Thanks to Rintarou, Maria now sees both herself and the world around her in a new light-and is even entertaining thoughts of a genuine courtship! But as the two seriously consider taking the next step, not everyone is eager to see it happen. Between Maria’s worried mother, stifling social mores, and a suave womanizer ready to ruin a storybook romance, can Maria and Rintarou’s love over come all obstacles ?
In Meiji-era Japan, sixteen-year-old Maria wishes she can change her appearance. If only her eyes and hair were different, maybe she wouldn’t be met with such fear, and maybe her own mother wouldn’t be so ashamed of her. But when Maria encounters a handsome yet mischievous boy named Rintarou, her understanding of beauty-and herself-begins to change. To him, Maria’s not just pretty; she’s straight out of a fairy tale! A historical romance unfolds on the streets of Yokohama...
Hoping to marry despite their families’ wishes, Maria sneaks out in the middle of the night to run away with Rintarou. But unbeknownst to her, Rintarou’s father has suddenly fallen ill, and it’s the playboy Chiaki who arrives to take her back home. Although heartbroken by Rintarou’s unexplained abandonment, Maria-with some teasing encouragement from Chiaki-resolves to continue her English practice. She’ll show her former fiancée that under her “catskin coat,” she’s the girl he let get away!
Maria’s diligent training to become a proper lady is interrupted by Rintarou’s sudden return from abroad. Somehow, her Prince Charming is even dreamier than before-and now he’s inviting her to accompany him to a ball. But when his mother and the womanizing Chiaki attempt to redirect their affections, Maria and Rintarou’s first dance as a couple may very well be their last...!
When Rintarou asks Maria to accompany him to his family’s next party, it’s like something out of a dream. But as Maria’s feelings for him only grow stronger, she worries that Yokohama high society is no place for the daughter of a lowly Mayuzumi family helper. Can Maria overcome her self-doubt and the class divide-especially when there’s a romantic rival who’s ever so eager to remind Maria of her station?
No matter how much I rewrite the story... nothing changes! Konoha Satou’s Dark History first began with a self-indulgent fantasy romance fic written in her teens. Since she is now its most abominable villainess, the details of the story are a matter of life-and-death! Narrowly avoiding the Bloody Rosa death flag and saving the duchess was supposed to be the end. Case closed. But when grave news reaches Iana at Dandelion Lake shortly after an assassination attempt on Konoha, she must accept that all is not as it seems. With her Dark History correcting itself in mysterious ways, Iana will need every shred of help she can get…or this chapter may be her last.
An invitation from Beelzebub leads to a family field trip to her homelandin the land of demons! But in the midst of such an important ceremony, willHalkara be able to mind her manners and avoid insulting the Demon King? Or willthe Great Slime's prophecy come true?
Her boyfriend thinks she’s the cutest girl around, but her expressions can be a bit hard to read...Despite the miscommunications, there’s one thing that always comes across—their love for each other.
The dynamic epic novel of political upheaval and societal change in late 1800s Japan, by the #1 New York Times bestselling author and unparalleled master of historical fiction, James Clavell This epic novel by master writer James Clavell, loosely based on the Namamugi Incident and Anglo-Satsuma War that took place in the late 1800s, is a richly researched, panoramic view of Japan’s budding relationship with the Western powers, its sweeping societal changes, and the political upheaval that followed. As Malcolm Struan, the son of Culum and Tess Struan, and a small band of Westerners travel down the Tōkaidō road, they are attacked by two Satsuma samurai, who mortally wound John Canterbury and seriously injure Malcolm, who then finds reprieve in the merchant village of Yokohama after a narrow escape facilitated by the unscathed Angelique. Angelique Richaud, Malcolm’s penniless but beautiful French companion, is thrown into a world of political intrigue, fierce devotion, unstable family dynamics, blackmail, and secrets as the trading houses battle for supremacy. With a cast of dynamic and fully recognized characters, Gai-Jin spins a tale of passionate love affairs, devastating loss, intense power struggles, and the fight to survive and thrive in a hostile new land that will leave readers longing for another foray into Clavell’s extraordinary Asian Saga.
A sweet workplace romance with a touch of magic! Misono is an office drone with his own ups and downs at work, but thankfully he has an ally–his senpai Shizuka, who happens to be a witch. Shizuka is always ready to lend a hand to those in need, but Misono thinks she should take better care of herself, since zipping around on a broomstick to run errands can be quite stressful. Is Misono’s overprotective concern for Shizuka driven by mere respect for this flustered witch, or could it be more? Let this magical romantic comedy cast its spell on you!
