Book Recs
Today is a two-book rec day. I like stories that push bounderies. These novels certainly pushed mine in a good way.
A Dish Served Cold by Andrew Ashling
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
There is one upside to almost getting raped. It proves that you're at least desirable to someone. Maybe Andrew Ashton is just a little bit too rational for his own good. Not however where it concerns his best friend Sean Denham, scion of a political dynasty, and like him from a privileged background. There's only one problem: Sean is straight. Of course he is.
Being born into money was up until now one of the smartest moves Andrew Nathaniel Ashton VII ever made. It keeps him free from worries about his future, earning a living and more of those trivialities, so he can dedicate himself to the really important things in life. Like getting laid.
In his society indentured servitude, commonly known as slavery, has been reintroduced for several, but mainly economical reasons. It doesn't bother him all that much. Slaves are kept on large farming corporations, in factories, in the backside of stores and such. Out of sight.
Andrew knows slavery exists, and he doesn't approve, but on the other hand, it is not as if he made the system what it is, is it? Yes, there was this one time when it touched him personally, but what could he do about it? It is not as if slavery is ever going to become a personal issue, is it?
Andrew thinks the future, all in all, looks bright and carefree. He thinks he is about to find true love. He thinks he is safe.
He is wrong.
I've read all the other reviews of this book and I have to agree that A Dish Served Cold is not an easy read, however, I couldn't put it down! The author's world of slavery and corruption is disturbing on so many levels, but the shock of every vivid scenario is tempered by the redeeming qualities of the narrator. I liked Andrew Ashton. He started out a spoiled brat until the cushy world he knew began to disintegrate around him. The way he handled all the horror thrown in his path made everything a lot more palatable. That's not to say that some of his choices were unconventional and self-serving, but I think he did the best he could given the circumstances. I like the way the author wrapped up the story with a clear picture of the future. It was very satisfying to me as a reader. I still can't get this story out of my head and it's been weeks since I've read it. Any book that can create this kind of an impact deserves a five star as far as I'm concerned. Fair warning. This novel is not for everyone and some scenes are extremely violent and graphic, but it's thought provoking and held my interest throughout.
Yakuza Pride by H.J. Brues
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
When yakuza underboss Shigure Matsunaga meets Kenneth Harris at a boring social event, he's surprised to find himself attracted to the blond gaijin with the mismatched eyes. Shigure is even more pleased when he discovers Ken not only speaks Japanese fluently, but is fluent in Japan's ways, even the more violent of the martial arts. Ken's expertise at kendo is not his most striking quality-it's the passion beneath his quiet, almost fragile exterior that ignites Shigure's lust, and the two come together as explosively as they spar.
Shigure is a dangerous man in a dangerous position. He's been trying to keep the peace with the Daito-kai-Shigure's hated rivals-but the danger on the streets is escalating, threatening those Shigure most wants to protect. He may claim to love his gaijin, but before he can keep Ken safe, Shigure will have to overcome hostility from his people, a hidden enemy, and, the most insidious opponent of all, his own hard-won pride.
I was attracted to this book by the stunning cover and the great review it received on the Jessewave site. Yakuza Pride lived up to all the hype, in my opinion. I was completely caught up in this unconventional pairing between a fierce Yakuza and an equally feisty Caucasian with a Samurai's heart. It was satisfying on so many levels. There were some violent aspects that were a little cringe worthy, but nothing that wasn't overcome by the overall romance. Highly recommended.
A Dish Served Cold by Andrew AshlingMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
There is one upside to almost getting raped. It proves that you're at least desirable to someone. Maybe Andrew Ashton is just a little bit too rational for his own good. Not however where it concerns his best friend Sean Denham, scion of a political dynasty, and like him from a privileged background. There's only one problem: Sean is straight. Of course he is.
Being born into money was up until now one of the smartest moves Andrew Nathaniel Ashton VII ever made. It keeps him free from worries about his future, earning a living and more of those trivialities, so he can dedicate himself to the really important things in life. Like getting laid.
In his society indentured servitude, commonly known as slavery, has been reintroduced for several, but mainly economical reasons. It doesn't bother him all that much. Slaves are kept on large farming corporations, in factories, in the backside of stores and such. Out of sight.
Andrew knows slavery exists, and he doesn't approve, but on the other hand, it is not as if he made the system what it is, is it? Yes, there was this one time when it touched him personally, but what could he do about it? It is not as if slavery is ever going to become a personal issue, is it?
Andrew thinks the future, all in all, looks bright and carefree. He thinks he is about to find true love. He thinks he is safe.
He is wrong.
I've read all the other reviews of this book and I have to agree that A Dish Served Cold is not an easy read, however, I couldn't put it down! The author's world of slavery and corruption is disturbing on so many levels, but the shock of every vivid scenario is tempered by the redeeming qualities of the narrator. I liked Andrew Ashton. He started out a spoiled brat until the cushy world he knew began to disintegrate around him. The way he handled all the horror thrown in his path made everything a lot more palatable. That's not to say that some of his choices were unconventional and self-serving, but I think he did the best he could given the circumstances. I like the way the author wrapped up the story with a clear picture of the future. It was very satisfying to me as a reader. I still can't get this story out of my head and it's been weeks since I've read it. Any book that can create this kind of an impact deserves a five star as far as I'm concerned. Fair warning. This novel is not for everyone and some scenes are extremely violent and graphic, but it's thought provoking and held my interest throughout.
Yakuza Pride by H.J. BruesMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
When yakuza underboss Shigure Matsunaga meets Kenneth Harris at a boring social event, he's surprised to find himself attracted to the blond gaijin with the mismatched eyes. Shigure is even more pleased when he discovers Ken not only speaks Japanese fluently, but is fluent in Japan's ways, even the more violent of the martial arts. Ken's expertise at kendo is not his most striking quality-it's the passion beneath his quiet, almost fragile exterior that ignites Shigure's lust, and the two come together as explosively as they spar.
Shigure is a dangerous man in a dangerous position. He's been trying to keep the peace with the Daito-kai-Shigure's hated rivals-but the danger on the streets is escalating, threatening those Shigure most wants to protect. He may claim to love his gaijin, but before he can keep Ken safe, Shigure will have to overcome hostility from his people, a hidden enemy, and, the most insidious opponent of all, his own hard-won pride.
I was attracted to this book by the stunning cover and the great review it received on the Jessewave site. Yakuza Pride lived up to all the hype, in my opinion. I was completely caught up in this unconventional pairing between a fierce Yakuza and an equally feisty Caucasian with a Samurai's heart. It was satisfying on so many levels. There were some violent aspects that were a little cringe worthy, but nothing that wasn't overcome by the overall romance. Highly recommended.
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