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Sci-Regency #1
My Fair Captain
When Intergalactic Navy Captain Nathaniel Hawkins goes undercover to investigate the theft of an IN weapons stash, the mission raises painful memories from his past. Using a title he fled nearly two decades earlier, Nate once again becomes the Earl of Deverell, heir to the Duke of Hawthorne, in order to navigate the ins and outs of a Regency world. But planet Regelence—where young lords are supposed to remain pure until marriage—has a few surprises for Nate, not least of which is his attraction to Prince Aiden.
A talented artist, Prince Aiden Townsend isn’t interested in politics and the machinations of society gentlemen, and he adamantly rejects the idea of marriage and a consort. Aiden wants the freedom to pursue his art and determine his own future. But the arrival of the dashing and mysterious Deverell awakens feelings of passion and longing the young prince can’t deny.
As Nate uncovers a conspiracy reaching far beyond the stolen weapons, his future is irrevocably altered by the temptations of a life he never thought he could have. Drawn into the web of intrigue, Aiden is in danger of losing his life… and his heart.
A talented artist, Prince Aiden Townsend isn’t interested in politics and the machinations of society gentlemen, and he adamantly rejects the idea of marriage and a consort. Aiden wants the freedom to pursue his art and determine his own future. But the arrival of the dashing and mysterious Deverell awakens feelings of passion and longing the young prince can’t deny.
As Nate uncovers a conspiracy reaching far beyond the stolen weapons, his future is irrevocably altered by the temptations of a life he never thought he could have. Drawn into the web of intrigue, Aiden is in danger of losing his life… and his heart.
312 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2007
About the author
J.L. Langley
31 books1,854 followersJL has been talking since she was about seven months old. To those who know her it comes as no surprise, in fact, most will tell you she hasn’t shut up since. At eighteen months, she was speaking in full sentences. Imagine if you will the surprise of her admirers when they complimented her mother on “what a cute little boy” she had and received a fierce glare from said little boy and a very loud correction of “I’m a girl!” Oddly enough, JL still finds herself saying that exact phrase thirty-some-odd years later.
Along with the motormouth, JL also displayed a very vivid imagination and artistic ability. The artist first surfaced in way of drawing and painting, then became more apparent with dance. JL was a member of the National Art Honor Society in high school and has won several regional and national titles in dance, specifically tap and jazz. In college she majored in Graphic Art, but chose to make dance her profession. She taught tap, jazz and ballet for fifteen years before settling into her career as a writer.
Today JL is a full-time writer, with over ten novels to her credit. Among her hobbies she includes reading, practicing her marksmanship (she happens to be a great shot), gardening, working out (although she despises cardio), searching for the perfect chocolate dessert (so far as she can tell ALL chocolate is perfect, but it requires more research) and arguing with her husband over who the air compressor and nail gun really belongs to (they belong to JL, although she might be willing to trade him for his new chainsaw).
She also writes under the name Jeigh Lynn
Along with the motormouth, JL also displayed a very vivid imagination and artistic ability. The artist first surfaced in way of drawing and painting, then became more apparent with dance. JL was a member of the National Art Honor Society in high school and has won several regional and national titles in dance, specifically tap and jazz. In college she majored in Graphic Art, but chose to make dance her profession. She taught tap, jazz and ballet for fifteen years before settling into her career as a writer.
Today JL is a full-time writer, with over ten novels to her credit. Among her hobbies she includes reading, practicing her marksmanship (she happens to be a great shot), gardening, working out (although she despises cardio), searching for the perfect chocolate dessert (so far as she can tell ALL chocolate is perfect, but it requires more research) and arguing with her husband over who the air compressor and nail gun really belongs to (they belong to JL, although she might be willing to trade him for his new chainsaw).
She also writes under the name Jeigh Lynn
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 500 reviews
February 3, 2016
So. Um.
I really need this to be an incisive black satire.
I'm not sure that it is.
Because if one reads this straightforwardly, one must needs feel compelled to set about immediately dismantling the hegemonic patriarchy of Western civilization.
Everything except the heated lube dispensers in the headboard; those may stay.
I really need this to be an incisive black satire.
I'm not sure that it is.
Because if one reads this straightforwardly, one must needs feel compelled to set about immediately dismantling the hegemonic patriarchy of Western civilization.
Everything except the heated lube dispensers in the headboard; those may stay.
June 21, 2018
I was really loving this book until like 75%. This book really ticks every single list of my kink. 😁 Major age difference and huge size difference, plus a regency romance, and body piercing in intimate areas, and insolent, rebellious, pretty, virginal prince and a stern, domineering space captain bear! Seriously, what more can you ask for? 😂 A regency romance and sci-fi at that with male pregnancies? OMG! My wet dream come true! 😱 That being said, the ending let me down a bit. Now, let’s get onto reviewing. 😌
Nathaniel Hawkins, former heir to the duke of Hawthorne, current captain of the spaceship “Lady Anna” has really been looking forward to this vacation. And well-earned one at that I’m telling you. He’s going to war for a year after this month-long vacation and he needs some time to break the news to his adopted son Jeremy/Trouble. But then, life never turns out the way you expect to, does it? 😁Turns out he has to go undercover to another regency planet called “Regelance” to investigate the weapons missing from IN. It’s been almost two decades that he has left the name Hawthorne and now he has to go there and mingle with ton as a titled gentleman to find out the truth. The plan was simple, investigate the theft, arrest the conspirators and get the hell out of this planet and go on a vacation. 😁 And then, a prince fell out of sky to his lap, LITERALLY. 😂 And our captain’s heart was stolen right away. 😉
Prince Aiden Townsend aka Lord Audacious (well, that’s what servants call him 😜), is an artist who is only interested in painting and painting alone. Nope, doesn’t wanna hear about taking a consort or being involved in politics. 😒 All he wants in life is to reach to majority which is when he turns 25, get an allowance and the ability to come and go as he wishes to draw to his heart’s content without a chaperone. He’s sick and tired of being treated as a naïve and innocent virgin by his fathers. It’s time he shows that he’s already a man. And then Lord Deverell, heir to the Duke of Hawthorne, arrived to the Townsend castle. Talk about, tall, dark, big and handsome! 😉 Well, he’s totally speaking artistically. Nope, he’s not interested in the guy personally. 🤣 Well, at least that’s what he’s been telling himself. Get a grip Aiden! You don’t need a handsome IN captain in your life who will dictate everything you do. Art is the only thing you love and need in life. 😉Or is it?
When Aiden literally fell out of sky to Nate’s lap, needless to say, both of them are equally mesmerized and ensnared. But both of them don’t need a better half in their lifes, or rather, they don’t wanna make a room for one, stubborn men! 😁 And Nate is here as a guest. He’d return one day to his old life and Aiden will be left alone. And so much is going in Townsend castle and in IN. Nothing is what they look they seem. 😳 There are conspiracies and treacheries bigger than they could even imagine. 😱 So there’s simply no time for dalliances, romance and love. And seducing an innocent virginal prince couldn’t be a worse idea for Nate before going to war for a year. But despite everything, these two are attracted to each other like a moth to a flame. May be there’s a happy ending for these two after all? 😌
Well, the story is really good except one thing. There’s no closure. I know it’s a series but I didn’t read over 300 pages not to find out who’s the conspirator or what’s really happening. I know it’s a series but what about people who don’t wanna read the second book in the series? I feel cheated and blackmailed because now I HAVE TO read the second book to actually find out what really happened in the first book. 😒 Seriously, 300 pages and no closure at all. Yes, Aiden and Nate’s romance is fluffy, sweet and romantic and this book has killer smut. So hot although it’s not heavy on every chapter. 🔥 And these two had the sweetest epilogue. But what about the actual storyline? I believe 300 pages is just way too long to be considered as a prequel for the actual unraveling of a mystery. 🙄 So yes, romance wins but the storyline or rather the enigma of the story sucks! 😬 That being said, now I gotta read the second book because I’m dying to know what the hell actually happened.
Favorite excerpts from the novel: 💙
Just because he found the man attractive didn’t mean he wanted to make a life with him. His life was his art, end of story.
“If you’re a real good boy, I might even let you taste me.” Nate pulled one hairy leg up, bending it at the knee, giving Aiden a better view of his testicles. “Then again, maybe I’ll just come on those pretty lips. You’d look incredible with my come all over your face.”
“Mine, I’ll fucking take you, Aiden. All of you. Body, mind, and soul.”
“He will never want for anything, physically or emotionally. You have my solemn oath.”
“Galaxy, you’re beautiful.” Aiden started to protest, and the urge to cover himself took hold again. He’d never really just looked at himself like this, not in a long time at least, but the way Nate ogled him, Aiden became even more aroused. Nate made him feel beautiful. Special.
To Aiden, For Honor And Duty Until Heart And Sword Break. Love, Nate.
“I was planning on stowing away if you said no again.” Now why am I not surprised by that confession? With a grin Nate said, “Oh galaxy, I love you.”
3.75 Aiden is Nate’s good boy stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟
Nathaniel Hawkins, former heir to the duke of Hawthorne, current captain of the spaceship “Lady Anna” has really been looking forward to this vacation. And well-earned one at that I’m telling you. He’s going to war for a year after this month-long vacation and he needs some time to break the news to his adopted son Jeremy/Trouble. But then, life never turns out the way you expect to, does it? 😁Turns out he has to go undercover to another regency planet called “Regelance” to investigate the weapons missing from IN. It’s been almost two decades that he has left the name Hawthorne and now he has to go there and mingle with ton as a titled gentleman to find out the truth. The plan was simple, investigate the theft, arrest the conspirators and get the hell out of this planet and go on a vacation. 😁 And then, a prince fell out of sky to his lap, LITERALLY. 😂 And our captain’s heart was stolen right away. 😉
Prince Aiden Townsend aka Lord Audacious (well, that’s what servants call him 😜), is an artist who is only interested in painting and painting alone. Nope, doesn’t wanna hear about taking a consort or being involved in politics. 😒 All he wants in life is to reach to majority which is when he turns 25, get an allowance and the ability to come and go as he wishes to draw to his heart’s content without a chaperone. He’s sick and tired of being treated as a naïve and innocent virgin by his fathers. It’s time he shows that he’s already a man. And then Lord Deverell, heir to the Duke of Hawthorne, arrived to the Townsend castle. Talk about, tall, dark, big and handsome! 😉 Well, he’s totally speaking artistically. Nope, he’s not interested in the guy personally. 🤣 Well, at least that’s what he’s been telling himself. Get a grip Aiden! You don’t need a handsome IN captain in your life who will dictate everything you do. Art is the only thing you love and need in life. 😉Or is it?
When Aiden literally fell out of sky to Nate’s lap, needless to say, both of them are equally mesmerized and ensnared. But both of them don’t need a better half in their lifes, or rather, they don’t wanna make a room for one, stubborn men! 😁 And Nate is here as a guest. He’d return one day to his old life and Aiden will be left alone. And so much is going in Townsend castle and in IN. Nothing is what they look they seem. 😳 There are conspiracies and treacheries bigger than they could even imagine. 😱 So there’s simply no time for dalliances, romance and love. And seducing an innocent virginal prince couldn’t be a worse idea for Nate before going to war for a year. But despite everything, these two are attracted to each other like a moth to a flame. May be there’s a happy ending for these two after all? 😌
Well, the story is really good except one thing. There’s no closure. I know it’s a series but I didn’t read over 300 pages not to find out who’s the conspirator or what’s really happening. I know it’s a series but what about people who don’t wanna read the second book in the series? I feel cheated and blackmailed because now I HAVE TO read the second book to actually find out what really happened in the first book. 😒 Seriously, 300 pages and no closure at all. Yes, Aiden and Nate’s romance is fluffy, sweet and romantic and this book has killer smut. So hot although it’s not heavy on every chapter. 🔥 And these two had the sweetest epilogue. But what about the actual storyline? I believe 300 pages is just way too long to be considered as a prequel for the actual unraveling of a mystery. 🙄 So yes, romance wins but the storyline or rather the enigma of the story sucks! 😬 That being said, now I gotta read the second book because I’m dying to know what the hell actually happened.
Favorite excerpts from the novel: 💙
Just because he found the man attractive didn’t mean he wanted to make a life with him. His life was his art, end of story.
“If you’re a real good boy, I might even let you taste me.” Nate pulled one hairy leg up, bending it at the knee, giving Aiden a better view of his testicles. “Then again, maybe I’ll just come on those pretty lips. You’d look incredible with my come all over your face.”
“Mine, I’ll fucking take you, Aiden. All of you. Body, mind, and soul.”
“He will never want for anything, physically or emotionally. You have my solemn oath.”
“Galaxy, you’re beautiful.” Aiden started to protest, and the urge to cover himself took hold again. He’d never really just looked at himself like this, not in a long time at least, but the way Nate ogled him, Aiden became even more aroused. Nate made him feel beautiful. Special.
To Aiden, For Honor And Duty Until Heart And Sword Break. Love, Nate.
“I was planning on stowing away if you said no again.” Now why am I not surprised by that confession? With a grin Nate said, “Oh galaxy, I love you.”
3.75 Aiden is Nate’s good boy stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟
May 29, 2014
The high ratings for this book puzzle me. What we have here is one boy raised as a 70s Regency romance heroine, young, innocent, and a blushing virgin bride, fawning over the big burly (hairy) older alpha male. They meet and marry within a week, professing their undying love to each other. This is a bodice ripper with cravats instead of bodices. Bodice rippers are boring in het romance and guess what, they are boring in gay romance too. What is even the point if you're just changing pronouns?
There is some filler mystery, some quirky secondary characters for light comic relief, and some sex that seems awfully advanced given the hero(ine)'s background. If you like fluffy and uncomplicated, this one is for you. If it wasn't for the graphic sex, I would have thought this was a YA novel, what with all the grand moments of revelation and all.
ETA: Edited to take out the trans* offensive term girl-with-a-dick. My bad.
There is some filler mystery, some quirky secondary characters for light comic relief, and some sex that seems awfully advanced given the hero(ine)'s background. If you like fluffy and uncomplicated, this one is for you. If it wasn't for the graphic sex, I would have thought this was a YA novel, what with all the grand moments of revelation and all.
ETA: Edited to take out the trans* offensive term girl-with-a-dick. My bad.
January 3, 2020
4 Hearts!
Well if that wasn’t a tasty morsel, I don’t know what is!
I’m not sure if I would’ve necessarily immediately picked this up to read but given the opportunity to listen to the audio of the newly released revised edition, this was quite the best way to get my feet wet because I ended up really really liking this futuristic sci-fi novel with quasi-historic undertones. Confused yet? Don't be. This world is in a galaxy far far away and branches of societies have deemed over many generations as to how they want their culture to be. Here in this realm, it’s Regency values.
As per the blurb, military man Nathaniel Hawkins, is tasked to go undercover to find a missing stash of weapons. Nate’s forced to resume his former identity of an heir to a dukedom so he can re-enter society on the planet Regelence. There, Nate is the honored guest of king Steven, his consort Raleigh, and their 5 sons. One son in particular distractingly catches Nate’s eye, and he can hardly contain himself as he quickly falls for the young spirited Aiden, in and amongst trying to solve a crime.
For audio enthusiasts, be forewarned that if you want a production, you're not going to get it here. Joseph Morton does a straightforward narration with no character distinction, and though I felt his overall performance was decent, I had to pay really really close attention where multiple rewinds slowed me down, so much so I bought the book to supplement my listen. I think these days as audios are gaining more and more popular momentum, one with varied voices is what’s mostly desired and expected and unfortunately, this did not have that. As always, my motto is to sample hard before buying to minimize those pesky surprises and disappointments.
So obviously, this was a win for me. I love sci-fi, I love space operas, I love military and espionage. This too, had all the historic elements of propriety and subverting the rules that I like but none of the anxiety of being in the closet because on Regelence, society is paternalistic and genetically manipulated for all the MM goodness. I just went with this interesting fantastical setup and enjoyed myself immensely. Throw in some fun funny mostly involving Nate’s adopted son Trouble, plus the prospect of the other princes’ potential love connections, and it also doesn’t hurt one bit at all that this had an abundance of hot sexual tension as well as some very very nice smexy! Uh huh.
Granted, this didn’t conclude with a definitive wrap up to the main mystery, so that may irk some readers. However, because of the above reasons, no doubt, I’ll be delving into book 2 soon!!
Thank you to the author/publisher for the audio in exchange for a honest review
Well if that wasn’t a tasty morsel, I don’t know what is!
I’m not sure if I would’ve necessarily immediately picked this up to read but given the opportunity to listen to the audio of the newly released revised edition, this was quite the best way to get my feet wet because I ended up really really liking this futuristic sci-fi novel with quasi-historic undertones. Confused yet? Don't be. This world is in a galaxy far far away and branches of societies have deemed over many generations as to how they want their culture to be. Here in this realm, it’s Regency values.
As per the blurb, military man Nathaniel Hawkins, is tasked to go undercover to find a missing stash of weapons. Nate’s forced to resume his former identity of an heir to a dukedom so he can re-enter society on the planet Regelence. There, Nate is the honored guest of king Steven, his consort Raleigh, and their 5 sons. One son in particular distractingly catches Nate’s eye, and he can hardly contain himself as he quickly falls for the young spirited Aiden, in and amongst trying to solve a crime.
For audio enthusiasts, be forewarned that if you want a production, you're not going to get it here. Joseph Morton does a straightforward narration with no character distinction, and though I felt his overall performance was decent, I had to pay really really close attention where multiple rewinds slowed me down, so much so I bought the book to supplement my listen. I think these days as audios are gaining more and more popular momentum, one with varied voices is what’s mostly desired and expected and unfortunately, this did not have that. As always, my motto is to sample hard before buying to minimize those pesky surprises and disappointments.
So obviously, this was a win for me. I love sci-fi, I love space operas, I love military and espionage. This too, had all the historic elements of propriety and subverting the rules that I like but none of the anxiety of being in the closet because on Regelence, society is paternalistic and genetically manipulated for all the MM goodness. I just went with this interesting fantastical setup and enjoyed myself immensely. Throw in some fun funny mostly involving Nate’s adopted son Trouble, plus the prospect of the other princes’ potential love connections, and it also doesn’t hurt one bit at all that this had an abundance of hot sexual tension as well as some very very nice smexy! Uh huh.
Granted, this didn’t conclude with a definitive wrap up to the main mystery, so that may irk some readers. However, because of the above reasons, no doubt, I’ll be delving into book 2 soon!!
Thank you to the author/publisher for the audio in exchange for a honest review
February 1, 2021
"Hey, Mom, whatcha reading? One of your gay vampires in space books?"
"Very funny, smartass! They aren't vampires, so HA!"
Stupid kid knows me too well.
So, yeah, gay regency romance in space. I guess with the popularity of Bridgerton these days I was primed for something like this. I mean, sure the whole regency period thing is cool, but when added to outer space and alien planets?
Some things are just too good to pass up.
Our couple is Aiden and Nate. They are both from planets that are like Regency England, except one planet is like we would expect with all the misogyny and the other is all about the gay. They are even genetically engineering their baby boys to have the "gay gene."
Um, Did he just speed up? I think he just sped up.
Why not let everyone chose whatever? Because no, that's not how things work. Every place has to have it's own set of people that are forcing their agendas on everyone else. Because they know best. Supposedly.
Although sometimes, I don't know, I just wonder if they are really the best ones to make those choices.
So, Aiden is the prince on his planet and is of age to marry. He's been kept untouched, etc..etc... like those poor girls who were given to creepy old men as part of her father's business transaction. Yeah. Feel the burn, boys! (j/k) He meets Nate when Nate comes to his home to help solve a crime. He's some sort of space captain. Whatever. Anyway, it is insta-lust and very cutesy.
The thing for me right now is that I don't want serious angst or darkness and deep feelings. I want happy, fluffy, funny, light, and HEA-stuff. This book delivered that for me. For now.
Has it been a long year of January 2021 or is it just me?
"Very funny, smartass! They aren't vampires, so HA!"
Stupid kid knows me too well.
So, yeah, gay regency romance in space. I guess with the popularity of Bridgerton these days I was primed for something like this. I mean, sure the whole regency period thing is cool, but when added to outer space and alien planets?
Some things are just too good to pass up.
Our couple is Aiden and Nate. They are both from planets that are like Regency England, except one planet is like we would expect with all the misogyny and the other is all about the gay. They are even genetically engineering their baby boys to have the "gay gene."
Um, Did he just speed up? I think he just sped up.
Why not let everyone chose whatever? Because no, that's not how things work. Every place has to have it's own set of people that are forcing their agendas on everyone else. Because they know best. Supposedly.
Although sometimes, I don't know, I just wonder if they are really the best ones to make those choices.
So, Aiden is the prince on his planet and is of age to marry. He's been kept untouched, etc..etc... like those poor girls who were given to creepy old men as part of her father's business transaction. Yeah. Feel the burn, boys! (j/k) He meets Nate when Nate comes to his home to help solve a crime. He's some sort of space captain. Whatever. Anyway, it is insta-lust and very cutesy.
The thing for me right now is that I don't want serious angst or darkness and deep feelings. I want happy, fluffy, funny, light, and HEA-stuff. This book delivered that for me. For now.
Has it been a long year of January 2021 or is it just me?
March 28, 2016
#3 in my Read One Romance per Month Challenge. cutting it kinda close this month.
___
___
ADULT THEMES AHEAD
GOODREADS FRIENDS UNDER 18... STAY AWAY! PLEASE? FOR ME?
about a third of the way in. a quick read; amateurish prose that could use an editor but it's hard to be too critical of the writing when this book is less of a romance novel and more of a stroke fantasy. erotica without the eros, at least so far. although a lot of talk about stiff pricks etc. I'm at page 110 and still no sex scene. I don't really consider a scene with a guy jerking off to be a "sex scene" per se.
but man this is odd. it's too goofy and light-hearted to be genuinely disturbing. I dunno. a planet where young men protect their virtue until age 25 and one that specifically follows the Ancient Greek tradition of pairing older gents with younger, more naive lads so that one can mentor the other. um... ugh? I guess? apparently this is a super safe planet because of that virgins-until-25 rule, but didn't one of our heroes almost get kidnapped and/or raped just because he stole out to the spaceport to draw? also, this is a world where being an artist is considered manual labor? what? also, what is up with the other hero bringing his teenage son along to act like his valet and why is his son acting like such a flagrant slut? (not that there's anything wrong with being a slut, obviously, but around your dad?) the scenes where gay son is talking to gay dad about how much he wants some action with some of the hot princes on this planet are kinda yuck.
there seems to be an emphasis on how masculine this planet's decor is... but all of the scenes of various young men flouncing around, making quips to each other with hands on hips, and totally reading and rolling their eyes at the older guys prowling around... doesn't feel super masculine to me. not that that's a problem of course. I just don't think it is the type of "masculine" that the author is intending. sorta reminds me of when I was 18 and going to this club that literally had a chicken wire barrier between the bar area and the dance area, where lads like myself could torment the older folks able to buy drinks and I assume drown their sorrows because they couldn't get past that chicken wire fence to dance with all of us chickens. ah, memories.
___
teenage son is definitely more interesting now that he is in threatening killer mode. while wearing flower print pajamas and bunny slippers!
so, alpha protagonist has a pierced dick and just fantasized about fisting our innocent young hero. things have definitely leveled up. I hope innocent young hero knows about safe words.
I should go to bed now, really, but my mild headache and usual bout of insomnia are stopping me. so back to the book I suppose. normally I'd pour myself a little scotch to make myself sleepy, but for some reason I think I will have a cherry cordial instead.
___
well no need to wonder where the sex scenes are - they are all in the second half of the book. really graphic but still romantic. but mainly graphic! I actually did not realize this book was going to turn into one of those quasi-bdsm, call-me-sir, dominant-submissive type deals. despite the hints throughout the first half, I was still surprised. I'm not really into that kind of thing (anymore) so honestly I sort of skimmed those scenes. can't say I was too comfortable with ourinnocent young hero's first and possibly only relationship being so dom/sub. or with the last paragraph being all about his first fisting. *shrug* well I guess that's erotica for you.
___
The admiral laughed. "Did I forget to mention that Regelence is a very patriarchal society? So much so, in fact, that the aristocracy makes certain their offspring, especially their heirs, are male and genetically altered to have a preference for the same sex."well that's definitely not disturbing at all. oh the lengths some authors will go to make sure no troublesome women appear in their gay fantasias. apparently even female authors like J.L. Langley.
___
ADULT THEMES AHEAD
GOODREADS FRIENDS UNDER 18... STAY AWAY! PLEASE? FOR ME?
about a third of the way in. a quick read; amateurish prose that could use an editor but it's hard to be too critical of the writing when this book is less of a romance novel and more of a stroke fantasy. erotica without the eros, at least so far. although a lot of talk about stiff pricks etc. I'm at page 110 and still no sex scene. I don't really consider a scene with a guy jerking off to be a "sex scene" per se.
but man this is odd. it's too goofy and light-hearted to be genuinely disturbing. I dunno. a planet where young men protect their virtue until age 25 and one that specifically follows the Ancient Greek tradition of pairing older gents with younger, more naive lads so that one can mentor the other. um... ugh? I guess? apparently this is a super safe planet because of that virgins-until-25 rule, but didn't one of our heroes almost get kidnapped and/or raped just because he stole out to the spaceport to draw? also, this is a world where being an artist is considered manual labor? what? also, what is up with the other hero bringing his teenage son along to act like his valet and why is his son acting like such a flagrant slut? (not that there's anything wrong with being a slut, obviously, but around your dad?) the scenes where gay son is talking to gay dad about how much he wants some action with some of the hot princes on this planet are kinda yuck.
there seems to be an emphasis on how masculine this planet's decor is... but all of the scenes of various young men flouncing around, making quips to each other with hands on hips, and totally reading and rolling their eyes at the older guys prowling around... doesn't feel super masculine to me. not that that's a problem of course. I just don't think it is the type of "masculine" that the author is intending. sorta reminds me of when I was 18 and going to this club that literally had a chicken wire barrier between the bar area and the dance area, where lads like myself could torment the older folks able to buy drinks and I assume drown their sorrows because they couldn't get past that chicken wire fence to dance with all of us chickens. ah, memories.
___
teenage son is definitely more interesting now that he is in threatening killer mode. while wearing flower print pajamas and bunny slippers!
so, alpha protagonist has a pierced dick and just fantasized about fisting our innocent young hero. things have definitely leveled up. I hope innocent young hero knows about safe words.
I should go to bed now, really, but my mild headache and usual bout of insomnia are stopping me. so back to the book I suppose. normally I'd pour myself a little scotch to make myself sleepy, but for some reason I think I will have a cherry cordial instead.
___
well no need to wonder where the sex scenes are - they are all in the second half of the book. really graphic but still romantic. but mainly graphic! I actually did not realize this book was going to turn into one of those quasi-bdsm, call-me-sir, dominant-submissive type deals. despite the hints throughout the first half, I was still surprised. I'm not really into that kind of thing (anymore) so honestly I sort of skimmed those scenes. can't say I was too comfortable with our
August 17, 2019
Audio August 2019
The Narration: 2.5 Pants Off
It’s not the worst I’ve ever heard but I found the narrator a bad choice for this series, and also he has no range in distinguishing characters. I love this series so much and I’m disappointed it won’t live up to its full potential in audio. That said, I listened to it all because it helped pass the time while I was busy doing stuff.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
^^MY CAPTAIN'S GOT A RING, AND ITS NOT ON HIS FINGER!^^
For all that is sweet and holy, this book is sweet and holy. I guess not the best book to be described as holy but feck it. While I was reading, I kept saying “awwwww” in that angelic sort of way. I think the idea of this book was brilliant, mixing the old with the new, creates gold. I am a fan of J.L and though this book is very different from the With or Without series, the writing is still excellent and downright sinful.
This book is mix of Regency and Science fiction, crazy combo right. However, it bloody works. I am talking chaperones, high tech computers, and spacecrafts. There are home planets, cravats, breeches, and talking smart computers.
The first book in the series begins with Navy Captain Nate; he is the man on his spacecraft. He rules with an iron fist but he is fair. When some weapons get stolen Nate is sent to investigate, on a planet that lives their life in the regency era. The planet is quite different from what Nate is used to, this planet is run by men, and men marry men and all that fun stuff. Too avoid too much detail; let’s just say babies are made to like men and all that. So the planet as I can say is pretty freaking awesome.
So Nate is stay with the royal family, and he was not expecting the things he gets. Nate is forced to pretend be an earl, a life he left more than twenty years previous. So he has to pull out all the stops to avoid drawing attention to himself. Lets say Nate’s mind is involved else where, in the name of Prince Aidan.
The attraction is sizzling and Nate wants to get dirty with Aidan, only problem these boys don’t fool around. You think chaperones and waiting until marriage was only for women. Oh No, the men are bringing it back. So as I always say “No ding ding, without the wedding ring”. I don't always say that, but it just seems to work.
The sex is hot, the characters are superb, and the story is great. I am never disappointed with Miss Langley. I do have a small beef. She drives me crazy. So she introduces you to characters who are gonna be awesome together, and you are excited only to be crushed because there is no book for them. The suspense is killing me, Oh Rexley and Trouble I want to know more.
So we have regency and sci-fi epicness. Also an update, I have experienced cock ring (piercing) number 2, the gods are surely smiling down on me. I am one lucky girl I tell ya, I must have been really good in 2010 or really bad.
The Narration: 2.5 Pants Off
It’s not the worst I’ve ever heard but I found the narrator a bad choice for this series, and also he has no range in distinguishing characters. I love this series so much and I’m disappointed it won’t live up to its full potential in audio. That said, I listened to it all because it helped pass the time while I was busy doing stuff.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
^^MY CAPTAIN'S GOT A RING, AND ITS NOT ON HIS FINGER!^^
For all that is sweet and holy, this book is sweet and holy. I guess not the best book to be described as holy but feck it. While I was reading, I kept saying “awwwww” in that angelic sort of way. I think the idea of this book was brilliant, mixing the old with the new, creates gold. I am a fan of J.L and though this book is very different from the With or Without series, the writing is still excellent and downright sinful.
This book is mix of Regency and Science fiction, crazy combo right. However, it bloody works. I am talking chaperones, high tech computers, and spacecrafts. There are home planets, cravats, breeches, and talking smart computers.
The first book in the series begins with Navy Captain Nate; he is the man on his spacecraft. He rules with an iron fist but he is fair. When some weapons get stolen Nate is sent to investigate, on a planet that lives their life in the regency era. The planet is quite different from what Nate is used to, this planet is run by men, and men marry men and all that fun stuff. Too avoid too much detail; let’s just say babies are made to like men and all that. So the planet as I can say is pretty freaking awesome.
So Nate is stay with the royal family, and he was not expecting the things he gets. Nate is forced to pretend be an earl, a life he left more than twenty years previous. So he has to pull out all the stops to avoid drawing attention to himself. Lets say Nate’s mind is involved else where, in the name of Prince Aidan.
The attraction is sizzling and Nate wants to get dirty with Aidan, only problem these boys don’t fool around. You think chaperones and waiting until marriage was only for women. Oh No, the men are bringing it back. So as I always say “No ding ding, without the wedding ring”. I don't always say that, but it just seems to work.
The sex is hot, the characters are superb, and the story is great. I am never disappointed with Miss Langley. I do have a small beef. She drives me crazy. So she introduces you to characters who are gonna be awesome together, and you are excited only to be crushed because there is no book for them. The suspense is killing me, Oh Rexley and Trouble I want to know more.
So we have regency and sci-fi epicness. Also an update, I have experienced cock ring (piercing) number 2, the gods are surely smiling down on me. I am one lucky girl I tell ya, I must have been really good in 2010 or really bad.
December 3, 2013
This book is one of the reasons why I am so glad I joined Goodreads! I was tired of reading mediocre gay romances, but thanks to the friends I have here online, I tried out this wonderful book. I want to thank everyone who recommended it to me!
What is there to say that hasn't been said about this book so far? Not much actually. So many of you have written wonderful reviews on it, so I would just be repeating everything you have stated before me. One thing that I loved about this book, was the chemistry between Nathaniel and Adrian. Once they met, I was immediately spellbound. Their love and respect for one another was amazing. I was surprised by the D/s twist to their relationship, but you know alphas are, and honey... Nate is SUCH and alpha...woof!!!!
I can't wait to read the next book. I have already ordered it, but since I neglected my mate while reading this, I'll delay reading it until tomorrow. (can't let my own alpha suffer;) )
I loved this book and would rate it higher if I could. If you haven't read it, do yourself a favor and read it asap! I am anxious to read more from this author. I wonder if the other books will be as wonderful as well?!
What is there to say that hasn't been said about this book so far? Not much actually. So many of you have written wonderful reviews on it, so I would just be repeating everything you have stated before me. One thing that I loved about this book, was the chemistry between Nathaniel and Adrian. Once they met, I was immediately spellbound. Their love and respect for one another was amazing. I was surprised by the D/s twist to their relationship, but you know alphas are, and honey... Nate is SUCH and alpha...woof!!!!
I can't wait to read the next book. I have already ordered it, but since I neglected my mate while reading this, I'll delay reading it until tomorrow. (can't let my own alpha suffer;) )
I loved this book and would rate it higher if I could. If you haven't read it, do yourself a favor and read it asap! I am anxious to read more from this author. I wonder if the other books will be as wonderful as well?!
September 21, 2010
HELP! I'm really confused!
Ok, first a critic, then I talk about the book...
The main characters of this book are:
Duke Nathaniel Hawkins also called Hawk or Nate (yeah, 2 nicknames)
Aiden
Jeremy also called Trouble
King Steven
King Consort Raleigh also called Cony
Rexley or Lord Responsible
Payton or Lord Plague
Tarren or Lord Terror
Colton or Lord Calamity
Muffin (the sweet little girl adopted by the King family, that her nickname, the name is never spoken)
Do you get the problem of this book? Names and nicknames and a lot of secondary characters... I take notes! I'm not kidding! So many names and nicknames (I told some, but there is more) that is sometimes really confusing!
Anyway, leaving behind the madness of the 300 main characters names and nicknames, I love this book!
Is perfect? No, in my view has a slow start that almost make me give up, but more or less at the half of the book I was finally addicted and couldn't stop! Love Aiden fragile character and the strong Starship captain Nate! They were perfect for each other!
I enjoy also the sci-fi theme! Aiden planet is amazing! The explanation of why they have a patriarchal society is so great! In brief two men that love each other fighting together are ferocious! To defend the love one, and to don't fell ashamed in the battle field, in front of his love! That's why the king has a man as husband and consort, and all royalty is genetic manipulate to love men (the king has only sons, created with his and his consort genetic material). So, they don't discriminate heterosexual couples, but the homosexuals couples are the base of the society! So amazing read about the another face of the coin! In a society where homosexual is the normal couple, the reader and even Nate (born and raised in another planet) take some time to get used to the the "normal" be men loving men!
And this book is also so funny! The king and his consort treat his sons as precious virgins to be surveyed! With chaperons! OMG, SOOOO FUNNY! Have you read historical romance where the virgin girls go to dance with their little tinny books where the interested bachelor write his name to get the pleasure of a waltz? Same thing! With excited and virgin boys that do little scream of excitement if the handsomer of the night choose him to dance!
LMAO!!!!
But don't think is a tame book... no no and NO! The sex scenes between Aiden and Nate are HOT! REEEEEEEEEEEEALLY HOT!
5 stars! And I really think Aiden society is incredible! They have automatic distributors of lubricant in the headboards! OMG aliens are really ahead of us in technology!!!!
hahahahahaha
Ok, first a critic, then I talk about the book...
The main characters of this book are:
Duke Nathaniel Hawkins also called Hawk or Nate (yeah, 2 nicknames)
Aiden
Jeremy also called Trouble
King Steven
King Consort Raleigh also called Cony
Rexley or Lord Responsible
Payton or Lord Plague
Tarren or Lord Terror
Colton or Lord Calamity
Muffin (the sweet little girl adopted by the King family, that her nickname, the name is never spoken)
Do you get the problem of this book? Names and nicknames and a lot of secondary characters... I take notes! I'm not kidding! So many names and nicknames (I told some, but there is more) that is sometimes really confusing!
Anyway, leaving behind the madness of the 300 main characters names and nicknames, I love this book!
Is perfect? No, in my view has a slow start that almost make me give up, but more or less at the half of the book I was finally addicted and couldn't stop! Love Aiden fragile character and the strong Starship captain Nate! They were perfect for each other!
I enjoy also the sci-fi theme! Aiden planet is amazing! The explanation of why they have a patriarchal society is so great! In brief two men that love each other fighting together are ferocious! To defend the love one, and to don't fell ashamed in the battle field, in front of his love! That's why the king has a man as husband and consort, and all royalty is genetic manipulate to love men (the king has only sons, created with his and his consort genetic material). So, they don't discriminate heterosexual couples, but the homosexuals couples are the base of the society! So amazing read about the another face of the coin! In a society where homosexual is the normal couple, the reader and even Nate (born and raised in another planet) take some time to get used to the the "normal" be men loving men!
And this book is also so funny! The king and his consort treat his sons as precious virgins to be surveyed! With chaperons! OMG, SOOOO FUNNY! Have you read historical romance where the virgin girls go to dance with their little tinny books where the interested bachelor write his name to get the pleasure of a waltz? Same thing! With excited and virgin boys that do little scream of excitement if the handsomer of the night choose him to dance!
LMAO!!!!
But don't think is a tame book... no no and NO! The sex scenes between Aiden and Nate are HOT! REEEEEEEEEEEEALLY HOT!
5 stars! And I really think Aiden society is incredible! They have automatic distributors of lubricant in the headboards! OMG aliens are really ahead of us in technology!!!!
hahahahahaha
September 1, 2014
3.5 stars
Regency in outer space in the far future, you all!
The political intrigue and mystery were so convoluted, my brain malfunctioned, but the romance between Nate, a military captain, and Aiden, one of five royal princes, was scorching hot.
I'm not going to get into the troubling patriarchal aspects of aristocratic life on Aiden's plant (where are all the women?) or the lack of vivid detail about day-to-day life. This is a FANTASY after all, and it worked well as such.
There may have been too many secondary characters, all of whom jumbled together (except perhaps Jeremy, Nate's adopted son, and Steven/Raleigh, Aiden's parents).
The sexual tension between Nate and Aiden was so thick, you could slice right through it. I loved the age difference, the juxtaposition of older, experienced man and young virgin, the light BDSM aspects (boy/sir, spanking), and the strong, romantic HEA.
It was a bit of a cliche, but hella smexy nonetheless.
Overall, I enjoyed the shit out of this story and read it in one sitting.
Plus, cock piercing and warming lube dispensers in the honeymoon suite!
Regency in outer space in the far future, you all!
The political intrigue and mystery were so convoluted, my brain malfunctioned, but the romance between Nate, a military captain, and Aiden, one of five royal princes, was scorching hot.
I'm not going to get into the troubling patriarchal aspects of aristocratic life on Aiden's plant (where are all the women?) or the lack of vivid detail about day-to-day life. This is a FANTASY after all, and it worked well as such.
There may have been too many secondary characters, all of whom jumbled together (except perhaps Jeremy, Nate's adopted son, and Steven/Raleigh, Aiden's parents).
The sexual tension between Nate and Aiden was so thick, you could slice right through it. I loved the age difference, the juxtaposition of older, experienced man and young virgin, the light BDSM aspects (boy/sir, spanking), and the strong, romantic HEA.
It was a bit of a cliche, but hella smexy nonetheless.
Overall, I enjoyed the shit out of this story and read it in one sitting.
Plus, cock piercing and warming lube dispensers in the honeymoon suite!
May 29, 2018
While I hadn’t read the first edition, I can assure you that J.L. Langley’s My Fair Captain is polished, provocative, and perfectly paced. With an exciting mystery, a unique and creative story, and a smokin’ hot romance, what more could you want? Well, whatever you’re looking for, My Fair Captain delivers.
This is the first J.L. Langley book I’ve read and I’m so impressed! She sets the stage perfectly, presenting both characters’ current state of contentment so thoroughly that their spark of attraction made me a bit giddy. I was also happy to discover that Langley writes a mighty enticing sex scene. Not wanting to miss anything I went back and read a few of them again… in the interest of writing a comprehensive review, of course.
Estranged from his family on his home planet Englor, Intergalactic Navy captain Nathaniel Hawkins has made his ship his home and its crew his family. While he has a few lingering regrets over the way he left, he’s basically a happy man.
Likewise, Prince Aiden Townsend is thoroughly wrapped up in his art and participating in his brothers’ mischievous deeds. Stories of the young princes’ playful misbehavior, sneaking out of the castle and creatively ditching their dance cards, are sweet and funny. It’s a good way to demonstrate Prince Aiden’s youth and naiveté, not to mention his innocent and beguiling nature.
When the prince literally falls into Nate’s arms, their powerful connection takes them both by surprise. Nate knows he can’t pursue Aiden. Debauching the virginal young prince is out of the question. Aiden also recognizes that any liaison with the handsome Captain will leave him ruined. But he’s intrigued by the feelings his attraction brings to light.
As the men continue to cross paths the sexual tension increases to spectacular proportions. Langley builds it up beautifully, and I don’t want to spoil anything for you, but this is one I’ll remember *wink*.
Still, My Fair Captain isn’t all sex and romance. There’s also an intriguing mystery. In fact, it’s the reason Captain Hawkins is bound for the planet of Regelence to begin with. While I wouldn’t technically call it a cliff-hanger, since we get our happy ever after with Nate and Aiden, the mystery isn’t resolved at the end of the book. I have my fingers crossed that we will be treated to what promises to be a darn good mystery.
There are so many clever and creative ways both the Sci-Fi and Regency romance aspects are woven into this story. As a fan of both genres, I’ve just discovered my new favorite series. Although publication dates aren’t available yet, on her website J.L. Langley states that reissues for the two previously published Sci-Regency books are on the way. She also promises several new novels in this addictive series. So while I’m late to the party with My Fair Captain, my timing turns out to be excellent.
This is the first J.L. Langley book I’ve read and I’m so impressed! She sets the stage perfectly, presenting both characters’ current state of contentment so thoroughly that their spark of attraction made me a bit giddy. I was also happy to discover that Langley writes a mighty enticing sex scene. Not wanting to miss anything I went back and read a few of them again… in the interest of writing a comprehensive review, of course.
Estranged from his family on his home planet Englor, Intergalactic Navy captain Nathaniel Hawkins has made his ship his home and its crew his family. While he has a few lingering regrets over the way he left, he’s basically a happy man.
Likewise, Prince Aiden Townsend is thoroughly wrapped up in his art and participating in his brothers’ mischievous deeds. Stories of the young princes’ playful misbehavior, sneaking out of the castle and creatively ditching their dance cards, are sweet and funny. It’s a good way to demonstrate Prince Aiden’s youth and naiveté, not to mention his innocent and beguiling nature.
When the prince literally falls into Nate’s arms, their powerful connection takes them both by surprise. Nate knows he can’t pursue Aiden. Debauching the virginal young prince is out of the question. Aiden also recognizes that any liaison with the handsome Captain will leave him ruined. But he’s intrigued by the feelings his attraction brings to light.
As the men continue to cross paths the sexual tension increases to spectacular proportions. Langley builds it up beautifully, and I don’t want to spoil anything for you, but this is one I’ll remember *wink*.
Still, My Fair Captain isn’t all sex and romance. There’s also an intriguing mystery. In fact, it’s the reason Captain Hawkins is bound for the planet of Regelence to begin with. While I wouldn’t technically call it a cliff-hanger, since we get our happy ever after with Nate and Aiden, the mystery isn’t resolved at the end of the book. I have my fingers crossed that we will be treated to what promises to be a darn good mystery.
There are so many clever and creative ways both the Sci-Fi and Regency romance aspects are woven into this story. As a fan of both genres, I’ve just discovered my new favorite series. Although publication dates aren’t available yet, on her website J.L. Langley states that reissues for the two previously published Sci-Regency books are on the way. She also promises several new novels in this addictive series. So while I’m late to the party with My Fair Captain, my timing turns out to be excellent.
December 14, 2018
Rating: 3.75* of five
Not what I'd describe as a cohesive world-building job...and more fun than is strictly speaking allowed. Isn't all entertainment, written or spoken or performed, supposed to adhere to {rules selected by internet consumer of said medium}?
I mean, a Regency romance follows some quite strict rules and uses a deeply familiar, verifiable-by-research backdrop. This book, not so much. We're on a human-colonized planet in a galaxy-spanning civilization. The planets Regelence and Englor have a human population in a spacefaring culture, and each has elected to emulate Regency England as its social model. Seriously. That's what we're told. The story unfolds among the aristocracy, as Nate is a Captain of the Intergalactic Navy (who pays for this military force and to whom it owes its loyalty are not addressed here) as well as the heir to a Ducal title on his native Englor; he is sent to Regelence, home of the gay Royal Family whose second son Aiden is Nate's dream made flesh. And vice versa, though I'd be shocked if either of 'em was versa-tile. Hyuk.
Too bad he's Englorian and Regelence is being sabotaged by his planet's government, eh what? That's the non-bedroom action of the story. It's a pleasant if slight espionage story that leads to much suspicion between the planetary governments and the Intergalactic Navy. There are comparatively few moments of tension between Nate and the Regelence royals, oddly. There are also comparatively few major obstacles to resolving the spying case, though the second edition makes the story much more grounded in a reasonable if not believable milieu.
For example, my overarching and burning unaddressed question: Why would any living human consent to be anything but an aristocrat in this universe of Author Langley's? It is beyond me. How they got people to do any work at all when there are AIs and robots and flying cars (oof)...well...go with it, I told myself, for the sheer audacity of the thing, then decide if you want to come back for more. It's not for the SF fan, it's for the romance reader. Very special romance reader at that. The story's not-universally-popular tropes include:
--age gap: Nate's a parent-type dad in his latest possible 30s, Aiden's 19
--status gap: Naval Captain top on submissive aristocrat
--relatability-to-reader gap: gay parents of gay kids galore
The faint-heartedly hetero are strongly cautioned. The sex is, as a seasoned romance reader knows from this short list, very much a matter of roles and fantasies.
I myownself read this hawt sexy story with my disbelief on heavy suspension and it worked for me. The idea of planets settled by those whose psychosexual-sociological needs are in sync with my own is one I feel deep identification with. Ethan of Athos was the first of this type that I encountered, and its many pleasures left me wanting more. J.L. Langley was the second author I found (back in the Aughties) to use this deeply appealing trope.
For reasons surpassing my comprehension, man-on-man romance and sex are burgeoning in popularity among the ladies. I don't really understand it any more than I understand straight men getting all hot and bothered by lesbian sex, and honestly I just don't care anymore. All the stuff that goes on in others' fevered brains ain't none of my lookout, and I get to benefit from their imaginings in my own search for satisfying entertainment. (Except for the seven {7} instances of the dreaded, horrible w-bomb, "to w-i-n-k.")
In what is most likely the last quarter-century of my life, I hope to see the taboo against gay male romantic and sexual passion in mainstream entertainment media die. I'd love for Ryan Reynolds to get his way and have Deadpool get into a gay relationship in an upcoming film. Like the gay kiss on Glee years ago, it would be a before-and-after moment worth waiting for, and kudos to Reynolds being the kind of ally to put his career on the line.
Not what I'd describe as a cohesive world-building job...and more fun than is strictly speaking allowed. Isn't all entertainment, written or spoken or performed, supposed to adhere to {rules selected by internet consumer of said medium}?
I mean, a Regency romance follows some quite strict rules and uses a deeply familiar, verifiable-by-research backdrop. This book, not so much. We're on a human-colonized planet in a galaxy-spanning civilization. The planets Regelence and Englor have a human population in a spacefaring culture, and each has elected to emulate Regency England as its social model. Seriously. That's what we're told. The story unfolds among the aristocracy, as Nate is a Captain of the Intergalactic Navy (who pays for this military force and to whom it owes its loyalty are not addressed here) as well as the heir to a Ducal title on his native Englor; he is sent to Regelence, home of the gay Royal Family whose second son Aiden is Nate's dream made flesh. And vice versa, though I'd be shocked if either of 'em was versa-tile. Hyuk.
Too bad he's Englorian and Regelence is being sabotaged by his planet's government, eh what? That's the non-bedroom action of the story. It's a pleasant if slight espionage story that leads to much suspicion between the planetary governments and the Intergalactic Navy. There are comparatively few moments of tension between Nate and the Regelence royals, oddly. There are also comparatively few major obstacles to resolving the spying case, though the second edition makes the story much more grounded in a reasonable if not believable milieu.
For example, my overarching and burning unaddressed question: Why would any living human consent to be anything but an aristocrat in this universe of Author Langley's? It is beyond me. How they got people to do any work at all when there are AIs and robots and flying cars (oof)...well...go with it, I told myself, for the sheer audacity of the thing, then decide if you want to come back for more. It's not for the SF fan, it's for the romance reader. Very special romance reader at that. The story's not-universally-popular tropes include:
--age gap: Nate's a parent-type dad in his latest possible 30s, Aiden's 19
--status gap: Naval Captain top on submissive aristocrat
--relatability-to-reader gap: gay parents of gay kids galore
The faint-heartedly hetero are strongly cautioned. The sex is, as a seasoned romance reader knows from this short list, very much a matter of roles and fantasies.
I myownself read this hawt sexy story with my disbelief on heavy suspension and it worked for me. The idea of planets settled by those whose psychosexual-sociological needs are in sync with my own is one I feel deep identification with. Ethan of Athos was the first of this type that I encountered, and its many pleasures left me wanting more. J.L. Langley was the second author I found (back in the Aughties) to use this deeply appealing trope.
For reasons surpassing my comprehension, man-on-man romance and sex are burgeoning in popularity among the ladies. I don't really understand it any more than I understand straight men getting all hot and bothered by lesbian sex, and honestly I just don't care anymore. All the stuff that goes on in others' fevered brains ain't none of my lookout, and I get to benefit from their imaginings in my own search for satisfying entertainment. (Except for the seven {7} instances of the dreaded, horrible w-bomb, "to w-i-n-k.")
In what is most likely the last quarter-century of my life, I hope to see the taboo against gay male romantic and sexual passion in mainstream entertainment media die. I'd love for Ryan Reynolds to get his way and have Deadpool get into a gay relationship in an upcoming film. Like the gay kiss on Glee years ago, it would be a before-and-after moment worth waiting for, and kudos to Reynolds being the kind of ally to put his career on the line.
November 11, 2008
When it comes to writing hot romantic, erotic romances J.L. Langley certainly knows what she is doing. She definately writes great chemistry between the Hero/Hero and her books usually get me hooked from page one. My Fair Captain was no exception.
Aiden Townsend is one of the few princes of Regelence. A planet where the customs and dress is much like the the Ton in England in the 1800's. In Regelence men are cherished and homosexuality between men are not only normal, but embraced.
Aiden does not have any desire to rule, nor is he interested in politics. He lives for his art, and often gets so lost within it, he forgets his surroundings which often leads him to get into trouble. He is young and innocent, never been kissed and barely touched by anyone. Although, he is of age to marry, he has no desire to do so. He thinks he would be more content with studying art and being a famous artist.
Or so he thought.
Captain Nathaniel Hawkins is working his way up in the Intergalatic Navy. He has adopted an orphan, who he is a great father with, but otherwise is more concerned about his military career. When he is sent to Regelence undercover to investigate some crimes. He and his son are welcomed into the royal family as guests.
When Aiden (literally) falls out of a tree and onto Nathaniel sparks fly between them. Nathaniel is stunned by the instant attraction and immediately intrigued by the sweet, but spitfire Aiden.
Aiden is also stunned. He has never felt the strong attraction for another man. He is immediately captivated by the mysterious Nathaniel, and finds himself wanting to be with him.
When Aiden discovers that Nathaniel is working under cover, he not only helps in the investigation, but they build a trust and friendship that soon leads to a love that consumes them both.
I loved Nathaniel. He is very Alpha, but he is also very sweet and patient with the innocent Aiden. When he falls in love with Aiden it is hard and fast (no pun intended) and sets his mind to win him over.
Aiden is also a hero that fully develops into his own. He is smart and sensitive and both characters bring out the best in each other.
This book has it all. It is very funny, erotic, romanctic and has some mystery to it.
I can not WAIT until the next book comes out. I fell in love with all of Aiden's Brothers and look forward to reading their own stories.
If you are offended by some super hot sex M/M and strong language this book is not for you.
Aiden Townsend is one of the few princes of Regelence. A planet where the customs and dress is much like the the Ton in England in the 1800's. In Regelence men are cherished and homosexuality between men are not only normal, but embraced.
Aiden does not have any desire to rule, nor is he interested in politics. He lives for his art, and often gets so lost within it, he forgets his surroundings which often leads him to get into trouble. He is young and innocent, never been kissed and barely touched by anyone. Although, he is of age to marry, he has no desire to do so. He thinks he would be more content with studying art and being a famous artist.
Or so he thought.
Captain Nathaniel Hawkins is working his way up in the Intergalatic Navy. He has adopted an orphan, who he is a great father with, but otherwise is more concerned about his military career. When he is sent to Regelence undercover to investigate some crimes. He and his son are welcomed into the royal family as guests.
When Aiden (literally) falls out of a tree and onto Nathaniel sparks fly between them. Nathaniel is stunned by the instant attraction and immediately intrigued by the sweet, but spitfire Aiden.
Aiden is also stunned. He has never felt the strong attraction for another man. He is immediately captivated by the mysterious Nathaniel, and finds himself wanting to be with him.
When Aiden discovers that Nathaniel is working under cover, he not only helps in the investigation, but they build a trust and friendship that soon leads to a love that consumes them both.
I loved Nathaniel. He is very Alpha, but he is also very sweet and patient with the innocent Aiden. When he falls in love with Aiden it is hard and fast (no pun intended) and sets his mind to win him over.
Aiden is also a hero that fully develops into his own. He is smart and sensitive and both characters bring out the best in each other.
This book has it all. It is very funny, erotic, romanctic and has some mystery to it.
I can not WAIT until the next book comes out. I fell in love with all of Aiden's Brothers and look forward to reading their own stories.
If you are offended by some super hot sex M/M and strong language this book is not for you.
July 24, 2020
I gotta be honest, this started off pretty got dang good. I mean, what's not to like about a space opera?
Regency in space? SIGN ME UP!
Nate's a big un that's been sent on a secret mission to Relegence. What's not to like about a secret mission? Or a big un? The big un is protective too. So I was virtually puddle-like at one point.
He gets stationed with the royal family and quickly develops a shine towards the artistic prince, Aiden.
Both have the requisite reservations but those are blown through with a quickness once these two set eyes on each other then go next level once they get their hands on each other.
What's not to like about grabby hands? Said grabby hands also find something VERRA VERRA interesting south of Nate's border too. Though not too many hands because Regency also equates to Aiden being a weergin.
Did I mention there's a size difference? I'm not even going to ask because you know my feels on this sort of thing.
But then things started to grate and/or get stale.
The first thing that made my face scrunch was Regelence is a patriarchal society.
Fine. Fine.
But... they genetically engineer their offspring?
Nah, Papi. That ain't cool.
I'm ok with instalove sometimes and I've been known to appreciate the fluff from time to time but this was like a cotton candy cake with ice cream on top then, if that weren't enough, a topping of whipped cream, assorted candy and maraschino cherries.
Lastly, the whole Trouble thing frankly annoyed me. Who continues to call their kid Trouble? Like, wouldn't that get shortened to "T" or "Mr. T"? Something? Constantly saying the word 'trouble' has to be exhausting, doesn't it? Though perhaps I'm just exceptionally lazy lately.
Fucking pandemic.
However, I liked the mystery element and that was left open-ended so I will soldier on to find out who the baddies are.
Probably more like 2.5 but I'm feeling generous and it was a feel good read. Everyone needs some of that from time to time.
Regency in space? SIGN ME UP!
Nate's a big un that's been sent on a secret mission to Relegence. What's not to like about a secret mission? Or a big un? The big un is protective too. So I was virtually puddle-like at one point.
He gets stationed with the royal family and quickly develops a shine towards the artistic prince, Aiden.
Both have the requisite reservations but those are blown through with a quickness once these two set eyes on each other then go next level once they get their hands on each other.
What's not to like about grabby hands? Said grabby hands also find something VERRA VERRA interesting south of Nate's border too. Though not too many hands because Regency also equates to Aiden being a weergin.
Did I mention there's a size difference? I'm not even going to ask because you know my feels on this sort of thing.
But then things started to grate and/or get stale.
The first thing that made my face scrunch was Regelence is a patriarchal society.
Fine. Fine.
But... they genetically engineer their offspring?
Nah, Papi. That ain't cool.
I'm ok with instalove sometimes and I've been known to appreciate the fluff from time to time but this was like a cotton candy cake with ice cream on top then, if that weren't enough, a topping of whipped cream, assorted candy and maraschino cherries.
Lastly, the whole Trouble thing frankly annoyed me. Who continues to call their kid Trouble? Like, wouldn't that get shortened to "T" or "Mr. T"? Something? Constantly saying the word 'trouble' has to be exhausting, doesn't it? Though perhaps I'm just exceptionally lazy lately.
Fucking pandemic.
However, I liked the mystery element and that was left open-ended so I will soldier on to find out who the baddies are.
Probably more like 2.5 but I'm feeling generous and it was a feel good read. Everyone needs some of that from time to time.
October 21, 2023
AUDIOBOOK- October 2023: The narration was underwhelming, the story still the same. I’m downgrading to 3.5 Stars.
Original EBOOK - June 2018:
Loved the first two thirds/three quarters of this book. That’s where this should have ended. Instead we start up on another plot point and it feels like I’m reading the second book in the series. It was really weird. I didn’t get it.
I mean, I’ve been waiting to read this book for AGES since it went out of print after Samhain closed its doors. Here it is and I’m, I hate to say it, a bit underwhelmed. Maybe it’s all the hype or the high expectations I had going into it. I think my friend Shin got it right (of course 😉) when she mentioned that the last part of the book was seriously meh. OK, those may not have been her exact words and I’m toolazy to open up another window to look up the review, but it was something along those lines!
That being said, I want to read the next books in the series. Why these are taking so long to release from DSP is beyond me. Obviously, re-edits weren’t a priority, so.....where are the other books? Dontcha wanna make some money, DSP?
Oh, if you want to know what he book is about, read the blurb. Lol!
Original EBOOK - June 2018:
Loved the first two thirds/three quarters of this book. That’s where this should have ended. Instead we start up on another plot point and it feels like I’m reading the second book in the series. It was really weird. I didn’t get it.
I mean, I’ve been waiting to read this book for AGES since it went out of print after Samhain closed its doors. Here it is and I’m, I hate to say it, a bit underwhelmed. Maybe it’s all the hype or the high expectations I had going into it. I think my friend Shin got it right (of course 😉) when she mentioned that the last part of the book was seriously meh. OK, those may not have been her exact words and I’m toolazy to open up another window to look up the review, but it was something along those lines!
That being said, I want to read the next books in the series. Why these are taking so long to release from DSP is beyond me. Obviously, re-edits weren’t a priority, so.....where are the other books? Dontcha wanna make some money, DSP?
Oh, if you want to know what he book is about, read the blurb. Lol!
April 12, 2016
3 stars
This couple is cute together. I've some problems with the narrative and the story. I don't quite understand much about what's going on. Nate is a captain, he's assigned to investigate about the weapons that have been stolen. Then he meets Aiden, an artist, he's a naughty boy and always does something mischeivous without considering his rank. His Father and sire try to make him a good man but he's what he is. The chemistry between Nate and Aiden is intense at the beginning. When they're together eventually, I felt like it's not what I'd hoped. Their love scenes are pretty awkward and I don't even know why I feel like that all the time.
This couple is cute together. I've some problems with the narrative and the story. I don't quite understand much about what's going on. Nate is a captain, he's assigned to investigate about the weapons that have been stolen. Then he meets Aiden, an artist, he's a naughty boy and always does something mischeivous without considering his rank. His Father and sire try to make him a good man but he's what he is. The chemistry between Nate and Aiden is intense at the beginning. When they're together eventually, I felt like it's not what I'd hoped. Their love scenes are pretty awkward and I don't even know why I feel like that all the time.
September 20, 2018
Real Rating: 3.5* of five
Having thought about it, and having read the second edition, this read delighted and irked me approximately equally. More thoughts anon.
**ANON**
Welp. My long-ago first read of this book was in the early, early days of the MM romance genre, and came not long after I first encountered the idea of slash fiction via FireflyFans.net's Blue Sun Room. Shipping was, at least to me, what I didn't have to pay Amazon for; Slash was a guitarist.
How quaint!
Then I, in my Georgette Heyer-inspired search for Regency romances with male lovers, I happened across this book and, well, whee! Noticing that Dreamspinner had re-released the story, and Ammy was willing to sell it to me for 99¢ since I'd bought the paperback from them a million years before, what could I do? I am powerless in the face of such temptations.
Being a second edition and ten-plus years after the first was published, I was expecting changes and I got them. All were for the better. The story I first read wouldn't fly in today's MM-romance world. But Author Langley improved the infelicities, making much more use of Trouble and de-perving Nate's interest in Aiden by aging him somewhat. I was relieved.
I was not quite so pleased to note that the holes in the world-building hadn't been closed up. Why, for the love of all that's unholy, would anyone At ALL agree to live on Regelence unless he was an aristocrat? In a space-faring culture, hopping on a ship and making for an egalitarian society makes sense. In a culture as patriarchal as Regelence prides itself on being, why the HELL are any, any at all, women not queuing at the spaceport to get the fuck outta there? If the society has wombless birth (can't come soon enough, IMO, since it's grotesque to me how many women are defined solely by their biological monopoly on birthgiving) what's the impetus to do it au naturel? (See Ethan of Athos for a much more logical take on this topic.) What is the Interstellar Navy? Is there a government behind it? If not, who pays for it? Who defines its mission among the stars?
I could go on but I won't. I enjoyed this book, though I am not insensitive to its flaws, and I don't want to come across as dissuading you from giving it a whirl. And, since this was a Kindle read, my Young Gentleman Caller has shared it with me (our Kindlebraries are intertwined) and we played our customary "we have a billion and a studio; who stars in our movie of this book?" game.
Nate:
Aiden:
Trouble:
All the yum.
So, for auld lang syne, I forgave the lacunae and reveled in the changes. I can't give the book as it stands more than three and a half stars, and should by rights give it three; but sentiment prevails and the past speaks through my experienced mouth with unwonted sweetness. But I sure ain't a-gonna run right out and re-buy The Englor Affair! Let the dead past bury its dead.
Having thought about it, and having read the second edition, this read delighted and irked me approximately equally. More thoughts anon.
**ANON**
Welp. My long-ago first read of this book was in the early, early days of the MM romance genre, and came not long after I first encountered the idea of slash fiction via FireflyFans.net's Blue Sun Room. Shipping was, at least to me, what I didn't have to pay Amazon for; Slash was a guitarist.
How quaint!
Then I, in my Georgette Heyer-inspired search for Regency romances with male lovers, I happened across this book and, well, whee! Noticing that Dreamspinner had re-released the story, and Ammy was willing to sell it to me for 99¢ since I'd bought the paperback from them a million years before, what could I do? I am powerless in the face of such temptations.
Being a second edition and ten-plus years after the first was published, I was expecting changes and I got them. All were for the better. The story I first read wouldn't fly in today's MM-romance world. But Author Langley improved the infelicities, making much more use of Trouble and de-perving Nate's interest in Aiden by aging him somewhat. I was relieved.
I was not quite so pleased to note that the holes in the world-building hadn't been closed up. Why, for the love of all that's unholy, would anyone At ALL agree to live on Regelence unless he was an aristocrat? In a space-faring culture, hopping on a ship and making for an egalitarian society makes sense. In a culture as patriarchal as Regelence prides itself on being, why the HELL are any, any at all, women not queuing at the spaceport to get the fuck outta there? If the society has wombless birth (can't come soon enough, IMO, since it's grotesque to me how many women are defined solely by their biological monopoly on birthgiving) what's the impetus to do it au naturel? (See Ethan of Athos for a much more logical take on this topic.) What is the Interstellar Navy? Is there a government behind it? If not, who pays for it? Who defines its mission among the stars?
I could go on but I won't. I enjoyed this book, though I am not insensitive to its flaws, and I don't want to come across as dissuading you from giving it a whirl. And, since this was a Kindle read, my Young Gentleman Caller has shared it with me (our Kindlebraries are intertwined) and we played our customary "we have a billion and a studio; who stars in our movie of this book?" game.
Nate:
Aiden:
Trouble:
All the yum.
So, for auld lang syne, I forgave the lacunae and reveled in the changes. I can't give the book as it stands more than three and a half stars, and should by rights give it three; but sentiment prevails and the past speaks through my experienced mouth with unwonted sweetness. But I sure ain't a-gonna run right out and re-buy The Englor Affair! Let the dead past bury its dead.
December 15, 2013
Written December 15, 2013
3 1/2 Stars - quite okay, but no big shot - sweet and entertaining in any case
In the beginning, perhaps at least one third into the story, I felt most confused and hesitant. But then it evolved into a rather pleasant and romantic story. It was both quite exciting and interesting and my interest was piqued for the characters and the surrounding story.
My Fair Captain is a maze of genres and styles. It is both Regency Historical, a Sci-fi (on another planet), a Fantacy and perhaps even somewhat a Future-Dystopia (year 4829). We get it all; both hats, waistcoats and old fashion cravats, modern technology and space ships. And as an extra convenience plus, in this world, an all-knowing, voice-controlled, computer butler (called Jeffers).
Most importantly, it is a social structure on this planet where everything revolves around men. Love between men is common accepted as the most natural, the norm. All born boys are gene-picked so that they too, as adult males (around 25), will prefer other men as lovers and spouses. ~ A fantastic Gay Planet. ~ Well yes, maybe this is the distant future!
It's all about Prince Aiden Townsend who wants to be an artist. He loves to sketch, draw and create art and have no interest in becoming any older noble man's consort (husband) yet
...Though everything can always change, and as in so many historical romances, it happens on a waltz dance at a season ball. Aiden "melts" in the arms of the slightly older, but incredibly handsome, very big and tall SI (Swarthy Intergalactic) Navy Captain, Nathaniel (aka Nate) Hawkins. Or that man Captain Hawkins pretends to be, the mysterious Earl of Deverell from the planet Englor.
Nate, of course a gret war hero, is on the planet Regelence on a secret mission from his Admiral. He just use his peerage, as an earl and the heir to a dukedom, to easier investigate a missing weapons stash in the royal palace. The unsolved criminal mystery is urgently need to be solved and the love between the two characters (both hot and explicit with softer touches of kink and light D/s play) is flourishing.
On Regelence is virginity among young unmarried men still very important. "It" should be carefully protected and as always, there is only one way out of "it" would be "lost". ~ An honorable man does what a man of honor should...
Credibility of this were so-so, and it was very immediate insta love and I shook my head sometimes. There are amazing quick steam-action, from innocent virgin to constantly yearning and wistful "boy". But his "Sir" is responsive and it is perhaps only to thank and accept. As a big romantic, which is very weak for male heat, I bent anyway, and read the whole book with a satisfied smile. I liked this boy and his Sir together, they were in the end a perfect couple and it all became very lovingly and tenderly. Kind of yummy...
My Fair Captain is not an M/M romance I will remember forever but good and steamy enough for me to enjoy a few hours. My opinion is therefore; approved and a nice one worth reading. If I will continue with this series is another issue.
I LIKE - a "nice for the moment" novel
~~~~~~~~~~~~
If you want some more about Aidens parents, Steven & Cane, read this Christmas shorty A Regelence Christmas ( my review)
3 1/2 Stars - quite okay, but no big shot - sweet and entertaining in any case
In the beginning, perhaps at least one third into the story, I felt most confused and hesitant. But then it evolved into a rather pleasant and romantic story. It was both quite exciting and interesting and my interest was piqued for the characters and the surrounding story.
My Fair Captain is a maze of genres and styles. It is both Regency Historical, a Sci-fi (on another planet), a Fantacy and perhaps even somewhat a Future-Dystopia (year 4829). We get it all; both hats, waistcoats and old fashion cravats, modern technology and space ships. And as an extra convenience plus, in this world, an all-knowing, voice-controlled, computer butler (called Jeffers).
Most importantly, it is a social structure on this planet where everything revolves around men. Love between men is common accepted as the most natural, the norm. All born boys are gene-picked so that they too, as adult males (around 25), will prefer other men as lovers and spouses. ~ A fantastic Gay Planet. ~ Well yes, maybe this is the distant future!
It's all about Prince Aiden Townsend who wants to be an artist. He loves to sketch, draw and create art and have no interest in becoming any older noble man's consort (husband) yet
...Though everything can always change, and as in so many historical romances, it happens on a waltz dance at a season ball. Aiden "melts" in the arms of the slightly older, but incredibly handsome, very big and tall SI (Swarthy Intergalactic) Navy Captain, Nathaniel (aka Nate) Hawkins. Or that man Captain Hawkins pretends to be, the mysterious Earl of Deverell from the planet Englor.
“The saying is your wish is my command but tonight your command is my wish, milord. Let's dance.”
Nate, of course a gret war hero, is on the planet Regelence on a secret mission from his Admiral. He just use his peerage, as an earl and the heir to a dukedom, to easier investigate a missing weapons stash in the royal palace. The unsolved criminal mystery is urgently need to be solved and the love between the two characters (both hot and explicit with softer touches of kink and light D/s play) is flourishing.
“Good.” Nate brushed a quick kiss across his lips. “I've been dying to get your clothes off since I first met you. Strip, boy.”
On Regelence is virginity among young unmarried men still very important. "It" should be carefully protected and as always, there is only one way out of "it" would be "lost". ~ An honorable man does what a man of honor should...
Credibility of this were so-so, and it was very immediate insta love and I shook my head sometimes. There are amazing quick steam-action, from innocent virgin to constantly yearning and wistful "boy". But his "Sir" is responsive and it is perhaps only to thank and accept. As a big romantic, which is very weak for male heat, I bent anyway, and read the whole book with a satisfied smile. I liked this boy and his Sir together, they were in the end a perfect couple and it all became very lovingly and tenderly. Kind of yummy...
‘The urge to throw himself at Nate's feet and beg Nate to take him was strong, but he refrained... fornow.’
My Fair Captain is not an M/M romance I will remember forever but good and steamy enough for me to enjoy a few hours. My opinion is therefore; approved and a nice one worth reading. If I will continue with this series is another issue.
I LIKE - a "nice for the moment" novel
~~~~~~~~~~~~
If you want some more about Aidens parents, Steven & Cane, read this Christmas shorty A Regelence Christmas ( my review)
August 6, 2014
DNF @ 65% due to me losing any and all interest.
Before I had to ultimately throw in the towel, this book left me stuffed with cheese...
drowning in OTT drama...
and scratching my head from all the WTF-ness.
This book takes place 2,000+ years into the future on a planet by the name of Regelence, which as can be seen from the title, chose the Regency period of Earth, of all the possible periods, to emulate. The reason that I found this so utterly annoying is because these people who were ultra-from-the-future decided to take up all of this period's customs as well. Which means no smex before marriage, a kiss between unmarried people is equivalent to a marriage proposal, dancing three waltzes in one night is equivalent to a betrothal contract, and if a virgin should find themselves in a "compromising" position, such as being alone with an unmarried man in the same room, this could also call for a betrothal.
And this society is also so uber patriarchal that the nobility purposely genetically engineer their male children to have a preference for men so that women will not become part of the nobility. Yeeeaaaaaah...I found so many things wrong with that...
This whole explanation was given about how this was a military society that was created based on the Sacred Band of Thebes yada yada yada blah blah blah. Did I buy it?
Also this civilization two millennia in the future did not have that many technological advances beyond weaponry, spaceships, digital sketchbooks, and computer-run houses. Really? Really?
And the relationship between the MCs?
^^^^Refer to the dancing chick gif.
I did not feel any connection between Nate and Aiden besides their initial physical attraction. There was nothing between besides just sexual chemistry. They lurved each other, but heck if I know why... Their whole relationship just left me feeling cold and booooooooooored.
I'm giving two stars because I did enjoy the writing, but every other aspect of the story failed to capture my attention.
Before I had to ultimately throw in the towel, this book left me stuffed with cheese...
drowning in OTT drama...
and scratching my head from all the WTF-ness.
This book takes place 2,000+ years into the future on a planet by the name of Regelence, which as can be seen from the title, chose the Regency period of Earth, of all the possible periods, to emulate. The reason that I found this so utterly annoying is because these people who were ultra-from-the-future decided to take up all of this period's customs as well. Which means no smex before marriage, a kiss between unmarried people is equivalent to a marriage proposal, dancing three waltzes in one night is equivalent to a betrothal contract, and if a virgin should find themselves in a "compromising" position, such as being alone with an unmarried man in the same room, this could also call for a betrothal.
And this society is also so uber patriarchal that the nobility purposely genetically engineer their male children to have a preference for men so that women will not become part of the nobility. Yeeeaaaaaah...I found so many things wrong with that...
This whole explanation was given about how this was a military society that was created based on the Sacred Band of Thebes yada yada yada blah blah blah. Did I buy it?
Also this civilization two millennia in the future did not have that many technological advances beyond weaponry, spaceships, digital sketchbooks, and computer-run houses. Really? Really?
And the relationship between the MCs?
^^^^Refer to the dancing chick gif.
I did not feel any connection between Nate and Aiden besides their initial physical attraction. There was nothing between besides just sexual chemistry. They lurved each other, but heck if I know why... Their whole relationship just left me feeling cold and booooooooooored.
I'm giving two stars because I did enjoy the writing, but every other aspect of the story failed to capture my attention.
September 18, 2010
I was expecting My Fair Captain to be a pretty average example of your typical scifi-themed m/m romp - something light and silly to pass the time. (Read: ridiculous plot with lots of sex.) Under the right circumstances, with the right mood, this kind of book definitely can be enjoyable. Unfortunately, this novel didn't even live up my somewhat lackluster expectations.
I have enjoyed J.L. Langley's work in the past, and obviously many people have enjoyed this novel as well. So what was my problem then?
1) Bad editing. Problems with grammar grate on my nerves if they are common enough, and they were definitely common enough here. Also, I thought the flow of the story in general could have used some real work.
2) The story itself. Beyond ridiculous, and to be honest, it was sort of hard to follow at times, with clues spread randomly and unsubtly around, and only finally explained much later. (So freakin annoying.)
3) The society depicted. Sorry, but it squicked me out - the whole faux-regency feel, only with boys under the age of 25 acting the part of virginal damsels in need of chaperones and parental approval. Ick.
4) My biggest problem: The so-called "romance" between Nate and Aiden. First, there really wasn't much in terms of romantic development. Second, the sex scenes didn't even do it for me. The dialogue between the couple in bed is crude and terrible. Plus they call each other "sir" and "boy," which also squicked me out. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind reading something with a submissive/dominant theme, but it just didn't work for me at all in this novel.
So there you have it. This book was definitely not my cup of tea, largely due to my own personal feelings about the romantic interaction between the characters. In other words, their "romance" was a major TURN-OFF for me. I guess you don't really have any hope of enjoying a romance novel if the supposed romance is completely unbelievable and unappealing. But that's just me, and certainly not everyone would have those same feelings about the novel. To each his own I say. And I say this was two thumbs down for me.
I have enjoyed J.L. Langley's work in the past, and obviously many people have enjoyed this novel as well. So what was my problem then?
1) Bad editing. Problems with grammar grate on my nerves if they are common enough, and they were definitely common enough here. Also, I thought the flow of the story in general could have used some real work.
2) The story itself. Beyond ridiculous, and to be honest, it was sort of hard to follow at times, with clues spread randomly and unsubtly around, and only finally explained much later. (So freakin annoying.)
3) The society depicted. Sorry, but it squicked me out - the whole faux-regency feel, only with boys under the age of 25 acting the part of virginal damsels in need of chaperones and parental approval. Ick.
4) My biggest problem: The so-called "romance" between Nate and Aiden. First, there really wasn't much in terms of romantic development. Second, the sex scenes didn't even do it for me. The dialogue between the couple in bed is crude and terrible. Plus they call each other "sir" and "boy," which also squicked me out. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind reading something with a submissive/dominant theme, but it just didn't work for me at all in this novel.
So there you have it. This book was definitely not my cup of tea, largely due to my own personal feelings about the romantic interaction between the characters. In other words, their "romance" was a major TURN-OFF for me. I guess you don't really have any hope of enjoying a romance novel if the supposed romance is completely unbelievable and unappealing. But that's just me, and certainly not everyone would have those same feelings about the novel. To each his own I say. And I say this was two thumbs down for me.
August 9, 2014
1.5 Stars
I always try to start with something positive, so here goes. I liked Rexley and Jeremy. They were promising and I hope they get their own book eventually. I also liked Muffin and wished there was more of her; however, I worried because she's female but ... more on that below.
Okay, so here's what pissed me off about this book:
1. Regelence was one fucked up, misogynistic planet:
Here's another gem ...
2. Re-purposed Regency m/f romance. Need I say more? Repurposed m/f pisses me off like all get out because if I wanted to read an m/f romance with blushing, virgin damsels wearing white lacy gloves, I damn well would've. Between the dance cards, chaperones, and dowries, the "men" in this novel were nothing more than chicks-with-dicks. Blech.
3. The creepy dynamic between Nate and Aiden. "Sir"/"boy" just didn't work for me here. At. All. Aiden was too close to being a boy, in age and maturity. Also, Nate referred to Jeremy (his adopted son) and Aiden, collectively, as his "boys." It just squicked me out.
Bottom line: I disliked this book for the reasons I bitched about above. That stated, I make it a practice to read at least two books in a series before throwing in the proverbial towel. So, I'm ... *sigh* ... moving on to book 2. Wish me luck.
I always try to start with something positive, so here goes. I liked Rexley and Jeremy. They were promising and I hope they get their own book eventually. I also liked Muffin and wished there was more of her; however, I worried because she's female but ... more on that below.
Okay, so here's what pissed me off about this book:
1. Regelence was one fucked up, misogynistic planet:
"Did I forget to mention that Regelence is a very patriarchal society? So much so, in fact, that the aristocracy makes certain their offspring, especially heirs, are male and genetically altered to have a preference for the same sex."Genetically altered?!? Seriously?!!?
Here's another gem ...
"All the women are so inelegant and lower class."Okay, w.t.F. kind of bull shit planet is this?!? Regelence is one eff'ed up place. I wanted to like King Steven and King Consort Raleigh (aka Cony, aka Sire, aka ... how many freaking names can these guys have!?! But I digress ...) I wanted to like Steven and Cony but I couldn't reconcile them with the misogynistic planet they oversaw. It's one or the other, baby. Fucktarded!
2. Re-purposed Regency m/f romance. Need I say more? Repurposed m/f pisses me off like all get out because if I wanted to read an m/f romance with blushing, virgin damsels wearing white lacy gloves, I damn well would've. Between the dance cards, chaperones, and dowries, the "men" in this novel were nothing more than chicks-with-dicks. Blech.
3. The creepy dynamic between Nate and Aiden. "Sir"/"boy" just didn't work for me here. At. All. Aiden was too close to being a boy, in age and maturity. Also, Nate referred to Jeremy (his adopted son) and Aiden, collectively, as his "boys." It just squicked me out.
Bottom line: I disliked this book for the reasons I bitched about above. That stated, I make it a practice to read at least two books in a series before throwing in the proverbial towel. So, I'm ... *sigh* ... moving on to book 2. Wish me luck.
June 3, 2018
This book is a delicious blend of my favorites - good old Regency time and Sci-Fi! I so enjoyed it! Yeah, it was full of humor, mystery, romance and hot studly men in britches! Yeah, love them men in britches!
Nate is a IN captain of the Lady Anna ship. He is loyal, hot and intimidating. He is that kind of guy you are scared to talk to but secretly have fantasies about at night. He is tasked to become a spy in the royal household and it's all fun and intriguing but Nate didn't expect to fall head over hills in love with one of the princes! Bummer!
Aiden is a royal prince. He is handsome and innocent. Apart from being slightly rebellious he is an artist of great talent so his head is always in the clouds. Nothing interests him but his sketches but that all changes when he tumbles into the hands of the hunky space captain.
The chemistry is explosive. Nate and Aiden dance around each other but nothing works. They want each other so much that in the end it all ends in marriage. The first time together is sexy as f*ck! I loved Nate and how he manhandled Aiden. Those two were hot and beautiful!
The mystery of the book was not that exciting but the royal family made up for it with their shenanigans and humorous conversations. The whole idea of male/male regency and virginal men guarding their virtue appealed to me - the chaperones, virtual butlers and hover carriages made for an exciting read. I totally loved the book and I will continue on with the series.
Nate is a IN captain of the Lady Anna ship. He is loyal, hot and intimidating. He is that kind of guy you are scared to talk to but secretly have fantasies about at night. He is tasked to become a spy in the royal household and it's all fun and intriguing but Nate didn't expect to fall head over hills in love with one of the princes! Bummer!
Aiden is a royal prince. He is handsome and innocent. Apart from being slightly rebellious he is an artist of great talent so his head is always in the clouds. Nothing interests him but his sketches but that all changes when he tumbles into the hands of the hunky space captain.
The chemistry is explosive. Nate and Aiden dance around each other but nothing works. They want each other so much that in the end it all ends in marriage. The first time together is sexy as f*ck! I loved Nate and how he manhandled Aiden. Those two were hot and beautiful!
The mystery of the book was not that exciting but the royal family made up for it with their shenanigans and humorous conversations. The whole idea of male/male regency and virginal men guarding their virtue appealed to me - the chaperones, virtual butlers and hover carriages made for an exciting read. I totally loved the book and I will continue on with the series.
January 21, 2011
Yes, I cheated with the last 40% of this book, quickly skimming the pages, and pressing next (kindle version) as quickly as I could..
Wow.. I really didnt like this story..
First, it was the idea of "no girls allowed" on the planet Regelence that rubbed me to a degree where I felt like growling.. And when I write "no girls allowed" I mean that they freaking didnt want girls being born, because every one had to be a guy and had to be gay...?? WTF?!
Ok, being gay is cool and all, but this is just disturbing!
Second, I didnt like the story at all..
Third, I didnt like Aiden and Nate together.. I almost felt like Aiden could be Nates son, and so yeah, the sex was just wrong..
Fourth, its a tradition that the young virgin boy, gets a buttplug put up by his best man.. Which is soooo creepy, I cant even stand it, and when you then consider that in this story, Aiden's best man was his two FathersYes, because when you dont allow girls to be born, you'll be born from the DNA of two men, and then stuffed in an egg somewhere to cook it takes creepy to a whole nother level, and I kinda wanted to vomit and then burn the book after that..
Thank God for Nate in that situation though! Thanks for not making me throw up, Nate, I owe you one!
Fifth, if I had to hear the word boy one more time, I was going to flip.. I mean.. Seriously? Jesus..
I actually had togag laugh when I read this from Aiden..
He loved the way Nate called him boy. It made him feel special
Gagging
Really? Really Aiden? Having a much older man call you boy, makes you feel special? Could it be because you havent been allowed to just look at another man your whole life, because you had to be a pretty little virgin boy for your futuremaster husband?
And then I'm guessing you feel extra special, and fuzzy inside, when he tells you to call him Sir??
Sixth, I didnt like this story..
Wow.. I really didnt like this story..
First, it was the idea of "no girls allowed" on the planet Regelence that rubbed me to a degree where I felt like growling.. And when I write "no girls allowed" I mean that they freaking didnt want girls being born, because every one had to be a guy and had to be gay...?? WTF?!
Ok, being gay is cool and all, but this is just disturbing!
Second, I didnt like the story at all..
Third, I didnt like Aiden and Nate together.. I almost felt like Aiden could be Nates son, and so yeah, the sex was just wrong..
Fourth, its a tradition that the young virgin boy, gets a buttplug put up by his best man.. Which is soooo creepy, I cant even stand it, and when you then consider that in this story, Aiden's best man was his two Fathers
Thank God for Nate in that situation though! Thanks for not making me throw up, Nate, I owe you one!
Fifth, if I had to hear the word boy one more time, I was going to flip.. I mean.. Seriously? Jesus..
I actually had to
He loved the way Nate called him boy. It made him feel special
Really? Really Aiden? Having a much older man call you boy, makes you feel special? Could it be because you havent been allowed to just look at another man your whole life, because you had to be a pretty little virgin boy for your future
And then I'm guessing you feel extra special, and fuzzy inside, when he tells you to call him Sir??
Sixth, I didnt like this story..
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 27, 2018
4.1 Stars
Yeah, I have no idea why I previously rated this 2 Stars; I'm gonna chalk it up to a bad day or an accidental click on the wrong rating.
Yes, it definitely read like a Regency Bodice Ripper (in SPAAAAAAAAAACE), but inverting the typical patriarchal rules to apply to the young men in this society was kind of refreshing. Still irritatingly prudish and given there's no definitive "proof" of virtue or fear of illegitimate children I'm not sure of the necessity. (Although, that role reversal is kind of awesome in and of itself since it's painting the whole patriarchal system as ridiculous and I think that's deliberate for comparing to Englor society.)
About the only thing I can truly complain about is the dearth of women and the lack of respect they seem to be afforded by other characters. (Braxton? I think it was him talking about "low-class" women and none of them being quality pieces "of ass." Classy. Reminds me of Cheetolini.) It seems what few there are are all servants (other than Muffin) (also, seriously? Muffin?) or working class...so while I appreciate that Regelence is a military-based society (to some extent) as we see with Nate's First Officer, women can kick ass and be completely competent in leadership roles as well.
But, at least they aren't treated like chattel. #Points!
I do have to say that I wish we had Steven & Raleigh's story as a prequel. From the bits we are given about their tumultuous early romance it seems like it would have been a great tale. (The plug? Breaking off an engagement to Marcus?) Honestly, I thought there would be no more for this series but on a hunch I checked the author's website...
HOLY SHIT! Book 4 appears to be in edit (as are the first 3 for re-release with Samhain going out of business) and Book 5 is in progress. *SQUEEEEEEE* I'm happy to see that at least one of them is for a Regelence Prince (Bannon) but I DESPERATELY want Trouble & Rexley's story. Although, given Trouble is only 15 (despite acting like he's an experienced 25 yr old!) I can see the need to have several years lapse before that romance is explored.
But still...MORE Sci-Regency!!
(And the site was updated in 2017, so that gives me hope that at least one of the book series I'm dying for more of will be delivered!)
Yeah, I have no idea why I previously rated this 2 Stars; I'm gonna chalk it up to a bad day or an accidental click on the wrong rating.
Yes, it definitely read like a Regency Bodice Ripper (in SPAAAAAAAAAACE), but inverting the typical patriarchal rules to apply to the young men in this society was kind of refreshing. Still irritatingly prudish and given there's no definitive "proof" of virtue or fear of illegitimate children I'm not sure of the necessity. (Although, that role reversal is kind of awesome in and of itself since it's painting the whole patriarchal system as ridiculous and I think that's deliberate for comparing to Englor society.)
About the only thing I can truly complain about is the dearth of women and the lack of respect they seem to be afforded by other characters. (Braxton? I think it was him talking about "low-class" women and none of them being quality pieces "of ass." Classy. Reminds me of Cheetolini.) It seems what few there are are all servants (other than Muffin) (also, seriously? Muffin?) or working class...so while I appreciate that Regelence is a military-based society (to some extent) as we see with Nate's First Officer, women can kick ass and be completely competent in leadership roles as well.
But, at least they aren't treated like chattel. #Points!
I do have to say that I wish we had Steven & Raleigh's story as a prequel. From the bits we are given about their tumultuous early romance it seems like it would have been a great tale. (The plug? Breaking off an engagement to Marcus?) Honestly, I thought there would be no more for this series but on a hunch I checked the author's website...
HOLY SHIT! Book 4 appears to be in edit (as are the first 3 for re-release with Samhain going out of business) and Book 5 is in progress. *SQUEEEEEEE* I'm happy to see that at least one of them is for a Regelence Prince (Bannon) but I DESPERATELY want Trouble & Rexley's story. Although, given Trouble is only 15 (despite acting like he's an experienced 25 yr old!) I can see the need to have several years lapse before that romance is explored.
But still...MORE Sci-Regency!!
(And the site was updated in 2017, so that gives me hope that at least one of the book series I'm dying for more of will be delivered!)
December 4, 2013
I have a great fondness for this book in so much as it was the one of the first books that made me want to take the plunge into m/m romance. At the time I was really into regency romances and this came to my notice but because it was gay romance I kept on dithering ... should I,shouldn't I because OMG what would people think - its GAY literature, not only that its EROTIC gay lit, I'm a straight female so shouldn't I stay in my comfort zone... yada yada etc etc. Then one day I said to myself " what the hell, stop being such a wuss " and just took the plunge, pressed that buy button and hey presto I was well and truly hooked on a genre that has given me some of my most favourite reads ever! Since then I have read the second and am now in the process of rereading them both as catch up for book 3 that is due out in a couple of days, can't wait.
These sci/regency books by J L Langley are not meant to be taken seriously they are exactly what they should be - highly enjoyable, fun, hot sexy regency style romps with a twist and I for one love them to bits! They shouldn't be compared to Jane Austen but then neither should any modern day Regency romance but if you enjoy them for what they are then they become classic to you. Just sit back, relax and enjoy. I did and I've never looked back. 5 stars in my eyes. :-)
These sci/regency books by J L Langley are not meant to be taken seriously they are exactly what they should be - highly enjoyable, fun, hot sexy regency style romps with a twist and I for one love them to bits! They shouldn't be compared to Jane Austen but then neither should any modern day Regency romance but if you enjoy them for what they are then they become classic to you. Just sit back, relax and enjoy. I did and I've never looked back. 5 stars in my eyes. :-)
April 25, 2014
Author J.L. Langley is to be commended for attempting to blend several disparate elements--the Regency period set in the distant reaches of space, historical science-fiction, spy versus spy, male/male romance and no-holds-barred erotica--into one rip-roaring novel of adventure and unlikely love. It's a brilliant concept. Both Englor and Regelence were deftly woven and richly imagined. The author skillfully blended the vagaries of Regelence culture into the narrative and into the character's dialogue. On Regelence, men marrying other men for the same reasons they did in Regency England was quite plausible, and the sons of the ton were expected to stay chaste until marriage. One of the most important elements of well-written science-fiction/fantasy is the ability to make the improbable--probable. Regelence was a male-dominated world where females aren't even needed for procreation.
So why only TWO stars?
Two reasons:
1) It's NOT a Sci-Fi Regency. It's a alternate universe historical with Regency elements. It's not enough to pepper a book with a few sundry details like titles and clothing, the language is vitally important and I think some authors tend to forget that. Reading My Fair Captain was like trying to imagine a hot and sweaty Colin Firth a la Pride and Prejudice, but getting Johnny Rotten instead. Yes, I am particular in this, but I wanted a sexed-up version of Jane Austen, language, warts, and all. It can--and HAS--been done. Linda Berdoll's spicy Mr. Darcy Takes a Wife and Ann Herendeen's Phyllida and the Brotherhood of Philander both do justice to the erotic Regency. Even Dara Joy's futuristic Ritual of Proof was amazingly true to the genre.
2) The author's reliance on bad gay male stereotypes was the other reason. This wasn't a bodice-ripper, but a cravat-ripper.
Considering the time spent on their backstory, the heroes of My Fair Captain should have been so much more. As it were, both just left me wondering why some gay romance writers feel this need to make at least one of the characters as stereotypically feminine as possible. The naïve innocent and the worldly experienced character have been done and are still beloved archetypes, Frankly, I think it's pretty boring even in straight romance.
As the uber-alpha "daddy", Captain Nathaniel Hawkins scowled a lot and liked dropping the f-bomb quite often. Yes he was strong, silent, and a perfectly-formed specimen of a man with ripped abs and a prodigious piece of equipment packed inside of his trousers. It was like he spent a great deal of the novel in a state of perpetual arousal when not rescuing his starry-eyed paramour. As expected, Nathaniel was sexually experienced and obviously the top man in any relationship, but he seemed so one-dimensional, and I had a hard time seeing him as a man who could fall in love, rather than just be in lust.
Prince Aiden, the King of Regelence's handsome son falls for him--literally--right out of a tree. Aiden doesn't want to have anything to do with politics--his soul belongs to the arts, namely sketching. Again, not a bad thing had there been a core streak of rebelliousness in him. Unfortunately Aiden was stereotypically feminized. He was like a typically annoying Barbara Cartland-esque heroine--he swooned and tended to get himself into all sorts of trouble that obviously required he-man Nate to rescue him. I'm not saying that a male hero can't be sensitive and artistic--a lover and not necessarily a fighter--and a balanced foil for the more rugged hero. For example, Alec from Ellen Kushner's Swordspoint was described as being tall, thin, ascetic and far better at picking fights than actually fighting them. However, he was also armed with a razor-sharp tongue that did as much damage to an adversary as Richard St. Vier, his lover, did with a rapier.
On Regelence Aiden lived a very sheltered existence, much like standard Regency heroines, but he really was a male character who's essentially female. I want male/male erotica to feature MEN who may be different in temperament, but equal in the relationship--even if that relationship is Dom/sub, such as this one turns out to be. Because of how distracting the stereotypes were, I really couldn't enjoy the erotic scenes in all their high-definition detail. The one scene where Nate emerges from the shower naked while Aiden hides watching him and getting all tingly at the sight of all that man-flesh kept reminding me in a strange way of Little Red Riding Hood. I was waiting for Aiden to say something like, "But Nathaniel, what a long leg you have."
The uncomfortable realization is that some authors really shouldn't be writing gay male romances if all they are going to do is emasculate the male characters. If I wanted to read about a weak and whining protagonist who always seems to need the "me caveman" hero to rescue them, I'd stick with straight romances (and frankly I've always hated those types of books).
Thankfully a few authors out there DO get it right--Ellen Kushner, Sarah Monette and Elizabeth Bear for starters. They feed my addiction for well-written and hot fantasy featuring strong male characters who love passionately and equally.
Dash it, back to the drawing room!
So why only TWO stars?
Two reasons:
1) It's NOT a Sci-Fi Regency. It's a alternate universe historical with Regency elements. It's not enough to pepper a book with a few sundry details like titles and clothing, the language is vitally important and I think some authors tend to forget that. Reading My Fair Captain was like trying to imagine a hot and sweaty Colin Firth a la Pride and Prejudice, but getting Johnny Rotten instead. Yes, I am particular in this, but I wanted a sexed-up version of Jane Austen, language, warts, and all. It can--and HAS--been done. Linda Berdoll's spicy Mr. Darcy Takes a Wife and Ann Herendeen's Phyllida and the Brotherhood of Philander both do justice to the erotic Regency. Even Dara Joy's futuristic Ritual of Proof was amazingly true to the genre.
2) The author's reliance on bad gay male stereotypes was the other reason. This wasn't a bodice-ripper, but a cravat-ripper.
Considering the time spent on their backstory, the heroes of My Fair Captain should have been so much more. As it were, both just left me wondering why some gay romance writers feel this need to make at least one of the characters as stereotypically feminine as possible. The naïve innocent and the worldly experienced character have been done and are still beloved archetypes, Frankly, I think it's pretty boring even in straight romance.
As the uber-alpha "daddy", Captain Nathaniel Hawkins scowled a lot and liked dropping the f-bomb quite often. Yes he was strong, silent, and a perfectly-formed specimen of a man with ripped abs and a prodigious piece of equipment packed inside of his trousers. It was like he spent a great deal of the novel in a state of perpetual arousal when not rescuing his starry-eyed paramour. As expected, Nathaniel was sexually experienced and obviously the top man in any relationship, but he seemed so one-dimensional, and I had a hard time seeing him as a man who could fall in love, rather than just be in lust.
Prince Aiden, the King of Regelence's handsome son falls for him--literally--right out of a tree. Aiden doesn't want to have anything to do with politics--his soul belongs to the arts, namely sketching. Again, not a bad thing had there been a core streak of rebelliousness in him. Unfortunately Aiden was stereotypically feminized. He was like a typically annoying Barbara Cartland-esque heroine--he swooned and tended to get himself into all sorts of trouble that obviously required he-man Nate to rescue him. I'm not saying that a male hero can't be sensitive and artistic--a lover and not necessarily a fighter--and a balanced foil for the more rugged hero. For example, Alec from Ellen Kushner's Swordspoint was described as being tall, thin, ascetic and far better at picking fights than actually fighting them. However, he was also armed with a razor-sharp tongue that did as much damage to an adversary as Richard St. Vier, his lover, did with a rapier.
On Regelence Aiden lived a very sheltered existence, much like standard Regency heroines, but he really was a male character who's essentially female. I want male/male erotica to feature MEN who may be different in temperament, but equal in the relationship--even if that relationship is Dom/sub, such as this one turns out to be. Because of how distracting the stereotypes were, I really couldn't enjoy the erotic scenes in all their high-definition detail. The one scene where Nate emerges from the shower naked while Aiden hides watching him and getting all tingly at the sight of all that man-flesh kept reminding me in a strange way of Little Red Riding Hood. I was waiting for Aiden to say something like, "But Nathaniel, what a long leg you have."
The uncomfortable realization is that some authors really shouldn't be writing gay male romances if all they are going to do is emasculate the male characters. If I wanted to read about a weak and whining protagonist who always seems to need the "me caveman" hero to rescue them, I'd stick with straight romances (and frankly I've always hated those types of books).
Thankfully a few authors out there DO get it right--Ellen Kushner, Sarah Monette and Elizabeth Bear for starters. They feed my addiction for well-written and hot fantasy featuring strong male characters who love passionately and equally.
Dash it, back to the drawing room!
November 2, 2016
OUT OF THIS WORLD.
Oh my Galaxy.I really liked this book! It was different, fun, and hell sexy.
The book was well written. I can really say now that Langley is a good writer. It was easy to understand and easy to follow. However, the prologue and first chapter were a lot to take in. After that though, you will be immersed in the world she has painted. It's like Star Trek and Star Wars, the gay version. Her writing though (like what I've read from the With or Without series) is Romance and Erotica first before Fantasy and Action. So don't expect a lot of futuristic action scenes here. That part of it is not bad, but it was just okay. I'm beginning to tell that Langley focus on the relationship of the characters more then putting them on an interesting setting.
Speaking of characters, that was one the things I really liked in this book. I really liked each and everyone of them! The MC's, Trouble, Steven & Raleigh and the rest of Aiden's family, etc.
Aiden was really nice. He's an artist and tends to zone out a lot when he thinks of his art. For me I think it's sexy to have an artist lover. Just think of Titanic when Leo Di Caprio painted Kate Winslet. Isn't that nice? He actually didn't want a consort until he met Nate and because he's a virgin, Nate shocked him on everything that was done to him. But he loved it.
Nate...he's very sexy. He's older than Aiden so he tends to call him Boy. Which is just so hot. (Yeah, the older guy/younger guy interaction here is really hot.) He's an Intergalactic Navy Captain of Lady Anna and has an adopted son, Trouble/Jeremy. He's imposing,honorable, domineering in bed, but gentle and affectionate when not on it. I liked all his interactions with all the characters especially with his son, Trouble. His character is very likable.
The plot and story is the one that make this book great and very interesting.
Imagine this. A world where the rulers and their heirs are gay. Gay couples can have children. Even gay marriages are premeditated and arranged. How cool/crazy (depends on your opinion) is that??!
It is set more than two thousand years from now on planet Englor (Nate's native planet) and Regelence (Aiden's native planet). Nate was tasked to investigate weapons smuggling on Regelence. But he has to go undercover as an nobleman and live as a guest on Regelence's King's castle. There he met Aiden. The third son of King Steven and King-Consort Raleigh. They were attracted to each other right away. But Aiden is a virgin and not allowed to give that unless he turns 25 or get married.
This story for me is not just sci-fi. I mean it's subtle telling of what the world would be if everything were different. And it is very interesting to read. I love the interaction between Aiden's family. How Steven/Father and Raleigh/Cony really really loved each other and their kids. And how the princes gush on their man crushes.
And I never expected the erotic scenes here are hot. Well Aiden is a virgin and Nate is a dominant. But they were not much BDSM scenes here and it was suggestive. Not to mention they have an age difference. Which I found really hot. Nate calling Aiden 'Boy" in bed...MMM!!! My fave scene was
All in all, I really really liked this. It's a fantasy read and it made me think what if things were different. And it's a hot read too. I liked that there was less angst and more family interactions in here.
Thumbs up for me! And I think M/M Romance fans should read this. (just don't expect too much sci-fi, okay?) This was my first M/M Sci-fi and I recommend it!
Oh my Galaxy.I really liked this book! It was different, fun, and hell sexy.
The book was well written. I can really say now that Langley is a good writer. It was easy to understand and easy to follow. However, the prologue and first chapter were a lot to take in. After that though, you will be immersed in the world she has painted. It's like Star Trek and Star Wars, the gay version. Her writing though (like what I've read from the With or Without series) is Romance and Erotica first before Fantasy and Action. So don't expect a lot of futuristic action scenes here. That part of it is not bad, but it was just okay. I'm beginning to tell that Langley focus on the relationship of the characters more then putting them on an interesting setting.
Speaking of characters, that was one the things I really liked in this book. I really liked each and everyone of them! The MC's, Trouble, Steven & Raleigh and the rest of Aiden's family, etc.
Aiden was really nice. He's an artist and tends to zone out a lot when he thinks of his art. For me I think it's sexy to have an artist lover. Just think of Titanic when Leo Di Caprio painted Kate Winslet. Isn't that nice? He actually didn't want a consort until he met Nate and because he's a virgin, Nate shocked him on everything that was done to him. But he loved it.
Nate...he's very sexy. He's older than Aiden so he tends to call him Boy. Which is just so hot. (Yeah, the older guy/younger guy interaction here is really hot.) He's an Intergalactic Navy Captain of Lady Anna and has an adopted son, Trouble/Jeremy. He's imposing,honorable, domineering in bed, but gentle and affectionate when not on it. I liked all his interactions with all the characters especially with his son, Trouble. His character is very likable.
The plot and story is the one that make this book great and very interesting.
Imagine this. A world where the rulers and their heirs are gay. Gay couples can have children. Even gay marriages are premeditated and arranged. How cool/crazy (depends on your opinion) is that??!
It is set more than two thousand years from now on planet Englor (Nate's native planet) and Regelence (Aiden's native planet). Nate was tasked to investigate weapons smuggling on Regelence. But he has to go undercover as an nobleman and live as a guest on Regelence's King's castle. There he met Aiden. The third son of King Steven and King-Consort Raleigh. They were attracted to each other right away. But Aiden is a virgin and not allowed to give that unless he turns 25 or get married.
This story for me is not just sci-fi. I mean it's subtle telling of what the world would be if everything were different. And it is very interesting to read. I love the interaction between Aiden's family. How Steven/Father and Raleigh/Cony really really loved each other and their kids. And how the princes gush on their man crushes.
And I never expected the erotic scenes here are hot. Well Aiden is a virgin and Nate is a dominant. But they were not much BDSM scenes here and it was suggestive. Not to mention they have an age difference. Which I found really hot. Nate calling Aiden 'Boy" in bed...MMM!!! My fave scene was
All in all, I really really liked this. It's a fantasy read and it made me think what if things were different. And it's a hot read too. I liked that there was less angst and more family interactions in here.
Thumbs up for me! And I think M/M Romance fans should read this. (just don't expect too much sci-fi, okay?) This was my first M/M Sci-fi and I recommend it!
December 4, 2013
I have noticed a trend in that the books I put off longest seem to be the ones I enjoy most. This was certainly no exception. I've had this so long but for some reason I kept putting it back in the pile, and now I'm kicking myself.
I loved this story.
The Romance was wonderful. Aiden and Nate won me over immediately. Watching them dance around each other while falling in love was delightful.
Trouble is brilliant and I really can't wait for him to grow a little more so I can read his story.
Steven and Raleigh were wonderful and I hope that we get a little prequel one day so I can read their story.
The rest of the brothers were fun to see and I'm looking forward to getting to know each and every one of them.
The action part of this story kept me interested and guessing. Even if at times I got a little lost in the names and places lol. But the setting was fascinating and I could easily picture the past and future combining into this world.
Overall an intriguing story with humour and romance and action on the high seas of space lol.
Now the reason this is only getting the 4 stars and not 5. Its a very personal reason and I doubt many share it with me, but the sex kinda took away a lot of my enjoyment. The heavy leaning towards D/s is not my cup of tea so I found I was skipping scenes one they got started on the heavy stuff lol.
I loved this story.
The Romance was wonderful. Aiden and Nate won me over immediately. Watching them dance around each other while falling in love was delightful.
Trouble is brilliant and I really can't wait for him to grow a little more so I can read his story.
Steven and Raleigh were wonderful and I hope that we get a little prequel one day so I can read their story.
The rest of the brothers were fun to see and I'm looking forward to getting to know each and every one of them.
The action part of this story kept me interested and guessing. Even if at times I got a little lost in the names and places lol. But the setting was fascinating and I could easily picture the past and future combining into this world.
Overall an intriguing story with humour and romance and action on the high seas of space lol.
Now the reason this is only getting the 4 stars and not 5. Its a very personal reason and I doubt many share it with me, but the sex kinda took away a lot of my enjoyment. The heavy leaning towards D/s is not my cup of tea so I found I was skipping scenes one they got started on the heavy stuff lol.
September 25, 2012
This book is a fun, light romp that is very similar in tone to standard regency romance, with an added hit of hot sex and a little very mild BDSM. The experienced man of the world meets up with the beautiful, virginal and spirited young man, and fun, romance and adventure ensue, ending in a HEA.
I thoroughly enjoyed this, and immediately bought the sequel. It's not a deep, heart-felt story that will stay with me, but it is warm, entertaining, with hot sex, and a nice fast read. I had a few issues with the plot and some minor details. But those quibbles aside, this is good entertainment, the SciFi twists on regency/historical stories are fun, and I recommend it .
April 30, 2019
Really liked the world building, quite a different mix of Regency era m/m society and sci-fi tech. And it certainly had plenty of heat between Nate and Aiden but the interaction between all the characters was often funny and playful. The plot was pretty decent and definitely kept my attention (obviously, since I inhaled it). If the series continues like this, I’m going to very much enjoy it!
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