To enjoy the beautiful blooms of the iconic sakura, timing is everything. Love is the same. At least, it might be for Soichiro Toshibana and his intended, Tafui Le. Intelligent and brave, yet impossibly stubborn, Tafui won’t be told what to do or coerced into any relationship. A powerful CEO with endless riches and a notorious reputation, Soichiro has spent a long time trying to make Tafui his wife. Four centuries to be precise. Though the pair may appear to have roots in exotic locations across Earth, these stunning immortal beings actually hail from a planet called Zelania. Their destiny was determined long ago by the Celestial Council in an effort to usher in peace for the greater Thezulian galaxy. Over the course of many lifetimes on Earth, Soichiro and Tafui have become enemies and lovers, but have never committed themselves to each other. In fact, Tafui’s last incarnation suffered a terrible loss, causing her memories to be forcibly removed. She has no idea who she really is or what her obligations to her people are. Time is running short and it’s up to Soichiro to try to win Tafui over, but his chauvinism and eagerness keep tripping him up. Tafui is no mere prize to be claimed, no possession to be had, so Soichiro will have to change his deeply ingrained ways to gain her affection and, hopefully, win her love.
Set across a gorgeous Japanese landscape, Love Among the Sakura blends extraterrestrial fiction with steamy romance. Although Soichiro is said to be a brute and a bully, he comes across as a hopelessly devoted man who will stop at nothing to protect his beautiful princess. Conversely, Tafui is painted as confident and powerful, both physically and mentally, though she treats Soichiro with more disdain than respect and, despite her obvious attraction, is unwilling to let herself fall for him. At times, the one-sided interest feels misdirected, but it doesn’t diminish the charm as this Zelanian prince works on cementing their fated union. This unique novel has broad appeal, plenty of momentum, and intriguing snippets of an imaginative backstory, though it is at times let down by unpolished narration. Still, there is a lot to love about this starry-eyed romance. The modern issues of diversity and inclusion are completely upended when ethnicities not of Earth are joined and celebrated, becoming more powerful together than apart. And for those looking for more than innocent day dates and at-a-distance lusting, the story eventually gives way to full-on sizzle. A love story some 400 years in the making, Love Among the Sakura is a sexy sci-fi fusion about a strong woman learning to embrace her destiny.
