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Nothing Casual
Kenta doesn't believe in happy endings anymore. When his last boyfriend married a woman, he gave up on the world. Now he keeps himself hidden away in the comfort of his apartment, his only social contacts a few chat friends that he never sees in person. He's become what the Japanese call a hikikomori, a shut-in, and he tells himself he's happy that way. Most of the time he believes it, too.
It's not until he's forced to let an unexpectedly attractive technician into his apartment that he remembers how much he's missing. Gradually, Akira lures him out of his shell, gets under his skin, and makes him face the big wide world again. It's scary and thrilling and fascinating, and before long Kenta finds himself irreversibly drawn to the other man.
Akira isn't interested in the casual sex Kenta offers, though. He wants the whole package, and Kenta doesn't know if he's ready to leave his hikikomori ways behind. But if he doesn’t face his demons, his one chance at a happily ever after might just pass him by forever.
It's not until he's forced to let an unexpectedly attractive technician into his apartment that he remembers how much he's missing. Gradually, Akira lures him out of his shell, gets under his skin, and makes him face the big wide world again. It's scary and thrilling and fascinating, and before long Kenta finds himself irreversibly drawn to the other man.
Akira isn't interested in the casual sex Kenta offers, though. He wants the whole package, and Kenta doesn't know if he's ready to leave his hikikomori ways behind. But if he doesn’t face his demons, his one chance at a happily ever after might just pass him by forever.
- GenresM M RomanceContemporary
107 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 17, 2015
60 people want to read
About the author
Ana J. Phoenix
18 books59 followersAna writes m/m romance and erotica. Her interest in hot guy-on-guy action was first sparked by reading scandalous Japanese mangas. A dirty secret she couldn’t resist. In a long bout of insanity – also known as her life — she decided to learn the language and escape to the land of sushi, sumo, and yaoi.
She’s since moved back to Europe to be with the love of her life – delicious European chocolate.
Now she resides in the sunny part of Germany where she fills her days chasing her dreams and writing about men in complicated relationships. Her family believes she’s writing “erotic manga stories.” She’s pleased they got the erotic part right, at least.
She’s since moved back to Europe to be with the love of her life – delicious European chocolate.
Now she resides in the sunny part of Germany where she fills her days chasing her dreams and writing about men in complicated relationships. Her family believes she’s writing “erotic manga stories.” She’s pleased they got the erotic part right, at least.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
June 26, 2016
This book was provided for free in exchange for an honest review.
Nothing Casual is the story of Kenta, a young man living in Japan who after some bad experiences with bullying due to his homosexuality and a failed relationship that broke his heart slowly becomes a hikikomori, meaning he only leaves his apartment long enough to buy groceries across the street and avoids contact with other people except online. When his internet connection fails he feels obligated to let a technician into his home, enters Sato Akira.
The two of them feel attracted to each other and Kenta wants to explore that attraction exclusively in bed, while Akira wants a real relationship and he’s determined to convince Kenta to give him a chance.
This was a sweet story, Kenta is struggling with serious psychological issues but Akira is very patient and supportive and encourages Kenta to try and go back to the world one step at a time, they take things slowly and Kenta finds a way to be there for Akira too, something I really liked because it could’ve been very easy to get lost in Kenta’s drama and forget about Akira, but that didn’t happen.
This was my first book by this author, and I think it was really good, both the characters and the Japanese setting were detailed and well developed, even though it was a novella. There are some minor editing errors but that doesn’t take anything away from the story. I recommend it.
Nothing Casual is the story of Kenta, a young man living in Japan who after some bad experiences with bullying due to his homosexuality and a failed relationship that broke his heart slowly becomes a hikikomori, meaning he only leaves his apartment long enough to buy groceries across the street and avoids contact with other people except online. When his internet connection fails he feels obligated to let a technician into his home, enters Sato Akira.
The two of them feel attracted to each other and Kenta wants to explore that attraction exclusively in bed, while Akira wants a real relationship and he’s determined to convince Kenta to give him a chance.
This was a sweet story, Kenta is struggling with serious psychological issues but Akira is very patient and supportive and encourages Kenta to try and go back to the world one step at a time, they take things slowly and Kenta finds a way to be there for Akira too, something I really liked because it could’ve been very easy to get lost in Kenta’s drama and forget about Akira, but that didn’t happen.
This was my first book by this author, and I think it was really good, both the characters and the Japanese setting were detailed and well developed, even though it was a novella. There are some minor editing errors but that doesn’t take anything away from the story. I recommend it.
December 3, 2015
Nothing Causal by Ana J. Phoenix
M/M Romance
3.5 stars
I was given this book for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
This was a story about a shut in, Kenta who was bullied about his homosexuality and the man who saves him, Akira. It was a sweet story that was filled with patience and kindness, love and also, hurt.
While it was a well written story, I just didn't really feel that the relationship was all that strong. I did like that the characters were slow in developing their relationship, but the style, for me was just a little too slow.
This was more about developing a relationship - dating in a world where you might not be all that comfortable. I wish that Phoenix had done more with Kenta's obsession issue because I think that would have helped me with his character more. Also, with Akira's character, I wish that it had been more about his past relationships and where he wanted to go rather than him focusing so much on what Kenta needed.
Even though I have not read previous stories by Phoenix, I would read more - She does have a way of developing a story without using fluff wording or unnecessary angst, which I appreciate a lot.
I think this was a great jumping off point for this author and me, and while this story wasn't a home run for me, it was enjoyable and I would read her again.
M/M Romance
3.5 stars
I was given this book for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
This was a story about a shut in, Kenta who was bullied about his homosexuality and the man who saves him, Akira. It was a sweet story that was filled with patience and kindness, love and also, hurt.
While it was a well written story, I just didn't really feel that the relationship was all that strong. I did like that the characters were slow in developing their relationship, but the style, for me was just a little too slow.
This was more about developing a relationship - dating in a world where you might not be all that comfortable. I wish that Phoenix had done more with Kenta's obsession issue because I think that would have helped me with his character more. Also, with Akira's character, I wish that it had been more about his past relationships and where he wanted to go rather than him focusing so much on what Kenta needed.
Even though I have not read previous stories by Phoenix, I would read more - She does have a way of developing a story without using fluff wording or unnecessary angst, which I appreciate a lot.
I think this was a great jumping off point for this author and me, and while this story wasn't a home run for me, it was enjoyable and I would read her again.
August 26, 2016
This is one of those quiet type of romances where a lot of time is devoted to conversation and other aspects of getting to know each other, before sex happens. Even though Kenta, the main character, had wished it differently. The end result may not be as exciting, but it's no less deep or satisfying. And definitely not boring.
This book might also be interesting for those who are into all things Japanese. The author did an admirable job of showing Japanese realities and making them seem not so alien to English readers. A couple of things struck me as too American, but that's it.
I should also say that this book was much better than the only other one of Ana J. Phoenix that I've read (The Alpha and His Ace), so don't let that story discourage you from Nothing Casual.
This book might also be interesting for those who are into all things Japanese. The author did an admirable job of showing Japanese realities and making them seem not so alien to English readers. A couple of things struck me as too American, but that's it.
I should also say that this book was much better than the only other one of Ana J. Phoenix that I've read (The Alpha and His Ace), so don't let that story discourage you from Nothing Casual.
April 28, 2022
3.5 stars. Though I liked each character separately, I didn't necessarily like them as a permanent couple. So Kenta has basically stopped going out into the world or having anyone enter his after his former lover left him & married a woman. Akira is dealing with the loss of his lover, but in a totally different way. Akria responds to Kenta's home when his internet is out & he is the first person in his space from a long time. Appears that his apartment is a mess & try's to clean up real quick, but to no avail. And even though he is a hot mess, Akria is attracted to him. Slowly Akria pulls Kenta back into the real world. I didn't feel the hot attraction between them. The ending also felt rushed.
July 29, 2018
This book was provided for free by the author in exchange for an honest review.
If you read the blurb you should get the gist of the story. I love this author's books. I love how she writes the vulnerability of her characters but give them a decent chance to overcome it. Damn if this book didn't hit on some personal truths. The scene on roof and rain was everything. I know I should write a lengthy review about my love for this book. But I won't I feel like I will give the whole story away. I will say that this story will give you the feels and everything. Love the quietness, sweet slow burn read.
If you read the blurb you should get the gist of the story. I love this author's books. I love how she writes the vulnerability of her characters but give them a decent chance to overcome it. Damn if this book didn't hit on some personal truths. The scene on roof and rain was everything. I know I should write a lengthy review about my love for this book. But I won't I feel like I will give the whole story away. I will say that this story will give you the feels and everything. Love the quietness, sweet slow burn read.
August 25, 2023
This was a very unique read, kind of sweet and melancholy at the same time. Kenta is a shut-in and other than occasionally going across the street to a convenience store, he hasn't left his home in about 2 years. A disruption in his internet service changes that by bringing Sato, internet technician, into his home. Sato does his best to woo Kenta and to get him out of his house. They both have difficult pasts and Kenta status as a shut-in won't be easily overcome.
June 13, 2019
I liked this a lot. It's a bit unusual, a story playing in Japan, written by a German in English. And while the storytelling and writing very much is not in a Japanese style, the characters and background still felt authentic and realistic for the country (as far as I can tell, I'm not Japanese myself, I've just read plenty Japanese books).
I really enjoyed how the book dealt with Kenta's psychological issues and the characters interaction.
I really enjoyed how the book dealt with Kenta's psychological issues and the characters interaction.
August 1, 2019
Sweet and hopeful
This was an endearing novella about a young man who’d shut himself away from the world after the pain of too many past hurts and disappointments, and the man who managed to reach him. This was not instalove, nor was it instacure. It was a struggle for the main character to accept a relationship as well as changing his isolated existence and way of thinking. There were some editing issues, but this was still a sweet and enjoyable read.
This was an endearing novella about a young man who’d shut himself away from the world after the pain of too many past hurts and disappointments, and the man who managed to reach him. This was not instalove, nor was it instacure. It was a struggle for the main character to accept a relationship as well as changing his isolated existence and way of thinking. There were some editing issues, but this was still a sweet and enjoyable read.
November 24, 2015
This book was provided for free by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Nothing Casual is a book about Sato Akira and Kuroki Kenta. As their names suggest they are Japanese living in Hiroshima, Japan. This fact does make this book special because culture-wise this book is unique compared to any other book I have read in this genre. And this fact does make this book charming because my link with Japan is through manga and anime, so this story about two Japanese men is a very different take on life in Japan which I really liked. But on the other hand it is not so infused with Japanese words and culture that it becomes incomprehensible. The only word I had to look for was Himawari (which is Japanese for sunflower but it was interesting how that led me to Naruto) but the author does explain the word in the text, I just kind of jumped the gun. As they say “love transcends all” this book may have different elements but at its heart it is a simple love story (…my favourite kind).
Kuroki Kenta is a hikikomori which basically means that he never steps out of his house except for weekly 15 minute trips to the supermarket next door and has no real social interactions with actual people. His only connection to the world is the internet which hasn’t been functioning for three days, so you know he is desperate enough to have the sanctity of his home breached in order to get his modem in working condition. But the guy who comes to fix things ends up making quite the everlasting impression.
Akira is looking for a relationship and he is sure he can find the connection with Kenta. He is patient enough to break all of Kenta’s barriers and in the process succeed in bringing Kenta out of his shell. This book follows Akira’s wooing of Kenta and how that helps Kenta deal with his issues. Akira’ patience is godly, I mean seriously he was just so patient and understanding and exactly what Kenta needed to convince him to give life a second chance. I loved the way Akira took everything in stride, like he was just so accepting of Kenta and his issues.
This story is not only about Akira and Kenta’s relationship but also about Kenta’s growth as he starts inhabiting the world in which he lives.
This book is really sweet and I loved the dates these two go on. And frankly this book had me at Fullmetal Alchemist now that, was one thing I never thought I would see referred in a book. So Yay!!
Considering the number of books I have read in this genre, dating has never come up as an integral part of a plot that sees two people fall in love with each other. But the fact is that most people meet their life partners by dating. The normality of dating really soothed things and events for me in this book. And there dates where really something to look forward too. =)
I have read a lot of books by Ana J. Phoenix and so far I have liked them all. This one was also a really nice one and for one it was different and that is one thing that makes this book unique among a sea of others.
Nothing Casual is a book about Sato Akira and Kuroki Kenta. As their names suggest they are Japanese living in Hiroshima, Japan. This fact does make this book special because culture-wise this book is unique compared to any other book I have read in this genre. And this fact does make this book charming because my link with Japan is through manga and anime, so this story about two Japanese men is a very different take on life in Japan which I really liked. But on the other hand it is not so infused with Japanese words and culture that it becomes incomprehensible. The only word I had to look for was Himawari (which is Japanese for sunflower but it was interesting how that led me to Naruto) but the author does explain the word in the text, I just kind of jumped the gun. As they say “love transcends all” this book may have different elements but at its heart it is a simple love story (…my favourite kind).
Kuroki Kenta is a hikikomori which basically means that he never steps out of his house except for weekly 15 minute trips to the supermarket next door and has no real social interactions with actual people. His only connection to the world is the internet which hasn’t been functioning for three days, so you know he is desperate enough to have the sanctity of his home breached in order to get his modem in working condition. But the guy who comes to fix things ends up making quite the everlasting impression.
Akira is looking for a relationship and he is sure he can find the connection with Kenta. He is patient enough to break all of Kenta’s barriers and in the process succeed in bringing Kenta out of his shell. This book follows Akira’s wooing of Kenta and how that helps Kenta deal with his issues. Akira’ patience is godly, I mean seriously he was just so patient and understanding and exactly what Kenta needed to convince him to give life a second chance. I loved the way Akira took everything in stride, like he was just so accepting of Kenta and his issues.
This story is not only about Akira and Kenta’s relationship but also about Kenta’s growth as he starts inhabiting the world in which he lives.
This book is really sweet and I loved the dates these two go on. And frankly this book had me at Fullmetal Alchemist now that, was one thing I never thought I would see referred in a book. So Yay!!
Considering the number of books I have read in this genre, dating has never come up as an integral part of a plot that sees two people fall in love with each other. But the fact is that most people meet their life partners by dating. The normality of dating really soothed things and events for me in this book. And there dates where really something to look forward too. =)
I have read a lot of books by Ana J. Phoenix and so far I have liked them all. This one was also a really nice one and for one it was different and that is one thing that makes this book unique among a sea of others.
December 6, 2015
*Disclaimer: a free copy of the book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
"Man loves company even if it is only that of a small burning candle." - Georg Christoph Lichtenberg
Kenta Kuroki's bitterness over his boyfriend Shota's betrayal drives him to isolate himself from the world. as a result, he joins the ranks of the hikikomori. his self-imposed exile is disrupted by a broken internet connection, forcing Kenta to allow a technician into his home to fix the problem. little did Kenta know that his life would take another unexpected turn as his attraction for Sato Akira grows.
from the get go, this novel piqued my curiosity as i have never heard of the "hikikomori" before and reading this piece of fiction based on a real "human condition" that is prevalent in Japan opened my eyes to another one of life's bitter and disturbing realities.
as a whole, the novel is very readable yet filled with profound details and insightful information here and there. both protagonists are opposites in every way and their interaction and reactions to one another were a delight to read especially when things get serious at some point and secrets are further revealed.
Kenta's mode of existence is extreme and quite difficult to wrap one's head into but one can somehow relate to his insecurities, fears and struggles. Akira's personality, on the other hand, is the perfect yang (positive, bright) to Kenta's yin (negative, dark). together, they make for a strange pair that works out well in more ways than one as the story progresses.
author Ana J. Phoenix has written one unforgettable, engaging, sweet and romantic tale set in Japan that draws the reader in and never lets go even after the last page is read.
"Man loves company even if it is only that of a small burning candle." - Georg Christoph Lichtenberg
Kenta Kuroki's bitterness over his boyfriend Shota's betrayal drives him to isolate himself from the world. as a result, he joins the ranks of the hikikomori. his self-imposed exile is disrupted by a broken internet connection, forcing Kenta to allow a technician into his home to fix the problem. little did Kenta know that his life would take another unexpected turn as his attraction for Sato Akira grows.
from the get go, this novel piqued my curiosity as i have never heard of the "hikikomori" before and reading this piece of fiction based on a real "human condition" that is prevalent in Japan opened my eyes to another one of life's bitter and disturbing realities.
as a whole, the novel is very readable yet filled with profound details and insightful information here and there. both protagonists are opposites in every way and their interaction and reactions to one another were a delight to read especially when things get serious at some point and secrets are further revealed.
Kenta's mode of existence is extreme and quite difficult to wrap one's head into but one can somehow relate to his insecurities, fears and struggles. Akira's personality, on the other hand, is the perfect yang (positive, bright) to Kenta's yin (negative, dark). together, they make for a strange pair that works out well in more ways than one as the story progresses.
author Ana J. Phoenix has written one unforgettable, engaging, sweet and romantic tale set in Japan that draws the reader in and never lets go even after the last page is read.
November 21, 2015
I was given a free copy of this book by the author in return for an unbiased review.
Kenta is a Hikikiromi. Basically a shut in. He decided one day to close the door on the world and not venture out. I had never heard of this Japanese thing until I read this book.
Although missing sex, he thinks life is ok the way it is until one day his internet goes out. Forced to make contact with the outside world, he arranges for an engineer to come round to fix his modem. Enter Akira Sato.
The 2 share a love of drawing and Akira asks Kenta to help him with some drawings where he has not been able to finish them.
Although there is an attraction, it becomes clear that Akira is not looking for a casual relationship.
I loved how patient Akira was with Kenta. Slowly he began to get him outside. First for only a few moments so he could feel the rain on his skin again. Then through a trip to the ice cream parlor and karaoke bar. Eventually Akira opens up about his past and the painful loss of his love to suicide.
Kenta then decides that he needs to confront his past and goes to see his old lover who jilted him. This is a big step, it means going further than he has been for years and also using the streetcar.
The guys eventually get their HEA. We see it is still a struggle for Kenta every day. However, day by day he gets more confident.
I really liked this book. I will admit that I was a little apprehensive at the start. I don't tend to do well with a lot of foreign names or words that I don't know how to pronounce but I needn't have worried and found a little gem of a book.
Kenta is a Hikikiromi. Basically a shut in. He decided one day to close the door on the world and not venture out. I had never heard of this Japanese thing until I read this book.
Although missing sex, he thinks life is ok the way it is until one day his internet goes out. Forced to make contact with the outside world, he arranges for an engineer to come round to fix his modem. Enter Akira Sato.
The 2 share a love of drawing and Akira asks Kenta to help him with some drawings where he has not been able to finish them.
Although there is an attraction, it becomes clear that Akira is not looking for a casual relationship.
I loved how patient Akira was with Kenta. Slowly he began to get him outside. First for only a few moments so he could feel the rain on his skin again. Then through a trip to the ice cream parlor and karaoke bar. Eventually Akira opens up about his past and the painful loss of his love to suicide.
Kenta then decides that he needs to confront his past and goes to see his old lover who jilted him. This is a big step, it means going further than he has been for years and also using the streetcar.
The guys eventually get their HEA. We see it is still a struggle for Kenta every day. However, day by day he gets more confident.
I really liked this book. I will admit that I was a little apprehensive at the start. I don't tend to do well with a lot of foreign names or words that I don't know how to pronounce but I needn't have worried and found a little gem of a book.
November 19, 2015
A copy was given to me in exchange for an honest review.
As the blurb describes, Kenta becomes a shut-in after he experiences a bad relationship with his now ex-boyfriend. We come across him as he's freaking out about having to call his provider about his internet connection. In comes Sato Akira, the technician sent to his home to help fix his connection issues. After coming across some homoerotic art on Kenta's laptop, the two start very tentative relationship.
It was interesting to see this type of issue in a fictional novel. I've only read about it in manga but I liked that the author decided to take her own approach at the issue and it translated so well.
From the blurb I thought the relationship between Sato and Kenta would be much more dire than it was. Kenta wasn't as against them starting a relationship as I interpreted from the blurb and niether was Sato about giving Kenta a try. I really liked that Sato was so tenacious about changing Kento's thoughts/views on dating. It made me smile when they argue/bantered back and forth about it.
I really liked that Sato never actually gave up on the hope that Kenta would give him a chance. His determination was admirable. I've said this before on other reviews but I really love seeing personal growth and Kenta showed a lot of that in trying to overcome his disability/ aversion to social interactions. The last two chapters were my favorite and it was just hard not to like both characters.
As the blurb describes, Kenta becomes a shut-in after he experiences a bad relationship with his now ex-boyfriend. We come across him as he's freaking out about having to call his provider about his internet connection. In comes Sato Akira, the technician sent to his home to help fix his connection issues. After coming across some homoerotic art on Kenta's laptop, the two start very tentative relationship.
It was interesting to see this type of issue in a fictional novel. I've only read about it in manga but I liked that the author decided to take her own approach at the issue and it translated so well.
From the blurb I thought the relationship between Sato and Kenta would be much more dire than it was. Kenta wasn't as against them starting a relationship as I interpreted from the blurb and niether was Sato about giving Kenta a try. I really liked that Sato was so tenacious about changing Kento's thoughts/views on dating. It made me smile when they argue/bantered back and forth about it.
I really liked that Sato never actually gave up on the hope that Kenta would give him a chance. His determination was admirable. I've said this before on other reviews but I really love seeing personal growth and Kenta showed a lot of that in trying to overcome his disability/ aversion to social interactions. The last two chapters were my favorite and it was just hard not to like both characters.
December 4, 2015
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
This is a light book, we have Kenta, a shut-in artist whose heart was broken by his ex Bf.
This is a light book, we have Kenta, a shut-in artist whose heart was broken by his ex Bf.
December 4, 2015
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
Kenta has become a shut-in after his ex got married to a woman. He has basically spent the last two years in his apartment with only quick runs to the convenience store. When his internet stops working he admits defeat and has to have a technician come to his apartment. He is instantly attracted to Akira, but Akira doesn’t do casual sex. However, Akira will do almost anything to help Kenta get out of his apartment. Kenta finally begins to let go of the past and work through his issues, but also admits that what he feels for Akira is not as casual as he made it sound.
Kenta has become a shut-in after his ex got married to a woman. He has basically spent the last two years in his apartment with only quick runs to the convenience store. When his internet stops working he admits defeat and has to have a technician come to his apartment. He is instantly attracted to Akira, but Akira doesn’t do casual sex. However, Akira will do almost anything to help Kenta get out of his apartment. Kenta finally begins to let go of the past and work through his issues, but also admits that what he feels for Akira is not as casual as he made it sound.
July 22, 2016
I loved all the tidbits of information that was sprinkled in this book. Kept it very interesting.
Just something about the two main characters didn't click with me. I liked how Akira lured Kenta out of his apartment for small amounts of time which was well done. Cute story!
Just something about the two main characters didn't click with me. I liked how Akira lured Kenta out of his apartment for small amounts of time which was well done. Cute story!
March 21, 2016
2.5 stars
November 23, 2015
Story plot was nothing extravagant but still okay.
November 29, 2015
Sweetly hot read. Nice depth of our two MCs. Unique premise.
May 8, 2016
Honestly...
Honestly I did not expect much but it was a very good story. Good read with emotions visible and very good portrayed.
Honestly I did not expect much but it was a very good story. Good read with emotions visible and very good portrayed.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews