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Mai Tai

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I have her all tied up . . .

A gorgeous, 40 something walks into a bar, orders a Mai Tai and flirts with a man that checks every box in a sexy, dangerous, dark yakuza romance.
Sounds like it would make for good conversation right?
Except I’m that woman. I’m a shy geometry teacher who gets talked over, looked over, and took a good chunk of her 401k plan to fulfill a getaway vacation, that so happens to include the optional “smutty romance fantasy.”
But halfway through drinks, flirting, and kissing on the first night, I realize I finessed the wrong drop, dead gorgeous guy.
Don't get me wrong, Ryoichii's as beautiful as sin. But, he's not the man I pre-purchased to reenact my steamy book boyfriend fetishes lightyears away from my small Texas town. Ryoichi is the real deal . . .
A yakuza boss!
Tonight gets a whole lot darker when I see my very first murder.
And now I’m all tied up--literally.
This steamy BWAM love story includes the following tropes: dangerous yakuza leader, mistaken identity, abduction (obviously) and enemies to lovers romance!

86 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 9, 2022

155 people are currently reading
53 people want to read

About the author

Amarie Avant

56 books664 followers
USA TODAY Bestselling Author Amarie Avant focuses on writing romantic suspense, contemporary romance, dark romance with the occasional redeemable anti-hero.

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5 stars
177 (42%)
4 stars
112 (27%)
3 stars
81 (19%)
2 stars
26 (6%)
1 star
17 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
Profile Image for Deb.
688 reviews
November 14, 2022
3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

A short story that is very different to anything I have read so far. I did get a little confused with the story in places, and where it was leading, but I did enjoy reading it
Profile Image for Arlena.
3,486 reviews1 follower
November 10, 2022
Title: Lunchtime Chronicles: Mai Tai
Author: Amarie Avant
Publisher: A.A. ‎
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Lunchtime Chronicles" Mai Tai" by Amarie Avant

My Assessment:

This was a cute novella read about Ryann falling for Ryoichi... indeed, her fantasy. Ryoichi, an alpha, fell hard for Ryann, an high teacher, as she fell hard for the man he certainly was. Pick up this read to see how well this author brings it out to the reader, especially the spiritual revelation of the story.




288 reviews2 followers
November 16, 2022
I am mad a little but in a ok place.

I am mad because your books always bring the fire in this book you tone it done a little an that took away from your work, yes this book was good but not your other books that have me going what or who, No No way, this book had gave my attention because when you write a book you have your reader so captive in the story that they got to turn the next page that you forget to eat because you are so into the story that if you miss one minute of it you will be asking the question all day what did she say or what did he do!!!!?. This boy was good because Ry , went on vacation to step out of her comfort zone and be bold an that there was what drew me to the story because sometimes we women forget to be bold like we was in our younger days or someone made us stop being bold because of a bad experience, that in itself made me go yes yes about time we women have this discussion in books because we women forget to be bold an go I am to old or no I made seem silly or what will others think of me, in this book I saw a woman go finally I going to be brave an do me, an enjoy myself an she was in her 40's that was so beautiful! I miss the fire that I see in your other books because that would have me going girl, oooh oh my ,but I still enjoy this book because Ry, found her voice to say look I am a shy person around adults but I feel comfortable around kids,She's has to,to become a teacher plus to teach in L.A. ok. I was hoping messy Mandy would show up an bring the tea and the comic hour that she always do your stories because in your stories I still feel like Mandy is telling the stories an she is sitting having tea while Spilling the tea to us about these women who didn't know how great they was until they step up or out of their shell, an if they can do it then so can you. And Missy, if you say you going to stop writing these books than ok but I think it is a mistake but I can't step in your shoes an write for you but as a fan I can tell your book are my favor an I will miss you but I can understand. I love your writing whether it is your own books or in a group doing a series, your books always make me laugh and smile. With that said I made his too long and I am going to cut It here ,if there mistakes plow through because it's my lunch break ok. With that happy reading😊.
Profile Image for CJ.
27 reviews
November 10, 2022
Ryoichi had me in my feelings with how protective he is of Ryann! He decides she has terrible taste in men and then to take over her fantasy vacay! But his unravelling comes from the way he believes Ryann is in denial of how she's been treated and he won't stand back and allow what he believes to be a repeat of what his own mother endured. But what I really loved was how hard Ryoichi fell for Ryann in all her quirkiness. And then even though Ryoichi literally fits the role in Ryann's mind of her fantasy character, she falls for the real man that he is! The passion between these two lit up my Kindle screen! This novella delivered a lot of hot hot hot story for how brief it is!
375 reviews1 follower
September 16, 2024
Ryoichi really was a good man

this man... he began stalking her from the first moment he saw her. her went on her round the world trip with her. her companion in the shadows. and when he was allowed, her company, by chance. he willingly accepted it. finally. finally, he was in her presence and was loving every moment of it. that was when he made her his. he became her lover, her protector, anything she would need or desire. what she didn't know was she ass-u-me-d that he was evil and dangerous, until she began to see the real man behind the yacuza that was feared by all. he was just a man who loved her, and she loved. he was a good man.
23 reviews
November 24, 2022
Beautiful “Bijin” Story

I loved that this story had a lead that was soft. It’s was a perfect balance to the male lead! You will laugh, you will be sad, you will get hit under the collar reading this story. It’s a great mix of all the feels and as always I wish it was longer! I hope to get a full story of Michie and Ryo ! Amarie is an amazing author who know how to grab the readers and never let us go! Definitely a great read !
243 reviews
December 29, 2022
Keep writing Amarie!

I appreciate Ms. Avant's books. Ryo's and Ryann's story, really had me caught up in it. I really started to wonder if what Ryo expected of Ryann's history wasn't true. But how it tied to his past became clear on how his perspective was colored. Be sure to pick this up and other's of Ms. Avant's work. We have to keep her writing these stories that meet the needs of our spirits.
Profile Image for Kerryann Isenhower.
40 reviews
February 5, 2025
She Had Me At Ryann & Ryoichi

As soon as I started to read the book and saw that the heroine’s name was Ryann, I was a goner. I love the way it’s spelled, Then I went weak in the knees reading the name Ryoichi off the page. It was so beautiful the way they called each other’s name during those SPICY scenes. The way they professed their love to each other had me reading those pages 2X.
Profile Image for Ta.
28 reviews1 follower
July 14, 2025
Where Am I??

I was just son fused about where I was in, for the majority of this Chronicle, smh. I mean, at one point in the book when they were kissing did she turn her head around like the exorcist, to kiss this man while they were intimate & her arms were tied? I just feel like I was dropped in the middle of a book and I was missing major points in order to understand. I only kept going because I wanted to give it a chance but . . . . Smh...
1,905 reviews25 followers
November 9, 2022
I couldn't wait for this story to be told and I was not disappointed. Great read.
With Ryoichi keeping an eye on Ryann what can possibly go wrong? Meet the Lion and the mouse. Will the mouse survive the attention of the lion or will the lion bat away the mouse after the amusement has ended? The yakuza meets the church mouse. A great read.
115 reviews
November 10, 2022
I loved this story

This story has it all; a hot alpha dangerous gangster with a heart of gold, and a hilarious, fantasy loving, high school teacher. Ryann and
Ryiochi have a great
chemistry and lots of hot scenes. I recommend this story, and all books by this author and all of the authors
in this incredible series.
69 reviews2 followers
November 11, 2022
Amazing

Amarie Avant you did it again. I’m in love with Ryoichi and Ryann and this story leaves me wanting more. I now need Michie’s story I’ve always wanted to know more about him. I don’t usually get a full story in a novella but I promise you this one will satisfied and wanting more.
Profile Image for Stephanie Jynelle.
1,260 reviews8 followers
November 12, 2022
The rewards we find

They were ment to see and heal each other. The wounds of words and fear itself had to be faced and redeemed. The road to love does not always make sense, but the never ending desire to be loved as you are is soul deep.
I enjoyed this story but can see where some readers may be turned off. The only thing I can say, be true to who you are and be not afraid.
Profile Image for Mellernice Clark.
52 reviews1 follower
November 17, 2022
I loved it!


The story had everything. A beautiful fortyish black woman who’s educated and traveling the world alone. And a gorgeous fortyish Asian man who has it many secrets. It was love at first sight for him, and soon to be for her. A page turner for me, now onto my next story by this talented author
790 reviews3 followers
November 19, 2022
Ry

Ry went on a self discovery trip to relax regroup and live life! Safe travels the world! When she gets to Greece to meets a real life Japanese “gangster”! She thinks it’s parts of her book boyfriend package when in reality it’s anything but! He steals her away for her pleasure and well as his, changing both of their lives! A good read!
Profile Image for Kimberly Tennile.
40 reviews3 followers
November 25, 2022
Sometimes our traumas keep us from seeing the truth

I left this slice of cake with two thoughts. Sometimes our traumas stop us from seeing the truth. And many times the life we want is hidden in the things we dream about but are often afraid to pursue. A very quick read with interesting characters.
234 reviews1 follower
November 29, 2022
Ryan & Ry a forever tie

what a wonderful couple. The trauma that he overcame to not just see her but to her her and understand her as well and the undeniable love that blossomed between the, with. an easy blending of two cultur2s to one heart. Ending with 1 Corinthians was priceless saved this book for vacation and it did not disappoint
192 reviews
December 25, 2022
4.5/5 Fantastic short read. I really liked their story and I loved the characters together. Their chemistry was great, I respect that the FMC didn't fold that easily when it came to being on the same page. Their big struggle was a little annoying but I can get over it. Very well written would definitely recommend.
1,595 reviews2 followers
January 3, 2023
Good

Jury's still out. While I enjoyed the book I am left a bit confused. The storytelling was certainly different. You can probably tell by my narrative that I'm struggling to find the right words to describe this book! I'm normally a fan of this author's writing hmm. A love story with a difference.
770 reviews3 followers
February 19, 2023
powerful, strength and love

This book told a story of how a man will go to great length to protect a woman. Ryoichi gave Ryann strength and courage to stand up for self and to never fear another person. I adored how Ryoichi went all gangster to protect Ryann when she didn’t even need to be protected.
Profile Image for The Book Junkie Reads . . ..
5,060 reviews154 followers
March 27, 2023
I wanted to love it

I have been waiting for this one since Ry first spotted Ryann in the other lunchtime chronically from AA. I feel bad because even with going back to reads several chapters. I still felt a little confused. I wanted more. There was something deeper there. I just did not find it.
Profile Image for Dr. K S~.
51 reviews
September 18, 2024
Disjointed

No flow. I decided to read because the characters were older. The story jumped from one thing to the next without a real flow. I understand the storyline was designed to be quick - but there is a difference in a quick that flows from one scene to the next read and a read that makes the reader feel like something was missing
Profile Image for Nita.
751 reviews12 followers
May 6, 2025
Enjoyed

Well this was my first book from this author and I'm digging that. It was it was fun it was fun to read at first I was like how is this man playing along so well to this book boyfriend thing that the FMC signed up for. Then the more you learn is like oh that's how he knew cool. The spice was oh it was so good. I love a book that has Kimbaku
Profile Image for Sim Gee.
152 reviews14 followers
November 10, 2022
Mai Intense

I loved the way this story unfolded. The way fiction came to life and through her into the thick of things. Be careful what you wish for, you just might get it! Lucky for her it worked it. Really enjoyed this book.
15 reviews
November 10, 2022
Loved it!

I'm saddened that this may be Amarie Avant's last book, but I enjoyed reading Ryo and Ry's short story. I'm trying not to give any spoilers, but I enjoyed the way Amarie added some spiritual revaluation to the story.
9 reviews
November 19, 2022
Love it that the characters are my age group!

Who doesn't love a strong, dominate, caring, intelligent, slightly obsessed and overprotective man. And who doesn't want to end up with a God-fearing man. I'm still want on my Ryo, Lord hear my prayer!
236 reviews1 follower
November 28, 2022
I loved Mai Tai!

I loved everything about this book. The characters and storyline was awesome. I would definitely recommend this book to friends and family. I gave this book 5 stars because it was well written and kept my interest.
163 reviews
November 30, 2022
Something Is Missing!

This story was a little disappointing or maybe I just expected to much. Plus it ended to soon! The way everything was described was excellent. It just seemed to lack something.
Profile Image for Nene.
1,787 reviews26 followers
January 14, 2023
Ryoich and Ryann

A teacher who decided to retired and take her 401k to travel, she hired a book boyfriend from a website whom turns out to be the wrong guy. This was my first book by Ms.Avant that I truly didn't understand. This is only my opinion may not be yours.
Profile Image for Betty.
595 reviews
May 2, 2024
Church mouse comes out of hiding!

Ryo and Ry were two halfs of a coin, that when properly put together, were the perfect fit! Both were naive where love was concerned, but they grew together. A very happily ever after was in their future!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews

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