What do you think?
Rate this book
Blue Rose
Luck and an impromptu jam session bring college student Quinn Yamamoto to the Blue Rose, a small R&B nightclub. He meets handsome club owner Enjoji Tatankata and it’s love at first sight, but no one said love would ever be easy.It's one thing after keeping his grades up and working to make ends meet, learning about a family he didn’t know he had, reliving buried memories of horrifying abuse in his nightmares, discovering that his new lover has dangerous secrets... nothing in his life could have prepared Quinn for this.
125 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 17, 2010
2 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
About the author
Sui Lynn
16 books121 followersSui Lynn is a born and raised mid-western gal. She loves Rock ‘n Roll but can get a little bit country too. She has been writing for as long as she can remember and is always found with a book or pencil and paper in hand. She has 2 Cocker Spaniels who are the comic relief in her life. She loves orange soda, Dr Who and her computer, all of which she could not function without.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 25, 2010
Blue Rose is an odd story with two seemingly unrelated parts to it. The first part is so sweet it may test even the most die hard romantics. The characters meet, exchange their life stories in a bar, sleep together, and are soul mates before the sun has come up. They’re totally in love, swearing eternal fidelity and moving in together for the long haul. This of course ignores some major issues the story has set up but who cares since love at first sight cures everything. The next part of the story deals with Enjoji and Quinn’s family expectations and the typical over the top evil villain – who actually has henchmen. The second half is marginally better than the first but the syrupy sweet love made me roll my eyes too much to enjoy this one.
The blurb warns readers that the characters fall in love at first sight so it’s not a big surprise that they immediate have sex (without lube or condoms mind you) but it’s still too much when they’re declaring they are soul mate status mere hours later. This stretches any kind of belief since Enjoji is not only straight but engaged to be married. Quinn thinks nothing of this since it’s a Japanese arranged marriage and is all about getting in Enjoji’s pants anyway. Although Enjoji’s never been attracted to a man before, he’s well into the sex (even rimming Quinn). The fiancé and straight status are never thought of again as Enjoji and Quinn can’t spend a moment apart from each other. Quinn immediately moves in, they declare their undying love constantly to each other and everyone else, and the story then skips ahead time while telling the reader why they’re so happy, happy in love.
I admit I had some problems with this since the story spends considerable time setting up Quinn as near perfect. He’s the oldest son of a widowed mother with a younger sister and he’s not only working several jobs to put himself through college but to send money home too. He’s brilliant, good at nearly everything, handsome, charismatic, and falls in love with his soul mate the first day back at college. The love of his life wasn’t gay but turns gay at the first kiss and is totally devoted to Quinn with no qualms about suddenly being gay. Likewise Enjoji is near perfect. He lives a somewhat humble existence above the music bar that is his passion but is filthy rich as the family CEO and the head of the Yakuza.
For those that don’t know the Yakuza is a Japanese crime syndicate but don’t worry since Enjoji is turning it all legitimate with great results. So perfection is really the main descriptor here as Enjoji’s money and influence (all for good mind you) pretty much cures any problem that crops up. There are some problems later on in the story with a twist on Quinn’s past. These introduce the tension and conflict into the story. There are some issues with Quinn’s grandfather – the evil villain with henchmen – but again Enjoji clears these up rather quickly, all the way calling Quinn his beloved, “my love”, and no one batting an eye at two men openly affectionate at the head of a Japanese crime family.
The story has some good elements, most notably the quirk regarding Quinn’s past and upbringing. This actually is what pulled me back into the story when I wanted to die from the sugary sweet overdose. The twist – without giving spoilers – is interesting and clever and actually plays well to the Yakuza history. The villain is over the top without a shred of subtly but I almost could have gone with that if the resolution hadn’t been so bland and boring. There are way too many coincidences as well that just conveniently take care of any problem and the resolution with Quinn’s mother had me groaning at its obviousness and ridiculousness.
I think the easiest way to describe this book is extreme. From the good to the bad, the story goes over the top in the descriptions, actions, and characters. The men certainly communicate but they are constantly reassuring each other that they love each other, they’ll never leave, they’re soul mates, they could forgive anything, and the language used is often very corny. Lines like “their love took them higher than any man-made machine could ever take them” (pg. 139) litter the writing and make the story difficult to enjoy. On the one hand this makes for a romantic story with a definite happy ending, but on the other hand it’s just too sappy sweet for me. I need something to cut through that and give some good tension and release.
The blurb warns readers that the characters fall in love at first sight so it’s not a big surprise that they immediate have sex (without lube or condoms mind you) but it’s still too much when they’re declaring they are soul mate status mere hours later. This stretches any kind of belief since Enjoji is not only straight but engaged to be married. Quinn thinks nothing of this since it’s a Japanese arranged marriage and is all about getting in Enjoji’s pants anyway. Although Enjoji’s never been attracted to a man before, he’s well into the sex (even rimming Quinn). The fiancé and straight status are never thought of again as Enjoji and Quinn can’t spend a moment apart from each other. Quinn immediately moves in, they declare their undying love constantly to each other and everyone else, and the story then skips ahead time while telling the reader why they’re so happy, happy in love.
I admit I had some problems with this since the story spends considerable time setting up Quinn as near perfect. He’s the oldest son of a widowed mother with a younger sister and he’s not only working several jobs to put himself through college but to send money home too. He’s brilliant, good at nearly everything, handsome, charismatic, and falls in love with his soul mate the first day back at college. The love of his life wasn’t gay but turns gay at the first kiss and is totally devoted to Quinn with no qualms about suddenly being gay. Likewise Enjoji is near perfect. He lives a somewhat humble existence above the music bar that is his passion but is filthy rich as the family CEO and the head of the Yakuza.
For those that don’t know the Yakuza is a Japanese crime syndicate but don’t worry since Enjoji is turning it all legitimate with great results. So perfection is really the main descriptor here as Enjoji’s money and influence (all for good mind you) pretty much cures any problem that crops up. There are some problems later on in the story with a twist on Quinn’s past. These introduce the tension and conflict into the story. There are some issues with Quinn’s grandfather – the evil villain with henchmen – but again Enjoji clears these up rather quickly, all the way calling Quinn his beloved, “my love”, and no one batting an eye at two men openly affectionate at the head of a Japanese crime family.
The story has some good elements, most notably the quirk regarding Quinn’s past and upbringing. This actually is what pulled me back into the story when I wanted to die from the sugary sweet overdose. The twist – without giving spoilers – is interesting and clever and actually plays well to the Yakuza history. The villain is over the top without a shred of subtly but I almost could have gone with that if the resolution hadn’t been so bland and boring. There are way too many coincidences as well that just conveniently take care of any problem and the resolution with Quinn’s mother had me groaning at its obviousness and ridiculousness.
I think the easiest way to describe this book is extreme. From the good to the bad, the story goes over the top in the descriptions, actions, and characters. The men certainly communicate but they are constantly reassuring each other that they love each other, they’ll never leave, they’re soul mates, they could forgive anything, and the language used is often very corny. Lines like “their love took them higher than any man-made machine could ever take them” (pg. 139) litter the writing and make the story difficult to enjoy. On the one hand this makes for a romantic story with a definite happy ending, but on the other hand it’s just too sappy sweet for me. I need something to cut through that and give some good tension and release.
August 20, 2010
What a strange book. Terribly uneven, too. It goes along rather well then suddenly there are little portions that like a gradeschooler's attempt. I winced when Enjoji (whose last name, Tatankata, was a tongue-twister for me!) fucked Quinn vigorously without lube. Twice, I believe.
I found the entire story required a suspension of belief that was beyond me. I had no problems with Quinn and Enjoji having sex within a few hours of meeting but I did have a big issue with them declaring eternal love to each other after their orgasm. Undying love after a few hours?
Oh, I'd better add that Enjoji is the head of a clan belonging to the Yakuza. Yup. The Yakuza. And Quinn also turns out to belong to a family connected to the Yakuza. I may not know much about the Yakuza beyond what I've heard or seen in the media but I don't think I'd be that far wrong to say they don't go around calling their partners "my love" at every turn, billing and cooing at each other as they figure out how to extricate themselves from the obligations of being a part of this ruthless organization.
I found the entire story required a suspension of belief that was beyond me. I had no problems with Quinn and Enjoji having sex within a few hours of meeting but I did have a big issue with them declaring eternal love to each other after their orgasm. Undying love after a few hours?
Oh, I'd better add that Enjoji is the head of a clan belonging to the Yakuza. Yup. The Yakuza. And Quinn also turns out to belong to a family connected to the Yakuza. I may not know much about the Yakuza beyond what I've heard or seen in the media but I don't think I'd be that far wrong to say they don't go around calling their partners "my love" at every turn, billing and cooing at each other as they figure out how to extricate themselves from the obligations of being a part of this ruthless organization.
October 13, 2010
I debated with myself over the one star; it seems harsh. But I couldn't justify any better for a story that feels like one of the most amateur feeling "published" works I've read in a while. Unrealistic characters and over-the-top sweetness, I can handle – and even enjoy in a guilty-pleasure way – but this went well beyond that point even for a story I'd otherwise find appealing. And this story was not all that appealing, at least not once we'd gotten past the soul-mates-at-first-meeting thing. (That always has a certain appeal.)
November 10, 2010
** Tear jerker alert ** All I can say is :sniffs: this story is well written, very touching and kept me pinned to every word till the very end. I would definitely read more by this author.
I'm a tad emotionally overwhelmed so I warn you to have the Kleenex at your ready.
I need something happy go lucky now after this one.
Ok so I came back to alter this a bit. The tear jerking part? It's not that long but long enough to really get a tear or two out of you. I'm not going to spoil this and say anymore on it and the ending is priceless and superb, definitely HEA for those of you HEA lovers :snickering:
'Nough said. Adios
I'm a tad emotionally overwhelmed so I warn you to have the Kleenex at your ready.
I need something happy go lucky now after this one.
Ok so I came back to alter this a bit. The tear jerking part? It's not that long but long enough to really get a tear or two out of you. I'm not going to spoil this and say anymore on it and the ending is priceless and superb, definitely HEA for those of you HEA lovers :snickering:
'Nough said. Adios
February 19, 2012
I really enjoyed this book and to me the relationship seemed a bit speedy, it was very true and genuine.
I found it a nice read and loved the scenes with the two main characters, especially with Quinn's family. :)
I found it a nice read and loved the scenes with the two main characters, especially with Quinn's family. :)
August 21, 2010
The book kind of read like a paper for class instead of a book - I just couldn't picture real people talking the way that they did.
October 18, 2010
Nineteen year old Quinn Yamamoto is going off to his second year of college at Colorado State University. It's an exciting time for him, and although he knows he'll miss his mother, and his eight year old sister Rayme, he is looking forward to returning to the college life he has come to enjoy. Rayme has given her brother a stuffed animal to remember her by, what else does he need?
Quinn has a new roommate this year, senior Tage MacCallister. Taking advantage of the fact that he is actually two weeks early - his desire to get all his ducks in a row before classes start - Quinn finds himself sitting at the old upright piano in the dorm common room, and how can he resist playing? He can't, and before he knows it, he's attracted an audience, thanks to his tuneful tickling of the ivories. That's how he meets some fellow musicians, who are also at the school early - Tim, and Raj as well as his roommate Tage. They tell him about a place called the Blue Rose, where they work during the school year, playing music, and earning some money. Hey, why doesn't he come with them, maybe he can get on there too? Why not, Quinn thinks. So they all head off to the Blue Rose, being hungry - aren't college students always hungry? - to see if Quinn has what it takes to be one of them. And that is when he meets Enjoji.
If you didn't know you were looking for it, the Blue Rose is the sort of place you might easily pass by. Unpretentious on the outside, the inside is a warm family style steakhouse, with cream colored cloth tableclothes and napkins embroidered with blue roses. Quinn feels immediately at home. And when he meets Enjoji, he can't stop staring into the darkest eyes he's ever seen, like endless pools. Something gets into Quinn and he challenges the older man musically, which takes Enjoji aback but he meets the challenge and the two square off, each displaying their talents. The other guys join them and they have a rollicking impromptu jam sesssin which lasts for hours. The customers get the best of it, and a good time is had by all. By the end of the night, the boys are feeling their liquor, so Enjoji, who is used to it, has Quinn help bring them upstairs, to his quarters, where they bed them down. There is no room left for Quinn, though, except in Enjojoi's room. So they get to know one another, finding they have much in common, including a Japanese heritage, although Quinn is only half Japanese, but he knows some of the language and the customs.
The more Quinn sees of Enjoji, the more attracted to him he is. Too bad he's straight, eh? But in the middle of the night, in close proximity, a lot can happen, and it does, and lightning strikes these two as over the course of the night they fall in love. Quinn moves in with Enjoji, besides getting the job at the Blue Rose, and life is beautiful. He tells his mom and Rayme about Enjoji, and they can't wait to meet him. But an unexpected turn of events leads them to go to see Quinn's family sooner than expected, when he learns that his mother is ill - terminally so - and his sister needs him. In the course of dealing with this crisis, others reveal themselves, and life has just gotten way tricky for these two, as secrets are uncovered on both sides. Can they transcend these things and stay together, or will the skeletons in their closets tear them apart? Can love triumph over all?
You can read my complete review at Yaoi Radius!
Quinn has a new roommate this year, senior Tage MacCallister. Taking advantage of the fact that he is actually two weeks early - his desire to get all his ducks in a row before classes start - Quinn finds himself sitting at the old upright piano in the dorm common room, and how can he resist playing? He can't, and before he knows it, he's attracted an audience, thanks to his tuneful tickling of the ivories. That's how he meets some fellow musicians, who are also at the school early - Tim, and Raj as well as his roommate Tage. They tell him about a place called the Blue Rose, where they work during the school year, playing music, and earning some money. Hey, why doesn't he come with them, maybe he can get on there too? Why not, Quinn thinks. So they all head off to the Blue Rose, being hungry - aren't college students always hungry? - to see if Quinn has what it takes to be one of them. And that is when he meets Enjoji.
If you didn't know you were looking for it, the Blue Rose is the sort of place you might easily pass by. Unpretentious on the outside, the inside is a warm family style steakhouse, with cream colored cloth tableclothes and napkins embroidered with blue roses. Quinn feels immediately at home. And when he meets Enjoji, he can't stop staring into the darkest eyes he's ever seen, like endless pools. Something gets into Quinn and he challenges the older man musically, which takes Enjoji aback but he meets the challenge and the two square off, each displaying their talents. The other guys join them and they have a rollicking impromptu jam sesssin which lasts for hours. The customers get the best of it, and a good time is had by all. By the end of the night, the boys are feeling their liquor, so Enjoji, who is used to it, has Quinn help bring them upstairs, to his quarters, where they bed them down. There is no room left for Quinn, though, except in Enjojoi's room. So they get to know one another, finding they have much in common, including a Japanese heritage, although Quinn is only half Japanese, but he knows some of the language and the customs.
The more Quinn sees of Enjoji, the more attracted to him he is. Too bad he's straight, eh? But in the middle of the night, in close proximity, a lot can happen, and it does, and lightning strikes these two as over the course of the night they fall in love. Quinn moves in with Enjoji, besides getting the job at the Blue Rose, and life is beautiful. He tells his mom and Rayme about Enjoji, and they can't wait to meet him. But an unexpected turn of events leads them to go to see Quinn's family sooner than expected, when he learns that his mother is ill - terminally so - and his sister needs him. In the course of dealing with this crisis, others reveal themselves, and life has just gotten way tricky for these two, as secrets are uncovered on both sides. Can they transcend these things and stay together, or will the skeletons in their closets tear them apart? Can love triumph over all?
You can read my complete review at Yaoi Radius!
February 2, 2011
Absolutely dreadful and hilariously funny for all the wrong reasons. I almost gave up after the first chapter, which is all 'tell' and no 'show' (actually the entire book is tell tell tell - if this is the best work the editor did on it then I hate to think what it looked like before edits). However I'm glad I continued reading because the book descended into total inane stupidity and it was hysterically funny. The characterisation is so thin you can see through it, the plot became increasingly ridiculous, and the whole thing is just OTT and awash with syrupy sweetness. Oh and these guys are yakuza! So much suspension of disbelief is required for this story to work on any level - but then we get to the Big Twist at the end and I have to say I laughed so hard.
Now I love yaoi novels but this is like a really bad fanfic of the cheesiest yaoi novel imaginable. Bad writing, bad storytelling, bad characterisation, bad editing... this book is a total trainwreck. If you're looking for a good yaoi read, this isn't it.
Now I love yaoi novels but this is like a really bad fanfic of the cheesiest yaoi novel imaginable. Bad writing, bad storytelling, bad characterisation, bad editing... this book is a total trainwreck. If you're looking for a good yaoi read, this isn't it.
June 7, 2012
It was waaaay too insta-lovey for me. Like, total devoted lifetime love at first sight, and it's not a paranormal.
And worse than insta-love, it was insta-insane possesiveness. Um, no thanks. Yuck. Seriously, from the moment these guys declare their undying love (a few hours after they meet), there are overtones that sound like nightmare-in-the-making "you're mine and only mine forever and ever and I don't want to share you with anyone else" kind of stuff.
Not to mention GFY with no (zero, zip, zilch) second thoughts, questioning, etc. Just "wow I love you ever so much, I can't live without you" and the fact that it's with a man is totally glossed over. Apparently it's not worth a second thought to be 29 years old, have thought yourself straight all along, and then fall forever-after in love with a man a few hours after meeting him.
I stopped reading near the end of chapter 4 when it all become too cloying. And in addition to all that, the writing style itself was a bit clunky. Some weird word choices and a general "telling not showing" sort of thing.
And worse than insta-love, it was insta-insane possesiveness. Um, no thanks. Yuck. Seriously, from the moment these guys declare their undying love (a few hours after they meet), there are overtones that sound like nightmare-in-the-making "you're mine and only mine forever and ever and I don't want to share you with anyone else" kind of stuff.
Not to mention GFY with no (zero, zip, zilch) second thoughts, questioning, etc. Just "wow I love you ever so much, I can't live without you" and the fact that it's with a man is totally glossed over. Apparently it's not worth a second thought to be 29 years old, have thought yourself straight all along, and then fall forever-after in love with a man a few hours after meeting him.
I stopped reading near the end of chapter 4 when it all become too cloying. And in addition to all that, the writing style itself was a bit clunky. Some weird word choices and a general "telling not showing" sort of thing.
September 6, 2016
Synopsis:
Quinn is asked to play at the Blue Rose, which leads to him catching the eye of Enjoji, the owner. Even though Enjoji is straight and engaged, once he sees Quinn, he is Quinn's forever. They sleep together, move in together and are soul mates forever together. But Enjoji isn't what he appears to be: rather than a humble bar owner, he turns out to be head of a crime syndicate who will do anything to protect Quinn.
What I liked: the premise. I liked the connection between Quinn and Enjoji, even while I found it insanely unbelievable.
What I didn't like: Oh! Enjoji is the head of the Japanese crime syndicate. But it's okay! Because he is turning it legitimate. Oh! Quinn has a secret past that he didn't know about. But it's okay! Because Emjoji will take care of it. Oh! Quinn's family isn't what it seems. But it's okay, because the evil grandfather will be vanquished.
Quinn is asked to play at the Blue Rose, which leads to him catching the eye of Enjoji, the owner. Even though Enjoji is straight and engaged, once he sees Quinn, he is Quinn's forever. They sleep together, move in together and are soul mates forever together. But Enjoji isn't what he appears to be: rather than a humble bar owner, he turns out to be head of a crime syndicate who will do anything to protect Quinn.
What I liked: the premise. I liked the connection between Quinn and Enjoji, even while I found it insanely unbelievable.
What I didn't like: Oh! Enjoji is the head of the Japanese crime syndicate. But it's okay! Because he is turning it legitimate. Oh! Quinn has a secret past that he didn't know about. But it's okay! Because Emjoji will take care of it. Oh! Quinn's family isn't what it seems. But it's okay, because the evil grandfather will be vanquished.
February 29, 2012
I started reading this book and told myself, "gosh another fluff book". Midway through boy did this book turn around. So many unexpected things happened. I ended up thoroughly enjoying this book, and would love to read a follow up on how their lives turn out after the wedding.
June 21, 2011
good story but only 3 stars because NO CONDOM !! bad writer !!!
May 24, 2012
I liked the story, but the insta love was really unbelievable to me
The yakuza aspect was quite interesting, but it all played just too easily to me
The yakuza aspect was quite interesting, but it all played just too easily to me
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 3, 2015
An ok story but not up to the authors later efforts. This probably negatively affected my attitude to it as Sui Lynn's more recent efforts are some of my favourite books.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews