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The Yakuza Path #5
Flowers of Flesh and Blood
A killer. A traitor. A deadly war that could take their love and their lives…
Ruling the Kyoto yakuza makes Nao Murata a perpetual target, especially with the Koreans encroaching into their territory. An attempt on his life at his mafia headquarters crosses a line. Setting up his beloved ally Aki as the would-be assassin crosses another. Nao knows the only way to save his friend’s life is to sever their growing bond and force Aki to fake his own death…
But Aki Hisona refuses to stay dead. Determined to expose Nao's would-be killer and save the man he loves, Aki goes deep undercover in the Korean underworld. But when he's asked to prove his loyalty, he risks becoming caught in a web of his own lies…
With Aki gone and the Kyoto mafia in grave danger, Nao fears his trust in others could be fatal.
Will Nao and Aki find the assassin in time, or will Nao's rule end in bloody chaos?
The Yakuza Path: Flowers of Flesh and Blood is the powerful fifth installment of The Yakuza Paththriller series. If you like gritty Japanese crime, richly-nuanced characters, and slow-burning gay romance, then you’ll love Amy Tasukada’s high-octane novel.
Buy Flowers of Flesh and Blood to slice into the Japanese underworld today!
Ruling the Kyoto yakuza makes Nao Murata a perpetual target, especially with the Koreans encroaching into their territory. An attempt on his life at his mafia headquarters crosses a line. Setting up his beloved ally Aki as the would-be assassin crosses another. Nao knows the only way to save his friend’s life is to sever their growing bond and force Aki to fake his own death…
But Aki Hisona refuses to stay dead. Determined to expose Nao's would-be killer and save the man he loves, Aki goes deep undercover in the Korean underworld. But when he's asked to prove his loyalty, he risks becoming caught in a web of his own lies…
With Aki gone and the Kyoto mafia in grave danger, Nao fears his trust in others could be fatal.
Will Nao and Aki find the assassin in time, or will Nao's rule end in bloody chaos?
The Yakuza Path: Flowers of Flesh and Blood is the powerful fifth installment of The Yakuza Paththriller series. If you like gritty Japanese crime, richly-nuanced characters, and slow-burning gay romance, then you’ll love Amy Tasukada’s high-octane novel.
Buy Flowers of Flesh and Blood to slice into the Japanese underworld today!
- GenresRomanceM M Romance
333 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 28, 2020
7 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
Amy Tasukada
17 books82 followersInternational best-selling author Amy Tasukada writes thrilling times of crime, love, and gore. Readers who crave diverse characters, unique settings, and edge-of-your-seat action will devour her Yakuza Path series. Readers who seek less blood and more love will swoon over the Yakuza Path Romance and Would it Be Okay to Love You? Series. Amy is an atheist, queer author who enjoys drinking tea, Japanese street fashion and visual kei music. Her calico cat, O’Hara, is never far from her side. Amy lives in North Texas, but is always planning her next trip to Japan. Amy is also sought-after speaker for her lectures on author newsletters, writing LGBT+ characters, and cultural proficiency, diversity, and inclusion.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
October 24, 2021
*I received this novel for free in exchange for an honest review*
When Aki is framed for an attempt on Nao’s life, he suddenly finds himself exiled from his home and the man he loves. Determined to find a way back, he reluctantly joins the Blood Magnolias in the hopes of discovering the real traitor in Nao’s midst. Yet to do this will take Aki to some darker places, perhaps a lot darker than he was prepared for.
Flowers of Flesh and Blood is the fifth instalment of The Yakuza Path series. It starts off fast-paced and is a thrill-ride of action and emotion from the beginning. Aki’s sudden departure from the family and Nao’s life is swift and gut-wrenching. Left alone Nao struggles even more with his inner demons and responsibilities as Godfather. For Aki, the loss is just as profound. He has nowhere to go, and it is his love for Nao that keeps him focused throughout the novel. His character just keeps going from strength to strength whilst retaining the qualities that make him who is he is.
The action and violence is as unflinchingly written as it is throughout the series. The gritty realism contrasts against the more tender moments between characters, and this serves to create a deeper connection between them somehow.
The series keeps getting better and better, and I am excited to see where the next book takes Nao, Aki and their love.
When Aki is framed for an attempt on Nao’s life, he suddenly finds himself exiled from his home and the man he loves. Determined to find a way back, he reluctantly joins the Blood Magnolias in the hopes of discovering the real traitor in Nao’s midst. Yet to do this will take Aki to some darker places, perhaps a lot darker than he was prepared for.
Flowers of Flesh and Blood is the fifth instalment of The Yakuza Path series. It starts off fast-paced and is a thrill-ride of action and emotion from the beginning. Aki’s sudden departure from the family and Nao’s life is swift and gut-wrenching. Left alone Nao struggles even more with his inner demons and responsibilities as Godfather. For Aki, the loss is just as profound. He has nowhere to go, and it is his love for Nao that keeps him focused throughout the novel. His character just keeps going from strength to strength whilst retaining the qualities that make him who is he is.
The action and violence is as unflinchingly written as it is throughout the series. The gritty realism contrasts against the more tender moments between characters, and this serves to create a deeper connection between them somehow.
The series keeps getting better and better, and I am excited to see where the next book takes Nao, Aki and their love.
October 26, 2021
This is a wonderfully dark crime story with a lot of twists and turns. Although there is a relationship at the centre of it, it’s not a romance. The characters are complex and flawed, and have to hide any weaknesses, which includes their feelings for each other. I became immersed in the authentic setting and culture as soon as I started reading. The author doesn’t shy away from describing the brutality of this world, the threats feel very real, as do the consequences of crossing their enemies. Nothing comes without cost.
June 26, 2020
If you have not kept up with this series or have not read it, then number one, you need to start from the beginning. Number two, be warned, this is not for the light hearted. This is a story about the yakuza, which is basically Asian mafia. Or like the Russian mob. It’s bloody, it’s gory, and full of betrayals and harsh ways of life. I’m loving this series, though. I have since book 1. However, I think this book was the worst one for me. It was so hard to read. My heart broke so bad in this one. But in the end it was worth it. It’s just the in-between that’s killer.
Aki was doing his normal duty making tea for Nao. But this day was more special because it’s almost like a Valentine’s day here. And Aki found something special for Nao to show his love. Within minutes though, Nao was on the floor, appearing quite dead. Thankfully, others had gotten him to the hospital in time, but Aki was now branded a traitor because of his dual heritage and everyone thought him siding with the Koreans to kill Nao. But he didn’t. And thanks to the real traitor, he’s now been outed out of any yakuza and sent to die. Only Nao’s caring for him kept him alive, but shunned. He has an idea on what to do to maybe get back in Nao’s good graces, but will he stay alive long enough to do so. Because the games in this war have just been upped and Nao has no idea who to really trust. And with the love of his life gone, will his grief keep his head out of the game and finally take him out or can he make it out alive himself?
I was so hoping in this book that Nao and Aki could finally get it together but darn it if something else doesn’t come along and mess everything up. I broke for Aki. I bawled like a baby at what was done to him. And how anyone could believe he would be the traitor. He wouldn’t hurt Nao for anything. But because of his dual heritage, everyone jumped the gun. And it killed me. And Nao himself, not standing up and doing what should have been done to begin with, hurt even more. Yes, he ended up doing the right thing. And yes, he finally pulled his head out of his butt and realized what was really going on, but it came at a cost. A huge one. And one that almost cost everyone everything. I can’t even begin to express enough how hard this one was for me. I have been in love with Aki from the beginning and to see the horror of what he was having to endure and what he was trying to do to make things right. Especially when it shouldn’t have been his responsibility to do so anyway.
I still love this series. And can’t wait for the next one. But if it’s like this one and breaks my heart this bad, I might be a little more upset lol. Whooo. I can’t take another one like this one, I don’t think. Well, actually I could, but it would hurt. I’m glad it turned out the way it did, but it’s a hard one to get through. If you’ve read this series and love it like I do, you will need tissues in this one. But it’s worth it.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/
Aki was doing his normal duty making tea for Nao. But this day was more special because it’s almost like a Valentine’s day here. And Aki found something special for Nao to show his love. Within minutes though, Nao was on the floor, appearing quite dead. Thankfully, others had gotten him to the hospital in time, but Aki was now branded a traitor because of his dual heritage and everyone thought him siding with the Koreans to kill Nao. But he didn’t. And thanks to the real traitor, he’s now been outed out of any yakuza and sent to die. Only Nao’s caring for him kept him alive, but shunned. He has an idea on what to do to maybe get back in Nao’s good graces, but will he stay alive long enough to do so. Because the games in this war have just been upped and Nao has no idea who to really trust. And with the love of his life gone, will his grief keep his head out of the game and finally take him out or can he make it out alive himself?
I was so hoping in this book that Nao and Aki could finally get it together but darn it if something else doesn’t come along and mess everything up. I broke for Aki. I bawled like a baby at what was done to him. And how anyone could believe he would be the traitor. He wouldn’t hurt Nao for anything. But because of his dual heritage, everyone jumped the gun. And it killed me. And Nao himself, not standing up and doing what should have been done to begin with, hurt even more. Yes, he ended up doing the right thing. And yes, he finally pulled his head out of his butt and realized what was really going on, but it came at a cost. A huge one. And one that almost cost everyone everything. I can’t even begin to express enough how hard this one was for me. I have been in love with Aki from the beginning and to see the horror of what he was having to endure and what he was trying to do to make things right. Especially when it shouldn’t have been his responsibility to do so anyway.
I still love this series. And can’t wait for the next one. But if it’s like this one and breaks my heart this bad, I might be a little more upset lol. Whooo. I can’t take another one like this one, I don’t think. Well, actually I could, but it would hurt. I’m glad it turned out the way it did, but it’s a hard one to get through. If you’ve read this series and love it like I do, you will need tissues in this one. But it’s worth it.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/
May 28, 2020
For readers who are not familiar with “The Yakuza Path” series, I’ll give fair warning, this is about the Japanese mafia and the Korean underground at war and there is intense violence. For me, I appreciate the way Amy Tasukada writes her scenes, for without the seriousness of the violence the full force of what develops between the two rivals and their fight for territory could not be told properly.
Nao Murata is the interim Godfather to the Matsukawa syndicate. After his past as an expert yakuza and the loss of lovers he changed his way of life. He was content as a tea shop owner and doubts himself in the role of Godfather. His loss of two lovers has left him feeling undeserving for another. His love of the tradition of Kyoto is the main reason he reluctantly agreed to be Godfather.
Aki Hisona is part Korean and escaped the tragedy that happened to his family. He joined the Matsukawa syndicate with hopes of being yakuza. His loyalty and keeping a secret for Nao worked in his favor and he became the assistant to Nao. He’s learned from Nao to become an expert tea maker and he’s very apt at origami. Along the way, he witnessed many things and lost his heart to Nao.
Amy Tasukada adds another fierce, powerful, spectacular, edgy and shocking thriller to “The Yakuza Path” series. It’s not without: love, lust and heart stopping emotional moments that blend in with the makeup of Japan’s culture and crime.
There is still a beautiful love story that surrounds the challenges, disrespect and traitors that Nao and Aki have to face. A traitor in their midst will drive Nao to do the unforgivable and Aki will be left making heartbreaking and dangerous decisions. As Nao and Aki work through dilemma’s the author takes us through feelings that both men have for each other that leads them both into dangerous territory.
I’m only mentioning a few secondary characters but there are many that bring something special to this novel. Haru a long time friend to Aki comes back and adds reminiscing and excitement to the novel. Brothers Hayato and Subaru who protect at all costs are quite interesting. There’s also the adorable Nobu who brings the humor. Then there are all the possible suspects, that fall in the category of traitor. And Taejin of the Korean underworld, is evil and vicious.
“The Yakuza Path” has come to be my number one series. The series consists of the following: “Blood Stained Tea”, “Better Than Suicide”, “One Thousand Cranes" and “The Deafening Silence”. I recommend this series highly and be read in order to get the full understanding of the Japanese culture, syndicates and Nao Murata’s and Aki Hisonas roles in this outstanding series. It took over a year for “Flowers of Flesh and Blood” but it was worth the wait! I’m excited for the next installment “Wrapped in Screams” and hope it comes out soon.
Nao Murata is the interim Godfather to the Matsukawa syndicate. After his past as an expert yakuza and the loss of lovers he changed his way of life. He was content as a tea shop owner and doubts himself in the role of Godfather. His loss of two lovers has left him feeling undeserving for another. His love of the tradition of Kyoto is the main reason he reluctantly agreed to be Godfather.
Aki Hisona is part Korean and escaped the tragedy that happened to his family. He joined the Matsukawa syndicate with hopes of being yakuza. His loyalty and keeping a secret for Nao worked in his favor and he became the assistant to Nao. He’s learned from Nao to become an expert tea maker and he’s very apt at origami. Along the way, he witnessed many things and lost his heart to Nao.
Amy Tasukada adds another fierce, powerful, spectacular, edgy and shocking thriller to “The Yakuza Path” series. It’s not without: love, lust and heart stopping emotional moments that blend in with the makeup of Japan’s culture and crime.
There is still a beautiful love story that surrounds the challenges, disrespect and traitors that Nao and Aki have to face. A traitor in their midst will drive Nao to do the unforgivable and Aki will be left making heartbreaking and dangerous decisions. As Nao and Aki work through dilemma’s the author takes us through feelings that both men have for each other that leads them both into dangerous territory.
I’m only mentioning a few secondary characters but there are many that bring something special to this novel. Haru a long time friend to Aki comes back and adds reminiscing and excitement to the novel. Brothers Hayato and Subaru who protect at all costs are quite interesting. There’s also the adorable Nobu who brings the humor. Then there are all the possible suspects, that fall in the category of traitor. And Taejin of the Korean underworld, is evil and vicious.
“The Yakuza Path” has come to be my number one series. The series consists of the following: “Blood Stained Tea”, “Better Than Suicide”, “One Thousand Cranes" and “The Deafening Silence”. I recommend this series highly and be read in order to get the full understanding of the Japanese culture, syndicates and Nao Murata’s and Aki Hisonas roles in this outstanding series. It took over a year for “Flowers of Flesh and Blood” but it was worth the wait! I’m excited for the next installment “Wrapped in Screams” and hope it comes out soon.
October 6, 2021
First things first, this is part of an ongoing series, so if you haven’t already, start at the beginning! At this point, five books in, I’m beyond invested in this story and the characters: Nao and Aki are complicated, flawed, compelling people and I want them to be happy (and together, but baby steps, and we’re not there yet). As always with this series, there’s a lot going on, and as this is a story about the Yakuza, a lot of it is violent, bloody, and steeped in danger, intrigue, and unexpected events and consequences. Fans of Aki (like me) may have a hard time with the things he has to go through in this novel— it’s a lot, and Nao misses some significant opportunities to make good choices where Aki’s concerned. It’s worth sticking it out until the end, but it’s not an easy read. I love, and hate (hate to love? Love to hate?) the author’s gift for creating characters so compelling that they’re impossible to look away from, especially when they have so much to go through.
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 28, 2020
Amazing as always! I’m a huge fan of Amy’s just because how her stories are exactly what I never knew I needed.
I’ve loved every step of this series and am absolutely looking forward to the next. The longing, violence and culture drenching every page makes me ache for Nao and Aki. Their hearts only want love and yet the divides seem greater and greater with every chapter. They have to move beyond their heritage, their homes, their status and their pasts to see each other for who they are. It’s exactly the type of love that echos in my heart when I read about it. That twang of sweet pain.
Not to mention the sheer amount of action with just the right touch of history and a sprinkle of bloodthirsty, this book is fabulous!
If you’re looking for a Yakuza MM Romance or even just a story with violence, romance and Japanese culture then you’re looking in the right direction!
I’m looking forward to what’s next!
I’ve loved every step of this series and am absolutely looking forward to the next. The longing, violence and culture drenching every page makes me ache for Nao and Aki. Their hearts only want love and yet the divides seem greater and greater with every chapter. They have to move beyond their heritage, their homes, their status and their pasts to see each other for who they are. It’s exactly the type of love that echos in my heart when I read about it. That twang of sweet pain.
Not to mention the sheer amount of action with just the right touch of history and a sprinkle of bloodthirsty, this book is fabulous!
If you’re looking for a Yakuza MM Romance or even just a story with violence, romance and Japanese culture then you’re looking in the right direction!
I’m looking forward to what’s next!
October 1, 2021
I probably say this about every new book in this series, but this one is my favorite entry. Here, after a nearly successful attempt on Nao's life, Nao and Aki are forced to concoct a plan that will protect Aki, Keep Nao alive long enough to find out who the traitor(s) are and bring them down. Unfortunately, Aki wants to find the traitor on his own and protect himself and Nao. That requires going undercover in the Korean mafia and he finds himself enmeshed in more plots that may result in exactly the outcome he was trying to avoid. I don't want to spoil any of the details of this one as it is full of twists and turns and we get more absorbing details about the nitty gritty of Nao's and the Koreans' operations. Just know this one is a definite do not miss and I'll be biting my nails until book six is out.
May 30, 2020
Kept me on the edge of my seat and drove me crazy in a good way. I can't wait for the next installment!
June 4, 2020
Recommended
Excellent read. I liked everything about it. Main Characters are frustrating yet intriguing. Secondary characters flesh out the story. Story line is entertaining.
Excellent read. I liked everything about it. Main Characters are frustrating yet intriguing. Secondary characters flesh out the story. Story line is entertaining.
January 16, 2021
WILD
This entire series was a wild ride that I hope continues! Adored it from start to finish ! ! !
This entire series was a wild ride that I hope continues! Adored it from start to finish ! ! !
October 24, 2025
the series is getting better, this one hooked me in
April 18, 2022
Okay, so this was a wild ride. Some light spoilers will follow, but nothing too big.
What I like about the author is that she doesn't fear inflicting whatever kind of pain to her characters, nor taking them out if somehow the plot asks for it. Which is actually extremely enjoyable, most authors in the M/M genre kinda avoid killing characters because obviously people wanna see the main characters together, or in general they get attached to the characters, even the secondary ones. So I really liked how until the very last few chapters there was nothing set in stone, rather, it was a little nerve-wracking at some point. And in general the plot was interesting and at the end it felt like it was complete enough for me to be satisfied with it.
But sadly I was not fully satisfied with the relationship between the two main characters.
I love Aki, and I loved seeing him change because of the events of this book. He got through some messed up shit but he came out so much stronger, without really changing the core of his beliefs and his love for Nao. But at the same time his relationship with Nao really did not change much, there was physically no time for them to interact. I guess I didn't exactly hate Nao's development, but at the same time it was kinda? like? not satisfying enough, .
And there were also a couple of things that made the book not the best:
Overall though I did enjoy the general plot. So now I guess I'll just wait for the next book to see how Aki and Nao's relationship develops!
What I like about the author is that she doesn't fear inflicting whatever kind of pain to her characters, nor taking them out if somehow the plot asks for it. Which is actually extremely enjoyable, most authors in the M/M genre kinda avoid killing characters because obviously people wanna see the main characters together, or in general they get attached to the characters, even the secondary ones. So I really liked how until the very last few chapters there was nothing set in stone, rather, it was a little nerve-wracking at some point. And in general the plot was interesting and at the end it felt like it was complete enough for me to be satisfied with it.
But sadly I was not fully satisfied with the relationship between the two main characters.
I love Aki, and I loved seeing him change because of the events of this book. He got through some messed up shit but he came out so much stronger, without really changing the core of his beliefs and his love for Nao. But at the same time his relationship with Nao really did not change much, there was physically no time for them to interact. I guess I didn't exactly hate Nao's development, but at the same time it was kinda? like? not satisfying enough, .
And there were also a couple of things that made the book not the best:
Overall though I did enjoy the general plot. So now I guess I'll just wait for the next book to see how Aki and Nao's relationship develops!
June 29, 2020
This one is the best in this riveting, explosive series. We’re talking edge of your seat page-turner with numerous gasp-out-loud moments. With Aki as an accused traitor to Nao, he has no other choice but to pull out all the stops to find the identity of the real traitor. But boy, is he put through the wringer because Aki will do anything for love. Does he find the real traitor before it is too late? Buy the book and buckle up!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews