Xel: Broken Bond

Rogue Bonds #3

by Laura Taylor

Trained as an erotic companion, Xel has spent the past three years serving an arrogant and selfish master, constantly hoping for a life in which he’s truly appreciated, but never finding it. But all that changes when his master dies suddenly, and Xel is sent to live with Cole, his master’s estranged nephew.

After a tragedy took his family from him five years ago, Cole has retreated into a life of isolation and solitude, spending his days caring for injured and abandoned pets in the city’s largest animal sanctuary. He has little hope for the future and no interest in exploring the wider world… until unexpected news drops a confused and apprehensive slave on his doorstep.

Cole is well accustomed to caring for lost and abandoned creatures. But Xel is nothing like what he expects. Xel’s confidence and seductiveness constantly catch him off guard, and he finds himself scrambling to keep up when his ‘slave’ starts behaving in decidedly un-slave-like ways. As the tension between them grows, they are both forced to begin questioning their past decisions and trying to imagine what the world could hold, if they could only dare to hope for a brighter future.

Broken Bond can be read either as a standalone or as part of the series.

Rogue
Book 1 – Accidentally Bonded
Book 2 – Gratefully Bonded
Book 3 – Broken Bond
Book 4 – Defiantly Bonded - Coming soon

Genres: M M Romance, Aliens, Romance, Gay, Science Fiction Romance, Science Fiction, LGBT

266 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 20, 2025

About the author

Laura Taylor is a pseudonym for Gabriel Danes. Gabriel is a bisexual, transgender writer of fantasy and romance novels. He likes watching ice hockey, reading about vampires and werewolves, cooking, and has fantasies of one day becoming a firefighter.

Gabriel lives on the South Coast of New South Wales, Australia.

Reviews

[Elizabeth (semi-hiatus) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was privately forced to admit that I desperately wanted him. I hadn’t touched anyone in five years, and until recently, I’d largely given up on the idea of ever touching anyone, ever again.

A vaguely Beauty and the Beast type storyline except Xel, the beauty, is a highly trained erotic companion and Cole, scarred from attempting to rescue his sister from an house fire, runs an animal rescue centre. They are thrown together when Cole inherits his uncle's estate-which includes Xel- and then thrust into the beginnings of an international political incident which could change everything for Xel's species.

I really like Laura Taylor's books. I find them very readable with great characters and plot lines. They don't feel like typical sci-fi books with extensively boring set-up and worldbuilding- there are many cultural and societal differences of course but they are so well-integrated into the story they feel very natural and easy to follow. There's something very comforting about all of Laura's books; they almost always turn into re-reads for me. I like how each book has a plot that contains some underlying social commentary. Some of them are more subtle than others but a common theme amongst them is how the society treats outsiders or those seen as 'weaker' and what their views say about the characters's morality. This one brought several plot lines from earlier books together in a very skillful way. The romance in this book was almost secondary and I didn't even care because of how good it was overall. Xel and Cole are really cute together 🥰. My only minor complaint is that I felt that the erotic companion part of things wasn't as important to the story as I had anticipated, and Xel's skill could've been explored a bit more.

I'm excited to read the next in the series!

[將薇 · Rating 3 out of 5]

By far the weakest of the series. There was so much wasted potential with a dimari that has no bond, and then the author ruined it breaking their own rules previously established about how the bonds work.
I loved the two MCs, but their relationship got put on the back burner halfway through and was never built in any meaningful way because of the tonal shift to more political plot points, which are also underdeveloped.
Really disappointed, but I'm looking forward to the next one as this series is really fun. The extra star is for the disability rep.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I tore through this book in a day. One sitting. Zero regrets. It’s the third Rogue Bonds book, and yes, you can read it as a standalone… but honestly, why would you cheat yourself like that. Books 1 and 2 give you the cultural backbone that makes this world hit so much harder. Treat yourself and read them in order.

I’m fully in my alien‑monster era, so the second I saw this was out, I clicked with the speed of someone who has no self‑control and no desire to develop any.


This series has always played in that messy, uncomfortable space between what’s morally right and what actually keeps someone safe, and this book leans all the way in. The Damari men are engineered from birth — literally designed for servitude, trained for specific roles, and handed over with a manual like they’re high‑end appliances. They imprint on the first person they see, and breaking that conditioning isn’t just “hard,” it’s physically dangerous.

So yes, slavery is wrong. Obviously. But the Damari have been programmed so deeply that “freedom” the way we imagine it can actually harm them. And the book doesn’t shy away from that tension. It sits right in the middle of the ethical mess and asks:
What does care look like when someone’s entire sense of safety has been engineered?

Following Xel as he’s rehomed after his master dies is tender, heartbreaking, and complicated in all the best ways.

🛰️ The political layer
Alliance space becoming a refuge for the marginalized and simultaneously a target for exploitation felt a little too familiar. The parallels to our world are loud. If you’re not catching the commentary, you’re skimming.

The twist
Did I see it coming? Absolutely not. Did I yell “oh wow, okay!” out loud? Yes. Yes I did.

This book is artfully written. The romance is there, but it’s soft, subtle, and never the whole point. The plot has real momentum, real stakes, and it kept me turning pages like I had somewhere to be.

And finding out there’s a fourth book coming? I’m already clearing my schedule.

[L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall, I think this book is really solid for its genre, and I would give it a 4,5 (rounded up because I love Laura Taylor).

I don't know if I love it as much as the first two books. This book had a lot of action packed into it, especially the latter half of the book, which while necessary for the overall story arc, felt a bit rushed.

That said, just like the first two books in the series Laura does an amazing job navigating the cultural differences between the MC's, the different species, etc. At some point I even got very emotional.

Very curious and excited about how everything is going to unfold in the next book.

[Liseth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Xel: Broken Bond is not a story of passionate love, but one of silent healing. It is precisely in this nuance where its greatest merit lies. The novel builds a quiet romance. The protagonists, Xel and Cole, do not seek to consume each other in flames. Instead, they support one another while tending to their respective wounds. The bond between Xel and Cole grows at its own pace, without relying on external crises to justify their closeness. While it doesn't follow an intense buildup or delve into overt sexual tension, it is progressive and coherent with their emotional needs. Both characters prioritize their personal recovery, so if you are looking for an intense, sensual romance, this probably won’t be the book for you.

Now, regarding the MCs, imo the individual development is excellent. The worldbuilding is one of the freshest elements of the novel. In a genre (MM sci-fi) that often relies on repetitive formulas, the depiction of a galaxy with multiple species, interplanetary treaties, and a slavery system with complex cultural roots feels original and well-integrated. Besides, the political plot left me looking forward to future installments without leaving this story unfinished.

As for the prose, I found it really up my alley: the prose is functional, economical, and clear. It doesn't strive for stylistic flourishes but fulfills its purpose effectively, conveying necessary information without unnecessary filler. This ensures the pacing never stagnates, as the narrative constantly moves forward, whether through the external plot or the characters' psychological evolution.

I do think people who value complex characters authentic emotional growth, and a speculative world with political and social weight would enjoy this one.

[... · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was a lot to like in this installment of the Rogue Bonds series, and I genuinely liked both Cole and Xel. But while the unexpected plot pivot to throwing over the entire damari program was a fun and exciting twist, I sort of felt like it came out of left field and then took over the entire storyline. Which, fair, in the sense that they're now working toward changing the entire social and political structure of the universe, but it very much overshadowed the love story between them IMHO, and the way Xel's bond suddenly reinstated itself, and Cole's sudden switch to accepting his role as master and being willing to take control (I'm talking about the bedroom scene where he tied Xel up,) really kind of felt... rushed? Less emotionally earned? So it dropped a star for me because I just didn't feel like I got the emotional payoff to their relationship building. But still. I love them both as characters - and everyone else who was involved with the project, too! - and it was particularly fun to see the Ranzors again, so I'm definitely glad I picked this one up and I'm looking forward to the next book promised in the series 😊

[Bibliophile · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series have been 5 ⭐️ read every single time 😭✨Never a disappointing read and always deliver⭐️


I think this book is a bit different than the other because it is more focus on the world building and the politics + saving/changing the system rather than the relationship itself. But i am not complaining, rather i am hook with it and want to know more 😍 it is a first time for me to be ok with a book not so focus on the relationship but rather more on the things that happen around.

I am happy to see more of the Ragavon tribe and their funniness, we also get to me new species and to see all of them coming together to help change the system/world into a better life is very heartwarming 🥹 i am so excited to see all the babies growing up and seeing all the sweet, warm interaction between them all at the sanctuary —— it is totally giving “found family” vibe with the motion the are going since they will be spending legit yearss of time together for the plan to work to prove to the world + to help care for the babies. Mine village coming in 🥹

Now about the couple in this book, Xel is a total game changing character for a Damari with such a unique and unscripted personality (not the usual Damari respond) make it more the fun to read ✨ i love how in an unexpected ways he become the one that help Cole and bring happiness in his life + at the same time gaining his happiness and freedom. I also love their unexpected dynamic + adding some switch in it and not forgetting the delightful birthday gift moment 👀👀 although their relationship doesn’t seems to be the focus of the book after 50% in —— we still get to enjoy character development and sweet relationship moment between them. I can say that the spice is more low in this book compare to the others, if i am not mistaken it was only 3 spicy moment and the other are more tender comfort moment which is a fresh read for me ✨

Anticipating the next book to come out 😍 to see more pf fun pairing and the development of the world building, it bring such warmness to see so many species willingly lend support and help to make the world a better place which what we truly need now too in our world.

⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️

The Ranzor continued to stare at me, his gaze travelling the length of my body, then back up to my face. Then he made a clicking sound in the back of his throat, and my translator let me know that it was a ‘general sound of approval.’ “I should have known that Commander Hill would be sending us to meet a fine warrior,” he said. “It was a pleasure to speak with him about your plans to free the dimari. We have had very mixed experiences with humans, and some of them are disappointingly cowardly. But I can see that you have already proven your worth. I am Borl. My team have been assigned to protect the children of the Vangravians. They are a selfish species,” he said pointedly, turning his attention to Rohinavon. “It will be very satisfying to end their slave trade.”

[Sunny Groves · Rating 3 out of 5]

these books are weird and kind of interesting but also I kind of don't know how I feel abt it. I read half the first one, which was actually helpful context bc Aiden/Kade are very active in this book even though it's listed as a standalone.

thoughts n feelings:
-I still cannot pin down how I feel about the whole concept of dimari (aka, alien dudes getting abducted from their planet as babies to be taken to another planet to be brainwashed into slavery in preparation to be sent to their "master," who they are literally programmed to obey without choice but are also programmed to enjoy it and to NEED it or they'll die). each of these books is about a dimari ending up with their master by accident, and the master is always someone who is adamantly against slavery. on the one hand, I think it's an interesting discussion point that if their "masters" treated them the way they should (i.e, NOT like they're enslaved), that genuinely does not work for the dimari and they get miserable because they're programmed to require subservience to their master. so watching them find the balance between giving them the opportunities to obey that their brains are programmed to need and also letting them learn how to make their own choices is really unique and interesting. on the other hand...........I rly simply cannot get on board with master/enslaved romances for the most part even if they're done "right," and this one was. there's also the whole angle of them trying to take down the entire enslavement system so that helps.
-I will say that while it was satisfying to watch Xel find his place and to watch the found family dynamic develop, the plotline with Vonnie felt...out of place? unnecessary, maybe? I felt the same way about the first one which is why I stopped reading it -- too much of the intergalactic politics and military bullshit. like the vast majority of the books are about the dynamic between the featured dimari and their "master," with the politics being the B plot.

TLDR: idk. it was good I think. but just got a bit boring after the first half.

[Iris Blumer · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really didn't enjoy it. I've read 5 books of this author and on each one I have found myself with the same problems. The stories have so much potential but always fall short. The author tends to juggle psychological problems and healing, romance and politics but never seems to go deep enough or built well around any of it, which makes a rather superficial story with a lot of wholes in it and leaves the reader unfulfilled. I kept giving this author a chance because the plots always seem so promising, but I'm giving up. All five books I quit at around 80%

This book is not the exception, on the contrary is by far the worst. This is not a romance story it starts like one but midway through the author left it aside and focused on a political quest, which was childlike wishful thinking of how to break a system completely oblivious of how the true nature and dynamics of politics work, it was rushed and optimistic at best.

The characters don't get enough time to truly connect, they don't have enough situations to truly pursue the idea that they helped each other heal. There's far more detail on the minor day to day workings of an animal care centre than the feelings, thoughts or situations that might drive two hurt people together. It is tedious and monotonous and there's little to non character development. I do not recommend this at all

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another very enjoyable book in the Rogue Bonds series. It is a different sort of book because, for the first time, we see how someone genetically engineered and trained from childhood for a life of slavery reacts when his master, who he had imprinted on, dies. Xel had been working in a hotel for his cruel and indifferent master for three years. Now, that the master has died, Xel is given over to the man's estranged heir and nephew, Cole.

Cole is mostly a recluse, badly scarred from a house fire, and not up to the questions and repulsion of many people. Running an animal shelter, he is happy, but lonely. When Xel comes, he is at first disgusted by the idea of owning a slave, but as he learns more about Xel's biological needs and imperatives, he opens up to Xel's place in his life.

This story is a standalone, but also connects well to earlier books in the series. There are storylines of action, excitement, intrigue, and passion. Definitely recommended!

[Arima · Rating 3 out of 5]

3'25/5

I understand that the general storyline of the saga addresses the problem of slavery, racial differences, and all the political issues involved. The problem is that, aside from presenting all of this in a rather unserious way, the protagonists feel very contrived: it makes no sense that this man from the animal sanctuary has to be the public face and practically one of the main people responsible for a government secret of this magnitude.

That's why I don't fully enjoy the books in this series: it bites off more than it can chew.

Either you develop the love story between a slave and a human, with the emotional work that requires, with the personal evolution of each of them, and generally more detail on the romance and less on insta-lust. Or you focus on the political plot.

If you want to do both, you have to write longer books or make the characters fit better with what you want to tell.

[Flipping Nap Time · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great plot with a hint of spice!

Xel is just a sweetheart! It is easy to relate to his internal anxiety regarding his new situation. His inner monologue cleared up a lot of dimari nuances we encountered in the first two books. The introduction of Vonnie and Kathy was also great and I can’t wait to see where the story takes these two characters. Overall, great world building and the series’ overarching plot advanced beautifully.

4 stars and not 5 because of Cole. He is Xel’s new master and at first he really struggles with the master/slave dynamic. However, I wish Taylor would have taken more time explaining Cole’s trauma and how he manages to get past his aversion to the dynamic dimaris are trained to expect. I wish the conversation he references between him and Kade had been one the page. I think that would have been helpful in understanding Cole’s sudden acceptance of his role as master better. The character was very one-dimensional and hard to connect to.

[Hani · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favourite couple of the three in this series published so far. This book also shows actual political steps being taken addressing the slavery of Vangravian males, which is super exciting.

Kade participated a lot less in this book than in book 2, and that's a bit sad. I enjoy Dimari interacting with other Dimari; it's so cute. This book compensates for that lack with many cute pets in the animal sanctuary.

Content warning specific for this book: a pet dies of old age. This book is still part of the dubcon that is the neuro-engineering premise of this series. Do not be fooled by Xel's broken bond that starts off the beginning of this book. Also, I was expecting that a Dimari trained in erotic skills would give us spicier scenes, but the sex scenes were surprisingly more emotional than erotic.

Now I have to wait for book 4!!! Argh.

[Jade · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75* - 4*

overall i really enjoy this series and will definitely continue on.
There is something sweet and endearing about these dimari learning to express their wants and desires within the loopholes of their brainwashing and becoming more sure and confident in themselves.
There is also something intriguing about witnessing the alliance citizen fight to let go of some of the concepts that are deeply ingrained in our collective moral code that is reflective of western culture today. there is often a level of innocence in their connection seeing as how the master never initially purchases a dimari.

I would say this is a good pallette cleanser as it isn't too heavy so my idea of a rom-comy love fest.

the spice was a nice addition, only 2 spicy after the 80% mark or so and it isn't graphic. I definitely felt thier attraction to each other.

I read this in one sitting so you know it was a good giggle and kick my feel kind of fun time.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Phenomenal Book in This Series!

This book was amazing! This series is one of my all time favorites, and it gets better and better. I never want it to end! I loved the turn this one took in the overarching storyline, while also still giving another swoony spicy romance! Xel and Cole were so sweet and the pets and cottage gave this book all the cozy feels! The unique world building, the bonded at first sight trope, but this one with a cool twist, and the found family trope always feeds my soul! I really hope we get to see what Aiden and Kade do with the Dimari found in the beginning that haven’t been opened yet, and maybe they will pre-select their partners! There is so much story left to tell in this world, and I’m here for it all! The audiobook was fantastic as well!

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved, Loved, Loved It

I love this author's writing. I want to jump into the next book now but I realize that I have a bit of a wait.
Xel, a dimari slave, has lost his master to a heart attack. The hotel manager wants to keep him but he is given to the next of kin.
Cole inherits his uncle's dimari slave. It's a complication and responsibility that Cole doesn't want to deal with.
For Xel having lost his master he feels adrift. Cole bears physical and emotional scars that make him shy away from strangers. Their relationship develops into a healing for both of them while dealing with legal, moral and political battles.

[Carolina · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5
I felt this book had too much inside. Too many stories put together into one book.

I felt I was witnessing the story of Xel and Cole and suddenly it was Vonnie and Kathy Nd the Alliance and the whole Vangravian male population.

It wasn’t bad, I just wanted my cosy Xel-Cole and Mr Beans story… and more kittens and puppies.

[Jennifer Lavoie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vangravian babies!

I adored this book. It was much different than the others because of how Cole and Xel met, but that made for world more compelling. I also thought there was only going to be three books, but with the fourth confirmed and such an intriguing twist coming? I’m so excited!

[Rach · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did like this more than book 2! it does suffer from the same issue book 2 had, which was great romance development until the second half when it became a plot exposition dumping vehicle for a problem that was kind of randomly introduced??

however? I love a scarred main character, I love xel, and it's an interesting direction for the series!! can't wait to read book four

[Olivia Ganzenmuller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked it.

You’ve got the internal and moral conflicts, but we’re also dealing with a new set of characters with wants, desires, fears, and unexpected companionship. It adds to the world and I’m looking forward to the next one.

[Sarah Carr-Braint · Rating 5 out of 5]

second chance at happiness

I loved the complexity of all the characters in this book and how you really feel like you know them and are routing for them to not only get together but get their best lives, will be putting it on my re read list

[Annette M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series

The universe keeps growing and I love it. Every character is wonderful and I hope to see more in the future.

[J. Ramsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Xel!

I have loved every book in this series so far, but this one will hold a special place in my heart.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Introduced an interesting storyline that should move the series along nicely.

[Mari · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 I liked the story a lot, I just a little bored near the end. I prefer the first two but this one is still good!

[Satanic Rat · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[MarkyWolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

the whole series is stunning and captivating. i hope it continues

[Jona Nightingale · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has been such an interesting series. Even as they navigate the issue of sexual slavery and having a master, it feels pungent when an author takes on these topics.

[Tasia · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was fine but definitely not my favorite of the series

[Becky A · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Xel" received FOUR stars.

I really enjoy this series! ❤️

The novel gained *stars* for these items:

* gained for: "The book caught my interest in the first five pages."

* gained for: "I thought about the book when I was forced to set it down and re-enter society."

* gained for: "There were no info dumps, poor writing, or copy edit mistakes that jerked me out of the story."

* gained for: "I was sad when the book ended. I wanted more!"

The novel failed to gain stars for this item:

NO STAR gained for: "That's it. I'm hooked on this author. I will automatically try anything she/he/they writes."