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Rogue Bonds #2
Dax: Gratefully Bonded
Zeke’s childhood dream of being a pilot in the Alliance Military has been shattered. A hellish mission to an alien planet left him injured, traumatised, and with the majority of his crew dead. So now, he spends his days drowning his sorrows in alcohol, and wondering what the hell he’s supposed to do with the brainwashed slave who accidentally imprinted on him at the tail end of that doomed assignment.
Dax knows he’s not good at obeying his master. He’s always struggled to follow instructions, seeing better ways to complete a task, or wanting to point out the pitfalls to an unwise course of action. But how is he supposed to please his master, if the man’s only desire is to drown himself in a bottle?
After far too long spent wallowing in doubt and self-pity, Zeke and Dax’s lives are interrupted by the arrival of Aiden Hill, a Lieutenant in the Alliance Military who claims to have cracked the code as to how a human master and a Vangravian slave can live peacefully together.
But for each of them, the chance at a brighter future comes with a terrifying cost. For Zeke, it means confronting his demons and dealing with the trauma from his failed mission. And for Dax? It means turning his entire world upside down, so that he is no longer the follower in this most unconventional of relationships, but the leader.
This novel contains representations of PTSD, alcoholism and alcoholism recovery, suicide ideation, depression, one scene with explicit horror, and themes of slavery.
Gratefully Bonded can be read either as a standalone or as part of the series.
Rogue
Book 1 - Accidentally Bonded
Book 2 - Gratefully Bonded
Book 3 - Coming soon
Dax knows he’s not good at obeying his master. He’s always struggled to follow instructions, seeing better ways to complete a task, or wanting to point out the pitfalls to an unwise course of action. But how is he supposed to please his master, if the man’s only desire is to drown himself in a bottle?
After far too long spent wallowing in doubt and self-pity, Zeke and Dax’s lives are interrupted by the arrival of Aiden Hill, a Lieutenant in the Alliance Military who claims to have cracked the code as to how a human master and a Vangravian slave can live peacefully together.
But for each of them, the chance at a brighter future comes with a terrifying cost. For Zeke, it means confronting his demons and dealing with the trauma from his failed mission. And for Dax? It means turning his entire world upside down, so that he is no longer the follower in this most unconventional of relationships, but the leader.
This novel contains representations of PTSD, alcoholism and alcoholism recovery, suicide ideation, depression, one scene with explicit horror, and themes of slavery.
Gratefully Bonded can be read either as a standalone or as part of the series.
Rogue
Book 1 - Accidentally Bonded
Book 2 - Gratefully Bonded
Book 3 - Coming soon
236 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 12, 2025
45 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
About the author
Laura Taylor
24 books98 followersLaura Taylor is a pseudonym for Gabriel Danes. Gabriel is a bisexual, transgender writer of fantasy and romance novels. He likes watching ice hockey, reading about vampires and werewolves, cooking, and has fantasies of one day becoming a firefighter.
Gabriel lives on the South Coast of New South Wales, Australia.
Gabriel lives on the South Coast of New South Wales, Australia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
April 13, 2025
Dax was a nice continuation of the Rogue Bonds series. While the subject matter of PTSD and recovery from trauma isn't necessarily my favourite, I really liked the book. I'm sure it isn't as effortless as it looks for Laura Taylor/Gabriel Danes to create civilizations and cultures out of thin air and imagination, but it really does seem so easy. A few moments brought tears to my eyes because I was so invested in Zeke's healing process (which was so necessary for Dax's survival). I really rooted for these characters and loved all of the political/societal aspects of the book. I keep coming back to read more from Gabriel because his characters and the worlds he creates are so on point. It's nice to read books from an author who has a point of view and who has something to say.
October 23, 2025
⭐️ 4 stars ⭐️
Lots of wonderful hurt/comfort and healing in this installment of humans accidentally bonding with alien slaves.
I gotta admit, my eyes hurt from not being able to stop reading these damn books in one sitting, but so worth it.
I loooved the slow burn between Dax and Zeke, going from not knowing how to interact, to learning each others cues, their moods, their wants.
While the romance had the same level of fun feels as the first book, the plot was a little more… jumbled, I guess.
The political/action plot line didn’t stand side by side to the romance here, but rather more as an afterthought.
It was still very enjoyable and I had a blast, loved seeing Aiden and Kade again, AND I’m extremely intrigued by the new aliens introduced, the Ranzors.
Can’t wait to see more of this fun series.
CW and NSFW info (spoilers):
- Violence/death
- PTSD & panic attacks
- Military MC
- Master/slave
- Human/alien
- Alcohol abuse
- Top/bottom
- Praise
There was hope yet that I could fix this. I could learn. I could improve. And perhaps, a fanciful part of my brain rambled, I could make him love me as fervently as I loved him.
Lots of wonderful hurt/comfort and healing in this installment of humans accidentally bonding with alien slaves.
I gotta admit, my eyes hurt from not being able to stop reading these damn books in one sitting, but so worth it.
I loooved the slow burn between Dax and Zeke, going from not knowing how to interact, to learning each others cues, their moods, their wants.
My little dimari was turning out to be thoroughly adorable.
While the romance had the same level of fun feels as the first book, the plot was a little more… jumbled, I guess.
The political/action plot line didn’t stand side by side to the romance here, but rather more as an afterthought.
It was still very enjoyable and I had a blast, loved seeing Aiden and Kade again, AND I’m extremely intrigued by the new aliens introduced, the Ranzors.
Can’t wait to see more of this fun series.
Perhaps, on this strange planet, in this unexpected culture, my headstrong disobedience was an asset, rather than a flaw. Perhaps I was a good dimari after all.
CW and NSFW info (spoilers):
- Violence/death
- PTSD & panic attacks
- Military MC
- Master/slave
- Human/alien
- Alcohol abuse
- Top/bottom
- Praise
dnf
March 15, 2025dnf @ 76% - zeke isn’t very likable to me and i’m bored….plus i’m not feeling any chemistry between the two mcs🥱
August 19, 2025
this book was definitely a rollercoaster! While I don't think I loved it more than Kade (the first book in the series), tbh i can't even compare them. that's mainly because the tone is so different. Kade leaned heavily into action-packed sci-fi with a gradual development of the romantic relationship. This one, on the other hand,
I genuinely understood Zeke's grumpiness (and that's saying something, because I'm usually not a fan of grumpy MCs). Both Zeke and Dax were really well-developed, with compelling nuances. My only real critique is that the overall plot could have been a bit more tightly woven.
I genuinely understood Zeke's grumpiness (and that's saying something, because I'm usually not a fan of grumpy MCs). Both Zeke and Dax were really well-developed, with compelling nuances. My only real critique is that the overall plot could have been a bit more tightly woven.
March 18, 2025
4.25 stars
Absolutely adored this, so sold on the series, and I need 10 more. I loved the depictions of life with PTSD and how different Dax was as a character. If I had any complaint about the book, it’s that I need more of the story. I wanna see even more of the recovery! Also I need some romance about these new tough spiky aliens…
Spice: 3/5
Angst: 3-4/5
Absolutely adored this, so sold on the series, and I need 10 more. I loved the depictions of life with PTSD and how different Dax was as a character. If I had any complaint about the book, it’s that I need more of the story. I wanna see even more of the recovery! Also I need some romance about these new tough spiky aliens…
Spice: 3/5
Angst: 3-4/5
July 29, 2025
I totally didn't expect to like this as much as I did given the reviews. I think this is one of the best romances I've read that have handled trauma and recovery really well. With that said, it was tough to feel the romance itself. I think that's one bigger difference with the first book, where I could feel the MCs falling in love.
March 14, 2025
This one didn't work quite as well for me as the first one. I think BOTH MCs having problems that needed solving was a little harder to juggle. Dax's problems seemed minimized, despite his terrible state to begin with. He felt more like a two dimensional side character to support his master. I think the interspecies political stuff is really cool, but not nearly so neat a story as the first book, but again wrapped up quickly in a pretty bow like the first one. The relationship development felt pretty nice and natural except for the unbelievably short timeline of Zeke turning a new leaf in the span of a week. It can be so wonderful to have someone you feel completely safe around, so I guess I'm alright with the feelings coming quickly, but the love declaration felt a bit trite. Overall I really like this world and these concepts, but they were explored in about half the detail and in a token, off hand way compared to the first book. I'm still giving it 4 stars. Overall I think it needed to be a longer book. There were times when Zeke said he was going to feel like an ass in the future when he had time to think about his behavior over the last year, but i would have rather witnessed that future conversation or something, rather than the passing thoughts. Same with Dax reconciling being a bad dimari but good for his master. Never really were resolved?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 12, 2025
Great Read
I absolutely love this series. Dax was so kind and wonderful in his treatment of Zeke. Zeke had past trauma and when he finally got the help he desperately needed, he found his way back.
I absolutely love this series. Dax was so kind and wonderful in his treatment of Zeke. Zeke had past trauma and when he finally got the help he desperately needed, he found his way back.
August 7, 2025
It's a bit of a letdown and not nearly as good as the first in the series. Zeke got over his issue with consent way too easily, and then they're saying I love you? This book lacked the action and plot (beyond the relationships) I enjoyed with the first, as well as the supporting characters. It a tually felt like two books, with only relationship building in the first three-quarters and then a sudden jump to the alien war in the last quarter with no overlap. Then, it ended abruptly with no further development of the relationship long-term. It felt like the author ran out of ideas halfway through, tried to switch it up, and then just gave up. Though I really enjoyed Laura Taylor's Lost and Found series, I probably won't continue this one if there is another book.
October 7, 2025
Another phenomenal read yet again by this series 😍😍😍
I am loving everything in this book — from the healing journey, the reconciliation, the support, the slow burn/slow bonding, the gaining self confidence/esteem/strength back and finding comfort plus love within each other 🥹🫂
I love how even with same world building & premise, it was actually total different vibe and story from previous book. Because usually in series… the book tends to feel like an echo from each other, some even basically the same with different couple but from reading the 1 & 2 book i can sense that the author have a knack of writing phenomenal series ✨ each book even with same issues & premise yet it tackle on different conflicts and totally different situations such a contra that make me loving it 😍
This one feel more like a raw read with all the issues in it from addiction (alcoholic), neglected, depression and self sabotage. I love seeing how the role kinda reverse for the Damari in this book which Dax being the caretaker for Zeke due to Zeke isn’t in the state of being able to provide much and needed more help which actually what Dax excel in doing ✨ the way Dax actually really suited for Zeke in terms of his behavior and attitude that deemed “bad” for a Damari is very delightful to read 👀 what a match meet in fate 🤩
I also love seeing both of them slowly rebuild their relationship and the way both of them put effort in making it work. I tear up few time reading their journey 😭. Also i love seeing Zeke make friendship and recognize of his credibility as a soldier by the Renork species 🤩that is such an endearing moment 🫂 Not forgetting Aiden & Kaden being mentor in this book 👀👀 love seeing them both 😆
I am excitedd for more book ‼️ can’t wait for the next book to be out 😍
⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️
“Let’s start at the beginning,” Aiden said.
“Having been brought up in the Alliance, you and I have a fundamental disgust with any form of slavery. That’s the basic kind of morality we’re taught in first grade; don’t murder people, don’t torture small animals, don’t buy slaves. So it’s very easy to look at the dimari and object to their very existence. We want to liberate them. We want to rehabilitate them. We want to instil in them a fully functional sense of our own autonomy and free will.
“The thing that we all fail to understand is that dimari are trained, from the moment they learn how to talk, to view themselves through the lens of their master’s approval. This isn’t just behaviour training and propaganda. The Eumadians use neuro-engineering technology to change the way a dimari’s brain functions. That’s how they get them to bond to their masters.”
€
“My greatest desire is to make my master happy. And to be without a master is the most terrifying thing a dimari could ever experience. Which clashes terribly with Alliance culture. You see yourselves as doing a good deed by telling us to be our own masters, by letting us make our own decisions. What you are actually doing is removing all sense of our identities and our purpose, leaving the dimari in question feeling completely worthless.
I am loving everything in this book — from the healing journey, the reconciliation, the support, the slow burn/slow bonding, the gaining self confidence/esteem/strength back and finding comfort plus love within each other 🥹🫂
I love how even with same world building & premise, it was actually total different vibe and story from previous book. Because usually in series… the book tends to feel like an echo from each other, some even basically the same with different couple but from reading the 1 & 2 book i can sense that the author have a knack of writing phenomenal series ✨ each book even with same issues & premise yet it tackle on different conflicts and totally different situations such a contra that make me loving it 😍
This one feel more like a raw read with all the issues in it from addiction (alcoholic), neglected, depression and self sabotage. I love seeing how the role kinda reverse for the Damari in this book which Dax being the caretaker for Zeke due to Zeke isn’t in the state of being able to provide much and needed more help which actually what Dax excel in doing ✨ the way Dax actually really suited for Zeke in terms of his behavior and attitude that deemed “bad” for a Damari is very delightful to read 👀 what a match meet in fate 🤩
I also love seeing both of them slowly rebuild their relationship and the way both of them put effort in making it work. I tear up few time reading their journey 😭. Also i love seeing Zeke make friendship and recognize of his credibility as a soldier by the Renork species 🤩that is such an endearing moment 🫂 Not forgetting Aiden & Kaden being mentor in this book 👀👀 love seeing them both 😆
I am excitedd for more book ‼️ can’t wait for the next book to be out 😍
⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️
“Let’s start at the beginning,” Aiden said.
“Having been brought up in the Alliance, you and I have a fundamental disgust with any form of slavery. That’s the basic kind of morality we’re taught in first grade; don’t murder people, don’t torture small animals, don’t buy slaves. So it’s very easy to look at the dimari and object to their very existence. We want to liberate them. We want to rehabilitate them. We want to instil in them a fully functional sense of our own autonomy and free will.
“The thing that we all fail to understand is that dimari are trained, from the moment they learn how to talk, to view themselves through the lens of their master’s approval. This isn’t just behaviour training and propaganda. The Eumadians use neuro-engineering technology to change the way a dimari’s brain functions. That’s how they get them to bond to their masters.”
€
“My greatest desire is to make my master happy. And to be without a master is the most terrifying thing a dimari could ever experience. Which clashes terribly with Alliance culture. You see yourselves as doing a good deed by telling us to be our own masters, by letting us make our own decisions. What you are actually doing is removing all sense of our identities and our purpose, leaving the dimari in question feeling completely worthless.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 15, 2025
4⭐️ 2.75🌶️
📝 Review & thoughts:
This book touches heavily on the mental health representation. It was rollercoaster between the two MCs.
I didn’t enjoy it as much as I did the first in the series (Kade), as I felt the romance was a little under developed compared to Kade and Aiden.
The book has complex characters with a nice sci-fi military and political plot, but with less action compared to book one.
I felt the ending was a little rushed and some plot points (romance wise) were not resolved, I thought I had more time to pass with the characters, and then it was over lol I could’ve have read another 50/100 pages easily ahah. I hope we get to see more of them in the next book.
Overall, still a solid book and I had fun reading it! Totally recommend.
While this can be read as a standalone, my recommendation is to read the first book first (Kade).
🏷️ Tropes & tags (possible spoilers):
MM
Master (human) x sl*ve (alien)
Forced proximity
Mental health rep
Disability
Slow burn
Military and political environment
Grumpy assh*le x cute golden retriever
POV: 1st person, dual
Angst: medium
Vibe: dramatic, emotional
Pet names: Sir
HEA: yes, a HFN
🌶️ Spice & k!nks (possible spoilers):
Praise
Strict top/bottom or versatile: strict top/bottom
Heat: 3 scenes, medium heat
⚠️ Content warnings (possible spoilers):
Dubcon: yes (only because of the sl*very theme)
Noncon: no
PTSD, alcoholism, alcoholism recovery, su!cide ideation, depression, themes of sl*very, nightmares, flashbacks
* Fyi about 🌶️ levels: I rate spice on a combination of quantity, quality, length, intensity and explicitness of the scenes. K!nks are listed separately and generally do not directly affect the steam level to keep it fair for non k!nky books.
📝 Review & thoughts:
This book touches heavily on the mental health representation. It was rollercoaster between the two MCs.
I didn’t enjoy it as much as I did the first in the series (Kade), as I felt the romance was a little under developed compared to Kade and Aiden.
The book has complex characters with a nice sci-fi military and political plot, but with less action compared to book one.
I felt the ending was a little rushed and some plot points (romance wise) were not resolved, I thought I had more time to pass with the characters, and then it was over lol I could’ve have read another 50/100 pages easily ahah. I hope we get to see more of them in the next book.
Overall, still a solid book and I had fun reading it! Totally recommend.
While this can be read as a standalone, my recommendation is to read the first book first (Kade).
🏷️ Tropes & tags (possible spoilers):
MM
Master (human) x sl*ve (alien)
Forced proximity
Mental health rep
Disability
Slow burn
Military and political environment
Grumpy assh*le x cute golden retriever
POV: 1st person, dual
Angst: medium
Vibe: dramatic, emotional
Pet names: Sir
HEA: yes, a HFN
🌶️ Spice & k!nks (possible spoilers):
Praise
Strict top/bottom or versatile: strict top/bottom
Heat: 3 scenes, medium heat
⚠️ Content warnings (possible spoilers):
Dubcon: yes (only because of the sl*very theme)
Noncon: no
PTSD, alcoholism, alcoholism recovery, su!cide ideation, depression, themes of sl*very, nightmares, flashbacks
* Fyi about 🌶️ levels: I rate spice on a combination of quantity, quality, length, intensity and explicitness of the scenes. K!nks are listed separately and generally do not directly affect the steam level to keep it fair for non k!nky books.
August 2, 2025
Gratefully Bonded is an emotionally resonant MM romance that doesn’t shy away from the hard stuff—alcoholism, PTSD, and trauma. It’s not just about falling in love; it’s about doing the work to heal so love even stands a chance. The central message is crystal clear: no one's coming to rescue you. You’ve got to be the one to step up, find a therapist, and start piecing together the version of your life you actually want.
Tropes you’ll find here:
- 🛋️ Healing Through Therapy — actual sessions and growth, not just emotional venting
- 🩶 Broken but Learning to Rebuild — separately, but with love as part of the blueprint
- ✨ Slow Burn Connection — trust doesn’t come easy, but when it does? Whew.
- 🧩 Found Family Vibes — layered, imperfect, and full of grace
The romance is tender and hard-earned, and while the happy ending is there, it’s more of a soft landing than a fireworks finale—which honestly suits the tone. My only wish? A little more stretch at the end. The wrap-up comes quickly, and though it delivers closure, I would've loved just a bit more room to breathe through that final chapter.
It didn’t hit me quite like the first book in the series, but this one brings a quieter kind of power. If you love MM romance that respects the complexity of healing and doesn’t rush the journey, this one will stay with you.
Tropes you’ll find here:
- 🛋️ Healing Through Therapy — actual sessions and growth, not just emotional venting
- 🩶 Broken but Learning to Rebuild — separately, but with love as part of the blueprint
- ✨ Slow Burn Connection — trust doesn’t come easy, but when it does? Whew.
- 🧩 Found Family Vibes — layered, imperfect, and full of grace
The romance is tender and hard-earned, and while the happy ending is there, it’s more of a soft landing than a fireworks finale—which honestly suits the tone. My only wish? A little more stretch at the end. The wrap-up comes quickly, and though it delivers closure, I would've loved just a bit more room to breathe through that final chapter.
It didn’t hit me quite like the first book in the series, but this one brings a quieter kind of power. If you love MM romance that respects the complexity of healing and doesn’t rush the journey, this one will stay with you.
July 10, 2025
I enjoyed this one. The first book in the series had me head over heels, completely in love with both Aiden and Kade, the worldbuilding, and their story. This book, on the other hand, was interesting and had some really good moments, but the plot felt choppier and the relationship between Dax and Zeke was just... less. Maybe in part because once things started going well between them, the author kept emphasizing "it's only been a week!"
All the changes Zeke went through - from getting sober to his ability to function in society again to his perception of Dax - especially that, going from literally forgetting he existed in his own home and ignoring him for a year, to appreciating him and "I love yous"... there just wasn't quite enough time, or on-page substance, for any that to feel real, which meant that I became less invested in them as a couple.
Like I said, I still *enjoyed* it, but thier story definitely didn’t move me like the first book. I'm still looking forward to more in this series, though!
All the changes Zeke went through - from getting sober to his ability to function in society again to his perception of Dax - especially that, going from literally forgetting he existed in his own home and ignoring him for a year, to appreciating him and "I love yous"... there just wasn't quite enough time, or on-page substance, for any that to feel real, which meant that I became less invested in them as a couple.
Like I said, I still *enjoyed* it, but thier story definitely didn’t move me like the first book. I'm still looking forward to more in this series, though!
April 23, 2025
Nice world-building in this book! Complex characters and emotions; PTSD and trauma recovery. Zeke is a pilot who survived a horrific attack by an alien species that left him and several teammates with severe physical and psychological injuries. In the midst of their escape, Zeke opens a case looking for medical supplies and inadvertently bonds with Dax, a genetically modified and highly trained slave.
For a year, Zeke sinks into a deep depression and alcohol abuse. Dax begins his own downward spiral, as he is increasingly misunderstood and neglected by his master who has no idea how to interact with him. Then, Aiden and Kade (Bk 1), another bonded pair, reach out to help Zeke and Dax begin to heal and to repair their relationship. A road to recovery, along with some other intergalactic drama, ensue. This book has an exciting storyline, interesting alien species and cultures, and a love that transcends training and expectations. I look forward to another book from this universe!
For a year, Zeke sinks into a deep depression and alcohol abuse. Dax begins his own downward spiral, as he is increasingly misunderstood and neglected by his master who has no idea how to interact with him. Then, Aiden and Kade (Bk 1), another bonded pair, reach out to help Zeke and Dax begin to heal and to repair their relationship. A road to recovery, along with some other intergalactic drama, ensue. This book has an exciting storyline, interesting alien species and cultures, and a love that transcends training and expectations. I look forward to another book from this universe!
September 27, 2025
Short and sweet.....too short?
This book had a wonderfully written week between the two main characters, and then rushed to the end. Hopefully if there are any other books in this series they're as delightfully detailed as the first book. This book, book 2, was super great but seemed to sort of halt right around the time that the big conflict started in the park. And then it just focused on the conflict, resolving the conflict, and the things that happen in the epilogue. But we missed the relationship building, I think there could have been another scene with Aiden and Kade. Also, Zeke said 'I love you' with absolutely no thought in his head before or after. And after a week-ish, he never mentioned the alcoholism again. It just feels like I missed out on a bunch of scenes that would have been fun to read. Now I'm going to go write my five-star review for book one!
This book had a wonderfully written week between the two main characters, and then rushed to the end. Hopefully if there are any other books in this series they're as delightfully detailed as the first book. This book, book 2, was super great but seemed to sort of halt right around the time that the big conflict started in the park. And then it just focused on the conflict, resolving the conflict, and the things that happen in the epilogue. But we missed the relationship building, I think there could have been another scene with Aiden and Kade. Also, Zeke said 'I love you' with absolutely no thought in his head before or after. And after a week-ish, he never mentioned the alcoholism again. It just feels like I missed out on a bunch of scenes that would have been fun to read. Now I'm going to go write my five-star review for book one!
September 12, 2025
I love this book. It has so much depth and the character development was really great. These two were also just cute together, especially in the beginning, they both didn't know any better and then when it became clear, it just became really sweet because they wanted to help each other so much. The hurdles they face are interesting to deal with, it definitely could have been fleshed out a bit more in some areas. The chemistry between the two wasn't the best either, but it worked for the story, especially with all the big issues around alien behaviour. There's also a bit of a plot, but unfortunately we lost the characters against the plot a bit. But all in all, it still came to a nice ending, albeit relatively abrupt, and I think a lot can still happen in the series.
4,25
4,25
May 7, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Dax: Gratefully Bonded is an emotional, slow-burning sci-fi romance that dives deep into healing, power dynamics, and redefining identity after trauma. Zeke is a broken pilot drowning in survivor’s guilt and alcoholism, while Dax, a Vangravian slave, is clever, defiant, and determined to be more than an imprint. Their bond is messy, mismatched, and unexpectedly transformative. Watching Dax grow into his own and gently pull Zeke out of his darkness is deeply satisfying, with the story balancing its heavier themes—PTSD, grief, addiction—with moments of wit and hope. A raw and redemptive journey that doesn’t flinch from pain but never loses sight of love.
Dax: Gratefully Bonded is an emotional, slow-burning sci-fi romance that dives deep into healing, power dynamics, and redefining identity after trauma. Zeke is a broken pilot drowning in survivor’s guilt and alcoholism, while Dax, a Vangravian slave, is clever, defiant, and determined to be more than an imprint. Their bond is messy, mismatched, and unexpectedly transformative. Watching Dax grow into his own and gently pull Zeke out of his darkness is deeply satisfying, with the story balancing its heavier themes—PTSD, grief, addiction—with moments of wit and hope. A raw and redemptive journey that doesn’t flinch from pain but never loses sight of love.
April 20, 2025
Cue the love drunk sighing🥹🥰
Dax and Zeke find love and understanding in each other when their problems are overwhelmingly greater than either of them could handle alone.
Mental illnesses are no joke and the roller coasters of emotions that accompany them are scary. And sometimes we lash out when people are only trying to help. I know we can’t expect people to stay—especially when we become toxic. But it was sweet to see Dax transform into the steady (and sometimes stern) presence that Zeke needed (and that we all need at times).
10/10
Dax and Zeke find love and understanding in each other when their problems are overwhelmingly greater than either of them could handle alone.
Mental illnesses are no joke and the roller coasters of emotions that accompany them are scary. And sometimes we lash out when people are only trying to help. I know we can’t expect people to stay—especially when we become toxic. But it was sweet to see Dax transform into the steady (and sometimes stern) presence that Zeke needed (and that we all need at times).
10/10
March 19, 2025
Great Story
This is the second book in this series, and I loved it. I love M/M and Sci-fi romance. I would have liked one more bedroom scene, but the well written story makes up for it. My only complaint is the numerous typos. I would gladly edit the next book in this series (if I'm still alive). The subject of PTSD and its various manifestations was well covered in this story. PTSD comes at you when you least expect it.
This is the second book in this series, and I loved it. I love M/M and Sci-fi romance. I would have liked one more bedroom scene, but the well written story makes up for it. My only complaint is the numerous typos. I would gladly edit the next book in this series (if I'm still alive). The subject of PTSD and its various manifestations was well covered in this story. PTSD comes at you when you least expect it.
September 20, 2025
I think I liked this one better than the first one. It starts out with like so much hurt for both the MCs. But it allowed for so much character growth as they both learned what the other needed for their unconventional relationship. I think there was a little less worldbuilding in this one (it kinda all happened in the end), but the focus was very much on the characters and their relationship so that made sense.
October 17, 2025
recommended
This story expounds upon some of the topics touched on in the first of the series, though with more emotional depth. It made some of this difficult to read, but also drew me in to the characters’ plights more. The author has built some incredibly creative cultures, and their likely clashes with what we know and expect. Overall, it was well done and very well-written. I am officially a fan of Laura Taylor.
This story expounds upon some of the topics touched on in the first of the series, though with more emotional depth. It made some of this difficult to read, but also drew me in to the characters’ plights more. The author has built some incredibly creative cultures, and their likely clashes with what we know and expect. Overall, it was well done and very well-written. I am officially a fan of Laura Taylor.
November 22, 2025
Top Sci-Fi Series of The Year!
This is the second book in the series and just as good as the first. I love that it’s interconnected so the previous book’s characters have a role in this one to help these new main characters as they navigate their own struggles of trauma, needing to heal, and learning to love and help each other. Hurt/comfort and all the feels with a great plot and steamy scenes just as the first book. I loved the audiobook as well!
This is the second book in the series and just as good as the first. I love that it’s interconnected so the previous book’s characters have a role in this one to help these new main characters as they navigate their own struggles of trauma, needing to heal, and learning to love and help each other. Hurt/comfort and all the feels with a great plot and steamy scenes just as the first book. I loved the audiobook as well!
April 11, 2025
Como pensaba en el anterior libro: me falta algo. La trama e historia bien, supongo que la continuidad bien, pero el romance o relación entre los protagonistas, no lo veo, siento que no hay nada, y que faltan tantas cosas.
Por otra parte, esta pareja la he llevado mejor, las personalidades de ambos me gustan, la forma de tratar los traumas, pero una semana para enamorarse? Madre mía, no lo veo
Por otra parte, esta pareja la he llevado mejor, las personalidades de ambos me gustan, la forma de tratar los traumas, pero una semana para enamorarse? Madre mía, no lo veo
August 11, 2025
I loved this book so much that I was disappointed when it reached the end. I could have skipped that final chapter .
March 22, 2025
consent
While our culture tends to under complicate issues of trauma and consent. There is something about these stories that I love. I don’t have to have all the answers as to why. Maybe they just make me feel seen or less alone.
While our culture tends to under complicate issues of trauma and consent. There is something about these stories that I love. I don’t have to have all the answers as to why. Maybe they just make me feel seen or less alone.
March 24, 2025
It's kind of unfortunate, this book had a major tone shift like 2/3 the way through that was kind of abrupt?? And romance, what romance lol? Hopefully the next one is more focused on relationship building
April 4, 2025
Dax & Zeke
A great next installment in this series! Laura Taylor has built strong characters struggling in a complex galaxy that, while often dark and difficult, ultimately is hopeful.
A great next installment in this series! Laura Taylor has built strong characters struggling in a complex galaxy that, while often dark and difficult, ultimately is hopeful.
March 19, 2025
I enjoyed reading this. It was relaxing. Nothing complicated, just an easy book. A little rushed on the healing part and the romance part. But it wasn't meant to be complex just a simple story.
May 29, 2025
3.5 rounded up
I liked the first better, but this had its own great parts, too! I just wished we got more of Dax's perspective, as I felt we were way too much in the head of Zeke and his angst.
I liked the first better, but this had its own great parts, too! I just wished we got more of Dax's perspective, as I felt we were way too much in the head of Zeke and his angst.
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