Blood Stained Tea - The Yakuza Path Book 1 by Amy Tasukada

★★★☆☆ 3,5 Stars for this dark read that leads you into the world of the Yakuza, tea and Kyoto

I received a free ebook via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

The main reason I requested this book was because I love the cover, tea, Japan and Yakuza, so this was like an instant I NEED TO REQUEST THIS BOOK for me.

The beginning of the book didn't really convince me, it was a bit too mysterious tragic from the past in the first few pages. There were a lot of hints that something happened being slapped in my face but no info and after the like sixth hint it went from intriguing to annoying for me. The first few chapters were overall not that convincing or good. The first meeting between Nao, a former member of the yakuza and now tea shop owner and Saehyung, a member of the Korean mafia was disappointing. It felt a it cheap and unconvincing.

However, despite the weak beginning the book got much better and while I don't care much for Nao, Seahyung is the cutest and most precious shit ever and he was the main thing I liked about the book. Sure, it was nice to get to know a bit about Kyoto and its traditions and festivals and a small glimpse at the tea culture because I like those things but the main reason that got me through the book was Seahyung. HE'S SO PRECIOUS, SUCH A PRECIOUS LITTLE MOBSTER!

if you like dark mm books that aren't all that happy and enjoy japan and tea then this may be just the book for you. If you need something warm and fuzzy to help you sleep than you better stay far away from this one.



SPOILERS AHEAD!

 Despite being in the korean mafia and hurting and killing people he continued to have such a pure heart when it came to Nao. he didn't want Nao to get  hurt, or caught up in the mess surrounding Saehyung's life because he doesn't know Nao used to be mafia as well. It's so adorable how he worries about Nao and how he wants to protect him from everything bad coming his way.

Nao on the other hand tries to use Saehyung to gain information and although he cares about Saehyung as well I don't get the feeling that his emotions run as deep as Saehyung's. The connection and feelings they have, while running deep, are not as strong as they could be, mainly because of Nao. He's the key to getting rid of the secrets between them.

I never really build a connection to Nao which is another reason why my ratng is 3.5 stars. It's hard for one MC to carry a book that's build on two. And after that ending, well, let's just say I don't feel like reading a continuation.