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Learning How to Lose #3
Learning How to Lose, in Six Easy Steps. Step Five: Love / Step Six: All the Rest
It’s not that Ryuu’s a bad loser – he just wants things to be in order. And in the natural order of the universe, he should not be losing to dorks.
Losing is a thing Japanese pop star Ryuu Shiwasuda does not do – certainly not gracefully. Image is everything to hot-headed Ryuu. Sure, his macho bluster is only a cover for shyness and social awkwardness, but he takes it (and himself) very seriously.
So when gratingly cheerful punster Hiro Takahashi delivers the ultimate insult of letting Ryuu win at a video game, Ryuu is cut to the quick, and vows swift vengeance. Can’t be too hard to beat a dork like Hiro, right?
Wrong. As Ryuu chases after his elusive victory, he’s forced to add more and more items to the list of “things to beat Hiro at” – and is shocked to find that Hiro’s quirky charm is sparking never-before felt desires in him.
Ryuu’s life and career have no place for a male lover. But he’s already in too deep. Can he risk going all in? And what does he stand to lose if he doesn’t?
A novel in three volumes and six (easy) steps.
Volume III
Step Five: Love
Step Six: All the Rest
Length of Volume III:
75,000 words
"Learning How to Lose" is a slow-burning, red-hot gay romance set in the world of Japanese pop idols. A lively tale of boybands, silly bets and challenges, horrible puns, concerts, video games, basketball, identifying too deeply with a samurai and a swordsmith… and most importantly: of two very different men redefining their lives for each other.
Losing is a thing Japanese pop star Ryuu Shiwasuda does not do – certainly not gracefully. Image is everything to hot-headed Ryuu. Sure, his macho bluster is only a cover for shyness and social awkwardness, but he takes it (and himself) very seriously.
So when gratingly cheerful punster Hiro Takahashi delivers the ultimate insult of letting Ryuu win at a video game, Ryuu is cut to the quick, and vows swift vengeance. Can’t be too hard to beat a dork like Hiro, right?
Wrong. As Ryuu chases after his elusive victory, he’s forced to add more and more items to the list of “things to beat Hiro at” – and is shocked to find that Hiro’s quirky charm is sparking never-before felt desires in him.
Ryuu’s life and career have no place for a male lover. But he’s already in too deep. Can he risk going all in? And what does he stand to lose if he doesn’t?
A novel in three volumes and six (easy) steps.
Volume III
Step Five: Love
Step Six: All the Rest
Length of Volume III:
75,000 words
"Learning How to Lose" is a slow-burning, red-hot gay romance set in the world of Japanese pop idols. A lively tale of boybands, silly bets and challenges, horrible puns, concerts, video games, basketball, identifying too deeply with a samurai and a swordsmith… and most importantly: of two very different men redefining their lives for each other.
264 pages, Paperback
First published December 22, 2014
1 person is currently reading
65 people want to read
About the author
Alex Gabriel
9 books268 followersI am a writer. Mostly, I write gay romance – frequently with an element of the supernatural, fantastical or futuristic.
About Me
It all began when I learned to decipher the alphabet. I soon found that the world was full of wonderful stories – but not all of the tales I wanted to read were being told. In self-defense, I began to write, and haven’t stopped since.
In what little time my busy schedule of reading and writing has left me, I’ve worked as a copywriter, a translator, an English teacher, a linguistics tutor, an alibi S.O., a soap maker, a cloakroom attendant, a bartender, and other such things. Only the jobs that involve writing have stuck.
About My Stories
My primary focus is always on the characters. My goal is to create real, interesting and multi-faceted people and develop relationships that ring true… in the context of a world and a story that grab the reader and don’t let go.
I love fiction for its capacity to explore countless different worlds, ask thousands of different variations on what if.
What if time could flow backwards, what if we could travel to alternate universes, what if magic worked, what if gods and demons walked among us? What if telepathy and/or other such powers existed? What if stories were real, and reality just a fiction?
What if…?
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
March 31, 2022
tl;dr - Just luvverly.
Review of series -
Learning How to Lose, in Six Easy Steps. Step One: Tetris / Step Two: Fun and Games;
Learning How to Lose, in Six Easy Steps. Step Three: Innocence / Step Four: Perspective;
Learning How to Lose, in Six Easy Steps. Step Five: Love / Step Six: All the Rest
This was a total delight. Although it's spread out over 3 books, the story never felt padded or stuttering. The relationship between Hiro & Ryuu is given time to grow organically, through their mistakes (mainly Ryuu's). I have no idea whether the J-pop band details are accurate or not, but they worked for me.
Four very satisfied stars for
* clear character definition;
* a well-crafted relationship arc;
* emotional depth; not just angst (though there is some - properly resolved), but the more telling straws in the wind of little throwaway remarks that stick like burrs in the skin to illustrate character;
* gentle tolerant humour.
Half a star off because one MC's background is not properly explored. There's sketched in and then there's barely doodled.
And another half off because there are long term issues that aren't addressed at all ().
I read all three books in a couple of days and am ridiculously disappointed that Alex Gabriel doesn't seem to have written anything for a few years.
Overall, this was charming, kind, amusing & thoroughly recommended.
Review of series -
Learning How to Lose, in Six Easy Steps. Step One: Tetris / Step Two: Fun and Games;
Learning How to Lose, in Six Easy Steps. Step Three: Innocence / Step Four: Perspective;
Learning How to Lose, in Six Easy Steps. Step Five: Love / Step Six: All the Rest
This was a total delight. Although it's spread out over 3 books, the story never felt padded or stuttering. The relationship between Hiro & Ryuu is given time to grow organically, through their mistakes (mainly Ryuu's). I have no idea whether the J-pop band details are accurate or not, but they worked for me.
Four very satisfied stars for
* clear character definition;
* a well-crafted relationship arc;
* emotional depth; not just angst (though there is some - properly resolved), but the more telling straws in the wind of little throwaway remarks that stick like burrs in the skin to illustrate character;
* gentle tolerant humour.
Half a star off because one MC's background is not properly explored. There's sketched in and then there's barely doodled.
And another half off because there are long term issues that aren't addressed at all ().
I read all three books in a couple of days and am ridiculously disappointed that Alex Gabriel doesn't seem to have written anything for a few years.
Overall, this was charming, kind, amusing & thoroughly recommended.
did-not-finish
September 12, 2017I only made it 6% into this book, so obviously no rating and no real review. Just a 'why did I stop?' comment.
May 4, 2015
This series has been utterly adorable and I loved everything about it. I never thought I'd get to say this, but: this m/m romance series about Jpop is really well done, charming, sexy and sprinkled with some beautiful moments. It's a must read if you like Jpop (I don't) or even Kpop (I do), but especially if you love reading about young cute men being lovely to, and with, each other. I binge read this series over the course of a day after I stumbled upon it through the M/M Romance group, and boy am I happy I did.
May 3, 2015
I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review
This was a GREAT way to end the series! I am so glad I continued to read this after Volume 1 confused me a bit (with its cultural references). Ryuu is a relatively clueless individual. He doesn't quite realize how his actions affect others, and this hits him hard as he struggles with losing Hiro because of that. Ryuu does a lot of growing up in the book and it was great to see. For once, we have communication between these guys!!!
The reunion of Ryuu and Hiro continues to show how much chemistry they have together. It was HOT! I was glad to see it work out for the most part, although I would like to see a little bit more of these guys to see how it truly works out for them. The epilogue was cool, but I would've preferred it to be more about them and not Yuri/Akisada.
Although I realize that the whole series was about Ryuu, I felt at times that I really wished I could have seen some things from Hiro's perspective. The author did do a great job, however, of trying to infuse his thoughts through Ryuu's perspective.
Overall, I enjoyed this series a lot and definitely recommend moving past Volume 1 to the even more awesome Volumes 2 and 3.
This was a GREAT way to end the series! I am so glad I continued to read this after Volume 1 confused me a bit (with its cultural references). Ryuu is a relatively clueless individual. He doesn't quite realize how his actions affect others, and this hits him hard as he struggles with losing Hiro because of that. Ryuu does a lot of growing up in the book and it was great to see. For once, we have communication between these guys!!!
The reunion of Ryuu and Hiro continues to show how much chemistry they have together. It was HOT! I was glad to see it work out for the most part, although I would like to see a little bit more of these guys to see how it truly works out for them. The epilogue was cool, but I would've preferred it to be more about them and not Yuri/Akisada.
Although I realize that the whole series was about Ryuu, I felt at times that I really wished I could have seen some things from Hiro's perspective. The author did do a great job, however, of trying to infuse his thoughts through Ryuu's perspective.
Overall, I enjoyed this series a lot and definitely recommend moving past Volume 1 to the even more awesome Volumes 2 and 3.
May 30, 2021
Mixed feelings. On the one hand, incredibly cosy-feeling and excellent slowburn romance. On the other, a lot of the MC's internal conflict is driven by tension about the future, which comes from two sources:
1. What if someone finds out we're in a gay relationship? If they do, we'll both lose our careers as pop stars in Japanese boybands
2. Regardless of (1), we can't keep being popstars in this mad environment forever, can we? If nothing else, we're not going to be young forever.
And NEITHER of these questions are ever addressed between them. They never discuss the future! It's taken as a given (without any on-page conversation between the two of them agreeing to it) that they'll keep their relationship secret indefinitely. OK, that's a choice you can make, but at least DISCUSS IT. And also what about the long-term future beyond your pop-star careers???? Are you ever going to talk about that??? Apparently no!
Without this resolution, you're left feeling like the tension isn't resolved - like it could all come crashing down tomorrow and neither of these idiots apparently has made any plan about what they'll do if that happens! This is not reassuring!
1. What if someone finds out we're in a gay relationship? If they do, we'll both lose our careers as pop stars in Japanese boybands
2. Regardless of (1), we can't keep being popstars in this mad environment forever, can we? If nothing else, we're not going to be young forever.
And NEITHER of these questions are ever addressed between them. They never discuss the future! It's taken as a given (without any on-page conversation between the two of them agreeing to it) that they'll keep their relationship secret indefinitely. OK, that's a choice you can make, but at least DISCUSS IT. And also what about the long-term future beyond your pop-star careers???? Are you ever going to talk about that??? Apparently no!
Without this resolution, you're left feeling like the tension isn't resolved - like it could all come crashing down tomorrow and neither of these idiots apparently has made any plan about what they'll do if that happens! This is not reassuring!
March 16, 2021
This was a great end to the series - I loved it. Ryuu is a bit of an arsehole - but his heart is in the right place. Hiro is wonderful (and possibly too good for Ryuu!). I loved the subplot about the tv show - very moving.
It would have been a 5* read but for a scene with questionable consent that I felt uncomfortable reading. Just why?!
It would have been a 5* read but for a scene with questionable consent that I felt uncomfortable reading. Just why?!
February 21, 2015
Part three in this Japanese Popstar M/M series.
The first two parts are total cliffhangers which I am generally against, but this story is complex like life so I didn't mind buying the rest of the story because Ryuu is clueless and hurtful in a totally narcissistic obtusely ignorant way which takes time (three books!) to identify, much less fix his many problems. Hiro is not a perfect guy, although he is so much more honest and probably the smartest character in this story although he hides it subtly.
Fun silly read although it really reminds me of the first (last?!) three Star Wars movies (Part 4, 5 and 6). We fall deep into the story in the first part, then we end with a cliffhanger in the second and the heroes regroup and conquer evil in the last part.
**Not recommended to people that don't know Japanese culture because they really won't get the TV references, nor the Popstar lifestyle. I loved the references to the Osaka medieval wars which I only know because I visited Osaka castle and the gardens this past summer. I may have paid 500 yen to dress up as a samurai with sword and crazy horned helmet. It was worth every cent.
238 pages and kindle purchase
3 stars although Learning How to Lose, in Six Easy Steps. Step One: Tetris / Step Two: Fun and Games is my favorite in the trilogy
The first two parts are total cliffhangers which I am generally against, but this story is complex like life so I didn't mind buying the rest of the story because Ryuu is clueless and hurtful in a totally narcissistic obtusely ignorant way which takes time (three books!) to identify, much less fix his many problems. Hiro is not a perfect guy, although he is so much more honest and probably the smartest character in this story although he hides it subtly.
Fun silly read although it really reminds me of the first (last?!) three Star Wars movies (Part 4, 5 and 6). We fall deep into the story in the first part, then we end with a cliffhanger in the second and the heroes regroup and conquer evil in the last part.
**Not recommended to people that don't know Japanese culture because they really won't get the TV references, nor the Popstar lifestyle. I loved the references to the Osaka medieval wars which I only know because I visited Osaka castle and the gardens this past summer. I may have paid 500 yen to dress up as a samurai with sword and crazy horned helmet. It was worth every cent.
238 pages and kindle purchase
3 stars although Learning How to Lose, in Six Easy Steps. Step One: Tetris / Step Two: Fun and Games is my favorite in the trilogy
January 9, 2017
5 stars!
My fav out of the 3 books in the series. It started out with the conflict that book 2 ended on. I would say it was resolved at about the 1/3 point and I liked that it wasn't dragged out throughout the entire book. I also liked how they both knew their respective faults (perhaps moreso for Ryuu than Hiro since this was from Ryuu's POV). I especially liked how much he seemed to have matured in this book especially from a relationship POV since he started to reflect even on what went wrong in his previous relationship.
The fluffy 2/3 of the book was what I enjoyed the most after noting that communication was key to their relationship. I enjoyed the smooth sailing plot from there and also their roleplaying. The mini subplot with the samurai drama was also very interesting (it could have had its own story).
Only thing was that it seemed like their relationship was kept
So overall, I'm glad I finished this series. It was unique (seeing all the jpop style variety shows, dramas, photoshoots not usually seen as the backdrop of an english book) and I loved the characters.
My fav out of the 3 books in the series. It started out with the conflict that book 2 ended on. I would say it was resolved at about the 1/3 point and I liked that it wasn't dragged out throughout the entire book. I also liked how they both knew their respective faults (perhaps moreso for Ryuu than Hiro since this was from Ryuu's POV). I especially liked how much he seemed to have matured in this book especially from a relationship POV since he started to reflect even on what went wrong in his previous relationship.
The fluffy 2/3 of the book was what I enjoyed the most after noting that communication was key to their relationship. I enjoyed the smooth sailing plot from there and also their roleplaying. The mini subplot with the samurai drama was also very interesting (it could have had its own story).
Only thing was that it seemed like their relationship was kept
So overall, I'm glad I finished this series. It was unique (seeing all the jpop style variety shows, dramas, photoshoots not usually seen as the backdrop of an english book) and I loved the characters.
June 29, 2022
This was the culmination of the series the very best and I wanted to give it 4 stars. It's just, no book needs more than 10 page long sex scenes, especially not more than one. Especially not one where the characters are not even themselves, because they are acting out characters...
While I loved loved loved everything that happened between Ryuu and Hiro, I would have cut most of the acting scenes. The scenes where they were at the place of filming were needed, but the actual scenes where they acted? No. That didn't move the plot, nor the relationship, nor the characters.
The other thing that in the end made me only give this 3 start is that this story is not finished. We had a lot of unnecessary scenes, but have no idea, how these two fair in the world. There is a hint some people know about them being together, but how will they handle the secrecy? No one will realize they are together for years? And if they become actors after their idol carreer is over will they still hide? Well, nobody knows. Not me, certainly. And more than anything else, this left me unsatisfied.
What is even more unsatisfying, is that Alex Gabriel stopped writing. I really would like to read more of her books.
While I loved loved loved everything that happened between Ryuu and Hiro, I would have cut most of the acting scenes. The scenes where they were at the place of filming were needed, but the actual scenes where they acted? No. That didn't move the plot, nor the relationship, nor the characters.
The other thing that in the end made me only give this 3 start is that this story is not finished. We had a lot of unnecessary scenes, but have no idea, how these two fair in the world. There is a hint some people know about them being together, but how will they handle the secrecy? No one will realize they are together for years? And if they become actors after their idol carreer is over will they still hide? Well, nobody knows. Not me, certainly. And more than anything else, this left me unsatisfied.
What is even more unsatisfying, is that Alex Gabriel stopped writing. I really would like to read more of her books.
May 23, 2024
Series as a whole: 3.5 stars...with caveats
This book: 3 stars because of that horrible scene at the beginning that forms the bulk of those caveats.
I seriously just have to pretend that scene never happened in order to enjoy/recommend this series. It's , and I had to skip a couple of pages so I could avoid reading the bulk of it. It's the type of thing that would usually ruin a book for me, but every once in a blue moon I'll read a problematic scene and just decide: nope, that scene didn't happen, and manage to preserve my enjoyment of the rest of the story. For whatever reason, this series was one of those. I'm sure it helped that I was two books in and really enjoying everything before it happened. And I'm sure it didn't hurt that I haven't felt that way about many romances this year.
Would recommend if that doesn't bother you, or if you have the ability to selectively edit in your brain the way I did :)
This book: 3 stars because of that horrible scene at the beginning that forms the bulk of those caveats.
I seriously just have to pretend that scene never happened in order to enjoy/recommend this series. It's , and I had to skip a couple of pages so I could avoid reading the bulk of it. It's the type of thing that would usually ruin a book for me, but every once in a blue moon I'll read a problematic scene and just decide: nope, that scene didn't happen, and manage to preserve my enjoyment of the rest of the story. For whatever reason, this series was one of those. I'm sure it helped that I was two books in and really enjoying everything before it happened. And I'm sure it didn't hurt that I haven't felt that way about many romances this year.
Would recommend if that doesn't bother you, or if you have the ability to selectively edit in your brain the way I did :)
January 6, 2024
It's been over three years since I read book 2 and another two before that for book 1, but I think these boys have been hanging around inside my head, waiting for me to get around to reading their reconciliation and HEA. And it was lovely. And now I can leave their world behind, happily. I'm sure I would've gotten more out of this series if I'd been more of a JPop fan, but it was still interesting. I'm sure it also helps to have at least a bit of passing familiarity with silly game shows with mostly JPop contestants. Or Unbeatable Banzuke, either one.
June 29, 2024
Wish there was more about Ryuu and Takahashi! Don't want their story to end. Couldn't get enough of their world!
April 30, 2015
*I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*
I am writing this as more of a review for the whole series, because I truly feel like you can't read any of these as stand alone, and I think that they would have been better served edited down into just one, maybe two books.
This series is set in the Japanese world of J-pop stars, and I truly think the reader would get the most out of this series if they were more familiar with that world. The series is filled with honorifics and sociatal norms that are quite unfamiliar to someone like me. I kept getting pulled out of the story trying to figure out what something meant, or how things were done. There was also reference to several different bands (at least two, Hiro's group and Ryuu's group), tv series, movies, game shows, and interviews, which I think dragged the story down at times. I found myself skimming the bits that didn't further Hiro and Ryuu's relationship in any way.
I did really enjoy the characters, although Ryuu did have his frustrating moments. Hiro, though, was an absolute, quirky, happy go lucky dream.
The series is told from Ryuu's POV solely, and I would have LOVED to get at least some of Hiro's POV. His thoughts and feels were a bit of a mystery, I just wanted to know more of what he was thinking throughout the story.
In book three, Ryuu realizes how badly he messed up, and finally comes to realize that he doesn't have to totally hide his relationship with Hiro. While they might not be totally out in the open, due to their career, Ryuu is no longer afraid of his friends finding out how much time he's spending with Hiro. I was happy that they didn't spend too much time apart, and I really enjoyed seeing them happy together, but this is another part that I think maybe could have been edited down a bit. It went on for a long time after they were back together, more hanging out, tv interviews, and the like.
All in all, I really enjoyed this series, I just wish it had been a bit easier for me to understand the world that the series was set in.
I am writing this as more of a review for the whole series, because I truly feel like you can't read any of these as stand alone, and I think that they would have been better served edited down into just one, maybe two books.
This series is set in the Japanese world of J-pop stars, and I truly think the reader would get the most out of this series if they were more familiar with that world. The series is filled with honorifics and sociatal norms that are quite unfamiliar to someone like me. I kept getting pulled out of the story trying to figure out what something meant, or how things were done. There was also reference to several different bands (at least two, Hiro's group and Ryuu's group), tv series, movies, game shows, and interviews, which I think dragged the story down at times. I found myself skimming the bits that didn't further Hiro and Ryuu's relationship in any way.
I did really enjoy the characters, although Ryuu did have his frustrating moments. Hiro, though, was an absolute, quirky, happy go lucky dream.
The series is told from Ryuu's POV solely, and I would have LOVED to get at least some of Hiro's POV. His thoughts and feels were a bit of a mystery, I just wanted to know more of what he was thinking throughout the story.
In book three, Ryuu realizes how badly he messed up, and finally comes to realize that he doesn't have to totally hide his relationship with Hiro. While they might not be totally out in the open, due to their career, Ryuu is no longer afraid of his friends finding out how much time he's spending with Hiro. I was happy that they didn't spend too much time apart, and I really enjoyed seeing them happy together, but this is another part that I think maybe could have been edited down a bit. It went on for a long time after they were back together, more hanging out, tv interviews, and the like.
All in all, I really enjoyed this series, I just wish it had been a bit easier for me to understand the world that the series was set in.
August 17, 2016
This has to be one of my favorite MM series. I love it, so much that I forced myself to read like, a chapter per day so I couldn't finish it ^_^ I love the pain our boys went thru in the first couple of chapters... both Hiro and Ryuu loved each other so much, but because of Ryuu being an ass (treating Hiro like he wasn't important in front of others), they had this misunderstanding and are apart for weeks. In the process, both of them are unhappy, until finally Ryuu understands everything... that he is the one to blame in the relationship and fights to get Hiro back.
Once they are back it is all lovey-dovey (without being sappy) and friendship (communication!). I teared up a little bit when they are laying in bed, talking. It was so sweet...
Ryuu changed for better because he loved Hiro so much and only because he was so clueless he wasn't aware that he was hurting Hiro. But once he sees that he wasn't treasuring Hiro like he deserved it, he did all the could (like not hiding anymore he and Hiro were friends; like putting Hiro above everything; like talking to Hiro -really talking to him) to make Hiro happy <3
There were times where they were talking and it was like it was in a secret code, that only they both understood. I love this kind of stuff in romance book <3
In spite of liking it a lot, i don't think this is a series for everyone. First, there are a lot of scenes about their dorama, Ryuu-Akiyama and Hiro-Yuri (although their recreation of the "after" was
). Secondly, after they get back together, it is mostly little things like having parties, being in TV shows, blogs from magazine, having a date, etc. Mundane things that for some may be redundant, but I loved it and were just a reinforcement to make us reader see how close they were, how much they loved each other, how strong their bond was. And besides, most of it was just like real J-Pop <3
One of my new favorite couples: Ryuu and Hiro
Once they are back it is all lovey-dovey (without being sappy) and friendship (communication!). I teared up a little bit when they are laying in bed, talking. It was so sweet...
Ryuu changed for better because he loved Hiro so much and only because he was so clueless he wasn't aware that he was hurting Hiro. But once he sees that he wasn't treasuring Hiro like he deserved it, he did all the could (like not hiding anymore he and Hiro were friends; like putting Hiro above everything; like talking to Hiro -really talking to him) to make Hiro happy <3There were times where they were talking and it was like it was in a secret code, that only they both understood. I love this kind of stuff in romance book <3
In spite of liking it a lot, i don't think this is a series for everyone. First, there are a lot of scenes about their dorama, Ryuu-Akiyama and Hiro-Yuri (although their recreation of the "after" was
). Secondly, after they get back together, it is mostly little things like having parties, being in TV shows, blogs from magazine, having a date, etc. Mundane things that for some may be redundant, but I loved it and were just a reinforcement to make us reader see how close they were, how much they loved each other, how strong their bond was. And besides, most of it was just like real J-Pop <3One of my new favorite couples: Ryuu and Hiro
September 12, 2015
The author was kind enough to provide me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
With the ominous ending of book two, I was again glad to already have part three on my kindle. The story is really only complete when you've finished the last book.
Parts of this book were very sad and angsty, which I'd never have expected after the first book, which was so very silly and shallow. It broke my heart to see Ryuu suffer so much when Hiro broke up with him. Though I have to say I definitely understood why Hiro did it. I mean, when your boyfriend won't even admit you're friends, that just hurts.
I liked the resolution of that mess and I loved seeing the two of them together in a real relationship, even if they were still mostly hiding it because of their careers. It really felt like Hiro and Ryuu did some growing up in this book, which was great. Though Ryuu will always be a sore loser. And Hiro will always be bad at making puns. Which is okay, because they're both really funny about it. And everybody has their flaws. Even famous Japanese pop idols.
I loved the scenes of Ryuu with his friends. His fellow band mates seemed to be really cool people. Unfortunately we got less scenes with Ryuu doing his job than in the previous book.
This book felt very realistic in how Ryuu and Hiro dealt with their relationship. There was no big coming out and everybody happily accepting that. They had to hide and will have to hide as long as they are idols. Because no matter what, coming out would ruin their careers completely.
And we got the absolutely most hottest sex scene of the entire series in this book.
Since we still don't learn more about Hiro's backstory and we got less scenes of Ryuu doing his job, I didn't enjoy this book as much as I enjoyed book two. It was still entertaining though, and I liked most of it. Book two is still my favourite of the entire series, though.
With the ominous ending of book two, I was again glad to already have part three on my kindle. The story is really only complete when you've finished the last book.
Parts of this book were very sad and angsty, which I'd never have expected after the first book, which was so very silly and shallow. It broke my heart to see Ryuu suffer so much when Hiro broke up with him. Though I have to say I definitely understood why Hiro did it. I mean, when your boyfriend won't even admit you're friends, that just hurts.
I liked the resolution of that mess and I loved seeing the two of them together in a real relationship, even if they were still mostly hiding it because of their careers. It really felt like Hiro and Ryuu did some growing up in this book, which was great. Though Ryuu will always be a sore loser. And Hiro will always be bad at making puns. Which is okay, because they're both really funny about it. And everybody has their flaws. Even famous Japanese pop idols.
I loved the scenes of Ryuu with his friends. His fellow band mates seemed to be really cool people. Unfortunately we got less scenes with Ryuu doing his job than in the previous book.
This book felt very realistic in how Ryuu and Hiro dealt with their relationship. There was no big coming out and everybody happily accepting that. They had to hide and will have to hide as long as they are idols. Because no matter what, coming out would ruin their careers completely.
And we got the absolutely most hottest sex scene of the entire series in this book.
Since we still don't learn more about Hiro's backstory and we got less scenes of Ryuu doing his job, I didn't enjoy this book as much as I enjoyed book two. It was still entertaining though, and I liked most of it. Book two is still my favourite of the entire series, though.
August 12, 2015
This review encompasses all three books. I really enjoyed this. I've followed Idol Bands so found the premise to be pretty interesting. It is very much a slow burn series and very slice of life. Ryuu drove me nuts a lot. He is lucky Hiro is so forgiving because what culminates in this final book, I am not sure I would have been nearly so forgiving. In a way it wasn't just Ryuu's fault though. They both needed to communicate better and not doing so is what lead them both to that point.
I think the only thing that truly bothered me about this series is the absolute lack of being in the public eye. I mean. Paparazzi and crazy fangirls are mentioned maybe all of 3 or 4 times. I don't see how their friendship(not even their relationship) stayed hidden for months. They were never photographed together after all that time hanging out. It seems rather unlikely to me. And neither of their band mates knew they were hanging out so much? seems odd. It makes sense after they hook up. But they were just friends for a long time before that.
My favorite parts were the roles they played in the series they acted in together. I thought it was a really nice juxtaposition to their actual relationship.
While I loved that the epilogue gave us a view of Kamanosuke and Akisada's continuation, I admit to wanting a bit more of a conclusion to Hiro and Ryuu's story. Or maybe just more of them in general. It is always sad leaving characters behind when a book ends.
Overall I loved it and highly recommend it if you are looking for a mostly fluffy romance. Shit gets real in the last book and drama DOES happen (I LEGIT CRIED), but overall the series gives warm fuzzies. And I admit the drama that happens was not at all the kind of drama I expected. So props for that. hah.
I think the only thing that truly bothered me about this series is the absolute lack of being in the public eye. I mean. Paparazzi and crazy fangirls are mentioned maybe all of 3 or 4 times. I don't see how their friendship(not even their relationship) stayed hidden for months. They were never photographed together after all that time hanging out. It seems rather unlikely to me. And neither of their band mates knew they were hanging out so much? seems odd. It makes sense after they hook up. But they were just friends for a long time before that.
My favorite parts were the roles they played in the series they acted in together. I thought it was a really nice juxtaposition to their actual relationship.
While I loved that the epilogue gave us a view of Kamanosuke and Akisada's continuation, I admit to wanting a bit more of a conclusion to Hiro and Ryuu's story. Or maybe just more of them in general. It is always sad leaving characters behind when a book ends.
Overall I loved it and highly recommend it if you are looking for a mostly fluffy romance. Shit gets real in the last book and drama DOES happen (I LEGIT CRIED), but overall the series gives warm fuzzies. And I admit the drama that happens was not at all the kind of drama I expected. So props for that. hah.
April 20, 2015
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Continues after volume two. Ryuu's screwed up. Hiro doesn't believe anything can come of their relationship and so breaks it off. Ryuu is in denial, pushes at Hiro and attempts to force him to admit he still feels something for Ryuu. When that backfires, the two try to move but it sounds easier than it seems.
Well this volume just wrecked me a bit. For about a third it was just sad seeing Ryuu trying to fix what he broke.
I really loved this story but I felt the ending was a bit too open ended for my taste. I did feel bereft after finishing up the series though so major kudos to the author for affecting me this way. It's nothing something I feel often.
Continues after volume two. Ryuu's screwed up. Hiro doesn't believe anything can come of their relationship and so breaks it off. Ryuu is in denial, pushes at Hiro and attempts to force him to admit he still feels something for Ryuu. When that backfires, the two try to move but it sounds easier than it seems.
Well this volume just wrecked me a bit. For about a third it was just sad seeing Ryuu trying to fix what he broke.
I really loved this story but I felt the ending was a bit too open ended for my taste. I did feel bereft after finishing up the series though so major kudos to the author for affecting me this way. It's nothing something I feel often.
April 23, 2015
*A free copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.*
The final steps of the series both play out great. The beginning deals with Ryuu realizing how badly he screwed up and how self absorbed he generally is most of the time. It's a great introspective realization that he badly needed. I wish Hiro had had a moment like that as well, though he obviously didn't mess up as badly or even at all (depending on your perspective.) Ryuu really takes time to change himself and try and make it a real change. Eventually after both being miserable for awhile Hiro takes him back, and still they both hold each other responsible for their mess ups. Hiro acknowledges that he has a hard time with negative emotions (sadness, hurt, anger) that leads to him not communicating. Ryuu acknowledges that he can be a jerk and that if he messes up Hiro needs to tell him so he can fix it. It's all handled with love and maturity which is rare. After their reunion things go swimmingly. A little too swimmingly if I'm honest. I wish their relationship had come out into the open. I know that's unrealistic, but this is a book, it can happen. It felt very unfinished to me. It just ends and the resolution isn't really there for me. I LOVED the parallel of Akisado/Yuri to Ryuu/Hiro, especially the scene where they role play them. It was pretty amazing. This is really a great series, with a bit of a disappointing end, even if it's not a bad ending. I just wished more had happened before everything was wrapped up.
The final steps of the series both play out great. The beginning deals with Ryuu realizing how badly he screwed up and how self absorbed he generally is most of the time. It's a great introspective realization that he badly needed. I wish Hiro had had a moment like that as well, though he obviously didn't mess up as badly or even at all (depending on your perspective.) Ryuu really takes time to change himself and try and make it a real change. Eventually after both being miserable for awhile Hiro takes him back, and still they both hold each other responsible for their mess ups. Hiro acknowledges that he has a hard time with negative emotions (sadness, hurt, anger) that leads to him not communicating. Ryuu acknowledges that he can be a jerk and that if he messes up Hiro needs to tell him so he can fix it. It's all handled with love and maturity which is rare. After their reunion things go swimmingly. A little too swimmingly if I'm honest. I wish their relationship had come out into the open. I know that's unrealistic, but this is a book, it can happen. It felt very unfinished to me. It just ends and the resolution isn't really there for me. I LOVED the parallel of Akisado/Yuri to Ryuu/Hiro, especially the scene where they role play them. It was pretty amazing. This is really a great series, with a bit of a disappointing end, even if it's not a bad ending. I just wished more had happened before everything was wrapped up.
May 4, 2015
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is the final book and the series that must be read in order.
I was happy for the way the second one ended and was happy to see Hiro try to move one. But the beginning of this book was a little uncomfortable for me to read and made me not like Ryuu just a little bit more. But Ryuu does some growing and starts to work hard to have the relationship he wants with Hiro. Hiro grows as well and is able to say how he truly feels and not just smile and pretend everything is ok.
Also in the second book Ryuu and Hiro are both apart of a samurai t.v. series and the author would switch to tell the story in the voice of the character played by Ryuu. This series gets turned into a movie and there are big chucks of the story that's the movie told in Ryuu's character's voice. I hope that statement makes since because I didn't understand it being part of the book.
There were a lot of things I did enjoy in the series, the building friendship, some of the variety show antics, and Hiro's offbeat humor and charm. We got small glimpses into their family life but not much; I would have really like to know more about Hiro and his mother.
This is the final book and the series that must be read in order.
I was happy for the way the second one ended and was happy to see Hiro try to move one. But the beginning of this book was a little uncomfortable for me to read and made me not like Ryuu just a little bit more. But Ryuu does some growing and starts to work hard to have the relationship he wants with Hiro. Hiro grows as well and is able to say how he truly feels and not just smile and pretend everything is ok.
Also in the second book Ryuu and Hiro are both apart of a samurai t.v. series and the author would switch to tell the story in the voice of the character played by Ryuu. This series gets turned into a movie and there are big chucks of the story that's the movie told in Ryuu's character's voice. I hope that statement makes since because I didn't understand it being part of the book.
There were a lot of things I did enjoy in the series, the building friendship, some of the variety show antics, and Hiro's offbeat humor and charm. We got small glimpses into their family life but not much; I would have really like to know more about Hiro and his mother.
May 2, 2015
I received a free copy of this book from the author, in exchange for an honest review.
4 stars
The final two installments of the story about Ryuu and Hiro are probably the best, in my opinion. We see real character growth in Ryuu, a growth he is very conscious about himself, actively making it happen. The boyband parts take up less room in these installments, as Ryuu grows both personally and professionally.
The ending is open enough, that it leaves the reader to think about what the future will hold for them, how they will continue to grow, separately and together, as well as being conclusive enough to soothe my HEA craving little heart.
All in all, this was a very enjoyable series. The setting in the JPop world of Tokyo is interesting and unique. However, neither of the books can be read as stand alone stories. If you start, you will need to get the next installment.
Complete series rating: 3.5-4 stars.
4 stars
The final two installments of the story about Ryuu and Hiro are probably the best, in my opinion. We see real character growth in Ryuu, a growth he is very conscious about himself, actively making it happen. The boyband parts take up less room in these installments, as Ryuu grows both personally and professionally.
The ending is open enough, that it leaves the reader to think about what the future will hold for them, how they will continue to grow, separately and together, as well as being conclusive enough to soothe my HEA craving little heart.
All in all, this was a very enjoyable series. The setting in the JPop world of Tokyo is interesting and unique. However, neither of the books can be read as stand alone stories. If you start, you will need to get the next installment.
Complete series rating: 3.5-4 stars.
May 2, 2015
Have you ever read a book that you don't want to finish reading, because that will mean that the series is over? Well, that happened to me with this book.
This book was my favorite of the three, despite the angsty angst at the beginning, or perhaps because of that. The growth Ryuu shows in this book was amazing! I loved how he matured and finally realized what he'd done wrong and took the steps to remedy it. I absolutely adored how this change impacted Hiro, too, and Ryuu's overall take on his own life.
I loved reading the scene where they were acting up as the characters from the series they acted in together, because through it, we learned a little bit more of Hiro and what he'd been feeling and experiencing, as he drew the parallels with their characters in Sanada.
I would have liked to have a bit more resolution and less movie in the end, but it was still pretty good! This was a great series and I had so much reading it all!
This book was my favorite of the three, despite the angsty angst at the beginning, or perhaps because of that. The growth Ryuu shows in this book was amazing! I loved how he matured and finally realized what he'd done wrong and took the steps to remedy it. I absolutely adored how this change impacted Hiro, too, and Ryuu's overall take on his own life.
I loved reading the scene where they were acting up as the characters from the series they acted in together, because through it, we learned a little bit more of Hiro and what he'd been feeling and experiencing, as he drew the parallels with their characters in Sanada.
I would have liked to have a bit more resolution and less movie in the end, but it was still pretty good! This was a great series and I had so much reading it all!
April 28, 2015
This book was provided for free by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Ok, I'm not quite sure what more I can say that hasn't been addressed in my reviews for the first two of the trilogy. I still have the same language/culture issues, but the main saving grace is that there's the HFN for which I'm always in search. And Ryuu grows up. And Hiro remains awesome. The only thing I wish (though I'm sure it would be a death knell in the competitive and scandal-free world of idols) was that Ryuu and Hiro could openly be a couple. But this last book gets 5 stars because I thought that it showed Ryuu's path to redemption particularly well. Instead of being a sulky child (which he does so well), he actively tries to repair his broken relationship with Hiro.
The trilogy as a whole is recommended to those who don't mind a slow burn and learning more about the world of Japanese idols.
Ok, I'm not quite sure what more I can say that hasn't been addressed in my reviews for the first two of the trilogy. I still have the same language/culture issues, but the main saving grace is that there's the HFN for which I'm always in search. And Ryuu grows up. And Hiro remains awesome. The only thing I wish (though I'm sure it would be a death knell in the competitive and scandal-free world of idols) was that Ryuu and Hiro could openly be a couple. But this last book gets 5 stars because I thought that it showed Ryuu's path to redemption particularly well. Instead of being a sulky child (which he does so well), he actively tries to repair his broken relationship with Hiro.
The trilogy as a whole is recommended to those who don't mind a slow burn and learning more about the world of Japanese idols.
May 1, 2015
*This book was received free in return for an honest review via the Goodreads Don't Buy My Love program*
Again, this book out did the previous one!
Thick headed and clueless Ryuu gets dumped after saying the "L" word and doesn't understand why. Now, he will do anything to get Hiro back.
You can't help but feel the emotional turmoil and heart shattering experience Ryuu goes through. And I wanted to cheer when he finally realizes how selfish and hurtful his actions were.
Once they are back together it's not easy, but Ryuu is truly trying to change his ways, wants to become a better person. And the make up sex....hot. But even hotter is the love scene they inact of Akisada and Yuri!
Warning: This book is part 3 of a trilogy, not a stand alone.
Again, this book out did the previous one!
Thick headed and clueless Ryuu gets dumped after saying the "L" word and doesn't understand why. Now, he will do anything to get Hiro back.
You can't help but feel the emotional turmoil and heart shattering experience Ryuu goes through. And I wanted to cheer when he finally realizes how selfish and hurtful his actions were.
Once they are back together it's not easy, but Ryuu is truly trying to change his ways, wants to become a better person. And the make up sex....hot. But even hotter is the love scene they inact of Akisada and Yuri!
Warning: This book is part 3 of a trilogy, not a stand alone.
September 15, 2016
I couldn't read this series in one go. One because I have absolutely no knowledge about ... (japanese? ... I can't remember in which country this took place.. Sjeez. How lame.) the entertainment industrie. So I had to stop sometimes to think about certain things and google them.
Two, it's a slow burn romance. Which isn't a bad thing but sometimes... I got a bit bored. Because not only the romance was slow and long but also the sex scenes. I'm not a big fan of sex scenes in romance books and it was the case here. But because they felt sooooo long I ended up skipping a lot. Which was not always the smart thing to do because there was actual development between the two characters while they were having sex.
Two, it's a slow burn romance. Which isn't a bad thing but sometimes... I got a bit bored. Because not only the romance was slow and long but also the sex scenes. I'm not a big fan of sex scenes in romance books and it was the case here. But because they felt sooooo long I ended up skipping a lot. Which was not always the smart thing to do because there was actual development between the two characters while they were having sex.
May 3, 2015
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
3.5* I liked the first part of this book the most! The rebuilding of the relationship and seeing that happen. The rest of the book had me a little lost but again, that is due to my ignorance of J-pop as I mentioned in my review of Volume I.
Reading all three stories back to back this was the best of them all.
The intimacy between the two didn't get old. Definitely kept me interested. I got to know the characters even better in this story and it just kind of brought it all together. I'm glad I stuck with it.
3.5* I liked the first part of this book the most! The rebuilding of the relationship and seeing that happen. The rest of the book had me a little lost but again, that is due to my ignorance of J-pop as I mentioned in my review of Volume I.
Reading all three stories back to back this was the best of them all.
The intimacy between the two didn't get old. Definitely kept me interested. I got to know the characters even better in this story and it just kind of brought it all together. I'm glad I stuck with it.
October 25, 2015
After finishing the last volume, I had to jump into this one and finish Ryuu and Hiro's story. It was as entertaining as the others with the glimpses into the world of Japanese pop and navigating their love affair. However, I felt that their story is not finished. There are things that hamper a true HEA that I felt still needed to be dealt with. But the book ended on a happy note and I enjoyed everything that came before.
January 14, 2016
Great series
The three volumes of this series should be considered as one book. I enjoyed the Japanese pop culture setting. The characters are actually bisexual rather than gay from my point of view, two young men who just happen to fall for each other in the course of their developing friendship.
I thought the conversation hard to follow at times, but this did not detract from the story. I would be quick to read more by this author. Thanks.
The three volumes of this series should be considered as one book. I enjoyed the Japanese pop culture setting. The characters are actually bisexual rather than gay from my point of view, two young men who just happen to fall for each other in the course of their developing friendship.
I thought the conversation hard to follow at times, but this did not detract from the story. I would be quick to read more by this author. Thanks.
March 3, 2016
I ended up loving this series, and Hiro and Ryuu. Wish there was something from Hiro's POV, and more of his back story. Also would have been nice to get a little more background in general, for example some of Ryuu's friends at times didn't make sense to me in their behaviour and comments. And why did Hiro put up with that agent?
Even so, this was exactly like taking a journey through a relationship, some bumps in the road, and sometimes needed a map, but loved the scenery and the destination.
Even so, this was exactly like taking a journey through a relationship, some bumps in the road, and sometimes needed a map, but loved the scenery and the destination.
February 1, 2015
A very disappointing 3rd instalment. The angst of Hiro and Ryuu's separation and their getting together was great but that was just 1/3 into the book. The remaining 66% was filler, to cover the fact that the real story in this book could have been completed in Vol 2, and Vol 3 was just a rip-off.
January 17, 2016
I really enjoyed this series. The two main characters are such polar opposites but they are both really sweet. The side story of the tv series was also really interesting and really added to the story. Would love to see more of Ryuu and Hiro.
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