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Hanami #1
Hanami
JIN, the arrogant son of a powerful Tycoon finally meets his match in SAKURA, a mysterious girl who happens to be the secret heir to the Shintani Yakuza -- Japan's most notorious crime family.KENJIN KIYOHARA, the arrogant son of Asia's most influential Tycoon thinks he's figured everyone out. He is also convinced that no one is good enough for him. Until he meets SAKURA SHINTANI, whose disinterest in him was refreshing, and whose murderous glares were alluring. But when he discovers she's the secret heir to a notorious crime dynasty, he must defeat the odds and earn the right to stand by her side - even if it means losing his own life.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 15, 2017
4 people are currently reading
142 people want to read
About the author
V.C. Buckley
2 books126 followersV.C. Buckley was born in a secret government facility and was shipped off to an Island in Southeast Asia.
She grew up braving tropical thunderstorms and warding off evil villains. At sixteen she jetted all over the world after being discovered by an agent.
Her stories come from gritty moments of her childhood to the glitz of her travels.
She now lives in Manila with her husband, two kids and an herb garden that has hijacked her balcony.
Visit her website at www.vcbuckley.com
Twitter: @vccbuckley
Facebook: @vcccbuckley
Instagram: @v.c.buckley
She grew up braving tropical thunderstorms and warding off evil villains. At sixteen she jetted all over the world after being discovered by an agent.
Her stories come from gritty moments of her childhood to the glitz of her travels.
She now lives in Manila with her husband, two kids and an herb garden that has hijacked her balcony.
Visit her website at www.vcbuckley.com
Twitter: @vccbuckley
Facebook: @vcccbuckley
Instagram: @v.c.buckley
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October 22, 20193.75 stars
“Hanami” by V.C. Buckley is a young to new adult contemporary romance set in Japan. The story focuses on the heir to the feared Shintani clan, Sakura, and her attempts to fulfill the roles expected of her, including honoring a family contract and attending a prestigious school open only to the elite of society. Her self-imposed vow to never become as vulnerable as her parents were is tested as she learns to interact with her peers and deal with the challenges presented by those who wish to either curry favor or destroy her.
This story provides fascinating glimpses of the harsh society ruled by the formidable Yakuza while detailing the coming-of-age of the person who is struggling with her own identity. I liked many aspects of the story, including the elements of Japanese culture that are sprinkled in and the arc of Sakura’s journey, as well as the mysteries that are gradually unraveled, but I felt that other elements are not well fleshed-out, including the hierarchy of the school and the students, how Sakura became involved in the punitive aspects of her position, the role of the scholars and the scope of their duties as interns, the major competitive events, etc. Those who have triggers should be advised that there are some elements of graphic violence as well as potential assault situations.
This is listed as a new adult romance, and that is accurate with respect to the ages of the main characters, but the evolution of the relationship(s) is very tame, reflecting Sakura’s isolation from her peers up to this point. The writing is stilted in places, with odd word choices, and the action is jerky at times, but the imagery evoked is vivid and the storyline is intriguing. I enjoyed watching the blossoming of emotions and seeing Sakura’s competence but felt some things were a bit inconsistent about her situational awareness and vulnerability. The mystical element was a bit over the top for me but it did serve a dual purpose, although I was surprised that one character was mature enough to make a pivotal decision that seemed uncharacteristic. This is the first book in the series of the same name, so I expect that many of the dangling threads that irked me will be addressed in subsequent tales and I look forward to learning more about this unique and intriguing character and those around her.
A copy of this title was provided for review
“Hanami” by V.C. Buckley is a young to new adult contemporary romance set in Japan. The story focuses on the heir to the feared Shintani clan, Sakura, and her attempts to fulfill the roles expected of her, including honoring a family contract and attending a prestigious school open only to the elite of society. Her self-imposed vow to never become as vulnerable as her parents were is tested as she learns to interact with her peers and deal with the challenges presented by those who wish to either curry favor or destroy her.
This story provides fascinating glimpses of the harsh society ruled by the formidable Yakuza while detailing the coming-of-age of the person who is struggling with her own identity. I liked many aspects of the story, including the elements of Japanese culture that are sprinkled in and the arc of Sakura’s journey, as well as the mysteries that are gradually unraveled, but I felt that other elements are not well fleshed-out, including the hierarchy of the school and the students, how Sakura became involved in the punitive aspects of her position, the role of the scholars and the scope of their duties as interns, the major competitive events, etc. Those who have triggers should be advised that there are some elements of graphic violence as well as potential assault situations.
This is listed as a new adult romance, and that is accurate with respect to the ages of the main characters, but the evolution of the relationship(s) is very tame, reflecting Sakura’s isolation from her peers up to this point. The writing is stilted in places, with odd word choices, and the action is jerky at times, but the imagery evoked is vivid and the storyline is intriguing. I enjoyed watching the blossoming of emotions and seeing Sakura’s competence but felt some things were a bit inconsistent about her situational awareness and vulnerability. The mystical element was a bit over the top for me but it did serve a dual purpose, although I was surprised that one character was mature enough to make a pivotal decision that seemed uncharacteristic. This is the first book in the series of the same name, so I expect that many of the dangling threads that irked me will be addressed in subsequent tales and I look forward to learning more about this unique and intriguing character and those around her.
A copy of this title was provided for review
April 29, 2020
I got this book from a giveaway with my online book club and I must say I am fortunate to win this book. (^_^) When I got it, I searched for the meaning of hanami, I immediately spray painted the book with the color pink. (I like spray painting books to avoid the tanning of pages.)
Well, I was hooked when I started reading this, the problem is I am a slow reader and besides, I was crammed by doing projects from my online classes and research assignments. I was amazed at how the author describes the settings of the story. It made me wanted to go to Japan!
Hanami is a combination of different Eastern and Asian races, which made the story cuter. Sakura has a very dark childhood experience and I understand why she was finding a hard time letting people in her life. I liked how woman power was highlighted in her character, but I find it cute when she became fragile whenever she is around Jin.
Jin, on the other hand, is very dreamy yet a great guy. He is charming towards Sakura and I am kinikilig (because we do not have English translation for this word, lol) with his gestures. He is Sakura’s strength and weakness and he is the same towards her. I was really annoyed at him at first because he is self-absorbed and thought that any girl would fall in love with him. However, I really felt sad for Jiaolong. :( I hope you make another story for him. I was broken for him when he conceded Sakura for Jin!!
I felt things have to be shortened in the last chapters because of the fast pacing revelations about the murderer of her parents and their heredity. I was hoping more blood, thrilling actions. Nevertheless, this book was an exciting read!
I am looking forward to reading the second book!
Well, I was hooked when I started reading this, the problem is I am a slow reader and besides, I was crammed by doing projects from my online classes and research assignments. I was amazed at how the author describes the settings of the story. It made me wanted to go to Japan!
Hanami is a combination of different Eastern and Asian races, which made the story cuter. Sakura has a very dark childhood experience and I understand why she was finding a hard time letting people in her life. I liked how woman power was highlighted in her character, but I find it cute when she became fragile whenever she is around Jin.
Jin, on the other hand, is very dreamy yet a great guy. He is charming towards Sakura and I am kinikilig (because we do not have English translation for this word, lol) with his gestures. He is Sakura’s strength and weakness and he is the same towards her. I was really annoyed at him at first because he is self-absorbed and thought that any girl would fall in love with him. However, I really felt sad for Jiaolong. :( I hope you make another story for him. I was broken for him when he conceded Sakura for Jin!!
I felt things have to be shortened in the last chapters because of the fast pacing revelations about the murderer of her parents and their heredity. I was hoping more blood, thrilling actions. Nevertheless, this book was an exciting read!
I am looking forward to reading the second book!
November 4, 2019
---3.5 Stars---
This book was an interesting, intriguing, and suspenseful romantic read!
I found the main characters, Sakura and Jin interesting, however, I didn’t find them relatable or easy to connect with. Usually, the books I read, I identify with a character or I find a character that reminds me of a close friend or family member. Neither was the case with this book.
I liked that Sakura was strong, fierce, intelligent, sassy, and confident. However, she was also very cold, rude, distant, and stuck up. She presented herself in a manner that she was better than and more important than those around here. This came off extremely harsh and frigid. She preferred to be alone and kept herself isolated. Later down the road we learn that this is all a shell; that she is protecting herself from being vulnerable and getting hurt.
I must admit, the best part of the book was her character’s journey of self-discovery. Sakura is finding herself in this book and her transformation, learnings, and understandings were exponential! I really enjoyed watching her grow - especially since I was so turned off by her at the beginning of the book! But, watching her story unfold, her finally start to open up to possibilities and actually letting people in and get close to her – it showed strong character development!
I wasn’t fond of Jin either at the beginning as he was such a player and his ego barely fit through the door! I liked that he knew and understood all these girls fawning over him were just after him for his money and status. And I liked that he wanted a girl that wanted him for him and that she would be someone with virtue, character, and intellect. Sakura was just that! Sakura challenged Jin! However, Jin was pleased to have found someone who wasn’t groveling at his feet – he didn’t understand why she wasn’t and he seemed to be getting annoyed that she wasn’t falling for all his lines and tricks. Sorry, but that part was really dumb!!! Jin finally finds what he’s been looking for and he has to complain that Sakura is making him work for it – which is what he wanted??!! LOL!!! Typical guys!!!
Anywho, after so many pages of that, he also does some growing up throughout the book and has some redeeming moments. I really liked how supportive he was for Sakura and how he was there for her during some difficult scenes.
I really liked the story line concept and found it intriguing! The author has fascinating ideas about the Yakuza’s, Japanese crime dynasties, and the elite heirs and their lifestyle!
The story line worked and there were definitely quite a few plot points to keep the story going – especially since it’s on the longer end of 328 pages. However, this book felt a bit over-complicated and confusing at times as there was just so much going on in the story. There were several passages I had to re-read to figure out what was happening and get back into the story.
I love the in-depth amount of research the author did while constructing this book. It was clear she was very familiar and well-versed on Japanese culture, customs, and traditions. The author provided so much detail and such vivid descriptions it made the scenes easy to picture.
There are some predictable scenes. However, there are also some unexpected twists and turns and misdirection’s that you won’t see coming!
This book is book one in the Hanami Book Series. This book can be read as a standalone.
Unfortunately, I felt the ending was a bit unfinished as there were still a few unanswered questions that I’m hoping book two will tie up some loose ends!
Also, please note there are some very detailed, graphic, violent scenes that may not be appropriate for all readers.
All in all, there were just a few hang-ups for me, but overall, I still enjoyed reading this book and would still recommend it. There is an intriguing story line and great characters that do make this book an interesting romance, new adult, romantic suspense, and contemporary read! So, add it to your TBR List and get to reading – you won’t be disappointed!
**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book and have voluntarily provided an honest, and unbiased review in accordance with FTC regulations.**
This book was an interesting, intriguing, and suspenseful romantic read!
I found the main characters, Sakura and Jin interesting, however, I didn’t find them relatable or easy to connect with. Usually, the books I read, I identify with a character or I find a character that reminds me of a close friend or family member. Neither was the case with this book.
I liked that Sakura was strong, fierce, intelligent, sassy, and confident. However, she was also very cold, rude, distant, and stuck up. She presented herself in a manner that she was better than and more important than those around here. This came off extremely harsh and frigid. She preferred to be alone and kept herself isolated. Later down the road we learn that this is all a shell; that she is protecting herself from being vulnerable and getting hurt.
I must admit, the best part of the book was her character’s journey of self-discovery. Sakura is finding herself in this book and her transformation, learnings, and understandings were exponential! I really enjoyed watching her grow - especially since I was so turned off by her at the beginning of the book! But, watching her story unfold, her finally start to open up to possibilities and actually letting people in and get close to her – it showed strong character development!
I wasn’t fond of Jin either at the beginning as he was such a player and his ego barely fit through the door! I liked that he knew and understood all these girls fawning over him were just after him for his money and status. And I liked that he wanted a girl that wanted him for him and that she would be someone with virtue, character, and intellect. Sakura was just that! Sakura challenged Jin! However, Jin was pleased to have found someone who wasn’t groveling at his feet – he didn’t understand why she wasn’t and he seemed to be getting annoyed that she wasn’t falling for all his lines and tricks. Sorry, but that part was really dumb!!! Jin finally finds what he’s been looking for and he has to complain that Sakura is making him work for it – which is what he wanted??!! LOL!!! Typical guys!!!
Anywho, after so many pages of that, he also does some growing up throughout the book and has some redeeming moments. I really liked how supportive he was for Sakura and how he was there for her during some difficult scenes.
I really liked the story line concept and found it intriguing! The author has fascinating ideas about the Yakuza’s, Japanese crime dynasties, and the elite heirs and their lifestyle!
The story line worked and there were definitely quite a few plot points to keep the story going – especially since it’s on the longer end of 328 pages. However, this book felt a bit over-complicated and confusing at times as there was just so much going on in the story. There were several passages I had to re-read to figure out what was happening and get back into the story.
I love the in-depth amount of research the author did while constructing this book. It was clear she was very familiar and well-versed on Japanese culture, customs, and traditions. The author provided so much detail and such vivid descriptions it made the scenes easy to picture.
There are some predictable scenes. However, there are also some unexpected twists and turns and misdirection’s that you won’t see coming!
This book is book one in the Hanami Book Series. This book can be read as a standalone.
Unfortunately, I felt the ending was a bit unfinished as there were still a few unanswered questions that I’m hoping book two will tie up some loose ends!
Also, please note there are some very detailed, graphic, violent scenes that may not be appropriate for all readers.
All in all, there were just a few hang-ups for me, but overall, I still enjoyed reading this book and would still recommend it. There is an intriguing story line and great characters that do make this book an interesting romance, new adult, romantic suspense, and contemporary read! So, add it to your TBR List and get to reading – you won’t be disappointed!
**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book and have voluntarily provided an honest, and unbiased review in accordance with FTC regulations.**
July 10, 2019
The first thing that drew me into checking out what this book was about was the title, Hanami. I knew that it was the Japanese word for flower viewing, the Cherry Blossoms or Sakura, in particular. Then I read the synopsis and the mix of the Japanese Yakuza and a private school for the world's elite had me very curious. And I wasn't disappointed in the least. In fact, I was so hooked that I stayed up one night until 5:30 in the morning.
The setting of Hanami was very interesting. It was a clash of East and West. The school had a distinctly Western feel to it. It didn't seem to have the same structure and order that Japanese schools have. Plus, it seemed like there weren't any Japanese teachers. They all had Western names. Then you leave the school and enter the streets of Japan. From the vast train systems to the historical streets of Kyoto. I would be so lost if I tried to navigate through these cities, and our two main characters do just that. Must be the whole sheltered heirs thing. The Kendo was a fun addition too.
Sakura was a very interesting character. Her parents were murdered when she was a child, then she was taken in by her grandfather, who is the Oyabun or Boss, of the Shintani Yakuza Clan. She becomes the heir and future leader of the clan, but she's still haunted by her parents murder. Sakura is very complex. She's confident and ruthless as the heir to the Shintani Dragon Clan, but when it comes to just being herself separate from the clan, she's distant and closed off. She can't stand a bully and often helps, reluctantly, the weak escape their tormentors. She's highly intelligent and very talented in various things. She goes from someone who wants nothing to do with anyone outside her family to having friends and even falling in love. Showing that she's not as cold and distant as she thinks she is or wants to be. Some people just make their way in and don't leave.
When it comes to Jin, I had some mixed feelings. Jin is the heir to the Kiyohara fortune. He's the most sought after bachelor within the Heirs. There's always women and influential people fawning over him because of his position. So that can inflate one's ego. When Sakura has the complete opposite reaction to him and even has no idea who he is, he's captivated. I liked that Jin wasn't interested in a shallow relationship and was annoyed by the women's obvious ulterior motives in gaining his attention. What kind of annoyed me about him was that even though he liked that Sakura wasn't throwing herself at him, he couldn't understand why she wasn't and why his advances weren't working. He wanted someone who wouldn't do those things, so why is he ultimately wanting her to when his advances don't work? A little work isn't going to hurt ya!
Then there's the fact that these two are so completely clueless about their own feelings that it's ridiculous! It seemed like it took them longer than necessary to realize what they were feeling. Although, I guess there are people that oblivious in this world.
I don't want to give too much away so it's time for closing comments. The mystery of Sakura's parent's murder, the introduction of a love rival, abductions, Yakuza dealings, and the revealing of what it means to have Dragon Blood, make this romance a very exciting one. I'm so excited for the sequel, I can hardly wait!
The setting of Hanami was very interesting. It was a clash of East and West. The school had a distinctly Western feel to it. It didn't seem to have the same structure and order that Japanese schools have. Plus, it seemed like there weren't any Japanese teachers. They all had Western names. Then you leave the school and enter the streets of Japan. From the vast train systems to the historical streets of Kyoto. I would be so lost if I tried to navigate through these cities, and our two main characters do just that. Must be the whole sheltered heirs thing. The Kendo was a fun addition too.
Sakura was a very interesting character. Her parents were murdered when she was a child, then she was taken in by her grandfather, who is the Oyabun or Boss, of the Shintani Yakuza Clan. She becomes the heir and future leader of the clan, but she's still haunted by her parents murder. Sakura is very complex. She's confident and ruthless as the heir to the Shintani Dragon Clan, but when it comes to just being herself separate from the clan, she's distant and closed off. She can't stand a bully and often helps, reluctantly, the weak escape their tormentors. She's highly intelligent and very talented in various things. She goes from someone who wants nothing to do with anyone outside her family to having friends and even falling in love. Showing that she's not as cold and distant as she thinks she is or wants to be. Some people just make their way in and don't leave.
When it comes to Jin, I had some mixed feelings. Jin is the heir to the Kiyohara fortune. He's the most sought after bachelor within the Heirs. There's always women and influential people fawning over him because of his position. So that can inflate one's ego. When Sakura has the complete opposite reaction to him and even has no idea who he is, he's captivated. I liked that Jin wasn't interested in a shallow relationship and was annoyed by the women's obvious ulterior motives in gaining his attention. What kind of annoyed me about him was that even though he liked that Sakura wasn't throwing herself at him, he couldn't understand why she wasn't and why his advances weren't working. He wanted someone who wouldn't do those things, so why is he ultimately wanting her to when his advances don't work? A little work isn't going to hurt ya!
Then there's the fact that these two are so completely clueless about their own feelings that it's ridiculous! It seemed like it took them longer than necessary to realize what they were feeling. Although, I guess there are people that oblivious in this world.
I don't want to give too much away so it's time for closing comments. The mystery of Sakura's parent's murder, the introduction of a love rival, abductions, Yakuza dealings, and the revealing of what it means to have Dragon Blood, make this romance a very exciting one. I'm so excited for the sequel, I can hardly wait!
April 2, 2018
This was interesting. It took me awhile to warm up to Sakura I think because she was very distant-distant to people and herself when the story began. Her past was very tragic and she was now to be the next Shintani leader. A clan that inspires fear in others due to how they used to be. Her grandfather you can tell is trying to change that. He is sending her off to school so she can learn to socialize and gain allies. Sakura doesn’t go into this very happy and you can tell. She is very angry and aloof towards everyone she sees.
Jin is the one all the girls want. Why? His business and money. He is one that doesn’t want a rich girl but someone that isn’t vapid. He wants someone who thinks and makes him work for her attention. Someone of substance. So when Sakura comes in and treats him like he is nothing it intrigues him. And he can’t stop. It makes him a lovesick fool at times. So entertaining. The more Sakura keeps people at a distance the more they are intrigued by her and like her. Even Yuna who she protects she tries to keep away and Yuna keeps coming around being the sweet girl she is.
Over time Jin and Sakura do spend time together and we see her like him but still keep him and anyone at a distance due to who she is. Only Jin doesn’t stay away. And it does put him in danger. Even when he learns the truth and Sakura has another suitor Jin doesn’t stop pursuing her.
The truth behind Sakura’s parents death was shocking and I hated to see her in that kind of pain from such a reason. Watching Jin with her at the hospital was so sweet. He was what she needed.
The story is of Sakura and her learning that friendships and someone to love and confide in aren’t a bad thing. They help balance her world and ground her. It is a journey of her discovering who she is and who she wants to be. It is of Jin finding someone who challenges him and who he can love because they like him for him and not who he is. The story is fascinating and well paced. The characters and their situations are captivating although the violent scenes were pretty detailed it allows you to get a context of Sakura’s world and her sometimes desire for revenge. It isn’t a book for the faint of heart. You see a girl transform and realize that she fears letting someone in. She learns that being an island is lonely and that she needs to give others a chance and let them in. Her story is captivating and intriguing and her relationship with Jin is entertaining. A great story of learning to let people in and create friendships and finding someone who makes you feel safe and taking a chance on love.
Jin is the one all the girls want. Why? His business and money. He is one that doesn’t want a rich girl but someone that isn’t vapid. He wants someone who thinks and makes him work for her attention. Someone of substance. So when Sakura comes in and treats him like he is nothing it intrigues him. And he can’t stop. It makes him a lovesick fool at times. So entertaining. The more Sakura keeps people at a distance the more they are intrigued by her and like her. Even Yuna who she protects she tries to keep away and Yuna keeps coming around being the sweet girl she is.
Over time Jin and Sakura do spend time together and we see her like him but still keep him and anyone at a distance due to who she is. Only Jin doesn’t stay away. And it does put him in danger. Even when he learns the truth and Sakura has another suitor Jin doesn’t stop pursuing her.
The truth behind Sakura’s parents death was shocking and I hated to see her in that kind of pain from such a reason. Watching Jin with her at the hospital was so sweet. He was what she needed.
The story is of Sakura and her learning that friendships and someone to love and confide in aren’t a bad thing. They help balance her world and ground her. It is a journey of her discovering who she is and who she wants to be. It is of Jin finding someone who challenges him and who he can love because they like him for him and not who he is. The story is fascinating and well paced. The characters and their situations are captivating although the violent scenes were pretty detailed it allows you to get a context of Sakura’s world and her sometimes desire for revenge. It isn’t a book for the faint of heart. You see a girl transform and realize that she fears letting someone in. She learns that being an island is lonely and that she needs to give others a chance and let them in. Her story is captivating and intriguing and her relationship with Jin is entertaining. A great story of learning to let people in and create friendships and finding someone who makes you feel safe and taking a chance on love.
October 29, 2019
If your favoured reading material is a compelling tale with a good sprinkling of romance, love, humour, action, determination, positive attitude, imperfection, bitchiness, evil and relationships then Hanami by V. C. Buckley is a must-read for you as you will adore this book!
Right from the get-go there was so much happening in this wonderful tale of love and romance! I was totally taken with the two protagonists Sakura and Jin in this breath-taking and action-packed story. I loved stunning mafia princess Sakura for her amazing zest for life, her strength of character and her incredible poise, even in the face of extreme adversity. For his part, twenty-year-old Jin was incredibly sweet, terribly good-natured and a real romanticist.
Author, V. C. Buckley had really worked wonders with all of the characters in this fabulous story and I was very fond of most of them: Sakura’s Granddad, Mr Shintani; Nobu, one of Sakura’s personal guards; Jin’s friends,Vaughn and Jason; the downtrodden Scot and classmate, Yuna Lerwick; even the brilliantly named and nattily dressed teacher, Mrs Selfridge, to name only a few.
Even the less personable ones - particularly bitchy classmate Miyu and Sakura’s evil Uncle Ryuu - still had very good parts to play and did not dampen my enthusiasm for this fascinating tale.
Aside from the brilliant cast of characters, another selling point of Hanami was the awesome plot. It moved along at a really wicked pace and I loved the author’s general writing-style. There was no room for repetitiveness or boredom here!
The story was, for the post part, highly entertaining with plenty of humour and comedic moments. There were however, some serious issues as well, such as coping with with absent parents, dealing with awkward relationships and coping with class, race and wealth differences. There were some intensely violent scenes to contend with, too. I was completely drawn into this novel right from the start, relishing all of the absolutely priceless scenes and also the more shocking ones.
I was rooting all the way through, not just for Sakura herself, but for most of the other delightful characters also and V. C. Buckley rounded things off very masterfully which I fully appreciated. It was very hard to say goodbye to them and I found myself wishing many of them well for the future.
I recommend Hanami without a flicker of hesitation, so don’t miss out!
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Goddess Fish Promotions at my own request. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
Right from the get-go there was so much happening in this wonderful tale of love and romance! I was totally taken with the two protagonists Sakura and Jin in this breath-taking and action-packed story. I loved stunning mafia princess Sakura for her amazing zest for life, her strength of character and her incredible poise, even in the face of extreme adversity. For his part, twenty-year-old Jin was incredibly sweet, terribly good-natured and a real romanticist.
Author, V. C. Buckley had really worked wonders with all of the characters in this fabulous story and I was very fond of most of them: Sakura’s Granddad, Mr Shintani; Nobu, one of Sakura’s personal guards; Jin’s friends,Vaughn and Jason; the downtrodden Scot and classmate, Yuna Lerwick; even the brilliantly named and nattily dressed teacher, Mrs Selfridge, to name only a few.
Even the less personable ones - particularly bitchy classmate Miyu and Sakura’s evil Uncle Ryuu - still had very good parts to play and did not dampen my enthusiasm for this fascinating tale.
Aside from the brilliant cast of characters, another selling point of Hanami was the awesome plot. It moved along at a really wicked pace and I loved the author’s general writing-style. There was no room for repetitiveness or boredom here!
The story was, for the post part, highly entertaining with plenty of humour and comedic moments. There were however, some serious issues as well, such as coping with with absent parents, dealing with awkward relationships and coping with class, race and wealth differences. There were some intensely violent scenes to contend with, too. I was completely drawn into this novel right from the start, relishing all of the absolutely priceless scenes and also the more shocking ones.
I was rooting all the way through, not just for Sakura herself, but for most of the other delightful characters also and V. C. Buckley rounded things off very masterfully which I fully appreciated. It was very hard to say goodbye to them and I found myself wishing many of them well for the future.
I recommend Hanami without a flicker of hesitation, so don’t miss out!
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Goddess Fish Promotions at my own request. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
October 15, 2019
This was an interesting read but I must admit I had trouble getting into the story at first. Part of the reason for my feeling may be because I was uncomfortable about the character Sakura. It seemed she was so cold, so distant from others, as if she felt she was a step above others or at least that’s how she came across to me. Then we have Jin who thinks every girl should be falling at his feet. These are both characters that in real life I detest so I didn’t know how I felt about the story. Except for what almost seems like a bit of fantasy, this romance struck me as if it were of Victorian times when fathers and royal families wanted only specific and fitting mates for their children. While, of course, Sakura’s parents were gone, it still seemed she was of this breeding. The idea of making matches is not unusual in any culture. I think as I said, I just got started off on the wrong foot because of the characters. I might add that any type of writing that can cause you to feel aversion or any other strong emotion can also be described as strong writing. I did enjoy the Japanese setting woven into what was really a love story. It made it have a different flavor and made for good reading.
September 10, 2019
A RE-READ.
Just a short review...
I want to re-read Hanami before reading Hazakura. I actually first read this through a friend of a friend I think last year? I finally found a copy two months ago at NBS LCT. But anywayyy...
Reading this for the second time made me love this book even more. I love Sakura and Jin. I loved that she was powerful and strong. I loved her personality. It was also adorable how her toughness could be broken by Jin.
Jin. I was actually annoyed at him at first, because it seemed like he was a narcissist. Maybe because he was too confident? But as the story goes, he was really a great guy. (and cute!)
This book has everything in it. Love, Family, Friends... The Sports (before, I had no idea how Kendo works. So this was great.) I love how the story also evolved on Sakura being the heir to a clan, Jin being the heir to a big family business. Not your typical love story.
I don't want to spoil major plot points sooo just read it 😉
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Thank you so much to VC Buckley 😊❤
Just a short review...
I want to re-read Hanami before reading Hazakura. I actually first read this through a friend of a friend I think last year? I finally found a copy two months ago at NBS LCT. But anywayyy...
Reading this for the second time made me love this book even more. I love Sakura and Jin. I loved that she was powerful and strong. I loved her personality. It was also adorable how her toughness could be broken by Jin.
Jin. I was actually annoyed at him at first, because it seemed like he was a narcissist. Maybe because he was too confident? But as the story goes, he was really a great guy. (and cute!)
This book has everything in it. Love, Family, Friends... The Sports (before, I had no idea how Kendo works. So this was great.) I love how the story also evolved on Sakura being the heir to a clan, Jin being the heir to a big family business. Not your typical love story.
I don't want to spoil major plot points sooo just read it 😉
------
Thank you so much to VC Buckley 😊❤
November 4, 2019
High school with the rich, famous, and dangerous. Sakura was such a strong, smart, and independent young woman. Her past and family made her a bit on the cold side though she did help others. Jin was arrogant and self absorbed, but his attraction to Sakura had him learning about himself. Danger surrounded both of them, and they survived quite a lot together. This was an interesting read.
I received a copy of this story through Goddess Fish Promotions, and this is my unsolicited review.
I received a copy of this story through Goddess Fish Promotions, and this is my unsolicited review.
November 21, 2019
An incredible book that makes you revisit all of the greatest parts of Japan, from the colourful cherry blossoms to the warm ramen bowls. A must read for everyone - not to mention the the most gracious women wrote this book 🙌
August 26, 2018
I was really surprised by how I liked the story and the characters! Will definitely read the next installment in the series!
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