Natural Beauty

The Cubi #5

by Meraki P. Lyhne

The Cubi people have lived a secluded and quiet existence since they arrived in America. A shipment of new breeders brought two changes with Their next King and a mutated breeder. Those two changes set off a chain of events that the Cubi are far from ready to deal with.

Daniel aspires and works hard to find his future place as the sovereign ruler of his people. Seldon fights to rise to his new station and level of responsibilities as the right-hand Lord to a King, but the fight is also with himself. The breeders, who were freed during the upheaval in the Great House of Dahlidin, return to the human society, but not everybody finds it easy to acclimatize.

Although forced into action, Daniel’s hands are tied. Tough decisions that will either end their war or step it up have to be made. The only question is whether a Kingdom that young is even ready for that.

Genres: M M Romance, Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Romance, Erotica, Paranormal, LGBT

312 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 6, 2018

About the author

Meraki P. Lyhne, real name Martin, is a Danish author spanning multiple genres and pseudonyms. Meraki P. Lyhne mainly writes contemporary paranormal LGBT fiction with various degrees of romantic heat, some with a HEA, some with a HFN, and some with white-knuckling cliffhangers. Mostly, he writes long series with focus on worldbuilding, action, and something epic.

To make sure no one is ever confused about what kind of book they're about to pick up, the surname will guide you.
Lyhne writes gay fiction (with various degrees of heat).
If the surname is mirrored on the cover, it is het-fiction (with various degrees of heat).
If both are on the cover (like the logo), it is bi-fiction (with various degrees of heat).

Information is best found on his website.

Other than that, he’s a single dad to a teenage boy, the happy companion to a Rottweiler, and he lives in a very small village next to nowhere.

Reviews

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I just finished this book and I have to say it's just as good as the first 4.
Daniel is coming into being a King of the cubi people during a time of war and it's pretty impressive watching how he handles everything. Seldon and Caledon are just as great as always but this book isn't focusing so much on their love as it is on Daniel coming into his role as a King and the war.
When I started this book I thought it was about only Alex and was upset thinking that Daniel's storyline was being abandoned for Alex's but it wasn't. I loved reading Alex's storyline and seeing how he is handling being back out in the human world and seeing how he views the Cubi was actually really insightful and shows the way they treat the breeders and how he, as a breeder, feels about the Cubi.
The only reason I marked this as a tear-jerker was because of a few scenes that weren't sad but beautiful and just made me so happy it literally brought a tear to my eye. If you've gotten this far in the series you know how well written and great these books are and just how great the world building is done. My only complaint is where the book leaves off. I won't say what it is because it's a spoiler but OMFG I WANT MORE NOW! I actually got to the last page and was super upset. Because the series is ongoing theres been cliffhangers before but I binge read the first 4 so it wasn't too bad, but man this one was torture for me. I cant wait to see what comes next with everyone and I pray book 6 opens exactly where book 5 left off and the scene isn't skipped over.

[W · Rating 5 out of 5]

They say~Love like wine gets better w/ time. I say~The Cubi Series gets better w/each new book

The Cubi books , and world-built around it, are one of the best series , I have read in the Paranormal Romance genre, based on Urban Legends , Ancient Myths and Mythological creatures.

At the risk of sounding cliché and/or trite , with each new Cubi story the series gets better.

More layers are added, it goes deeper into the Cubi hierarchy, politics, civilization and culture throughout the years. Introduces new engaging , interesting , three dimensional, main and secondary characters while keeping all the original and principal main characters evolving, growing , learning.

And very importantly, 😁😜😃at least to me, the smutty, yummy, filthy, sexually explicit, lava hot, steamy AF sexy times are plentiful and really, and I mean really, might as well say it again really , mind blowing and stimulating. Leaving you in a joyful , adventurous, twinkle toes , pleasure -seeking state of mind.

Rating: 4.5 stars
Will Re-read : Probably Yes
Recommend: Absolutely Yes

#KU #BooksILove #NaturaBeautyCubiSeries #MerakiPLyhne #GRR #ReadOn2020 #KindleFire

[Diverse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Natural Beauty is the fifth book in Meraki. P. Lyhne's Cubi series. This book is not a standalone. The story arc for this adventure is creative, brilliant, sexy, and entertaining. I envy those who have to start from book one because they get to experience all this for the first time.

While you'd say Daniel is the main character of this series I've found that his evolution isn't the only one that is poignant and amazing to witness. Yes, the Daniel from book one and the Daniel now is just... WOW. And I wouldn't have seen this coming from chapter one book one. But there are others that make this series what it is.

Natural Beauty took me to a place I have been waiting to get to for some time. I was so excited I was vibrating in my chair as I read it. It's hard sometimes to keep a reader's interest in a series but not this one. Each book brings the story line to new heights and adds more eroticism and suspense.

If this isn't a series you've read I very much recommend it. You'll get swept away in it and blink like you're seeing sun after days of darkness in the end.

LOVE!

[Lioness7 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am really starting to feel like this series has a hook into my life. I absolutely love it and have to have the new books as soon as they are released. It is just a shame that I have to wait a bit now because I finished reading so fast.

I absolutely love the characters. This series has so many good ones that really become integral to what is happening that I don't know if I could choose just one to be a favorite. One thing this book did that the others hadn't was to bring one of the breeders forward and make them a main character with a storyline also. I really liked this and hope that he stays a main character.

This book is a complete fantasy where rules are different people can be together and still have sex with others. The storyline makes it so that you don't even think about it being cheating because it is just a part of life. I love that this can happen without me feeling bad for anyone. Sure, there are times when I think there is a little too much sex. I am someone that reads for plot more. I will say that the scenes are hot.

In the end, this is a great series. It is something I get excited to read and am sad when I am done. I feel like I am losing a friend when I see the pages draw closer to the end. I'm going to have to be patient though.

[Kaila · Rating 4 out of 5]

this cover is gorgeous... the story was well written and interesting.. a different concept for this series and i am enjoying it a lot. good characters and emotions. i liked it

[Levi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fifth installment of the Cubi series. Meraki world of Cubi' sharing the nation with humans continues with Daniel growing into his role as King Beaudin, that comes with responsibilities he doesn't think he’s capable all of the time.
After the attack on the Grand House, some of the breeders were set free. One of those is Alex. We met Alex in previous books. Being home again with his radical parents and having dreams that he’s back with the Cubi's again, confuses him to no end. It seems he’s going through of a dose of withdrawal along with the sexual fantasy that he’s taken hard. Having a homophobic faternal conditioning that a man is the penetrator, he goes into a state of depression. That state pushes him to search for the Cubi that he feels are out there.
Seldon feels insecure. After being raped, the fever slowly leaves his body, but that doesn't mean that his mind has healed. But he is not alone...he has Daniel and Caledon who take care of their dear lover.
The Kingdom of Daniel is expanding. The coronation is near, and there is a lot of empowering going on. Daniel must dose Marca, his Fountain several times a day. They are developing a very close friendship.
There is a lot going on. Cubi are coming in for the ceremony, new natural beauties are arriving and Daniel's goal to change the Cubi point of view on breeders who now are called feeders.
I like how their society is changing. They become more open, and we start to see that feeders are more appreciated than we thought.
I specialy loved Alex’s POV. Almost half of the book is about him searching and finding his place after the attack. He’s experimenting with his desire without being dosed, and that creats pure energy.
I can't wait for the next book in the series.


***I would like to thank the author for the privilege and opportunity of reading this ARC. My review is an honest opinion of the book***

[miss natasha stokes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't wait for the next book

I have been following this author's work for a while now. Meraki is one of 3 author's that I follow to the point of re reading their whole series before reading a new release no matter how many is in the series.

As for this book.....wow....I can't wait to see what happens next. I won't spoil it for others but I will say that Daniel has come a long way throughout this series and I can't wait to read what happens next.

If you like paranormal and sexy mm reads then this is a series i fully recommend. I can't explain fully how much I enjoy this series because it's soooooo goooood lol

[Josh Dale · Rating 5 out of 5]

So we are now into the fifth installment of the Cubi Series, and the story and character arcs have grown so much. Who would have thought Danial kidnapped and imprisoned by the Cubi race as a feeder. Would become a Cubi himself? Surprise one, Who would have guessed that Danial not only would become a Cubi, but be a royal Cubi. Surprise two. The author throws a curve ball next when some rogue human military attack their base. So that is shock three. As you can see, the Cubi series is full of shocks, twists and turns, that often just leave you bewilded.


Many novel series get stale after three or four books. But not Cubi. With each book, you get more drawn into the vivid and amazing story world. You are rooting for Danial and co, when things go against them. We see how humans think they are superior to any other beings. Yet if you take away technology, and look at basic needs and things like loyalty, trust, love and you see that maybe’s we are not so clever and deserving our superiority.



This installment, has two main viewpoints


Danial as he prepares to for his crowning as king Bourden and dealing with the war against rogue humans. The young man Becomes A strong but compassionate King, who is sensible enough to accept help and advice from his own council, lovers and of fellow royals of the other kingdoms of Cubi. We see how his plans to prepare to integrate cubi and humans, and how Danial deals with problems and setbacks.


This book focuses more on Danial as The Prince and future King, how he has grown and what he has learnt on his journey through the first 5 books of this ongoing series.


Alex a former feeder who was freed after the attack on the cubi house. Who returns to his home and old life, he sees freedom in the human world, is not freedom at all. Unable to deal with the expectations, and requirements of being back home.


With a little research, Alex finds a Cubi owned nightclub, and when he visits it, he is recognised by the tattoo on his neck. Whilst there he meets a few friendly faces from the old Cubi grand houses. And one hunk of a bouncer/ bodyguard by the name of Keydan and there is an instant connection between them.


Circumstances leads them both to their King and Alex feels like he belongs and fits into his new world.


I am so hooked on this series and recommend that if you like paranormal and erotic books with amazing and vivid worlds and characters, you can not go wrong with The Cubi Series.

[Linda Crandall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Big decisions with great changes, in the new situation of the Cubi world create heartmelting moments, and heartbreaking times. With the return of a human's viewpoint, now that the original human's viewpoint has changed with his own transformation, the confusion of gender identity returns. The difference between an uncaring portion of the human world and the world of Cubi, which has the relatively new (for them) system of caring for every level of the population is brought out by several situations.

Physical pleasure, although a basis for incubi and succubi, is even more hot with the deep emotional impact of love. Love between individuals, love of a Royal for their people, love expressed with much more than just the body's , but through actions.
Unfortunately, in contrast, manifestations of hate create pain, and hurt.

As always, the incredibly complex structure of this world is excellently portrayed, the plot development flows along engulfing the reader in its current, and the characters are deliciously real.

[Patricia Hoffstaetter · Rating 5 out of 5]

The continuation of the story from “Fountain of Beauty # 4” into this book “Natural Beauty # 5” is smooth & flawless. One of the characters (Daniel) is continuing to develop into his role of becoming “King Beaudon” with the other two characters (Seldon) & (Caledon) still playing a major role in his life but Seldon is suffering from the aftereffects being raped. There is one character (a breeder, Alex) that was set free but he has an identity crisis & needs to make a decision when he meets a bodyguard (Keydan). There is good scene descriptions & world building with a suspenseful, unpredictable plot.
There is: incubus, succubus, humans, feeders, councils, lovers, royalty, untouchables, twists & turns, drama, suspense, intrigue, insecurities, humor, verbal banter, responsibilities, broken treaties, memories, prejudices, heartache, emotional feelings, confusion, a coronation, violence, conflict, injuries, retaliation, explicit steamy scenes & choices.

[Juniper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has all of the elements that have made previous books in the series so good: intricate world building focusing on a complex society with definite moral ambiguities, nuanced characters who evolve and grow as their circumstances change, and, of course, plenty of steam. Daniel, Seldon, and Caledon are as interesting as ever, and, as always, going through quite a bit (vague here because spoilers are the worst) but what was really captivating for me in this book was the chance to see more of Alex and what happens after he’s freed— the way human captives were treated by the Cubi was one of the starkest things about my introduction to this universe: enslaving people and dosing them with aphrodisiac hormones is one of the underpinnings of how Cubi survive, and Alex was, early on, an example to Daniel of that bleak reality. His return to human society is, however, not the escape that he thought it would be, and my heart hurt for him so many times.

*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elin · Rating 5 out of 5]

At the start of this book we get too meet Alex again and find out the fate of the ones released, and with it the troubles with adjusting to the human world. Much like Daniel's own experiences it's a difficult one, only without the support system.

Daniel grows more in to his role as a King for each book, learning as he goes, growing while changing the ways of the cubi with little steps while keeping a grasp on the old ways.

I continue to love the story, and the characters with so many layers. Some I learn to love over time, without much choice in the matter. They made me laugh and overwhelmed me at times in emotions, and had I been asked, I couldn't have chosen a favourite.

I will easily continue to read about the kingdom of the cubi and be excited about what the author will show us next.

[Audrey Pott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meraki has an awesome mind with each book there is always so much more to learn and understand. Daniel keeps on growing from Prince to King in the middle of the war, with some insecurities. Seldon and Caledon are so supportive and I liked how Alex went home, only to appreciate the Cubi life he left. Each character are so complicated which makes things unpredictable and I love that, it’s so hard to put the book down. The hardest part is trying to do a short review.

I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book for my honest opinions of which I’m under no obligation to do so. I definitely recommend this book.

[Carla Gallop · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow; these books keep better and more intense as the last one. This time we see Daniel take the lead and do what is necessary to protect his people. We also see him crowned King and what he does with that role. More and more Daniel is growing into the Cubus and King that he was meant to be. We also saw a return of Alex and what he went through after being released. While he join the Cubi race as one of them and final find where he is meant to be? I can't wait for the next book and see what happens next.

[Julie Bedwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've loved every book in this series, and this is no exception. I love the character development in each book that continues to build in the next book. I enjoy how the characters' relationships change, but at the same time the central threesome doesn't except to get better. In this book I really liked that some of the secondary characters and storylines were furthered. I don't know how the next two books will go, but I can't wait to dive in!

[Xochitl · Rating 5 out of 5]

The series continues and in this book we witnessed all Alex's journey to reunite with Daniel finding in his way friends, allies and more, the growth of Daniel and Seldon in their positions learning more and more with every day that passes and of course, all the action and danger around the war, in between loyalty, friendship and something that looked a lot like love, leading to erotic and hot scenes. The cliffhanger at the end watching Alex struggling and finally made an important decision is simply amazing. Wonderful reading!
I received this book as an ARC and this is my honest opinion.

[Georgiana · Rating 4 out of 5]

~4.5 Stars~

Daniel is growing in his position as King, but realizing it comes with even greater responsibilities then he can handle at times.

Though this story is about Daniel and still at times Seldon and Caledon, we get to know more about Alex. I enjoyed getting to know about Alex, but hope to know a little more in future.

I found even with the continued well written world building and characters this story didn’t touch me the same way as the others in this series. I still very much enjoyed it though.

[Patricia Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic, grab-you-by-the-feels, amazing, smoking hot, intense, incredible, and totally awesome!

[Teal Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Natural Beauty is the fifth book in The Cubi series by Meraki P Lyhne. These characters are so intriguing and I am drawn to them and their world. This book shows them setting up a new way of life after the drama of previous books...but the drama isn't over. Watching this all unfold is so fascinating. I am loving this and cannot wait for more.

[Kassandra Knight · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another superb instalment in this series.

Can’t wait to read the next book.

Highly recommend.

I received an arc and this is my honest review.

[Stephanie W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Following this series is definitely worth your time. Book five is just as intense and engaging as the first four.

A continuation of Daniel, Seldon and Caledon. The suspense, steamy scenes, violence, twists and turns.
Always an experience to see how mus Daniel has grown into his role as King.


**I received this ARC via Gay Romance Reviews for my honest feedback.**

[Amber Antus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Usually when I reach the 5th book in a series, especially when reading them back to back, I get burned out and want to move onto something else; that definitely hasn’t happened yet. This book was just as good as the last 4 and the series still has me within its grasps. I have really been enjoying Daniel’s journey to becoming the Cubi king that he is meant to be. Seldon, Caledon, and Daniel continue to have amazing scenes together and I love how steamy they are. I really enjoyed the Alex subplot, it was great to see what happened to him after he left the Cubi world. I would definitely recommend this book and series.

[Jenny Saul-Avila · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was every bit as riveting to me as the previous ones, (which must be read before this one). I loved the alternating points of view of Daniel, Seldon, Caledon AND Alex.

As with the previous couple books, this book had a lot of politics, but aspects of the Cubi society, its hierarchy and needs, made a little more sense to me as it went along. Daniel is growing up and into his role as a leader incredibly fast. I'm not entirely sure of the timeline at this point, how many months have passed since the start of the first book, but he is still 19, so it's not been too long. He's definitely seeing himself as more Cubi than human though and although he's not as ruthless as some and is still not a supporter of violent corporal punishment, he has come up with some fairly ruthless means to deal with the Cubi-human conflict. I have mixed feelings about this and am hoping for the best. I still really like Daniel, and there are some surprisingly sweet moments between him and some Cubi children, but I'm nervous for how things will turn out for him and the others.

As I mentioned, the human Alex has come back into the story, and his perspective added additional depth and suspense to the story. His chapters were actually my favorite within this particular book. Additional characters introduced within Alex's chapters also added to the diversity of Cubi personalities. (Alex could have his own spinoff series starting right here & I would be psyched.) I've come to the point of enjoying this series so much that if the author so desired, he could have books for every region within the Cubi people's kingdoms and I'd want to read them.

[Helke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hope this is not the last book of the series. It didn´t feel like it. It felt like there is still part of the story missing.
This is by far the lightest book of the series but there are at least one rape scene and several mentioned rapes. So beware of the triggers.
I don´t want to spoil by recounting the story so here some thoughts about the book and / or the series. I loved it. I read all five books in one go and still am not fed up. There are a lot of sex scenes in the books (natural if you have books about incubi and sucubi :) ) but they never got boring as so often happens with other authors books (I often have felt like they wrote one very good sex scene and then copied and pasted it with changed names in all their next books.) The plot was not really predictable and that is a very good thing for me too. AND I love the infusion of vikings in the books. (tussen takk for det) .
So if you aren´t afraid of some violence and dark feel in a book and if you think you can stomach non-con scenes please check these books out.

[John-Torleif Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Again, I can’t get over how engaging these books are!

After so much horror inflicted on the Cubi, it was good to see this book end in some hope and joy.

It’s almost humorous how the US government thought that a race of beings who, in a large part, are older than the United States itself, were too naive to have contingency plans set for when he humans attacked. Also, do they really think that the Cubi are gullible enough to believe that a general and a colonel could really suborn three entire installations without anyone being the wiser about it, and while the government is “fully investigating” them? It’s blatant that while they are being held up as scapegoats, the government is fully invested in bullying the Cubi just as they did, and do, the native nations.

Will someone in the human hierarchy finally cut this off as a failure, or will things continue to escalate?

[SFBookReviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a story. Natural Beauty is the 5th in the Cubi series and continues the story of Daniel, Seldon and Caledon which just gets better the longer I read. This book has a very rich world-building and is unique. The book is filled with suspense, violence, some angst, and very hot and steamy mm and sometimes multiple partner sex scenes. It is filled with twists and turns. It is a fantastic read and I couldn't put the book down. It hits all the right spots. There were a few parts that I just laughed out loud and enjoyed. If you’re looking for a book that’s erotic, hot, and even sentimental at points, this could be it. I can't wait for the next book.

[Belinda Zamora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark times

The world is in upheaval. Dark times for both humans and the Cubi race.
War is upon them and everyone is panicking.
The Cubi have no concept of how to function in the human world and humans want nothing to do with the Cubi.
Daniel is now fully ensconced as the King of the Cubi but he has no idea what he's doing and self-doubt and insecurities plague him constantly.
Seldon also has a new role and responsibilities that leave him bewildered and wondering if he's the correct choice.

[Sheryl Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful People

During war Nol Beaudon takes it upon himself to react then asked the council about his decision. As a vain race the Cubi focuses on beauty. Therefore when attacked the Cubi decided to collect the most beautiful humans or Natural Beauties and replenish their lost numbers. It’s not an easy choice. It will take time. However, from reading this series I see it working.

[Kennylee Beeks · Rating 5 out of 5]

“He’s so strong because...and this is gonna sound insane, but he’s strong because he’s...the little spoon.” (pp. 396-397).
A lot of food for thought in this book on masculinity and male sexuality.
3rd time through!

[Michael Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can find my full review of “Natural Beauty” at my web site.