Title: Yakuza Pride
Author: H.J. Brues
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Pages: 342
Characters: Shigure and Ken
POV: 3rd Person
Setting: Tokyo
Genre: Mystery/Suspense
Cover Rating: 5
Kisses: 5+
Blurb:
When yakuza underboss Shigure Matsunaga meets Kenneth Harris at a boring social event, he’s surprised to find himself attracted to the blond gaijin with the mismatched eyes. Shigure is even more pleased when he discovers Ken not only speaks Japanese fluently, but is fluent in Japan’s ways, even the more violent of the martial arts. Ken’s expertise at kendo is not his most striking quality—it’s the passion beneath his quiet, almost fragile exterior that ignites Shigure’s lust, and the two come together as explosively as they spar.
Shigure is a dangerous man in a dangerous position. He’s been trying to keep the peace with the Daito-kai—his hated rivals—but the danger on the streets is escalating, threatening those Shigure most wants to protect. He may claim to love his gaijin, but before he can keep Ken safe, Shigure will have to overcome hostility from his people, a hidden enemy, and, the most insidious opponent of all, his own hard-won pride.
Review:
In Yakuza Pride Shigure is a captain in the Shinayawa-gumi, one of the most powerful gangs in Tokyo. He has spent 20 years in his Shinayawa family and has no time for a relationship. He collects art and enjoys having the beautiful things in life surrounding him. He believes that Kenshin is one of those things. Until he discovers everything hidden inside Kenshin
Kenneth Harris also known as Kenshin grew up in Japan. He knows the traditions, the polite behavior and the martial arts of Japanese society. Blond hair and mismatched eyes makes him stand out in a crowd. As an artist he illustrates children’s books for a living. He is instantly drawn to Shigure and he seems to be missing a healthy dose of fear that should come with the Yakuza man.
When Shigure and Kenshin meet the attraction is immediate. Shigure is surprised to learn that Kenshin is fluent in Japanese and knows the culture. He discovers that they share a common sport of kendo and Kenshin is challenged to a friendly match thus ensuring that they will see each other again. Before leave the reception a chance encounter in the men’s room lets them both have a small taste of passion that will cement their desires.
After their first date Kenshin becomes a common sight when visiting the Shinayawa-gumi’s compound. While there are some of Shigure’s men who accept Kenshin in to their society, there are others who would do anything to see the foreigner come to harm. Together Kenshin and Shigure must overcome the fears of being together in this dangerous life.
Shigure must contend with the fact a gang war may be fast approaching. The Daito-kai gang has been leaving presents behind after committing crimes in the Shinayawa territory. One of Shigure’s men gets injured and Kenshin seems to have been the original target. Shigure must find out who is behind these crimes before Kenshin is injured or killed.
H.J. Brues did a great job introducing the readers to life in the Yakuza. Yakuza Pride is a great story and the chemistry between Shigure and Kenshin is sizzling hot. I enjoyed this book tremendously and look forward to more from H.J. Brues.
Reviewed By: Vonda
