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A Paranormal Yakuza Duet #1
Secrets & Sake
Jinta
He’s a yakuza with secrets. I’m the reporter determined to bring them to light.
When people start going missing, I sense a story that could make my whole career. I even have the perfect Raiden Noboru, enforcer for the most powerful yakuza organization in Japan.
The plan is go undercover as "Hiro" the photographer, cozy up to Raiden, and discover all he knows about the disappearances.
Problem is? Raiden isn't the monster I thought he was. The beast beneath his skin is fiercely protective of what's his, but he worships my body and soul, showing me a tender side of himself he hides from the rest of the world.
But I've got a story to tell. All I have to do... is betray the man I'm falling for.
Raiden
I stopped believing in fated mates long ago. Love only ends in heartbreak.
Ever since I was a boy, my only purpose has been to serve the Namikawa-kai.
Until him. The minute I see Hiro smile like a sunbeam and catch his cherry blossom scent, I've got to have him. What I thought would be a casual fling becomes so much more. Hiro is mine. Mine to care for, mine to protect. No one else can have him.
Before I realize it, I'm beginning to dream of a life outside the yakuza, a life with Hiro. Too bad that’s all it’ll ever be. A dream. I’ll never make someone as innocent as Hiro happy. I’m a criminal, and I’m no good for him…
…But I can’t stay away from him.
Secrets & Sake is book 1 in A Paranormal Yakuza Duet. It features insta-love, fated mates and wolf shifters, a sunshine undercover reporter and the grumpy yakuza soft only for him, loads of possessive touch-him-and-die vibes, plenty of searingly hot spice, and a Happy-For-Now conclusion.
He’s a yakuza with secrets. I’m the reporter determined to bring them to light.
When people start going missing, I sense a story that could make my whole career. I even have the perfect Raiden Noboru, enforcer for the most powerful yakuza organization in Japan.
The plan is go undercover as "Hiro" the photographer, cozy up to Raiden, and discover all he knows about the disappearances.
Problem is? Raiden isn't the monster I thought he was. The beast beneath his skin is fiercely protective of what's his, but he worships my body and soul, showing me a tender side of himself he hides from the rest of the world.
But I've got a story to tell. All I have to do... is betray the man I'm falling for.
Raiden
I stopped believing in fated mates long ago. Love only ends in heartbreak.
Ever since I was a boy, my only purpose has been to serve the Namikawa-kai.
Until him. The minute I see Hiro smile like a sunbeam and catch his cherry blossom scent, I've got to have him. What I thought would be a casual fling becomes so much more. Hiro is mine. Mine to care for, mine to protect. No one else can have him.
Before I realize it, I'm beginning to dream of a life outside the yakuza, a life with Hiro. Too bad that’s all it’ll ever be. A dream. I’ll never make someone as innocent as Hiro happy. I’m a criminal, and I’m no good for him…
…But I can’t stay away from him.
Secrets & Sake is book 1 in A Paranormal Yakuza Duet. It features insta-love, fated mates and wolf shifters, a sunshine undercover reporter and the grumpy yakuza soft only for him, loads of possessive touch-him-and-die vibes, plenty of searingly hot spice, and a Happy-For-Now conclusion.
376 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 14, 2024
110 people are currently reading
438 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Ravenna
10 books66 followersCJ Ravenna loves to tell stories where the ordinary meets the extraordinary. Her books often feature an explosion or two, possessive and protective werewolves who adore their mates, steamy and swoony romance, and of course a happy ending.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
August 10, 2024
✨ARC REVIEW✨
3.75 rounded up
This book had all the makings of a great PNR mafia romance but it didn't catch my attention as much as I wanted. It had yakuza, a young ambitious journalist with a bone to pick, disappeareances, a curse, hot af smut and violence. But. I don't know why, it didn't quite move me as I had hoped. Perhaps there was a bit more of telling than of showing than I would have liked. Maybe it was the at times ott drama. It was a good book, don't get me wrong, I am sure it's a me thing. There were twist and turns, there were secrets and action, and the ending was an engaging HFN.
3.75 rounded up
This book had all the makings of a great PNR mafia romance but it didn't catch my attention as much as I wanted. It had yakuza, a young ambitious journalist with a bone to pick, disappeareances, a curse, hot af smut and violence. But. I don't know why, it didn't quite move me as I had hoped. Perhaps there was a bit more of telling than of showing than I would have liked. Maybe it was the at times ott drama. It was a good book, don't get me wrong, I am sure it's a me thing. There were twist and turns, there were secrets and action, and the ending was an engaging HFN.
April 23, 2025
4 stars for a sort of original plot. I mean, yakuzas and werewolves? That sounded fun, and for the most part, it was. The vibes were on point, and the setting felt super real, all those repeated 7/11 dinner runs? Loved it, LOL. I gotta take off one star for the constant, repetitive insecurities though, it got old fast.
The story flow was kind of all over the place. Both MCs were a rollercoaster of conflicting emotions. Jinta (Hiro) would say he totally trusted Raiden, then immediately suspected him of being behind the abductions. And Raiden? One second, he is sure Jinta is his soulmate for life, the next, he can’t commit and say the L-word? It just felt chaotic.
With a little more editing and tightening, this could’ve easily been a 5-star read.
The story flow was kind of all over the place. Both MCs were a rollercoaster of conflicting emotions. Jinta (Hiro) would say he totally trusted Raiden, then immediately suspected him of being behind the abductions. And Raiden? One second, he is sure Jinta is his soulmate for life, the next, he can’t commit and say the L-word? It just felt chaotic.
With a little more editing and tightening, this could’ve easily been a 5-star read.
August 11, 2024
3.5
Well, where do I start?
There were so many things I enjoyed about this book, from the compelling main characters, to the wonderful atmosphere and the fabulous writing, but I think something was probably missing for me: maybe it was a smidge too insta-love for my tastes?
Anyway, first things first, this was my first C.J. Ravenna romance and I can already see it won't my last. I really enjoyed the writing! And the way this author writes steam was *chef's kiss*
The two main characters were fabulous. I adored Jinta, and his insecurities were so damn relatable. And Raiden! Gah. He was a surprise! I was expecting a hunk of a werewolf, an uber protective and possessive one at that, and I was right, but oh god, his more vulnerable and hurt side left me nearly sobbing more than once. I hope Jinta treats him right! And vice versa too. Both MCs, despite one of them being a violent criminal and the other a reporter with a slightly skewed morality, are sweethearts and they deserve all the happiness.
The plot was fantastic too, it left me hooked, and that ending! How am I supposed to wait now?!
Unfortunately, like I said, this book was a smidge too insta-love: as a trope, it rarely works for me, as fated mates. I think it's just too lovey dovey for my tastes? Idk, it's jarring and it takes me right out of the book. I probably would have loved this book more if it had a more slow-burn vibe. Also, Jinta's characterization at times felt a bit flakey. I wasn't too impressed with a few twists at the end, but like I said, all in all it was a enjoyable read and I really cannot wait to read the conclusion to this duet!
That ending was CRUEL, and the blurb for the second book is already making me want to scream and/or cry.
TWs/CWs: emotional abuse, grooming (and hinted at domestic/sexual abuse), torture, death, violence.
Thanks GRR for the ARC.
Well, where do I start?
There were so many things I enjoyed about this book, from the compelling main characters, to the wonderful atmosphere and the fabulous writing, but I think something was probably missing for me: maybe it was a smidge too insta-love for my tastes?
Anyway, first things first, this was my first C.J. Ravenna romance and I can already see it won't my last. I really enjoyed the writing! And the way this author writes steam was *chef's kiss*
The two main characters were fabulous. I adored Jinta, and his insecurities were so damn relatable. And Raiden! Gah. He was a surprise! I was expecting a hunk of a werewolf, an uber protective and possessive one at that, and I was right, but oh god, his more vulnerable and hurt side left me nearly sobbing more than once. I hope Jinta treats him right! And vice versa too. Both MCs, despite one of them being a violent criminal and the other a reporter with a slightly skewed morality, are sweethearts and they deserve all the happiness.
The plot was fantastic too, it left me hooked, and that ending! How am I supposed to wait now?!
Unfortunately, like I said, this book was a smidge too insta-love: as a trope, it rarely works for me, as fated mates. I think it's just too lovey dovey for my tastes? Idk, it's jarring and it takes me right out of the book. I probably would have loved this book more if it had a more slow-burn vibe. Also, Jinta's characterization at times felt a bit flakey. I wasn't too impressed with a few twists at the end, but like I said, all in all it was a enjoyable read and I really cannot wait to read the conclusion to this duet!
That ending was CRUEL, and the blurb for the second book is already making me want to scream and/or cry.
TWs/CWs: emotional abuse, grooming (and hinted at domestic/sexual abuse), torture, death, violence.
Thanks GRR for the ARC.
dropped
December 13, 2024***no rating***
dropped @55%
Yeah, no. I’ve read my fair share of insta lust/love shifter romances (or others, really) but the connection between the MCs never felt this forced and lackluster like in this one.
The plot besides the romance couldn’t keep my interest either so I’m calling it quits half way through. *annoyed yawn escapes
dropped @55%
Yeah, no. I’ve read my fair share of insta lust/love shifter romances (or others, really) but the connection between the MCs never felt this forced and lackluster like in this one.
The plot besides the romance couldn’t keep my interest either so I’m calling it quits half way through. *annoyed yawn escapes
November 6, 2024
This had a bit of everything, danger and a bit of softness. It kept me interested throughout and I need to start book 2 right now! It was a little bit instalove which isn't my fav. Author is new to me, if you like paranormal mm its worth a look. Definitely check TW though.
August 26, 2024
Rating: 3.5
Steam: 3
PoV: dual, 1st person
Genre: paranormal romance, MM
Tropes / tags: fated mates, hurt / comfort, suspense
Secrets & Sake was a very suspenseful and intense read!
I was really intrigued by the blurb and the idea of a paranormal Yakuza romance, and Raiden and Jinta’s story certainly kept me on my toes while reading! It was a fast-paced and suspenseful story right from the start, with Jinta looking for a big scoop as a journalist and stumbling onto something much bigger than he could ever have imagined. There was quite a lot of violence and darkness in this one, so be mindful of the TWs if needed.
The chemistry between Raiden and Jinta was fantastic, and I loved to see them together. Their attraction and lust were overall very insta, but it took a bit longer for Raiden to come to terms with them being fated mates. Their romance felt too rushed at times though, and I thought that Jinta would have been better at keeping his distance, considering his undercover work and his investigation into Raiden and the Yakuza.
I liked Raiden’s character, even if I struggled to see him as the “ruthless enforcer” that he was supposed to be, as he mostly came across as vulnerable and lost. There were also the failed collections and a few other situations that seemed a little off considering the reputation he had both within and outside of the organisation. His seemingly hopeless / trapped situation, pain and conflicted feelings hit hard though, and it was easy to feel his desperation and unease grow.
Secrets & Sake was a great first part of a duet, with some fantastic suspense and sweet romance. While it ended with a HFN, it was still clear that there are a lot more left before Jinta and Raiden get their HEA - and I’ll be rooting hard for these two in Curses & Kitsune!
-
Thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for the opportunity to read and review this book. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
Steam: 3
PoV: dual, 1st person
Genre: paranormal romance, MM
Tropes / tags: fated mates, hurt / comfort, suspense
Secrets & Sake was a very suspenseful and intense read!
I was really intrigued by the blurb and the idea of a paranormal Yakuza romance, and Raiden and Jinta’s story certainly kept me on my toes while reading! It was a fast-paced and suspenseful story right from the start, with Jinta looking for a big scoop as a journalist and stumbling onto something much bigger than he could ever have imagined. There was quite a lot of violence and darkness in this one, so be mindful of the TWs if needed.
The chemistry between Raiden and Jinta was fantastic, and I loved to see them together. Their attraction and lust were overall very insta, but it took a bit longer for Raiden to come to terms with them being fated mates. Their romance felt too rushed at times though, and I thought that Jinta would have been better at keeping his distance, considering his undercover work and his investigation into Raiden and the Yakuza.
I liked Raiden’s character, even if I struggled to see him as the “ruthless enforcer” that he was supposed to be, as he mostly came across as vulnerable and lost. There were also the failed collections and a few other situations that seemed a little off considering the reputation he had both within and outside of the organisation. His seemingly hopeless / trapped situation, pain and conflicted feelings hit hard though, and it was easy to feel his desperation and unease grow.
Secrets & Sake was a great first part of a duet, with some fantastic suspense and sweet romance. While it ended with a HFN, it was still clear that there are a lot more left before Jinta and Raiden get their HEA - and I’ll be rooting hard for these two in Curses & Kitsune!
-
Thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for the opportunity to read and review this book. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
July 28, 2024
i have no words. that was so amazing.
i don’t think i’ll ever recover from how good that was…
book two needs to hurry up 🫣
this book hit SO many points for me & did so in the most amazing way. the way their relationship developed, the spice, the possessiveness (🤤), “my mate”!!!!!!! the story line alone had me literally not wanting to put the book down. DEVOURED.
i think im already read to re read this lol.
~ it was a privilege to read this arc ~
i don’t think i’ll ever recover from how good that was…
book two needs to hurry up 🫣
this book hit SO many points for me & did so in the most amazing way. the way their relationship developed, the spice, the possessiveness (🤤), “my mate”!!!!!!! the story line alone had me literally not wanting to put the book down. DEVOURED.
i think im already read to re read this lol.
~ it was a privilege to read this arc ~
August 27, 2024
Jinta Onodera is a young Photographer Journalist with a leading newspaper in Tokyo. He’s chomping at the bit to have a Front page story with his name on it to prove to his parents that he is doing great on his own. He is estranged from his wealthy family in Osaka and his older brother Katsuki is the favourite son because he conforms to the family expectations, and can do no wrong. Jinta is regarded as incapable and needing to be watched over by his overbearing father. The fact that he is gay doesn’t make his life any easier.
Jinta has been looking into some reports about the increase in the number of missing persons recently and no bodies have been found. Rumours say it is the work of Yakuza gangs fighting over territory. Jinta thinks this is his big chance and starts gathering information from Police Reports and Eye Witnesses and looking up the places owned or frequented by the Yakuza. The name Raiden Noboru was given to him by the parent of one of the missing girls.
Jinta has formulated a plan and adopted an undercover name, Hiro Watanbe, and he introduces himself to Ren who is serving behind the bar of the Lotus Room, a known haunt of Yakuza henchmen. She is also Yakuza. She is best friends with Raiden Norboru, aka, Wolf of Asakusa, and he is an enforcer for the bossman, Sensuke Namikama. She mentioned at some point that the Namikama-Kai fan magazine photographer had died so Jinta later casually mentions that he is a Photographer and would love to work for such a famous organisation and meet with Raiden Norboru.
When Jinta ended up having dinner with Raiden Norboru he couldn’t believe that as the Wolf of Asakusa, Raiden had killed so many people. After several more meetings, both men have developed feelings for each other. Jinta finds it easy to dismiss any doubts he had as even more people disappear when he can verify where Raiden was when that happened. Yet no bodies have been found yet. Working together Jinta and Raiden discover betrayal and scenes of most horrific violence, torture, dismemberment.
Given that the story is based around characters that are involved in a Criminal Organisation, there is a lot of very graphic murder, abduction, shifters into animal forms, forced self harm on page, and there’s more. I’ve never read anything like this before, the horror, violence and spookiness is not something I’d choose to read normally, but I continued because I liked Jinta a lot and Raiden had some hidden charms that he was forced to hide in the Yakuza world.
It’s essential that the Trigger Warnings included here by the author, are read before you start reading ‘ Secrets and Sake’. Ending on HFN, book 2, ‘Curses & Kitsune’ continues the story with a very hard won HEA.
I received a free ARC copy from the author and this is my voluntary review.
August 15, 2024
Secrets and Sake is the first book of the A Paranormal Yakuza Duet series.
I was quite surprised by the book, for the better.
It is set in Japan, it reflects very well the contemporary Japanese culture and mythology.
Jinta/Hiro is a journalist who is looking for his big story, he has left his family and the family business, which is very complicated in Japan, to follow his dreams, although he has not yet achieved them. Investigating a series of disappearances, he enters the world of the mafia and finds something he didn't expect.
Raiden is a mafioso with secrets, he has a tragic past, so it is difficult for him to open up and trust others, but with Jinta it is different. With no hope of leaving the mafia, she starts a relationship with him.
The author mixes very well the tropes of mafia and paranormal, creating a world where there are shifters, curses, hunters that makes it very original.
The book doesn't end in a cliffhanger, but it does leave an open plot, which will be resolved in the next book, which I'm looking forward to reading.
I was quite surprised by the book, for the better.
It is set in Japan, it reflects very well the contemporary Japanese culture and mythology.
Jinta/Hiro is a journalist who is looking for his big story, he has left his family and the family business, which is very complicated in Japan, to follow his dreams, although he has not yet achieved them. Investigating a series of disappearances, he enters the world of the mafia and finds something he didn't expect.
Raiden is a mafioso with secrets, he has a tragic past, so it is difficult for him to open up and trust others, but with Jinta it is different. With no hope of leaving the mafia, she starts a relationship with him.
The author mixes very well the tropes of mafia and paranormal, creating a world where there are shifters, curses, hunters that makes it very original.
The book doesn't end in a cliffhanger, but it does leave an open plot, which will be resolved in the next book, which I'm looking forward to reading.
August 22, 2024
Holy cow…..what a story!!!
CJ Ravenna is a masterful storyteller.
Secrets & Sake is the first book in the Paranormal Yakuza Duet. There is a lot to take in and I don’t want to say anything that would spoil it.
It’s crazy, there’s murder,pain, death, fated mates,and really hot sex. It’s very freaking good
I love Jinta and Raiden, they are very lovable flawed characters. Also the Red String of Fate 🥰😍🥰😍🥰 gah, that is so romantic. I can’t even!! I love it when an author can take a couple and make it so romantic in such a hopeless, dire, and murdery situation. It makes it that much more powerful when they finally make it. I can’t wait to see how they get there.
CJ Ravenna is a masterful storyteller.
Secrets & Sake is the first book in the Paranormal Yakuza Duet. There is a lot to take in and I don’t want to say anything that would spoil it.
It’s crazy, there’s murder,pain, death, fated mates,and really hot sex. It’s very freaking good
I love Jinta and Raiden, they are very lovable flawed characters. Also the Red String of Fate 🥰😍🥰😍🥰 gah, that is so romantic. I can’t even!! I love it when an author can take a couple and make it so romantic in such a hopeless, dire, and murdery situation. It makes it that much more powerful when they finally make it. I can’t wait to see how they get there.
August 25, 2024
Ok so I went in a little skeptical, definitely interested, but skeptical. C J Ravenna made me a devout believer, let me tell you.
The story was great. Reporter doing undercover investigating on the yakuza? I’m in. Make it paranormal? Ok I’m really in. Then, then add some fated mates and a little insta love? Ok. Let me devour this book please.
Raiden and Jinta are some broken boys. Both of them have been betrayed by those they love and no longer even want to believe in it. But fate has other ideas.
The spice and chemistry between them was fantastic. There is some mild gore and unaliving (not the MCs) and it ends on a cliffhanger while we wait for the second book, which I believe is the final installment.
Overall if you like paranormal romances with some spice that’s mm, then you should absolutely check this book out.
I absolutely appreciate Ravenna for sending me a copy so I could give a review.
The story was great. Reporter doing undercover investigating on the yakuza? I’m in. Make it paranormal? Ok I’m really in. Then, then add some fated mates and a little insta love? Ok. Let me devour this book please.
Raiden and Jinta are some broken boys. Both of them have been betrayed by those they love and no longer even want to believe in it. But fate has other ideas.
The spice and chemistry between them was fantastic. There is some mild gore and unaliving (not the MCs) and it ends on a cliffhanger while we wait for the second book, which I believe is the final installment.
Overall if you like paranormal romances with some spice that’s mm, then you should absolutely check this book out.
I absolutely appreciate Ravenna for sending me a copy so I could give a review.
August 28, 2024
4.75 ☆
I would just like to say wow! This was sonething new for me. I haven't read a book with wolf shifters before, but the blurb sounded so interesting and I do not regret reading it one bit!
We have Raiden, who is a grumpy yakuza wolf shifter and Jinta, who is a sunshiny investigative journalist. We follow the progression of their relationship, but we also see Jinta investigate some disappearances happening in Tokyo. Raiden has not had an easy life and he lives with trauma from the things that have happened to him. Jinta has also had a less than ideal life so far. His family has never quite been accepting and he was always made to feel less than. In Japan family and duty are very important and with Jinta refusing to do what his family wants and moving away from them has not endeared him to his family either. Jinta's family is a piece of work, and I won't miss them if we won't see them in book 2.
The insta-love and fated mates aspects were done so well! I'm very picky with insta-love and I really loved how it was done in this book. I loved how protective and possessive Raiden was of Jinta. Jinta was initially trying to investigate Raiden and his involvement in 2 disappearances so he posed as a photographer for the yakuza organizations magazine. But he still couldn't deny the connection he had with Raiden. But they both have secrets from each other which need to come to light. Jinta follows Raiden and so he finds out about them being werewolves, Raiden also tells him that the head of the Yakuza has put a curse on him, and he can control what he does.
The last 20-25% was very action packed and I was struggling to put it down! A lot of things came to light and happened, at one point I even had tears in my eyes. It was a good ending for the book, but we still have a lot to look forward to in book 2.
The book felt fast paced, but not rushed and I loved how everything came together. It's darkish but not too bad and has a lot of interesting elements. I'm excited to see how things get resolved in the second book.
I would just like to say wow! This was sonething new for me. I haven't read a book with wolf shifters before, but the blurb sounded so interesting and I do not regret reading it one bit!
We have Raiden, who is a grumpy yakuza wolf shifter and Jinta, who is a sunshiny investigative journalist. We follow the progression of their relationship, but we also see Jinta investigate some disappearances happening in Tokyo. Raiden has not had an easy life and he lives with trauma from the things that have happened to him. Jinta has also had a less than ideal life so far. His family has never quite been accepting and he was always made to feel less than. In Japan family and duty are very important and with Jinta refusing to do what his family wants and moving away from them has not endeared him to his family either. Jinta's family is a piece of work, and I won't miss them if we won't see them in book 2.
The insta-love and fated mates aspects were done so well! I'm very picky with insta-love and I really loved how it was done in this book. I loved how protective and possessive Raiden was of Jinta. Jinta was initially trying to investigate Raiden and his involvement in 2 disappearances so he posed as a photographer for the yakuza organizations magazine. But he still couldn't deny the connection he had with Raiden. But they both have secrets from each other which need to come to light. Jinta follows Raiden and so he finds out about them being werewolves, Raiden also tells him that the head of the Yakuza has put a curse on him, and he can control what he does.
The last 20-25% was very action packed and I was struggling to put it down! A lot of things came to light and happened, at one point I even had tears in my eyes. It was a good ending for the book, but we still have a lot to look forward to in book 2.
The book felt fast paced, but not rushed and I loved how everything came together. It's darkish but not too bad and has a lot of interesting elements. I'm excited to see how things get resolved in the second book.
September 2, 2024
❊ | | | ❊
Rating: ⭐⭐✨
I have mixed feelings. Very mixed.
On one hand, it’s an entertaining, okay story, and I think it might have its audience. I'm not sure if I'm exactly the target audience for this novel, for various reasons, though I didn’t hate it either (though I must admit there was a moment around 22% when I thought about DNFing it... and I only kept going because it’s an ARC).
Let's see, to start, it’s an instalove story through and through. And yes, when it comes to fated mates, I tolerate instalove because I believe it's part of the mystical or paranormal component that these kinds of pairings have, and I grant them certain liberties. The instalove and instalust in these kinds of plots I can handle, and sometimes, depending on how it's handled, I even end up loving them.
That said, this book has too many nonsensical elements that really grated on me.
We have two people from different worlds: on one side, there's Jinta, a journalist chasing “his big story,” the one that will make his career take off; on the other side, there’s Raiden, a yakuza with an infamous reputation who (of course) turns out not to be as bad as he seems. Their lives intersect when Jinta's investigation into a series of disappearances in Tokyo leads him to target Raiden, who appears untouchable. To uncover the truth, he infiltrates the criminal gang as a photographer.
Alright, let's ignore the fact that Jinta infiltrates one of the most important yakuza families in the country as if it were no big deal, a family that, despite him not knowing it, are werewolves. Let’s also ignore that the whole idea of the yakuza wanting to do a feature to clean up their image sounds (or at least, as presented) quite ridiculous. And thus, we can ignore and look the other way at several other things that really grate on me.
What really bothers me, though, is having to ignore all the things that don’t make sense, which unfortunately are many at the beginning: like how Jinta hooks up with Raiden for the first time despite thinking he’s a cruel and ruthless murderer. Although this could be tossed into the “they’re fated and can’t resist” bucket, the way Jinta switches his doubts about the guy he’s clearly starting a relationship with on and off makes no sense.
There are many small things that make the first half—the half where they meet and establish the foundations of their relationship—lack coherence. And that annoys me.
Once we get past that rough patch (if we manage to look the other way and accept the inconsistencies), we enter the plot of what’s happening in the city: disappearances, secrets, paranormal life, a human caught in the middle, mafias, and many threads moving behind the backs of our MCs.
The story, in general, has potential, and luckily, it kept me reading. But there are many things that need polishing.
It really annoys me when stories that could have thrilled me fail, primarily due to the execution. That said, I believe there are readers who won’t be as bothered by these things as I am because, as we all know, each reader is different, and to each their own.
I can’t say I was captivated by this author's execution, and it’s a shame, but even so, I’m going to give it a second chance and finish the story since it’s a duology, and the reading pace is quick and enjoyable, so it won’t be too much of an effort.
Let’s hope that this time, now that the couple is established (though they still have issues to resolve and traumas to overcome) and the plot has developed, there won’t be as many inconsistencies and the storyline will shine more.
Rating: ⭐⭐✨
I have mixed feelings. Very mixed.
On one hand, it’s an entertaining, okay story, and I think it might have its audience. I'm not sure if I'm exactly the target audience for this novel, for various reasons, though I didn’t hate it either (though I must admit there was a moment around 22% when I thought about DNFing it... and I only kept going because it’s an ARC).
Let's see, to start, it’s an instalove story through and through. And yes, when it comes to fated mates, I tolerate instalove because I believe it's part of the mystical or paranormal component that these kinds of pairings have, and I grant them certain liberties. The instalove and instalust in these kinds of plots I can handle, and sometimes, depending on how it's handled, I even end up loving them.
That said, this book has too many nonsensical elements that really grated on me.
We have two people from different worlds: on one side, there's Jinta, a journalist chasing “his big story,” the one that will make his career take off; on the other side, there’s Raiden, a yakuza with an infamous reputation who (of course) turns out not to be as bad as he seems. Their lives intersect when Jinta's investigation into a series of disappearances in Tokyo leads him to target Raiden, who appears untouchable. To uncover the truth, he infiltrates the criminal gang as a photographer.
Alright, let's ignore the fact that Jinta infiltrates one of the most important yakuza families in the country as if it were no big deal, a family that, despite him not knowing it, are werewolves. Let’s also ignore that the whole idea of the yakuza wanting to do a feature to clean up their image sounds (or at least, as presented) quite ridiculous. And thus, we can ignore and look the other way at several other things that really grate on me.
What really bothers me, though, is having to ignore all the things that don’t make sense, which unfortunately are many at the beginning: like how Jinta hooks up with Raiden for the first time despite thinking he’s a cruel and ruthless murderer. Although this could be tossed into the “they’re fated and can’t resist” bucket, the way Jinta switches his doubts about the guy he’s clearly starting a relationship with on and off makes no sense.
There are many small things that make the first half—the half where they meet and establish the foundations of their relationship—lack coherence. And that annoys me.
Once we get past that rough patch (if we manage to look the other way and accept the inconsistencies), we enter the plot of what’s happening in the city: disappearances, secrets, paranormal life, a human caught in the middle, mafias, and many threads moving behind the backs of our MCs.
The story, in general, has potential, and luckily, it kept me reading. But there are many things that need polishing.
It really annoys me when stories that could have thrilled me fail, primarily due to the execution. That said, I believe there are readers who won’t be as bothered by these things as I am because, as we all know, each reader is different, and to each their own.
I can’t say I was captivated by this author's execution, and it’s a shame, but even so, I’m going to give it a second chance and finish the story since it’s a duology, and the reading pace is quick and enjoyable, so it won’t be too much of an effort.
Let’s hope that this time, now that the couple is established (though they still have issues to resolve and traumas to overcome) and the plot has developed, there won’t be as many inconsistencies and the storyline will shine more.
August 28, 2024
3.5
It was lacking something, but was fun
It was lacking something, but was fun
December 17, 2024
Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance
Spice: 3/5 🌶️
*This is part one in a duet*
Tropes: MM, supernatural Tokyo, Japanese gangs (yazukq), mysteries, werewolves (wolf shifters), insta-lust, fated mates, idiots in love, hurt/care, nickname, half-shifting, knotting, gay and bi representation, secret identity, possessive MMC, and Japanese folklore.
Spoiler-free Summary:
Jinta, hoping to write the story of his career, is investigating a pattern of disappearances in Tokyo. All of his information leads to the involvement of the gangs, and one yazukq in particular, Raiden Noboru, aka the Wolf of Asakusa. Jinta decides to get close to the organization under false pretenses, but finds that his connection to Raiden is stronger than his desire to investigate him. But as a journalist, his loyalty should be to the truth, right?
Thoughts:
Paranormal Tokyo is full of danger and seduction and Jinta is merely along for the ride. It was a lot of fun to see this story unfold from Jinta’s human POV. There were so many twists and turns to the plot, that I found myself as twisted and anticipatory as Jinta to find the truth. The PNR aspects of this story were really interesting and I greatly appreciated the tie-ins to Japanese folklore.
As for the characters, I found Jinta and Raiden to be an interesting duo. Jinta is an inquisitive, clever and soft spoken man dealing with the oppressive weight of disappointing his family, while Raiden is brash, outgoing, and jaded when it comes to love. Seeing each of them fall for the other and ride through their own waves of acceptance was very exciting.
I was not expecting this book to be so action packed, but every page was absolutely dynamic. This book ends on a soft close, not exactly a cliffhanger, as things are mostly calm, but it definitely leaves the reader itching for the conflict coming in part two!
I think readers of queer PNR will enjoy this one, especially those who prefer romantic suspense and mystery!
Spice: 3/5 🌶️
*This is part one in a duet*
Tropes: MM, supernatural Tokyo, Japanese gangs (yazukq), mysteries, werewolves (wolf shifters), insta-lust, fated mates, idiots in love, hurt/care, nickname, half-shifting, knotting, gay and bi representation, secret identity, possessive MMC, and Japanese folklore.
Spoiler-free Summary:
Jinta, hoping to write the story of his career, is investigating a pattern of disappearances in Tokyo. All of his information leads to the involvement of the gangs, and one yazukq in particular, Raiden Noboru, aka the Wolf of Asakusa. Jinta decides to get close to the organization under false pretenses, but finds that his connection to Raiden is stronger than his desire to investigate him. But as a journalist, his loyalty should be to the truth, right?
Thoughts:
Paranormal Tokyo is full of danger and seduction and Jinta is merely along for the ride. It was a lot of fun to see this story unfold from Jinta’s human POV. There were so many twists and turns to the plot, that I found myself as twisted and anticipatory as Jinta to find the truth. The PNR aspects of this story were really interesting and I greatly appreciated the tie-ins to Japanese folklore.
As for the characters, I found Jinta and Raiden to be an interesting duo. Jinta is an inquisitive, clever and soft spoken man dealing with the oppressive weight of disappointing his family, while Raiden is brash, outgoing, and jaded when it comes to love. Seeing each of them fall for the other and ride through their own waves of acceptance was very exciting.
I was not expecting this book to be so action packed, but every page was absolutely dynamic. This book ends on a soft close, not exactly a cliffhanger, as things are mostly calm, but it definitely leaves the reader itching for the conflict coming in part two!
I think readers of queer PNR will enjoy this one, especially those who prefer romantic suspense and mystery!
August 8, 2024
So I had been drooling over teasers for "Secrets & Sake" for weeks before I was given the opportunity to receive an ARC of this book. And I'm so grateful to the author for letting me get my hands on this story because it was just as good as I thought it would be!
This is my second book by CJ Ravenna, the first being "To Hunt A Moonborn Beast" which I also highly recommend. "Secrets & Sake" follows undercover reporter Jinta and yakuza baddie Raiden, aka the Wolf of Asakusa. Jinta is struggling to prove himself to his family. He just needs a big front-page story to shut them up after turning away from the family business. He gets a lead into several disappearances pointing him straight to Raiden. He goes undercover and unexpectedly starts a boiling lava-hot relationship with the yakuza that is sure to end in tragedy. Both men are hiding major secrets that could turn the other's life upside down. Can their quickly deepening relationship last, or will their secrets destroy their chances at a happily ever after?
I loved everything about this book. Everything. The insta-lust was amazing. This is definitely a fast burn which is my absolute favorite. We don't have to wait long for these two to connect and when they do, it's beautiful. There might even be a praise kink involved. 😏 Even though their relationship is built on lies there are real, deep feelings of love and devotion on both sides. We get two of my favorite romance moments in this book; "Who did this to you?" and "I didn't know where else to go." Swoon. My heart. ☺️ It was easy to root for these two the entire book.
The pacing made sense and the plot kept the story moving along nicely. There was a good amount of character growth as well! The paranormal elements were explained well and kept me interested. Honestly, this book just hit the spot. I'm so excited for the second part of the duet to be released so we can find out what happens next and hopefully see our characters get their HEA!
This is my second book by CJ Ravenna, the first being "To Hunt A Moonborn Beast" which I also highly recommend. "Secrets & Sake" follows undercover reporter Jinta and yakuza baddie Raiden, aka the Wolf of Asakusa. Jinta is struggling to prove himself to his family. He just needs a big front-page story to shut them up after turning away from the family business. He gets a lead into several disappearances pointing him straight to Raiden. He goes undercover and unexpectedly starts a boiling lava-hot relationship with the yakuza that is sure to end in tragedy. Both men are hiding major secrets that could turn the other's life upside down. Can their quickly deepening relationship last, or will their secrets destroy their chances at a happily ever after?
I loved everything about this book. Everything. The insta-lust was amazing. This is definitely a fast burn which is my absolute favorite. We don't have to wait long for these two to connect and when they do, it's beautiful. There might even be a praise kink involved. 😏 Even though their relationship is built on lies there are real, deep feelings of love and devotion on both sides. We get two of my favorite romance moments in this book; "Who did this to you?" and "I didn't know where else to go." Swoon. My heart. ☺️ It was easy to root for these two the entire book.
The pacing made sense and the plot kept the story moving along nicely. There was a good amount of character growth as well! The paranormal elements were explained well and kept me interested. Honestly, this book just hit the spot. I'm so excited for the second part of the duet to be released so we can find out what happens next and hopefully see our characters get their HEA!
August 24, 2024
CJ Ravenna is a new to me author. As soon as I read the blurb from Secrets and Sake, I knew I had to read it soon.
Many things stood out to me regarding this book. How will the author give us a story with wolf shifters, an undercover reporter, and an MC who is very much in the yakuza organization and can't get out?
Well, the author did it, and I could not put this book down. If I had the time to read Secrets & Sake in one sitting, I would have finished this sooner.
Jinta is a reporter who goes undercover to finally get the story that will make him stand out and put his work on the front page. He wants to have something to show his family he made the right choice by choosing that career.
Raiden! Oh, adorable, teddy bear, can do no harm (yet he can 👀 so watch out) is definitely the best. He is very involved in the Yakuza organization and has no way of ever getting out. He has lost all hope of ever being free. Until one day Raiden meets Jinta everything changes. Because of course meeting your fated mate will do that do to you. Jinta is his Sunshine ☀️.
This book does end an HFN because it is a part of the Paranormal Yazuka Duet. It also has TWs that I encourage to look at before reading. Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It kept me interested and wanting to know what the secrets were, why people were disappearing, who was behind it, and whether Raiden would ever be able to finally be free? So many questions some get answered, yet others we will have to wait... nonetheless, I can't wait for the next book in this duet to find out what Jinta and Raiden will do next.
Many things stood out to me regarding this book. How will the author give us a story with wolf shifters, an undercover reporter, and an MC who is very much in the yakuza organization and can't get out?
Well, the author did it, and I could not put this book down. If I had the time to read Secrets & Sake in one sitting, I would have finished this sooner.
Jinta is a reporter who goes undercover to finally get the story that will make him stand out and put his work on the front page. He wants to have something to show his family he made the right choice by choosing that career.
Raiden! Oh, adorable, teddy bear, can do no harm (yet he can 👀 so watch out) is definitely the best. He is very involved in the Yakuza organization and has no way of ever getting out. He has lost all hope of ever being free. Until one day Raiden meets Jinta everything changes. Because of course meeting your fated mate will do that do to you. Jinta is his Sunshine ☀️.
This book does end an HFN because it is a part of the Paranormal Yazuka Duet. It also has TWs that I encourage to look at before reading. Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It kept me interested and wanting to know what the secrets were, why people were disappearing, who was behind it, and whether Raiden would ever be able to finally be free? So many questions some get answered, yet others we will have to wait... nonetheless, I can't wait for the next book in this duet to find out what Jinta and Raiden will do next.
September 12, 2024
I've never read a book set in Japan about the Yakuza but I loved CJ's LPA series and thought this would be worth reading. Well, it absolutely is. Fantastic writing, interesting characters who both have a lot going on individually as well as together.
Raiden and Jinta come from very different worlds, Raiden being a wolf shifter abandoned by his parents and Jinta the son who has disappointed his parents by abandoning their hospitality empire in favour of following his passion for journalism.
Jinta's investigation that he hopes will finally give him the big story he's yet to have leads him to Raiden and his links to missing people in their area.
Unfortunately, Jinta gets a lot closer than he thought to Raiden and the two men begin a relationship. Raiden gave up on love or a connection when everything happened with his parents. Meeting Jinta changes all of that but it doesn't stop his fealty to his boss, as much as he wishes he could leave.
It's a fast developing thing between the two but it is occasionally intense for the wrong reasons with an ex partner around, and both having a painful history. There is also everything that Raiden has to do for his boss, that he has no choice in. As Jinta comes to understand Raiden's world, secrets are revealed to both of them and life changing event leaves readers awaiting the second book of the duology.
I really enjoyed this and can't wait to read the next book, though I feel things will get much darker before the two reach their HEA.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
Raiden and Jinta come from very different worlds, Raiden being a wolf shifter abandoned by his parents and Jinta the son who has disappointed his parents by abandoning their hospitality empire in favour of following his passion for journalism.
Jinta's investigation that he hopes will finally give him the big story he's yet to have leads him to Raiden and his links to missing people in their area.
Unfortunately, Jinta gets a lot closer than he thought to Raiden and the two men begin a relationship. Raiden gave up on love or a connection when everything happened with his parents. Meeting Jinta changes all of that but it doesn't stop his fealty to his boss, as much as he wishes he could leave.
It's a fast developing thing between the two but it is occasionally intense for the wrong reasons with an ex partner around, and both having a painful history. There is also everything that Raiden has to do for his boss, that he has no choice in. As Jinta comes to understand Raiden's world, secrets are revealed to both of them and life changing event leaves readers awaiting the second book of the duology.
I really enjoyed this and can't wait to read the next book, though I feel things will get much darker before the two reach their HEA.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
August 6, 2024
Secrets & Sake by CJ Ravenna
5/5 ✨🌟
* * * SPOILERS * *
“𝓛𝓮𝓽 𝓶𝓮 𝓶𝓪𝓴𝓮 𝓼𝓸𝓶𝓮𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓬𝓵𝓮𝓪𝓻. 𝓗𝓲𝓻𝓸 𝓲𝓼 𝓶𝓲𝓷𝓮, 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓘’𝓶 𝓰𝓸𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓽𝓸 𝓼𝓹𝓮𝓷𝓭 𝓮���𝓮𝓻𝔂 𝓭𝓪𝔂 𝓼𝓱𝓸𝔀𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓱𝓲𝓶 𝓱𝓸𝔀 𝓶𝓾𝓬𝓱 𝓱𝓮 𝓶𝓮𝓪𝓷𝓼 𝓽𝓸 𝓶𝓮. 𝓗𝓮’𝓼 𝓰𝓸𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓽𝓸 𝓴𝓷𝓸𝔀 𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻𝔂 𝓭𝓪𝔂 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓱𝓮’𝓼 𝓽𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓼𝓾𝓻𝓮𝓭. 𝓑𝓮𝓬𝓪𝓾𝓼𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽’𝓼 𝔀𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓱𝓮 𝓭𝓮𝓼𝓮𝓻𝓿𝓮𝓼.”
—⿒⿒
CJ Ravenna has just made me fall in love with this new series. It’s filled with romance, spicy scenes, all the swooning and the action packed scenes.
Immediately when Raiden meets Jinta(Hiro), his wolf was already claiming him saying that Jinta was his. I loved how nervous and scared Raiden was because of what happened to his parents and what he experienced.
From the cab scene to the elevator scene to the freaking chase, which was super steamy, I was all for these two and those sexy scenes.
I loved Ren. Even though she about freaked out when she found out, she was in both of their corners. And my goodness, Jinta’s family especially the brother and father are just awful. No wonder he hadn’t returned home. And could his brother be more obvious about being attracted to Raiden. Geez.
I love how even though Raiden is a yakuza, he just wants love but is so afraid to open up his heart fully. I cannot wait to watch their love blossom.
And the way to save Jinta, I knew that saving him was going to come with a cost. What a cliffhanger because I need book 2 right now!
5/5 ✨🌟
* * * SPOILERS * *
“𝓛𝓮𝓽 𝓶𝓮 𝓶𝓪𝓴𝓮 𝓼𝓸𝓶𝓮𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓬𝓵𝓮𝓪𝓻. 𝓗𝓲𝓻𝓸 𝓲𝓼 𝓶𝓲𝓷𝓮, 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓘’𝓶 𝓰𝓸𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓽𝓸 𝓼𝓹𝓮𝓷𝓭 𝓮���𝓮𝓻𝔂 𝓭𝓪𝔂 𝓼𝓱𝓸𝔀𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓱𝓲𝓶 𝓱𝓸𝔀 𝓶𝓾𝓬𝓱 𝓱𝓮 𝓶𝓮𝓪𝓷𝓼 𝓽𝓸 𝓶𝓮. 𝓗𝓮’𝓼 𝓰𝓸𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓽𝓸 𝓴𝓷𝓸𝔀 𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻𝔂 𝓭𝓪𝔂 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓱𝓮’𝓼 𝓽𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓼𝓾𝓻𝓮𝓭. 𝓑𝓮𝓬𝓪𝓾𝓼𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽’𝓼 𝔀𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓱𝓮 𝓭𝓮𝓼𝓮𝓻𝓿𝓮𝓼.”
—⿒⿒
CJ Ravenna has just made me fall in love with this new series. It’s filled with romance, spicy scenes, all the swooning and the action packed scenes.
Immediately when Raiden meets Jinta(Hiro), his wolf was already claiming him saying that Jinta was his. I loved how nervous and scared Raiden was because of what happened to his parents and what he experienced.
From the cab scene to the elevator scene to the freaking chase, which was super steamy, I was all for these two and those sexy scenes.
I loved Ren. Even though she about freaked out when she found out, she was in both of their corners. And my goodness, Jinta’s family especially the brother and father are just awful. No wonder he hadn’t returned home. And could his brother be more obvious about being attracted to Raiden. Geez.
I love how even though Raiden is a yakuza, he just wants love but is so afraid to open up his heart fully. I cannot wait to watch their love blossom.
And the way to save Jinta, I knew that saving him was going to come with a cost. What a cliffhanger because I need book 2 right now!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 28, 2024
The authoe's writing style took a bit of getting used to, but I eventually found myself immersed.
I love that this takes place in Japan. Having been to Tokyo, all the places and neighborhoods mentioned brings me back and I'm glad I can have a bit of a visual in my head of what all these places look like.
Super invested in the mystery and paranormal aspect. It seemed like a contemporary yakuza crime romance and then we're introduced to fated mates and the shifters. Jintao being undercover as Hiro, and then Raiden being soft for him.
So glad book 2 came out the same day as book 1 so I didn't have to wait for the conclusion.
I love that this takes place in Japan. Having been to Tokyo, all the places and neighborhoods mentioned brings me back and I'm glad I can have a bit of a visual in my head of what all these places look like.
Super invested in the mystery and paranormal aspect. It seemed like a contemporary yakuza crime romance and then we're introduced to fated mates and the shifters. Jintao being undercover as Hiro, and then Raiden being soft for him.
So glad book 2 came out the same day as book 1 so I didn't have to wait for the conclusion.
November 18, 2024
Audiobook: five stars
The narrator did a wonderful job with this ... He was absolutely perfect
Oh my God. This book is so underrated, it had a bit of everything, danger and a bit of softness . It kept me interested throughout and I am definitely going to start book 2.
The narrator did a wonderful job with this ... He was absolutely perfect
Oh my God. This book is so underrated, it had a bit of everything, danger and a bit of softness . It kept me interested throughout and I am definitely going to start book 2.
December 3, 2024
The book lost momentum after the 30% mark. Excessive sex. As Cartman says, "I like to be wined and dined after I've been FUCKED." Felt like the author was new to the MM genre, though that's clearly not the case.
February 6, 2025
If you want lots of sex and not a lot of stories, this book is for you. If you like a good story, probably look elsewhere.
August 11, 2024
4⭐️
Secrets and Sake is the first book of a new paranormal Yakuza duet with plenty of possession, angst and spice! As a first read of this author, I loved CJ Ravenna’s writing style! The ability to be able to weave character development both as individuals and as a couple with a fascinating plot is a skill that most authors strive to have.
We first meet our sunshine reporter, Jinta, as he’s following along a string of missing persons cases which happen to lead back to our other main character. Jinta is the typical overshadowed under appreciated second son of a wealthy family who decides to walk his own path in life by becoming a reporter. Going undercover into the Yakuza as a photographer, Jinta meets his prime suspect, Raiden.
Raiden is the Namikawa-kai’s enforcer who’s been forced into this life because of his father’s past mistakes. Forced into line by a powerful deal, he’s all but given up on having any other sort of life. In walks our photographer and everything gets turned on its head.
These two perfectly balanced each other out and the growth of both characters was amazing!! We get the exciting twists and turns you’d expect from a PNR romance with the underlying mystery of uncovering the truth alongside Jinta in his pursuit of the truth.
I’m so excited to see what happens next for these two!!
Tropes:
- MM
- PNR romance
- Wolf shifter x human
- Undercover reporter x yakuza enforcer
- Mystery to uncover
Secrets and Sake is the first book of a new paranormal Yakuza duet with plenty of possession, angst and spice! As a first read of this author, I loved CJ Ravenna’s writing style! The ability to be able to weave character development both as individuals and as a couple with a fascinating plot is a skill that most authors strive to have.
We first meet our sunshine reporter, Jinta, as he’s following along a string of missing persons cases which happen to lead back to our other main character. Jinta is the typical overshadowed under appreciated second son of a wealthy family who decides to walk his own path in life by becoming a reporter. Going undercover into the Yakuza as a photographer, Jinta meets his prime suspect, Raiden.
Raiden is the Namikawa-kai’s enforcer who’s been forced into this life because of his father’s past mistakes. Forced into line by a powerful deal, he’s all but given up on having any other sort of life. In walks our photographer and everything gets turned on its head.
These two perfectly balanced each other out and the growth of both characters was amazing!! We get the exciting twists and turns you’d expect from a PNR romance with the underlying mystery of uncovering the truth alongside Jinta in his pursuit of the truth.
I’m so excited to see what happens next for these two!!
Tropes:
- MM
- PNR romance
- Wolf shifter x human
- Undercover reporter x yakuza enforcer
- Mystery to uncover
September 13, 2024
A review.
2.75 stars
This is the first book in the Paranormal Yakuza series and, I have to confess, I won’t be picking up the second book. I have a lot of issues with this book and, to sum it up, I’m not going to be recommending it. But let’s get into the why.
One of the tropes the story is leaning into is the grumpy/sunshine pairing, but there is nothing sunshiny about Jinta/Hiro. He’s a twink, but he’s deceptive, selfish, whiny, stubborn, and has the ability to read the script so that he can figure things out with the barest of information. Unless this book is trying to flip the script on its head and Jinta’s the grump with Raiden the sunshine, but even that doesn’t work with Raiden’s personality.
If you were a fan of the Teen Wolf TV show, you might enjoy this book, but if you’re looking for a yakuza book, this isn’t going to be it. It has thin characterization, a relationship I find unhealthy, a plot that relies on contrivance, and a lack of world building — and that doesn’t feel as though it takes place in Tokyo as much as any nameless city.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety .
2.75 stars
This is the first book in the Paranormal Yakuza series and, I have to confess, I won’t be picking up the second book. I have a lot of issues with this book and, to sum it up, I’m not going to be recommending it. But let’s get into the why.
One of the tropes the story is leaning into is the grumpy/sunshine pairing, but there is nothing sunshiny about Jinta/Hiro. He’s a twink, but he’s deceptive, selfish, whiny, stubborn, and has the ability to read the script so that he can figure things out with the barest of information. Unless this book is trying to flip the script on its head and Jinta’s the grump with Raiden the sunshine, but even that doesn’t work with Raiden’s personality.
If you were a fan of the Teen Wolf TV show, you might enjoy this book, but if you’re looking for a yakuza book, this isn’t going to be it. It has thin characterization, a relationship I find unhealthy, a plot that relies on contrivance, and a lack of world building — and that doesn’t feel as though it takes place in Tokyo as much as any nameless city.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety .
November 12, 2024
3.5
I ended up really enjoying this, but it took me a while to really get into the story. It did feel like one of those stories where the big fight could have been avoided at that point, and it just wasn’t because it was the big fight they were leading to. I think I really liked the last half more than the first.
This is definitely one of those INSTA connection stories which is always hard for me. It did make sense on the one side with the mate bond, but not so much on the other.
All in all, enjoyable.
Also, not a fan of voice effects in narration.
I ended up really enjoying this, but it took me a while to really get into the story. It did feel like one of those stories where the big fight could have been avoided at that point, and it just wasn’t because it was the big fight they were leading to. I think I really liked the last half more than the first.
This is definitely one of those INSTA connection stories which is always hard for me. It did make sense on the one side with the mate bond, but not so much on the other.
All in all, enjoyable.
Also, not a fan of voice effects in narration.
September 13, 2024
Part one in a PNR set in Japan with the Yakuza. Sounds amazing. Well the author did not disappoint.
Jinta is a journalist looking into a story about missing people, and goes "undercover" as a photographer to try and find out more. He meets Raiden, Jinta does not know that Raiden and almost all of the yakuza he has meet are all wolf shifters, and has an instant attraction.
Both men come from very different backgrounds and have family that has given them issues with relationships. But even with trying to deny each other the connection they feel, they can't deny a chance. The hold the yakuza and the past has over Raiden may be too much for him to ever be free to have the freedom to be completely with Jinta, and Jinta's family still expects him to "return home".
I can't wait to ready duet#2
Jinta is a journalist looking into a story about missing people, and goes "undercover" as a photographer to try and find out more. He meets Raiden, Jinta does not know that Raiden and almost all of the yakuza he has meet are all wolf shifters, and has an instant attraction.
Both men come from very different backgrounds and have family that has given them issues with relationships. But even with trying to deny each other the connection they feel, they can't deny a chance. The hold the yakuza and the past has over Raiden may be too much for him to ever be free to have the freedom to be completely with Jinta, and Jinta's family still expects him to "return home".
I can't wait to ready duet#2
September 13, 2024
Audio: 4.5⭐️
Secrets & Sake: How to Make a Murderous Yakuza Werewolf More Sympathetic Than “The Good Guy”
Overall, this is an entertaining generic mafia romance packaged as a Japanese yakuza story. Jinta is insecure and desperately trying not to feel worthless due to him constantly falling short and not being enough compared to his dazzling and dutiful older brother. Though he knows he’ll never measure up, even if he had worked in his family business as was expected, he clings to the hope that getting a front-page article will prove his worth to them and himself.
Raiden was sold into the yakuza and bound to the boss by a curse that forced Raiden to do whatever was asked of him. He carries deep emotional wounds from being abandoned by his father, cast away by his mother, groomed by a sadistic yakuza boss, and horror at his actions. To survive he locks it all in a box, tries to embrace the cruelty of his role, and accept that he will never escape this life and always be his boss’s lap dog. For me, Raiden is the heart of the story. His loneliness, pain and lack of autonomy makes him very sympathetic despite being a murdery yakuza werewolf. His progression from dark hopelessness to hopeful love is well done. This may be why Jinta’s stagnation in his one internal problem of “I’m not good enough” feels less substantial the more the story progresses.
The MCs have a lot of chemistry so the story is overflowing with cum and repetitious dirty talk. It started off pretty strong for me as both MCs insecurities, dreams, and situations are compelling. Jinta is compassionate and relatable (at first). He’s invested in making his mark, but also in the ppl involved. He’s also pretty unflappable; he quickly goes from ‘Raiden is yakuza filth’ to okay with ppl being murdered bc they hurt him. He’s almost equally chill about the werewolf thing, going from horrified that they’re hunting humans to ‘oh well they’re bad guys so chase me down and fuck me’. I can only assume it’s the insta-lust/mate bond. However, eventually Jinta’s insecurities take up so much space that he is dismissive of Raiden’s pain in a way. He’s there to be sad, but Raiden’s words and visible hurt don’t move the needle much in regards to Jinta’s actions. At some point, he just seems like the worst bc he’s scrambling for a story that would never get published outside of a tabloid, and Raiden has spilled the vaults of his secrets, his love and his trauma. It’s heartbreaking.
When that happens, it feels less like a conflict of interest and more like Jinta just has tunnel vision and is selfish af. Jinta thinks he isn’t good enough for Raiden, and I kinda agree.😁 He admittedly lets Raiden heal his heart and just stays on the path to betrayal even after he makes a turning point with his family. He keeps going on and on about them not having a future if he can’t trust Raiden’s feelings, and I’m like wtf would you know about trust? Raiden proves again and again that he is gone for Jinta and would never let him go, and Jinta is stuck in “he’ll leave me” mode, which works in a contemporary novel, but not in a book where Jinta knows his bf’s a werewolf who will kill for him and is EXTREMELY possessive; not when Raiden has been vulnerable, shared secrets no one knows, and is so open and honest about how much Jinta means to him and how much he needs Jinta. There are deep insecurities, and then there’s Jinta.
Additionally, their disparate interests in the background *should* have provided some good tension. However, the tension is lessened as the story takes the BIG SECRET trope not only down a well-worn path but past the point it even makes sense which is something that plagues the story. This is one of those pnr that doesn’t actually care about the world-building; it just wants to have shifters and fated mates. So, you can have horse sized wolves galloping down the streets of Tokyo chasing a bad guy. You have one of the most vibrant cities in the world feeling like any ole city until you throw in some Japanese foods to remind ppl of the setting. You can have a noob journalist thinking he’s going to have a front-page story at his reputable paper after it becomes obvious it can’t happen bc of paranormal shenanigans.
There may be a reason Jinta hasn’t gotten a front-page story. Jinta has a terrible memory, misses obvious questions, or asks the same questions that had straightforward answers. After knowing Raiden for like a week, he considers Raiden the best man he’s ever known, before he’s seen Raiden’s soft underbelly and right after Raiden has killed two men for beating Jinta up. He also says dumb ish like “See Jinta. He’s controlling. That’s a real flag!” Not being a yakuza werewolf whose possessiveness you drop trou for in a heartbeat.🤣 That fact is an oh yeah afterthought. Priorities, amiright? It’s in a scene where he’s trying to convince himself that betraying Raiden is cool, but it’s so ridiculous.
Besides liking Raiden, Nick Cracknell’s performance kept me invested in the story. His narration is great and his voices are really good for most characters. Overall, if you’re looking for a pnr-lite steamy, mine-mine-mine story with territorial yakuza shifters this and great narration, you might like this one.
Secrets & Sake: How to Make a Murderous Yakuza Werewolf More Sympathetic Than “The Good Guy”
Overall, this is an entertaining generic mafia romance packaged as a Japanese yakuza story. Jinta is insecure and desperately trying not to feel worthless due to him constantly falling short and not being enough compared to his dazzling and dutiful older brother. Though he knows he’ll never measure up, even if he had worked in his family business as was expected, he clings to the hope that getting a front-page article will prove his worth to them and himself.
Raiden was sold into the yakuza and bound to the boss by a curse that forced Raiden to do whatever was asked of him. He carries deep emotional wounds from being abandoned by his father, cast away by his mother, groomed by a sadistic yakuza boss, and horror at his actions. To survive he locks it all in a box, tries to embrace the cruelty of his role, and accept that he will never escape this life and always be his boss’s lap dog. For me, Raiden is the heart of the story. His loneliness, pain and lack of autonomy makes him very sympathetic despite being a murdery yakuza werewolf. His progression from dark hopelessness to hopeful love is well done. This may be why Jinta’s stagnation in his one internal problem of “I’m not good enough” feels less substantial the more the story progresses.
The MCs have a lot of chemistry so the story is overflowing with cum and repetitious dirty talk. It started off pretty strong for me as both MCs insecurities, dreams, and situations are compelling. Jinta is compassionate and relatable (at first). He’s invested in making his mark, but also in the ppl involved. He’s also pretty unflappable; he quickly goes from ‘Raiden is yakuza filth’ to okay with ppl being murdered bc they hurt him. He’s almost equally chill about the werewolf thing, going from horrified that they’re hunting humans to ‘oh well they’re bad guys so chase me down and fuck me’. I can only assume it’s the insta-lust/mate bond. However, eventually Jinta’s insecurities take up so much space that he is dismissive of Raiden’s pain in a way. He’s there to be sad, but Raiden’s words and visible hurt don’t move the needle much in regards to Jinta’s actions. At some point, he just seems like the worst bc he’s scrambling for a story that would never get published outside of a tabloid, and Raiden has spilled the vaults of his secrets, his love and his trauma. It’s heartbreaking.
When that happens, it feels less like a conflict of interest and more like Jinta just has tunnel vision and is selfish af. Jinta thinks he isn’t good enough for Raiden, and I kinda agree.😁 He admittedly lets Raiden heal his heart and just stays on the path to betrayal even after he makes a turning point with his family. He keeps going on and on about them not having a future if he can’t trust Raiden’s feelings, and I’m like wtf would you know about trust? Raiden proves again and again that he is gone for Jinta and would never let him go, and Jinta is stuck in “he’ll leave me” mode, which works in a contemporary novel, but not in a book where Jinta knows his bf’s a werewolf who will kill for him and is EXTREMELY possessive; not when Raiden has been vulnerable, shared secrets no one knows, and is so open and honest about how much Jinta means to him and how much he needs Jinta. There are deep insecurities, and then there’s Jinta.
Additionally, their disparate interests in the background *should* have provided some good tension. However, the tension is lessened as the story takes the BIG SECRET trope not only down a well-worn path but past the point it even makes sense which is something that plagues the story. This is one of those pnr that doesn’t actually care about the world-building; it just wants to have shifters and fated mates. So, you can have horse sized wolves galloping down the streets of Tokyo chasing a bad guy. You have one of the most vibrant cities in the world feeling like any ole city until you throw in some Japanese foods to remind ppl of the setting. You can have a noob journalist thinking he’s going to have a front-page story at his reputable paper after it becomes obvious it can’t happen bc of paranormal shenanigans.
There may be a reason Jinta hasn’t gotten a front-page story. Jinta has a terrible memory, misses obvious questions, or asks the same questions that had straightforward answers. After knowing Raiden for like a week, he considers Raiden the best man he’s ever known, before he’s seen Raiden’s soft underbelly and right after Raiden has killed two men for beating Jinta up. He also says dumb ish like “See Jinta. He’s controlling. That’s a real flag!” Not being a yakuza werewolf whose possessiveness you drop trou for in a heartbeat.🤣 That fact is an oh yeah afterthought. Priorities, amiright? It’s in a scene where he’s trying to convince himself that betraying Raiden is cool, but it’s so ridiculous.
Besides liking Raiden, Nick Cracknell’s performance kept me invested in the story. His narration is great and his voices are really good for most characters. Overall, if you’re looking for a pnr-lite steamy, mine-mine-mine story with territorial yakuza shifters this and great narration, you might like this one.
November 29, 2024
Jinta, aka Sunshine and Raiden, aka the Wolf of Asakusa, were pretty cool characters that I enjoyed reading about in this first book, and I will definitely be reading their conclusion in book two.
When I first started reading the book, I felt like both main characters were in their own version of Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. I was actually glad after they met each other because the mood changed considerably. They still had crazy stuff happen (seriously, first date shenanigans were in full effect), but they seemed more light-hearted about it.
The plot was plotting, the main characters were main charactering, and the spice was spicing. And yes, there is trauma galore. However, the characters made efforts to work through it.
This book was a really good read.
++++++++++++++++
Notable Scenes/Quotes:
[Raiden about Jinta aka "Hiro"]
Hiro smells like cherry blossoms.
++++++++++++++++
Reaching out, I take his hand. “I had fun tonight. With you.”
Finally, Hiro’s features light up. “I did, too.”
There it is. There’s my sunshine.
++++++++++++++++
“And, when you catch me…” When. Not if. F*ck, my blood’s on fire for this man. “What would you do to me?”
I hum, thinking long and hard, fantasies twisting through my head. “I’d ruin you for any other man.”
++++++++++++++++
[Jinta about Raiden]
He kisses me, and I understand the difference between being kissed and being seen, wanted, needed.
++++++++++++++++
[Jinta about Raiden]
With a single kiss, this man ruined me, and I won’t be satisfied until I’ve tasted him again, everywhere.
++++++++++++++++
Delight springs across Hiro’s face. “And now, you’ve brightened mine.”
Something flutters through my heart. Not butterflies. That’s a stupid analogy. Maybe, I don’t know… moths. Or wasps. Something cool.
++++++++++++++++
If anyone gives Hiro trouble, I will rip their throats out with my teeth.
[Classic Sterek line! IYKYK! 😘]
++++++++++++++++
“You’re off limits. To anyone. I’m not a normal person, Sunshine. I’m not even a good person. But I protect what’s mine at any cost.”
++++++++++++++++
[Jinta about Raiden]
I want all of him. All of his dark, all his light, for however long I can have him.
++++++++++++++++
Chapter 11 - Big moment happens, but as a reader, I wasn't sure the level of danger to both characters was taken into consideration by the characters themselves. They were just chatting like everything was all good when, in fact, everything was not all good. At least as a reader assessing the situation, I didn't think so.
Intense spice also took place. Did I think it was the time and place yet again? Absolutely not. However, the spice was spicing.
++++++++++++++++
For a moment, I’m too surprised to speak. Hiro… cares. About me? Me?
“You do?” For some reason, my voice comes out all soft and hopeful.
++++++++++++++++
I think if I did one thing right, it was taking a chance on a smile like sunshine and a scent like cherry blossoms in the springtime.
++++++++++++++++
“Never letting you go,” I whisper against his lips. I grip the nape of his neck and meet his gaze. “Hear me, Sunshine? The only way either of us are walking away from this is if I die or you do. No one else can have you like this. You’re mine.”
Hiro grips my face between his hands. “Yours,” he whispers, and there’s no hesitation.
++++++++++++++++
“Because for so long, my world was nothing but darkness until you smiled, and it was like all the lights came on. Do you understand what that means? To finally have someone as bright and warm as you in this f*cked- up world of mine? It’s everything. You’re everything. And I will kill anyone who tries to take my sunshine away. I’m choosing you, Hiro. I will always choose you.”
++++++++++++++++
“If I’m your sun, then you’re my moon.” I kiss his cheeks, his chin, the tip of his nose. No matter how dark the night gets, as long as I have him and the light he’s brought into my life, I know I’ll be okay. “I love you, Raiden.”
When I first started reading the book, I felt like both main characters were in their own version of Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. I was actually glad after they met each other because the mood changed considerably. They still had crazy stuff happen (seriously, first date shenanigans were in full effect), but they seemed more light-hearted about it.
The plot was plotting, the main characters were main charactering, and the spice was spicing. And yes, there is trauma galore. However, the characters made efforts to work through it.
This book was a really good read.
++++++++++++++++
Notable Scenes/Quotes:
[Raiden about Jinta aka "Hiro"]
Hiro smells like cherry blossoms.
++++++++++++++++
Reaching out, I take his hand. “I had fun tonight. With you.”
Finally, Hiro’s features light up. “I did, too.”
There it is. There’s my sunshine.
++++++++++++++++
“And, when you catch me…” When. Not if. F*ck, my blood’s on fire for this man. “What would you do to me?”
I hum, thinking long and hard, fantasies twisting through my head. “I’d ruin you for any other man.”
++++++++++++++++
[Jinta about Raiden]
He kisses me, and I understand the difference between being kissed and being seen, wanted, needed.
++++++++++++++++
[Jinta about Raiden]
With a single kiss, this man ruined me, and I won’t be satisfied until I’ve tasted him again, everywhere.
++++++++++++++++
Delight springs across Hiro’s face. “And now, you’ve brightened mine.”
Something flutters through my heart. Not butterflies. That’s a stupid analogy. Maybe, I don’t know… moths. Or wasps. Something cool.
++++++++++++++++
If anyone gives Hiro trouble, I will rip their throats out with my teeth.
[Classic Sterek line! IYKYK! 😘]
++++++++++++++++
“You’re off limits. To anyone. I’m not a normal person, Sunshine. I’m not even a good person. But I protect what’s mine at any cost.”
++++++++++++++++
[Jinta about Raiden]
I want all of him. All of his dark, all his light, for however long I can have him.
++++++++++++++++
Chapter 11 - Big moment happens, but as a reader, I wasn't sure the level of danger to both characters was taken into consideration by the characters themselves. They were just chatting like everything was all good when, in fact, everything was not all good. At least as a reader assessing the situation, I didn't think so.
Intense spice also took place. Did I think it was the time and place yet again? Absolutely not. However, the spice was spicing.
++++++++++++++++
For a moment, I’m too surprised to speak. Hiro… cares. About me? Me?
“You do?” For some reason, my voice comes out all soft and hopeful.
++++++++++++++++
I think if I did one thing right, it was taking a chance on a smile like sunshine and a scent like cherry blossoms in the springtime.
++++++++++++++++
“Never letting you go,” I whisper against his lips. I grip the nape of his neck and meet his gaze. “Hear me, Sunshine? The only way either of us are walking away from this is if I die or you do. No one else can have you like this. You’re mine.”
Hiro grips my face between his hands. “Yours,” he whispers, and there’s no hesitation.
++++++++++++++++
“Because for so long, my world was nothing but darkness until you smiled, and it was like all the lights came on. Do you understand what that means? To finally have someone as bright and warm as you in this f*cked- up world of mine? It’s everything. You’re everything. And I will kill anyone who tries to take my sunshine away. I’m choosing you, Hiro. I will always choose you.”
++++++++++++++++
“If I’m your sun, then you’re my moon.” I kiss his cheeks, his chin, the tip of his nose. No matter how dark the night gets, as long as I have him and the light he’s brought into my life, I know I’ll be okay. “I love you, Raiden.”
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