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Vengeance and Payback #1
Vengeance with a Kiss
Revenge is the Name of the Game
Yukio Hinode wasn’t a bad guy, but he’d had enough. Alexander Carrington was a nightmare. Everywhere Yukio went, he was there—in college classes, on the basketball court, and around campus. When bullying turns into a physical fight, Yukio knows he has to come up with a plan to end this. Then, he catches sight of Alexander’s father, and damn, but he looks good. An evil, perfect strategy forms. It’s time to go on the offensive.
Life Cracked Open
Dr. Micah Carrington loved his routine. Each day he taught classes, went to the library, and then drove home. Occasionally he would talk to his son—or try. Their relationship was rocky. When Micah was lonely, he thought about what it might be like to be with a man who cared for him, but he didn’t have the courage to try anything different. Then, one day a breathtaking man notices him, and it’s terrifying, but when the stranger smirks in his direction, he can’t help but smile back.
A War of Hearts
It doesn’t take Yukio long to realize he messed up. Micah agrees to date him. They click instantly, and now Yukio is stuck with a horrible problem—he cares about the father of his worst enemy, and he refuses to lose Micah. Staying with Micah never factored into Yukio’s plans, and now that he wants to keep him, he has no clue how he will fix this. Will he be able to figure out a new course of action, one that involves owning Micah’s heart? Or will their relationship be the final casualty in the battle?
Yukio Hinode wasn’t a bad guy, but he’d had enough. Alexander Carrington was a nightmare. Everywhere Yukio went, he was there—in college classes, on the basketball court, and around campus. When bullying turns into a physical fight, Yukio knows he has to come up with a plan to end this. Then, he catches sight of Alexander’s father, and damn, but he looks good. An evil, perfect strategy forms. It’s time to go on the offensive.
Life Cracked Open
Dr. Micah Carrington loved his routine. Each day he taught classes, went to the library, and then drove home. Occasionally he would talk to his son—or try. Their relationship was rocky. When Micah was lonely, he thought about what it might be like to be with a man who cared for him, but he didn’t have the courage to try anything different. Then, one day a breathtaking man notices him, and it’s terrifying, but when the stranger smirks in his direction, he can’t help but smile back.
A War of Hearts
It doesn’t take Yukio long to realize he messed up. Micah agrees to date him. They click instantly, and now Yukio is stuck with a horrible problem—he cares about the father of his worst enemy, and he refuses to lose Micah. Staying with Micah never factored into Yukio’s plans, and now that he wants to keep him, he has no clue how he will fix this. Will he be able to figure out a new course of action, one that involves owning Micah’s heart? Or will their relationship be the final casualty in the battle?
264 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 4, 2023
About the author
Ki Brightly
92 books736 followersI spend most of my days writing, editing, and perfecting the craft of storytelling.
A note to readers: I don't hang out on Goodreads or social media, so if you have any questions about my books, please check out my website, which I host with M.D. Gregory.
A note to readers: I don't hang out on Goodreads or social media, so if you have any questions about my books, please check out my website, which I host with M.D. Gregory.
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July 11, 2023I'm afraid I have to be a bit mean. And it hurts me deeply. This could have been such a wonderful book ...
I love Yukio and I love Micah. The two characters are interesting and have a fantastic dynamic together. I really liked the interactions, even without just BJs at the beginning.
But my goodness what a bad plot. 😡😡😡
Bullying is supposed to be the basis for the entire story, but there are only a few tiny hints; it never really becomes clear why Yukio is so angry with Alexander. You can't approach the story like that, it leaves the entire construct flawed.
And what's the point of the few hints that Yukio's family belongs to the Yakuza and that they are oh so dangerous, if you then completely refrain from really getting into the topic. You learn very little about the background at all. And then there is such a stupid epilogue in which it is planned that Yukio wants to get tattooed together with his father in Japan. Hello Yakuza ... you don't just do that, the tattoos are sacred and Yukio's father certainly has no room left on his body to add anything else.
Oh my, I thought I could save the book to three stars until just before the epilogue, but that was too much.
And besides, the actual book ends with a nice sex scene and then comes the epilogue and you think you get a good outlook, on maybe a follow-up book, and then there's more senseless sex packed in there ...
Micah ... poor nerdy Micah. He is lied to, was probably (hints without elaboration) abused in his past (probably "only" verbally, but who knows) and is probably autistic.
I think the use of the word "probably" shows how unsatisfying it all is. You can't really evaluate whether his character is well portrayed or not because his diagnosis is missing and it's not really addressed.
I think I could rant on like this forever, it's not going to make it any better.
And I'll refrain from rating it. The writing style is good and I'm sure there are enough readers who might like the book. For me, the holes in the plot are simply mind-boggling.
I love Yukio and I love Micah. The two characters are interesting and have a fantastic dynamic together. I really liked the interactions, even without just BJs at the beginning.
But my goodness what a bad plot. 😡😡😡
Bullying is supposed to be the basis for the entire story, but there are only a few tiny hints; it never really becomes clear why Yukio is so angry with Alexander. You can't approach the story like that, it leaves the entire construct flawed.
And what's the point of the few hints that Yukio's family belongs to the Yakuza and that they are oh so dangerous, if you then completely refrain from really getting into the topic. You learn very little about the background at all. And then there is such a stupid epilogue in which it is planned that Yukio wants to get tattooed together with his father in Japan. Hello Yakuza ... you don't just do that, the tattoos are sacred and Yukio's father certainly has no room left on his body to add anything else.
Oh my, I thought I could save the book to three stars until just before the epilogue, but that was too much.
And besides, the actual book ends with a nice sex scene and then comes the epilogue and you think you get a good outlook, on maybe a follow-up book, and then there's more senseless sex packed in there ...
Micah ... poor nerdy Micah. He is lied to, was probably (hints without elaboration) abused in his past (probably "only" verbally, but who knows) and is probably autistic.
I think the use of the word "probably" shows how unsatisfying it all is. You can't really evaluate whether his character is well portrayed or not because his diagnosis is missing and it's not really addressed.
I think I could rant on like this forever, it's not going to make it any better.
And I'll refrain from rating it. The writing style is good and I'm sure there are enough readers who might like the book. For me, the holes in the plot are simply mind-boggling.
July 9, 2023
4.5 ⭐️ Younger man seduces older professor (not his professor but his enemy’s father)
17 year age gap
The body language, character mannerisms, dialogue🔥
Japanese MC1 - Yukio Hinode
Autistic MC2 - Micah Carrington
Younger dominant/older bottom
college campus
Deception followed by seriously sweet and satisfying groveling
“I’m not giving you up for the world. I’d burn it down for you.”
Fun fact: I used to call my son Yukio when he was a baby as a little nickname but I thought I completely made the name up. Lol
authors, you won me with that cover and I’m so happy the insides lived up to the outside.
17 year age gap
The body language, character mannerisms, dialogue🔥
Japanese MC1 - Yukio Hinode
Autistic MC2 - Micah Carrington
Younger dominant/older bottom
college campus
Deception followed by seriously sweet and satisfying groveling
“I’m not giving you up for the world. I’d burn it down for you.”
Fun fact: I used to call my son Yukio when he was a baby as a little nickname but I thought I completely made the name up. Lol
authors, you won me with that cover and I’m so happy the insides lived up to the outside.
August 15, 2023
(4.5★) THIS BOOK IS AS PERFECT AS THIS COVER.
The moment I saw this cover and the Asian model, I was so soldddddd like it was ACTUALLY love at first sight for me with this book.
And 🤧 it 🤧 didn't 🤧 disappoint 🤧 !!!
I loved Yukio so much, his tattoos, his piercings, his personality 🙏👌 he is divine. But Micah and his preciousness stole my adoration because Hanaii is too cute for this terrible horrible world.
The only reason I'm not giving it 5 STARS (cus it's my curse this year to not have a single 5 star book this year) is because I wish it was a bit longer. Like maybe a hundred pages more because I wanted to see a bit more depth after the revelation. It's not like there is a lack of depth, but I guess I got used to reading long ass books that I was baffled at how "short" this book was.
Also, I went into this book thinking it was darker than your average contemporary. Like, look at this gorgeous cover? It screams like all my dreams have come true. But this book was not dark at all, and Yukio was ACTUALLY a good, non-toxic and pleasant guy like-HELLO????
The way Yukio treated Micah was chefs kiss tho 🤭🤭🤭
Anyways, I want book 2 now cus THE COVER OF BOOK 2 IS EVER BETTER AND THE JUNGKOK VIBES IT GIVES IS 🤭🤧🥵🥵
→ a massive thank you for @ivy for your fantastic review because you always pick the good ones !!!!
The moment I saw this cover and the Asian model, I was so soldddddd like it was ACTUALLY love at first sight for me with this book.
And 🤧 it 🤧 didn't 🤧 disappoint 🤧 !!!
I loved Yukio so much, his tattoos, his piercings, his personality 🙏👌 he is divine. But Micah and his preciousness stole my adoration because Hanaii is too cute for this terrible horrible world.
The only reason I'm not giving it 5 STARS (cus it's my curse this year to not have a single 5 star book this year) is because I wish it was a bit longer. Like maybe a hundred pages more because I wanted to see a bit more depth after the revelation. It's not like there is a lack of depth, but I guess I got used to reading long ass books that I was baffled at how "short" this book was.
Also, I went into this book thinking it was darker than your average contemporary. Like, look at this gorgeous cover? It screams like all my dreams have come true. But this book was not dark at all, and Yukio was ACTUALLY a good, non-toxic and pleasant guy like-HELLO????
The way Yukio treated Micah was chefs kiss tho 🤭🤭🤭
Anyways, I want book 2 now cus THE COVER OF BOOK 2 IS EVER BETTER AND THE JUNGKOK VIBES IT GIVES IS 🤭🤧🥵🥵
→ a massive thank you for @ivy for your fantastic review because you always pick the good ones !!!!
July 15, 2023
I'm not really a fan of the author's writing style, I don't like the way how so many unimportant details are being focused on, like how the way he walk from his building to his car, how weirdly descriptive the mc was being about the background character, I just think that it's just a waste of time when we could've be doing something else with the main character storyline.
Just a quick side note tho I prefer essence and the way the character carried themselves rather than a descriptive physical appearance.
But although I do really appreciate is the Autism Rep, i just wished it was explored more and I loved how the author doesn't shy away from Bringing up a Real Life issues like Trans right And Drag queens being taken away with some of the states we or just in general the problems we are currently facing right now even tho it was really brief.
I don't like how they handle the third act, I just thought it was immature of Micah of handling the Yukio situation, it could've been handled way differently, I know it was just a part of me that hated miscommunication during the third act.
Beside the autism rep, there's one thing I wished added more it was that micah relationship with Alex his son, We could've gotten much of a fleshed out character but he feels like a two dimensional character, Like Even if he wasn't there it wouldn't change much to the course of the story.
So what I'm saying is why not just go all the way in, add some depth and a better execution instead of descriptive detailed physical detailed of every characters the mc met within the span of 5 minutes
It could've been so much better of a story.
Just a quick side note tho I prefer essence and the way the character carried themselves rather than a descriptive physical appearance.
But although I do really appreciate is the Autism Rep, i just wished it was explored more and I loved how the author doesn't shy away from Bringing up a Real Life issues like Trans right And Drag queens being taken away with some of the states we or just in general the problems we are currently facing right now even tho it was really brief.
I don't like how they handle the third act, I just thought it was immature of Micah of handling the Yukio situation, it could've been handled way differently, I know it was just a part of me that hated miscommunication during the third act.
Beside the autism rep, there's one thing I wished added more it was that micah relationship with Alex his son, We could've gotten much of a fleshed out character but he feels like a two dimensional character, Like Even if he wasn't there it wouldn't change much to the course of the story.
So what I'm saying is why not just go all the way in, add some depth and a better execution instead of descriptive detailed physical detailed of every characters the mc met within the span of 5 minutes
It could've been so much better of a story.
August 30, 2023
Yukio has a bully, Alexander, and he had enough. Taking revenge will be sweet.
He wants to take advantage of Alexander’s dad, by seducing him.
That’s the evil plan.
But oh boy, that turned into something Yukio couldn’t foresee.
Micah, Alexander’s dad, isn’t anything like his big burly son. Micah is vulnerable with a hard past.
He’s probably autistic, there are enough symptoms even undiagnosed. And Yukio developed all the feelings for this man. That was not the plan.
It was an original concept, and it surprised me, I loved to be surprised.
Yukio is Japanese, the younger and dominant one. Micah is a nerdy autistic history professor and eager to be dominated.
I liked the main characters, they had chemistry, and you can expect some hot encounters.
The development was a bit slight, the whole story light, with a comfortable pace.
He wants to take advantage of Alexander’s dad, by seducing him.
That’s the evil plan.
But oh boy, that turned into something Yukio couldn’t foresee.
Micah, Alexander’s dad, isn’t anything like his big burly son. Micah is vulnerable with a hard past.
He’s probably autistic, there are enough symptoms even undiagnosed. And Yukio developed all the feelings for this man. That was not the plan.
It was an original concept, and it surprised me, I loved to be surprised.
Yukio is Japanese, the younger and dominant one. Micah is a nerdy autistic history professor and eager to be dominated.
I liked the main characters, they had chemistry, and you can expect some hot encounters.
The development was a bit slight, the whole story light, with a comfortable pace.
Read
July 12, 2023Hi, everyone!
Thanks for visiting New Gothenburg again! M.D. Gregory (Meg) and I were excited to finish Micah and Yukio’s book. As always, we had a lot of fun writing this one. There is some Japanese in Vengeance with a Kiss, but if you tap on the word or sentence, we have used the X-Ray feature in the Kindle version to give you a translation that is super quick and easy to find.
Things you will find in this book:
*Age gap
*A Dominant Basketball Player
*A Shy History Professor
*A Virgin
*Lots of Groveling
And, of course, LOVE.
Update!
Vengeance with a Kiss is a complete story arc. M.D. and I decided we love Yukio and Micah so much we're going to write another book with them, but this one has no cliffhangers because it was originally meant to be the only book.
Happy reading, everyone!
~Ki Brightly
Thanks for visiting New Gothenburg again! M.D. Gregory (Meg) and I were excited to finish Micah and Yukio’s book. As always, we had a lot of fun writing this one. There is some Japanese in Vengeance with a Kiss, but if you tap on the word or sentence, we have used the X-Ray feature in the Kindle version to give you a translation that is super quick and easy to find.
Things you will find in this book:
*Age gap
*A Dominant Basketball Player
*A Shy History Professor
*A Virgin
*Lots of Groveling
And, of course, LOVE.
Update!
Vengeance with a Kiss is a complete story arc. M.D. and I decided we love Yukio and Micah so much we're going to write another book with them, but this one has no cliffhangers because it was originally meant to be the only book.
Happy reading, everyone!
~Ki Brightly
July 9, 2023
This is a really sweet story about a college student seducing an older professor (he is not in the professor's class, so it's not his professor). However, Yukio has an evil plan why he wants to seduce his professor, only he gets caught in his own trap when he gets to know Micah more.
There were a couple of things that didn't really work for me. First of all, I didn't really get the whole enemy vibe between Yukio and Alexander. Sure, they fight one time and apparently more stuff happened in the past. However, I didn't really get the whole bully vibe from Alexander. We also don't hear anything about him bullying other people or anything. If anything, I thought Yukio was also a bully, especially when he enacts his revenge plan and involves an innocent man in all of that. So that didn't make me like Yukio much and sympathize with Alexander as well, diverting my attention from one of the main characters to a side character.
Secondly, nothing really happened. There is hardly any tension/action or suspense. Sure, there is the whole lie about Yukio's revenge plan, but that goes about as you might have expected, with little surprise anywhere.
There are a lot of sweet moments and the story focuses more on the relationship development between Yukio and Micah. While this is great, it felt a bit boring after a while. I really would have loved to see more interaction where the main characters really have to help each other in order to cement their relationship.
I couldn't really connect with either main character, maybe because they were just so sweet all the time. I like my characters to have a bit more spice ;) And to be fair, we have some pretty hot stuff in this book as well, but again, it felt like it was missing something for me. Maybe I just wasn't in the right mood to enjoy this story at its best.
I do love the representation of an autistic main character and the way Yukio took care of Micah when he learns more about him.
At the end, I really felt terrible for Alexander and I would love for him to get his own story and to have him get a HEA as well. Especially when he was so brave to tell Yukio what he really thought.
Every chapter is told from either Yukio or Micah's POV, first person view.
There is no cheating (between the main characters or anyone else).
Little angst (only a part because they start their relationship based on a lie and when that exploded in their faces, they are both hurt).
Medium heat.
HEA/HFN. The authors have said they want to write more books with these main characters and while the story could pick up where it left of, this book feels finished for me and we aren't left with a cliffhanger or anything.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
There were a couple of things that didn't really work for me. First of all, I didn't really get the whole enemy vibe between Yukio and Alexander. Sure, they fight one time and apparently more stuff happened in the past. However, I didn't really get the whole bully vibe from Alexander. We also don't hear anything about him bullying other people or anything. If anything, I thought Yukio was also a bully, especially when he enacts his revenge plan and involves an innocent man in all of that. So that didn't make me like Yukio much and sympathize with Alexander as well, diverting my attention from one of the main characters to a side character.
Secondly, nothing really happened. There is hardly any tension/action or suspense. Sure, there is the whole lie about Yukio's revenge plan, but that goes about as you might have expected, with little surprise anywhere.
There are a lot of sweet moments and the story focuses more on the relationship development between Yukio and Micah. While this is great, it felt a bit boring after a while. I really would have loved to see more interaction where the main characters really have to help each other in order to cement their relationship.
I couldn't really connect with either main character, maybe because they were just so sweet all the time. I like my characters to have a bit more spice ;) And to be fair, we have some pretty hot stuff in this book as well, but again, it felt like it was missing something for me. Maybe I just wasn't in the right mood to enjoy this story at its best.
I do love the representation of an autistic main character and the way Yukio took care of Micah when he learns more about him.
At the end, I really felt terrible for Alexander and I would love for him to get his own story and to have him get a HEA as well. Especially when he was so brave to tell Yukio what he really thought.
Every chapter is told from either Yukio or Micah's POV, first person view.
There is no cheating (between the main characters or anyone else).
Little angst (only a part because they start their relationship based on a lie and when that exploded in their faces, they are both hurt).
Medium heat.
HEA/HFN. The authors have said they want to write more books with these main characters and while the story could pick up where it left of, this book feels finished for me and we aren't left with a cliffhanger or anything.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 8, 2023
Micah and Yukio
I loved so much about this. Micah was downright adorable. Yukio was strong and sexy. The steam was delicious and the story was wonderful.
I loved how Micah was portrayed but I loved how Yukio was with him even better. He never treated Micah as if accommodating his needs was a problem. While Micah was never officially diagnosed, he certainly appears to be on the autism spectrum. Yukio, while having less than pure intentions to start with, didn’t really stand a chance when it came to loving Micah. And when it all comes to light, I was so happy that Micah made Yukio work for his forgiveness. Sometimes it’s not easy to gain trust back, and this was such a pure example of that.
I didn’t love Micah’s son, Alex, but I guess I’m supposed to because he apologized to Yukio for being an utter terror? I dunno. Setting Alex up for his own book and redemption arc but he really rubbed me the wrong way all throughout this book. Overall, this was a wonderful book and I loved the story. They just paired so well together that I could have read more and more about them.
I loved so much about this. Micah was downright adorable. Yukio was strong and sexy. The steam was delicious and the story was wonderful.
I loved how Micah was portrayed but I loved how Yukio was with him even better. He never treated Micah as if accommodating his needs was a problem. While Micah was never officially diagnosed, he certainly appears to be on the autism spectrum. Yukio, while having less than pure intentions to start with, didn’t really stand a chance when it came to loving Micah. And when it all comes to light, I was so happy that Micah made Yukio work for his forgiveness. Sometimes it’s not easy to gain trust back, and this was such a pure example of that.
I didn’t love Micah’s son, Alex, but I guess I’m supposed to because he apologized to Yukio for being an utter terror? I dunno. Setting Alex up for his own book and redemption arc but he really rubbed me the wrong way all throughout this book. Overall, this was a wonderful book and I loved the story. They just paired so well together that I could have read more and more about them.
June 9, 2024
Why did I agree to this? Yukio was too young and too sweet, but a part of me liked being flirted with and invited out, even if I hated where out was.
A buttoned up history professor who knows he’s gay but has never been with a man + bad boy rocker student who’s set on revenge.
Yukio and Alex are constantly sniping at each other and Yukio really doesn’t know why. When he’s sees Alex’s hot dad Micah though, an idea forms for revenge.
The premise is a bit flimsy - Alex��s character was confusing for me and esp when you learn his motivations I was so lost.
BUT I really liked Yukio and Micah together!!! Even when the inevitable fallout happens! There was an appropriate amount of grovelling (for once! I feel like there almost never enough but this had more than one apology and it was spread out over time!) I love an older/taller sub and younger/shorter Dom dynamic. Micah was so enthusiastic and eager to be loved and Yukio was wonderful with him. He very quickly forgot about his revenge plan and made an effort to put things right (not enough of one obvi but not nothing).
It looks like there’s a book 2 coming that will explore Yukio’s yakuza ties?? Idk but I’m excited!
A buttoned up history professor who knows he’s gay but has never been with a man + bad boy rocker student who’s set on revenge.
Yukio and Alex are constantly sniping at each other and Yukio really doesn’t know why. When he’s sees Alex’s hot dad Micah though, an idea forms for revenge.
The premise is a bit flimsy - Alex��s character was confusing for me and esp when you learn his motivations I was so lost.
BUT I really liked Yukio and Micah together!!! Even when the inevitable fallout happens! There was an appropriate amount of grovelling (for once! I feel like there almost never enough but this had more than one apology and it was spread out over time!) I love an older/taller sub and younger/shorter Dom dynamic. Micah was so enthusiastic and eager to be loved and Yukio was wonderful with him. He very quickly forgot about his revenge plan and made an effort to put things right (not enough of one obvi but not nothing).
It looks like there’s a book 2 coming that will explore Yukio’s yakuza ties?? Idk but I’m excited!
July 8, 2023
This is an unlikely romance that starts with a bully and his victim's revenge. Yukio, a college athlete, has been bullied by Alexander for months. Although he can definitely handle himself around the bully, he's tired of being dragged into the mess. After Alexander gets him in trouble again, Yukio learns that his father, Micah, is a professor at the college. He stalks the older man for a bit, can see that he's attracted to men, yet awkward around people in general. Yukio decides to approach him and see if he can get him in bed, all with the purpose of strongly annoying Alexander. He succeeds, but soon he realizes that he's no longer interested in revenge because Micah is a big surprise attraction to him. Can these two men have a successful relationship when it comes out that Yukio and Micah's son already know and dislike each other? This book has strong emotions, a lot of passion, and a beautiful romance. As an aside, Micah is described as a man who is likely autistic, but was raised in a negative environment where he was never evaluated.
Read
July 17, 2024DNF.
To be honest, I just felt bad for Alexander.
Micah's a terrible parent. And, just like Yukio, an unlikeable MC.
To be honest, I just felt bad for Alexander.
Micah's a terrible parent. And, just like Yukio, an unlikeable MC.
July 19, 2023
I love the writing duo of Ki Brightly and MD Gregory and the New Gothenburg world they've created, and when I saw the cover for Vengeance, I had to read it, and it was just as great as I knew it would be!
I loved Micah and Yukio's characters; Micah (while older) was so sweet, kind, and adorable, and Yukio (while younger) was so sexily confident and strong that when they combined, it was fireworks! I also liked that Yukio realised very early on that Micah needed a strong, dominant man (which fits Yukio's personality) and was able to be that for him. The way that Yukio took time to really listen to Micah's words as well as pick up on very subtle clues of when he was uncomfortable was also incredibly sweet.
And I loved Micah's character—even though he's definitely sweeter than Yukio, I really loved that, when the break-up happened, he was strong enough to realise that he was someone worth treating better and did not forgive Micah after the first apology. I don't think that I would forgive such a betrayal easily, and I liked that Micah made Yukio work for it. And I liked that he never told Yukio how to make it up to him; Yukio had to learn that for himself and prove with his actions that he would never hurt Micah again.
I also really loved the way that Yukio supported and cared for Micah's sensory needs due to his suspected autism, and how he never made Micah feel othered or weird. As someone who has a young, neurodiverse daughter, I appreciate it so much when neurodiverse characters are portrayed with joy in their lives and living successful, happy lives with people who love and understand them.
I also loved the late cross-over with , having just finished that whole series it was such a treat to see them again, and seeing was such a lovely suprise!
Knowing we're getting more of the yakuza storyline and Yukio's family with the new Payback with a Smile is such great news as I loved this new addition to New Gothenberg
I loved Micah and Yukio's characters; Micah (while older) was so sweet, kind, and adorable, and Yukio (while younger) was so sexily confident and strong that when they combined, it was fireworks! I also liked that Yukio realised very early on that Micah needed a strong, dominant man (which fits Yukio's personality) and was able to be that for him. The way that Yukio took time to really listen to Micah's words as well as pick up on very subtle clues of when he was uncomfortable was also incredibly sweet.
And I loved Micah's character—even though he's definitely sweeter than Yukio, I really loved that, when the break-up happened, he was strong enough to realise that he was someone worth treating better and did not forgive Micah after the first apology. I don't think that I would forgive such a betrayal easily, and I liked that Micah made Yukio work for it. And I liked that he never told Yukio how to make it up to him; Yukio had to learn that for himself and prove with his actions that he would never hurt Micah again.
I also really loved the way that Yukio supported and cared for Micah's sensory needs due to his suspected autism, and how he never made Micah feel othered or weird. As someone who has a young, neurodiverse daughter, I appreciate it so much when neurodiverse characters are portrayed with joy in their lives and living successful, happy lives with people who love and understand them.
I also loved the late cross-over with , having just finished that whole series it was such a treat to see them again, and seeing was such a lovely suprise!
Knowing we're getting more of the yakuza storyline and Yukio's family with the new Payback with a Smile is such great news as I loved this new addition to New Gothenberg
December 17, 2023
This is an easy-to-read, well-written novel with a unique and compelling plot and dynamics. Although touching on several complex issues like autism, childhood trauma, sexual identity insecurity, and self-doubt, the author manages to keep the narrative casual enough not to be overwhelming or emotionally draining.
It is a bittersweet story about how a failed vengeance plan turns into attraction and love.
The narrative could be more ambitious in terms of emotional depth. However, the storytelling, with a fair share of unpredictable situations, makes it an interesting and exciting read. The plot and the story are full of opposing contrasts like the age gap between the main characters, their status in society, race, and unorthodox roles in their relationship.
The differences in the personalities are in stark contrast with each other. This contributes to the dynamic in storytelling and keeping the reader engaged.
The characters are well-defined and complex enough to attract and compel the audience. Their individual characteristics and flaws make them relatable and charismatic, and they contribute to the story narrative.
Overall, this is an enjoyable, not overbearing, yet challenging read.
Standalone, no cliffhangers.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It is a bittersweet story about how a failed vengeance plan turns into attraction and love.
The narrative could be more ambitious in terms of emotional depth. However, the storytelling, with a fair share of unpredictable situations, makes it an interesting and exciting read. The plot and the story are full of opposing contrasts like the age gap between the main characters, their status in society, race, and unorthodox roles in their relationship.
The differences in the personalities are in stark contrast with each other. This contributes to the dynamic in storytelling and keeping the reader engaged.
The characters are well-defined and complex enough to attract and compel the audience. Their individual characteristics and flaws make them relatable and charismatic, and they contribute to the story narrative.
Overall, this is an enjoyable, not overbearing, yet challenging read.
Standalone, no cliffhangers.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 7, 2023
Yukio and Micha, remind so much of Judge and Finn.
Yukio chased Micha, yes to begin with it was for the wrong reasons. However as he got to know Micha, he could see how sweet he is and know that hes worth the time and patience.
Even with everything he has lived through Micha is gentle and has his own issues. Yukio respects Micha boundarys easily, he knows that pushing Micha beyond what he can cope with is all hes ever had from other family members. Despite all of this as well as being the same age as Michas son, Yukio took the time to actually date Micha, learning his likes and dislikes, he encouraged him out of his comfort zone. Yukio deliberately hid Alex's behaviour from Micha after their first meeting so as to not embarass either man. For his age, he headstrong and stubborn enough to get what/who he wants, and hes decided he wants Micha.
They both suspect that Micha is autisic, Micha from research and Yukio from his younger brother. Its questionable that Micha's son Alexander also is on the spectrum somewhere.
I loved that Micha wasnt willing to just forget everything and made Yukio work his way back. I also loved that Yukio knew his man was worth putting the work in, but hes never taken the relationship or his man for granted
Yukio chased Micha, yes to begin with it was for the wrong reasons. However as he got to know Micha, he could see how sweet he is and know that hes worth the time and patience.
Even with everything he has lived through Micha is gentle and has his own issues. Yukio respects Micha boundarys easily, he knows that pushing Micha beyond what he can cope with is all hes ever had from other family members. Despite all of this as well as being the same age as Michas son, Yukio took the time to actually date Micha, learning his likes and dislikes, he encouraged him out of his comfort zone. Yukio deliberately hid Alex's behaviour from Micha after their first meeting so as to not embarass either man. For his age, he headstrong and stubborn enough to get what/who he wants, and hes decided he wants Micha.
They both suspect that Micha is autisic, Micha from research and Yukio from his younger brother. Its questionable that Micha's son Alexander also is on the spectrum somewhere.
I loved that Micha wasnt willing to just forget everything and made Yukio work his way back. I also loved that Yukio knew his man was worth putting the work in, but hes never taken the relationship or his man for granted
August 24, 2023
I’m reviewing the audio edition. I enjoyed this story. It is a little different when the younger person is the more stronger personality. It showed that the two people that fit are not always the mold society expects.
Yukio has been getting bullied by Alexander since starting school and has no idea why. He doesn’t just sit back but rather is smart about how he gets his little jabs in. When it doesn’t stop Yukio comes up with a plan to get his revenge. The problem not all plans go as expected. This one certainly didn’t. Yukio didn’t plan on Micah being the personality that he would be attracted to. When that attraction goes further there is the problem of Alexander. I really enjoyed how the author took the different circumstances between Alexander, Micah and Yukio and pulled it all together. The twists to the story gave it that little plus I didn’t see coming. I also thought it was great how the secondary characters surprised me more than once how they turned out to fit in the story. I feel the narration by Keval Shah fit the characters. I’m anxious to see what comes next.
Yukio has been getting bullied by Alexander since starting school and has no idea why. He doesn’t just sit back but rather is smart about how he gets his little jabs in. When it doesn’t stop Yukio comes up with a plan to get his revenge. The problem not all plans go as expected. This one certainly didn’t. Yukio didn’t plan on Micah being the personality that he would be attracted to. When that attraction goes further there is the problem of Alexander. I really enjoyed how the author took the different circumstances between Alexander, Micah and Yukio and pulled it all together. The twists to the story gave it that little plus I didn’t see coming. I also thought it was great how the secondary characters surprised me more than once how they turned out to fit in the story. I feel the narration by Keval Shah fit the characters. I’m anxious to see what comes next.
July 18, 2023
This relationship starts out because Yukio wants revenge on Micah’s dad. Bad reason but in the hands of these two talented writers we get a great tale about the importance of truth in a relationship. When they add in a bit of age gap, older sub and younger dom and a character with a disability they produce a book that I loved. As an older woman who has a learning disability (dyslexia) myself that was never diagnosed I really appreciate both that a person like Micah is a main character and how well the up and downs of being different are portrayed. It was not only an entertaining read but it made me think of some of the ways people have treated me like Micah’s father treated him. That sounds bad but I mean that it made me feel better because I could see how stupid the other people were and that it was them just not trying to understand me. I hope that this book entertains you but also makes you think, whichever side of different you are on.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 19, 2023
Revenge gone wrong
Yukio has been a victim of bullying by Alexander for quite some time.
He's finally had enough and enacts a plot for vengeance.
It involves seducing Alexander's father, Micah who just happens to be a professor at their college.
Once he gets to know Micah he slowly falls for him and can't bring himself to hurt him.
Unfortunately that damage has already been done and when Micah finds out it almost spells disaster for them.
Micah is just the sweetest man and I really hated the way his family and especially his son Alexander treated him.
My two crumbsnatchers are on the spectrum and I know the struggles they deal with on a daily basis.
I actually wished we got more involvement from Yukio's family and while I realize Alexander's character is being set up for a redemption arc, I'm still not quite ready to forgive him.
I really dislike him.
I can't wait for his story though.
Yukio has been a victim of bullying by Alexander for quite some time.
He's finally had enough and enacts a plot for vengeance.
It involves seducing Alexander's father, Micah who just happens to be a professor at their college.
Once he gets to know Micah he slowly falls for him and can't bring himself to hurt him.
Unfortunately that damage has already been done and when Micah finds out it almost spells disaster for them.
Micah is just the sweetest man and I really hated the way his family and especially his son Alexander treated him.
My two crumbsnatchers are on the spectrum and I know the struggles they deal with on a daily basis.
I actually wished we got more involvement from Yukio's family and while I realize Alexander's character is being set up for a redemption arc, I'm still not quite ready to forgive him.
I really dislike him.
I can't wait for his story though.
December 18, 2023
Not the Right Course of Action . . .
Alexander Carrington started harassing Yukio Hinode and it turned violent. Yukio has had enough of it and wants revenge to put an end to this nonsense. Glimpsing Alexander’s attractive father, Dr. Micah Carrington, he forms his plan. Micah was lonely, so when Yukio takes notice of him, he is ready to give things a try. They start dating, and Yukio discovers he actually has real feelings for Micah! This was not part of his plan! Is there anything he can do to make this right? He knows Alexander would not tolerate this situation. But is Yukio ready to give up Micah’s love?
For the record, I don’t like seeing someone ever use another person to get back at someone else’s wrongdoing. Micah had done absolutely nothing bad to Yukio and had no part in what his so-called “adult” college son did to Yukio. Yet Yukio was ready to hurt him. Yukio deserves all the groveling he may have to do to gain Micah’s forgiveness.
Alexander Carrington started harassing Yukio Hinode and it turned violent. Yukio has had enough of it and wants revenge to put an end to this nonsense. Glimpsing Alexander’s attractive father, Dr. Micah Carrington, he forms his plan. Micah was lonely, so when Yukio takes notice of him, he is ready to give things a try. They start dating, and Yukio discovers he actually has real feelings for Micah! This was not part of his plan! Is there anything he can do to make this right? He knows Alexander would not tolerate this situation. But is Yukio ready to give up Micah’s love?
For the record, I don’t like seeing someone ever use another person to get back at someone else’s wrongdoing. Micah had done absolutely nothing bad to Yukio and had no part in what his so-called “adult” college son did to Yukio. Yet Yukio was ready to hurt him. Yukio deserves all the groveling he may have to do to gain Micah’s forgiveness.
July 7, 2023
Amazing like always
This book was of course amazing. You always know you’re going to get a great read when you get these two together. The chemistry was fire and the little bit of conflict was just enough. A few things that annoyed me though was how immature the conversations could be sometimes. I get that one MC is only 21 but sometimes when he was conversing with friends I felt like I was reading a high schooler talk. I was really looking forward to learning about the Japanese gang but there was no mention of it except for brief things. And that maybe happened twice. I thought it would be more involved then what it was. Other then those personal things everything about this book was great!
This book was of course amazing. You always know you’re going to get a great read when you get these two together. The chemistry was fire and the little bit of conflict was just enough. A few things that annoyed me though was how immature the conversations could be sometimes. I get that one MC is only 21 but sometimes when he was conversing with friends I felt like I was reading a high schooler talk. I was really looking forward to learning about the Japanese gang but there was no mention of it except for brief things. And that maybe happened twice. I thought it would be more involved then what it was. Other then those personal things everything about this book was great!
July 7, 2023
As always, these two authors have worked together to create another great story. This one was a little more fluffy than their usual fare, though just as good. Yukio and Micah are total opposites, drawn together (despite some less than admirable intentions from Yukio.)
I loved Micah, and the authors showed his autism with compassion and understanding. I wish we had seen him interact with Yukio’s brother more.
Yukio definitely grew on me as the story progressed. He starts off as kind of a bad boy asshole, but Micah turns him around. I would have liked seeing more of his backstory with the yakuza that is hinted at a few times with the dad.
This book is a great side book in the ongoing New Gothenburg world. I hope we see more from Alexander and Milo too!
I loved Micah, and the authors showed his autism with compassion and understanding. I wish we had seen him interact with Yukio’s brother more.
Yukio definitely grew on me as the story progressed. He starts off as kind of a bad boy asshole, but Micah turns him around. I would have liked seeing more of his backstory with the yakuza that is hinted at a few times with the dad.
This book is a great side book in the ongoing New Gothenburg world. I hope we see more from Alexander and Milo too!
October 22, 2023
2.5-3⭐️
✅revenge plot using enemy’s dad
✅age gap (21/38)
✅autistic MC
✅athlete/musician MC
✅Asian MC with Yakuza ties
🔥🔥/🔥
➖childhood trauma: abusive father/homophobia
➖Alex was MEAN to Micah and really hurt my feelings
➖while I liked the book fine, the revenge plot could have been done so much better. The plot is constructed, started, mentioned once or twice then he is trying to find away way to save his relationship. I do not think he groveled nearly enough: flowers, a drink at a bar and Japanese culture books with a few notes and one of them being how much he wants to be back inside him? Could have been so much better
➖don’t plan to read book 2 which supposedly has more Yakuza involvement
✅revenge plot using enemy’s dad
✅age gap (21/38)
✅autistic MC
✅athlete/musician MC
✅Asian MC with Yakuza ties
🔥🔥/🔥
➖childhood trauma: abusive father/homophobia
➖Alex was MEAN to Micah and really hurt my feelings
➖while I liked the book fine, the revenge plot could have been done so much better. The plot is constructed, started, mentioned once or twice then he is trying to find away way to save his relationship. I do not think he groveled nearly enough: flowers, a drink at a bar and Japanese culture books with a few notes and one of them being how much he wants to be back inside him? Could have been so much better
➖don’t plan to read book 2 which supposedly has more Yakuza involvement
August 11, 2023
Micah was so sweetly innocent and naive in this new relationship until he learned some truths. Yukio was so bullied by Micah's son
that he wanted revenge any way he could have it. Things changed for Yukio and he doesn't want revenge, but a true relationship. Alex was a nightmare, and had scars from his mother leaving and starting a new family. Major abandonment. As bad as Alex was. I still empathized with him and look forward to his redemption. When Yukio's initial intentions come to light, his relationship with Micah blows up. I love that Micah made him earn his trust after the debacle. I listened to the audio version of this and the narration elevated a great story.
that he wanted revenge any way he could have it. Things changed for Yukio and he doesn't want revenge, but a true relationship. Alex was a nightmare, and had scars from his mother leaving and starting a new family. Major abandonment. As bad as Alex was. I still empathized with him and look forward to his redemption. When Yukio's initial intentions come to light, his relationship with Micah blows up. I love that Micah made him earn his trust after the debacle. I listened to the audio version of this and the narration elevated a great story.
December 17, 2023
It starts out with Yukio trying to find a way to get some revenge on Alexander who he feels bullied by. Initially, that is why he goes after Micah, Alexander's father. Alexander and Micah have a complicated relationship into the bargain. And as things develop between Yukio and Micah things become complicated as well. Because although Yukio was planning for Micah to be a casualty of vengeance it turns out that he cares a lot for Micah and he wants him for his own. Oh what a tangled web we weave... and there are consequences even though things do work out for Micah and Yukio.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 25, 2023
I loved this book. As soon as I read the synopsis, I knew I had to read this book. A story of revenge against a bully by dating the bully's father, only to fall for the man. I was excited to see how it would play out. I loved Micah and Yukio together. Yukio fell hard for sweet Micah, but the truth would get out and hurt him. I'm glad this wasn't one of those near-instant forgivenesses. Yukio had to work for it and prove himself. I enjoyed seeing how that played out (so sweet!). I did not like Micah's son Alex, but started to warm up to him a little after seeing more of his layers. If he gets his own redemption story at some point I would read it. 5 stars.
December 31, 2023
I loved Vengeance with a Kiss by Ki Brightly and M.D. Gregory. I loved Micah and Yukio's story. I loved the plot and the characters' development, including the secondary characters like Micah's son, Alex. The authors did a great job portraying Micah's autistic challenges and how he handled them. I loved the chemistry between Micah and Yukio. I loved that Yukio also had a younger brother with autism and was very understanding of Micah's requests, like being the big spoon because he feels claustrophobic with being the little spoon and dimming the lights so they don't hurt his eyes.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 29, 2024
Yukio has been getting bullied in college by one of his classmates, Alex. When he spots Alex’s father who is also a professor in the college, he gets an idea. Sleep with Alex’s dad to get revenge.
Yukio soon realises that the professor is nothing like his son. Micah is soft spoken, a little shy and a lot adorable.
This was a quick, light and spicy read between a professor and a student. I loved the autism rep as Micah is on the spectrum. Yukio was mature for his age and so thoughtful around Micah and the two made an unlikely adorable pair! I liked the dynamic between them so much!
A low angst read, perfect if you just want to escape and not think too much!
Yukio soon realises that the professor is nothing like his son. Micah is soft spoken, a little shy and a lot adorable.
This was a quick, light and spicy read between a professor and a student. I loved the autism rep as Micah is on the spectrum. Yukio was mature for his age and so thoughtful around Micah and the two made an unlikely adorable pair! I liked the dynamic between them so much!
A low angst read, perfect if you just want to escape and not think too much!
July 12, 2023
Yukio and Alexander are enemies. Yukio decides to seduce Alexander's Dad, Micah to mess with him. But Yukio falls hard for Micah and doesn't care about the petty stuff anymore until Micah finds out how it started. Micah is such a sweet character, mature yet so innocent and naive. Yukio is confident and dominant and has it bad for Micah. Its a spicy story with lots of tenderness and passion, another winner in the New Gothenburg setting with old friends dropping in. I received a copy of this book through Booksprout and this is my voluntary opinion.
December 1, 2023
This takes place in the larger New Gothenburg universe but can be enjoyed as a standalone.
Yukio is the younger bad boy you don't bring home.
Micah is the quirky older professor, who is also the father of a schoolyard bully.
Yukio sets his sites on Micah in a revenge plot against, Alexander, Micah's son. The plan that started with a smile, and a kiss soon goes awry. Yukio falls, hard. And Micah gets dragged down a path of confusion, hurt, and forgiveness.
Yukio has to work for something, maybe for the first time in his life, Micah's heart.
Yukio is the younger bad boy you don't bring home.
Micah is the quirky older professor, who is also the father of a schoolyard bully.
Yukio sets his sites on Micah in a revenge plot against, Alexander, Micah's son. The plan that started with a smile, and a kiss soon goes awry. Yukio falls, hard. And Micah gets dragged down a path of confusion, hurt, and forgiveness.
Yukio has to work for something, maybe for the first time in his life, Micah's heart.
January 13, 2024
Revenge to Romance
Yukio wants revenge against Alexander Carrington, so he sets out to seduce his dad. Micah is shy and awkward, plus slightly closeted about being gay. These two shouldn’t work, but Yukio’s confidence draws Micah in, and real feelings develop for both of them. I loved how unexpected the pairing of Yukio, a slighter and yet dominant younger man, with Micah, a taller yet insecure older man, worked out. Plus, Yukio’s grovel skills are top notch (and Micah makes him work for it!). A great read with real heart.
July 7, 2023
Super sweet!!
I absolutely adore this story!!! I loved Yukio from the very beginning, and he fit so perfectly with Micah. I loved his their relationship blossomed and I was glad that Micah didn't take him back right away. I had a feeling that Alexander was a bully because of hidden emotions and I appreciated how everything turned out. I really want to know who he's dating though!! Such a sweet and s*xy story and I can't wait for more.
I absolutely adore this story!!! I loved Yukio from the very beginning, and he fit so perfectly with Micah. I loved his their relationship blossomed and I was glad that Micah didn't take him back right away. I had a feeling that Alexander was a bully because of hidden emotions and I appreciated how everything turned out. I really want to know who he's dating though!! Such a sweet and s*xy story and I can't wait for more.
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