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Metal Monkey
Yukio
Opposites aren’t supposed to attract – not in my culture; but when Riyah shows up at Four Moons, the draw towards her is magnetic. My father told me a woman would come, but he couldn’t have meant her. He was talking about Megumi-Chan, the woman who’s been bred to be on my arm. She’s a Dragon and I’m a Tiger – it’s a match made in the stars.
But Riyah…
I can’t stay away from her, no matter how hard I try. She’s a Monkey, no good can come of it; but the strength of these feelings has me wondering if love is strong enough to overcome culture and tradition.
Riyah
I’ve been ruined by love. I’m off men and relationships. My best friend has convinced me that all I need to do is become the master of my emotions; so when I go to the Four Moons Mindfulness Retreat in Japan, Yukio’s enigmatic presence catches me completely off guard. He’s sensual and enigmatic.
He’s also double-minded and unstable.
I need to stay away from this man, if it’s the last thing I do. The only thing he’ll guarantee is heartache. Still, the attraction is unavoidable. His Tiger is on the loose, but this Monkey will escape its clutches, even if it means running away from my destiny.
Opposites aren’t supposed to attract – not in my culture; but when Riyah shows up at Four Moons, the draw towards her is magnetic. My father told me a woman would come, but he couldn’t have meant her. He was talking about Megumi-Chan, the woman who’s been bred to be on my arm. She’s a Dragon and I’m a Tiger – it’s a match made in the stars.
But Riyah…
I can’t stay away from her, no matter how hard I try. She’s a Monkey, no good can come of it; but the strength of these feelings has me wondering if love is strong enough to overcome culture and tradition.
Riyah
I’ve been ruined by love. I’m off men and relationships. My best friend has convinced me that all I need to do is become the master of my emotions; so when I go to the Four Moons Mindfulness Retreat in Japan, Yukio’s enigmatic presence catches me completely off guard. He’s sensual and enigmatic.
He’s also double-minded and unstable.
I need to stay away from this man, if it’s the last thing I do. The only thing he’ll guarantee is heartache. Still, the attraction is unavoidable. His Tiger is on the loose, but this Monkey will escape its clutches, even if it means running away from my destiny.
344 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2020
113 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
September 4, 2020
Chinese Zodiac
Monkey and Tiger, opposites. But they do say opposites attract. Yukio, business man and play boy is suddenly summoned back to Japan because his father died in a fire at his mindfulness retreat. Riyah, jilted at the altar, is coaxed to go to Japan with her best friend Nadia. When Yukio and Riyah meet, there's an explosion of the heart, lust, and atmosphere. Riyah has to get over her broken heart and suspicions, while Yukio has to learn to believe in himself. What a great read.
Monkey and Tiger, opposites. But they do say opposites attract. Yukio, business man and play boy is suddenly summoned back to Japan because his father died in a fire at his mindfulness retreat. Riyah, jilted at the altar, is coaxed to go to Japan with her best friend Nadia. When Yukio and Riyah meet, there's an explosion of the heart, lust, and atmosphere. Riyah has to get over her broken heart and suspicions, while Yukio has to learn to believe in himself. What a great read.
August 31, 2020
I enjoyed this story of fate and going against a strong belief system. The love they feel makes them take a chance on their love despite what the signs/stars/symbols say about their compatibility.
August 31, 2020
What a shame
The book could have been great but Riyah was just too draining. She was argumentative and never listened. I know she had been hurt but her flip flopping, 1 step forward 1 step back was just
exhausting. She was also ignorant and frankly that not an attractive trait. She didn’t understand the culture and instead of making an effort and open her mind she was rude, dismissive and frankly disrespectful. I know that her failed engagement was painful but her lack of empathy for his recent loss was just shameful. It’s easy to say sorry for your loss but being present and engaged is much more useful. Yukio was very determined and believed in destiny and to me that’s the only reason he kept coming back, because let’s be honest her attitude and constant running wasn’t attractive at all. It made it hard to stay engaged with the story. I would love to read about Nadia and Katsu next. They seemed more respectful of each other.
The book could have been great but Riyah was just too draining. She was argumentative and never listened. I know she had been hurt but her flip flopping, 1 step forward 1 step back was just
exhausting. She was also ignorant and frankly that not an attractive trait. She didn’t understand the culture and instead of making an effort and open her mind she was rude, dismissive and frankly disrespectful. I know that her failed engagement was painful but her lack of empathy for his recent loss was just shameful. It’s easy to say sorry for your loss but being present and engaged is much more useful. Yukio was very determined and believed in destiny and to me that’s the only reason he kept coming back, because let’s be honest her attitude and constant running wasn’t attractive at all. It made it hard to stay engaged with the story. I would love to read about Nadia and Katsu next. They seemed more respectful of each other.
September 13, 2020
4.3 Stars
Yes FINALLY some black and Asian people in love! Now, I was expecting shifters or fairies, because what's 'metal monkey'?!?! Hahahaha NOT HERE!
At least there are ghosts and spiritual quests... They totally count.
So, yes I love the (unfortunately) rare racial mix. There's also a mess of emotions, learning to get through grief and anxiety, insta-love, meditation, and tantric sex. Plenty of passion and humor and cultural exchange.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Yes FINALLY some black and Asian people in love! Now, I was expecting shifters or fairies, because what's 'metal monkey'?!?! Hahahaha NOT HERE!
At least there are ghosts and spiritual quests... They totally count.
So, yes I love the (unfortunately) rare racial mix. There's also a mess of emotions, learning to get through grief and anxiety, insta-love, meditation, and tantric sex. Plenty of passion and humor and cultural exchange.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 26, 2022
Good story about following your heart and not zodiac signs, astrology, or superstitions. Name mixups and editing errors were a distraction and the resolution happened too quickly but still a good read. 3.5 Stars.
September 22, 2020
Awesome Read
Yes, the book is 🔥. These two have an awesome chemistry and the expectations I had after reading the synopsis were met. The story has a great plot, excellent character interaction and the in AND out of the bedroom scenes are hot. I highly recommend you add this read to your library!!
Yes, the book is 🔥. These two have an awesome chemistry and the expectations I had after reading the synopsis were met. The story has a great plot, excellent character interaction and the in AND out of the bedroom scenes are hot. I highly recommend you add this read to your library!!
January 27, 2021
Completely missed the mark!
I liked that this featured an Asian Male and Black Female but the female character was just TOO MUCH for me. She took away any feels I had for this book by being ignorant of the Japanese culture and argumentative and dismissive. She filled the stereotype of an angry black female to a tee and I hated it.
I grew tired of her being angry over every little perceived slight and running away instead of trying to work things out. If she only wanted the D, she should have said so from the beginning because that seemed to be the only thing keeping her interested. She said she loved him but when things got real, she again got angry and ran away, instead of fighting for her man.
The ending was horribly rushed and complete trash. Yukio mentioned all that he went through and all she had to say for herself was "OMG, I'm so sorry". WHAT?! Are you Kidding me?! Yukio deserved a million times more than she gave and for there to be a BS internal dialogue about black women holding on to grudges made me want to puke. Yukio deserved a mature, well rounded woman and what he got was NOT IT.
Her friend Nadia, what little we saw of her in this book, was more interesting with Katsu, than Riyah, and I wanted to see more of them. I'm sure their story will be much different.
I liked that this featured an Asian Male and Black Female but the female character was just TOO MUCH for me. She took away any feels I had for this book by being ignorant of the Japanese culture and argumentative and dismissive. She filled the stereotype of an angry black female to a tee and I hated it.
I grew tired of her being angry over every little perceived slight and running away instead of trying to work things out. If she only wanted the D, she should have said so from the beginning because that seemed to be the only thing keeping her interested. She said she loved him but when things got real, she again got angry and ran away, instead of fighting for her man.
The ending was horribly rushed and complete trash. Yukio mentioned all that he went through and all she had to say for herself was "OMG, I'm so sorry". WHAT?! Are you Kidding me?! Yukio deserved a million times more than she gave and for there to be a BS internal dialogue about black women holding on to grudges made me want to puke. Yukio deserved a mature, well rounded woman and what he got was NOT IT.
Her friend Nadia, what little we saw of her in this book, was more interesting with Katsu, than Riyah, and I wanted to see more of them. I'm sure their story will be much different.
January 16, 2021
This was such a lighthearted and fun read. For the most part I enjoyed the characters. Except for those moments our little Metal Monkey started driving me crazy with her idiotic behaviour.
I hated how she question Tiger aka Yukio despite the fact that he made his choice (choosing her) OBVIOUS to Megumi. How are you going to say they need to talk when the man is hugging you in front of her and telling her to go away? She definitely drove me bloody bonkers.
They were a cute couple, but, the constant referral of ‘my tiger’ this and ‘her monkey’ that, started to become a bit much. Whenever I saw it, I started rolling my eyes. Not even to stop me from reading and loving this story though; but enough to make me dock a star. That and the last act. How are you going to run away without at least an explanation, Rhysia? The cutesy but predictable ending made up for it though.
Side note: what the bloody hell happened to Nadia the whole book? She just up and disappeared until the final chapter. Tsk. I would have loved to see more of the interaction between the friends and not have every waking moment consumed by Yukio. She had a friend! Don’t sideline her.
Loved it! And is anxiously awaiting the story of Nadia & Katsu!
I hated how she question Tiger aka Yukio despite the fact that he made his choice (choosing her) OBVIOUS to Megumi. How are you going to say they need to talk when the man is hugging you in front of her and telling her to go away? She definitely drove me bloody bonkers.
They were a cute couple, but, the constant referral of ‘my tiger’ this and ‘her monkey’ that, started to become a bit much. Whenever I saw it, I started rolling my eyes. Not even to stop me from reading and loving this story though; but enough to make me dock a star. That and the last act. How are you going to run away without at least an explanation, Rhysia? The cutesy but predictable ending made up for it though.
Side note: what the bloody hell happened to Nadia the whole book? She just up and disappeared until the final chapter. Tsk. I would have loved to see more of the interaction between the friends and not have every waking moment consumed by Yukio. She had a friend! Don’t sideline her.
Loved it! And is anxiously awaiting the story of Nadia & Katsu!
December 31, 2020
3.25 Stars. (BW/AM). Kindle e-book. Fortune telling and clairvoyance. Matsuda Yukio is a 36-year-old womanizing wealthy Japanese businessman who has spent years dodging the cultural expectations of his aging father. Riyah Thornton is a Black American woman who has recently been jilted at the alter by her cheating fiancé of many years. Riyah, the Metal Monkey and Yukio, the Tiger meet when each travels to Japan and stay at the Two Moons Resort. Riyah goes to Japan because Riyah's friend's fortuneteller coaches her to go in order to get out of her slump and to meet the man that is her future soulmate. Yukio returns home because his father is mysteriously killed in a fire as he is mediating. Yukio also has a vision where his father advises Yukio that his happiness is to be found with a woman who will visit the resort. The story is interesting and reveals a great deal about Japanese culture and practices, it is also predictable as it relates to Yukio's father's murderer and the female antagonist. The problem with the story is argumentative paranoid heroine and the lack of relationship development between Riyah and Yukio.
September 3, 2020
Metal Monkey
So when I first read the synopsis of the story not going to lie I thought this was a shifter book lol. Nonetheless it wasn't but I still really enjoyed the telling of Riyah and Yurkio story. The book starts at a place where both characters are at their lowest and are of need of a spiritual journey to enlightenment. Having read AWBW books before I would say I didn't feel like this story was a repeat of other books I've read in this category. I found the authors description of the Japanese culture to be very enthralling. I've felt like I could connect with both Riyah and Yurkio especially the lost of a parent and how that can leave you feeling lost. Although there was a little back and forth on Yurkio side I'd have to say once he made up his mind his fortitude to Riyah was clear and unwavering. This book is my third from this author and I have to say they keep getting better and better look forward to the sequel please don't have us waiting to long 😀.
So when I first read the synopsis of the story not going to lie I thought this was a shifter book lol. Nonetheless it wasn't but I still really enjoyed the telling of Riyah and Yurkio story. The book starts at a place where both characters are at their lowest and are of need of a spiritual journey to enlightenment. Having read AWBW books before I would say I didn't feel like this story was a repeat of other books I've read in this category. I found the authors description of the Japanese culture to be very enthralling. I've felt like I could connect with both Riyah and Yurkio especially the lost of a parent and how that can leave you feeling lost. Although there was a little back and forth on Yurkio side I'd have to say once he made up his mind his fortitude to Riyah was clear and unwavering. This book is my third from this author and I have to say they keep getting better and better look forward to the sequel please don't have us waiting to long 😀.
August 31, 2020
Yukio feels a draw to Riyah from the moment she shows up at Four Moons Mindfulness Retreat in Japan. But his father had told him about someone else, Megumi-Chan, a Dragon who was meant to be his. He is a Tiger, but Riyah is a Monkey. Culture and tradition demand that he avoid her, despite what he is feeling.
Riyah immediately knows she should avoid Yukio. She has been hurt before and knows she must stay away, despite the things she starts to feel, even if he feels like her destiny. She must master her emotions or her heart will be broken.
Will they both walk away from the situation? They both sense the danger of giving in to what they feel. Would it be a mistake to not go with what feels right? Or will they walk away as they both know they should?
Riyah immediately knows she should avoid Yukio. She has been hurt before and knows she must stay away, despite the things she starts to feel, even if he feels like her destiny. She must master her emotions or her heart will be broken.
Will they both walk away from the situation? They both sense the danger of giving in to what they feel. Would it be a mistake to not go with what feels right? Or will they walk away as they both know they should?
August 28, 2020
Riyah has been badly disappointed by love and is on a journey of self awareness. Yukio too is on his own journey after feeling that he has disappointed his now deceased father. After many false starts, Riyah and Yukio decide to go their separate ways. Again shortly after making this decision they are drawn back together only to be torn apart by the intervention of others. It looks to be a permanent decision this time but will it be? Both Riyah and Yukio need to dig deep into themselves to get beyond the Dragon and Monki horoscopes. A good read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 22, 2020
So close_
So much potential! This could have been a three start if we had our timeliness together, four stars if didn't switch between Japanese and Chinese culture at the attempt to add exoticness to the story. However what really got to me is the lack of character development which would have made this a five star book. I don't who the person some authors send their final copies to but I so badly wanna be that person. So many book with good stories that just need a little more feed back and they be perfect. I'm willing to come back to this author next year and see what she's cooking up, hopefully growth is near.
So much potential! This could have been a three start if we had our timeliness together, four stars if didn't switch between Japanese and Chinese culture at the attempt to add exoticness to the story. However what really got to me is the lack of character development which would have made this a five star book. I don't who the person some authors send their final copies to but I so badly wanna be that person. So many book with good stories that just need a little more feed back and they be perfect. I'm willing to come back to this author next year and see what she's cooking up, hopefully growth is near.
October 25, 2020
Great read
This was a really good read. Riyah and Yukio meet when she goes to a retreat on Japan after being left at the altar. As soon as they see each other they are drawn to each other but there are issues. Obviously after what happened she is guarding her heart. She is not supposed to be thinking about men or relationships but she just can't stay away from him. Of course they have outside issues including a shady old man and his thirsty daughter. I wasn't sure about how this book would go but I thoroughly enjoyed it.
This was a really good read. Riyah and Yukio meet when she goes to a retreat on Japan after being left at the altar. As soon as they see each other they are drawn to each other but there are issues. Obviously after what happened she is guarding her heart. She is not supposed to be thinking about men or relationships but she just can't stay away from him. Of course they have outside issues including a shady old man and his thirsty daughter. I wasn't sure about how this book would go but I thoroughly enjoyed it.
September 20, 2020
Destiny
This story was told in such a manner that brilliantly displays how we fight against our distinct and are always wanting the answers before it is time. It’s just human nature. This is a beautiful story and I can’t wait to read more of this series. Without divulging the details I will say there are parts of this book that had me wrapped around every word. I only wished it was on Audible so I could have gotten something done while listening to it. Lol.
This story was told in such a manner that brilliantly displays how we fight against our distinct and are always wanting the answers before it is time. It’s just human nature. This is a beautiful story and I can’t wait to read more of this series. Without divulging the details I will say there are parts of this book that had me wrapped around every word. I only wished it was on Audible so I could have gotten something done while listening to it. Lol.
August 31, 2020
This was an interesting book filled with intrigue, secrets and emotional baggage. There is obvious chemistry between Yukio and Riyah and they are quite explosive together which makes it a fun read. The book was entertaining and a worthwhile read.
I received a free advanced review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a fair and honest review.
I received a free advanced review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a fair and honest review.
September 3, 2020
Throughly Satisfying
After being left at the altar our heroine jets to Japan to find some peace and balance. Instead she finds her other half. This story has everything you need: two interesting leads, hot encounters, glimpses into another culture, great side characters, spirituality, a scary villain, conflict and angst (but not too much) and a HEA.
After being left at the altar our heroine jets to Japan to find some peace and balance. Instead she finds her other half. This story has everything you need: two interesting leads, hot encounters, glimpses into another culture, great side characters, spirituality, a scary villain, conflict and angst (but not too much) and a HEA.
February 13, 2021
Really Good Read
This story is a really good read. It is the equivalent of a roller coaster with the ups and downs of the characters and the storyline. However it is well worth continuing through the book. Great growth on the characters, great storyline and even though some things were obvious it was still very good.
This story is a really good read. It is the equivalent of a roller coaster with the ups and downs of the characters and the storyline. However it is well worth continuing through the book. Great growth on the characters, great storyline and even though some things were obvious it was still very good.
September 2, 2020
Wow
So sad it’s over but it was enjoyable and I know that yamada San did it he rubbed me wrong the whole time so I’m glad he got what he deserved and that they were able to be together after he was put away can’t wait til book 📖 2 comes out
So sad it’s over but it was enjoyable and I know that yamada San did it he rubbed me wrong the whole time so I’m glad he got what he deserved and that they were able to be together after he was put away can’t wait til book 📖 2 comes out
September 24, 2020
Love
I believe in energy so when I read this book it spoke to me. The characters felt it and was fighting it in the beginning. Recommend without giving too much. Fyi, my family is full of mixed races. And I love it. Mine is Creole Samoan
I believe in energy so when I read this book it spoke to me. The characters felt it and was fighting it in the beginning. Recommend without giving too much. Fyi, my family is full of mixed races. And I love it. Mine is Creole Samoan
October 12, 2020
I enjoy reading books about Black and Asian love. I really enjoyed this particular storyline, however, I felt it was just too rushed in places and too slow in others. So if I let two emojis represent my feelings on this one they would be 🤨🙄
October 22, 2020
Great book!
I really enjoyed this book. It was a very entertaining read. Loved the chemistry between Yukio and Riyah it was smoking hot! Loved the storyline. I could not put it down. I read it at one setting. I truly recommend it you will love it.
I really enjoyed this book. It was a very entertaining read. Loved the chemistry between Yukio and Riyah it was smoking hot! Loved the storyline. I could not put it down. I read it at one setting. I truly recommend it you will love it.
November 12, 2020
Mindfulness is key
This Book has touched my spirit. I too am on a healing mindfulness journey. The characters both had to learn how to trust their feelings. I too am learning this skill.
This Book has touched my spirit. I too am on a healing mindfulness journey. The characters both had to learn how to trust their feelings. I too am learning this skill.
January 30, 2021
This was an intriguing book telling the story of a tiger and a monkey. The suspense, drama, and romance between two people who in normal circumstances shouldn’t have me is an interesting pairing by fate.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 2, 2020
Riyah and Yukon
This was a good book...I felt the ending was rushed though. Maybe the author will make this a series about this couple.
This was a good book...I felt the ending was rushed though. Maybe the author will make this a series about this couple.
September 4, 2020
Riyad
Interesting story! Very deep and I love how this is a complicated yet intriguing love story. Opposites due attract weather they are supposed to or not. Can’t wait for book 2
Interesting story! Very deep and I love how this is a complicated yet intriguing love story. Opposites due attract weather they are supposed to or not. Can’t wait for book 2
September 12, 2020
One of her best!
Sizzling with fire and quick, engaging dialogue. Loved it. Ended much too soon for me, but worth it. Looking forward to what’s next.
Sizzling with fire and quick, engaging dialogue. Loved it. Ended much too soon for me, but worth it. Looking forward to what’s next.
January 16, 2021
Good read
I enjoyed this book. I like bringing in new culture and acknowledging the difference are not bad it can changes one's opinion about a group of people.
I enjoyed this book. I like bringing in new culture and acknowledging the difference are not bad it can changes one's opinion about a group of people.
March 5, 2024
OK read
The book was ok. Only because the female character was just annoying. The male character was indecisive. But the story was good and I learned about Japanese astrology.
The book was ok. Only because the female character was just annoying. The male character was indecisive. But the story was good and I learned about Japanese astrology.
April 23, 2021
I really enjoyed the story. It was captivating and kept me going for more! I relate so much with Riyah and her experience with betrayal.... I had the same exact thoughts that she was having (swearing off all men). I guess I'm still on that stage... I just need to find my Yukio! It's a lovely book and I do look forward to reading the upcoming books in this series!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews