that his brusque nature doesn't come off assholeish like Eiri Yuki from Gravitation. You can tell he cares for Akio yet since he isn't human he doesn't bother with the niceties or waste time yet remains likable. Setsu and Akio play off each other well and the story doesn't waste too much time on the typical slapstick. The sex scenes are mildly censored; naughty bits kept in shadow or vague outline and strategically placed word bubbles abound. But it's still hot and the story is cute. 3.5 out of 5.

Note: There are also two side stories: Nylon Vinyl and The God's Don't Exist. The first is a contemporary teacher/student relationship and the second is a historical romance. They are pretty short so there isn't much time for development but they were amusing sides to the main story. It would have been interesting to have them tie into Setsu somehow; as he has been bound to Akio's family for many years. But they're still cool.

Lenni Reviews: In These Words Chapter 6

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***This book has adult content! You have been warned!***

After many hours of swagbucks, I finally got enough gift cards to get the next chapter of In These Words by Guiltpleasure from Kobo. I'm a little annoyed I can't get it in print but I'm not willing to wait for more chapters to come out to make another print volume and the digital copies look effing fantastic in my iPad so it's all worth it.

Mild spoilers ahead here. Nothing too big because you need to go read this.

After the EPIC cliffhanger from volume one, Keiji is loose in the house with Katsuya and the only cop guarding them incapacitated - possibly dead - giving Keiji all the time in the word to do whatever he wants with the doctor he claims to love. And thanks to the cop's handy dandy taser, Katsuya is at the mercy of whatever this psycho murderer has in mind.

Once again, I cannot stress the amount of smut in this book. It is beautifully unflinching. The chapter is short, so there isn't much time for Keiji and Katsuya to have that intriguing interplay they had in volume one, but it takes no time at all for Keiji to meet Lecter levels of creepy. I am dying to find out what happens next but I also kinda don't because it just won't seem to end well for Katsuya.

Despite not having paper to hold in my hands, I am so glad I can nab these chapters as they come out. They're a little pricey ($6.99-$7.99) but hey, they got me to buy the first 6 chapters. I think you should, too.

Like Lenni's writing? See more here.

VIZ MEDIA's SUBLIME IMPRINT DEBUTS SPIRITUAL POLICE YAOI MANGA SERIES

Youka Nitta’s latest release – SPIRITUAL POLICE. The new manga series launches today, is rated ‘M’ for Mature Readers, and carries an MSRP of $12.99 U.S. / $14.99 CAN. 

Rookie police officer Nagatsuma doesn’t believe in superstitious mumbo-jumbo, so he’s skeptical the first time he visits a masseur known as the “Spiritual Doctor.” But he soon learns that the blind, beautiful Aoi is more than just a physical therapist—when he lays his hands on his patients, he can see into their fates and souls. But is Aoi the saintly healer he seems to be? And when the two men give in to the desire for a more-than-clinical relationship, can Nagatsuma separate his new feelings from his job on the force? 

“Youka Nitta’s latest SuBLime release turns on the drama as Aoi and Nagatsuma find themselves falling for each other and also snared in a complex web tying them both to a mysterious cult leader,” says Jennifer LeBlanc, Editor, SuBLime, “The passion also becomes palpable as cute rookie cop Nagatsuma discovers Aoi has senses and special skills that were heightened when he lost his sight. Readers and fans of Youka Nitta especially will not want to miss this sexy new series from one of the biggest names in the yaoi genre!” Youka Nitta made her publishing debut with GROUPIE in 1995, and since then has become one of the most prolific and popular yaoi manga creators worldwide. Her most well-known series, EMBRACING LOVE (published in North America as a 2-in-1 edition by SuBLime), has been adapted into both a drama CD as well as an anime series. Another of Nitta’s popular manga series, STARTING WITH A KISS, is also published in North America by SuBLime. More information about Youka Nitta is available on her English-language website at: http://nittayouka.com.

YOUKA NITTA’s "EMBRACING LOVE" As A Special 2-IN-1 EDITON

VIZ Media and Japan’s Animate, Ltd. (Animate), offers a sizzling summer release with a 2-in-1 manga edition of EMBRACING LOVE, by acclaimed yaoi creator Youka Nitta. This new edition is available now and is rated ‘M’ for Mature Readers, carrying an MSRP of $16.99 U.S. / $19.99 CAN.

EMBRACING LOVE introduces readers to Iwaki Kyousuke and Katou Yoji, two hugely popular adult film stars looking for a way out of the industry. Their chance arrives when they’re both invited to audition for a new erotic film. Imagine their surprise when the director decides the only way for him to choose who will get the coveted lead role is for them to perform one of the film’s love scenes on the spot – with each other! Things get even crazier when Katou decides to take drastic measures to ensure he can continue seeing Iwaki after film production wraps. How will Iwaki respond to Katou’s impulsive act?

Youka Nitta made her publishing debut with GROUPIE in 1995, and since then has become one of the most prolific and popular yaoi creators worldwide. Her most well-known series, Embracing Love, has been adapted into both a drama CD as well as an anime series. Nitta’s other popular manga series, STARTING WITH A KISS, is also published in North America by SuBLime. More information about Youka Nitta is available on her English-language website at: http://nittayouka.com.

For up-to-date news and release information, please visit the SuBLime website at www.SuBLimeManga.com, or follow SuBLime on Twitter at @SuBLimeManga and Facebook at facebook.com/SuBLimeManga.

SuBlime Launches New Manga Series Blue Morning

SuBlime delivers an intriguing new series about aristocratic drama and the intricate relationship between the loyal butler of a noble family and a young heir he is duty-bounty to look after in the print debut of BLUE MORNING, by creator Shoko Hidaka. The new manga (graphic novel) series launched on May 14th, is rated M’ for Mature Audiences, and will carry an MSRP of $12.99 U.S. / $14.99 CAN.

At only ten years of age, Akihito Kuze suddenly inherits the Kuze viscountship after his father’s death. The family's capable butler, Tomoyuki Katsuragi, takes over the task of raising the boy, serving as his tutor and mentor. However, the handsome and intelligent Katsuragi, well respected even among the aristocracy, remains cool towards his charge. Akihito finds himself relentlessly drawn to Katsuragi, frustrated by the distance between them and driven to discover the reasons why.

“Young Akihito Kuze is destined for nobility, but he first must learn to navigate and grapple with what his butler Katsuragi and society want in a person of high position and what Akihito wants for himself,” says Jennifer LeBlanc, Editor, SuBLime. “As Akihito stands on the brink of manhood, he realizes he is in love. Fans won’t want to miss the tender drama of BLUE MORNING about the conflicts between what duty demands and what the heart desires!”

Yaoi manga creator Shoko Hidaka’s previously published English-language releases include Restart and Not Enough Time. Her works have also been published in French and German.

For up-to-date news and release information, please visit the SuBLime website at www.SuBLimeManga.com, or follow SuBLime on Twitter at @SuBLimeManga and Facebook at facebook.com/SuBLimeManga.

Yaoi Publisher SuBLime Announces 11 New Manga Titles

Hey Otakus here is some yaoi manga news from SuBLime:

SuBLime, the global yaoi manga (graphic novel) publisher, thrilled fans during its packed panel discussion at the recent YaoiCon 2012 with the announcement of eleven new manga (graphic novel) titles the imprint plans to release throughout 2013.

The forthcoming new titles are rated ‘M’ for Mature Readers. Select releases will be offered as either print-only editions with an MSRP of $12.99 U.S. / $14.99 CAN, or as digital-only releases with an MSRP of $5.99 (U.S. / CAN). Other titles will be made available in both formats.

For digital releases, the $5.99 purchase price will offer readers digital access to two versions of each manga volume on www.SuBLimeManga.com – a downloadable PDF that is viewable on any enabled eReader device and computer or via the embedded online manga viewer found on the web site.

New Print and Print+Digital Titles:

EMBRACING LOVE Vol. 1 2-In-1 Edition, by Youka Nitta ·

Rated ‘M’ for Mature Readers · Available In Print And Digital April 2013

SLEEPING MOON Vol. 1, by Miyamoto Kano · Rated ‘M’ for Mature Readers · Available In Print Only June 2013

BLUE MORNING Vol. 1, by Shouko Hidaka · Rated ‘M’ for Mature Readers · Available In Print Only May 2013

FALSE MEMORIES Vol. 1, by Isaku Natsume · Rated ‘M’ for Mature Readers · Available In Print And Digital July 2013

From the creator of DEVIL’S HONEY, also published by SuBLime

HIDE AND SEEK, by Yaya Sakuragi · Rated ‘M’ for Mature Readers · Available In Print Only July 2013

Sequel to BOND OF DREAMS, BOND OF LOVE, also available from SuBLime

SPIRITUAL POLICE Vol. 1, by Youka Nitta · Rated ‘M’ for Mature Readers · Available In Print And Digital October 2013

New Digital-Only Titles:

THE RAVISHING OF THE CROWN PRINCE, by Wang Yi & Feng Nong ·

Rated ‘M’ for Mature Readers · Available January 2013

Taiwanese creator and artist

SWORD AND MIST, by Hayate Kuku · Rated ‘M’ for Mature Readers · Available February 2013

THE MATCH SELLER, by Sakae Kusama · Rated ‘M’ for Mature Readers · Available March 2013

From the creator of THE BED OF MY DEAR KING, also published by SuBLime

EGOISTIC BLUE, by Mio Tennohji · Rated ‘M’ for Mature Readers ·

Available April 2013

BOYS, BE AMBITIOUS!, by Saburo Nagai · Rated ‘T+’ for Mature Readers · Available May 2013

“Fans will have plenty to look forward to from SuBLime in 2013 with a wide array of new titles we’re scheduling for release,” says Jennifer LeBlanc, Editor, SuBLime. “As our library continues to expand, we hope that readers will enjoy a diverse and growing selection of unique stories and characters by some of the most prominent creators and authors in the yaoi genre that will be available worldwide from SuBLime. Stay tuned as we look forward to releasing more information on each of these exciting forthcoming titles closer to their release dates!”

For up-to-date news and release information, please visit the SuBLime website atSuBLimeManga.com, or follow SuBLime on Twitter at @SuBLimeManga and Facebook atfacebook.com/SuBLimeManga.

Lenni Reviews: Flutter

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Flutter (Yaoi Manga) by Momoko Tenzen

**This title contains adult content**

Aren’t you glad Lenni has brought you some more man-lovin? Yeah, you know you are.

Unlike the last yaoi manga I reviewed for you guys, Flutter is a light hearted boy meets boy story. The couple Masahiro Asada and Ryosuke Mizuki end up working on the same project together after Asada has been watching the enigmatic Mizuki from a far for a long time. Asada can’t hide his feelings forth a damn so of course there’s attraction between them.

As yaoi goes, the plot is pretty standard; boy meets boy, boy has attraction to boy, one boy has a secret past to work through while the other is so woefully earnest, you just wanna smush him. This is not to say it isn’t a fun or enjoyable read. Flutter is a very sweet story; drawn and written beautifully. The art isn’t as explicit as some other yaoi I’ve read but if you know your male anatomy – and I know you do – you get the picture. The intimate scenes are handled with a certain amount of elegance and digression while still being sensual, so if you like your smut implied rather than very explicit, you’ll be happy here.

I am such a sucker for a cute love story that doesn’t get overly sappy. And I’m always happy to see some more yaoi being published in the US. If you pick up Flutter for a light, fun read that will tug gently at your heart strings, you won’t be disappointed. 

Lenni Reviews: "In These Words" Vol 1

(Publisher's Site)

In These Words by TogaQ and Kichiku Neko

**This title contains graphic adult content.**

I’ll be honest with you, my friends, I bought this manga for two reasons: The cover art and the yaoi. I love me some yaoi. And it’s one of the few genres of manga too explicit for libraries to keep (at least it’s why I don’t buy them where I work). I’ve been duped by fancy cover art and a smartly worded book jacket before but this time, I was pleasantly surprised! What I found was fantastic art throughout and a psychological thriller that’s hooked me for the next installment.

As the description says, Asano Katsuya is a psychiatrist recruited by the police to pull a confession out of a serial killer, Shinohara Keiji. The very moment Katsuya gets the case, he begins to have vivid and disturbing nightmares about being held prisoner by a man who abuses him for every filthy, twisted whim; all the while confessing his love. The connection between these dreams and the very real crimes Keiji gleefully describes is not told to us in this volume. Are they memories? Are they fantasies? Unfortunately we have to wait to find out.

Content note: When I say “vivid and disturbing nightmares” I am not freaking kidding here. This book is rated 18+ for a damn good reason. A man is held prisoner, sliced up, and taken with dubious consent or a flagrant lack of it. There is wang in this book. You are warned so don’t come crying “Omg, Lenni! I saw a naked man!” I’m telling you now, you will see wang and you will see butt sex. Don’t like? Don’t read.

That said, “In These Words” is not a fluffy story of two men who meet, fall in love, are hesitant to tell one another, but get together in a burst of song, sakura petals, and sweet man-love. It’s Law and Order with really hot men. You are treated to Keiji’s demented mind games and Katsuya’s conflict between wanting this confession and trying not to fall into Keiji’s mental trap. There’s the same feeling of wondering if the dreams are memories and if what we are reading is a flashback or happening right then I experienced when watching Perfect Blue. Reality starts to warp, words are bent and twisted, and you fear for Katsuya; who is way too drawn to Keiji right from the beginning.

My only disappointment is I got into this series right when the volume came out and I have to wait for the second one. The art is beautiful. I am a complete sucker for the sketchy quality, where you can see every pen and brush stroke as it forms the image. If you like a lot of story with your yaoi, you could do a lot worse than In These Words. All I can really say is hurry with volume 2!

Yaoi Publisher SuBLime Debuts Bond Of Dreams & More

Yaya Sakuragi’s BOND OF DREAMS, BOND OF LOVE, and Youka Nitta’s STARTING WITH A KISS. Both new series launch today, are rated ‘M’ for Mature Readers, and carry a print-version MSRP of $12.99 U.S. / $14.99 CAN.

STARTING WITH A KISS is also available as a digital edition worldwide from www.SuBLimeManga.com for $5.99 (USD), and is downloadable as a PDF for viewing on any enabled eReader device or computer, as well as accessible via the online manga viewer found on the SuBLime web site.

BOND OF DREAMS, BOND OF LOVE Vol. 1, by Yaya Sakuragi ·

Rated ‘M’ for Mature Readers · MSRP: $12.99 U.S. / $14.99 CAN

High school student Ao has been dreaming about his longtime neighbor Ryomei, a priest at the local Shinto shrine. A little freaked out—and a lot excited—at the prospect of having a relationship with Ryomei, Ao gathers up his courage, confesses his feelings...and gets turned down flat. Luckily, Ao's not the kind to give up easily. Thanks to some creative persistence (and Ryomei's weakening resolve), he finally gets a kiss. But one single kiss won't satisfy him for long!

Yaya Sakuragi’s previous English-language releases include Tea For Two, Hey, Sensei? and Stay Close to Me. She is also a prolific novel illustrator.

STARTING WITH A KISS Vol. 1, by Youka Nitta · Rated ‘M’ for Mature Readers · MSRP: $12.99 U.S. / $14.99 CAN ·  $5.99 Digital From SuBLimeManga.com

Tohru, the son of a yakuza boss, is sent into exile on a deserted island for his own protection during a gang feud. Fiery and impetuous, he isn't thrilled to be sidelined when he'd rather be in the fight, and is even less thrilled that Mutsumi, son of the gang's second in command, is going with him. The serious, studious Mutsumi is Tohru’s opposite in every way, and it doesn't take long before the sparks between them begin to fly! 

Youka Nitta made her publishing debut with GROUPIE in 1995, and since then has become one of the most prolific and popular yaoi creators worldwide. Her most well-known series, Embracing Love, has been adapted into both a drama CD as well as an anime series. More information about Youka Nitta is available on her English-language website at: http://nittayouka.com.

“Hot yaoi romances continue to sizzle this month for fans worldwide with the print release of BOND OF DREAMS, BOND OF LOVE and the print and digital release of Starting with a kiss,” says Jennifer LeBlanc, Editor, SuBLime. “Yaya Sakuragi shows how a not-so-innocent kiss, mixed with plenty of determination, can lead to so much more, while Youka Nitta demonstrates her prowess as one of the genre’s greatest creators with a sultry tropical gangster love story. We also invite readers to visit SuBLimeManga.com and heat up the rest of their summer season with a variety of other sexy yaoi titles available now!”

For up-to-date news and release information, please visit the SuBLime website at www.SuBLimeManga.com, or follow SuBLime on Twitter at @SuBLimeManga and Facebook at facebook.com/SuBLimeManga.