She nodded solemnly. "With my girl charm and my pretty dress. But now I just feel like a hot pile of creamed corn." I dragged a hand over my face. "You need water. And sleep." "I need closure." "Sunshine..." "No," she said, standing straighter and stabbing a finger into my chest. "You don't get to look like that and make me feel feelings and then just go all mysterious and noble and disappear like a sexy hitman Batman." "Sexy hitman Batman?" "I had a lot of wine." "I noticed." ●・○・●・○・● She bakes cookies. He breaks bones. Everyone in the city fears mafia boss Dominic Moretti-everyone except Tessa Bloom, the relentlessly cheerful café owner next door to his front business. She calls him "Mr. Broody," brings him muffins he never asks for, and walks into his office like it's not occupied by a man who could have someone disappeared with a phone call. Dominic doesn't have time for distractions-especially not sweet, sunshine-eyed distractions with flour on their noses. But when Tessa finds herself tangled in the underworld he's spent a lifetime controlling, protecting her becomes more than a duty. It becomes personal. And suddenly, the most dangerous man in the city starts falling for the only woman who isn't afraid of him. ●・○・●・○・● Word count: 23,178 Top Rankings: 10.14.25 - #6 in Mafia

Set in a charming, rural Japanese village, Hana and The Dragon follows Hana, a curious and spirited young girl living a peaceful life surrounded by familial warmth and deep culture. As her village prepares for the annual summer festival, Hana becomes fascinated by local legends about a mysterious dragon rumored to dwell in the nearby Shimizu-gawa river, a guardian figure who hasn't been seen for many years. Driven by her curiosity, Hana uncovers subtle yet puzzling clues suggesting that the dragon might soon return. Unusual occurrences in nature further heighten her suspicions, signaling significant changes in the mortal and supernatural worlds. Determined to unravel the mystery, Hana embarks on an adventurous journey into the heart of her village's history. Along the way, she learns of deep connections linking her family and her community, to the legendary dragon itself. With a thoughtful blend of fantasy, Japanese local folk religion, Japanese Chūbu region cultural traditions, and coming-of-age themes, Hana and The Dragon beautifully captures the essence of family bonds, the importance of bravery, and the richness of cultural legacy through the eyes of an adventurous young protagonist.