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Kazuki & Evan #1
Saving the Super-man
*******ABANDONED SERIES*******
Kaz isn’t known for his friendly smile or his sparkling personality. He’s a man of little words and little stature. He’s perfect for customers who want food with no god-awful small talk and forced hospitality. Some might say he’s bad tempted, and he would tell them to piss off....under his breath...all he’s got is his job and he’s not going to lose it.
One customer irritates him above all others. The customer with the styled blond hair and sky blue eyes. The customer with the ridiculously stacked torso and the chiselled jaw. The customer who flies across the London skyline and make fires with his eyes. Customer, no matter the abilities he possesses, he’s a customer and should be treated as such. Kaz will not bow down to the hero’s mightier presence, he will treat him the same way he treats everyone else, in fact, he’ll treat him worse to make his point.
He is not beneath the hero, physically he is, he’s beneath most, but in spirit he can rival him. He’s been through the sting of rejection, accepted his dreams are unreachable. What he doesn’t need is the hero flaunting his superiority in front of him.
Yes, he’s handsome in a smug-ass way. Yes, he saves people with his team of enhanced beings. Yes, he acts like some eager puppy, but no, Kaz doesn’t like him and his reasons are his own...
Kaz isn’t known for his friendly smile or his sparkling personality. He’s a man of little words and little stature. He’s perfect for customers who want food with no god-awful small talk and forced hospitality. Some might say he’s bad tempted, and he would tell them to piss off....under his breath...all he’s got is his job and he’s not going to lose it.
One customer irritates him above all others. The customer with the styled blond hair and sky blue eyes. The customer with the ridiculously stacked torso and the chiselled jaw. The customer who flies across the London skyline and make fires with his eyes. Customer, no matter the abilities he possesses, he’s a customer and should be treated as such. Kaz will not bow down to the hero’s mightier presence, he will treat him the same way he treats everyone else, in fact, he’ll treat him worse to make his point.
He is not beneath the hero, physically he is, he’s beneath most, but in spirit he can rival him. He’s been through the sting of rejection, accepted his dreams are unreachable. What he doesn’t need is the hero flaunting his superiority in front of him.
Yes, he’s handsome in a smug-ass way. Yes, he saves people with his team of enhanced beings. Yes, he acts like some eager puppy, but no, Kaz doesn’t like him and his reasons are his own...
Unknown Binding
First published November 4, 2017
About the author
Louise Collins
45 books647 followersWriter of mm romance and erotica.
I write the stories I'd love to read, I hope you enjoy them too.
Lover of Romance but not without angst along the way.
Seduced by the dancing of a neanderthal and now a mother of two monsters.
Drinks tea with a passion, adores dogs, and their sea dwelling cousins.
Failed two chocolate eating challenges but will return for round three.
https://mailchi.mp/ad6955eed18f/louis...
♥
Facebook
I write the stories I'd love to read, I hope you enjoy them too.
Lover of Romance but not without angst along the way.
Seduced by the dancing of a neanderthal and now a mother of two monsters.
Drinks tea with a passion, adores dogs, and their sea dwelling cousins.
Failed two chocolate eating challenges but will return for round three.
https://mailchi.mp/ad6955eed18f/louis...
♥
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
December 13, 2018
There have been quite a few attempts at the regular-guy-in-a-superhero's-world trope in MM and most have been, at best disappointing. This one is the opposite. We get a MC who is clearly flawed but in the insecure ways that we all are, and a superhero who is clearly flawed but in a completely different way. I enjoyed that we were presented with an already established couple, so we didn't have to go through the courting dance or, god forbid the insta-love dance. This frees up the author to really focus on a plot rather than ham-handed romance; I wish more authors employed this. The 'cliffhanger' is predictable but narrative-appropriate, so I'm looking forward to the next one (there will be a next one, right?).
Three-four star book that gets five stars because the spectre of heterosexuality was blissfully absent in our hero's lives.
Three-four star book that gets five stars because the spectre of heterosexuality was blissfully absent in our hero's lives.
maybe
July 30, 2018Freebie at amazon.com right now: https://smile.amazon.com/Saving-Super...
Want to Read
November 9, 201911/9/19 Currently FREE via Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...
November 16, 2017
Kazuki works in a diner by day and dances in the empty diner at night to vent his anger and frustration at an unfair world. He had moved to America, hoping to realize his dream of becoming a professional ballet dancer...only to find that at 5’2,” he is too short.
Adding insult to injury, he is an unenhanced, average Joe in a world where enhanced heroes and villains battle like Marvel comic characters come to life. Kaz both envies and hates how these god-like people are worshipped for winning the genetic lottery.
When Super-man man (something about copyrights) starts visiting the diner, everyone is happy...except Kaz. Kaz just wants to strangle the hero’s arrogant neck.
A unique concept.
Adding insult to injury, he is an unenhanced, average Joe in a world where enhanced heroes and villains battle like Marvel comic characters come to life. Kaz both envies and hates how these god-like people are worshipped for winning the genetic lottery.
When Super-man man (something about copyrights) starts visiting the diner, everyone is happy...except Kaz. Kaz just wants to strangle the hero’s arrogant neck.
A unique concept.
November 10, 2019
3.5* I did wonder a bit if this has a fanfiction origin. The usual stereotypes come to play and there's no real suprises but the main characters are interesting enough and it was an enjoyable read. If you like superhero fics give it a go.
The animal metaphors and awkward flirting amused me. There were at times serious issues such as feeling unworthy and how the un-enhanced were regarded that weren't explored, but this book is part one so maybe that's to come. Sometimes wanted to shake Kaz for being so incurably miserable but he made a good contrast to hero Evan. Enigma though was a tad too much, overtaking the story to act as an unpleasant ring-master.
Noticed a few wrong/missed words and stray punctuation but overall not bad. But be warned the story isn't complete, not a cliffhanger as such but the main plot isn't resolved. In fact I'm relatively sure the important plot halted for date night.
This is part one of the story, which would have annoyed me had I not got this as a freebie. The sequel is shorter and a quick look at the reviews tells me also an incomplete tale. I'm NOT a fan of stories being split into several books. Was tempted to continue but going to put a pause on that and mark it a maybe.
I liked it, but would have liked it to be complete.
----
Also the cover; what's with that?
The animal metaphors and awkward flirting amused me. There were at times serious issues such as feeling unworthy and how the un-enhanced were regarded that weren't explored, but this book is part one so maybe that's to come. Sometimes wanted to shake Kaz for being so incurably miserable but he made a good contrast to hero Evan. Enigma though was a tad too much, overtaking the story to act as an unpleasant ring-master.
Noticed a few wrong/missed words and stray punctuation but overall not bad. But be warned the story isn't complete, not a cliffhanger as such but the main plot isn't resolved. In fact I'm relatively sure the important plot halted for date night.
This is part one of the story, which would have annoyed me had I not got this as a freebie. The sequel is shorter and a quick look at the reviews tells me also an incomplete tale. I'm NOT a fan of stories being split into several books. Was tempted to continue but going to put a pause on that and mark it a maybe.
I liked it, but would have liked it to be complete.
----
Also the cover; what's with that?
November 22, 2019
I just finished this and am moving onto book 2 but I have a few complaints. First and foremost I really liked this book, I absolutely hated Enigma at first but then grew to like him and the overall story was pretty good. But if you're a superhero fan it's easy to pick out how much stuff was stolen from original comics / superhero movies and tv shows. It kinda bothered me that the Hero was named Superman- man, and there's a secondary character named Eagle Eye. I get it it's probably not the easiest to come up with original names all the time but those were a little ridiculous. Another was the actual storyline. I won't say any spoilers but there's stuff in this book that is directly from The Dark Knight movie and The Boys comic/ series. I can only imagine there's more stuff I missed but those two really stuck out to me because they were super obvious to any superhero fan.
Overall I did enjoy it and will continue with the series to see if it becomes original.
Overall I did enjoy it and will continue with the series to see if it becomes original.
November 8, 2017
Kaz, short for Kazuki, is an aspiring ballet dancer, but as events have happened, he can't follow his passion, but instead, works at a Cafe in London. The Superman-man keeps showing up at the cafe. What are his motives, besides annoying Kaz? There is a cat and mouse attraction, but which is which? I had received an advance copy to read and review. This is a surreal story... but a good one. It ends knowing the story will be continued, with the HEA also not quite there...
November 15, 2017
Fun
Fun super heroes are human read. I really loved kazuki and hated enigma but all the mc's were interesting and funny.
Fun super heroes are human read. I really loved kazuki and hated enigma but all the mc's were interesting and funny.
January 13, 2020
Overall I liked this book. I think that there aren't that many superhero books for this genre so I'm more inclined to appreciate this one. Despite Kazuki's not incredibly nice temperament and general grumpiness, you can actually relate to him, or at the very least you feel sympathy for him. You understand his motivations and the reasons behind his actions, and despite them not being incredibly deep, it's enough. To be fair though, he could use some more backstory and developement. Evan... you understand who and what he's supposed to be. He's the nice guy, Mr. Goody-two-shoes, the superman, if you will; which to be fair is pretty much stated in his name sumerman-man. Not an incredibly creative name, but I guess it does the job. Unfortunately, he pretty much stays at that cliché level; there's not much to him beyond that. He could've been a better developed character, just sayin.
Also, there were a few loose ends, which are a bit bothersome. I guess this could've been so there was something to work with in the sequels, but I'm not sure about that. . Furthermore, I felt like the universe could've had more details and information concerning the enhanced, but maybe that's just me. And I really dom't like Enigma. Aside from that though I think it's a pretty decent book.
Also, there were a few loose ends, which are a bit bothersome. I guess this could've been so there was something to work with in the sequels, but I'm not sure about that. . Furthermore, I felt like the universe could've had more details and information concerning the enhanced, but maybe that's just me. And I really dom't like Enigma. Aside from that though I think it's a pretty decent book.
November 4, 2017
3.5
Kazuki is a talented Japanese ballet dancer trying to cope with his anger, frustration and overwhelming sense of failure. Sent to London at the age of 12 to train, at 25 Kazuki has hit a professional wall, but cannot bear to return home because he has been lying to his parents about his success. Feeling trapped and resentful, Kazuki’s growing dissatisfaction and ire find a direct target when superman-man, the world’s most famous enhanced human, begins coming into the diner were he works.
Superman-man (aka Evan) is so intrigued by Kazuki’s barely hidden hostility, dislike and refusal to treat Evan as special just because he is enhanced, an attitude so different from the fawning adoration he usually receives, that he comes to the shop almost every day for months in an attempt to learn more about Kazuki.
Without giving anything away, Kazuki’s increasing exposure and reaction to the heroes and their powers is interesting, and the story has decent pacing and character beats and lays the groundwork for Evan and Kazuki’s relationship. Moreover, the inclusion of Evan’s teammates and their interactions with Kazuki raises questions about the morality and invasiveness of how superpowers are used on humans, even by the heroes—questions that can definitely put a strain on the tenuous bond Kazuki and Evan form by the end of the book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Kazuki is a talented Japanese ballet dancer trying to cope with his anger, frustration and overwhelming sense of failure. Sent to London at the age of 12 to train, at 25 Kazuki has hit a professional wall, but cannot bear to return home because he has been lying to his parents about his success. Feeling trapped and resentful, Kazuki’s growing dissatisfaction and ire find a direct target when superman-man, the world’s most famous enhanced human, begins coming into the diner were he works.
Superman-man (aka Evan) is so intrigued by Kazuki’s barely hidden hostility, dislike and refusal to treat Evan as special just because he is enhanced, an attitude so different from the fawning adoration he usually receives, that he comes to the shop almost every day for months in an attempt to learn more about Kazuki.
Without giving anything away, Kazuki’s increasing exposure and reaction to the heroes and their powers is interesting, and the story has decent pacing and character beats and lays the groundwork for Evan and Kazuki’s relationship. Moreover, the inclusion of Evan’s teammates and their interactions with Kazuki raises questions about the morality and invasiveness of how superpowers are used on humans, even by the heroes—questions that can definitely put a strain on the tenuous bond Kazuki and Evan form by the end of the book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
November 3, 2017
Kazuki and Evan couldn't be more different. Evan is the strongest of the group of superheroes who fight against supervillains. He is friendly and smiles often. Kaz is an un-enhanced "civilian" and is surly and bitter, angry with the unfairness of his life. A talented dancer, he is constantly passed up for roles because he is too short to be a leading man. He has finally given up on his dreams.
The two together are an example of miscommunication. Thankfully, Enigma, a mind-reading hero, is around to provide sarcasm and truth bombs. Enigma is one of my favorite parts of this book, and he made me laugh more than once.
I found this book to be very interesting. I am curious to learn more about all the characters, and I will happily grab the next in the series when it becomes available. I want to see more of the layers of the characters, more evidence that no one is completely good or evil. I really enjoy this idea and can't wait to see it expounded upon.
I was provided an ARC of this book by the author.
The two together are an example of miscommunication. Thankfully, Enigma, a mind-reading hero, is around to provide sarcasm and truth bombs. Enigma is one of my favorite parts of this book, and he made me laugh more than once.
I found this book to be very interesting. I am curious to learn more about all the characters, and I will happily grab the next in the series when it becomes available. I want to see more of the layers of the characters, more evidence that no one is completely good or evil. I really enjoy this idea and can't wait to see it expounded upon.
I was provided an ARC of this book by the author.
December 3, 2017
This is the first book in The Kazuki & Evan Series. An intriguing book with good writing. The plot was entertaining and it was steady throughout the book. I found the story and characters likeable. The characters were well developed and thought out. Kaz and Evan are the MC’s of this book. There was humor, coffee shop, superheroes, villains, mind reading, ballet dancer, different truths, dislike, anger issues, superpowers and so much more in this book. This book ends with a HFN.
Here is a quote from the book, “Funny how they don’t release the death toll until weeks later…” Anna narrowed her eyes. “I know you enjoy being a cynic, but imagine how many more people would have died if they hadn’t been there…” Kaz snorted bitterly, knowing she was right, but not comfortable with the idea.”. There is more but you will need to read the book which I can highly recommend. I voluntarily read an advance copy of this book for an honest review.
Here is a quote from the book, “Funny how they don’t release the death toll until weeks later…” Anna narrowed her eyes. “I know you enjoy being a cynic, but imagine how many more people would have died if they hadn’t been there…” Kaz snorted bitterly, knowing she was right, but not comfortable with the idea.”. There is more but you will need to read the book which I can highly recommend. I voluntarily read an advance copy of this book for an honest review.
February 9, 2020
This turned out to be quite the awesome read. I giggled quite a bit when super hero Evan is introduced as Superman-man (copyright laws you know), and that he obviously wants to flirt with Kazuki, our "grumpy cat" ballet dancer/barista, and just is super miserable at it. Kaz is just a boy who has been beaten down by life. Too short to be considered a professional ballet dancer despite being awesome at it, too mundane to be considered boyfriend material by the superhero he's been crushing on since high school, too unambitious because his heart can't be swayed from ballet and really, nothing else matters. Throw in a smug mind reader with no boundaries or sense of propriety, a host of other heros that are "suspicious" at best, and a nemesis that's super easy to empathize with, and you got the makings of a super story. Loved this. Highly recommended.
January 9, 2025
If this was a proper book, I probably would have enjoyed it more. But it felt like a novella... the middle part of a novel. Kaz and Evan are already in a relationship... we do not get to enjoy how they met, how they started going out... We don't get to read how Bryant came into Kaz' life (Bryant is the "villain", who is also **eyerolling** in love with Kaz); we don't get to read how Kaz built a relationship with each hero, who are the friends of Evan.
So it was hard to get involved in the "romance". And the ending is totally pathetic: a case of "because I love you and I am strong and you are not, we need to break up for your safety" **eyerolling** Seriously, this made me less prone to like the leads...
And then the cliffhanger, with Kaz drinking the hero vial **side-eye**
So it was hard to get involved in the "romance". And the ending is totally pathetic: a case of "because I love you and I am strong and you are not, we need to break up for your safety" **eyerolling** Seriously, this made me less prone to like the leads...
And then the cliffhanger, with Kaz drinking the hero vial **side-eye**
May 9, 2022
I really don’t understand why authors thing it’s ok to have superheroes act like bullies. If you stop one second to consider the subtexts of this book, it’s harrowing. The heroes act like they are a superior race, they torture civilians, the act like royals, the expect absolute respect and look in contempt at normal people. Throughout the whole book they are nothing more than abusive rouges. It’s seriously disgusting to read a story with such abuses of power.
January 2, 2020
2.5 stars
This has some sloppy, sloppy editing and no real ending. I was surprised by how much I was enjoying it for a minute, but that fizzled out and I feel no need to carry on to book 2, even though it would be free on KU. I just wouldn't bother with this freebie unless you're desperate for some m/m superheroes.
This has some sloppy, sloppy editing and no real ending. I was surprised by how much I was enjoying it for a minute, but that fizzled out and I feel no need to carry on to book 2, even though it would be free on KU. I just wouldn't bother with this freebie unless you're desperate for some m/m superheroes.
March 4, 2020
An interesting read.
A great take on the superhero genre. Given a choice would we be the good guy or the bad guy? They each have faults, as you will find out.
A great take on the superhero genre. Given a choice would we be the good guy or the bad guy? They each have faults, as you will find out.
February 19, 2022
This was camp, I'm not sure about the ending tho I'm conflicted.
May 29, 2019
This gets 5 stars for incredibly well-executed cuteness, and strong Pride and Prejudice feels.
Evan, our Mr. Darcy, is a brave, cute, strong superhero who visits a coffeeshop every day--despite not liking coffee--just to awkwardly interact with grumpy Kaz, our Ms. Bennett so to speak. Evan inevitably says or does the wrong thing, and Kaz is determined to see the worst in him because of his own prejudices about Evan's superhero privilege. Meanwhile, while Evan and Kaz are always on the wrong page, Kaz develops easy connection with a shady character who is also Evan's nemesis, aka our Mr. Wickam.
It's adorable, come on!
Yes, it has a fanfic vibe (superheroes, coffeeshops) but only in the best possible way.
Evan, our Mr. Darcy, is a brave, cute, strong superhero who visits a coffeeshop every day--despite not liking coffee--just to awkwardly interact with grumpy Kaz, our Ms. Bennett so to speak. Evan inevitably says or does the wrong thing, and Kaz is determined to see the worst in him because of his own prejudices about Evan's superhero privilege. Meanwhile, while Evan and Kaz are always on the wrong page, Kaz develops easy connection with a shady character who is also Evan's nemesis, aka our Mr. Wickam.
It's adorable, come on!
Yes, it has a fanfic vibe (superheroes, coffeeshops) but only in the best possible way.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews