My Fair Captain (Sci-Regency Series, Book 1)

by J.L. Langley

book data

86 ratings, 4.31 average rating, 26 reviews (more data...)

rating	frequency	%
5		56%
4		25%
3		11%
2		3%
1		2%

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published

April 1st 2008 (first published 2007) by Samhain Publishing

binding

Paperback, 312 pages

url

http://www.jllangley.com/jllangley/myfai...

characters

Nathaniel Hawkins (Earl of Deverell), Aiden Townsend

isbn

1599987619 (isbn13: 9781599987613)

description

Talk about a compromising situation! A storm of political intrigue, murderous mayhem and sexual hungers is brewing on planet Regelence. Swarthy Interg...more

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03/21/09

Jack rated it:

bookshelves: dom-sub-relationships, fantasy, favorites, series

Read in March, 2009

recommended to Jack by: Matimate and Daisiemae
recommends it for: Gay Romance Readers

This book is one of the reasons why I am so glad I joined Goodreads! I was tired of reading mediocre gay romances, but thanks to the friends I have here online, I tried out this wonderful book. I want to thank everyone who recommended it to me!

What is there to say that hasn't been said about this book so far? Not much actually. So many of you have written wonderful reviews on it, so I would just be repeating everything you have stated before me. One thing that I loved about th...more

Like this review? yes (16 people liked it)

8 comments

10/18/08

Daisiemae rated it:

bookshelves: books-read-in-2008, erotica, futuristic, male-male-romance-erotica, series-romance

Read in November, 2008

recommended to Daisiemae by: Love the Author
recommends it for: M/M Romantic/Erotic fans...Fans of J.L.Langley

When it comes to writing hot romantic, erotic romances J.L. Langley certainly knows what she is doing. She definately writes great chemistry between the Hero/Hero and her books usually get me hooked from page one. My Fair Captain was no exception.
Aiden Townsend is one of the few princes of Regelence. A planet where the customs and dress is much like the the Ton in England in the 1800's. In Regelence men are cherished and homosexuality between men are not only normal, but embraced.
...more When it comes to writing hot romantic, erotic romances J.L. Langley certainly knows what she is doing. She definately writes great chemistry between the Hero/Hero and her books usually get me hooked from page one. My Fair Captain was no exception.
Aiden Townsend is one of the few princes of Regelence. A planet where the customs and dress is much like the the Ton in England in the 1800's. In Regelence men are cherished and homosexuality between men are not only normal, but embraced.
Aiden does not have any desire to rule, nor is he interested in politics. He lives for his art, and often gets so lost within it, he forgets his surroundings which often leads him to get into trouble. He is young and innocent, never been kissed and barely touched by anyone. Although, he is of age to marry, he has no desire to do so. He thinks he would be more content with studying art and being a famous artist.
Or so he thought.
Captain Nathaniel Hawkins is working his way up in the Intergalatic Navy. He has adopted an orphan, who he is a great father with, but otherwise is more concerned about his military career. When he is sent to Regelence undercover to investigate some crimes. He and his son are welcomed into the royal family as guests.
When Aiden (literally) falls out of a tree and onto Nathaniel sparks fly between them. Nathaniel is stunned by the instant attraction and immediately intrigued by the sweet, but spitfire Aiden.
Aiden is also stunned. He has never felt the strong attraction for another man. He is immediately captivated by the mysterious Nathaniel, and finds himself wanting to be with him.
When Aiden discovers that Nathaniel is working under cover, he not only helps in the investigation, but they build a trust and friendship that soon leads to a love that consumes them both.
I loved Nathaniel. He is very Alpha, but he is also very sweet and patient with the innocent Aiden. When he falls in love with Aiden it is hard and fast (no pun intended) and sets his mind to win him over.
Aiden is also a hero that fully develops into his own. He is smart and sensitive and both characters bring out the best in each other.
This book has it all. It is very funny, erotic, romanctic and has some mystery to it.
I can not WAIT until the next book comes out. I fell in love with all of Aiden's Brothers and look forward to reading their own stories.
If you are offended by some super hot sex M/M and strong language this book is not for you. (less)

Like this review? yes (12 people liked it)

10 comments

11/10/08

Heather rated it:

bookshelves: e-book, erotica, m-m

Read in November, 2008

recommended to Heather by: Daisiemae

Wow! This book was very different from other m/m romance books I've read. First, It was set in the future (think the year was 4528 or something) but the customs and behaviors were set in the Regency era (like 1800's). Second, the planet they were on is a very masculine society so, most relationships are m/m.

Nate is the Captain of an amazing ship called the Lady Anna. He and his son Jeremy, lovingly nicknamed "Trouble" have to go to this planet and blend in with society to...more

Like this review? yes (4 people liked it)

7 comments

03/23/09

Natsroshan rated it:

(review of isbn 1599985071)

bookshelves: all-time-favorite, futuristic, light-bdsm

Read in March, 2009

Everything has been said about this book, there is nothing more too add: a wonderfull story, beautiful characters. I liked both Aidan and Nate.
But my favorite character was (and will always be) Trouble!!

Like this review? yes (4 people liked it)

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12/04/08

Kenjii rated it:

bookshelves: e-books, romance-male-male

Read in December, 2008

recommended to Kenjii by: Heather Shea
recommends it for: m/m romantic fans

(Real rating 4.5)I liked seeing the relationship between Nate and Aiden. From instant arousing attraction, curiousity, resisting temptaion and the final consummation. The subplot of Nate trying to find out who stole the weapons gave Nate a legitimate reason to have Aiden with him uncompromised, sometimes =). It was even a good story to follow. Who is doing this and why.

The rengency male dominanted society J L Langley created is really fasinating and fun to read.Just the idea of a you...more

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03/17/09

Matimate rated it:

bookshelves: 2009, gay_fiction, sci-fi

Read in March, 2009

When I pick book of this genre I seldom expect any plot. But "My Fair Captain" was surprise on many levels. I was reluctant at the first when the book summary told me that it is sci-fi plus it is mixed with streak of regency streaks aka Austen or Bronte revival plus load of O'Brian like naval themes. There was also gay theme mixed in to the cocktail. I started to read the book and what the hell there was no sex at all at the beginning, it appeared at the end. What the hell? I did not m...more

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11/30/08

Brenda (natesmomb) rated it:

(review of isbn 1599985071)

bookshelves: --ebooks-read, -2008-ebooks-read, -reread-ebooks, m-m

Read in December, 2008

Being that I adore having modern conveniences, I love the concept of J.L. Langley's Sci-Regency universe. Regency society plus all the technology of today and the future. The characters are wonderful, both the main ones and the supporting cast. I loved Nate and Aiden.
When I finished reading, I immediately started on the second story - The Englor Affair.

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10/04/08

Ava rated it:

I can't say enough good things about this book. The chemistry between Nat and Aiden was off the charts. I loved Aiden's innocence & curiosity. The author really took the time to develop the relationship between Aiden and Nate. The book was sweet yet scorching hot at the same time.

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03/30/09

Elisa added it

Read in June, 2007

Another funny and beautiful series by J.L. Langley.

Aiden is a prince of a futuristic planet, Regelence: even if they use the modern technology the kingdon is still led like in the Regengy era with a little twist: the society is all patriarchal and the homosexuality is the norm. Plus, the same sex partners can decide to genetically create a son with both their genes and to alterate his sexual preference in order to make him prefer men. And finally, is common beliefs that the chastity...more

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03/24/09

Vixenne rated it:

Author J.L. Langley is to be commended for attempting to blend several disparate elements--the Regency period set in the distant reaches of space, historical science-fiction, spy versus spy, male/male romance and no-holds-barred erotica--into one rip-roaring novel of adventure and unlikely love. It's a brilliant concept. Both Englor and Regelence were deftly woven and richly imagined. The author skillfully blended the vagaries of Regelence culture into the narrative and into the character's dial...more Author J.L. Langley is to be commended for attempting to blend several disparate elements--the Regency period set in the distant reaches of space, historical science-fiction, spy versus spy, male/male romance and no-holds-barred erotica--into one rip-roaring novel of adventure and unlikely love. It's a brilliant concept. Both Englor and Regelence were deftly woven and richly imagined. The author skillfully blended the vagaries of Regelence culture into the narrative and into the character's dialogue. On Regelence, men marrying other men for the same reasons they did in Regency England was quite plausible, and the sons of the ton were expected to stay chaste until marriage. One of the most important elements of well-written science-fiction/fantasy is the ability to make the improbable--probable. Regelence was a male-dominated world where females aren't even needed for procreation.

So why only THREE stars?

Two reasons:

1) It's NOT a Sci-Fi Regency. It's a alternate universe historical with Regency elements. It's not enough to pepper a book with a few sundry details like titles and clothing, the language is vitally important and I think some authors tend to forget that. Reading 'My Fair Captain' was like trying to imagine a hot and sweaty Colin Firth a la Pride and Prejudice, but getting Johnny Rotten instead. Yes, I am particular in this, but I wanted a sexed-up version of Jane Austen, language, warts, and all. It can--and HAS--been done. Linda Berdoll's 'Mr. Darcy Takes a Wife' and Ann Herendeen's 'Phyllida and the Brotherhood of Philander' both do justice to the erotic Regency. Even Dara Joy's futuristic 'Ritual of Proof' was amazingly true to the genre.

2) The author's reliance on bad gay male stereotypes was the other reason. This wasn't a bodice-ripper, but a cravat-ripper.

Considering the time spent on their backstory, the heroes of 'My Fair Captain' should have been so much more. As it were, both just left me wondering why some gay romance writers feel this need to make at least one of the characters as stereotypically feminine as possible. The naïve innocent and the worldly experienced character have been done and are still beloved archetypes, Frankly, I think it's pretty boring even in straight romance.

As the uber-alpha "daddy", Captain Nathaniel Hawkins scowled a lot and liked dropping the f-bomb quite often. Yes he was strong, silent, and a perfectly-formed specimen of a man with ripped abs and a prodigious piece of equipment packed inside of his trousers. It was like he spent a great deal of the novel in a state of perpetual arousal when not rescuing his starry-eyed paramour. As expected, Nathaniel was sexually experienced and obviously the top man in any relationship, but he seemed so one-dimensional, and I had a hard time seeing him as a man who could fall in love, rather than just be in lust.

Prince Aiden, the King of Regelence's handsome son falls for him--literally--right out of a tree. Aiden doesn't want to have anything to do with politics--his soul belongs to the arts, namely sketching. Again, not a bad thing had there been a core streak of rebelliousness in him. Unfortunately Aiden was male only in anatomy. He was like a typically annoying Barbara Cartland-esque heroine--he swooned and tended to get himself into all sorts of trouble that obviously required he-man Nate to rescue him. I'm not saying that a male hero can't be sensitive and artistic--a lover and not necessarily a fighter--and a balanced foil for the more rugged hero. For example, Alec from Ellen Kushner's 'Swordspoint' was described as being tall, thin, ascetic and far better at picking fights than actually fighting them. However, he was also armed with a razor-sharp tongue that did as much damage to an adversary as Richard St. Vier, his lover, did with a rapier.

On Regelence Aiden lived a very sheltered existence, much like standard Regency heroines, but he really was a male character who's essentially female. I want male/male erotica to feature MEN who may be different in temperament, but equal in the relationship--even if that relationship is Dom/sub, such as this one turns out to be. Because of how distracting the stereotypes were, I really couldn't enjoy the erotic scenes in all their high-definition detail. The one scene where Nate emerges from the shower naked while Aiden hides watching him and getting all tingly at the sight of all that man-flesh kept reminding me in a strange way of Little Red Riding Hood. I was waiting for Aiden to say something like, "But Nathaniel, what a long leg you have."

The uncomfortable realization is that some authors really shouldn't be writing gay male romances if all they are going to do is emasculate the male characters. If I wanted to read about a weak and whining protagonist who always seems to need the "me caveman" hero to rescue them, I'd stick with straight romances (and frankly I've always hated those types of books).

Thankfully a few authors out there DO get it right--Ellen Kushner, Sarah Monette and Elizabeth Bear for starters. They feed my addiction for well-written and hot fantasy featuring strong male characters who love passionately and equally.

Dash it, back to the drawing room!
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05/31/09

Audra rated it:

bookshelves: gay-erotica

Read in May, 2009

The author claims to have published ten books. But either she has no editor or she doesn't listen to her editor, because she doesn't understand the basic rules of comma usage and, even worse, she can't tell the difference between "might" and "may." And, as a long-time devotee of the Regency historical period, I think I'm qualified to say she shows little to no understanding of its basic tenets, let alone the flourishes one comes to expect from writers who have done more than ...more

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04/10/09

Junkfoodmonkey rated it:

bookshelves: fiction, gay-fiction

Read in February, 2009

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

Copied from my Live Journal with minor edits.
http://junkfood-monkey.livejournal.com/2...

Well, how could I resist a gay Regency romance - in space? (Funny how "in space" instantly makes everything better.)

As you might guess, this has a heavy dose of parody. It takes the elements of the Regency romance and puts them in a gay and science fiction context. It's a bonkers idea and sort of works at least for the duration of the story. Starship captain Nate has to ...more Copied from my Live Journal with minor edits.
http://junkfood-monkey.livejournal.com/2...

Well, how could I resist a gay Regency romance - in space? (Funny how "in space" instantly makes everything better.)

As you might guess, this has a heavy dose of parody. It takes the elements of the Regency romance and puts them in a gay and science fiction context. It's a bonkers idea and sort of works at least for the duration of the story. Starship captain Nate has to investigate a weapons theft on the planet Regelence that bases its culture on the Regency period in England. Except with a twist, since they've taken the notion of a patricarchy to an extreme. Rather than powerful families forming alliances by pairing off their sons and daughters, they've cut out the middleman (or middle woman) and the men marry each other. There's a bunch of genetic engineering to make sure that this is a) agreeable to the men - i.e. it makes them gay and b) that they don't actually have daughters at all - since they aren't much use to them now.

To be honest, this aspect of the book kind of skeeves me out. The people who do this are the ruling elite, which basically means there are no high status women on Regelence. Even in the historic regency period women had status - even if it was dependent on her father or husband's status. And they might not have been in the government, but wives, mistresses and mothers have had influence over powerful men for a long time. The rulers of Regelence don't even have mothers and certainly not wives and mistresses. It gives me kind of a creepy vibe to be honest. It excludes women from having any kind of power on that world at all.

So anyway, Nate comes to investigate the theft and meets the King's son Prince Aiden, still unmarried. The two fall in love, but sex before marriage isn't allowed – at least in the ruling noble families. If they are even seen alone together Aiden will be compromised and Nate will be expected to marry him or Aiden will be ruined. Nate certainly hasn't come here looking for marriage. But as he's also a Duke, from another Regency style planet, he's a heck of a catch, so Aiden's Two Dads are keen. Aiden is more interested in art than in finding a husband. But can't deny his attraction to Nate.

Aside from the whole skeevy 'society without women' bit, it's mostly a fun romp that one must never, ever take too seriously. Some other things did bug me. The dialogue felt odd at times, too contemporary, with bits of period and futuristic put in almost as an afterthought it seemed. The ending was kind of confusing and anti-climactic. And good god! Nate's adopted son - a 15-year-old nicknamed "Trouble" - is one of the most annoying characters I've come across in my entire life! Okay, with a name like "Trouble" clearly he's meant to be annoying. But the stuff he does is, I think, supposed to be "annoying in an adorable way" (something I nomally like!) But it's too cutesy, it's trying too hard and he's actually just annoying in a fantastically annoying way.

There's a lot of sex of course (that's what we're here for!) though I think I personally enjoy it more when they're going through "the not allowed to do it but really want to" part of the story (but that's typical me of course!) and it's well written. It doesn't disappoint on that score.

Favourite detail! The headboards in Aiden's home have built in spigots to dispense pre-warmed lube. Genius! I want to see the sales brochures for these systems!
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01/07/08

Sarai rated it:

bookshelves: m-m, own, re-read, romance

Read in May, 2008

recommended to Sarai by: Lisabea, and CJ
recommends it for: m/m lovers, romance lovers, fantasy lovers

Wow just wow, this book had it all. My fav time period with a twist (Regency England) A strong Alpha a beta and well a love story. I loved Nate and Adien I love how the world is created, the rules, I love how they met and fell in love. Really I don't have any complaints about this story a fantastic love story and a wonderful M/M book I can't wait until her next one comes out.

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11/21/08

Eyre rated it:

bookshelves: erotica-romantica, mm-mmm-mmf, read-in-2008-approx

recommends it for: people who like regency romances, m/m romances, and sci-fi

I don't usually like sci-fi, space, etc. novels, but this one was unique. The idea of a regency society in space was very clever. Aiden and Nate are a wonderful couple, and Trouble is adorable. I can't wait for the next book.

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06/10/08

Lora rated it:

bookshelves: gay, romance

Right. So pretty much I saw the cover and thought "I'm in the mood for that." It could do with a little editing.

I find the concept of an entirely gay society weird. And I'm not sure that saying that it's because they love patriarchy so much that they just decided to not bother with women is really... fitting with the definition of patriarchy.

Also, the rules for who "asks for" one's hand and who gets asked seem odd. Clearly Aiden is drawn in the women'...more

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06/24/09

Lily rated it:

bookshelves: ebook, m-m, series

This was a fabulous book full of adventure and mystery with a super sexy Alpha male and a beautiful younger man that literally burn the pages when they get together. It was fast-paced and full of action, sexy and downright hot as well as tender and emotional.

I really enjoyed this book. Once again Ms Langley has written a great book in a new series that is sure to appeal to many readers.

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02/11/09

L.B. Gregg rated it:

It really should have five stars...because this is such a creative combination of old school regency and hot sf m/m. I just love these characters, particularly Nate. Mmmmm.

Langley has a wonderful series here. Just terrific.

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12/05/08

Scott rated it:

Has a copy to sell/swap — Read in November, 2008

I really enjoyed this book. Trashy and fun and a period piece and gay and a romance novel- everything I was looking for all rolled into one!

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11/15/08

Denni rated it:

Read in July, 2008

recommends it for: fans of m/m

Historical space opera. Good m/m story with a quick moving plot. My only complaint, seemed to end rather quickly. Fun read.

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06/17/08

Diane Stumpf rated it:

Read in May, 2008

recommended to Diane by: freebies from RT
recommends it for: Anyone who likes a humorous romance & doesn't mind something different.

This is a fun, regency romp. In an intergallactic M/M way.

The author used a great sense of humor & the absurd in writing this male on male love story. You just know things are going to be fun when the Hero has an adopted son named 'Trouble.'

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