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Galactic Alliance #3
Voodoo 'n' Vice
Book three of The Galactic Alliance
After nearly causing a galactic incident, fleet captain Gideon Arcturus is disgraced, demoted and exiled with nothing to do but pass the time at a seedy club on seedier planet Elora Ki. It's no place for a straight-laced soldier, but following the rules is what got him there in the first place. When he meets a mesmerizing fire dancer, he'd do anything to get close to the flame.
Tai doesn't date customers--it's far too dangerous for a man who was once for sale. But the shy, awkward Gideon entices him, and the two spend Gideon's leave tangled together, neither knowing the passion that stirs within them won't soon subside.
When a violent drug lord forces Tai back into slavery, Tai has no choice but to give up his new love. But when Gideon learns that Tai's fate lies with those who brought about his own ruin, he'll need to revisit his own difficult past in order to save them both.
Look for Spice 'n' Solace and Alien 'n' Outlaw, the first two books in The Galactic Alliance, available now!
71,000 words
After nearly causing a galactic incident, fleet captain Gideon Arcturus is disgraced, demoted and exiled with nothing to do but pass the time at a seedy club on seedier planet Elora Ki. It's no place for a straight-laced soldier, but following the rules is what got him there in the first place. When he meets a mesmerizing fire dancer, he'd do anything to get close to the flame.
Tai doesn't date customers--it's far too dangerous for a man who was once for sale. But the shy, awkward Gideon entices him, and the two spend Gideon's leave tangled together, neither knowing the passion that stirs within them won't soon subside.
When a violent drug lord forces Tai back into slavery, Tai has no choice but to give up his new love. But when Gideon learns that Tai's fate lies with those who brought about his own ruin, he'll need to revisit his own difficult past in order to save them both.
Look for Spice 'n' Solace and Alien 'n' Outlaw, the first two books in The Galactic Alliance, available now!
71,000 words
ebook
First published May 27, 2014
12 people are currently reading
198 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
July 30, 2016
This was the 3rd book in the series using the Galactic Alliance as the anchor between the 3 books.
This book featured Gideon who appeared briefly in book 2 and a fire dancer called Tai.
Given 4 days unplanned leave Gideon finds himself in a local club and becomes entranced with one of the dancers.
They end up spending all the 4 days together and when Gideon goes back to work, he misses Tai and calls into the club only to discover that Tai has been sent to a party to act as the entertainment.
There is also a back story here about an illegal drug called Flare and the Alliances attempts to catch the head of the Cartel.
I enjoyed this book. I liked the relationship between Tai and Gideon and the back story was good as well. I think this is the last in the series which is a shame as I would love to find out what happens to Del after he gets out of rehab.
This book featured Gideon who appeared briefly in book 2 and a fire dancer called Tai.
Given 4 days unplanned leave Gideon finds himself in a local club and becomes entranced with one of the dancers.
They end up spending all the 4 days together and when Gideon goes back to work, he misses Tai and calls into the club only to discover that Tai has been sent to a party to act as the entertainment.
There is also a back story here about an illegal drug called Flare and the Alliances attempts to catch the head of the Cartel.
I enjoyed this book. I liked the relationship between Tai and Gideon and the back story was good as well. I think this is the last in the series which is a shame as I would love to find out what happens to Del after he gets out of rehab.
October 23, 2019
I really enjoy this quirky series and the aliens the author has created. Gideon who isn't entirely likable in the beginning of this book really grows and by the end I was truly rooting for him. Tai is an interesting character with a great backstory that I wish we got a bit more depth on. We also get to see the characters from the previous book which is always fun. A quick, fun and easy read. I wish there was more in this series - I would have loved to see a book about Del and his recovery and his connection to Sven.
July 1, 2021
I enjoyed the series. You don't need to read the books in order, but I think it's better if you do. Characters from the first two books are in this book.
One of the things that I've enjoyed about this book and series is the character development. Gideon has been exiled to Elora Ki. After an incident from book two, he is demoted. While he is on leave, he meets Tai. Both have pasts that they don't want to talk about. Their relationship is only supposed to be short term, but it grows into something more.
One of the things that I've enjoyed about this book and series is the character development. Gideon has been exiled to Elora Ki. After an incident from book two, he is demoted. While he is on leave, he meets Tai. Both have pasts that they don't want to talk about. Their relationship is only supposed to be short term, but it grows into something more.
May 14, 2014
Believe it or not, I think there may have been just a little bit to much sex for my tastes. Don't get me wrong, it was hot sex, but it was a lot, and sometimes got in the way of plot development.
Even so, it was an enjoyable take with two tortured protagonists, some action, a bit of intrigue, and lots of hot man on man action.
There was a little too much self hatred on the part of Kai for my tastes but given his background that was understandable.
I also liked that you didn't have to be familiar with the series to follow along though obviously that would make your enjoyment of the overall story arc a little more satisfying.
Overall a very pleasant way to spend the day. 4/5, full review to follow.
Even so, it was an enjoyable take with two tortured protagonists, some action, a bit of intrigue, and lots of hot man on man action.
There was a little too much self hatred on the part of Kai for my tastes but given his background that was understandable.
I also liked that you didn't have to be familiar with the series to follow along though obviously that would make your enjoyment of the overall story arc a little more satisfying.
Overall a very pleasant way to spend the day. 4/5, full review to follow.
January 13, 2015
This book definitely suffered from too much sex and not enough story in my opinion. It was as if neither of these boys could function without thinking about sex every second.
On the other hand though I really did like the descriptions of the fire dancing scenes. I don't normally like dance described in book only because my imagination apparently absolutely sucks, but this was done in a way that the feelings Tai evoked were described in detail and the actions and performance was almost secondary. Really like those parts.
Sorry wouldn't actually recommend this one. Read the first book in the series and maybe the second, but the third one just seems like a filler or a way to try and extend the life of this universe. Though interesting the world didn't need another story I didn't think.
On the other hand though I really did like the descriptions of the fire dancing scenes. I don't normally like dance described in book only because my imagination apparently absolutely sucks, but this was done in a way that the feelings Tai evoked were described in detail and the actions and performance was almost secondary. Really like those parts.
Sorry wouldn't actually recommend this one. Read the first book in the series and maybe the second, but the third one just seems like a filler or a way to try and extend the life of this universe. Though interesting the world didn't need another story I didn't think.
June 5, 2014
An entertaining interspecies romance that doesn't quite charm as much as the earlier stories.
The Galactic Alliance romances are all standalone stories. It still may be better to read in sequence as there are some references to the previous stories.
Hot sex is a clear focus in this series but there is enough of a story to keep me entertained. For this book, the sex focus was a bit heavier and the story suffered as a result.
I didn't find Gideon and Tai very interesting as a couple but I did enjoy the overall storyline.
Good but not one of my favourites of this series.
The Galactic Alliance romances are all standalone stories. It still may be better to read in sequence as there are some references to the previous stories.
Hot sex is a clear focus in this series but there is enough of a story to keep me entertained. For this book, the sex focus was a bit heavier and the story suffered as a result.
I didn't find Gideon and Tai very interesting as a couple but I did enjoy the overall storyline.
Good but not one of my favourites of this series.
June 29, 2016
Loved this series. I want more. Here the disgraced Captain learns a thing or two - and has hot sex on the journey. I enjoyed learning more and this was a bit heartwarming - showing how things can change for the better.
December 29, 2014
At the beginning of this book, I almost decided that it wasn't for me and put it down. I am so glad I decided to give it another shot.
The reason I almost put it down wasn't because of the romance -- good tension between two easy to relate to, well-rounded heroes and expert weaving of sex scenes to forward the plot and characterization. It wasn't because of the writing -- smooth, with vivid descriptions and just the right amount of back story to fill me in without bogging down the action. It wasn't because of the world building -- so real and vivid I wish I could visit more of this world -- or the fast-paced plot. Maybe I was just in a bad mood for a couple days straight, but until Gideon had finished his leave, I wasn't as excited by the plot as I should have been.
But once he did get back to his job, boy did my interest ever pick up fast. I devoured this book, loving the world this author created and the humor woven to disperse darker moments. The secondary characters were real, rounded men that made me eager to read their stories (out, or forthcoming). The ending wraps up all loose ends nicely.
If I had one complaint, it would be to see more women in this world. The cast, main and secondary, is almost exclusively male (barring one female emergency responder). Women, I'm sure, live on Elora Ki too and I'd love to see them feature more in the background of the books, if (seeing as the author focuses on writing gay romance) not as stars in their own books. I was also a little disappointed that, although being openly gay isn't an issue and, in fact, embraced on Elora Ki, it is still a dirty secret at the heart of the alliance. So far-flung a future and the LGBTQIA community still has to deal with the same soul-crushing alienation we do today? It's a squandered opportunity to show how we could thrive in an environment of equality, how in fact we deserve one.
That being said, I loved the inclusion of POC characters in this book and enjoyed it enough to search for the others in the series. A good read!
The reason I almost put it down wasn't because of the romance -- good tension between two easy to relate to, well-rounded heroes and expert weaving of sex scenes to forward the plot and characterization. It wasn't because of the writing -- smooth, with vivid descriptions and just the right amount of back story to fill me in without bogging down the action. It wasn't because of the world building -- so real and vivid I wish I could visit more of this world -- or the fast-paced plot. Maybe I was just in a bad mood for a couple days straight, but until Gideon had finished his leave, I wasn't as excited by the plot as I should have been.
But once he did get back to his job, boy did my interest ever pick up fast. I devoured this book, loving the world this author created and the humor woven to disperse darker moments. The secondary characters were real, rounded men that made me eager to read their stories (out, or forthcoming). The ending wraps up all loose ends nicely.
If I had one complaint, it would be to see more women in this world. The cast, main and secondary, is almost exclusively male (barring one female emergency responder). Women, I'm sure, live on Elora Ki too and I'd love to see them feature more in the background of the books, if (seeing as the author focuses on writing gay romance) not as stars in their own books. I was also a little disappointed that, although being openly gay isn't an issue and, in fact, embraced on Elora Ki, it is still a dirty secret at the heart of the alliance. So far-flung a future and the LGBTQIA community still has to deal with the same soul-crushing alienation we do today? It's a squandered opportunity to show how we could thrive in an environment of equality, how in fact we deserve one.
That being said, I loved the inclusion of POC characters in this book and enjoyed it enough to search for the others in the series. A good read!
September 1, 2014
Very good read. More in depth than the previous two in the series and stronger character development. I enjoyed getting to know Captain Gideon 'Trick' Arcturus better and the reasons he was such an officious prig to Darien in Alien 'n' Outlaw. I really enjoyed his creases getting crumpled. Tai was beautifully and lovingly portrayed here. His dancing left me breathless.
We see more sci-fi elements here and an up close and personal look at the illegal drug Flare, why Gideon hates it, the damage it causes and how the king pin Tony Almeda distributes it through the Alliance.
We get a short visit from Darien and R'Kos along with more Sven as well as being introduced to Delancey as Tai's best friend and Gideon's brother Kincaid, which leaves more characters that need Happily Ever Afters.
December 15, 2014
I really enjoyed the 2 previous books in the series but I didn't connect with this one at all.
October 1, 2017
4/5
Way better than I'd expected. I wish I had read book in series order. It took a bit to catch up and understand what was going on. Mostly I'm a bit bummed it kinda ruined the prior book as several pieces of info were shared in this one. I'm also a little bummed at how a fairly good book can truly shame the crap I sometimes read. Nothing like something that's written well to remind me how many books I read are written in haste.
Oh well!
This was a fun sci-fi romance. I heart Tai and think Gideon makes a sweet companion for him.
Way better than I'd expected. I wish I had read book in series order. It took a bit to catch up and understand what was going on. Mostly I'm a bit bummed it kinda ruined the prior book as several pieces of info were shared in this one. I'm also a little bummed at how a fairly good book can truly shame the crap I sometimes read. Nothing like something that's written well to remind me how many books I read are written in haste.
Oh well!
This was a fun sci-fi romance. I heart Tai and think Gideon makes a sweet companion for him.
May 12, 2018
Rating: 2.5 stars
My least favorite of the series by far. After the events of the previous book, I was afraid that I wouldn’t like Gideon and that ended up being the case. I had hopes that the author would find a way to make him more likable, but alas I never warmed up to him. I liked Tai okay, but even he seemed like a lukewarm character to me.
The story itself bored me. There was a lot going on but nothing that really kept my interest. After the previous story, I had hopes for this one, but ultimately it wasn’t that good.
My least favorite of the series by far. After the events of the previous book, I was afraid that I wouldn’t like Gideon and that ended up being the case. I had hopes that the author would find a way to make him more likable, but alas I never warmed up to him. I liked Tai okay, but even he seemed like a lukewarm character to me.
The story itself bored me. There was a lot going on but nothing that really kept my interest. After the previous story, I had hopes for this one, but ultimately it wasn’t that good.
July 17, 2020
Personally I liked it a little better than the other books in the series. I just loved Gideon's arch. I have a thing for uptight, insecure assholes who learn to let their hair down. And Tai is just sweet and very understandable, as in, while his reactions where a little extreme sometimes they very much make sense from the perspective of his background.
Also, while the stakes where lower, this time around, to me they felt a lot more personal since both of them are separated through it, each fighting their own battle. Certainly kept me reading until stupid hours of the night.
Also, while the stakes where lower, this time around, to me they felt a lot more personal since both of them are separated through it, each fighting their own battle. Certainly kept me reading until stupid hours of the night.
May 22, 2018
M/M pseudo science fiction story that takes place on an alien planet and involves a straight-laced, disgraced captain and an alien exotic dancer. The basic premise of the story was okay, but the interaction between Gideon and his father was so superficial it added little to the reader’s understanding of the characters’ motivations. I probably should have only given it two stars.
July 2, 2019
Gideon wasn't a very likable character when he was introduced in the previous book. I'm glad he got his own story, it was interesting to see his point of view and motivations.
Tai was great and I liked how his fire dancing skills were portrayed, it was possible to feel the drums and emotions he elicited with his dance.
Tai was great and I liked how his fire dancing skills were portrayed, it was possible to feel the drums and emotions he elicited with his dance.
October 15, 2017
This was an okay addition to the Galactic Alliance series but it felt like something was missing. Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy it as much as the previous books in this series.
July 22, 2014
I’ve enjoyed every book in this series and this was no exception. I really, severely, disliked Gideon in the previous book and was dreading reading this one as I wasn’t sure how Ms. Burn was going to make him redeemable. I wasn’t sure it was possible, but she definitely did it. By the end of this story I was happy to see Gideon without the stick up his ass and happy with his Tai.
Captain Gideon Arcturus has spent his entire life trying to live up to his father’s expectations of what his son should be. He’s followed orders to the letter and look where it’s gotten him, the ass end of nowhere, reprimanded, and essentially demoted. Sure he didn’t lose his captaincy but now he’s got a boss to report to. To top it off it’s Sven and they were the same year in school. Now Sven’s telling him to take a couple of days off and regroup. A vacation is exactly what Gideon doesn’t know what to do with. Somehow he finds himself at one of the seedy clubs Elora Ki is known for and entranced by the fire dancer within.
Tai is on the run, he barely escaped his home planet and fears the repercussions if anyone ever discovers his past. At least his skills as a fire dancer give him a skill he can use to make some money. The passage to get to Elora Ki was not an easy one and Tai’s determined to get by here without having to sell his body. He’ll dance for his dollars, but he’s not going to be used as a whore. Still once he’s off stage and in his normal clothes most people don’t recognize him as they dancer they’ve been enthralled with. Tai though finds himself drawn to one man sitting at the bar and he’s willing to explore the attraction between them.
This story just worked for me. I liked the development of Gideon. I felt like I finally got him fully fleshed out and understood where his uptightness came from. He had a reason for the stick up his ass even if I’m much happier with him once he pulled it out. He’s always going to be a more structured captain than Sven is, but he’s learning to be comfortable with himself and to understand the way things work in such a backwater outpost like Elora Ki. I enjoyed his draw to Tai and Tai himself was such a sweetheart. :D
I have to admit Sven in this story just makes me more desperate to get his book!!! I loved his by play with Gideon and how willing he was to put himself out there to help. The development of his relationship with Gideon really began to put them on an even footing that the beginnings of a true friendship could develop out of. With these two men in charge things can get quite interesting. :D As commanders of the forces on Elora Ki they balance each other well. I also really enjoyed seeing Gideon patch things up with R’kos and Darien. Their cameo appearance was a nice tie back into the other books.
Still the main focus of this story is the developing relationship between Tai and Gideon which I really enjoyed. I liked that Gideon found himself in a situation he never expected to be in and pulled in to the other man whether he liked it or not. He just couldn’t stay away. Tai was so sweet and had such a good heart with a strong moral backbone. Because this story is about Gideon relaxing his staunch stance in life there is a bit more focus on the sex here. The story is a continuation of some of the undercurrents in the other two books and the drug trade finally does come to a boil here. I didn’t mind the mattress gymnastics because they were hot and entertaining. I didn’t feel like they detracted from the ultimate story either. In order for Gideon to grow as a man, to realize that his father’s expectations were absurd and that he really could be happy where he was at he needed to get away from everything he knew as a day to day reality. Tai upset all of that and being totally immersed in Tai’s world for a few days was exactly the break he needed.
Gideon has lost a lot of things he thought he wanted because his father couldn’t accept his sexuality. It made him angry and bitter, longing to prove his father wrong and get back in his good graces returning to the life he knew. His one mistake cost him dearly. This story is really his learning to accept himself for who he is, to be happy with that and know that it’s plenty good enough. I liked the man Gideon was at the end of this story. He puts aside his preconceived notions in more ways than one. From his attitude towards himself as a gay man to his irrational dislike of any alien species based on his father’s prejudice.
I really enjoyed this story whole great big bunches. Enough action to keep it interesting with fascinating new alien species (go Tai!). I really do hope Ms. Burn continues writing within this world! (Yes I do really really really want Sven’s book!) I’ll keep looking for more to come!
Captain Gideon Arcturus has spent his entire life trying to live up to his father’s expectations of what his son should be. He’s followed orders to the letter and look where it’s gotten him, the ass end of nowhere, reprimanded, and essentially demoted. Sure he didn’t lose his captaincy but now he’s got a boss to report to. To top it off it’s Sven and they were the same year in school. Now Sven’s telling him to take a couple of days off and regroup. A vacation is exactly what Gideon doesn’t know what to do with. Somehow he finds himself at one of the seedy clubs Elora Ki is known for and entranced by the fire dancer within.
Tai is on the run, he barely escaped his home planet and fears the repercussions if anyone ever discovers his past. At least his skills as a fire dancer give him a skill he can use to make some money. The passage to get to Elora Ki was not an easy one and Tai’s determined to get by here without having to sell his body. He’ll dance for his dollars, but he’s not going to be used as a whore. Still once he’s off stage and in his normal clothes most people don’t recognize him as they dancer they’ve been enthralled with. Tai though finds himself drawn to one man sitting at the bar and he’s willing to explore the attraction between them.
This story just worked for me. I liked the development of Gideon. I felt like I finally got him fully fleshed out and understood where his uptightness came from. He had a reason for the stick up his ass even if I’m much happier with him once he pulled it out. He’s always going to be a more structured captain than Sven is, but he’s learning to be comfortable with himself and to understand the way things work in such a backwater outpost like Elora Ki. I enjoyed his draw to Tai and Tai himself was such a sweetheart. :D
I have to admit Sven in this story just makes me more desperate to get his book!!! I loved his by play with Gideon and how willing he was to put himself out there to help. The development of his relationship with Gideon really began to put them on an even footing that the beginnings of a true friendship could develop out of. With these two men in charge things can get quite interesting. :D As commanders of the forces on Elora Ki they balance each other well. I also really enjoyed seeing Gideon patch things up with R’kos and Darien. Their cameo appearance was a nice tie back into the other books.
Still the main focus of this story is the developing relationship between Tai and Gideon which I really enjoyed. I liked that Gideon found himself in a situation he never expected to be in and pulled in to the other man whether he liked it or not. He just couldn’t stay away. Tai was so sweet and had such a good heart with a strong moral backbone. Because this story is about Gideon relaxing his staunch stance in life there is a bit more focus on the sex here. The story is a continuation of some of the undercurrents in the other two books and the drug trade finally does come to a boil here. I didn’t mind the mattress gymnastics because they were hot and entertaining. I didn’t feel like they detracted from the ultimate story either. In order for Gideon to grow as a man, to realize that his father’s expectations were absurd and that he really could be happy where he was at he needed to get away from everything he knew as a day to day reality. Tai upset all of that and being totally immersed in Tai’s world for a few days was exactly the break he needed.
Gideon has lost a lot of things he thought he wanted because his father couldn’t accept his sexuality. It made him angry and bitter, longing to prove his father wrong and get back in his good graces returning to the life he knew. His one mistake cost him dearly. This story is really his learning to accept himself for who he is, to be happy with that and know that it’s plenty good enough. I liked the man Gideon was at the end of this story. He puts aside his preconceived notions in more ways than one. From his attitude towards himself as a gay man to his irrational dislike of any alien species based on his father’s prejudice.
I really enjoyed this story whole great big bunches. Enough action to keep it interesting with fascinating new alien species (go Tai!). I really do hope Ms. Burn continues writing within this world! (Yes I do really really really want Sven’s book!) I’ll keep looking for more to come!
June 11, 2014
3.5 Stars
A "Live Your Life, Buy The Book" Review
If you've been following along with this series than you may remember Captain Gideon Arcturus from book 2, Alien 'n' Outlaw, as the mean and awful fleet commander who arrested Darien and had him almost executed for a crime he truly didn't commit. Well, this book is all about him and a gorgeous fire dancer named Tai.
Gideon has been demoted! He is no longer the head of the Galactic Fleet's interplanetary criminal division and it has him more mad than ever before. His one goal in life is to get back into the good graces of his father and brother and make them proud of him, so he may return to Janus where he was exiled from. Less than a year ago he was set up by someone who didn't want him to get a promotion and it got him stripped of his ranking and sent to Elora Ki. After the huge debacle with Darien and R'Kos, (Book 2) Sven - his new boss has ordered Gideon to take 5 days off for a much needed break, but that's not what he wants to do at all. He has no friends to hang out with because he's always felt that if the people around him couldn't further his career, then he had no use for them. He decides that maybe he'll just go try to find a nice and quite place to get a drink and enters the establishment of Voodoo. Inside Voodoo he watches a magnificent fire show and becomes so aroused he has to get the heck out of there. But, of course, he has to go back the next day because Gideon needs to see the face behind those flames.
Tai has left, or more like fled, his home planet Nedri. He doesn't want to be an escort or a prostitute, so he's taken a job at Voodoo as a fire dancer. He did the fire dance back home as part of rituals, religious festivals and feasts but here on Elora Ki, he dances to have enough credits to survive on. There are a few secrets in his past that he never wants anyone to find out. If anyone found out his secrets, he could be arrested or worse, sent back to Nedri. Usually after his show, he would go straight home but he's decides to watch his best friend/roommates show and hang with him for the evening. While sitting at the bar, wearing too many clothes and a hood to cover himself from customers, he notices a very good looking man at the end of the bar and throws caution to the wind and approaches him. They talk for a bit, have a few drinks and Tai thinks it would be great if maybe him and Gideon could spend the night together but just as he's really putting the moves on Gideon, the guy freaks out and runs from the bar. So much for having a good night.
Gideon's freak out has left him a panicky mess. Ever since what happened to him back home, he hasn't had any kind of physical contact with another person. But he has 4 days left of his mandatory leave and he really wants to spend it with Tai.
After 4 days of dates and incredible sex, it's time for Gideon to get back to work, and for him and Tai to part ways. This makes neither one of them happy but what can they do? Neither one of them is looking for a relationship (or so they thought) and being apart for just one day was torture for both of them. Tai's roommate Delancy has been gone for a few days doing a private party, so when Tai hears a loud crash in his apartment he panics, but then he hears a cry and realizes that Delancy is back and goes to check on him only to find him on the floor bloody and high as a kite on the drug Flare. Tai is unsure what to do. He knows if he calls the authorities they'll never come fast enough, so he redials the last call made on his comm - the person Gideon called when they found another Flare addict in the alley close to his apartment. After that things really start to happen. Delancy is taken for help, Tai gets blackmailed into doing something he doesn't want to do and Gideon seeks help from the 2 people he never thought he would see again.
I liked this book, just not as much as the first two in the series. I was annoyed with Gideon quite a bit because all that man did (in his thoughts) was complain. Complain about what had happened to him and how he just wanted to go back home. It was stated a few too many times for my liking. It made it hard for me to stay in the story, and I would get annoyed and then have to put the book down. The story is set up so you can read it as a standalone but I would recommend reading from the beginning. ~ Spice 'n' Solace and then Alien 'n' Outlaw ~ I loved the first two books and even though Voodoo 'n' Vice didn't capture my attention like the others, I'll still be waiting and ready to read the next in the series.
A "Live Your Life, Buy The Book" Review
If you've been following along with this series than you may remember Captain Gideon Arcturus from book 2, Alien 'n' Outlaw, as the mean and awful fleet commander who arrested Darien and had him almost executed for a crime he truly didn't commit. Well, this book is all about him and a gorgeous fire dancer named Tai.
Gideon has been demoted! He is no longer the head of the Galactic Fleet's interplanetary criminal division and it has him more mad than ever before. His one goal in life is to get back into the good graces of his father and brother and make them proud of him, so he may return to Janus where he was exiled from. Less than a year ago he was set up by someone who didn't want him to get a promotion and it got him stripped of his ranking and sent to Elora Ki. After the huge debacle with Darien and R'Kos, (Book 2) Sven - his new boss has ordered Gideon to take 5 days off for a much needed break, but that's not what he wants to do at all. He has no friends to hang out with because he's always felt that if the people around him couldn't further his career, then he had no use for them. He decides that maybe he'll just go try to find a nice and quite place to get a drink and enters the establishment of Voodoo. Inside Voodoo he watches a magnificent fire show and becomes so aroused he has to get the heck out of there. But, of course, he has to go back the next day because Gideon needs to see the face behind those flames.
Tai has left, or more like fled, his home planet Nedri. He doesn't want to be an escort or a prostitute, so he's taken a job at Voodoo as a fire dancer. He did the fire dance back home as part of rituals, religious festivals and feasts but here on Elora Ki, he dances to have enough credits to survive on. There are a few secrets in his past that he never wants anyone to find out. If anyone found out his secrets, he could be arrested or worse, sent back to Nedri. Usually after his show, he would go straight home but he's decides to watch his best friend/roommates show and hang with him for the evening. While sitting at the bar, wearing too many clothes and a hood to cover himself from customers, he notices a very good looking man at the end of the bar and throws caution to the wind and approaches him. They talk for a bit, have a few drinks and Tai thinks it would be great if maybe him and Gideon could spend the night together but just as he's really putting the moves on Gideon, the guy freaks out and runs from the bar. So much for having a good night.
Gideon's freak out has left him a panicky mess. Ever since what happened to him back home, he hasn't had any kind of physical contact with another person. But he has 4 days left of his mandatory leave and he really wants to spend it with Tai.
After 4 days of dates and incredible sex, it's time for Gideon to get back to work, and for him and Tai to part ways. This makes neither one of them happy but what can they do? Neither one of them is looking for a relationship (or so they thought) and being apart for just one day was torture for both of them. Tai's roommate Delancy has been gone for a few days doing a private party, so when Tai hears a loud crash in his apartment he panics, but then he hears a cry and realizes that Delancy is back and goes to check on him only to find him on the floor bloody and high as a kite on the drug Flare. Tai is unsure what to do. He knows if he calls the authorities they'll never come fast enough, so he redials the last call made on his comm - the person Gideon called when they found another Flare addict in the alley close to his apartment. After that things really start to happen. Delancy is taken for help, Tai gets blackmailed into doing something he doesn't want to do and Gideon seeks help from the 2 people he never thought he would see again.
I liked this book, just not as much as the first two in the series. I was annoyed with Gideon quite a bit because all that man did (in his thoughts) was complain. Complain about what had happened to him and how he just wanted to go back home. It was stated a few too many times for my liking. It made it hard for me to stay in the story, and I would get annoyed and then have to put the book down. The story is set up so you can read it as a standalone but I would recommend reading from the beginning. ~ Spice 'n' Solace and then Alien 'n' Outlaw ~ I loved the first two books and even though Voodoo 'n' Vice didn't capture my attention like the others, I'll still be waiting and ready to read the next in the series.
March 19, 2017
If you liked the other 2 books in the series, then you should like this one. I was gratified to see the growth in Trick. Easy read. Better than average but not great. Nothing was so jarring it threw me out of the story. No major surprises or twists, but It definitely held my attention better than the 2nd story. I really like Sven, who has made an appearance in all 3 stories. It's the equivalent of a pop song. Not a lot of depth, but a nice easy way to pass some time.
August 14, 2020
3.5 Stars
If you've been following along with this series than you may remember Captain Gideon Arcturus from book 2, Alien 'n' Outlaw, as the mean and awful fleet commander who arrested Darien and had him almost executed for a crime he truly didn't commit. Well, this book is all about him and a gorgeous fire dancer named Tai.
Gideon has been demoted! He is no longer the head of the Galactic Fleet's interplanetary criminal division and it has him more mad than ever before. His one goal in life is to get back into the good graces of his father and brother and make them proud of him, so he may return to Janus where he was exiled from. Less than a year ago he was set up by someone who didn't want him to get a promotion and it got him stripped of his ranking and sent to Elora Ki. After the huge debacle with Darien and R'Kos, (Book 2) Sven - his new boss has ordered Gideon to take 5 days off for a much needed break, but that's not what he wants to do at all. He has no friends to hang out with because he's always felt that if the people around him couldn't further his career, then he had no use for them. He decides that maybe he'll just go try to find a nice and quite place to get a drink and enters the establishment of Voodoo. Inside Voodoo he watches a magnificent fire show and becomes so aroused he has to get the heck out of there. But, of course, he has to go back the next day because Gideon needs to see the face behind those flames.
Tai has left, or more like fled, his home planet Nedri. He doesn't want to be an escort or a prostitute, so he's taken a job at Voodoo as a fire dancer. He did the fire dance back home as part of rituals, religious festivals and feasts but here on Elora Ki, he dances to have enough credits to survive on. There are a few secrets in his past that he never wants anyone to find out. If anyone found out his secrets, he could be arrested or worse, sent back to Nedri. Usually after his show, he would go straight home but he's decides to watch his best friend/roommates show and hang with him for the evening. While sitting at the bar, wearing too many clothes and a hood to cover himself from customers, he notices a very good looking man at the end of the bar and throws caution to the wind and approaches him. They talk for a bit, have a few drinks and Tai thinks it would be great if maybe him and Gideon could spend the night together but just as he's really putting the moves on Gideon, the guy freaks out and runs from the bar. So much for having a good night.
Gideon's freak out has left him a panicky mess. Ever since what happened to him back home, he hasn't had any kind of physical contact with another person. But he has 4 days left of his mandatory leave and he really wants to spend it with Tai.
After 4 days of dates and incredible sex, it's time for Gideon to get back to work, and for him and Tai to part ways. This makes neither one of them happy but what can they do? Neither one of them is looking for a relationship (or so they thought) and being apart for just one day was torture for both of them. Tai's roommate Delancy has been gone for a few days doing a private party, so when Tai hears a loud crash in his apartment he panics, but then he hears a cry and realizes that Delancy is back and goes to check on him only to find him on the floor bloody and high as a kite on the drug Flare. Tai is unsure what to do. He knows if he calls the authorities they'll never come fast enough, so he redials the last call made on his comm - the person Gideon called when they found another Flare addict in the alley close to his apartment. After that things really start to happen. Delancy is taken for help, Tai gets blackmailed into doing something he doesn't want to do and Gideon seeks help from the 2 people he never thought he would see again.
I liked this book, just not as much as the first two in the series. I was annoyed with Gideon quite a bit because all that man did (in his thoughts) was complain. Complain about what had happened to him and how he just wanted to go back home. It was stated a few too many times for my liking. It made it hard for me to stay in the story, and I would get annoyed and then have to put the book down. The story is set up so you can read it as a standalone but I would recommend reading from the beginning. ~ Spice 'n' Solace and then Alien 'n' Outlaw ~ I loved the first two books and even though Voodoo 'n' Vice didn't capture my attention like the others, I'll still be waiting and ready to read the next in the series.
If you've been following along with this series than you may remember Captain Gideon Arcturus from book 2, Alien 'n' Outlaw, as the mean and awful fleet commander who arrested Darien and had him almost executed for a crime he truly didn't commit. Well, this book is all about him and a gorgeous fire dancer named Tai.
Gideon has been demoted! He is no longer the head of the Galactic Fleet's interplanetary criminal division and it has him more mad than ever before. His one goal in life is to get back into the good graces of his father and brother and make them proud of him, so he may return to Janus where he was exiled from. Less than a year ago he was set up by someone who didn't want him to get a promotion and it got him stripped of his ranking and sent to Elora Ki. After the huge debacle with Darien and R'Kos, (Book 2) Sven - his new boss has ordered Gideon to take 5 days off for a much needed break, but that's not what he wants to do at all. He has no friends to hang out with because he's always felt that if the people around him couldn't further his career, then he had no use for them. He decides that maybe he'll just go try to find a nice and quite place to get a drink and enters the establishment of Voodoo. Inside Voodoo he watches a magnificent fire show and becomes so aroused he has to get the heck out of there. But, of course, he has to go back the next day because Gideon needs to see the face behind those flames.
Tai has left, or more like fled, his home planet Nedri. He doesn't want to be an escort or a prostitute, so he's taken a job at Voodoo as a fire dancer. He did the fire dance back home as part of rituals, religious festivals and feasts but here on Elora Ki, he dances to have enough credits to survive on. There are a few secrets in his past that he never wants anyone to find out. If anyone found out his secrets, he could be arrested or worse, sent back to Nedri. Usually after his show, he would go straight home but he's decides to watch his best friend/roommates show and hang with him for the evening. While sitting at the bar, wearing too many clothes and a hood to cover himself from customers, he notices a very good looking man at the end of the bar and throws caution to the wind and approaches him. They talk for a bit, have a few drinks and Tai thinks it would be great if maybe him and Gideon could spend the night together but just as he's really putting the moves on Gideon, the guy freaks out and runs from the bar. So much for having a good night.
Gideon's freak out has left him a panicky mess. Ever since what happened to him back home, he hasn't had any kind of physical contact with another person. But he has 4 days left of his mandatory leave and he really wants to spend it with Tai.
After 4 days of dates and incredible sex, it's time for Gideon to get back to work, and for him and Tai to part ways. This makes neither one of them happy but what can they do? Neither one of them is looking for a relationship (or so they thought) and being apart for just one day was torture for both of them. Tai's roommate Delancy has been gone for a few days doing a private party, so when Tai hears a loud crash in his apartment he panics, but then he hears a cry and realizes that Delancy is back and goes to check on him only to find him on the floor bloody and high as a kite on the drug Flare. Tai is unsure what to do. He knows if he calls the authorities they'll never come fast enough, so he redials the last call made on his comm - the person Gideon called when they found another Flare addict in the alley close to his apartment. After that things really start to happen. Delancy is taken for help, Tai gets blackmailed into doing something he doesn't want to do and Gideon seeks help from the 2 people he never thought he would see again.
I liked this book, just not as much as the first two in the series. I was annoyed with Gideon quite a bit because all that man did (in his thoughts) was complain. Complain about what had happened to him and how he just wanted to go back home. It was stated a few too many times for my liking. It made it hard for me to stay in the story, and I would get annoyed and then have to put the book down. The story is set up so you can read it as a standalone but I would recommend reading from the beginning. ~ Spice 'n' Solace and then Alien 'n' Outlaw ~ I loved the first two books and even though Voodoo 'n' Vice didn't capture my attention like the others, I'll still be waiting and ready to read the next in the series.
July 3, 2014
This is the third book in the Gallactic Alliance series and brings back one of the secondary characters from an earlier book to give him his own story. My first acquaintance with Gideon Arcturus was when he was the fleet captain opposing Darian and trying to capture him. I was intrigued at the thought of the author giving him a background and personality that would make me sympathetic and like him. Amazingly, I did end up liking Gideon in this one. He had his flaws and his issues, but he really grew while all along he was a good guy underneath his cold rule following exterior. His love interest was a fascinating opposite too and I loved the return of Sven who was always a fun secondary character.
I suppose this story could be read as a standalone, but there is a certain expectation that the reader read the previous books first since references to past characters and situations make better sense that way. It was also neat to have an outside perspective of Gideon from before to now having his thoughts revealed to give a new slant to his words and actions.
The story opens with Gideon discovering that he's taking the fall for the events leading up to the capture of an alien ambassador's mate and what transpired after that. His punishment is to have his command now monitored by a fellow captain and being put on mandatory leave for a few days. He still keeps his rank and his responsibilities, but he just knows that his father, the General, back home on Janus, will be disappointed in him yet again. Gideon has no idea what to do with time off because his life is all about his work in his efforts to please his father and get reinstated with a prestigious command back on Janus at Headquarters. He wanders into a club called Voodoo for a drink and encounters the fire dancer for the first time. He is entranced even though he doesn't want to be.
Tai usually does his dance and avoids the customers as well as the offers to augment his income by becoming an escort. After escaping a past of slavery, he will never again let another man dictate to him where, when and how even if they pay for it. He also has a big secret that he needs to keep to prevent anyone from taking him into custody and sending him back to his home world which is why he keeps to himself generally with the exception being his roommate and friend, Del, a fellow employee.
One night after his dance routine, he enters the bar area to wait for Del and comes upon a customer who seems interested, but is terribly skittish. Kai is attracted to the man and finds it a nice change to have to be the one pursuing another. He grows more attracted as he spends time with Gideon and considers Gideon a safe bet since he made it clear that his time here in the pleasure district is temporary while he's on leave. Kai thinks he's good with the arrangement until Gideon is in fact gone, Del gets severely abused during one of his escort jobs, and Kai is soon forced to take his place. Now he can only hope that Gideon will care enough to save him even with the vast amount of difference in their situations.
I enjoyed this opposites attract romance and the side adventure that goes with it. It was fun exploring the tentative connecting these two do that blossoms into something bigger and I enjoyed the slow reveal on Kai's secrets with the slow process of change in Gideon as his desires and priorities changed. The relationship, plot and characters was so nicely done. The passion was 'hot' (and yes that's a pun which will make sense when you've read the story) between these two even while they are still sorting stuff out. Meeting up with previous characters was nice and I really hope that Sven gets his story soon.
All in all, I had a good time with this latest installment in the series. I would recommend it to those who enjoy m/m Sci-Fi Romance promising a lot of spicy passion and an adventure.
My thanks to Net Galley for the opportunity to read the book in exchange for my honest review.
I suppose this story could be read as a standalone, but there is a certain expectation that the reader read the previous books first since references to past characters and situations make better sense that way. It was also neat to have an outside perspective of Gideon from before to now having his thoughts revealed to give a new slant to his words and actions.
The story opens with Gideon discovering that he's taking the fall for the events leading up to the capture of an alien ambassador's mate and what transpired after that. His punishment is to have his command now monitored by a fellow captain and being put on mandatory leave for a few days. He still keeps his rank and his responsibilities, but he just knows that his father, the General, back home on Janus, will be disappointed in him yet again. Gideon has no idea what to do with time off because his life is all about his work in his efforts to please his father and get reinstated with a prestigious command back on Janus at Headquarters. He wanders into a club called Voodoo for a drink and encounters the fire dancer for the first time. He is entranced even though he doesn't want to be.
Tai usually does his dance and avoids the customers as well as the offers to augment his income by becoming an escort. After escaping a past of slavery, he will never again let another man dictate to him where, when and how even if they pay for it. He also has a big secret that he needs to keep to prevent anyone from taking him into custody and sending him back to his home world which is why he keeps to himself generally with the exception being his roommate and friend, Del, a fellow employee.
One night after his dance routine, he enters the bar area to wait for Del and comes upon a customer who seems interested, but is terribly skittish. Kai is attracted to the man and finds it a nice change to have to be the one pursuing another. He grows more attracted as he spends time with Gideon and considers Gideon a safe bet since he made it clear that his time here in the pleasure district is temporary while he's on leave. Kai thinks he's good with the arrangement until Gideon is in fact gone, Del gets severely abused during one of his escort jobs, and Kai is soon forced to take his place. Now he can only hope that Gideon will care enough to save him even with the vast amount of difference in their situations.
I enjoyed this opposites attract romance and the side adventure that goes with it. It was fun exploring the tentative connecting these two do that blossoms into something bigger and I enjoyed the slow reveal on Kai's secrets with the slow process of change in Gideon as his desires and priorities changed. The relationship, plot and characters was so nicely done. The passion was 'hot' (and yes that's a pun which will make sense when you've read the story) between these two even while they are still sorting stuff out. Meeting up with previous characters was nice and I really hope that Sven gets his story soon.
All in all, I had a good time with this latest installment in the series. I would recommend it to those who enjoy m/m Sci-Fi Romance promising a lot of spicy passion and an adventure.
My thanks to Net Galley for the opportunity to read the book in exchange for my honest review.
February 17, 2017
When the bad guys aren't so bad
Following along in the Galactic Alliance series, this book follows what happened with Captain Gideon Arcturus after that prison encounter from the second book. The picture we get of Gideon in book two is of an uptight prick, staunchly following orders, uncaring of others. I wasn't sure how I would feel about him as the book lead but I was pleasantly surprised.
At the very start of the book we learn that Gideon did not support the order for Darien's execution in the second book. He thought it was an overreaction, but was following orders and going through proper channels to question it. He is a man who was raised in a strict military household, sees his posting on Elora Ki as punishment, and believes in excitingly following orders. However, none of this has benefited him as he is alone, hated, and keeps getting demoted. When Sven becomes his boss he blows up, putting him on forced leave for four days. It gives him time to reevaluate and thankfully he does.
Tai is a fire dancer, but that's not all. We soon find out he is a runaway from his planet, seeking to make a life away from the sexual slavery he was forced into on his home planet. He dances for money, but he refuses to escort. However, he knows his preferences, and he is willing to strike up something with a man if he fancies them. Gideon catches his eye one night and the relationship they start up opens things up for both of them.
I really loved seeing Damien again. It was nice to have that connection from the second book, and to get to see how he is flourishing in his new relationship. He is a caring man and now, no longer being a criminal, he really can let himself care for others.
I loved the move in mindset of Gideon. He has a lot of prejudices from his upbringing. His father is a homophobic xenophobic bastard that never really showed him any love. He has come to terms that he is gay, so his father is wrong about the homophobia. As his eyes open more he gets to see what else he disagrees with from his father, and we really get to see him become his own man.
I enjoy the continued interconnection of this series. This book has setup a link between more moving parts again. I hope the next book will be about Sven as he has his own interesting past. I look forward to seeing more character overlap as the series continues!
Following along in the Galactic Alliance series, this book follows what happened with Captain Gideon Arcturus after that prison encounter from the second book. The picture we get of Gideon in book two is of an uptight prick, staunchly following orders, uncaring of others. I wasn't sure how I would feel about him as the book lead but I was pleasantly surprised.
At the very start of the book we learn that Gideon did not support the order for Darien's execution in the second book. He thought it was an overreaction, but was following orders and going through proper channels to question it. He is a man who was raised in a strict military household, sees his posting on Elora Ki as punishment, and believes in excitingly following orders. However, none of this has benefited him as he is alone, hated, and keeps getting demoted. When Sven becomes his boss he blows up, putting him on forced leave for four days. It gives him time to reevaluate and thankfully he does.
Tai is a fire dancer, but that's not all. We soon find out he is a runaway from his planet, seeking to make a life away from the sexual slavery he was forced into on his home planet. He dances for money, but he refuses to escort. However, he knows his preferences, and he is willing to strike up something with a man if he fancies them. Gideon catches his eye one night and the relationship they start up opens things up for both of them.
I really loved seeing Damien again. It was nice to have that connection from the second book, and to get to see how he is flourishing in his new relationship. He is a caring man and now, no longer being a criminal, he really can let himself care for others.
I loved the move in mindset of Gideon. He has a lot of prejudices from his upbringing. His father is a homophobic xenophobic bastard that never really showed him any love. He has come to terms that he is gay, so his father is wrong about the homophobia. As his eyes open more he gets to see what else he disagrees with from his father, and we really get to see him become his own man.
I enjoy the continued interconnection of this series. This book has setup a link between more moving parts again. I hope the next book will be about Sven as he has his own interesting past. I look forward to seeing more character overlap as the series continues!
May 15, 2014
I think the blurb is slightly misleading. Tai doesn't mix with customers because he doesn't want them to think he's an escort like most of the other employees. As a former slave (as a fire dancer, but there some mention that he might have been used sexually by his last master, but he's not very experienced), he values the right to give his body to whom he chooses. He's being forced into prostitution, but he's offered a lot of money to do it. I wouldn't say Gideon is shy and awkward. He's been burned and is very conscious of his position as a Captain. This is the third book in the series (I have not read the first two), but it stands alone.
I really enjoyed this story which is basically a story about a gay man coming to terms with his sexuality and becoming his own man despite the drug running and suspense elements. Gideon ended up on Elora Kai, a seedy casino/brothel type planet because he was set up by an escort, drugged and filmed doing inappropriate things in his uniform to boot. His father is also rich and high up in the fleet and has high expectations for Gideon which he fails. He is then put on 5 days leave after he almost causes a galactic incident because he followed directives to the letter. The first night on leave he goes drinking at Voodoo and sees Kai fire dancing and falls instantly in lust. The next day they meet up at the bar and find mutual attraction. They spend the last 4 days of Gideon's leave going on dates (it was sweet since neither is experienced at relationships) and having sex. Unlike the sole other written review on Goodreads at this point, I didn't think there was a lot of sex on the written page, nor was it very descriptive. I'd give it a 2 out of 5 for heat for a reader accustomed to m/m stories. It was more about the relationship than heat.
Meanwhile things have been happening at Voodoo, Tai's roommate (an escort at the club)disappears for a couple of days, comes back almost dead and addicted to Flash, a drug. Gideon saves him by getting him fairly prompt medical help and the suspense portion of the story is set in motion.
I liked all the characters, especially someone who helps out Gideon and tries to get him to see his new world in colors other than black and white. I kept expecting (as did Gideon)this character to crush him and it was refreshing that he didn't end up a stereotype character.
Tai basically stays the same throughout the story. He knew where'd he'd been, accepted himself and knew what he wanted from life. Gideon is the one who learns the most and evolves.
At the end, I looked up the first two books because I was definitely interested to read Alien and Outlaw (#2)since Darien and R'kos show up for a small role in Voodoo and seem to be an interesting couple. Darien's a bit fly by night and R'kos is a human lie detector.
I received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
I really enjoyed this story which is basically a story about a gay man coming to terms with his sexuality and becoming his own man despite the drug running and suspense elements. Gideon ended up on Elora Kai, a seedy casino/brothel type planet because he was set up by an escort, drugged and filmed doing inappropriate things in his uniform to boot. His father is also rich and high up in the fleet and has high expectations for Gideon which he fails. He is then put on 5 days leave after he almost causes a galactic incident because he followed directives to the letter. The first night on leave he goes drinking at Voodoo and sees Kai fire dancing and falls instantly in lust. The next day they meet up at the bar and find mutual attraction. They spend the last 4 days of Gideon's leave going on dates (it was sweet since neither is experienced at relationships) and having sex. Unlike the sole other written review on Goodreads at this point, I didn't think there was a lot of sex on the written page, nor was it very descriptive. I'd give it a 2 out of 5 for heat for a reader accustomed to m/m stories. It was more about the relationship than heat.
Meanwhile things have been happening at Voodoo, Tai's roommate (an escort at the club)disappears for a couple of days, comes back almost dead and addicted to Flash, a drug. Gideon saves him by getting him fairly prompt medical help and the suspense portion of the story is set in motion.
I liked all the characters, especially someone who helps out Gideon and tries to get him to see his new world in colors other than black and white. I kept expecting (as did Gideon)this character to crush him and it was refreshing that he didn't end up a stereotype character.
Tai basically stays the same throughout the story. He knew where'd he'd been, accepted himself and knew what he wanted from life. Gideon is the one who learns the most and evolves.
At the end, I looked up the first two books because I was definitely interested to read Alien and Outlaw (#2)since Darien and R'kos show up for a small role in Voodoo and seem to be an interesting couple. Darien's a bit fly by night and R'kos is a human lie detector.
I received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
January 28, 2016
Pages: 71,000 words
POV: Third Limited
Rating: 3.5 Kisses—a good easy read. You liked it and would recommend it. (upgraded to 4 stars)
“Voodoo ‘n’ Vice” is a crime/police romance set in a science fiction background. If you’ve already read the previous books “Spice 'n' Solace” and “Alien 'n' Outlaw”, then you know what you’re in for and will see a few reappearances. But if you haven’t, don’t worry—this book can be read as a standalone. At this point in human history, Earth has been dead and abandoned for so long that very few can actually claim an unbroken family line back to it. Humanity has spread across the stars, the various solar systems and planets forming the Galactic Alliance, and Elora Ki is right at the edge of the vast conglomeration.
Although you see what causes Gideon’s disgrace and nearly re-sparks the Wolframite War in “Alien 'n' Outlaw”, it isn’t necessary to read it because the relevant information is provided—and not via an info dump—as the story goes along. And Gideon’s impressions of the past events help you relate better to Gideon who, at the start, comes across as a “stiff, unyielding military man” (and yes, I am quoting), but as the story develops, you find out why he is that way and the person he is behind the facade of military propriety.
Tai is doing the best he can given his circumstances, and the fact that Tai and Gideon actually connect seems odd until you realise they have a lot in common. Strangely enough, I think I empathised more with Gideon than I did Tai, although I respected Tai more—Tai has actively made his own situation better and fought to have control of his own life, where Gideon has not. Yet.
K.C. Burns writes a good story that develops naturally, both in the plot and the romance. I would recommend this story (and the other two, if you are interested) to people who enjoy a light futuristic science fiction story that focuses more on the people and society than the technology. There are definitely dystopian elements, as you would expect of a frontier world first colonised by criminals and the dispossessed, but some aspects of society seem to pop up again and again, as they have here. Overall, a nice, easy read that will stay on my ereader for when I need to put my feet up and relax.
POV: Third Limited
Rating: 3.5 Kisses—a good easy read. You liked it and would recommend it. (upgraded to 4 stars)
“Voodoo ‘n’ Vice” is a crime/police romance set in a science fiction background. If you’ve already read the previous books “Spice 'n' Solace” and “Alien 'n' Outlaw”, then you know what you’re in for and will see a few reappearances. But if you haven’t, don’t worry—this book can be read as a standalone. At this point in human history, Earth has been dead and abandoned for so long that very few can actually claim an unbroken family line back to it. Humanity has spread across the stars, the various solar systems and planets forming the Galactic Alliance, and Elora Ki is right at the edge of the vast conglomeration.
Although you see what causes Gideon’s disgrace and nearly re-sparks the Wolframite War in “Alien 'n' Outlaw”, it isn’t necessary to read it because the relevant information is provided—and not via an info dump—as the story goes along. And Gideon’s impressions of the past events help you relate better to Gideon who, at the start, comes across as a “stiff, unyielding military man” (and yes, I am quoting), but as the story develops, you find out why he is that way and the person he is behind the facade of military propriety.
Tai is doing the best he can given his circumstances, and the fact that Tai and Gideon actually connect seems odd until you realise they have a lot in common. Strangely enough, I think I empathised more with Gideon than I did Tai, although I respected Tai more—Tai has actively made his own situation better and fought to have control of his own life, where Gideon has not. Yet.
K.C. Burns writes a good story that develops naturally, both in the plot and the romance. I would recommend this story (and the other two, if you are interested) to people who enjoy a light futuristic science fiction story that focuses more on the people and society than the technology. There are definitely dystopian elements, as you would expect of a frontier world first colonised by criminals and the dispossessed, but some aspects of society seem to pop up again and again, as they have here. Overall, a nice, easy read that will stay on my ereader for when I need to put my feet up and relax.
June 5, 2015
Genre M/M Sci-fi
MC1 Gideon Arcturus
MC2 Tai
Storyline
Gideon meets Tai in Voodoo (a nightclub) after he's been demoted and forced to take leave. Tai doesn't normally socialize with customers because he refuses to be forced into escorting. He wants sex to be entirely his choice. When he sees Gideon in the club he's attracted so he tries to strike up a conversation. Gideon is socially stunted & sees the world very much in black and white. At this point all he wants to do is prove himself, regain his status and go back home. When he sees Tai firedancing, he's awed. And when Tai starts talking to him, he doesn't know how to act. Once he realizes that Tai isn't trying to solicit him as an escort, he's all in. The pair end up spending most of Gideon's leave together having sex & doing date-y type stuff.
Conflict
Tai's roommate gets sucked into illegal drug trafficking and then Tai gets nabbed as Delancy's replacement. Gideon & his supervisor Sven rush off to rescue Tai.
My Thoughts
I've enjoyed all the books in this series, but I believe this has been my favorite because I really liked the character growth seen in Gideon. He went from being this guy who played by the rules all the time to realizing that sometimes the rules have to change to fit situations. It can be a tough road to travel, especially when seeking parental approval. But Gideon figured out that being with Tai was more important to him than pleasing his father; who would never be happy no matter what he did.
MC1 Gideon Arcturus
MC2 Tai
Storyline
Gideon meets Tai in Voodoo (a nightclub) after he's been demoted and forced to take leave. Tai doesn't normally socialize with customers because he refuses to be forced into escorting. He wants sex to be entirely his choice. When he sees Gideon in the club he's attracted so he tries to strike up a conversation. Gideon is socially stunted & sees the world very much in black and white. At this point all he wants to do is prove himself, regain his status and go back home. When he sees Tai firedancing, he's awed. And when Tai starts talking to him, he doesn't know how to act. Once he realizes that Tai isn't trying to solicit him as an escort, he's all in. The pair end up spending most of Gideon's leave together having sex & doing date-y type stuff.
Conflict
Tai's roommate gets sucked into illegal drug trafficking and then Tai gets nabbed as Delancy's replacement. Gideon & his supervisor Sven rush off to rescue Tai.
My Thoughts
I've enjoyed all the books in this series, but I believe this has been my favorite because I really liked the character growth seen in Gideon. He went from being this guy who played by the rules all the time to realizing that sometimes the rules have to change to fit situations. It can be a tough road to travel, especially when seeking parental approval. But Gideon figured out that being with Tai was more important to him than pleasing his father; who would never be happy no matter what he did.
March 12, 2025
This is the third in the series about the Galactic Alliance. In it, we get to know Gideon Acturus, the captain who got in trouble because he had Darius arrested and sent to jail, on the way to which he ended up getting beat up. He is demoted, and this creates a major problem with his desire to get his father's approval.
His exile is to the planet Elora Ki which is basically a wild party planet and seems to be a center point of a drug trade, which Darius stole from in order to help some people.
Once again, Gideon has to deal with the fact that the human lover of the Ankylos crown prince is on still around. He is still considered a criminal by Gideon and others but also is hands-off pretty much because peace depends on the yearly renewal of a contract with them
He is given temporary leave and he finds himself developing feelings for a dancer in a bar that also provides "escorts" for sexual favors. While Tias is not an escort, he is a fire dancer who has something to hide, and yet Gideon finds himself losing all his distrust and being willing to entertain the idea of a relationship.
In explaining those feelings, he also starts being less at the mercy of his father's rigid beliefs about what he should do, and whether he is allowed to have a personal life as well as his military career. His father is a general, and "married" to the military and certainly has ideas that may not fit his son's happiness.
I recommend this book because it is sweet love story and allows for a lot of self discovery for the characters involved.
His exile is to the planet Elora Ki which is basically a wild party planet and seems to be a center point of a drug trade, which Darius stole from in order to help some people.
Once again, Gideon has to deal with the fact that the human lover of the Ankylos crown prince is on still around. He is still considered a criminal by Gideon and others but also is hands-off pretty much because peace depends on the yearly renewal of a contract with them
He is given temporary leave and he finds himself developing feelings for a dancer in a bar that also provides "escorts" for sexual favors. While Tias is not an escort, he is a fire dancer who has something to hide, and yet Gideon finds himself losing all his distrust and being willing to entertain the idea of a relationship.
In explaining those feelings, he also starts being less at the mercy of his father's rigid beliefs about what he should do, and whether he is allowed to have a personal life as well as his military career. His father is a general, and "married" to the military and certainly has ideas that may not fit his son's happiness.
I recommend this book because it is sweet love story and allows for a lot of self discovery for the characters involved.
May 23, 2014
Okay. So I don't usually like to jump into a series on the third book, but I was given a chance to read this book from Netgalley so I dove in.
I'm happy to report that you do not need to read the books in order to understand what is going on. Yes, the other couples from the previous books are mentioned, but that does not affect Tai and Gideon's story.
Tai and Gideon are great characters. Both are damaged by their past, but they're good together. I like that Tai is so different from other exotic dancers in books. His fire talents were fun to read about, and it was fun to watch Gideon squirm thinking about him.
I'll definitely go back and read the first two books in the series. And I really hope the series will be continued as well. I'd like to see Darien and R'kos together in a book with Tai and Gideon, perhaps pooling their resources to get Tony Almeda. That would be awesome.
I'm happy to report that you do not need to read the books in order to understand what is going on. Yes, the other couples from the previous books are mentioned, but that does not affect Tai and Gideon's story.
Tai and Gideon are great characters. Both are damaged by their past, but they're good together. I like that Tai is so different from other exotic dancers in books. His fire talents were fun to read about, and it was fun to watch Gideon squirm thinking about him.
I'll definitely go back and read the first two books in the series. And I really hope the series will be continued as well. I'd like to see Darien and R'kos together in a book with Tai and Gideon, perhaps pooling their resources to get Tony Almeda. That would be awesome.
May 27, 2014
Probably a 4.5. I am not a sc-fi fan, but I really enjoyed this series that includes humans and aliens hooking up. The aliens have a lot of human characteristics and unique powers/abilities! There is a lot of warmth and humor in all three of them. I recommend you read them in order- you will get a lot more out of them. Both Gideon and Tai are heart warming in their own ways and their romance is endearing. All three books have adventure and danger in them and several of the characters show up in multiple books. I hope there are more to come in the series-it would be nice to see Sven get his own story!
June 25, 2014
Rating: 4.25 stars out of 5
For my full review, visit http://wp.me/p220KL-2AG
From my review: "I love this story and definitely recommend it to all who can suspend belief in the real and supposed futures set forth by science fiction authors and scientists alike. K.C. Burn gives us the human element and spirit alive and kicking in a galactic space not always open to humanity and the chaos we bring with us…"
For all my reviews, author interviews, contests, and book tours, visit http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...
January 22, 2024
I am so enjoying this series! They may be light on plot, but thoroughly enjoyable. Each book is named after a seedy club on the planet Elora Ki on the outer fringes of the Gallatic Alliance, where different aliens of ill repute/outlaws roam. This time stiff-neck regimented Captain Gideon learns to loosen up and falls for fire dancer Tai. Interesting concept of the alien culture based on fire. Would have liked to have more of it explored. It was great seeing Gideon character grow. But the person who I'd really like to see a story on is Sven.
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