Rescued by the Ancient Chinese Warrior Prince

by C.D. Rachels

Our missions are go back in time, retrieve an anomaly, come back in seven days, and don’t change the past. There’s certainly no room to interact with, hook up, or catch feelings for someone outside of my time.

But when my latest mission takes a frightening turn, I’m saved by the most gorgeous man I’ve ever seen. He’s not only skilled with swordplay, but he’s sweet and understanding.
Oh, and he’s totally into me.

Still, I need to ignore him and go back to my century. There’s too much at stake if I get involved with him.
Now I need to convince my heart and body to get on board with that plan. Life as a time-travelling secret agent just got a lot more complicated.

(Don’t read this book unless you enjoy M/M spicy romance time travel stories that will make you swoon.)

Genres: M M Romance

58 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 29, 2026

About the author

CD Rachels has been coming up with stories since he was little. At first it was all about superheroes and pocket monsters, but his genre of choice has expanded since puberty.

He’s been consuming young adult gay fiction since he was a teen, but within the past five years moved up to the big leagues of gay adult romance. In 2020 during quarantine, he burned through more male/male romance books than he ever had in the previous 29 years combined.

He lives in New York City with the love of his life and is a nurse by trade. When he’s not reading and writing, he’s playing board games and practicing music. He is honored to become a self-published author, and if you’re reading this, your support means so much to him that it’s giving him a tingly feeling (in a good way).

Reviews

[warhawke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genre: MM Romance
Type: Standalone book 1 of Time Travelling Men in Love series
POV: First person- dual
Rating:




As a time-traveling secret agent, Carmine Listo traveled across eras and continents to retrieve important artifacts across time. His latest mission brought him to ancient China, where a seemingly simple assignment took an unexpected turn after Prince Xing Kurun saved his life.



I enjoyed both characters and how they provided what the other needed. Though I'd like more worldbuilding details considering the time period, the overall plot was entertaining.

Rescued by the Ancient Chinese Warrior Prince is a story of breaking free. It would appeal to readers looking for a fun, short, MM Romance.




⚔️⛩️⚔️. . . (F)BR with Twinsie CC . . . ⚔️⛩️⚔️




For more reviews/interviews/book talk/promo visit:



For graphics, trailers & author services visit Warhawke Design Studio.

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

4 stars

Rescued by the Ancient Chinese Warrior Prince is a sweet little time travel get together featuring a twenty-third century man and a sixth century one. I was interested in the portrayal of a Chinese hero because I have recently discovered Chinese dramas and suffer the same instant attraction to fit, long-haired warriors as Carmine. The story unfolds in six parts, with Carmine and Kurun taking turns as first-person narrator.

All and all, this is a sweet short story about two people who are near perfect for each other, finding one another across time and ready to take the plunge together. If you enjoy historical fiction and science fantasy or intercultural couples, I think you’ll have a lot of fun reading this.

Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.

[CC · Rating 4 out of 5]

4★

Transporting to over 1500 years ago in The People’s Republic of China, Carmine Listo is on his latest mission to retrieve an anomaly and bring it back to the present. When Carmine runs into some trouble, he saved by Prince Xing Kurun and this connection becomes more meaningful than he could have expected.

“You are not from here, you wield strange weapons, and yet you wear our robes and speak our tongue. What kind of riddle are you?”

Narrated in dual POV, Carmine and Kurun are cute together from the outset, as both are curious and intrigued with each other. Plus, their attraction is palpable. The theme of time travel and how Carmine’s mission is linked to Kurun interesting and I enjoyed how their destiny was realized in this novella.


*This was a (F)BR with Twinsie Hawkey*


For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:

[Deb Kel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A charming and surprisingly heartfelt time-travel romance that packed a lot into a shorter story. The storyline had me hooked centred around a time-traveling agent who is sent on a mission then accidentally forms a connection with someone from the past, plus it delivered exactly the kind of adventure and romance I was hoping for.

I really enjoyed Carmine as a main character. He's trying so hard to follow the rules and stay focused on his mission, but everything becomes much more complicated once he meets Prince Kurun. Their connection felt natural from the start, and I loved how quickly they seemed to understand and support each other despite coming from completely different worlds.

What worked especially well for me was the balance between the romance and the time-travel elements. The story never forgot the stakes involved in changing the past, which added tension to every choice Carmine had to make. At the same time, Kurun's determination and unwavering feelings made it impossible not to root for them as a couple.

Overall, a sweet, entertaining read with likeable characters, a unique setup, and just enough emotion to leave a lasting impression.
I received a free arc and this is my honest review

[Sharon L · Rating 4 out of 5]

"In the forest clearing, a man has appeared from out of the air. And that man…is beautiful."

What a quick fun read by CD Rachels. This is the fourth book I've read by this author and I'm hoping he might turn this short story into a time traveling series. Who doesn't like time travel after all. If this doesn't become a series it would feel like a missed opportunity to me.

For being such a quick read there was quite a bit of character development going on. I'm always surprised when an author is able to throw so much in to enhance a story especially in a 66 page book.

Can you have fated mates in a time travel story because to me it seemed like these two guys were fated to be together.

Don't forget to pick up the bonus story at the end of the book because you'll be sorry you missed it.

Time travelers chasing down anomalies, a prince dreaming of a different life, being in the right place at the right time, a brother destined for more

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review for (Time Traveling Men in Love-1) Rescued by the Ancient Chinese Warrior Prince by C.D. Rachels

I have to say I have been so lucky lately to have read some good books by authors I haven't read before. C. Rachels is one of those. This was a fun read for me because I love time travel stories where they are there trying to either find something or fix the timeline. In the past, they found someone that they were attracted to when they shouldn't have because they knew they wouldn't be there that long. Will they be able to leave that person they have not only gotten to know but also fallen for? I just couldn't not like Carmine & Prince Xing Kurun. I loved the talk of traveling to ancient China. I could have loved more of that time period. It was a great story, and you just had to find out what happened next. I am looking forward to more in this series.

Nicole Harvey

[Debby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carmine’s job is to go back in time and retrieve a potentially damaging anomaly. He is not to interact with anyone to avoid changing anything. Only this mission does not go as planned and he needs rescuing. Prince Xing Kurun is the perfect man for the job. The two find they have some feelings but Carmine knows the rules and he must do his job and return. Too bad Kurun could care less about the rules.

These two were perfect together. They just had to resolve a few issues such of coming from different times and ensuring no inadvertent changes were made in the timeline. It was a quick, fun read and had everything you needed. It was short, sweet and quite complete, perfect for a waiting room.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Shana W · Rating 3 out of 5]

This fun adventure was very quick to read. Carmine works for a time travel agency, and he goes back in time to retrieve an artifact. There, he meets Prince Kurun. The prince had been groomed to become emperor, but he has been craving a life of adventure. They have hot chemistry, and they both know they will be miserable when Carmine must return to the future, as any other actions may change history.
This being an extra short novella, there is very little in the way of backstory, character development or relationship development. I was left with so many questions. However, you can enjoy the book for what it is, a short, sweet and entertaining story with likeable characters and no angst.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Heather Duff · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short fantasy/time traveling romance was pretty great. I’m really enjoying CD’s foray into fantasy & paranormal.

Because it’s short, there is an element of insta-love, but it’s also got a fated vibe that makes it feel necessary rather than sudden.

Was their meeting meant to be? That’s the fun of time travel. Was it already written, or is this new? Will it change history?

Carmine travels back in time to retrieve an artifact, but in his search, he meets Kurun. A prince who is restless and dreams of a life of adventure, not that of leading a dynasty.

When the artifact makes a new future possible, will he take it and the possibility of love?

[Suzanne Irving · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carmine brings back a big souvenir from the past in the form of a Chinese prince called Kurun. There is some world building in this short book, but it’s mostly about the two characters. Even as a short story CD Rachels has managed to pack a lot in this book. My only complaint is that I want more about these two guys and the time travel agency. This book was written for a compilation originally and I was hoping that the story would be expanded as I love this authors writing. I hope that the rest of the books in this series will be full length and include some more about Carmine and Kurun.

I got a copy of this book from GRR and this is my honest review

[Cynthia M Brow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rescued by the Ancient Chinese Warrior Prince is the first book in the Time Travelling Men in Love series. This is the story of Carmine and Kurun. This was a quick short read. I loved the concept of the story but wish there could have been more in depth world building. This was a fun story but even though it's a novella I got enough of everything like character development and an interesting plot. I really hope this turns into a series. I would definitely recommend this novella.
received a free review copy

[Jeanette Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

CD Rachels packs a lot of story into his short story "Rescued by the Ancient Chinese Warrior Prince (Time Travelling Men in Love, #1)". It's a time travel tale. I've never been a fan of this genre. Either the MCs have to seperate to keep the timeline intact. Or someone leaves their home time frame to be with "the man I love".
So, once again it was the gorgeous cover and interesting title that grabbed my attention. The story did grab my interest. Action. Danger. Lazy sizzle. Looking for more.
I received an advanced copy of this ebook and this is my review.

[Jvles · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
This was a cute little story. The Time Travel Agency plot is interesting and I would have loved the world-building to be a little deeper. The attraction was instant and the chemistry sweet and it would have been great to follow Kurun for his first steps of the new adventure. But alas, this is a short story, so there's no time for all that. If you're looking for a sweet, fun read to pass your afternoon, this might be it.

[Catherine Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun quick read! As an avid fan of C-Dramas and K-Dramas, I recently got into danmei novels, but I was craving something like that only with some extra spice in it. This totally checked that box for me! I’ve enjoyed the authors other novels and thought this was a really creative new nod to that genre with adding in a really cool new twist with the Syfy aspect thrown in. This book seemed to set up for some future stories which I’m really hoping for, would recommend!

[Mikaela (risqué.romance) · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a story that’s super short and cute with a mix of historical and fantasy, this book is for you. From the moment that these two met, I was completely sucked in their world.

I will say I want more just from how it ends and hoping the next book in this lovely series is a bit longer. I can’t hope but the brother gets a story of his very own.

David had me giggling because he was something else because what could he do when Kurun and Carmine got there happily ever after.

[Nancy Lockett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a short and sweet insta lust/love story. Carmine is from the 21st century and works for an organization that travels back in time to retrieve objects. He travels back to ancient China and ends up saved from several catastrophes by a Chinese prince. The two men have an instant attraction that soon turns to love. Carmine can't stay in ancient China and the Chinese prince can't come to the future. Or can he? This was a fun story with a good solution to the conundrum.

[Dee Layton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is part of the time traveling men in love series. This is book one. Let me tell you something C.D Rachel's did not disappoint in this book one bit. The world that they build up the imagination that the author had to create a book like this was absolutely wild. I loved the characters, I loved the suspense and everything that went into this book. I am mind blown. I cannot wait to see how Book 2 is because if it is half as good as this one it is going to be amazing.

[kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rescued by the Ancient Chinese Warrior Prince by C.D. Rachels is a time travel get together featuring a twenty-third century man and a sixth century one.
Narrated in dual POV, Carmine and Kurun are cute together from the outset, as both are curious and intrigued with each other.
Overall, a sweet, entertaining read with likeable characters, a unique setup, and just enough emotion to leave a lasting impression.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted more meat to the story! But alas it’s a novella. Here’s to hoping other stories from the agency come out and it’s a full novel.

I liked the premise of the story, but with the story being outline-ish, I was left with wanting more to the story. I have questions!!!

I liked it, but I want more.

[Ashley Tyler-Switzer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book. I knew going in this was a short story/novella, so I wouldn’t get the level of world building I normally want. I did get a real sense for the characters, however. I wish we could have seen Carmine Listo’s next mission. I’ll continue reading the series because even in a short time, I was captivated by the concept of time travelers in love. How exciting! Loved the MC’s.

[Alias11 · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a short story (about 60 pages), this spicy MM book has good world-building and character development. It has a good story and plot in addition to the steam. The characters are likable and had such connection that I really wanted there to be a way for them to be together. I will be looking for more in this series.

I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.

[Lois · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well that was weird and a little bit bonkers, but ultimately quite good fun. At less than 50 pages, there was not really time for world, plot or character development, which is a shame, but I liked the time travel aspect.

[Liza · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a delightful surprise!!  As a novella, it was so fun and a tease for hopefully more to come.  I love the idea of time travel agents falling in love with charges across time.  Carmine and Kurun were wonderful! 

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A SWEET SHORT READ!

I definitely enjoy reading books from this author. I thoroughly enjoyed the concept of time travel and found the book to be really good! I liked the characters very much!! This is an ARC review.

[Shelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely story

This is a super quick read but is a lovely story. The Prince is all put together and our time traveling agent is a bit, quirky. But Carmine is a delight that knows he shouldn't get close to Kurun. Rules are made to be broken, right?

[Leonie Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a super short but well written, entertaining story. The characters are great! How do you go back in time and not change history? Some things are meant to be! I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Adoraboy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a sweet and short story!!!!

[Thurman · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a good book and a couple.
I received a free copy of this book via GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[smatchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was pretty good. Short, interesting, made me want to know more! It looks like this is the beginning of a series, so I’ll have to watch out for more!

[David Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book by one of my favorite authors. I enjoyed these characters and how they came together.