Stud

Cat Star Chronicles #8

by Cheryl Brooks

They're galaxies apart...but one force can bring them together

Even for a Zetithian, Tarq Zulveidinoe's sexual prowess is legendary. Believing it's all he's good for, Tarq sets out to perpetuate his threatened species by offering his services to women across the galaxy.

Lucinda Force is the sensitive dark horse in a self-absorbed family, repeatedly told that no man will ever want such a plain woman. Lucy longs for romance, but is resigned to her loveless lot in life-until Tarq walks through the door of her father's restaurant on Talus Five.

The eighth installment in wildly popular Cat Star Chronicles, a paranormal romance series featuring heroes with a feline gene that gives them remarkable sexual powers.

The Cat Star Chronicles:
Slave (Book 1)
Warrior (Book 2)
Rogue (Book 3)
Outcast (Book 4)
Fugitive (Book 5)
Hero (Book 6)
Virgin (Book 7)
Stud (Book 8)
Wildcat (Book 9)
Rebel (Book 10)

Praise for the Cat Star Chronicles:
"Hot and yummy...this is a series that just gets better and better." -Night Owl Romance
"Full of humor and love...almost too hot to hold." -Bookloons
"High caliber entertainment from beginning to end...I couldn't put it down." -Whipped Cream Erotic Reviews
"You will laugh, fall in love with an alien or two, and be truly agog at the richness Ms. Brooks brings to her worlds." -Long and Short Reviews

Genres: Romance, Science Fiction, Erotica, Aliens, Paranormal, Science Fiction Romance, Paranormal Romance

416 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published February 7, 2012

About the author

Cheryl Brooks is a former critical care nurse turned romance writer. Her Cat Star Chronicles series includes Slave, Warrior, Rogue, Outcast, Fugitive, Hero, Virgin, Stud, Wildcat, and Rebel. Her Cowboy Heaven series includes the Cowboy Delight novella and the Cowboy Heaven novel. Her self-published works include Sex Love and a Purple Bikini, Midnight in Reno, and the Unlikely Lovers series, which includes Unbridled, Uninhibited, Undeniable, and Unrivaled. As a member of the Sextet, she has also published several erotic novellas with Siren/Bookstrand. She is a member of RWA and IRWA and lives with her husband, two sons, two horses, four cats, and one dog in rural Indiana. You can visit her online at https://www.cherylbrooksonline.com/ or email her at cheryl.brooks52@yahoo.com.

Reviews

[Dee · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

This was quite a good story and I was really engaged in the beginning but I thought it dragged on a bit too long and was starting to lose interest during the last third of the book. Liked the author's writing style and imagination so will definitely read her again.

[Judy & Marianne from Long and Short Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted at: http://whippedcream2.blogspot.com/201...

The first two chapters made me want a box of tissues and a bull horn with a side of fried chicken and chocolate pie. Ms. Brooks totally ensnared my emotions when she took turns introducing me to Tarq and Lucy and the problems that beset them. Both hero and heroine have some serious issues with no one to save them or turn to, except each other. It’s how they help each other out and what they discover about one another along the way that made me alternate between giggles, sadness, indignation, hope and total joy. Stud is like the stock market with its ups and downs but there’s a guaranteed payoff at the end.

Why would I want a bull horn? To blow out Lucy’s father's eardrums and tell him to stop treating her way he does in the story. He’s not the villain but he certainly could be. Lucy is more like Cinderella in that regard. And Tarq is as imperfect a Prince Charming as one could be. In fact, I wanted to hug him because he needed a Princess Charming to show him that he’s worth more than he thinks. I think that’s what endeared his character to me the most. He had poor self esteem and confidence issues along with something else that was seriously holding him back. However, the one thing that both Lucy and Tarq are not, are quitters. These two fight the only way they can to reach for the dreams that other people believe that are impossible for them. All they needed was one chance. One opportunity to show them the way and it was so romantic that they found it in each other.

The reason that I wanted the chocolate pie is because Lucy is a great cook and it sounded like her pie would be chocolate nirvana. As for the fried chicken, that’s an inside joke that I’m not sharing. I get the biggest kick out of Ms. Brooks’ sense of humor and it’s still strong and present in this latest adventure for a Zetithian male.

Another yummy aspect of Stud besides Tarq's purring, was the sex. Of course it’s written well, and those scenes were fun, energetic and plentiful, but there’s more. There was meaning and it evolved. How? The author was brilliant in allowing a reader to see their emotions change from lust, to fledgling trust and hope, to seduction with future dreams in mind. It sounds so simple but it wasn’t because neither Tarq or Lucy were on the same page most of the time. They were awesome in bed but both wanted more from the relationship without realizing that they both already wanted that same level. One could argue that all they had to do was communicate but once I understood what internal struggles bedeviled them, I could see that communication was easier said than done. It provided wonderful emotional conflict.

A great thing Ms. Brooks did was give both the hero and heroine chances to shine and show off what they are really good at. Lucy is a lot stronger than she thought and she has an opportunity to show her fortitude and gumption. Tarq’s turn had him acting a role that reminded me of Daniel Boone and Man Vs. Wild. I was quite impressed, even more so when I found out that the author did some serious research and all those cool things Tarq did were actually possible to do in real life – mostly. Now if I could find some Snard in real life, I’d be either really happy, or in a lot of trouble. *vbg*

Once again, Ms. Brooks populated her story with imaginative and intriguing alien species that spiced up the plot and character action. Of them all, I was the saddest for Vertigan. My secret wish is that he’ll someday have his own story where he’d be in a relationship that fits his species’ needs. What a challenging story to write that would be but I’d bet, oh, so hot. As it is, I thought he and the others were well developed, entertaining and a credit to the tale.

The final chapter of Stud was undiluted romance with satisfaction and happiness just oozing from the pages. There were wonderful moments where all the best things finally happened and all the loose ends were tied up in a sweet and delightful way. I loved the optimistic future they planned and how all their dreams were coming to fruition. It couldn’t happen to a nicer couple.

Stud is filled with emotional candy that makes reading an addiction. The depth of human emotions that Ms. Brooks explored in this book was very poignant and effective. It touched my heart and made me feel. The great thing was that it wasn’t melodramatic or depressing. It was empowering and righteous while being naughty and adventurous all at the same time. Ms. Brooks delivers romance and fills each chapter with page turning events that entertain and amaze. I just adore exploring her universe of the Zethithian men and look forward to more happily ever afters in the future because they’re Snard-elicous!

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have followed The Cat Star Chronicles from the beginning and was thrilled to see new offering in the series. Stud was released in February and is a great addition to the series.

Just a quick background for any who have not read the series. Zetithian males are the greatest lovers in the universe. A jealous man destroyed the home planet of the Zetithians along with most of the Zetithian race. A few survived but have been hunted and ran the risk of being killed if found. That changed when the man guilty of the destruction was found and killed. Zetithian are no longer hunted and killed.

I met Tarq in Virgin, book seven in the series. He thinks the only thing he is good for is producing new Zetithians and he in traveling the universe offering his services to any woman who will bear his children. He does not feel he is worthy of love so he is doing the only thing he thinks he can do to help his people. I wondered how Cheryl was going to handle his story because he is truly deserves the title Stud.

Everything changes for Tarq when he walks into a restaurant owned by Lucinda Force’s father. The minute he smells Lucinda (yes I said smells) his world changes. Lucinda had no hope of romance. Her family does not treat her well. She does all the work and gets none of the credit. When Tarq arrives she takes the chance for one night of romance, a night that will give her children of her own. Her plan is to leave and start a life of her own.

Both Tarq and Lucinda want more than one night but both are afraid to speak what is in their heart. Lucinda because she does not think anyone could love her and Tarq because his only useful skill is in bed. There is conflict and danger to make the changes needed for both to accept love.

I think Tarq’s story is one of my favorites of the series. His insecurities come for a learning disability that makes reading a problem. It gives a nice touch to the story and a reason for him to feel less than others.

[Helyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed at Smexybooks.com 2/2012

I have been a fan of Cheryl Brook’s Cat Star Chronicles since I came across a tattered copy of SLAVE in my local used book store. As I am a huge fan of science fiction, the premise of an alien species of super sexy men with feline qualities and penises with unique, err, characteristics spoke to my nerdy romantic heart. For me, this series is the best of both worlds combining romance and science fiction with a paranormal flair.

In STUD, we meet Tarquinian Zulveidinoe or Tarq for short, as he is passing through the town of Reltan on Talus Five. Tarq is one of the few survivors of the planet Zetith that was destroyed in the year 2984 by a very jealous man whose wife left him after she took a Zetithian lover. In order to save the race, Tarq has made it his life’s work to travel the galaxies, find compatible females, impregnate them and save the race from extinction. He offers his services for free; only asking that the surrogates make sure to register their children with the Zetithian Birth Registry. This is in no way a hardship for Tarq; Zetithian men are all extremely handsome and are well known for their sexual prowess. Why else would someone try to kill off of an entire species?

But Tarq’s reasons for doing what he does have nothing to do with what he looks like or what he has to offer a female in the bedroom. Rescued from his planet at a young age just before it was destroyed, he lived on board a ship that for 25 years just traveled through the galaxies, stopping only for supplies when they absolutely had to. The threat to all Zetithians was so great, they were afraid to settle in any one place for too long. Growing up and living on the ship was tough for many reasons, but for Tarq it was the fact that he had never learned to read that weighed heavily on him. He truly felt that he didn’t have anything to offer a mate because of this disability, so he set out instead, doing something he knew he was good at, spreading his seed to propagate the race.

Enter Lucinda Force, or Lucy; a human woman living in Reltan. She works in her father’s restaurant and cares for her sickly mother. Lucy has resigned herself to the fact that this is all she can expect for herself in life; stomping down her own hopes and dreams of meeting a man, marrying and having a family of her own. As she enjoys cooking, she’d also dreamt of having a restaurant of her own one day. But like everything else, she knows it’ll never come to pass. That is, until the day Tarq walked into her restaurant.

Tarq was completely unprepared for his reaction to Lucy, when she stopped at his table to take his order. Her scent called to him like no other had ever before. Lucy was not immune to Tarq either. She knew exactly who and what he was, having seen his advertisements for his services before. She certainly could not discount the fact that Tarq was a beautiful man and she could see why women would flock to him for his sexual favors. From out of nowhere, Lucy begins to hatch a plan that might finally take her away from Reltan and her family and give her the children that she’s longed for. She decides to approach Tarq and request his services.

Tarq is only too happy to comply. His reaction to Lucy is confusing to him, but he decides to just ride it out and see what happens. This is what he does and he’s good at it. But after their first time together, Tarq knows that there is something different about how he feels about Lucy, as evidenced by the fact that during lovemaking he had the urge to bite her, something that has never happened to him before. Lucy too, finds that after each encounter with Tarq she feels more for him than she should. She keeps telling herself that once she’s pregnant, he’ll move on to his next “client.” That truth does not sit well with Lucy, but she really doesn’t have a choice. She knew that he would leave her at some point.

After only a few times together, Tarq’s medical scanner finds that Lucy is in fact pregnant. While both are happy, Lucy knows that Tarq will now move on and that fact alone nearly breaks her heart. Deciding that it’s now or never, Lucy packs up that night and leaves, heading to the town of Yalka where her friend Natasha lives. The next morning, Tarq is shocked to find out that Lucy has left. Thankfully, one of Lucy’s co-workers gives Tarq all the info he needs to try and find Lucy and hopefully convince her of his feelings. Unfortunately, even after he finds Lucy, his old feelings of inadequacy keep him from making his feelings known. In an effort to buy some time, he offers to take Lucy to Yalka and safely deliver her to Natasha’s home.

Unfortunately, there are those still out there that are not fond of the Zetithians or aliens in general. Tarq becomes a target for some local men who have been harassing any aliens in an attempt to run them out of town. When Tarq is brutally attacked, he and Lucy are forced into hiding in the mountains where they come across a camp of other alien beings, including Lucy’s friend Natasha and her husband Traldeck. As soon as Tarq sees one of the males eyeing Lucy, his protective instincts go into overdrive and he firmly introduces Lucy as his mate, to hopefully make clear that Lucy is unavailable. She is after all pregnant with his children.

Together, this mix of aliens and humans must fight their way through the mountains to try and get through to the next town and safety. Through it all, Lucy and Tarq’s feeling for each other grow, but neither of them is willing to admit it. Lucy’s heart swells with her feelings for Tarq while at the same time breaking every time she imagines him leaving her at the end of their journey. Tarq’s low self-image have him wary of making his feelings known, yet at the same time he knows he will never be able to let Lucy walk way.

I always look forward to Ms. Brooks’ next book because I know that she will take me on a fantastic futuristic ride packed with excitement, adventure and many, many alien creatures that will either make me laugh or totally gross me out. In this she does not disappoint. Of course we are treated to the trademark Zetithian smexiness, but at the same time, we are given two characters that have much to overcome within themselves

[Tracy · Rating 2 out of 5]

~* 1.5 Stars *~
Not For Me
He is a refugee, a Zetithian without a planet and one of the last of his kind since his world was blown out of the galaxy by a jealous, sadistic husband. He is revered as a sexual dynamo. It's both his job, and, as he and his brethren are tasked with saving his kind from extinction by reproducing in quantity, his calling. And he's gotten very, very rich from it. Women from all over the universe pay just about anything for a few hours in his bed, for a chance to bear his children. He has five hundred of them, now, but his duty is not yet finished.

That's why he's on Terran. Human women are known for being intensely attracted to his kind. He already had several appointments to further spread his seed. And then, intending nothing more salacious than a simple meal, Tarq Zulveidinoe enters the restaurant where Lucinda Force works as a waitress for her demanding father, and life will never be the same for him again.

She smells so good. It's unlike anything he's ever scented before, and he wants her madly. She may even be his mate. Her scent has him ready to pound nails and his fangs are ready to nip at her skin. But he is not worthy of her. Of that he has no doubt. And even though she wants him to sire her children, she doesn't want to keep him.

If only he had the time to try to convince her.

Lucy can't even look at Tarq without wanting him. Who could? He's gorgeous, built, and charming. His reputation as a galaxy-hopping love machine is legendary. He doesn't even charge women to sleep with him anymore, he's so rich. He just wants to reproduce, to increase the numbers of his race.

Fortunately, that works out nicely for Lucy. At almost thirty, she's desperate for children, but her father keeps her mired in indentured servitude and won't even let her date, let alone marry and have children. She's still a virgin, for pity's sake. But when the deliciously appealing Tarq asks her to call him, to be with him, she decides to grab for her future with both hands.

She'll have Tarq impregnate her, then she'll flee her imposing father, find her happiness, and start her life for real as she raises her children. And if she'll never forget the Zetithian who made her heart happy, well, it's not like he hasn't a string of lovers in the galaxy. She knows he'd never want her for life. She's too plain, too provincial, too...Lucy...to ever hold onto the man she so quickly and irrevocably fell in love with.

~*~

There are some books that just aren't good fits for me, and this one is one of them. I didn't have a problem with it being the eighth book in an existing series. It read fine as a stand-alone. Unfortunately, little else in the book appealed, despite me sort of liking the Zetithian backstory and enjoying the external plot threads in the second half of the book.

The biggest problem I had with the story was the relationship conflict between Tarq and Lucy. Not only was it something that could have been easily resolved with just a smidgen of honest communication between them, but it was belabored throughout the entire book. Mentioned so often, in fact, that it lent the narrative an overall feeling of repetition and made it hard not to toss my Kindle against the wall.

He loves her, but he thinks he's stupid because he can't read and he's bedded more women than an NBA basketball team (to the nth power). She's all things good and kind and would never want to be his mate. She loves him, but she's plain and ordinary, and could never hold the attention of someone as worldly and experienced as he. He would never want to stay with her. These insecurities are brought up again and again, ad nauseam. And despite the loving actions of both towards each other, neither finds the stones to even broach the subject with the other. This is not my idea of scintillating romantic conflict.

It wasn't until the second half of the book that some external conflict elements were introduced and the plot expanded beyond the romance. Some of those elements were quite nice, but I would have appreciated a bit more depth and detail. It served, though, to lessen the constant mentions of Tarq's and Lucy's insecurities, even if it didn't extinguish them completely. I wish it had.

There were other issues I had with the book, but those were comparatively minor when held up against the relationship problems. Still, the dialogue and the character definition were lacking in sophistication. I kept feeling like I was reading about a couple of horny teenagers with the way some of the characters thoughts and actions were represented. The sex was in no way adolescent, though. It was frequent and descriptive. It was also a bit odd for me, in part because of a Zetithian's physiological differences from a human. In part because of some of the descriptive passages.

Thick and long, it curved toward her like a snake about to strike, the scalloped head aimed right at her, orgasmic syrup dripping like venom from the points.

Wow. Yeah. That's...well...more scary than sexy to me, no matter how nice Tarq's snard (yes, that's the Zetithian word for his ejaculate) tastes (like a hot fudge sundae, apparently). And that wasn't the only disturbing thing about his body or his talents. Practically prehensile manly bits are nice in theory, but kind of disturbing in context.

After eight books, I have to assume that Brooks has a wide following, that there are many fans of this series. I wish her nothing but the best for the continued success. After Stud, however, I can't say I'll be along for the ride. This one just wasn't my cup of tea.

Disclosure: An ARC of this book was provided to me by Sourcebooks Casablanca publisher Sourcebooks via NetGalley. This rating, review, and all included thoughts and comments are my own.

~*~*~*~
Reviewed for One Good Book Deserves Another.

[BookAddict ✒ La Crimson Femme · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to come. I'm still putting my thoughts together. This one, I wasn't sure I'd like more than the others. I can say it was much meatier. After the beginning which I was kind of bored with, it became much better. I read the acknowledgements and the lightbulb went off in my head. Now I know why this one appealed to me better than the others.

Updated Review

Tarq is a man in the wrong time. He can survive in the wild but in civilization, his strengths do not help him. I can't imagine what life would be like, being unable to read. In this day and age, with the necessity of literacy to get around, I can't fathom how well Tarq has survived. Tarq is a "stud" in a non flattering way. Basically, he spends his life squirting sperm into women who pay him to have a night of passionate sex. If they get pregnant, even better, more population for his dying race. He has over 500 children.

I enjoyed the first couple of books in this series, but after a while, they started to lose my interest. The stories were mostly fluff and filled with alien sex. Amazing tasty sex, but they were missing substance. In this latest one, I'm wooed back to the series. The conflict was more realistic for me. Alien haters who try to wipe out innocent aliens was pretty good as the main plot. The world in this book felt meatier as the band of persecuted refugees tried to make it through dangerous terrain. I'm a big fan of survival stories so this was right up my alley. The attention to detail on how basic weaponry was created impressed me. Instead of glossing over how a tool came to be, Ms. Brooks demonstrated and showed how tools were created. This is a departure from her previous books.

The relationship between Tarq and Lucinda grew in a realistic way for me. The fears and doubt each held for the other was rather sad yet believable. Both characters pulled me into the story line more. While they could have easily overcome their fears with open communication, in real life, how many people are this open? Very few, is what I've learned. I was rooting for the two of them coming together. It was nice to see two non perfect characters with complimentary strengths pair up. I love this type of relationship romance story. I recommend this futuristic fantasy romance story to those who enjoy a regular guy stepping up to become a hero. If you enjoy smexy hot sex, this book is also for you.

*ARC from http://www.netgalley.com/*

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read everything except book 7 in this series and I have to say that I find it ridiculously fun. These are the books you pick up when you're having a so-so day and they end up making you smile. What's not to like here? You get a race of feline aliens who are so good at wooing the ladies that their entire planet was destroyed in a fit of jealousy. Did you read that last sentence? They're so good at boning that the ladies are never left unsatisfied. WIN!

Tarq's belief that he's less than everyone around him and is only good at making babies - and sexin' up the ladies to make the babies - because he can't read, was sad. He's learned to work around this disability - color coding his belongings, flirting with women so they'd help him - but it's shaped his life in so many ways. He truly believes that the only thing he's good for is stud duty. Even when he's in the wilderness surviving off the land and making bows out of tree branches to protect his group, he's humble. It made him so terribly sweet.

Lucy suffers from the same self-esteem issues as Tarq for entirely different reasons. She looks at him and can't imagine what he could ever see in plain-Jane Lucy. She's entirely resigned to loving him and then giving him up because she can't imagine anyone as beautiful and worldly as he is would want to settle down with someone like her. Between the two of them, their issues and lack of self-esteem cause more problems than anything.

While the resolution of Tarq and Lucy admitting their feelings for one another sort of popped up without much warning, I loved seeing Tarq blossom in his role as a leader in the wilds. While he was never truly comfortable with everyone relying on him, he did it very well. Lucy, also, came into her own once she escaped the stifling confines of her family. All in all, I'd have to say that this was a fun romp with one very sexy alien who likes to give his ladies pleasure like no other. I approve.

-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Forgot to review right after reading so its been well over a week and a couple more books later. I'm sorry but here it goes.

From what I remember it was a good story. The male zentithain has a disability where he is unable to read but has other skills but because of his reading difficulties he's always thought less of himself. Convinced himself he was only good for one thing...his body and spreading the Zentithain seed. (but seriously after over 500 children I think he has that covered if not overdoing it)

Then you have the female lead who is basically the caretaker for her family under her fathers thumb. She believes she not good enough for anything and noone loves her. So her solution is to get impregnated by the traveling zethithan run away and have his three babies (oh yea zetithan births happen in threes) to love her.

So that's the plot two people who do the deed, get with seed and think they are not good enough for each other. On top of that they get driving into the wild terrain meet up with a buncha other refugee aliens and have a very eventful trip through the mountains.

[TINNGG · Rating 4 out of 5]

Earlier editions in this series seemed to focus on weird and unusual sex. This one, the relationship was the main focus. Two characters with low self esteem - the H because of a learning disability (Zetithians can be dyslexic? Interesting), the h because her father has browbeaten her into thinking the best she can hope for is to take advantage of the H's stud services and run away. Fortunately for both of them, she's his mate, so he gets to spend the rest of the book attempting to convince her of that. Add some disreputable men who are specist, a man from a species where women often have two husbands, a few pterodactyl-like beasties, plus the usual cast of aliens (but no Jack, thank you.), and he has his work cut out for him.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

These books are very enjoyable but I gave it four stars because it did drag in a few spots but other than that I really like them

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fangs, Wands and Fairy Dust is where to find the original review: http://fangswandsandfairydust.blogspo...



This is the third or fourth book in this series that I have read. I have not read them in order, but I haven't felt like I was missing some esoteric back story. There is less emphasis on describing the genitalia of Zetithian's and their magical double-jointed, ecstasy secreting penises and a little more emphasis on the ecstatic orgasms the secretion induces. To add to the Zetithian mystique they are feline in grace and beauty and have feline eyes.

Still, the plot had a lot of similarity with the first book in the series, and both could be classified as epic quest novels. At over 400 pages this is a little longer than an average erotic novel which is part of what makes it epic. The quest part comes in traveling under conditions with varying amounts of difficulty and danger, in search of something or with another goal.Sometimes the goal changes in the middle of the quest.

Characters include the mean parent, helpful co-worker or caretaker, hero, a brave but inexperienced heroine on the lam, villains, and an assortment of Non-Terrans with various skills that make up the entourage needed to succeed at the quest.

The trope that makes it erotic romance is the out of wedlock pregnancy with the hero trying to do right by the woman. Because they are originally just having a relationship so she can get pregnant and so he can help propagate his species, when they do end up on the quest together they are afraid to share their real feelings for each other even though they are going at it like rabbits. While I find that particular theme tired, the couple tortured by their unspoken emotions, Tarq and Lucy are great together.
Brooks also implies that Lucy considers herself "plain." This is another trope—the plain girl chosen by the handsome stud who can't get enough of her. This is one way to sell books, especially to women who consider themselves plain and who wish for a man like Tarq to uncover their worth.

Brooks uses these tropes to her advantage as a device to keep the couple in each other's arms and with the Zetitian genitalia the sex is loving and inventive. The more serious theme is that we each have talents and that the true heroes often take the least credit. All in all a light and enjoyable read even if the anatomies of the Non-Terrans, including Tarq, are a bit silly.

If I wanted to try my own weird humor I could say this is for women who wish their cats were actually men, or who their men were more like their cats, or who say, "The more I know men the more I like my cat."

[Wyrdness · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF.

I like the idea but found this sci-fi erotica rather dragging after a surprisingly short amount of time. Way too much "s/he could never love me because..." going on for my tastes. I never get why romance characters don't just lay it out on the table straight away, because at least the potential for rejection is done with then and they can go on with their lives instead of having it endlessly hanging over them ruining any happiness they could have. I skipped to the end to see if things got better, and though I apparently missed some sort of survival-adventure in the middle and an unnecessary love-triangle by doing so, it turns out that this book didn't even have a particularly interesting HEA ending either. The finally confess their love at something like 92% then get married. The end! No epilogue showing them the happy owners of an even mildly successful restaurant, doting on their beloved rugrats or anything.

I was also pretty amazed at how boring the sex scenes were since he was supposed to be the hottest dedicated stud in the known galaxy with some sort of prehensile vibro-penis that tasted like chocolate and semen like whip-cream. Which was actually a huge turn-off for me, not just because I found it bizarre that his nuts supposedly tasted like nuts (and what sort? a hazlenut in not the same as an almond!), but because I couldn't help but think "I bet that'd be hugely disappointing for women who don't have a sweet tooth". I guess he was only a mega stud for those women who apparently have orgasmic convulsions at the mere whiff of a galaxy bar.

[Lady Lioness · Rating 3 out of 5]

Since the book is not coming out until February 2012, I won't write anything in depth, but I will say that if you have strong feelings towards Brooks' Cat Star series, negative or positive, Stud will not change your mind. I definitely don't recommend picking this up unless you've read the first book, Slave, and book six, Hero. Characters from book seven, Virgin, make a very, very minor appearance and none of the other past couples show up. A side note, Hero remains my favorite book in this series, thanks to the unique (for these books) heroine.

[Jacqueline J · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favorites of this series. The plot was fairly tightly focused on the relationship between the hero and the heroine. There wasn't a lot of the over arcing story here which suited me. I don't mind an over arcing story but I like ones where that element doesn't take over. I liked the hero who thought he was nothing much and I liked the heroine too but felt her motivation wasn't as strong. By the time she was 30 she should have been strong enough not to be under her father's thumb since he really didn't treat her that badly.

I like the on the road survival trope and that was pretty well done here, although maybe not up to Andre Norton standards. :-) I did feel like the conflict centering around each of them feeling unworthy and scared to tell each other they loved each other went on a bit too long. Minor point though.

I enjoyed it.

[Ruth Hambley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific continuation of the Cat Star Chronicles. Well written and truly enjoyable to read. I can't wait to read the next instalment. If you enjoy reading futuristic sci-fi romance with a twist then you will love this series. I missed visiting the old characters especially Jack.

[Laini · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite in the series so far.

Tarq meets Lucy on his mission to impregnate women and save his race. Tarq secretly has low self esteem and Lucy is being treated very poorly by her family.

Both feel there is nothing special about them. So how could someone else love them? While this trope worked initially, after a while the reasons for each not to admit to the other that they were in love... It all began to feel forced just so the story could keep going.

I feel like they could have admitted sooner or something to help this.

Besides that, I enjoyed this story a lot. Tarq is chivalrous and kind and Lucy is inexperienced and innocent. They matched each other very well and the sex scenes were very tasteful and emotional. Not too much over the top stuff like the rest of books. Maybe because Lucy had been a virgin.

By the time the ending came it felt long overdue. I struggled to feel the teary relief because they had each shown in a thousand different little ways to each other how much love they felt. So much so that it seemed almost unreal that they couldn't realize it sooner.

Still, Tarq is a favorite now. Very protective, loving, giving and eager to please.

[Angelena · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked the plot of this book, but the character thinking and wanting the same thing while neither say anythung got really old really fast. The relationship wasn't actually confirmed until the very end of the book.

[Shawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

First time reading this author. I liked the characters, but the constant thoughts of the main characters caused the story to drag. Just tell him/her how you feel! After all the unnecessary emotional drama, the ending felt rushed.

[LaRosa Hjort · Rating 5 out of 5]

A man who thinks he's only good for sex, and a woman who feels trapped by her family; A dangerous, thrilling, and romantic tale blooms here, but is it enough to draw them together? Find out in this wonderful tale!

[Pétala Stter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Um dia meus preferidos sem sombra de dúvidas eu AMEI principalmente o fato de que a FMC não era uma garota bonita mas ela era linda nos olhos de stud e eu achei isso perfeito adoro quando a FMC é uma pessoa simples mas nos olhos do MMC ela é a criatura mais linda do mundo

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Story

Loved the characters and all the twists and turns the story took before reaching the HEA ending. Would highly recommend.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

My personal favorite sort of romance, where both are in love and too chicken to admit it until the last minute. It's cute. Good entertainment.

[more than kin less than kind · Rating 2 out of 5]

??????

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had originally started reading another book when I picked up Stud. After I started this book, I knew that I wouldn't be able to read anything else until I had finished this book!

It started out with Tarq sitting in a restaurant and and smelling Lucy's scent. From that instant I knew I was in for a good book. There was an instant attraction between Lucy and Tarq. When she asked him what he would like to eat he said "A full order of you." It turns out that Tarq can't read, and he thinks that he is only good for being paid to have sex with other women and getting them pregnant. Tarq has never viewed himself as smart, he always thought of himself as dumb. Tarq escaped from his home place when an asteroid was about to hit his planet. His family along with a lot of other Zetithians died, and there was a shortage in their species. Because of this Tarq decided to go into business of sleeping with women and impregnating them in order to bring back his species.

When he meets Lucy he instantly wants her. Her scent drives him crazy! Lucy is a hard worker, who has been taken for granted all of her life by her family. She works at her father's restaurant and gets paid nothing but lowly tips. I love Lucy's character she is hard working, kind, caring, and she makes the best out of every situation. Lucy has always viewed herself as not being pretty. She thinks that she will never have anyone to spend the rest of her life with until Tarq shows up in her father's restaurant and asks her to call him. Tarq has never asked someone to call him let alone not charge them for his services. Tarq end up sneaking into her father's house and they end up sleeping together. Lucy has never had sex before so this was all very overwhelming to her. She finally ends up getting pregnant and decides to run away from home to Natasha's house.

Lucy thinks she will never be able to hang on to someone like Tarq, after all he is gorgeous and rich stud. Tarq and Lucy both have many insecurities and they complement each other so well! She is weak were he is strong, and he is strong where she is weak. They try to say good-bye to each other many times during this story but always wind up back together. When they end up having to travel through the forest to get to the other side of the mountain they run into Natasha (Lucy's best friend) and her husband. All of the non-human species have been run out of their homes. Lucy and Tarq both keep their feelings to themselves when they really both love each other. When they arrive to the cave Tarq announces that Lucy is "his" mate because he senses that Vertigo is interested in Lucy. Vertigo comes from a species where women can have two mates. Tarq doesn't like it very well, but in the back of his mind he thinks that Vertigo is better suited for Lucy than he is.

They end up staying in a cave for a while and then decide to follow Tarq through the forest because he knows the way. He had a vision of the way to get out. Through this wild ride Lucy and Tarq realize that they both love each other and can't live without each other. At the end Lucy rejects Vertigo's offer to be her second mate. Then Tarq and Lucy reveal their feelings to each other FINALLY.

This whole story had me burning to get to the end. I waned to literally make them tell each other how one another felt! I loved this story, it kept me on the edge of my seat. There are a lot of hot sex scenes! Make sure you are ready to feel hot and bothered because when you read this book you will be. I love the characters! Lucy and Tarq were absolutely made for each other. It was a definite pleasure to read this story and I look forward to reading the rest of this series.

ARC provided by NetGalley

[The_Book_Queen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The review that follows is a partial review. To read my full review, please visit:
http://tbqspersonalbookpalace.blogspo...
~*~*~
For years, I've heard great things about the Cat Star Chronicles. I put the first few book on my list and I was going to read them right away. But life happened, like always, and the books are still sitting on my wish list. After having the opportunity to read the newest release in this series, Stud, for review, I'm thinking that it is probably best that the books are still on my wish list...




Stud centers around Tarq, the Zetithian who is trying to repopulate his species by hiring himself out as, you guessed it, a stud, to any woman in the galaxy who can successfully carry his young. He knows all there is to know about working in the bedroom, and he believes that this is the only job suitable for him—the only one he is capable of, as he sees himself as being “stupid”, when in fact he simple has a learning disorder that has prevented him from learning how to read. But all his skills in the bedroom can't prepare him for the troubles he will come across with Lucy, a waitress in a small restaurant he visits while on a job.



Lucy has been stuck under her father's thumb all her life, with little to no experience with the real world. She works for him (for free), she does all the housework, and takes care of her mother and younger sister, both of whom are “unable” to do any hard work (aka, lazy). She's a grown woman, and yet she has about as much control over her own life as a small child. But when Tarq sits down at her table, she's finally tempted to throw off her father's shackles and do something very reckless—like beg Tarq to impregnate her so she can finally know what it is like to be loved. She's got everything figured out: after the deed is done, she will sneak out of town during the night and travel to the next town, where a friend of hers lives. She never thought that Tarq would follow her—or that he would pretend that he cares. But is he pretending...?



Upon reaching the town (after sharing a speeder with Tarq for a few days...and nights) she discovers that Natasha's home and farm have been burned to the ground, with no one in sight. Meanwhile, Tarq, who continued on by request of Lucy, is hassled by a few locals who hate all aliens and want them out of their city—and Tarq is their least favorite, as they see him as nothing but a nasty man whore coming to steal all their women. The men beat Tarq up and take his speeder (which has everything in it, from basic necessities to money). Lucy comes to his rescue, but while she manages to carry our some revenge on the few men who stayed behind, another man took off with all their supplies. Now stranded in the middle of no where, the only place they can run to is the Eradic mountains. Once there, they encounter various beasts that wish to kill them...along with a half a dozen people, including Natasha and her husband, hiding away in a cave. Tarq says that he knows the way out of the mountains—and off the planet—but can he lead the group there safely? And once they arrive to the city, can he convince Lucy that she should stay with him and be his mate—for life?

....
~*~*~
This review is property of The_Book_Queen (TBQ's Book Palace)

[Morgan Wyatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stud is the eighth book in the Cat Star Chronicles by Cheryl Brooks. Cat Star books have gathered a loyal following because of the exotic worlds, engaging characters, danger, and sultry storylines. Imagine a planet where the men are not only beautiful, but they also make their mates exceedingly happy. The men have just a touch of the feline. They even purr when romantically content. They are the talk of the galaxy when it comes to the females. The men from the neighboring planets are less enthusiastic. One jealous male blows up the planet leaving only a handful of refugees to wander the galaxy. Stud is the tale of one of these refugees.

The joy of running a successful brothel with two fellow refugees is beginning to pall for Tarq. Women wait up to a year, and spend 1000 credits, just for his services. This leaves him feeling like a dumb stud. If that is all he has to offer, he might as well explore the galaxy while offering his services as a stud to willing women to help propagate his species.

Lucinda Force never expects a life outside of working in her father’s café or taking care of her mother. Then he walks into the restaurant all gorgeous male attracting every female eye in the place. He sits at her table, and talks to her, and even flirts. She doesn’t know how to react when he asks to meet her after work. Lucy never expected anything from life, certainly nothing like Tarq.

Tarq understands his home planet was destroyed because of one jealous, but amazingly wealthy man. He shouldn’t be surprised that his appearance on Lucy’s world ruffles some male feathers, especially when he is advertising to impregnate any willing female. He feels it is the least he can do since it seems to be his only skill. That was his plan until he met Lucy.

The story really moves, especially with the menace of a xenophobic gang that is terrorizing all non-natives, including Tarq. Lucy is a plucky heroine who shows amazing tenacity in going after what she wants and fighting for justice.

Stud is a must read for Cheryl Brook fans, Cat Star Chronicles fans, sci-fi erotica fans, and folks that simply enjoy a steamy romance.

[Michelle Greathouse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stud is the eighth book in the Cat Star Chronicles by Cheryl Brooks and a Paranormal Romance from SourceBooks Casablanca.

Book Blurb:

They’re galaxies apart...

Even for a Zetithian, Tarq Zulveidione’s sexual prowess is legendary. Believing it’s all he’s good for, Tarq sets out to perpetuate his threatened species by offering his services to women across the galaxy...

But one force can bring them together...

Loucinda Force is the sensitive dark horse in a self-absorbed family, repeatedly told that no man will ever want such a plain woman. Lucy longs for romance, but is resigned to her loveless lot in life - until Tarq walks through the door of her father’s restaurant on Talus Five...

My thoughts:

Tarq is part owner in the wildly popular Zetithian brothel on Rhylos - his services have made him a very rich man. He is one of only a small number of Zetithian’s to escape the destruction of their home world.

Hoping to help re-populate his species, Tarq has fathered more than 500 children with various women - leaving the children to be raised by their mother and surrogate father.

Tarq has arrived on Talus Five and he is offering his services free of charge to those women who are willing to have his children - which more often than not, come in three’s.

Loucinda Force has given up on any type of relationship with a man. Those few young men who were interested in her in school gave up after meeting her overbearing father.

She spends her days working at her father’s restaurant and her evenings taking care of her hypochondriac mother. But when she sees Tarq, she devises a plan. A plan that may finally give her what she’s always desired.

Children of her own. And freedom.

The Cat Star Chronicles is a very tongue in cheek, over the top series that focuses on the sexy Zetithian. I love it.

I give Stud 4 out of 5 stars.


Product Details
Mass Market Paperback: 416 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (2-7-12)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1402251688
ISBN-13: 978-1402251689

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 8th book in a series about an alien race from the now destroyed planet Zetith. The surviving Zetithian men have a feline gene that makes them unbelievably good-looking, strong, and when it comes to sex they are unmatched by any other males in the universe (we will get to why in a bit). In true PNR fashion, each book is a stand-alone story about one couple. The author does a great job of catching the reader up on any world building so I never felt lost or like I might have missed something by not reading the previous books.

This story is about Tarq, a Zetithian, and a human named Lucy whose family lives on the planet Talus Five. This story could be called Sci-Fi, but in a very lose sense. It is a romance first and foremost and definitely leans in the erotic direction. The plot is a tried and true one in PNR. Our couple has come to a business agreement and both are using it as an excuse to be around the other... all the while pining over each other but thinking the other is just staying around because of their deal. Normally this type of PNR storyline does nothing for me, but Tarq and Lucy are just so darned likeable! They are both truly good people with real life vulnerabilities that are endearing and do the right thing despite how others treat them.

Tarq travels from world to world offering to impregnate women. Since his race was practically wiped out he is doing his part in helping re-establish it and he is very good at what he does. Unfortunately he thinks this is the only thing is good for because...
read the rest of my review: http://www.loveromancepassion.com/rev...

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a guilty pleasure series for me, as well as for many other readers. I mean, seriously, men with magical penises that cause instant orgasms with little effort, which apparently taste like whipped cream? You wouldn't think, with a premise like that, that the books would stand up at all.

But I loved this entry. I love that Brooks's heroes are competent in all the ways that matter. I liked Tarq's vulnerability, and understood Lucy's insecurities. It was great watching them come to their own. I was rooting for them from the start, and might have sniffed a little when they got their HEA.

Also, I love how Brooks's writing has improved. In the early books, there wasn't much of a way to distinguish her characters. And I recall having thoughts, especially in the second book, along the lines of, "Of course Leo would throw his lot in with Tisana. He'd be an idiot not to. Love has nothing to do with it." So I never quite bought that pairing. But I loved Tarq and Lucy, and Dax and Ava. And, even better, there weren't millions of characters from previous books making appearances and bogging the story down the way they did in Fugitive.

So, bring on the ninth book, Ms. Brooks. I can't wait to see how you end this series!

[Erin Kyle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really, really like this book. This is only the second book I've read in the Cat Star Chronicles (for some reason, most of the stories haven't struck my fancy...), and I understood this story just fine -- it definitely can be read as a stand-alone novel. I had no problems whatsoever with the world or characters.

I do have two critiques, though, despite how much I thoroughly enjoy the story (And let's be honest, if I ONLY have two critiques, that's gotta be a good sign, right??)
1. The awful dance of "I know I love you, but I'm going to be reeeeeally thick-headed and misconstrue every possible sign telling me that you feel the same way" continues for a very long time.
2. The beginning and end moved fairly quickly (nicely paced. Very natural.) but the middle was pretty drawn out IMO. Certainly, parts of it were very good and very interesting, but about halfway through the PLOT, I'd expected to be more than halfway through the PAGES...if that makes sense.

But I reserve the majority of my opinion for how much I enjoyed reading this. Of the two CSC books I've read (6 & 8), I enjoyed #6 better, but Stud was certainly no slouch, either. Definitely good.