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American Yakuza #1
American Yakuza
Luce Potter straddles three cultures as she strives to live with the ideals of family, honor, and duty. When her grandfather passes the family business to her, Luce finds out that power, responsibility and justice come with a price. Is it a price she’s willing to die for?
Brooke Erickson lives the fast-paced life of an investigative journalist living on the edge until it all comes crashing down around her one night in Europe. Stateside, Brooke learns to deal with a new reality when she goes to work at a financial magazine and finds out things aren’t always as they seem.
Can two women find enough common ground for love or will their two different worlds and cultures keep them apart?
Brooke Erickson lives the fast-paced life of an investigative journalist living on the edge until it all comes crashing down around her one night in Europe. Stateside, Brooke learns to deal with a new reality when she goes to work at a financial magazine and finds out things aren’t always as they seem.
Can two women find enough common ground for love or will their two different worlds and cultures keep them apart?
282 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 14, 2012
34 people are currently reading
342 people want to read
About the author
Isabella
30 books198 followersAward winning, international best selling author, Isabella, lives in California with her wife and three sons. Isabella's first novel, Always Faithful, won a GCLS award in the Traditional Contemporary Romance category in 2010. She was also a finalist in the International Book Awards, and an Honorable Mention in the 2010 and 2012 Rainbow Awards.
She is a member of the Rainbow Romance Writers, Romance Writers of America and the Gold Crown Literary Society. She has written several short stories and just finished her next novel, Razor's Edge - American Yakuza III, set for an April 15th release. She is current working on Cigar Barons - A family dynasty where blood isn't thicker than water, it's war!
She is a member of the Rainbow Romance Writers, Romance Writers of America and the Gold Crown Literary Society. She has written several short stories and just finished her next novel, Razor's Edge - American Yakuza III, set for an April 15th release. She is current working on Cigar Barons - A family dynasty where blood isn't thicker than water, it's war!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
June 9, 2017
Bummer its so poorly written, its full of structural errors, my dyslectic writing could stand toe-to-toe with this. I'm don't even mind the grammatical errors, they're small and insignificant to a good story. But the the plot is incoherent and I found myself puzzling about what was being described, it could take an entire page to get an idea. The erotic content is especially difficult to visualize.
Did I mention how boring it is? The backstory is important, which is why we are served a lot of telling. It tends to be repetitive and although I don't generally mind, it seems the author thinks we are toddlers who need to be spoon-fed a reminder at every possible occasion. The dialogue isn't especially good either and tends to be bland or without purpose, just thrown out there so that the author can get back to telling you whatever it is that's happening. Again, boring.
The book is pretty degrading, talking of straight women: "If power was an aphrodisiac, then Luce Potter was catnip to all these pussycats." Potter has naked women working for her because she's afraid of concealed weapons, - and the book takes this seriously. Yet she has dozens of clothed men working for her, the point is the idea is just stupid, like the rest of the book. (It gets worse.)
And then there's Potter, oh God, did I have a field day with this one... The author is portrays Potter unrealistically to the point I have no actual idea what she looks like. She is androgynous, and not only dangerously attractive(the author reminds you plenty) to lesbians and men, but also straight women to the point they flock around her at social events and their husbands have to "come and retrieve their wayward wives." That's like saying even gay men swarm around her because of her looks. Whats hot for one sexuality, isn't for the majority of the other, okey? This book is so full of itself it can't see it's own head is shown up it's arse.
Finally, the book speaks dearly of honor. Honor? Is this satire?! Potter literally puts herself in the most degrading positions possible, and spouts about honor like it's a thing that she actually considers. She's so far from honor her grandfather would commit suicide to save his own if he only knew.
/endrant
Did I mention how boring it is? The backstory is important, which is why we are served a lot of telling. It tends to be repetitive and although I don't generally mind, it seems the author thinks we are toddlers who need to be spoon-fed a reminder at every possible occasion. The dialogue isn't especially good either and tends to be bland or without purpose, just thrown out there so that the author can get back to telling you whatever it is that's happening. Again, boring.
The book is pretty degrading, talking of straight women: "If power was an aphrodisiac, then Luce Potter was catnip to all these pussycats." Potter has naked women working for her because she's afraid of concealed weapons, - and the book takes this seriously. Yet she has dozens of clothed men working for her, the point is the idea is just stupid, like the rest of the book. (It gets worse.)
And then there's Potter, oh God, did I have a field day with this one... The author is portrays Potter unrealistically to the point I have no actual idea what she looks like. She is androgynous, and not only dangerously attractive(the author reminds you plenty) to lesbians and men, but also straight women to the point they flock around her at social events and their husbands have to "come and retrieve their wayward wives." That's like saying even gay men swarm around her because of her looks. Whats hot for one sexuality, isn't for the majority of the other, okey? This book is so full of itself it can't see it's own head is shown up it's arse.
Finally, the book speaks dearly of honor. Honor? Is this satire?! Potter literally puts herself in the most degrading positions possible, and spouts about honor like it's a thing that she actually considers. She's so far from honor her grandfather would commit suicide to save his own if he only knew.
/endrant
May 20, 2017
This was a great read. I've read it a couple times and there aren't any boring skip-able parts. The electricity between Luce the bad girl boss of the Yakuza and the reporter that wants her story, is definitely believable and tangible. you can sense the fear and chemistry between them. Throw in some classy Japanese art of bondage and you have one fiery novel. The family background and character background is interesting and engaging, as well as the plot.
This book leads nicely into the possibility of sequels without leaving you hanging too much with lack of closure. But i am definitely anticipating the next book. can't wait!
This is more of an exploration between a spark and a can of gasoline relationship and the feisty, hot interactions between the two. Not so much a sweet, happily ever after romance. But it sure is a fun book.
Some minor typos and editing boo-boos weren't prevalent enough to detract from the story.
This book had the same sort of flavor as the Elite Operative series by Kim Baldwin and Xenia Alexiou, check those out if you liked this one.
This book leads nicely into the possibility of sequels without leaving you hanging too much with lack of closure. But i am definitely anticipating the next book. can't wait!
This is more of an exploration between a spark and a can of gasoline relationship and the feisty, hot interactions between the two. Not so much a sweet, happily ever after romance. But it sure is a fun book.
Some minor typos and editing boo-boos weren't prevalent enough to detract from the story.
This book had the same sort of flavor as the Elite Operative series by Kim Baldwin and Xenia Alexiou, check those out if you liked this one.
October 30, 2019
Just finished the audiobook version of this work. Business owner/Japanese crime syndicate boss Luce Potter lives life on her own terms. After her grandfather hands over the family business, she must prove he was right in choosing her to lead. She's enjoying stunning success on the business side - but with leadership in the organization traditionally held by men, she must also show she has the stomach and ruthlessness required to make the hard choices. Investigative journalist Brooke Erickson has a story she's chasing for her financial magazine, and she has Luce Potter in her sights. After a literal-run-in with Brooke, enigmatic Luce reluctantly agrees to grant her an interview, but in the process, both women get much more than they bargained for. It's fun to have a badass female mafia leader in lesfic - why lie? And Luce doesn't fit into any sort of box. She's as comfortable in leathers on her motorcycle as she is in dresses and stilettos. She also engages in a little BDSM - which certainly adds more spice to the mix. I also appreciate that she is multi-cultural and what that brings to the story.The audiobook is narrated by Victoria Mei, who is just right for the material. She's got that wonderful, low tone to her voice that elicits visceral feelings in the listener - particularly during intimate scenes. I felt like the book was something of a slow build - and by the end, I was anxiously awaiting the outcome. This is the first of a three book series and I look forward to continuing the story with The Lies That Bind.
December 20, 2012
Isabella is a new-to-me author, and I am already a huge fan after reading this book!
She was able to draw me in even though the subject matter was not my favorite-the only reason I didn't give it 5 stars. I would have preferred to read more about Luce and Brooke and less about the Yakuza storyline, but the writing was so good that it still kept my interest throughout!
I loved that Luce was a tough girl, but didn't have to be stereotypically butch. It was a nice change of pace to see such a diverse character! Brooke was also an easy character to love and someone I look forward to reading more about in the next book! A few steamy scenes. Really, really steamy actually!!! I can't wait to read more in this series and I will definitely be checking out what else Isabella has to offer!!
She was able to draw me in even though the subject matter was not my favorite-the only reason I didn't give it 5 stars. I would have preferred to read more about Luce and Brooke and less about the Yakuza storyline, but the writing was so good that it still kept my interest throughout!
I loved that Luce was a tough girl, but didn't have to be stereotypically butch. It was a nice change of pace to see such a diverse character! Brooke was also an easy character to love and someone I look forward to reading more about in the next book! A few steamy scenes. Really, really steamy actually!!! I can't wait to read more in this series and I will definitely be checking out what else Isabella has to offer!!
February 6, 2017
Wonderful story, with engaging heroines. While there's a budding romance here, the action packed plot is what kept me glued to the pages.
August 18, 2016
Nice book that follows how the lives of a leader of the Yakuza and an investigative reporter intertwine in a very sexy manner. I don't know if it was my edition of the book but the spelling was horrible, but the story and the characters were good enough to keep me attached.
October 19, 2012
Some hot bondage scenes. I have to say it was a great way to spent the afternoon.
February 7, 2020
No, didn't get it. Don't understand this world, don't want to. I wonder who recommended it? Or was it cheap? Read 1st 30%, then last 25%.
September 24, 2015
It's exciting and steamy hot. I loved it!
It's all about organized crime, family history, revenge, violence, romance and hot steamy passion. There is BDSM, nothing extreme but very tasteful and the scenes were so sensual. A strong storyline, well written and it really draws you in. I'm so looking forward to the sequel. And happy me, I don't have to wait and can immediately continue reading part II. I highly recommend it to everyone.
It's all about organized crime, family history, revenge, violence, romance and hot steamy passion. There is BDSM, nothing extreme but very tasteful and the scenes were so sensual. A strong storyline, well written and it really draws you in. I'm so looking forward to the sequel. And happy me, I don't have to wait and can immediately continue reading part II. I highly recommend it to everyone.
October 26, 2019
I’ve read the reviews for good and bad for this book I personally loved it. It had me at the edge of my seat I can’t wait to read the next two
January 15, 2018
2.5 I liked the plot which wasn't the best more then the characters in this and I wasn't really feeling the romance.
May 8, 2017
Let's see......I don't see any of the men who work for Luce wearing only an apron. A door is left open while the main character is trussed up like a Thanksgiving turkey? Beaten with a whip by her doctor. Why not make the scene completely hilarious and stick an Apple in her mouth? A , I guess erotic intent for readers to visualize(SO NOT POSSIBLE). Might do the writer some good to read or consult Sarah Waters on how to do this. Wonder if beloved Grandfather knows this about his sweet little girl? Spouts of honor yet has none. I despise writers who use sex to sell books or fill empty space. The only thing worse then a man demeaning a woman is for a woman to do it and this "book" is full of it. I think that says exactly what I thought of this book. A thanksgiving day centerpiece for the kids table. However that visual of one arrogant, mean spirited, murderer, really is soooo funny. Worth the entire two dollars I paid for it. But still a $1.99 too much.
December 17, 2012
When I was a quarter of the way into the story I was already thinking that this would make an excellent series. I was happy to read on the very last page that Isabella does indeed intend to make a sequel and hopefully more following the characters of Luce Potter and Brooke Erickson. These two characters had undeniable chemistry that played well throughout the story. The push-pull of their relationship was captivating and kept the romance of the story moving steadily forward. The intrigue of Luce Potter's position as head of the family, the traditions, the expectations and how Brooke Erickson slowly broke down the secrets kept me turning the page. Quickly. I enjoyed the writing style that Isabella used and was captivated by the story, the setting, and definitely the characters. I look forward to her future work.
December 20, 2019
This is a great story, I enjoyed very much the action, the intrigue and of course the sizzling, sexy scenes.
The fact that the Yakuza boss is a powerful woman is one of the things that draw me to the story. The chemistry between the main characters is so palpable that you can almost hear the sparks every time they were close to each other. The plot and the characters are very well developed. I loved this book completely.
Can’t wait for book 2. I recommend this book completely
The fact that the Yakuza boss is a powerful woman is one of the things that draw me to the story. The chemistry between the main characters is so palpable that you can almost hear the sparks every time they were close to each other. The plot and the characters are very well developed. I loved this book completely.
Can’t wait for book 2. I recommend this book completely
Read
July 4, 2012A fun, sexy romp. Isabella ramps up the intrigue and heat in this gangster tale with a lesbian twist.
July 12, 2012
Another excellent story by Isabella! Loved the story line, characters, secondary characters, the good, the bad and everything in between in the Yakuza culture. Can't wait for the sequel.
August 25, 2013
Another interesting, intriguing and engaging story by Isabella. You let me waiting for more and now can't wait to read the next one in the series which is going to be definitely right now!
March 1, 2014
Disappointing that such a good idea was written this poorly though i liked it still because of the idea it remind me of some of the ideas and stuff i write.
May 10, 2015
Great book. Great story. Looking forward to reading more from Isabella.
October 26, 2015
2012 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention (5* from at least 1 judge)
May 9, 2019
Loved it!
August 30, 2020
As entertaining as this book is, it seriously needs editing. There are so many grammatical errors! I’m not super critical of grammatical errors at all, that’s an oversight I can always ignore, but when characters names are incorrect, it makes me think there wasn’t much editing.
What is this book about? From my interpretation, the whole point of this book was for Brooke, an investigative journalist, to get an interview with Luce this elusive, mysterious, powerful woman who’s also an Yakuza boss. By the end of the book, we, the reader kind of have an idea of who these characters are but I’m sorry to say that the execution is not great and the book needs more structuring and editing.
Despite this I did like this book. So, what do I like about this book? The sex scenes were incredibly erotic, and the characters are really likeable.
Would I recommend it to anyone? Sure, with a fair warning that the story is heavily erotic.
What is this book about? From my interpretation, the whole point of this book was for Brooke, an investigative journalist, to get an interview with Luce this elusive, mysterious, powerful woman who’s also an Yakuza boss. By the end of the book, we, the reader kind of have an idea of who these characters are but I’m sorry to say that the execution is not great and the book needs more structuring and editing.
Despite this I did like this book. So, what do I like about this book? The sex scenes were incredibly erotic, and the characters are really likeable.
Would I recommend it to anyone? Sure, with a fair warning that the story is heavily erotic.
July 17, 2017
I like the character cuts and general plotting, but Isabella could really use a good, strong editor. The plot bogs down with too much telling exposition, repetition and a lack of setting. In part II she finally discloses that the setting is in San Francisco. The lack of setting is not only missing in place, but in time. SHe needs to sit down with a timeline/calendar and plot out the pacing of the actions. She has several actions take place on the same day, yet relate to them later as having been different days. Finally, grammar and typos. They are abundant. For some readers, they apparently don't care, but for discerning readers, they do.
October 30, 2019
This is the first F/F “mafia” book. I loved the dynamic between the characters. It’s very refreshing seeing a female in charge of the family business. Good strong characters with an excellent storyline. Victoria is perfect for this narration.
September 21, 2017
I liked this novel and will def read the series. Bad girl with a good heart and soul are combinations that I find appealing.
October 22, 2017
This is a fascinating story..I could not put it down..Isabella at her BEST and she wrote 2 sequels...another must read...
Hope these books are as enjoyable to other readers as they were for me..
Hope these books are as enjoyable to other readers as they were for me..
December 6, 2019
This story is intense. Action, interaction and of course the main characters. I loved the connection between both of them and could not wait till they consume their relationship!
February 5, 2020
Just no.
March 12, 2021
Well worth the read.
May 3, 2021
This was a great read, who doesn’t love a sexy mob boss.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews