Going into this one, I did not realize it was the second in a series. This novel follows the comings and goings at Marble Café in Tokyo, in particular, what happens when the regular cafe is closed and a special matcha café is introduced.

We follow the 12 months of a year, each chapter dedicated to a character that is connected to a previous character in this slice of life novel. Each chapter is equally as interesting as the last and it’s perfect for the days where you feel like a small fish in a big sea, reminding one that we are all connected here and there.

A light and cozy read, it reminds us that we are not so alone in this big world, and that gentle reminders of scarves or a simple cup of matcha can connect us all. A gentle pause that reinforces that we are all here in this world, doing our best.

I am looking forward to reading the previous novel (Hot Chocolate on Thursday) so I can find the character connections.

I received an e-arc of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, and I would like to thank Hanover Square Press, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and the author, Michiko Aoyama, for the opportunity.

I had never read a fantasy/romantasy about pirates, so I went into this knowing it would be a new world and experience for me. I went in without any expectations and was blown away by how quickly I was sucked into this world.

Beneath the Black Flag follows Kai, now Captain Wraith on his ship and Rose, the woman he loved as a child as she rediscovers who he is and joins the adventures.

I loved that the romance side did not overwhelm the main plot of the story. There was a perfect level of spice that went along with everything else happening. I cannot reveal too much because you should definitely read this one. Romantasy is not generally my genre, I crave a good balance of plot and romance and the whole book delivered!

The FMC (Rose) and MMC (Kai) were both so well done, they were believable and I genuinely cared for both. And it didn’t stop there, we had a whole cast full of found family that you get to know and love as well. Sometimes too many characters can be overwhelming, but this was not the case. You get to know all of the main characters enough to get a sense of who they are, who they were, and who they will become.

L.A. Rivera did a phenomenal job of not only building a new world in this novel, but you could feel the folklore and the scenery jumping out on every page. The ending?! I cannot wait for the second book in the series! A phenomenal debut, I am excited to read the next installment!

I received an e-arc from the author in exchange for an honest review and so I’d like to thank L.A. Rivera for the opportunity!