Title: The Red Thread of Forever Love
Author: Nicole Kimberling
Publisher: Loose-Id
Buy Link: Buy Link The Red Thread of Forever Love
Genre: M/M Paranormal
Length: Novella (102 pdf pages)
Rating: 5+ stars out of 5, DIK
A Guest Review by Cole
Review Summary: A wonderfully fresh Japanese paranormal which was sweet, cheeky, and had me laughing out loud.
BLURB
Folklore researcher and PhD candidate Hank Caldwell has a problem. He’s come to Japan to get information for his book on supernatural creatures called yokai. Along the way he discovers that yokai are not only real, but one of them is determined to make Hank his forever lover.
Translator Daisuke Tachibana knows all about the shadowy figure in a business suit who keeps accosting Mr. Caldwell. He knows the creature must be stopped, but how? Their upcoming research trip to a remote, hot springs resort will be exactly the opening the yokai is looking for. Now if only Tachibana could stop thinking about Mr. Caldwell’s naked, freckled body submerged in steaming water long enough to formulate a plan to keep the amorous creature at bay.
REVIEW
Hank has a problem. Somewhere along the Japanese countryside he’s picked up a very amorous gay yokai — a Japanese love spirit whom he has lovingly dubbed “Fingers,” because he’s so handsy. He has been traversing the country with his publisher’s translator, Tachibana, researching for his book on Japanese folklore. Now he has to admit that the phenomenon he’s been academically researching is actually real, but he’d rather lie to the whole academic world than admit that the yokai he did meet is a gay spirit who proclaims to be his ‘forever love’ and keeps trying to ambush him in bathroom stalls or while changing to see if his carpet matches his drapes. At the same time, Hank is continually confused by his traveling companion Tachibana. He’s been traveling with the man for more than a year and though he seems so distant and is obviously straight, Hank is sure that Tachibana keeps checking him out whenever his back is turned. As they travel further north to study the story of The Devil of Lake Towada, Hank starts to miss his family. Its Christmas and he’s here alone with Tachibana and Fingers, wishing he had a boyfriend. Suddenly, Fingers doesn’t seem so bad, just overeager…
Tachibana, however, has an even bigger problem. Not only is he gay and in love with Hank, but he is the reason Fingers was let loose. But the further they travel together and the better they get to know each other as friends instead of coworkers, he might just be able to help Hank, send Fingers away, and end up with Hank all for himself — if he can only find the courage.
This novella was so thoroughly entertaining, I read it front to back and then front to back again, all in one day. I never do that, but when I finished it the first time, I had to go back and read the beginning again, where we see Fingers at his most hilarious, and I found I couldn’t stop reading. This story is so many different types of stories all wrapped up in one neat, little package. Its a fairy tale, a parable, a hilarious take on a Canadian’s experiences with the Japanese, and a story of two men whose worldview’s are changing. For Hank, this means his acceptance of the supernatural. For Tachibana, this means his acceptance of his sexuality and his latent spiritual powers. I won’t mention the creation of Fingers, even though it is told very early on, simply because I loved finding out in the prose and not the book’s blurb. Suffice to say, this is really a very important part of the story, so there is not a whole lot about the plot that I can tell you. That doesn’t matter, though, simply to say that Fingers was one of the funniest characters I’ve ever read. Essentially, he is a spirit created and imbibed with the virginal, horny, love-struck aspect of a boy/man. He is that horny teenage boy that has no filter on what he says while remaining completely endearing and loveable simply because of his ignorance. He is obsessed with every man that comes in Tachibana’s path (much to Tachibana’s consternation), but he knows that Hank is the one — evidenced by the red thread connecting his pinky to Hank’s pinky. Obviously, this must mean they share a true soul connection and are fated to be ‘Forever Loves.’
This is the first book I’ve read by Nicole Kimberling, and I must say that I will be looking at her other books. Her writing here is flawless — the prose written with a light and adept pen in direct correlation to the three main characters and their dance around each other. I lived in Japan for a while, and the story was interspersed with little cultural differences and tidbits that sent me right back to that feeling of such cultural difference. The differences of all the separate areas of Japan were represented really well — culturally and geographically. Though there were so many strong points in this read, the main stars were the characters, all of whom I fell in love with. Here are a couple of examples:
“I only want to be close to you.” The yokai’s long fingers tugged at the blankets. Hank held on firmly. He knew from previous experience that this particular spirit, whom he’d nicknamed “Fingers,” wouldn’t cause him bodily harm, but it got way too personal. “Can I look at your underpants? Are they Calvin Klein like before? I like your Calvin Kleins. Did you get them in Vancouver?”
“I told you, go away. My shorts are none of your business.”
“Do you work out?” … Hank lurched sideways, but too late. The tongue slapped against the side of his neck and slid like a hot washcloth up the side of his cheek. Long fingers fumbled at the elastic band of his pajamas. Hank grabbed them. Fingers let out a giggle. “You want to hold hands? There’s a red thread from my pinkie to yours … We’re fated to be together.”
Dear God, no!
——————————–
The second time the yokai appeared was at the beach.
Sleepless and lonely, Tachibana had gone down at daybreak to watch the sunrise. Two young surfers had been there, taking advantage of the empty sand and waves. They had been stunning in their wetsuits. Tachibana had been watching them, imagining they were lovers. The way they talked to each other, smiled at each other seemed so beautiful that he had been filled with a yearning to join them. Suddenly, the yokai had come loping down the beach like an excited dog.
“I like you!” he’d roared, tie flapping behind him. “Please have sex with me!”
I loved this book. It is a pretty quick read, because it flows so smoothly. It is truly original and I have a feeling that it will remain one of my favorites of 2011. Highly Recommended. Enjoy!
**On a side note, I love the cover art by April Martinez, which is what attracted me to this book in the first place**
Such a tempting book… Having come across yokans and the red thread believing in other kind of readings, I´m curious about how they are deal with in this case. It really looks like a “must read” title.
Thank you for your great review 🙂
*aren´t April Martinez covers always catching?* 🙂
Hi Helena! It is really handled rather cheekily — as in: “Seriously? Only 12 year old love struck girls believe in that!”. It’s quite funny, that’s for sure 🙂
I think the cover is beautiful!
Totally deserved 5+ :2thumbs:
Thank you again Cole :flowers:
I’m so happy you liked it Helena! It’s been one of my favorite books this year and I still smile when I think of it 🙂
Oeh something new! And funny! Definitely tempted now! Love spirit! Want one 😛
Larissa, I wholeheartedly recommend this one. I think you’ll love it!
Yokai??! How intriguing! Cole, between your review and the fact that Nicole Kimberling wrote this – it is landing at the top of my list. (Her “Ghost Star Night” is one of my all time favorites). And yes, the cover art rocks.
I have Ghost Star Night in my TBR pile and I can’t wait to read it. This book is so great Dianne, I think you’ll love it!
I’ve moved The Red Thread to the top of my list – so I’ll be traveling to Japan as soon as I leave Velensperia LOL……. 😉
I think you will love GSN. I just love the world that Nicole built and also the characters of Drake and Adam (and Karl!).
I also just went and downloaded a copy of Turnskin as that is one of Nicole’s I haven’t read. Thanks Nicole for that link, and for all the great reads!
Yay! Dianne, I have visited Velensperia more than any other fictional place (except maybe Middle Earth, which I’ve been to a LOT now, lol).
Let me know what you think and I’ll let you know what I think of Primal Red when I finish it. I just bought it and Turnskin and I can’t wait to read both of them 🙂
Finished this last night – Nicole sure did a great job of combining so many elements. Who would have thought that horny spirits, drunken karaoke, hurling fruitcake, a red-headed Canuck and a love struck, honorable Japanese virgin would make such a great romantic story?!! I enjoyed it immensely and could just picture the author cackling away with mirth as she typed out these ideas coming to her. (A plus for me was actually knowing how to pronounce “Daisuke” 😉 )
I’m so happy you liked it Dianne! I bought Primal Red and I’m going to read it this weekend 🙂 I can’t wait!
Hi Cole. Great review! I had seriously considered this book as I really like Kimberling’s writing, but the paranormal aspect turned me off. I’m absolutely rethinking it now based on how you presented it.
Hey Lynn! Yeah, I know how you feel about paranormals, but I think you ought to try this one. It’s a lot different than most, and ends up being much more like a fairy tale, light and really funny 🙂
Lynn
You had your chance and turned it down if you recall.
Great review Cole. Definitely one for my overflowing TBR. I love humour.
Wave,
I am ever grateful to Lynn that I got to review this one. I think you’ll like this one especially 🙂
“I like you!” he’d roared, tie flapping behind him. “Please have sex with me!”
LOL! I have to read this. I really need something funny for a change. Thank you for the review, Cole!
LadyM, this just brightened my day. I had planned on it being a review for next week, but I just couldn’t wait to share it. I’d been reading a book for review, forcing myself to get through what would be a DNF for me, and this came at the best time. Let me know how you like it, okay? I can’t wait for everyone to read this one 🙂
I’ve never read anything by this author and the blurb didn’t really interest me when I read it. However, after reading your great review I’m adding it to my never ending wish list. It sounds like something I’d enjoy. Thanks! 🙂
Hi Lily! I really think you’ll like it, its so wonderful and it was truly a delight to read. But, let me know how you like it, okay? I’d really be interested to hear your opinions. Thanks Lily!
I really like Nicole’s work and will definitely be picking this one up. Sounds like a fun read.
I really think you’ll like this one, Tam! Its such a fun read. Please let me know what you think when you read it 🙂
I finally got the chance to read this last night. I started reading it at my daughter’s lesson and then two people started talking REALLY LOUD AND OBNOXIOUSLY ABOUT TMI PERSONAL INFORMATION!!!! Arrrggghhh. I didn’t think it was fair to try reading it while cursing people under my breath, so I waited then stayed up way to late reading after I got home and calmed down. LOL
I loved it. All of the Canadian references were fun and Fingers was quite the character. I loved how he was going to join the RCMP and make pancakes for him. Too funny. It was very cute and definitely worth a read for anyone looking for something to leave you smiling and feeling good.
Oh and I love fruit/Christmas cake. I’m weird I know. It’s the Brit in me.
Yay! I’m so glad you liked it Tam, I loved this book so much. All of you Canadians keep posting about the Canada references, and I think that I missed a lot of them 🙂 I did get the mounties reference though!
eww, fruitcake? seriously?
If you ask Japanese people generally what comes to mind when you say Canada, you get Mounties, Crown Royal whiskey, maple syrup, the Rocky Mountains and Anne of Green Gables. Anne didn’t make it in the book. 🙂 The references to the fiddle players on the east coast of Canada, the cowboys in Alberta, the Olympics, Whistler, all Canadian identifiers. 🙂 And of course marriage equality.
I want to be Canadian 🙁 I like pancakes, and I’d be happy to get drunk on whiskey and take home a Mountie. Don’t even get me started on cowboys, OMG. Seriously…
I did enjoy this book -as I have with all the books I’ve read by Ms. Kimberling – but it kind of threw me at first. I wasn’t expecting the lite tone at all. I didn’t get any hint of that from the cover or the blurb. It seems kind of misleading. Did I miss something?
I’m afraid some people who really wanted a serious, even scary, paranormal may be disappointed. It’s very well done and I agree with your recommendation, but it might help if the publisher let you know what you’re in for.
Hmm. I didn’t get that feeling from the blurb, but I can see where someone might. It seems like there’d be no middle ground though, because its about, essentially, a sex demon or sex spirit. So, from the lack of really serious tone in the blurb, although it is somewhat difficult to discern, I assumed it was lighter in tone than a serious paranormal. Plus, Loose Id is probably one of the best M/M publishers out there to list exactly what you’re getting in their books. They have really clear warnings about dub con and things like that, so I tend to trust them more. I have certainly bought many books from other publishers and been really upset to find outright rape inside with no mention and I’ve never had the same problem with Loose-Id. I think I probably would have been confused if it was a different publisher, though. So, for me, the subject plus the lack of any serious warnings on Loose-Id’s site is what clued me in.
I’m happy that you still liked it, though, even though it wasn’t what you were expecting 🙂
I’m not going to read the review quite yet until I have a chance to read the book, but I’m so pleased this got such a high review! I read an excerpt and, like pretty much all her fiction, it was so well-written and had that great sense of humor underpinning everything. I’m greatly looking forward to reading this!
Hi Val! Please let me know what you think when you’re finished reading, okay? I loved this book so much and I know you will too 🙂
Okay, I will come back and leave a comment here. 🙂
Thanks Val, you’re the best!
I love Nicoles’ writing and will also try this one based on your review. It is a little different than others I have read.
Cole, you really should read her “Primal Red” series of stories (3 so far).
The books are about Peter (a nosy reporter) and Nick (a painter), really great characters & fun mysteries. (All from Loose ID)
Hi rdafan! I remember reading Lynn’s wonderful reviews of the Primal Red series and ever since they’ve become lost in the never-ending maelstrom that has become my TBR pile. Seriously, its at the point where I need to just add them onto the list and not even go in and try to find them to push them to the top… Thats pretty sad for someone who loves organization like I do 🙂
Thanks for reminding me of them, I really want to read them!
This sounds bizarre and I think I have to read it – thanks for the rec, Cole 😀
It is so good, I hope you love it as much (or even more!) than I did 🙂
I liked Ghost Star Night and Turnskin is in my TBR pile right now. I wasn’t so sure about this one after reading excerpt, but, well, with a review like that it sounds like I have to try it! Thanks!
Thank you Pea,
I’ve just bought Ghost Star Night and I can’t wait to read it. Also, Turnskin sounds really good but its by Blind Eye Books, which means its not available as an ebook yet (although hopefully soon, since they’re updating their database). Hopefully, when they do I’ll be able to review it 🙂
I really hope you like The Red Thread of Forever Love! I wish I could read it for the first time again, Lol.
You are very bad for my wallet. 😛
Have added this to my list for my next ‘buying day’ as it sounds like a fun read.
Nice review, darling. *cheeky grin*
~Tis
*sigh* I am very bad for my own wallet 🙂
Let me know what you think, I’d like to hear if you liked it. Thank you Tis!
Great review. The humour’s a big draw for me. I’m going to get this one for sure.
Hey Pender! Let me know what you thing, I loved this book so much 🙂
Okay. It’ll be the first book I’ve read by Nicole Kimberling. She’s been someone I’ve been meaning to read but you’ve motivated me take action. 🙂
I was reading something by Josh Lanyon the other day and he thinks very highly of this author.
Yes! It was in the discussion over his post on Tuesday about mainstream publishers. Thats what made me pick up this book when my other review wasn’t going so well, Josh’s comment. I already had it in line for review, but it would have been a while. I’m so glad I had it jump the line. Now I can’t wait to read her other stuff.
Hi Cole:
I finished this last night and really enjoyed it. I’m going to read it again after work because I’m sure it will be even better the second time around. (You always get more out of a good book from multiple reads.)
I had a smile on my face the whole time and actually chuckled out loud a few times. Maybe it resonated with me because I live in Canada & lived in Vancouver for years and I’ve been reading manga and yaoi for a long time now. Plus I’ve been to Japan – although very briefly.
Whatever the reason, I enjoyed the story immensely. It was very well written. On the surface it was a lighthearted, amusing read and I loved the three characters – especially Fingers.
I found the underlying themes of personal growth and change were subtle but definitely there and it made me feel as if I was reading something more satisfying than just a quick humorous story.
Thanks for reviewing. I might not have read this otherwise. Now I’ll have to go and find more books by Nicole Kimberling.
I’m so happy you liked it Pender! I know, it was much better the second time around for me too for exactly the reasons you mentioned, the underlying themes of growth and change. Plus, I loved the characters so much I just had to spend more time with them 🙂
I’m glad that my review brought a book to you that you wouldn’t have read otherwise. That makes me very happy 🙂
Hi Cole. I’m so happy you enjoyed Red Thread. Honestly, I thought that virtually nobody would like this story. I’m not sure why. Anyhoo, as the editor of Blind Eye Books I have to say that Turnskin is actually available as an ebook from weightlessbooks.com –the exclusive distributor of Blind Eye Books digital releases.
Or you could try writing me and seeing if I would send you a free copy. I mean, your chances are pretty good of getting an free copy at this point. If I were you, I’d press this advantage. If you wait much longer, I’ll ask you to knit me a hat or something in exchange for an free reading copy and then there you’ll be, knitting and knitting…
Yeah, strike now while the iron is hot. Avoid all all those clicking needles.
NK
PS–I’ve only ever stayed in Japan on exchange for about 2 months, but I’ve kept up a relationship with my Japanese host parents for 17 years. This relationship was in fuel for much of the cultural commentary in Red Thread.
Hi Nicole! I can’t believe that I missed Turnskin being an ebook. Apparently I’m way late in reviewing it too, so I’ll just have to get it myself and read it 🙂 Thank you so much for the offer though!
I think that a lot of authors probably have doubts when writing a story that doesn’t fit the typical m/m format or norm, if they’re playing with the rules a bit. I just think that you were majorly successful — this was one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. I had such a good time reading it.
I only stayed in Japan for 2 months too! Sadly, though, I haven’t kept in touch with my host family. We didn’t hate each other, but we certainly didn’t hit it off. I wish I could have kept in touch though, because I absolutely loved Japan. This summer will be 10 years… wow, tempus fugit, eh? So, I suppose that was why all the little cultural tidbits in this book meant something to me. Its the little things.
Look at me, I’ve gone all nostalgic 🙂
Thanks for writing a wonderful story, I’ll be keeping it around for a long time to read when I need a pick-me-up.
PS. I’ll knit you a hat anytime you want, no incentive required 🙂
Cole–I only stayed in Japan for 2 months too! Sadly, though, I haven’t kept in touch with my host family. We didn’t hate each other, but we certainly didn’t hit it off. I wish I could have kept in touch though,
NK–Well, if your profile info is accurate, you were 16 when you went, right? I went when I was 26 with a company called Cultural Homestay. I think it’s probably a lot easier to be long-distance friends with people when you start out being an adult already. It just changes the hierarchy of the relationship–especially when you’re talking about a country as vertical as Japan. When I went I was a mysterious foreign single lady with tattoos who was “Christmas Cake” in spite of clearly being good looking, rather than being somebody else’s kid who you must keep from dying or be dishonored forever, so I think that made it fundamentally easier to continue the friendship.
(BTW Did you ever hear that term–Christmas Cake? Basically it means “no good after the 25th”–get it? I wasn’t really that amused by the guy who told me that– particularly since I actually was married, per se and had been since I was 17–just to my wife.)
Cole–Thanks for writing a wonderful story, I’ll be keeping it around for a long time to read when I need a pick-me-up.
NK–You’re welcome. I actually wrote it the way I did to cheer myself up so I’m glad it worked on somebody else too!
Yeah, I was 16 when I went there and spent most of my time in high school, even though at home I would have been on break 🙂 It wasn’t so bad, but I think you’re right. If I had been older I would have made different types of friendships, plus I would have gotten to experience a totally different culture, which would have been nice. Oh well, maybe I’ll go back someday 🙂
I’m glad you wrote this story the way you did… I think it will cheer up a lot of other readers as well.
Cole
Just so you know – Turnskin was reviewed by Kris almost a year ago and she loved it. 🙂
Damn! Foiled again! I looked for it, but I must have been hasty. Well, I suppose I’ll just have to get it and read it anyway 🙂