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Galactic Alliance #1
Spice ‘n’ Solace
The Galactic Alliance’s most important negotiator, Jathan One-Moon, is responsible for ensuring the yearly negotiations with the Ankylos are successful. If he fails and the Ankylos go to war, the human race will likely be exterminated. As if that wasn’t enough, he’s under pressure to marry and produce an heir. When he mistakes the brothel owner, Kazha Deinos, for his escort prior to the negotiations, the resulting evening makes Jathan realize his life is missing a man who can be a true partner to him.
Kaz never met his most important client, and Jathan’s misconception allows Kaz the freedom to give in to desires he’s never let himself indulge in before. But Kaz has a business to run, one that a rival is trying to steal, which will force him to reveal his true identity to Jay. There’s also the little issue of Jathan’s impending marriage. Kaz is not interested in being a boy on the side of Jay’s marriage, no matter how much he’s come to care for Jathan. Will Jathan and Kaz find a way to be together, or will losing the man Jathan’s grown to love be yet another price he must pay for saving the human race?
32,900 words
Kaz never met his most important client, and Jathan’s misconception allows Kaz the freedom to give in to desires he’s never let himself indulge in before. But Kaz has a business to run, one that a rival is trying to steal, which will force him to reveal his true identity to Jay. There’s also the little issue of Jathan’s impending marriage. Kaz is not interested in being a boy on the side of Jay’s marriage, no matter how much he’s come to care for Jathan. Will Jathan and Kaz find a way to be together, or will losing the man Jathan’s grown to love be yet another price he must pay for saving the human race?
32,900 words
100 pages, ebook
First published February 9, 2011
9 people are currently reading
752 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews
June 19, 2017
⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*Kinda confusing*⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱
Not exactly sure what I just read. I just picked it up and started reading to pass the time before I went to sleep. There is, of course, insta-love, which I should've expected so at least I was prepared. The characters were, I guess, enjoyable. And the story was interesting... Problem? Well, I was confused as fuck. I had problem understanding anything at all. Also, there was little depth to both the story and the characters. Again, there was insta-love, which if you know me, you know I hate, so...that pretty much explains why me and this book didn't exactly get along.
“Sweet thing, don’t hurt yourself. No matter what happens, we’ll have plenty of time. For everything. I promise you.”
But it was still interesting, and funny in a way. Though not in the comedian way, but funny as in ‘wait what’? Aslo was Jathan ‘Jay’ One-Moon (older than Kaz but not by many years) a human, or? And Kazha ‘Kaz’ Deinos (26), the brothel owner was a perfect match to a stressful man with tons of weight on his shoulders and in the need of control; Kaz wanted to be controlled. So perfect. Overall, it was a strange, weird, confusing, yet interesting read. Don't think I'll continue though...
Having Kaz at his side was enough to dispel the worst of his stress. Sex with Kaz was incredible,
but his lust was now fueled solely by the presence of his hot, cobalt-haired lover rather than a way
to relieve tension. Kaz was a miracle.
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (Adult) Science Fiction (?) - Romance (M/M)
Series: - Series (Standalone?), Book One
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Jathan ‘Jay’ One-Moon.
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Umm, no?
Would I recommend this book/series? - Not really?
Will I read this again in the future? - No.
Rating - 2.5 stars.
November 16, 2012
Could Kaz be any more adorable? I don't think so. I loved him. He's the owner of brothel on an outlaw planet. He inherited the business from his abusive father and is trying in his own way to make things better for the escorts that work for him and his manager Laina.
Jathan is a diplomat working important inter-species negotiations on the planet. He comes back annually and orders an escort from Kaz's brothel each year. Due to a mix-up Kaz ends up in his bed. There's instant attraction on both sides and we get a sort of "Pretty Woman-esque" situation happening.
Jathan and Kaz are perfect for each other and they fall pretty hot and heavy. There are more than a few misunderstandings here though. In additon to that Jathan is being pressured to marry which adds to the stress he's experiencing and Kaz's business is being threatened by cut throat competitors.
This wasn't the best of sci-fi world-building almost contemp/futuristic but it does have an interesting alien species that's introduced. The MC's are extremely charming though and I really enjoyed their interactions. If you're looking for a sweet romance with light hand on the angst and a futuristic bent try this one. I think you'd enjoy it. I'm heading off to read the second in the series.
Jathan is a diplomat working important inter-species negotiations on the planet. He comes back annually and orders an escort from Kaz's brothel each year. Due to a mix-up Kaz ends up in his bed. There's instant attraction on both sides and we get a sort of "Pretty Woman-esque" situation happening.
Jathan and Kaz are perfect for each other and they fall pretty hot and heavy. There are more than a few misunderstandings here though. In additon to that Jathan is being pressured to marry which adds to the stress he's experiencing and Kaz's business is being threatened by cut throat competitors.
This wasn't the best of sci-fi world-building almost contemp/futuristic but it does have an interesting alien species that's introduced. The MC's are extremely charming though and I really enjoyed their interactions. If you're looking for a sweet romance with light hand on the angst and a futuristic bent try this one. I think you'd enjoy it. I'm heading off to read the second in the series.
March 9, 2014
This was sweet and hot and hit on some serious subjects. It's allegorical to current times in regards to those subjects. This is rather obvious in the beginning, almost getting in the way of the story, but then things even out and the story takes center stage.
Kaz and Jay are good together, definitely nice chemistry. I didn't even mind that Jay called Kaz his "sweet thing", it worked. ;)
Bonus: at least the author waits awhile before bringing out the 'lover' term and only as a descriptor, never towards each other.
The supporting characters were rather well done, from the asshole 'friends' to Kaz's main co-runner of the brothel, Lani. She knows him well and this was brought out in a way that added to the story. I liked her.
This story won't blow your mind but it's more than a worthy effort, and I'll probably read the second book in the series.
Kaz and Jay are good together, definitely nice chemistry. I didn't even mind that Jay called Kaz his "sweet thing", it worked. ;)
Bonus: at least the author waits awhile before bringing out the 'lover' term and only as a descriptor, never towards each other.
The supporting characters were rather well done, from the asshole 'friends' to Kaz's main co-runner of the brothel, Lani. She knows him well and this was brought out in a way that added to the story. I liked her.
This story won't blow your mind but it's more than a worthy effort, and I'll probably read the second book in the series.
March 18, 2011
Stars: 2.5/5
Overall
With a fairly strong beginning, and a relatively enjoyable story, the final 15% of the book was disappointing as it too easily fixed issues and solved everything. Although I enjoyed the interactions between Jathan and Kazha, the events that happen outside of the apartment do very little to hold my interest. Jathan's work in negotiations is interesting but brushed over, which is understandable to avoid a politically heavy book, but there was something happening with R'Kos that were hinted at but never developed and make me wonder if there is going to be a story about him. The writing was fairly good, although a few word choices left me wincing (eg, joy button). I enjoyed the novella until the end, wondering where the author was going and how things would be resolved, but was ultimately unsatisfied.
Strengths
I really enjoyed the varied characters, including some of the smaller characters such as the guard Sven. The characters really came to life and weren't flat, although sometimes when under pressure they behaved outside the norm, this could be chalked up to the stress. I connected with the main characters and were drawn into their plight--I wanted them to find happiness.
Pacing. Except for the final 15%, the pacing was very good. The introduction of the characters and their eventual meeting aren't rushed, and although there is a time skip in the days they are together, it doesn't feel like we skipped anything vital to the development of the characters. Their relationship is definitely Lust at First Sight and quickly translates to Love, but even this is forgivable within the genre and the hints that they are "mates," which the alien culture deems important.
Weaknesses
Some of the word choices during the sex scenes felt almost porny and threw me out of the story.
The Gay Taboo. For a story that supposedly takes place in the future, there is still plenty of bias against homosexuals. While they can marry and it is recognized by the government, among Kaz's friends it is seen as a weakness. The amount of bigotry still existing was surprising. While I can understand things fluctuate in how society accepts them, there was no reason offered for why it's not accepted when the reader lives in a world where it is slowly becoming more accepted. All I needed was a reason.
***WARNING: SPOILERS***
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The end. The end really annoyed me. The reader is taken on this journey through a dark, seedy world and comes out the other side sparkling clean and glittery. I think if it had been stretched out and explored, the end may have worked, but it as rushed and tacked on. Huge issues that hang over the heads of our protagonists are solved in an easy one-two. He's a bad guy who's trying to take over your company? Nope, it was just a misunderstanding. Can't marry a man because of requirements of your position? Nope, just another misunderstanding. Vaughn aside, I felt the final chapter added enough closure that the epilogue was unnecessary and possibly the worst part for me.
In addition, multiple characters seem to have dramatic personality changes and Jay and Kaz, while wonderfully in love, seem to become members of the Brady bunch who happen to like a bit of dom/sub behavior. The epilogue oozed cheese (and not the delicious kind that goes on nachos). I feel that if the changes that needed to happen for them to be together had been thoroughly fleshed out, I wouldn't have had problems. Instead, everything is solved neatly and tied in a pretty bow without us seeing how it all came to be and the struggles they dealt with to get there. It felt too easy, and while I understand not all of life is a angst-filled struggle, in a world as darkly described as the one this book exists in, the end felt false.
Be sure to check out my other reviews on my blog.
Overall
With a fairly strong beginning, and a relatively enjoyable story, the final 15% of the book was disappointing as it too easily fixed issues and solved everything. Although I enjoyed the interactions between Jathan and Kazha, the events that happen outside of the apartment do very little to hold my interest. Jathan's work in negotiations is interesting but brushed over, which is understandable to avoid a politically heavy book, but there was something happening with R'Kos that were hinted at but never developed and make me wonder if there is going to be a story about him. The writing was fairly good, although a few word choices left me wincing (eg, joy button). I enjoyed the novella until the end, wondering where the author was going and how things would be resolved, but was ultimately unsatisfied.
Strengths
I really enjoyed the varied characters, including some of the smaller characters such as the guard Sven. The characters really came to life and weren't flat, although sometimes when under pressure they behaved outside the norm, this could be chalked up to the stress. I connected with the main characters and were drawn into their plight--I wanted them to find happiness.
Pacing. Except for the final 15%, the pacing was very good. The introduction of the characters and their eventual meeting aren't rushed, and although there is a time skip in the days they are together, it doesn't feel like we skipped anything vital to the development of the characters. Their relationship is definitely Lust at First Sight and quickly translates to Love, but even this is forgivable within the genre and the hints that they are "mates," which the alien culture deems important.
Weaknesses
Some of the word choices during the sex scenes felt almost porny and threw me out of the story.
The Gay Taboo. For a story that supposedly takes place in the future, there is still plenty of bias against homosexuals. While they can marry and it is recognized by the government, among Kaz's friends it is seen as a weakness. The amount of bigotry still existing was surprising. While I can understand things fluctuate in how society accepts them, there was no reason offered for why it's not accepted when the reader lives in a world where it is slowly becoming more accepted. All I needed was a reason.
***WARNING: SPOILERS***
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
The end. The end really annoyed me. The reader is taken on this journey through a dark, seedy world and comes out the other side sparkling clean and glittery. I think if it had been stretched out and explored, the end may have worked, but it as rushed and tacked on. Huge issues that hang over the heads of our protagonists are solved in an easy one-two. He's a bad guy who's trying to take over your company? Nope, it was just a misunderstanding. Can't marry a man because of requirements of your position? Nope, just another misunderstanding. Vaughn aside, I felt the final chapter added enough closure that the epilogue was unnecessary and possibly the worst part for me.
In addition, multiple characters seem to have dramatic personality changes and Jay and Kaz, while wonderfully in love, seem to become members of the Brady bunch who happen to like a bit of dom/sub behavior. The epilogue oozed cheese (and not the delicious kind that goes on nachos). I feel that if the changes that needed to happen for them to be together had been thoroughly fleshed out, I wouldn't have had problems. Instead, everything is solved neatly and tied in a pretty bow without us seeing how it all came to be and the struggles they dealt with to get there. It felt too easy, and while I understand not all of life is a angst-filled struggle, in a world as darkly described as the one this book exists in, the end felt false.
Be sure to check out my other reviews on my blog.
November 10, 2019
3 Stars
This was a sweet enough sci-fi, off-world book about mistaken identities, sex workers, and preserving the human race. Quite they plot plot ya, eh?
It was insta-love—one to two days? Wham! Forever is here! Had a very quick wrap -up, some steamy D/s-ish scenes, and a poppin’ o’ the stellar cherry for the brothel owner. Fun for all involved!
The audiobook was decent, although it was hard to distinguish characters at times. It was also weird how submissive Kaz got even though he was a toughened brothel empresario. Maybe the shirt length didn’t aid in developing deep characters.
Either way, I’m listening to the second one which involves a purple alien. Why are all aliens purple in MM romance?
This was a sweet enough sci-fi, off-world book about mistaken identities, sex workers, and preserving the human race. Quite they plot plot ya, eh?
It was insta-love—one to two days? Wham! Forever is here! Had a very quick wrap -up, some steamy D/s-ish scenes, and a poppin’ o’ the stellar cherry for the brothel owner. Fun for all involved!
The audiobook was decent, although it was hard to distinguish characters at times. It was also weird how submissive Kaz got even though he was a toughened brothel empresario. Maybe the shirt length didn’t aid in developing deep characters.
Either way, I’m listening to the second one which involves a purple alien. Why are all aliens purple in MM romance?
December 23, 2014
Completely enjoyed my first read from this new-to-me author. Well-written story that grabbed me right from the start. I loved both of the main characters. The setting and premise enthralled me. Mistaken identity seems to be something I really get into. This is the second book I've read with that theme and both have been five star reads for me.
Basically, this book was a damn fun, thoroughly enjoyable read! I could say more, but simple enjoyment is a main reason I read and this provided that in spades, so I'll leave it at that for now. Well, except to mention that its going on my re-read shelf and I've already purchased books 2 and 3 in this series.
Basically, this book was a damn fun, thoroughly enjoyable read! I could say more, but simple enjoyment is a main reason I read and this provided that in spades, so I'll leave it at that for now. Well, except to mention that its going on my re-read shelf and I've already purchased books 2 and 3 in this series.
August 30, 2015
A good story with a really enjoyable narration.
March 11, 2015
3.5 Stars - In just under 100 pages, you can't expect a lot of world building in this science fiction romance. But that was OK for me, because the setting allowed houses of ill repute to be legal and even compete with one another. Kazha is the owner of one of those brothels and Jathan is a renowned galactic negotiator who uses the services of Kazha's house for stress relief during negotiations. He is THE client all the houses wish they had and when circumstances keep Kazha's house from being able to fill his request for an escort during the latest negotiations, Kazha visits the man personally to see how he can meet his needs.
Of course, Jathan mistakes Kazha for his provided escort and things get out of hand very quickly. Kazha doesn't seem to mind, in fact he's under Jathan's spell in short order. This was a fun read as these two burn up the pages and intrigue surrounds them. Their HEA was very satisfying. Good read!
Of course, Jathan mistakes Kazha for his provided escort and things get out of hand very quickly. Kazha doesn't seem to mind, in fact he's under Jathan's spell in short order. This was a fun read as these two burn up the pages and intrigue surrounds them. Their HEA was very satisfying. Good read!
January 22, 2013
Everything I like about a good story with an o.k. length. This one felt longer. I love SciFi and Rent boy so when you put them together you get a real amazing book for me. I liked the world - and would have liked more in it so I'm glad to see there may be more in the series. I liked Kaz and OneMoon both - the sex was very hot and the lite kink is welcomed and felt very authentic. The nice thing about SciFi is normal believability goes out the door. Here Kaz was such a wonderful character - and from the start you get him and what he has to do to survive but he keeps his innocence and his naivete which is no small feat. Loved the epilogue - and the message. Of course I wanted it to be longer - but I was very satisfied when I hit the home button on my Kindle :)
October 10, 2018
Very sweet... honestly, exactly what I expect from K.C. Burn. Nicely developed characters, but not too deep. Super hot sex with a little bit of spice. And a steady plotline, with some excitement, and a satisfying conclusion.
September 28, 2020
This is a M/M romance. Kaz is a brothel owner who has to hide who he really is from his friends. Jathan mistakes Kaz as the escort that he hired. I enjoyed the relationship that they two form. Together they are able to achieve things they never could on their own.
January 3, 2014
Ok, so I’m not normally a fan of rent boy stories, I just struggle with the whole paying for sex thing and multiple partners. I’m not a stickler for monogamy so much as commitment to the one or ones you choose. But this, this I adored! I really enjoyed both these characters so much and a lot of that probably stems from the fact that Kaz isn’t exactly a rent boy per se…he just manages a bunch of them.
Kazha Deinos inherited his position as the owner of the Spice ‘n’ Solace brothel, but while it may have been a bit run down under his father, that is not the case with Kaz. His clients value the structure and rules he’s placed on the boys he brings in and he’s more than happy to foot the bill to make sure they’re all inoculated. S‘n’S has developed a reputation for being the best and Kaz has made sure it has stayed that way. His one disappointment, he can’t ever reveal his own sexual preferences. The one time that came to light resulted in the worst beating of his life, and by his own father. His dad may have run all male escorts, but giving it to some guys ass was not the same as taking it, being gay was just not allowed. Kaz knows his life with his so-called friends would never work if his secret came out. But when a plague hoax has his brothel locked under quarantine just when his best client is coming into town Kaz knows desperate measures are called for.
Jathan One-Moon is the hereditary ambassador tasked with keeping the human race from being dragged back into war with the Ankylos. The Ankylos emperor has decried they will only negotiate with someone of his father’s line and as his only heir that task has fallen to Jathan now that his father has passed. The stress of the negotiations, with the safety of the entirety of the human race resting in his hands, takes its toll on Jathan. While the Galactic Alliance may be pressuring him to take a wife and birth an heir Jathan knows the only real peace he gets is the escorts he hires annually from S‘n’S. He needs the release he gets from being able to dominate one of the escorts to be able to function through those tricky negotiations. This year, the escort they’ve sent him, tempts Jathan beyond measure.
So I adore Kaz, he’s just plain perfect. I love that he’s street tough and can protect himself, is a brilliant business owner and intelligent mind, and yet gets all soft and melt-y every time he even looks at Jathan. That in turn of course fires all of Jathan’s protective instincts and it’s just a happy little puddle of Shelby goo over here. These two compliment each other very well and despite it being a lot of erotica time in bed, I enjoyed the subtle machinations of the backstabbing plot going on.
Like I said, there’s a lot of sexy time built into this one, after all Kaz is posing as one of his escorts, and yes it’s hot and all. If I had one little niggle of complaint it’s that this falls very close to the insta-love boundary that bugs me at times. I can see the draw Kaz’s sheer innocence has for Jathan, but this moves along very quickly. I did enjoy the part R’kos plays in turning Jathan all alpha male and my man is damaged grrrrrr. I liked the fact that the machinations going on for Kaz weren’t all that simple and not the most obvious culprit, though of course the final explanation does make sense.
As sweet and perfect as the epilogue is I would have loved to have more time with these two and the ending did feel a little rushed. I was really enjoying the world building here and wanted more. There’s a lot more to the seedy underbelly of this world I would have loved to have seen, plus I’m sure there is more interesting alien tidbits to be garnered about the Ankylos. But that’s what later books are for right?
All in all I really enjoyed this story a lot. I like my sci-fi immensely and as an erotica style book this had enough plot to keep it interesting and fantastic characters to make is sweet and heart warming. As much as I want more with these two characters I was very satisfied with where they ended up. Really great little read.
Kazha Deinos inherited his position as the owner of the Spice ‘n’ Solace brothel, but while it may have been a bit run down under his father, that is not the case with Kaz. His clients value the structure and rules he’s placed on the boys he brings in and he’s more than happy to foot the bill to make sure they’re all inoculated. S‘n’S has developed a reputation for being the best and Kaz has made sure it has stayed that way. His one disappointment, he can’t ever reveal his own sexual preferences. The one time that came to light resulted in the worst beating of his life, and by his own father. His dad may have run all male escorts, but giving it to some guys ass was not the same as taking it, being gay was just not allowed. Kaz knows his life with his so-called friends would never work if his secret came out. But when a plague hoax has his brothel locked under quarantine just when his best client is coming into town Kaz knows desperate measures are called for.
Jathan One-Moon is the hereditary ambassador tasked with keeping the human race from being dragged back into war with the Ankylos. The Ankylos emperor has decried they will only negotiate with someone of his father’s line and as his only heir that task has fallen to Jathan now that his father has passed. The stress of the negotiations, with the safety of the entirety of the human race resting in his hands, takes its toll on Jathan. While the Galactic Alliance may be pressuring him to take a wife and birth an heir Jathan knows the only real peace he gets is the escorts he hires annually from S‘n’S. He needs the release he gets from being able to dominate one of the escorts to be able to function through those tricky negotiations. This year, the escort they’ve sent him, tempts Jathan beyond measure.
So I adore Kaz, he’s just plain perfect. I love that he’s street tough and can protect himself, is a brilliant business owner and intelligent mind, and yet gets all soft and melt-y every time he even looks at Jathan. That in turn of course fires all of Jathan’s protective instincts and it’s just a happy little puddle of Shelby goo over here. These two compliment each other very well and despite it being a lot of erotica time in bed, I enjoyed the subtle machinations of the backstabbing plot going on.
Like I said, there’s a lot of sexy time built into this one, after all Kaz is posing as one of his escorts, and yes it’s hot and all. If I had one little niggle of complaint it’s that this falls very close to the insta-love boundary that bugs me at times. I can see the draw Kaz’s sheer innocence has for Jathan, but this moves along very quickly. I did enjoy the part R’kos plays in turning Jathan all alpha male and my man is damaged grrrrrr. I liked the fact that the machinations going on for Kaz weren’t all that simple and not the most obvious culprit, though of course the final explanation does make sense.
As sweet and perfect as the epilogue is I would have loved to have more time with these two and the ending did feel a little rushed. I was really enjoying the world building here and wanted more. There’s a lot more to the seedy underbelly of this world I would have loved to have seen, plus I’m sure there is more interesting alien tidbits to be garnered about the Ankylos. But that’s what later books are for right?
All in all I really enjoyed this story a lot. I like my sci-fi immensely and as an erotica style book this had enough plot to keep it interesting and fantastic characters to make is sweet and heart warming. As much as I want more with these two characters I was very satisfied with where they ended up. Really great little read.
August 9, 2014
So, um..... Not the most fantastic book. I can see faults in it left, right and middle. No-brainer with way too much sex. Jay especially was a disappointment. The best negotiator the human race ever produced couldn't perform a simple background check or conduct an adequate research.
But it's a light and amusing read that worked for me at this particular time (if anything) and I am giving it 3.5 stars, rounding up to 4.
Off to buy fix #2.
But it's a light and amusing read that worked for me at this particular time (if anything) and I am giving it 3.5 stars, rounding up to 4.
Off to buy fix #2.
October 22, 2020
Audiobook review:
Overall – 5
Performance – 5
Story – 4
This is a great story with great narration.
I think I picked this audiobook up when Audible had a sale. It's been in my library for a little over a year and I'm sorry I waited so long to listen to it.
Unless he also narrates under another name, Spice 'N' Solace is the first audiobook I've listened to by Richard Magnus and I think he did a great job. I enjoyed the different voices he used and his voice was easy to listen to.
I'm a huge Star Trek fan but I don't tend to read/listen to sci-fi romance; I'm not really sure why. There were things in this story that reminded me of a few different Star Trek episodes but only in passing; the story is in not a retelling of any particular one. The premise of a brothel for men in a society that seems to be against male-male relationships was interesting.
I thought there was fantastic chemistry between the two lead characters, Kazha and Jathan. What starts out as mistaken identity soon grows into something really special between them. I like this story enough that I promptly started listening to book two. (Both books can be read as standalone stories.)
Overall – 5
Performance – 5
Story – 4
This is a great story with great narration.
I think I picked this audiobook up when Audible had a sale. It's been in my library for a little over a year and I'm sorry I waited so long to listen to it.
Unless he also narrates under another name, Spice 'N' Solace is the first audiobook I've listened to by Richard Magnus and I think he did a great job. I enjoyed the different voices he used and his voice was easy to listen to.
I'm a huge Star Trek fan but I don't tend to read/listen to sci-fi romance; I'm not really sure why. There were things in this story that reminded me of a few different Star Trek episodes but only in passing; the story is in not a retelling of any particular one. The premise of a brothel for men in a society that seems to be against male-male relationships was interesting.
I thought there was fantastic chemistry between the two lead characters, Kazha and Jathan. What starts out as mistaken identity soon grows into something really special between them. I like this story enough that I promptly started listening to book two. (Both books can be read as standalone stories.)
October 6, 2019
Spice ‘N’ Solace by KC Burn
Science Fiction M-M romance / erotica.
Alternating view points between Jathan and Kaz. The change did not occur at chapters but randomly.
Hot and sexy. Mild domination.
The sex trade is alive and bustling in this sci-fi world.
The owner of the brothel wants to protect his workers. I liked him for this altruistic attitude. And while he didn’t lie initially and just let the assumption stand on who he was, he did step up before problems occurred which I appreciated. Integrity, generous, protective and willing to fight for right, this man is one worth keeping.
Science Fiction M-M romance / erotica.
Alternating view points between Jathan and Kaz. The change did not occur at chapters but randomly.
Hot and sexy. Mild domination.
The sex trade is alive and bustling in this sci-fi world.
The owner of the brothel wants to protect his workers. I liked him for this altruistic attitude. And while he didn’t lie initially and just let the assumption stand on who he was, he did step up before problems occurred which I appreciated. Integrity, generous, protective and willing to fight for right, this man is one worth keeping.
September 29, 2013
4.0 Stars
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. Not much world building here, which surprised me for the first book in a space/sci-fi series (m/m romance notwithstanding). Regardless, the characters were endearing, the dialogue fresh, and the plot riveting. I'm enthralled.
Bottom line: Definitely continuing on with this series.
One gripe: This title is not lendable on Kindle. Boo! I don't like that.
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. Not much world building here, which surprised me for the first book in a space/sci-fi series (m/m romance notwithstanding). Regardless, the characters were endearing, the dialogue fresh, and the plot riveting. I'm enthralled.
Bottom line: Definitely continuing on with this series.
One gripe: This title is not lendable on Kindle. Boo! I don't like that.
February 23, 2023
DNF
Głupie jak mało co.
Głupie jak mało co.
November 7, 2017
20% cheesy plot
80% sex scenes
80% sex scenes
July 25, 2020
This book wasn’t my cup of tea and that is no fault of the author’s. I did very much like the characters Kaz and One Moon and their backstories and attraction. The world was intriguing but I felt like I was missing some information.
May 25, 2020
Great story. Kazha Deinos has a secret that could get him hurt or even killed. As the owner of the male brothel Spice 'n' Solace, he is highly sought after. However, in a world where being gay can be dangerous, he doesn't let anyone know that he is gay, and furthermore, likely a bottom. His brothel is in part so well-known because Jathan One-Moon, one of the most important people in the Galactic Alliance, is a client. When Jathan comes to Elora Ki for his annual negotiations with the Ankylos (an alien species), he always contracts with Spice 'n' Solace for their escorts. When a plague alert shuts down the area of town where Spice 'n' Solace is on the day of Jathan's arrival, Kazha is forced to scramble. He goes to visit Jathan in order find out his preferences for an escort so that he can find a freelancer to fill in until the plague alert is lifted. Jathan mistakes Kazha as the escort for the evening, and since he cannot usually indulge in his desires, Kazha takes the chance to be himself without anyone else knowing.
If you like mistaken identity stories, you'll love this romance. There is definitely an element of insta-lust, but the characters are so well-written. The motivations and feelings of the two are so clear. Highly recommended for those who don't mind a bit of science fiction in their romance.
Re-read 6/3/17: Still really like this sci-fi short story.
If you like mistaken identity stories, you'll love this romance. There is definitely an element of insta-lust, but the characters are so well-written. The motivations and feelings of the two are so clear. Highly recommended for those who don't mind a bit of science fiction in their romance.
Re-read 6/3/17: Still really like this sci-fi short story.
March 26, 2012
Kaz is the owner of a high-class gay brothel. Jathan is the official negotiator between their race and the Ankylos. He inherited his job from his father because the Ankylos only want to negotiate with their blood line. His father did something positive to the other race during the last war between the two race, and only his descendant can carry the negotiation. Consequently, Jathan has to produce heir. Otherwise, the two races would go to war again. When Kaz is misunderstood as a whore, he almost protests until he sees how good looking Jathan is. They sleep with each other and feel the strong connection. What would happen when Kaz's real identity is revealed? Will Jathan be able to fulfill his duty without hurting Kaz?
I like this novella. Despite the short length, the author manages to create a believable world with various occupants. The focus is on the relationship, and I like both MCs. Yes, they get their HEA, and instead of bdsm novella, this one is full of sweet romance.
I like this novella. Despite the short length, the author manages to create a believable world with various occupants. The focus is on the relationship, and I like both MCs. Yes, they get their HEA, and instead of bdsm novella, this one is full of sweet romance.
October 9, 2025
Absolute joy of entertainment of light D/s sex. Very light on plot, but I didn't care one bit! It was a non-stop read of shear delight. Loved Kaz and Jay, but especially intrigued about R'kos. Can't wait to read his story in the next book!
As many times as I read this series, I still throughly enjoy them. Spice n Solace is my favorite of the trilogy.
As many times as I read this series, I still throughly enjoy them. Spice n Solace is my favorite of the trilogy.
April 21, 2015
Enjoyable read. I liked Kaz and Jay. The world building was a little confusing to me, but I don't read much sci-fi so maybe it was just me. I will definitely give book #2 a try.
September 16, 2024
Eh. It was okay. Kinda cute. The plot outside of the smut was ridiculously confusing and boring.
This wasn't alien-y or space like. It sounded like they were in the ghetto.
I liked the secret identity part, but the reveal sucked.
Kazs' "friends" made me sick.
What happened with Carlos? That's it..? What an uneventful ending. I hated it.
It would have been juicy if Vaughn was in love with Kaz. That conversation at the end was weird... He just wanted to be his friend? Ok. Tell him? Why the drama. How boring.
I guess the epilogue was cute.
I bought the whole series. Fingers crossed, the next one is better.
This wasn't alien-y or space like. It sounded like they were in the ghetto.
I liked the secret identity part, but the reveal sucked.
Kazs' "friends" made me sick.
What happened with Carlos? That's it..? What an uneventful ending. I hated it.
It would have been juicy if Vaughn was in love with Kaz. That conversation at the end was weird... He just wanted to be his friend? Ok. Tell him? Why the drama. How boring.
I guess the epilogue was cute.
I bought the whole series. Fingers crossed, the next one is better.
May 11, 2018
Rating: 3 stars
The second half of this book was better than the first. I liked the interplay between Kazha and Jathan. I liked most of what went on between the sexy times. Those I pretty much skimmed through. I thought it ended a bit abruptly. I wanted to read more about the negotiations, but alas the author elected to sum up everything in an epilogue. I am intrigued enough that I’ll probably read the next one in the series.
The second half of this book was better than the first. I liked the interplay between Kazha and Jathan. I liked most of what went on between the sexy times. Those I pretty much skimmed through. I thought it ended a bit abruptly. I wanted to read more about the negotiations, but alas the author elected to sum up everything in an epilogue. I am intrigued enough that I’ll probably read the next one in the series.
September 18, 2020
Spice N Solace is my first book my Kc burns. I enjoyed the story part of the book did like the erotica m/m but I enjoy Kaz and Jathans relationship. They had a Connecticut from the moment they meet each other. Their relationship is one of the main things I enjoyed about this book.
March 31, 2011
Kaz is the owner of Spice 'n' Solace, the best male brothel in the Galactic Alliance. He has been hiding his sexuality from his friends because, even if gay marriages are allowed and male prostitution is legal, there is a lingering homophobia in the society he lives in. Kaz was also beaten by his father when he was young because of his sexual preferences and although he has indulged in sex with men, it's always been as a top, because being on the receiving end is considered diminishing. But Kaz wishes to find a man he can submit to, a man with whom he can fully explore his sexuality.
Jathan One-Moon is the man who holds the fate of mankind in his hands. He is the sole negotiator the Ankylos, the alien neighbours of humans, will accept to discuss the annual revision of the peace treaty with the humans. It's a stressful period for Jathan and he's used to release the stress with the beautiful escorts that S'n'S provides him.
On the day of Jathan's arrival, the threat of a plague prevents Kaz's escorts to go outside the quarantined zone. Jathan is the best client and advertising for Kaz's business and Kaz can't afford to displease him. He decides to meet Jathan to find a different arrangement, but when the two meet the sparkles of attraction fly. Jathan thinks the beautiful Kaz is the escort and Kaz, enthralled by the sexy Jathan, decides to play along and hides the fact that he is not the escort, but the owner of the brothel.
Their first encounter is very funny, because Jathan misreads Kaz's reluctance, shyness and clumsiness for a sexual play. In bed they complement each other. Their relationship is not a formal dom/sub relationship. Jathan is naturally bossy and Kaz plays along. Jathan realize that Kaz is something more than an escort and he's relaxed and playful when he is with him. The way they taunt each other is entertaining and exciting.
The setting is interesting, but it's not thoroughly explored. The atmosphere of Jathan and Kaz's encounters is light, but the world they live in is much darker than what Kaz's casual remarks let transpire. I think the book could have had more depth if this darker edge had been kept until the end of the book (Addison's story is brief, but it was very important to give us an idea of the dangers of that world for gay men). Jathan's counterpart in the negotiations, R'kos, was a very fascinating character, especially because he seemed to have an affinity to Jathan. The concept of mate for the aliens needed to be explored, in my opinion.
The main problem in this book is the ending. It's wrapped up too nicely and almost abruptly. I think the epilogue was useless. It gave a lot of information about Jathan and Kaz's life, but it didn't convey the warmth and sexiness that was so important in the previous parts of the book. I don't know if the author has the intention of writing a series set in this world and that's the reason why a few things were only sketched or left unexplained. The beginning of the book wasn't very smooth, probably because Kaz's friends are really annoying and there's a little bit of info dumping, but from the moment Kaz rescues Addison in an alley, we get to know him better and the pace of the story picks up.
Maybe I'm overrating it a bit, but I enjoyed the story and the characters very much, even if I feel the execution left some of the potential of the story undeveloped. I'd recommend it as a funny, sexy read in a world to be discovered.
Galley received via NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher.
Jathan One-Moon is the man who holds the fate of mankind in his hands. He is the sole negotiator the Ankylos, the alien neighbours of humans, will accept to discuss the annual revision of the peace treaty with the humans. It's a stressful period for Jathan and he's used to release the stress with the beautiful escorts that S'n'S provides him.
On the day of Jathan's arrival, the threat of a plague prevents Kaz's escorts to go outside the quarantined zone. Jathan is the best client and advertising for Kaz's business and Kaz can't afford to displease him. He decides to meet Jathan to find a different arrangement, but when the two meet the sparkles of attraction fly. Jathan thinks the beautiful Kaz is the escort and Kaz, enthralled by the sexy Jathan, decides to play along and hides the fact that he is not the escort, but the owner of the brothel.
Their first encounter is very funny, because Jathan misreads Kaz's reluctance, shyness and clumsiness for a sexual play. In bed they complement each other. Their relationship is not a formal dom/sub relationship. Jathan is naturally bossy and Kaz plays along. Jathan realize that Kaz is something more than an escort and he's relaxed and playful when he is with him. The way they taunt each other is entertaining and exciting.
The setting is interesting, but it's not thoroughly explored. The atmosphere of Jathan and Kaz's encounters is light, but the world they live in is much darker than what Kaz's casual remarks let transpire. I think the book could have had more depth if this darker edge had been kept until the end of the book (Addison's story is brief, but it was very important to give us an idea of the dangers of that world for gay men). Jathan's counterpart in the negotiations, R'kos, was a very fascinating character, especially because he seemed to have an affinity to Jathan. The concept of mate for the aliens needed to be explored, in my opinion.
The main problem in this book is the ending. It's wrapped up too nicely and almost abruptly. I think the epilogue was useless. It gave a lot of information about Jathan and Kaz's life, but it didn't convey the warmth and sexiness that was so important in the previous parts of the book. I don't know if the author has the intention of writing a series set in this world and that's the reason why a few things were only sketched or left unexplained. The beginning of the book wasn't very smooth, probably because Kaz's friends are really annoying and there's a little bit of info dumping, but from the moment Kaz rescues Addison in an alley, we get to know him better and the pace of the story picks up.
Maybe I'm overrating it a bit, but I enjoyed the story and the characters very much, even if I feel the execution left some of the potential of the story undeveloped. I'd recommend it as a funny, sexy read in a world to be discovered.
Galley received via NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher.
March 17, 2011
This is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic.
Oh my! Is it hot in here to you? No? Whew. I guess it’s just me then after reading this book.. *fans self*
If you’re a fan of M/M erotic romance, especially in a sci-fi/futuristic setting, I think that you are going to love this book.
It was sweet, sexy, romantic, and intense. The sci-fi elements were enough to add a bit of side interest, but not enough to distract from Jay and Kaz’s relationship, and the social dynamic certainly kept both characters on their toes. The attraction between them, both sexual and otherwise, felt incredibly real, and their love scenes were enough to scorch your fingers while holding the page.
A very delicious 5/5 Stars
Oh my! Is it hot in here to you? No? Whew. I guess it’s just me then after reading this book.. *fans self*
If you’re a fan of M/M erotic romance, especially in a sci-fi/futuristic setting, I think that you are going to love this book.
It was sweet, sexy, romantic, and intense. The sci-fi elements were enough to add a bit of side interest, but not enough to distract from Jay and Kaz’s relationship, and the social dynamic certainly kept both characters on their toes. The attraction between them, both sexual and otherwise, felt incredibly real, and their love scenes were enough to scorch your fingers while holding the page.
A very delicious 5/5 Stars
July 26, 2012
Spice 'n' Solace isn't quite a 3-star book, but I've decided to round up because the sex is hot, and that covers a multitude of sins. Unfortunately, it can't quite cover up the fact that the relationship between Kaz and Jay never extends much further than the bedroom, or that all of the seemingly-insurmountable difficulties they face get resolved way too easily at the end. I think the problem is the length. With more room for development, both the romance and the plot would be stronger. Still, it's not a bad way to spend a few hours. I will probably read the sequel, Alien 'n' Outlaw.
October 10, 2018
This book wasn't what I was expecting but I thoroughly enjoyed it! Jay and Kaz were both interesting characters with compelling backstories. Not a lot of world building in this sci fi book but you can't expect much for a book just under 150 pages. What it did have was some unexpected humor, characters with more depth than expected, a very entertaining first meeting between the MC's and some scorching sex scenes. It left me wanting more so I'll check out more in this series.
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