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Merx Security #1
Parallax
Renowned artist Devon Morton is always on the go, traversing exotic planets for Universal Geographic. Capturing mesmerizing images and videos of the awe-inspiring wonders on each planet, Devon seems oblivious to the lurking dangers that come with uncharted territories. Consequently, he's always shadowed by a bodyguard.
Strangely, he's run through three bodyguards in just two years–a bizarre track record, considering none of them was severely harmed. Devon's exasperation is building What if Merx Security runs out of bodyguards?
Enter Julian Neilsson, a seasoned mercenary, and Devon's potential fourth bodyguard. Rightfully skeptical, Julian ponders one Is guarding a young, absorbed vid-pix artist that arduous? He soon discovers that it's not just Devon's art that captures his attention but the young man himself, potentially sparking an unexpected romance.
If only Julian can resist the urge to strangle the oblivious artist first…
Strangely, he's run through three bodyguards in just two years–a bizarre track record, considering none of them was severely harmed. Devon's exasperation is building What if Merx Security runs out of bodyguards?
Enter Julian Neilsson, a seasoned mercenary, and Devon's potential fourth bodyguard. Rightfully skeptical, Julian ponders one Is guarding a young, absorbed vid-pix artist that arduous? He soon discovers that it's not just Devon's art that captures his attention but the young man himself, potentially sparking an unexpected romance.
If only Julian can resist the urge to strangle the oblivious artist first…
206 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 28, 2025
10 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Dragon
20 books19 followersCJ has always been an avid reader of everything, having started her reading career on cereal boxes at a tender age. Deciding to finally share some of the stories in her head, CJ took the plunge into publishing in 2022.
She lives in North Carolina, is happily married to her soulmate who is also a writer, and is the Bringer of Food for two cats; Frankie, who is a delight; and Angel, who has earned her new name, Lucifer's Handmaiden.
For all things Dragon, make sure you visit her website!
www.cjdragon.com
She lives in North Carolina, is happily married to her soulmate who is also a writer, and is the Bringer of Food for two cats; Frankie, who is a delight; and Angel, who has earned her new name, Lucifer's Handmaiden.
For all things Dragon, make sure you visit her website!
www.cjdragon.com
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
February 6, 2025
I love science fiction/space opera in the classic sense, so preferably when it's not about a romance with an alien. So I was super happy to have discovered this new to me author and this brand new story, which is also really different.
The theme is geological expeditions to all sorts of planets and Devon taking videos and pixes for the scientists. And since all these planets are not very friendly, he needs a bodyguard.
Devon blurted, “You’re really tall. Are you of Viking descent?”
Julian grinned at the unexpected question. “Yes, to both. You, on the other hand, look like an example of a Saxon, smaller and dark.” 🚀🤭🚀
Really wonderful, just a light story, crammed with plot and all sorts of green stuff that isn't entirely friendly.
Unfortunately I had a bit too high expectations, I'm not sure. Or the author's style is just not right for me.
What bothered me about the plot was that Devon was always accused from all sides of being to blame. Unfortunately, that was a bit too much over time. Yes, he's scatterbrained and obsessed with his art, so he doesn't notice anything about his surroundings, but if the ground just gives way beneath him, you can't blame him, after all.
"You wanted the pix, didn't you? So you took it without thinking it through. You put both of us at risk for an image."
Devon nodded miserably, unable to meet Julian's gaze. "I know I did. Maybe you should break our contract. I don't want you hurt because of my lack of survival skills. I couldn't stand that." 🚀😥🚀
Fortunately, Julian is an understanding, albeit very controlling character and teaches Devon how to be better.
And yes, of course something develops between the two of them. It's a fairly light romance with relatively little intimacy, due to the spaceship and the tiny separate cabins, and also due to the two protagonists who don't quite want to let it happen.
And again, there's something missing from the book for me. It's all told very superficially and quickly, there's always a new planet to visit. There are countless conversations, but very few descriptions, very few insights into the feelings of the two. Only ever so briefly and then onwards.
Oh yes, the narrative perspective constantly jumps back and forth between Devon and Julian, from paragraph to paragraph. That took me ages to get used to and didn't help me to empathize with the MCs.
And yet, it also has its little nice moments.
“Could you give me a recuperative hug now? It’s like a medicinal one, but you hold on longer.”
Julian smiled a loving smile, making Devon’s breath catch. “I can do that, Doctor Morton, for as long as you need.”
“Don’t let go.”
“I never will, pixie.” 🫠🥰🫠
I would like to give it 3.5 stars. For me it's just not worth 4, but 3 also looks so cruel. After much pondering, I decide to round up. I think the book has potential to find fans, even if it wasn't perfect for me. I still had a good time reading it and I'll see if I read something else by the author to find out if we just aren't made for each other.
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
Minor spoilers probably ahead
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
Content warnings: several different planets that want to kill Devon, different people who blame Devon for it, several also life-threatening injuries to both MCs
Cheating between MCs: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: Yes … shortly … so silly
Kinks: none
The theme is geological expeditions to all sorts of planets and Devon taking videos and pixes for the scientists. And since all these planets are not very friendly, he needs a bodyguard.
Devon blurted, “You’re really tall. Are you of Viking descent?”
Julian grinned at the unexpected question. “Yes, to both. You, on the other hand, look like an example of a Saxon, smaller and dark.” 🚀🤭🚀
Really wonderful, just a light story, crammed with plot and all sorts of green stuff that isn't entirely friendly.
Unfortunately I had a bit too high expectations, I'm not sure. Or the author's style is just not right for me.
What bothered me about the plot was that Devon was always accused from all sides of being to blame. Unfortunately, that was a bit too much over time. Yes, he's scatterbrained and obsessed with his art, so he doesn't notice anything about his surroundings, but if the ground just gives way beneath him, you can't blame him, after all.
"You wanted the pix, didn't you? So you took it without thinking it through. You put both of us at risk for an image."
Devon nodded miserably, unable to meet Julian's gaze. "I know I did. Maybe you should break our contract. I don't want you hurt because of my lack of survival skills. I couldn't stand that." 🚀😥🚀
Fortunately, Julian is an understanding, albeit very controlling character and teaches Devon how to be better.
And yes, of course something develops between the two of them. It's a fairly light romance with relatively little intimacy, due to the spaceship and the tiny separate cabins, and also due to the two protagonists who don't quite want to let it happen.
And again, there's something missing from the book for me. It's all told very superficially and quickly, there's always a new planet to visit. There are countless conversations, but very few descriptions, very few insights into the feelings of the two. Only ever so briefly and then onwards.
Oh yes, the narrative perspective constantly jumps back and forth between Devon and Julian, from paragraph to paragraph. That took me ages to get used to and didn't help me to empathize with the MCs.
And yet, it also has its little nice moments.
“Could you give me a recuperative hug now? It’s like a medicinal one, but you hold on longer.”
Julian smiled a loving smile, making Devon’s breath catch. “I can do that, Doctor Morton, for as long as you need.”
“Don’t let go.”
“I never will, pixie.” 🫠🥰🫠
I would like to give it 3.5 stars. For me it's just not worth 4, but 3 also looks so cruel. After much pondering, I decide to round up. I think the book has potential to find fans, even if it wasn't perfect for me. I still had a good time reading it and I'll see if I read something else by the author to find out if we just aren't made for each other.
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
Minor spoilers probably ahead
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
Content warnings: several different planets that want to kill Devon, different people who blame Devon for it, several also life-threatening injuries to both MCs
Cheating between MCs: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: Yes … shortly … so silly
Kinks: none
January 29, 2025
Lots to like
There is a lot to like in this book. Good character and world building, but not an overwhelming amount of either. Some good action scenes. Overall a good sci-fi read.
There is a lot to like in this book. Good character and world building, but not an overwhelming amount of either. Some good action scenes. Overall a good sci-fi read.
May 19, 2025
Loved!
I really enjoyed Devon and Julian's story. I thought all the different planets and creatures were interesting. Devon seems like trouble follows him wherever he goes but Julian will always be there to keep him safe. I also loved how passionate Devon was about his work. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I really enjoyed Devon and Julian's story. I thought all the different planets and creatures were interesting. Devon seems like trouble follows him wherever he goes but Julian will always be there to keep him safe. I also loved how passionate Devon was about his work. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
May 26, 2025
I really wanted to like this sci-fi but all I ended up doing was wanting to smack the MC Devon for his continual disregard for self preservation and foolhardy forays into life threatening situations (artistic prodigy be damned). And I screamed aloud by the tenth time MC Julian referred to Devon as his little pixie!! In the end, I had to FF'd a significant middle section just to get to the end and avoid a DNF result.
April 7, 2025
I liked the idea behind this one and wish Devon's condition and work had been explored in more detail.
I didn't love how Devon was always treated like a misbehaving child (by the other characters and also by the author).
I didn't love how Devon was always treated like a misbehaving child (by the other characters and also by the author).
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews