Reckless, flamboyant Keigo is bisexual. Blunt, aloof Masaki is straight. Their conflicting personalities make them unlikely friends, but after some careful maneuvering on Keigo's part and one strawberry–flavored kiss, Masaki gives more of himself to Keigo than he ever thought possible. More than he's willing to share with his girlfriend. But Masaki's fear of commitment threatens to shake their rocky relationship to pieces.
Keigo's new feelings for Masaki are confusing enough even before his on–again, off–again lover, Kaname, blows back into town. Kaname is a manipulative beast, demanding Keigo's undying fidelity in return for his cruelty, and Keigo's fragile relationship with Masaki cracks under the weight of his presence. If Keigo really wants to build a life with Masaki, he'll have to discover the strength to free himself of Kaname and convince Masaki to be with him forever.
Review
April Moone is an author that I was not familiar with until I read Strawberries and the Beast. The story takes place in Japan, I believe (based on events and names in the book). Keigo and Masaki are two very different people, yet something brings them together. Keigo is bisexual and Masaki is straight. Both are loners but for different reasons. As their unlikely friendship grows into something more, outside influences begin to interfere. Keigo’s feeling for Masaki begin to deepen, but there is someone else in his life that can makes things miserable for both him and Masaki. Keigo doesn’t know how to end his relationship with Kaname but he knows that it could well cost him the new and fragile relationship that he has with Masaki. Meanwhile, Masaki has to deal with his issues of loss. What they don’t know is that they are closely linked through other relationships and this will be the catalyst for the needed change in their lives.
This book is one of the easiest books to read that I’ve picked up all year. It proves to be an interesting story. I read it in one day and mostly because the relationship between Keigo and Masaki was so sweet and tender, though there was plenty of abuse and loss throughout the story. What I liked most about the book was that these two characters never gave up on their relationship, even when there were no words to make it easier for them both. Moone has a way of making even the bad parts of the book work because you hold out hope that good prevails in the end.
Buy this book. I’m sure you’ll find it to be a great read.
