Tokyo Ink by Ann Vremont

[reviews_and_ramblings]

In a post apocalyptic world, Tetsu is a bond worker for the Iyashii Corporation which rules in Tokyo. But Tetsu is also a sideline terrorist and he exchanges information with his fellow terrorist using intricate inks on the geishas who serve the corporation executives and who Tetsu as head of security forces sees almost everyday. But for him they are nothing else that tools to achieve a scope, all of them save for Youran, a male geisha. He is not Japanese, probably Canadian, and his fair skin and blue eyes makes him unforgettable. Youran's, Western Orchid, real name is Gabriel and he is one of the most sought whores, for his beauty and his ability, and Tetsu can't deny that his interest toward him is more than only for his inks. When he realizes that someone is trying to kill the man, he kidnaps Gabe, officially to avoid that someone can see his inks and comprehend their meaning, but in reality since he can't see the man's death.

Tetsu has never had the chance to love. In this post apocalyptic world, love is no more a common feelings, and only the wealthier can sustain the cost of paid sex. For Tetsu, Gabriel is an unreachable dream, since the male geisha is a too valueable good for a simple man like him.

Tetsu and Gabriel are two lonely souls. From different origins, and social status, they find a common path in a similar purpose; they have different reasons to search vengeance, but since it seems that vengeance leads to the same point, they agree to team up their forces. In all this, love seems not to be considered, and Tetsu can't believe that a man like Gabriel could truly feel real desire for him.

Tetsu and Gabriel are not "perfect" hero; they could have noble reasons for what they do, but how they reach their purpose is not noble at all. Without giving up the story, I can only say that, for example, Gabriel will do a thing that in a normal and classical romance would be unforgivable, but here, in this twisted world, it seems the only right thing to do.

The story is not very long, less than 70 pages, but it's very good. I have had in the past the opportunity to read another little story by Ann Vremont, and with this one, she confirms my believe that, in the urban romance genre, she is a very good voice. 

http://www.changelingpress.com/index.php?uaid=ISFUDNYA

Amazon Kindle: Tokyo Ink (Gay SF Erotica)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.

Waiting Reading List: http://www.librarything.com/catalog_bottom.php?tag=waiting+reading+list&view=elisa.rolle