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The Brothers #1
Haru to Aiden
Eighteen-year-old Haru Ono has been in love with his stepbrother Aiden Davis since he was in middle school. Trying to keep his feelings under wraps is annoyingly hard when they’re living under the same roof in such close proximity, more so since Aiden is so caring and selflessly showers him with kindness.
Haru knows that family is important to Aiden, who has been shouldering the burden of raising five younger siblings, and it’s best Haru never reveals his feelings to Aiden. Then again, an eighteen-year-old boy with raging hormones can only bottle up so much until everything starts to burst.
Haru knows that family is important to Aiden, who has been shouldering the burden of raising five younger siblings, and it’s best Haru never reveals his feelings to Aiden. Then again, an eighteen-year-old boy with raging hormones can only bottle up so much until everything starts to burst.
Unknown Binding
First published September 19, 2018
306 people are currently reading
465 people want to read
About the author
Alexia Praks
53 books635 followersAlexia is a self-proclaimed hermit, puppers-loving girl who likes to write anything romance—be it contemporary, historical, fantasy, paranormal, or a combination of any of these. Currently residing in Aotearoa (land of the long white cloud), she spends seventy percent of her time watching anime and reading comics and the other thirty percent daydreaming about food and procrastinating. Whatever’s left she actually uses to write books that may or may not bring her a few precious gold coins to support her lifestyle.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
June 3, 2022
Warning: This review contains discussion of sexual content. Read at your own risk.
TW//
This review is going to be a rant. I’m sorry in advance.
I don’t often like to call books problematic, but I have to in this case. Haru to Aiden is a problematic gay, incest story. It acts like it’s being supportive of gay people, but it’s really not. It really feels like the author has a mlm fetish, an incest fetish, and a pedophilia fetish. It seems like she’s writing stories to please her fetish fantasies. It’s okay for women to write about gay men if they do it respectfully, but all gay men were characterized as sexual predators in this book besides the main couple. The brothers constantly talk about how they have to protect Haru from older gay men who want to sleep with him. The brothers are okay with Haru and Aiden hooking up though. Haru and Aiden are the one exception to the predatory gay stereotype that they believe. There’s a character that also blames Haru for the older gay men who hit on him, saying stuff like “it’s probably Haru who does things to entice other men to give him that sort of unwanted attention.” It’s disgusting. Once Haru and Aiden get together, they’re also referred to as “husband and wife” by the brothers. It’s almost like their relationship isn’t viewed as a valid relationship except for when they’re having sex. The incest is gross, too, and I honestly don’t understand why anyone would include incest in a story unless it’s for a fetish or it’s an apocalyptic “we need to repopulate the world so we have to reproduce right away” story. The pedophilia vibes are a little less glaringly obvious, but they’re still there. All the brothers constantly talk about how Haru looks young and how “cute” he is as if they’re talking about him being a child, but they’re all fine with him hooking up with the oldest brother. Then it’s revealed that Aiden had a crush on Haru when Haru was still a minor despite their eight year age gap. Aiden even regrets not acting on his crush sooner. It’s not explicitly pedophilia since they didn’t start doing the deed until Haru was 18, but it definitely gives me massive pedophilia vibes.
And then there’s the issue of Jess. She’s now one of my least favorite fictional characters of all time. She’s also the character that seems most like the author?? Jess has a mlm and incest fetish. The story constantly brings up this fact and I cringed every time she was in the story. Jess is immediately introduced as being obsessed with yaoi (gay men smut in manga). She complains when there isn’t gay people at her work that she can obsess over. She loves the step brothers trope in romance manga. She also tries to force Haru to confess to Aiden so that she can obsess over their romance and she explicitly asks Haru if he’s had sex with Aiden. It’s disgusting and there weren’t characters who were shaming her for her fetish.
The final problematic element is the treatment of malnourishment. Malnourishment is an extremely triggering subject. The brothers are constantly making jokes about Haru’s malnourishment and the story makes no attempt to properly portray malnourishment. I’m also saying this as someone who was malnourished as a teen (not from lack of money for food, but from health issues getting in the way of me eating enough).
This book is clear proof that a book isn’t good and respectful just because it has LGBTQ+ representation in it. I’m not going to be reading other books by this author because I don’t want to support an author who writes books like this one.
Now onto some other stuff that I hate but that aren’t problematic.
This book was just plain cringey in general. Like why were a 16 year old and an 8 year old being forced to bathe together to save money?? I’d understand if they were both young kids, but one being nearly an adult and one being a small child?? There were brothers closer to Haru’s age, too, but he was only forced to bathe with the oldest one… And why was it constantly mentioned that the brothers only had one bathroom? And how are they even living in a four bedroom apartment in New York with one bathroom? It felt so unrealistic. There were also certain habits that the characters did over and over again that made me cringe. Like Haru licking his lips and characters saying “Oy” nonstop.
There’s small inconsistencies in the story that should’ve been caught in edits. For example, Jess gave Haru an “iced green tea” and then a couple sentences later the tea is described as hot.
I just didn’t like this author’s writing style in general, too. The dialogue was completely unrealistic and the persepctives used in the different chapters didn’t vibe with me. I hate it when author’s have two points of view, but one is first person and the other is third person limited. Either do both first person or both third person. It’s jarring to constantly have to shift between these different types of perspectives.
Anyways, I could rant longer but I should probably stop there. This book was awful and I don’t recommend it unless you have a mlm or incest fetish.
TW//
This review is going to be a rant. I’m sorry in advance.
I don’t often like to call books problematic, but I have to in this case. Haru to Aiden is a problematic gay, incest story. It acts like it’s being supportive of gay people, but it’s really not. It really feels like the author has a mlm fetish, an incest fetish, and a pedophilia fetish. It seems like she’s writing stories to please her fetish fantasies. It’s okay for women to write about gay men if they do it respectfully, but all gay men were characterized as sexual predators in this book besides the main couple. The brothers constantly talk about how they have to protect Haru from older gay men who want to sleep with him. The brothers are okay with Haru and Aiden hooking up though. Haru and Aiden are the one exception to the predatory gay stereotype that they believe. There’s a character that also blames Haru for the older gay men who hit on him, saying stuff like “it’s probably Haru who does things to entice other men to give him that sort of unwanted attention.” It’s disgusting. Once Haru and Aiden get together, they’re also referred to as “husband and wife” by the brothers. It’s almost like their relationship isn’t viewed as a valid relationship except for when they’re having sex. The incest is gross, too, and I honestly don’t understand why anyone would include incest in a story unless it’s for a fetish or it’s an apocalyptic “we need to repopulate the world so we have to reproduce right away” story. The pedophilia vibes are a little less glaringly obvious, but they’re still there. All the brothers constantly talk about how Haru looks young and how “cute” he is as if they’re talking about him being a child, but they’re all fine with him hooking up with the oldest brother. Then it’s revealed that Aiden had a crush on Haru when Haru was still a minor despite their eight year age gap. Aiden even regrets not acting on his crush sooner. It’s not explicitly pedophilia since they didn’t start doing the deed until Haru was 18, but it definitely gives me massive pedophilia vibes.
And then there’s the issue of Jess. She’s now one of my least favorite fictional characters of all time. She’s also the character that seems most like the author?? Jess has a mlm and incest fetish. The story constantly brings up this fact and I cringed every time she was in the story. Jess is immediately introduced as being obsessed with yaoi (gay men smut in manga). She complains when there isn’t gay people at her work that she can obsess over. She loves the step brothers trope in romance manga. She also tries to force Haru to confess to Aiden so that she can obsess over their romance and she explicitly asks Haru if he’s had sex with Aiden. It’s disgusting and there weren’t characters who were shaming her for her fetish.
The final problematic element is the treatment of malnourishment. Malnourishment is an extremely triggering subject. The brothers are constantly making jokes about Haru’s malnourishment and the story makes no attempt to properly portray malnourishment. I’m also saying this as someone who was malnourished as a teen (not from lack of money for food, but from health issues getting in the way of me eating enough).
This book is clear proof that a book isn’t good and respectful just because it has LGBTQ+ representation in it. I’m not going to be reading other books by this author because I don’t want to support an author who writes books like this one.
Now onto some other stuff that I hate but that aren’t problematic.
This book was just plain cringey in general. Like why were a 16 year old and an 8 year old being forced to bathe together to save money?? I’d understand if they were both young kids, but one being nearly an adult and one being a small child?? There were brothers closer to Haru’s age, too, but he was only forced to bathe with the oldest one… And why was it constantly mentioned that the brothers only had one bathroom? And how are they even living in a four bedroom apartment in New York with one bathroom? It felt so unrealistic. There were also certain habits that the characters did over and over again that made me cringe. Like Haru licking his lips and characters saying “Oy” nonstop.
There’s small inconsistencies in the story that should’ve been caught in edits. For example, Jess gave Haru an “iced green tea” and then a couple sentences later the tea is described as hot.
I just didn’t like this author’s writing style in general, too. The dialogue was completely unrealistic and the persepctives used in the different chapters didn’t vibe with me. I hate it when author’s have two points of view, but one is first person and the other is third person limited. Either do both first person or both third person. It’s jarring to constantly have to shift between these different types of perspectives.
Anyways, I could rant longer but I should probably stop there. This book was awful and I don’t recommend it unless you have a mlm or incest fetish.
March 2, 2021
With wordplay such as this, “His man root was rising like a steel pole,” I found it tedious to finish this audiobook. Did hearing these words said aloud make it worse? Perhaps.
It’s a shame, however, because the narrators were very good.
Here you go:
Step-brother pseudocest
Age gap
Inane dialogue
Unrealistic plot
Lead up to a harem with bro/stepbros
My rec? Skip it and get your ‘cest fix elsewhere.
It’s a shame, however, because the narrators were very good.
Here you go:
Step-brother pseudocest
Age gap
Inane dialogue
Unrealistic plot
Lead up to a harem with bro/stepbros
My rec? Skip it and get your ‘cest fix elsewhere.
May 24, 2022
The cover got to me and the fact that it's a male/male harem in progress but didn't enjoy the way it was written. Although the narration done well, it didn't save it. But I still gave the second one a try.
August 13, 2019
This just fell on my lap and thought I should give it a chance but in the end I found it unrealistic......
July 25, 2019
He hugged me tight and even kissed my forehead to soothe me, convincing me of his devotion. “You’re precious to me, Haru, and I seriously won’t know what to do if I don’t have you with me.”
The YAOI-ish cover had caught me instantly right from the first time I saw it, the blurb is the second things that made me one clicked the book and read it right away.
Having a crush on your stepbrother was not easy, lived under the same roof with your crush and must hide what you feel is a daily torture Haru must face everyday. Aiden is everything to him, a father, a mother, a brother and now he has feeling for him and the guilt slowly eat Haru from inside. Aiden become his stars and moon for years, and Haru can’t bear it anymore with the feeling. So he decided to move out from the house and trying to finding his own peace by being away from Aiden.
But the question is, will Aiden let him leave? Because what Haru didn’t realize is, Aiden also has the feeling for his little brother for years….
Stepbrothers-love is one of my fave trope, and I always have soft spot for this kind of story. Haru to Aiden become another fave book I love from this trope. It sweet, heartwarming with a bit touch of angst, but overall this book is definitely one good reading. I love the way the author stir the inner conflicts that engulfed both Haru and Aiden, how they trying to hold what they feels for long and the worries that almost ruined their relationship.
Haru's ‘shrine maiden look' that passed down from his Japanese ancestors not only has attracts both genders and Aiden but also ME!
His petite posture with fair skin like ‘snow princess’ reminds me of Yos, an Instagram couple I’ve followed.
(Pic courtesy Yos & Max Instagram)
Yos has delicate petite looks while his husband, Max suit Aiden description quite well. And I must admit that I’ve picturing them while I’m reading this book.
Really can’t wait for what happen next with them on the next book from this series, Aiden to Haru!
Note : I’ve heard that the story have similarities with Super Lovers Anime. I haven’t watching the anime so I can tell how ‘similar’ the story is. So, I made my review pure from what I read without being influenced by the anime. But similar or not, I must admit that the story is quite good, sweet & very light reading even with the slightly angsty touch in it. So, I’ll leave to you whether you want to give this book a try or not. But if you’re a BL or YAOI lovers like me, I will recommended this book for you.
October 28, 2019
This was an ok read. Haru seemed a little immature for being 18. Always running and hiding from Aiden.
But... I’m still interested in book 2. So I’ll check it out.
But... I’m still interested in book 2. So I’ll check it out.
August 24, 2019
I’m never really sure how to rate these.... I’ll be honest and say I expected this to be a yaoi...
While it’s not really a novel but not really a yaoi, and I didn’t love it but I don’t hate it... I guess I’ll split it down the middle... in a confused sort of way...
While it’s not really a novel but not really a yaoi, and I didn’t love it but I don’t hate it... I guess I’ll split it down the middle... in a confused sort of way...
August 14, 2024
The cover and the fact it was free today sucked me in... Then, I see it's a Stepbrother harem with some cesty goodness mixed in?! Heck yes! It started out well.. The pining on both sides was delcious, but as it went on, I wasn't a fan of the writing style. Everything was emotionless, monotone.. Kinda robotic. It disconnected me from the story.. How they talked to each other wasn't realistic.
Oh, and this..
"Then Aiden inserted his rock-hard rock into Harus butthole."
I felt awkward.
Also, the brother's banter and sexist comments were weird.
I don't think I'll continue this series.
Oh, and this..
"Then Aiden inserted his rock-hard rock into Harus butthole."
I felt awkward.
Also, the brother's banter and sexist comments were weird.
I don't think I'll continue this series.
November 19, 2020
I was certain I reviewed this. So, there may be a duplicate somewhere. Let's try again though.
2.5, round up
I think this book will have a very select and limited audience, but that audience will likely love it. I found myself not hating it, but not loving it either. There was a time I was very into Yaoi (and if you don’t know what that is, probably don’t blindly pick up this book) but maybe I’ve outgrown it. I think being an existing fan of the manga style/genre is probably a prerequisite to enjoying this light novel, which is essentially a Yaoi manga in literary format. And here starts my issue.
I don’t think it works as well as a novel as a visual media. I just don’t. So, there’s that. I also thought the whole thing read like it was written by a 15-year-old fujoshi, especially the sex scenes, which were exceptionally cringy. It was surprisingly well-edited. Not perfect, but not the hot mess you’d expect if Alexia X. really was a 15-year-old otaku.
I did appreciate Haru and Aiden’s struggles, though the plot progression has been lifted from a million other similarly themed manga. Plus, the support of all the other brothers and friends was lovely. I did have to wonder how the two kept it a secret from each other when so many other people seemed to know. All in all, I’m not regretful to have read it (especially since it means I can mark an X-authored book of my yearly author alphabet challenge) but I’m not in any rush to read any more of the series either.
It’s also worth noting, in case anyone uses this as a gateway to further Yaoi that, while this book is very careful to ensure we know Haru is 18 (the Western age of consent), many of the manga written originally for non-western audiences don’t make this consideration. So, the whole genre could be considered super problematic by American standards. Just know that going in, so you’re not shocked.
2.5, round up
I think this book will have a very select and limited audience, but that audience will likely love it. I found myself not hating it, but not loving it either. There was a time I was very into Yaoi (and if you don’t know what that is, probably don’t blindly pick up this book) but maybe I’ve outgrown it. I think being an existing fan of the manga style/genre is probably a prerequisite to enjoying this light novel, which is essentially a Yaoi manga in literary format. And here starts my issue.
I don’t think it works as well as a novel as a visual media. I just don’t. So, there’s that. I also thought the whole thing read like it was written by a 15-year-old fujoshi, especially the sex scenes, which were exceptionally cringy. It was surprisingly well-edited. Not perfect, but not the hot mess you’d expect if Alexia X. really was a 15-year-old otaku.
I did appreciate Haru and Aiden’s struggles, though the plot progression has been lifted from a million other similarly themed manga. Plus, the support of all the other brothers and friends was lovely. I did have to wonder how the two kept it a secret from each other when so many other people seemed to know. All in all, I’m not regretful to have read it (especially since it means I can mark an X-authored book of my yearly author alphabet challenge) but I’m not in any rush to read any more of the series either.
It’s also worth noting, in case anyone uses this as a gateway to further Yaoi that, while this book is very careful to ensure we know Haru is 18 (the Western age of consent), many of the manga written originally for non-western audiences don’t make this consideration. So, the whole genre could be considered super problematic by American standards. Just know that going in, so you’re not shocked.
April 24, 2020
Reviewing this without spoilers is hard. I will stick to the writing, not the plot. It either happens or it doesn't. You'll need to read it to find out.
The style is naïve Yaoi, almost Shota style, but not as chaotic as a comic would be normally. Once immersed in the tale the naïveté is wholly acceptable. The style does require that one tunes in, or required me to tune in.
Chapters had headings for the main protagonists. This implied to me that each chapter was to be in their voice. Haru's were, and written in first person that made sense. Aiden's, though, were written in third person by a narrator. I felt this intruded. It made an otherwise clean story judder. I felt that to be a shame. It made me pause when reading what is really a one-sitting tale.
It's a well presented set of young adult angst. For me it just made its fourth star.
The style is naïve Yaoi, almost Shota style, but not as chaotic as a comic would be normally. Once immersed in the tale the naïveté is wholly acceptable. The style does require that one tunes in, or required me to tune in.
Chapters had headings for the main protagonists. This implied to me that each chapter was to be in their voice. Haru's were, and written in first person that made sense. Aiden's, though, were written in third person by a narrator. I felt this intruded. It made an otherwise clean story judder. I felt that to be a shame. It made me pause when reading what is really a one-sitting tale.
It's a well presented set of young adult angst. For me it just made its fourth star.
December 9, 2023
3.5 stars. It's cute, it's a love story that controversial, but still the way it develops it is well done. The spice is okay, not overly done, though I don't always like how women write gay men. But that's just me. I do feel though it took sooooooo long for things to develop. The dancing around each other, just say it and let the relationship develop from there. That's why I'm looking forward to the second book, because I hope it will show a relationshipdevelopment more than all those insecurities. But over all, a very quick and fun read, if you can overcome the controversial thought of two men who are not related by blood start a loving relationship.
January 28, 2020
Couldn't get past the lack of writing ability. A good story idea doesn't make a good book. I don't want to discourage the author from writing--but they should keep working on their writing skills.
September 9, 2019
I don't think I have read more second-hand embarrassment and giggling book. I actually picked up this book because I don't read the genre, but I heard of it and wanted to try.
And you know what? No regrets.
It's not a super complicated and super well-crafted love story (this is my awkward way of trying to say it's the opposite of one). Because some books are supposed to be like this or, at least, are great just like this. Simple and unreal.
Mostly, it's about trying to make a story... but having to meet the requirements to publish it. At least, that's how it sounds. Because heaven forbid Haru has any form of romantic (read physical) contact with anyone before being 18 (even if ALL his brothers did). *Sigh*.
That's what kind of ended up being the POT (point of tension). Haru wants Aiden! Aiden wants Haru! They love each other! And are IN love with each other! Literary EVERYONE nows it - except the two of them. But instead of finding out any other way (or helpful loving people telling them), they have to wait until the kid is 18 when, magically, it all works out!
That feels like making up reasons not to let them realize it.
But I am actually not complaining! Really. That's the whole vibe of the story - the point of the story. It had some "forbidden" sexy times and a lot of emotional anguish on both sides. And, of course, the modern version of gay sidekick - since both of them had a female that is a) close to them, b) knows about their infatuation c) and roots for them and d) does stuff to get them together. So, the same character, twice. Even their brothers (of which they had plenty) were really in the background. There was not enough time with them to remember what makes them unique, honestly, because they were not that important.
It was, most of all, how I imagine a fangirl would write that story she always wanted too - writing about what one likes instead of crafting something.
It was sweet. And enjoyable.
Anytime I didn't have to put down my kindle (face down) because of how awkward it was. Which was at least once a chapter. Sometimes more.
Oh and the giggling... not laughing, oh no, this was the silly, schoolgirl "can't believe that's happening" and "I'am so scandalized" giggling.
And do not let me start on the weird names of certain anatomical parts. Do not. I know people like to call certain things a whole bunch of names but this was... something. It was definitely something and you may stop and stare and contemplate the life choices that let you to that moment.
But if you can get past that?
Get it.
It was definitely interesting, especially for those who, like me, are not a Yaoi devotees.
And you know what? No regrets.
It's not a super complicated and super well-crafted love story (this is my awkward way of trying to say it's the opposite of one). Because some books are supposed to be like this or, at least, are great just like this. Simple and unreal.
Mostly, it's about trying to make a story... but having to meet the requirements to publish it. At least, that's how it sounds. Because heaven forbid Haru has any form of romantic (read physical) contact with anyone before being 18 (even if ALL his brothers did). *Sigh*.
That's what kind of ended up being the POT (point of tension). Haru wants Aiden! Aiden wants Haru! They love each other! And are IN love with each other! Literary EVERYONE nows it - except the two of them. But instead of finding out any other way (or helpful loving people telling them), they have to wait until the kid is 18 when, magically, it all works out!
That feels like making up reasons not to let them realize it.
But I am actually not complaining! Really. That's the whole vibe of the story - the point of the story. It had some "forbidden" sexy times and a lot of emotional anguish on both sides. And, of course, the modern version of gay sidekick - since both of them had a female that is a) close to them, b) knows about their infatuation c) and roots for them and d) does stuff to get them together. So, the same character, twice. Even their brothers (of which they had plenty) were really in the background. There was not enough time with them to remember what makes them unique, honestly, because they were not that important.
It was, most of all, how I imagine a fangirl would write that story she always wanted too - writing about what one likes instead of crafting something.
It was sweet. And enjoyable.
Anytime I didn't have to put down my kindle (face down) because of how awkward it was. Which was at least once a chapter. Sometimes more.
Oh and the giggling... not laughing, oh no, this was the silly, schoolgirl "can't believe that's happening" and "I'am so scandalized" giggling.
And do not let me start on the weird names of certain anatomical parts. Do not. I know people like to call certain things a whole bunch of names but this was... something. It was definitely something and you may stop and stare and contemplate the life choices that let you to that moment.
But if you can get past that?
Get it.
It was definitely interesting, especially for those who, like me, are not a Yaoi devotees.
December 18, 2019
5 stars.. I’m a fan of BL/Yaoi anime too but not to Jess’s level.. And the cover really sucks me in to read this book.. I’m excited who’s next to Aiden & Haru.. I’m sensing Noah and Reo, I really hope there’s more..
September 18, 2020
Finished reading and was able to read it easily . With all the reverse harem I read, it’s a nice change of pace . it gave me the BL manga “super lovers” vibes but in a different way and I like it . I can’t wait to see how harus harem builds and I totally ship his bro and Jess !!!
September 19, 2021
*SIGH* OK, so, I've mostly only read BL Manga before, so this is my first BL book, but that was completely enjoyable. Considering it's a series, I was worried it would end on a teaser, so I'm VERY happy this is complete in itself, though I AM excited to see the rest.
June 12, 2019
Sweet story and sweet characters. For MM romance lover. Safe, no cheating, no OW or OM drama. Secondary characters who diserve a story themselves. I like this book.
June 26, 2019
Predictable but cute. Very yaoi like.
July 2, 2019
I have never read an English M/M romance like this! It clearly resembles some of the best Yaoi manga plots. Since I am Chinese, I felt strangely familiar with how this story goes.
July 4, 2019
Cute, sweet story.
August 9, 2021
I think I might have enjoyed it when I was a teenager and devouring any queer fanfic I could get my hands on. I think that for the right reader, this book will be a delight.
The first sentence of this book is a clunky, expositional thing that really shows you what the writing of this book is like: "The first time I met Aiden Davis was when I was eight years old, when my mom, my older half-brother Reo, and I had just arrived in New York and landed at the airport."
I didn't finish this book. I stopped listening to the audiobook at 30%. Between the clunky writing style and the fetishization of gay relationships (which you do get in many many yaoi and I'm usually willing to push past it, but it was extra emphasized in this book by a female character who reads yaoi and then sexualizes male couples around her), I couldn't finish the book.
Another thing I hated about this book was that it enforces cultural covering demands. I don't think that's what the author was intending, though. This book follows brothers who grew up in Japan and thus have Japanese mannerisms while living in the US. The narration frequently mentions them forgetting to not do Japanese things like say "ittekimasu" when leaving the house, implying that their Japanese way of doing things is wrong.
The first sentence of this book is a clunky, expositional thing that really shows you what the writing of this book is like: "The first time I met Aiden Davis was when I was eight years old, when my mom, my older half-brother Reo, and I had just arrived in New York and landed at the airport."
I didn't finish this book. I stopped listening to the audiobook at 30%. Between the clunky writing style and the fetishization of gay relationships (which you do get in many many yaoi and I'm usually willing to push past it, but it was extra emphasized in this book by a female character who reads yaoi and then sexualizes male couples around her), I couldn't finish the book.
Another thing I hated about this book was that it enforces cultural covering demands. I don't think that's what the author was intending, though. This book follows brothers who grew up in Japan and thus have Japanese mannerisms while living in the US. The narration frequently mentions them forgetting to not do Japanese things like say "ittekimasu" when leaving the house, implying that their Japanese way of doing things is wrong.
June 16, 2020
My expectations for this book plummed to the drain...before I get to the downfall of this 🤚🏼 let me say the good things. I love the forbidden love in this, its so thrilling and the romance was cute, I like reading the hotness too 😏 The other characters were also good. My favorite even. The way family means to them was heartfelt and I loved the Japanese little phrases. I loved and laughed at the funny banter between the brothers 🤣 I nearly dnf this because of the writing style...there were some words that were repeated too many times I thought was unnecessary and it felt rushed. I also got confused to why Haru chapters were read from his point of view but with Aidens side it was read in second point of view. And lastly but not least, I felt this was very predictable, sometimes I don't mind predictability but this was not realistic to me like I'd imagined. I'm sorry this turns to be more negative than positive. I thought the premise and the idea was good but the writing style took too much away of it being not my favorite book. If this was turned into a manga I'd probably liked it better in that format, I overall am glad I got to read this!!
Rating: 2.5 ⭐
Rating: 2.5 ⭐
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December 1, 2018💝 FREE on iBooks today (12/1/2018)!💝
Blurb:
Eighteen-year-old Haru Ono has been in love with Aiden Davis, his older stepbrother, since he was in middle school. Trying to keep his feelings under wraps is annoyingly hard when they’re living under the same roof with four other brothers in such close proximity, more so since Aiden is so caring and selflessly showers him with brotherly love.
Haru knows that family is important to Aiden, who has been shouldering the burden of raising five younger siblings since the deaths of their parents, and it’s best Haru never reveals his forbidden feelings to Aiden. Then again, an eighteen-year-old boy with raging hormones can only bottle up so much until everything starts to burst.Welcome to the world of the Davis and Ono brothers, where family means everything to these young men and love is forever.
Please note: This is a novella teaser. Full-length novel coming soon.
Blurb:
Eighteen-year-old Haru Ono has been in love with Aiden Davis, his older stepbrother, since he was in middle school. Trying to keep his feelings under wraps is annoyingly hard when they’re living under the same roof with four other brothers in such close proximity, more so since Aiden is so caring and selflessly showers him with brotherly love.
Haru knows that family is important to Aiden, who has been shouldering the burden of raising five younger siblings since the deaths of their parents, and it’s best Haru never reveals his forbidden feelings to Aiden. Then again, an eighteen-year-old boy with raging hormones can only bottle up so much until everything starts to burst.Welcome to the world of the Davis and Ono brothers, where family means everything to these young men and love is forever.
Please note: This is a novella teaser. Full-length novel coming soon.
May 16, 2021
Probably very problematic
“Daddy Aiden is worried his daughter Haru will grow up too soon.”
Alright so I enjoyed this but there were some things that made me slightly uncomfortable and some seem very problematic. For example the whole "Shrine Maiden" thing, Haru being a petite Asian male with feminine features and delicate. Like its cute but I can't help but feel its fetishism. And Haru has a beat friend, Jess who most definitely fetishizes gay men, gay manga and even hopes to see a gay couple at her restaurant. Its weird. But I'm giving it 4 stars because the author herself is Asian and if she's okay with it, then I can give it what I want which is 4 stars😂😂
I might continue on with this series because I love me a harem. Even though I slightly don't want it to be a harem🤣🤣
“Daddy Aiden is worried his daughter Haru will grow up too soon.”
Alright so I enjoyed this but there were some things that made me slightly uncomfortable and some seem very problematic. For example the whole "Shrine Maiden" thing, Haru being a petite Asian male with feminine features and delicate. Like its cute but I can't help but feel its fetishism. And Haru has a beat friend, Jess who most definitely fetishizes gay men, gay manga and even hopes to see a gay couple at her restaurant. Its weird. But I'm giving it 4 stars because the author herself is Asian and if she's okay with it, then I can give it what I want which is 4 stars😂😂
I might continue on with this series because I love me a harem. Even though I slightly don't want it to be a harem🤣🤣
May 12, 2020
Hmmmm....
Overall, not a bad book. I felt bad for Haru from beginning to end because his family tended to not take him seriously. They needlessly picked on and insulted him in the name of teasing, which to me was not cool. Haru had a bad habit of just taking in everything, which was odd to me. In future books, I hope he and his brothers mature enough to respect each other and have more boundaries with their words and actions.
Aiden was a little intense and tends to overthink everything, which is relatable. There was a little too much generalizing gender roles and a lot of “I’m supposed to/not supposed to because [insert gender]. The rest was good. It kept me engaged enough to want to read the next book.
Overall, not a bad book. I felt bad for Haru from beginning to end because his family tended to not take him seriously. They needlessly picked on and insulted him in the name of teasing, which to me was not cool. Haru had a bad habit of just taking in everything, which was odd to me. In future books, I hope he and his brothers mature enough to respect each other and have more boundaries with their words and actions.
Aiden was a little intense and tends to overthink everything, which is relatable. There was a little too much generalizing gender roles and a lot of “I’m supposed to/not supposed to because [insert gender]. The rest was good. It kept me engaged enough to want to read the next book.
September 3, 2021
So I just happened upon this so I will start by saying there was no previous hype before I started.
I found this read to be very unrealistic. Haru was immature for an 18 year old and the just the whole dynamic was "off". The writing didn't flow well and seemed like a struggle. Some of the character's were more enjoyable than others. Aiden just annoyed me. IDK exactly why because he is a "good guy/brother"
The story overall just seemed under developed and in early stages. There is potential though so I couldn't help but to finish. Wording choices and story/character development should be revisited. I know this is a collection, but idk that I will be reading any others at this time.
I found this read to be very unrealistic. Haru was immature for an 18 year old and the just the whole dynamic was "off". The writing didn't flow well and seemed like a struggle. Some of the character's were more enjoyable than others. Aiden just annoyed me. IDK exactly why because he is a "good guy/brother"
The story overall just seemed under developed and in early stages. There is potential though so I couldn't help but to finish. Wording choices and story/character development should be revisited. I know this is a collection, but idk that I will be reading any others at this time.
January 7, 2022
Repeated written scenes, bad flow of writing, meh plot, too much whining from Haru. Mayor turndown the mc was 18 yo, I would have like he was older mid 20’s and maybe Aiden in his 30’s. Too cringy to consider he fell in love for the main character when Haru was 14. The second book is not much better.
I will not read the next books in the series, there is toxic relationship between Haru and the stepbrother/lovers by the excerpts from the next books. He ends up being just used for sex, and never really considering his feelings. Almost just sex abused. Very creepy, cringy! No my type of story. There are other MM books that I have read that are much better.
I will not read the next books in the series, there is toxic relationship between Haru and the stepbrother/lovers by the excerpts from the next books. He ends up being just used for sex, and never really considering his feelings. Almost just sex abused. Very creepy, cringy! No my type of story. There are other MM books that I have read that are much better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2020
Sweet light novel
My first MM novel read on Amazon. It’s easy to read and lots of fun.The best plot that haru and Aiden takes under sheet actions without confessions to each other which is my fav. 🥰I love forbidden love. But it seems that Noah has a crush on Haru，Mason too? I can’t accept it. I’m interested in Jess and Reo this CP. aiden and haru is true love. Hey guys,if you’re interested in this genre, I’ll recommend you watch sekai no ichi hatuskoi (am I right?)hybird child and super lovers.
My first MM novel read on Amazon. It’s easy to read and lots of fun.The best plot that haru and Aiden takes under sheet actions without confessions to each other which is my fav. 🥰I love forbidden love. But it seems that Noah has a crush on Haru，Mason too? I can’t accept it. I’m interested in Jess and Reo this CP. aiden and haru is true love. Hey guys,if you’re interested in this genre, I’ll recommend you watch sekai no ichi hatuskoi (am I right?)hybird child and super lovers.
April 26, 2021
More like 2.75 stars!
I'm not really sure about how i feel about this book. I didn't exactly like it, but also i didn't dislike it. I think the situation of them being stepbrothers and having a age-gap between them was a little bit weird, but if i kind of ignore it i'll say i had a good time. I especially liked the other brothers. I'll probably will read the rest of the series just to see what happens.
I'm not really sure about how i feel about this book. I didn't exactly like it, but also i didn't dislike it. I think the situation of them being stepbrothers and having a age-gap between them was a little bit weird, but if i kind of ignore it i'll say i had a good time. I especially liked the other brothers. I'll probably will read the rest of the series just to see what happens.
April 6, 2021
Being the Baby Isn't Easy
Not only is Haru the youngest of his six step/half brothers, but he's small and has a delicate build. Hard to get seen as an adult at eighteen with them still treating him more like a child. Except Aiden, the oldest stepbro. For Haru, Aiden is everything, no matter how wrong some people would see that. Captivating story.
Not only is Haru the youngest of his six step/half brothers, but he's small and has a delicate build. Hard to get seen as an adult at eighteen with them still treating him more like a child. Except Aiden, the oldest stepbro. For Haru, Aiden is everything, no matter how wrong some people would see that. Captivating story.
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