Men of Tokyo: Sudden Bliss

White Tigers #1

by Sedonia Guillone

Book one in the White Tigers Series

Desperately in need of a vacation, Koji spends the most deliciously erotic week of his life at the White Tiger, a luxurious love-hotel for gay men. Naoto, his personal attendant, is everything Koji has ever fantasised about: muscular, long-haired, ruggedly
handsome, gentle yet commanding. Naoto is a White Tiger, after all, trained in the erotic arts, knowledgeable in every way to bring a man to bliss.

Naoto's appreciative eye sees the honourable and sexy man Koji-san is under the work-driven shell. Little by little, his massages and more coax the real man, the passionate, artistic, sex-loving Koji, to the surface. Yet, the
more time Naoto spends with Koji, the more he finds his own soul craving a partner again, the one thing he thought he'd never find after his lover was killed three years ago. He's not sure he's ready to get that close again. And even if he were ready, it doesn’t mean that Koji wants the same thing. In fact, Koji once mentioned that he was supposed to get married. Yet, when an agonising secret from Naoto’s past is revealed to him, Naoto wants only to turn to Koji.

When Naoto comes to him for help, Koji is suddenly faced with a harrowing decision: remain in his work-driven, soul-killing world or follow the path his body and heart have really chosen for him? And he must choose - for in a world where passion and spirit find union, there is no in between.

Genres: M M Romance, Contemporary, Romance, Gay, Erotica, Asia, Politics

287 pages, ebook

First published March 3, 2008

About the author

Sedonia Guillone wanted to be an author since the age of six when she first volunteered in the school library and the librarian had to put a limit on how many times she checked out her favorite books. Then at sixteen, a short story she wrote won honorable mention in a contest by the League of American Pen Women and there was no stopping her. Since then, her first M/M mystery/suspense, His Beautiful Samurai, was nominated for a Gaylactic Spectrum Award and has been required reading in a college gay and lesbian literature course. Her M/M romance, Men of Tokyo: Sudden Bliss won a Rainbow Awards honorable mention in the Conteporary category and her historical romance, Lady of Two Lairds was a finalist for The Romance Studio's Cupid and Psyche Awards and A Passionate Plume Ink Chapter of Romance Writers of America. When she's not writing, she's baking something, talking baby talk to her two cats, Iroh and Zuko and hiking in the woods of Maine with her partner.

Reviews

[Elisa Rolle]

If you have never had the change to work with a Japanese man, you probably couldn't believe the reason why Koji is literally forced by his boss to take a one week leave from work; Koji is spending 18 hours at work, often crashing on his desktop due to the tiredness, and still he doesn't believe to be doing enough. Koji is the IT engineer for the system network of an hospital, and he is convinced that, if he misses a day, someone will die due to his negligence. Koji developed his obsession since he was a little child with an abusive father; the feeling was enhanced when he fell in love for his stepmother (an unrequited love) and had to see her die for cancer without can do anything. Loving a forbidden woman probably pushed Koji to believe that real love is something forbid, and it is not a mistake if you think that now Koji believes to be gay simply since being in love with a man is again something forbidden, something he can't have.

When his boss forced him to take his vacation, Koji hurriedly decides to book a week in a men's hotel, the White Tiger, a notorious hotel in the gay neighborhood of Tokyo where men go to relax and enjoy a nice massage with a some side fringe benefit. On the inside the White Tiger is a place where lost men search shelter under the protection of Kiku, an ex jakuza enforcer that now professes the philosophy of the White Tiger, the healing power of sex. Naoto is one of those young men who entered the White Tiger after a shocking event in their life; for Naoto was seeing his chinese lover killed by the jakuza in front of their small market. After three years spent in the care of Kiku, and taking care for the hotel guests, Naoto is ready to love again, and Koji is the one he chooses to love. Even if Naoto and Koji have the same age, Koji seems much younger since Koji has never really loved in his life, at least not in a physical way.

The atmosphere of all the novel is really peaceful and slow; you have really the feeling to savor what Naoto professes, to try to relax and enjoy all the small pleasure of life. Truth be told, also Naoto has his own problem, but he has always a serene smile for Koji, and only when he realizes that Koji went beyond being a simple guest, only then Naoto allows himself to search shelter in his arm and not in the welcoming walls of the White Tiger. But also in this development of the story, the author respects a world where convenience and propriety rule, and Naoto is willing to play the role of the side lover for Koji, the one a married man goes to visit once a week. This is not unusual and it doesn't mean that Koji doesn't love Naoto or that Naoto doesn't really believe in their love, it means only that culture and custom are still very instilled in the mind of these men.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/1906590400/?...

[A.J. Llewellyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't speak. I loved this more than I can say. Damn you Sedonia Guillone for making me want to keep reading you when I have work to do. Just beautiful.

[Darien · Rating 3 out of 5]

^^ THESE MEN ARE HOTNESS!^^

More of my reviews and thoughts on my blog PANTS OFF REVIEWS

3.5

This was another book shelved as 'Can't wait to read and lose my pants'. This book had me at Men of Tokyo. I was like "what! Japanese men in a whole series" I had to begin, thus it seems that every book in my lose pants shelf is cursed, because I hardly lose my pants at all.

Koji is a workaholic, stressed beyond measure and is slowly making his way into a deep depression. Work is his solitude and keeps his mind off his less than spectacular life. He is slowly deteriorating and everyone is taking notice. When his boss demands he take a vacation, Koji gets seriously close to having a nervous breakdown, and to avoid embarrassment he leaves his place of work gracefully. Convincing his boss that he will take a vacation but it will be the hotel of his choice, and what a choice it is.

The White Tiger is notorious for its service and the pleasure you will receive from its staff. Koji is feeling like a fish out of water, and his attendant is all his fantasies personified. Naoto is to take care of Koji, the fragile looking man looks lost and in need of some serious TLC (tender loving care). It’s up to Naoto to soothe Koji and unleash the sexy and beautiful man that he is on the inside. It was supposed to be a week of rest for Koji, and just a job for Naoto but both men get more than they bargained for.

I must say I really liked the book even though I was still slightly disappointed. It has the sweet sexiness that I really enjoyed, but there was just one scene that threw me out of the book completely, definately my “WTF” moment. I liked Koji and Naoto together they both have a very sad history, but I could not love them. After a very captivating beginning, the book sorta fizzled for me later on. I think it was just longer than it needed to be.

Overall, I nice read and will continue the series cus I am a sucker for all things Japanese. The other characters are intriguing enough for me to continue. Moreover, I still have a lot to learn when it comes to the erotic arts that is White Tiger.

[Trix · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was ready to give this 2 stars. But by the end of it, I realised I really didn't like the characters and found them most unbelievable. So 1 star, sadly.

It was funny but also irritating to read about their dragon and dragon cloud. Bottom line is that I have a different mentality that couldn't quite accept the events and actions of the characters. Why work in a pleasure hotel but present it as a spa retreat? Why stress so much about your father finding out? Why show Naoto as this gentle, zen person then have him get violent with Koji's father and swear like a common thug? I couldn't see the men as either Japanese or Westerners. Halfway through I couldn't even tell them apart. Had to focus to remember who was who and what their background story was.

The story had a nice concept and plot line. The writing was ok (except the dragon part). I just couldn't get into the story.

[Serena Yates · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was written with a lot of sensitivity for the Japanese culture and the kinds of pressures peole are exposed to in terms of both work stress and their personal lives.

Koji is a workaholic, fairly typical for a young man who wants to build a sucessful career. Only he is even more ambitious than the average worker and finally gets sent on a holiday by his boss because he refuses to take one on his own. He goes to a men's hotel, the White Tiger, and gets assigned Naoto, one of the men caring for hotel guests. Naoto and Koji develop an unusual closeness and end up helping each other solve their respective issues.

I loved the way the developing relationship with all its issues was describe. The contrast between the slow, relaxing hotel and new way of living that Koji is shown and his old, hectic life was great.

[Karina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much, I didn't want it to end. The tenderness between Koji & Naoto made me feel more touched & emotional, than from most romance novels I have read in a long time. I love the way they treat each other so respectfully and are not afraid of showing gentle emotions. I wanted the book to go on forever. If I could give it higher than 5 stars I would! I look forward to reading more stories in this series, and have already started on the next one.

[Robin L · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one gets five stars just because of the way it makes me feel.

[Mercedes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I discovered the "White Tigers" series as part of an "Around the World" reading challenge and I am SO glad I did!

Men of Tokyo: Sudden Bliss is a contemporary MM romance that takes place in the city of Tokyo. Here we find Koji Watanabe a software engineer who has been working upwards of 20 hrs per day for months. Concerned for his health his boss sends him on a week of vacation to the White Tiger Hotel. The White Tiger hotel caters to men like Koji who are workaholics and are looking to relax while being tended by the young men that work there. Naoto is one of the guys who work there and the owner Kiku (who has premonition powers) assigns him to Koji. Naoto has been working at the White Tiger for a few years and is still morning the loss of his partner who died at the hands of the Yakuza.

One thing I liked about this book was the stark cultural differences that range from how everyone treats each other to the attitudes towards homosexuality. This made the way Naoto and Koji treat each other seem as very gentle, respectful and polite. Yet, their passion makes their relationship progress very quickly which gives this story a sense of insta-love.

In the end I was glad to see Koji and Naoto deal with their grief and also their family issues to get a HEA.

[Yvonne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was expecting more immersion into Japanese culture but really this is just a story of a harried workaholic who goes to a type of Japanese whorehouse & falls in love with the guy assigned to him and they get together after some minor conflict resolutions. It has a nice sensuality about it but not as interesting as it should have been.

[Dee Wy · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a beautifully written story. The author delves into a topic I haven't explored in depth before, that of grief and grieving. Guillone handles it with great understanding and sensitivity. A very rewarding read with two memorable characters.

[Ashley D · Rating 3 out of 5]

Koji is forced to go on vacation by his boss at work, what he doesn't expect is to meet Naoto or to be attracted to him. Koji figured he would be able to sneak work in while he was on his forced leave.

The attraction between Naoto and Koji started from the minute they met even as Koji tried to deny it and continue on the path that his father had set down for him to get married and carry on the family name. This was an okay book and I'll probably read the others in the series at some point but it didn't grab me and keep me interested fully from beginning to end.

[Amani Sky · Rating 5 out of 5]

MEN OF TOKYO

This story touched on my heart to be completely honest. It was crazy seeing how the main characters grieved in comparison to one another. As a couple the MCs are steamy and I would read a book two for sure.

[Lena Grey · Rating 5 out of 5]

James Earl Jones once said: “One of the hardest things in life is having words in your heart that you can't utter.” In 'Sudden Bliss' by Sedonia Guillone both Naoto and Koji are holding words in their hearts, waiting to be set free. They are both grieving; Naoto for his murdered lover and Koji for his unrequited love and for having to live a lie. Naoto and Koji's pain is also their redemption. Together, they form a unique connection of pure, unconditional healing, a feeling of coming home and we all know home is where the heart abides.

Koji has a good heart. He's kind and generous and very respectful. He's always worrying about everyone else, always afraid of hurting someone's feelings. The only person Koji doesn't respect is himself and he tries to fill the emptiness with being productive. Unfortunately, it's quite detrimental for his health and he becomes wound tighter than a drum. Koji's spirit is lost in a darkness of pretending to be something he isn't and his future looks very dark. In the past, Koji has been disrespected by almost everyone. He's given up on the idea of ever being happy.

Naoto is tall, dark and sexy. He's kind and respectful and ever so gentle. Although he's found a purpose at the White Tiger, Naoto is still lost. As he helps Koji untangle his emotional stress, Naoto is confronted with issues of his own. Naoto, like Koji, has all but given up on ever being truly happy. With their deep spiritual connection, Naoto and Koji have the ability to make their inner lights shine brighter than ever before, enabling them to see through the pain of the past and begin envisioning a future of happiness, but only if they are willing to give up the negative emotional baggage they've both been carrying for such a long time.

'Sudden Bliss' is a lovely story, told in an easy, flowing style which unfolds layer by layer enabling us to absorb and understand the characters and their situations. The real beauty in this lies not just in the emotive words, but in the sacred nature of Naoto and Koji's relationship. Naoto and Koji form a bond which will settle for no less than the utmost respect and admiration between them. There's no in-between; no compromise is desirable or acceptable and, for me, that's the only way love will work. There's a lot more in the story besides very hot, passionate, loving sex. There's also intrigue, mystery, action, adventure, there are villains and heroes, along with the messages of being true to oneself and trusting that love will find a way. I highly recommend this beautiful story to anyone who can appreciate a story told in a setting that's as exotic as it is familiar, especially when it involves the trials and tribulations of finding one's own true love. Thank you, Sedonia, for your special insight and my enlightenment.


NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on QMO Books.

[Tex Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 of 5 stars – A Nice, Blissful Gay Romance Set in a Japanese Love-Hotel
(I'm excited to have won this as a Goodreads First Read – so thanks, Sedonia!)

This was a sweet, easy-to-read gay romance set in Japan, primarily in a gay “ryokan” (love-hotel). Guillone had a nice plot, characters, and tension (both sexual and relationship-wise).

Usually I would like the plot to develop more quickly, but in this case I appreciated the slow and gentle build up. It seemed to nicely mirror the nuanced, respectful approach to relationships and sex that is sometimes a part of this particular culture. I liked getting to know the culture a bit, and would have enjoyed more – with a lot of the action set in the hotel, I was disappointed I didn’t get to see and feel more of the Japanese culture and environment in the city.

The plot and characters were generally believable, and I grew to like the two MCs. Ironically, in contrast to the gradual plot, I did think the two MC’s falling instantly in love was a little too convenient. While I felt their past was laid on a bit thick, maybe a little too sympathetically drawn, I did care for them and rooted for them in their relationship as it grew.

As an m/m romance, I also got into the sex scenes; and in fact they could have been even hotter with a bit more erotic descriptions of what men feel. I liked how the sexual tension and scenes built between the two men, nicely intertwined with the storyline without being overwhelming. And I actually appreciated some of the different sexual terms used – for me they helped provide some cultural atmosphere and I just went with it as part of the whole gestalt being created.

Overall, a nice romance about two men meant for each other, helping each other with their grief and be true to themselves.

[Emanuela ~plastic duck~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

The only problem I had with this book was that it seemed so slow. Maybe this slowness gave it this sort of dreamy quality, maybe it was the Japanese setting, anyway it was very romantic. It's basically the story of a workaholic, Koji, who meets a gorgeous man, Naoto, working in the love-hotel where he spends the vacation he is forced to take.

Koji has never had a relationship and he comes from a family where the father is cold and indifferent, and his stepmother was sweet and protective of him. He has never really tried to fulfill his desires and inclinations and he's focused everything on his work. Naoto held the love of his life while dying during a criminal attack and has never been able to live and love again. Koji moves something in him and Naoto does his best to ignite Koji's passion.

There are many little things that are revealed page after page, but I always felt a bit underwhelmed by them and I'm afraid I had to put the book down too many times because I was honestly bored, but I picked it back up because I sort of cared for the characters, I really wanted them to have their happy ending. If the next book's Ryu, I'd probably read it. He was such an interesting secondary character, I kept wanting to know about him.

The story is sensual, but there were some word choices that made the prose purple and I must confess that "dragon" made me giggle, because I'm just plain stupid, but I couldn't help it.

[Shaz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm really struggling with a rating on this book. Whilst I really did like the story and the way it was written, one thing just kept on pulling me out of it.

It could be that this decription is common in the Japanese style/setting, but the constant use of "his dragon" as an euphanism just completely threw me. This was used very often in the first half of the book and instead of being a sexy description, it detracted me from the sex act altogether.

It made it hard to really get into the story, because I would keep waiting for it to "pop" back up (sorry, but it's the only way to describe how it made me feel). Other than that it was a good read, truly marred mainly by that one descriptive phrase.

[Jean Paquin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this author. She always writes characters that grab me. They're gentle but strong, soft but hard. Men of Tokyo is in The White tigers series and I've read every book. There is enough action to keep you interested and beautiful men who draw you in. Sudden Bliss is the story of Koji who is a work-a-holic. Sent by his boss on a vacation to the White Tiger Hotel, he is taken care of by Naoto. Naota is in mourning over the loss of his partner. To see the cultural differences that range from how everyone treats each other to attitudes towards homosexuality, makes the book more interesting.

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of those super sweet romances that not much really happens and I say that only because I found the book moved at a very languid pace. Needed some more action for the story to that "oou I need to keep reading this, what's gong to happen next!" point. Except, it's more of a hurt/comfort kind of book and not sure I'm really a fan of that genre.

[Erotic Horizon · Rating 5 out of 5]

White Tigers: Men of Tokyo: Sudden Bliss by Sedonia Guillone (2008)

[MsMiz (Tina) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[The FountainPenDiva, Old school geek chick and lover of teddy bears · Rating 4 out of 5]

What else is there? Hot Japanese men on the cover, hot sex and a story that really drew me in between the covers. Going to purchase the rest of the series.

[Vfields Don't touch my happy! · Rating 4 out of 5]

One overworked man, one comfort-worker and sort out their pasts for a chance for love. There are some interesting secondary characters for future installments.

[Valentina Heart]

My upper three. 3.5 stars