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Moondrake
Dear Author,
I once was a cargo ship captain, straddling the line between the law and the bandits that roamed the galaxy. I had a good crew and a simple life. That was until my ship was captured by an unknown alien race. They enslaved me and my crew and made us into pleasure slaves.
Here is where the story becomes yours— Was I sold and did I come to love my master? Did I find relief in my submission? Did I struggle and escape with the help of a secret lover that came looking for me? Was I rescued and come to fall in love with the military officer that liberated me? Or something altogether different?
Photo Description:
Filthy, naked from head to toe, nothing but a pair of cutoffs. His prominent erection tenting his pants. How did he wind up here? In this prison? Who did this to him? And who was he thinking of? His head is turned and our gazes met, his pupils blown inside green and gold irises. His hand extends, imploring, asking to be saved.
This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love is an Open Road" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.
This story may contain sexually explicit content and is intended for adult readers. It may contain content that is disagreeable or distressing to some readers. The M/M Romance Group strongly recommends that each reader review the General Information section before each story for story tags as well as for content warnings.
I once was a cargo ship captain, straddling the line between the law and the bandits that roamed the galaxy. I had a good crew and a simple life. That was until my ship was captured by an unknown alien race. They enslaved me and my crew and made us into pleasure slaves.
Here is where the story becomes yours— Was I sold and did I come to love my master? Did I find relief in my submission? Did I struggle and escape with the help of a secret lover that came looking for me? Was I rescued and come to fall in love with the military officer that liberated me? Or something altogether different?
Photo Description:
Filthy, naked from head to toe, nothing but a pair of cutoffs. His prominent erection tenting his pants. How did he wind up here? In this prison? Who did this to him? And who was he thinking of? His head is turned and our gazes met, his pupils blown inside green and gold irises. His hand extends, imploring, asking to be saved.
This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love is an Open Road" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.
This story may contain sexually explicit content and is intended for adult readers. It may contain content that is disagreeable or distressing to some readers. The M/M Romance Group strongly recommends that each reader review the General Information section before each story for story tags as well as for content warnings.
112 pages, ebook
First published July 3, 2015
1 person is currently reading
95 people want to read
About the author
Alexis Woods
52 books84 followersAlways an avid reader and colorful dreamer, it was only a matter of time before taking pen to paper, oftentimes literally. A firm believer in every song tells a story and every story has a song, I sing under my breath, tap my toes and swing my hips, much to the delight of my co-workers and friends. I freely admit that becoming a romance author is the best mid-life crisis a girl could ever have.
I'm a/an: Author/Anachronist, Beta reader, Coffee Lover, Daughter/Dancer, Friend/Fighter, Jewish, Lover/Leader, Mother/Medieval enthusiast, Novice fencer, Opinionated, Pharmacist, Romantic/Reenactor, Sister/Scout, Traveler, Visionary, Wife
I'm a/an: Author/Anachronist, Beta reader, Coffee Lover, Daughter/Dancer, Friend/Fighter, Jewish, Lover/Leader, Mother/Medieval enthusiast, Novice fencer, Opinionated, Pharmacist, Romantic/Reenactor, Sister/Scout, Traveler, Visionary, Wife
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 6, 2015
This is a very creative interpretation of the prompt, and Woods' writing flows well.
I never fully grasped this fantasy world, but that didn't hinder my enjoyment of the story.
I love the idea of dragon shifters and mating bonds, but the move from faux non/dub-con to mates, as well as master/pleasure slave to forever, was swift ... TOO swift.
Once Brandt was brought in to complete the threesome, the story felt rushed.
While I liked the slow burn, considering that we have claws, scales, and M/M/M, I expected far more steam than one short scene.
I also didn't understand how Kayluth
I did enjoy the power struggle between Kayluth and Manning, and was glad that Manning stood up for Brandt. The tenderness between all three MCs at the end was nice.
I never fully grasped this fantasy world, but that didn't hinder my enjoyment of the story.
I love the idea of dragon shifters and mating bonds, but the move from faux non/dub-con to mates, as well as master/pleasure slave to forever, was swift ... TOO swift.
Once Brandt was brought in to complete the threesome, the story felt rushed.
While I liked the slow burn, considering that we have claws, scales, and M/M/M, I expected far more steam than one short scene.
I also didn't understand how Kayluth
I did enjoy the power struggle between Kayluth and Manning, and was glad that Manning stood up for Brandt. The tenderness between all three MCs at the end was nice.
July 16, 2015
Offered for FREE from the M/M Romance Group's Love Is An Open Road event. Thank you too all the amazing authors who participated!
I think I could literally stare at this picture for days... daaaaaays. And I simply can't resist a slave-boy fic. Unfortunately, this one didn't deliver for me. Right away I found the dialogue forced and awkward, but decided to give it a chance. But the problem was, it didn't make any sense. I love a good slave fic where one man is forced to submit to the other, it is what it is.
Kayluth was being the typical harsh Master with moments of gentleness to counter-balance it and pull a bit of Stockholm... but he seemed genuinely confused why Manning was being difficult. And Manning wasn't resistant enough to make his breaking intense and heart-wrenching, but wasn't into it enough to make his submission delectable.
The sudden change came out of nowhere on both their parts. Kayluth all of a sudden is fine with not being called 'Master' after insisting to the point of beatings. And Manning is willing to stay after thinking he'd been kidnapped and beaten for no reason. He even explains it by saying, "Kayluth's honesty and heartfelt apologies for his actions had altered his image of the shifter." I'm sorry, but are we reading the same book? All Kayluth said as far as apologies go is "I cannot apologize enough for my actions." There is no actual apology in that sentence.
I stopped reading when we got to the menage. Brandt really had been treated horribly to the point of sobbing on Manning's shoulder, and Manning is all "yeah they shouldn't have treated you like that, but those guys aren't like my guy (who basically treated me the same), come join us." WTF?
If you're gonna go slave-fic then go whole hog, use the tulsu to pleasure-rape Manning and keep doing it until you Stockholm his ass into submission. But they started with that and then tried to switch gears and say "just kidding, we're really nice guys it was all just a misunderstanding. You don't actually have to call me Master even though that other guy has to wear a collar until he submits." Inconsistent. And I think I'm more annoyed by it because I had high hopes.
February 3, 2016
Master/slave and m/m/m are not usually my thing, but, yeah, this worked for me. It had good tension and was very satisfying when fulfillment finally occurs.
July 3, 2015
I don't usually read Sci-Fi. Or books with dragons. So, when I saw the tags on this one, I was sort of reluctant to read it.
But then I read the first chapter and was hooked.
This was very interesting. Sweet in some parts, tough to read in others, especially in the early chapters. I liked how the author explored the lore she created, how she pinned a strong human against a Dragon shifter alien, how the two men misunderstood each other's intention, how the Drakken struggled to realize his approach in wooing his human was woefully inadequate and actually hindered his progress, how love has to grow and can't be forced by your alien pheromones, how mistreating your captive doesn't win you any brownie points. I liked that the author gave Manning backbone, and integrity, and cunning, but also allowed him to soften his stance when he realized pieces of the truth. I liked how he wouldn't back down when Kayluth tried to subdue him, and fought him at each opportunity, but then also was open to exploring this thing that was growing between them, and offered forgiveness and his heart in the end. (What? This is a romance, after all.)
And when the tide shifts, when the connection is allowed to grow into so much more, when explanations come forth, and both men soften, when they invite the love of a third - the tone changed and morphed into the romance I expected. Unforced, soft, something to cherish and protect. Sure, there are misunderstandings, but they work through them, they talk, they figure it out.
Very well done.
Another lovely submission to the Love Is An Open Road event from the M/M Romance group. My sincere thanks to the author for donating time and effort in this labor of love.
But then I read the first chapter and was hooked.
This was very interesting. Sweet in some parts, tough to read in others, especially in the early chapters. I liked how the author explored the lore she created, how she pinned a strong human against a Dragon shifter alien, how the two men misunderstood each other's intention, how the Drakken struggled to realize his approach in wooing his human was woefully inadequate and actually hindered his progress, how love has to grow and can't be forced by your alien pheromones, how mistreating your captive doesn't win you any brownie points. I liked that the author gave Manning backbone, and integrity, and cunning, but also allowed him to soften his stance when he realized pieces of the truth. I liked how he wouldn't back down when Kayluth tried to subdue him, and fought him at each opportunity, but then also was open to exploring this thing that was growing between them, and offered forgiveness and his heart in the end. (What? This is a romance, after all.)
And when the tide shifts, when the connection is allowed to grow into so much more, when explanations come forth, and both men soften, when they invite the love of a third - the tone changed and morphed into the romance I expected. Unforced, soft, something to cherish and protect. Sure, there are misunderstandings, but they work through them, they talk, they figure it out.
Very well done.
Another lovely submission to the Love Is An Open Road event from the M/M Romance group. My sincere thanks to the author for donating time and effort in this labor of love.
June 22, 2017
i just feel like if you're going to write a dub-con master/slave abduction story, suddenly showing that the aliens are Not Actually That Bad After All is not a good idea; it seemed forced and unrealistic, especially some of the characters' reactions. Kayluth's personality didn't develop in a lineal way, but seemed to do a complete 180 out of nowhere, and Brandt... um, no.
January 2, 2016
I enjoyed the world building and the meshing of norse with sci-fi.
And though I felt like the relationship dynamic between Manning and Kayluth went a bit too quickly from "Never give up! Never surrender!" to "Give me Brandt and then sure this threesome will totally work and we'll live happily ever after", ultimately I just rolled my eyes and went with it.
I'll confess to skimming a little towards the end, it just lost momentum, and my attention, for a little while. However, it managed to pick it up again within a chapter or two.
And though I felt like the relationship dynamic between Manning and Kayluth went a bit too quickly from "Never give up! Never surrender!" to "Give me Brandt and then sure this threesome will totally work and we'll live happily ever after", ultimately I just rolled my eyes and went with it.
I'll confess to skimming a little towards the end, it just lost momentum, and my attention, for a little while. However, it managed to pick it up again within a chapter or two.
Read
November 26, 202011/25/2020 - A two book series (Drakken Triumvirate) will finally!! be published in January 2021, under the titles: Drakken Moon and Drakken Sun. Overall word count between the two books is over 90,000. It's a complete edit of the original story, adding in all three MCs POVs, and then continues their story. Drakken Sun (book 2) will contain mpreg components and include the birth of their child.
10/16/17 - MOONDRAKE is currently being overhauled. There are quite a few reasons but mostly the story needed to be fixed, and all three POVs added. I'm also planning on expanding the story. Expect a full publication in 2018.
7/2015 - I had fun writing this story, and it hooked me on Pinterest. I've been keeping the board a secret until it posted. If you are interested in checking out some of my inspiration for the story you can find my MOONDRAKE board here.
10/16/17 - MOONDRAKE is currently being overhauled. There are quite a few reasons but mostly the story needed to be fixed, and all three POVs added. I'm also planning on expanding the story. Expect a full publication in 2018.
7/2015 - I had fun writing this story, and it hooked me on Pinterest. I've been keeping the board a secret until it posted. If you are interested in checking out some of my inspiration for the story you can find my MOONDRAKE board here.
October 12, 2015
A hapless (maybe space)ship crew, in desperate need of a Han Solo to tell them that there's no time to discuss this as a committee, manages to get themselves spectacularly captured by alienish humanoids and turned into pleasure slaves...
...or so I thought, all prepared and raring for orgies and depravity. But then the captain, who is our MC, finally started acting and threw some resistance. Which was promptly crushed by his captor who demanded to be called Master. I resigned myself to bdsm and was still waiting for that depravity...
...which didn't happen again because alien captors were now shown to be good and just misunderstood. They only wanted to pleasure their pleasure slaves but somehow failed to communicate that vital bit of info, despite speaking the same language. I switched myself from depravity mode to 'justice for the only guy who didn't find his pleasure all that wanted' mode and got ready for some action...
...which didn't happen - again! - because our wronged guy was drawn into a "menage with feelings"TM, let go of his grudges, and my brain was tiredly getting itself into an orgy mode again...
...of which I did get some, but the story swiftly ended in a spectacular feat of procreation.
It was rather tiring, all those wrong expectations and everything. Almost everybody kept his humanity, but when you were expecting edginess, morally gray areas and the abovementioned depravity, it all got quite confusing.
...or so I thought, all prepared and raring for orgies and depravity. But then the captain, who is our MC, finally started acting and threw some resistance. Which was promptly crushed by his captor who demanded to be called Master. I resigned myself to bdsm and was still waiting for that depravity...
...which didn't happen again because alien captors were now shown to be good and just misunderstood. They only wanted to pleasure their pleasure slaves but somehow failed to communicate that vital bit of info, despite speaking the same language. I switched myself from depravity mode to 'justice for the only guy who didn't find his pleasure all that wanted' mode and got ready for some action...
...which didn't happen - again! - because our wronged guy was drawn into a "menage with feelings"TM, let go of his grudges, and my brain was tiredly getting itself into an orgy mode again...
...of which I did get some, but the story swiftly ended in a spectacular feat of procreation.
It was rather tiring, all those wrong expectations and everything. Almost everybody kept his humanity, but when you were expecting edginess, morally gray areas and the abovementioned depravity, it all got quite confusing.
July 19, 2015
This ended up not being a favorite of mine. Mostly because it ended up being an M/M/M. I know it was in the tags, but the ‘shifter’ and ‘mpreg’ was to much of a draw for me to hold back from reading it. So, I want for it. I so much wanted to love this story, but it simply wasn't my cup of tea. I am sure others will enjoy it.
I personally found it hard to follow. Perhaps it was all the different slang and ‘words’. Frankly I was waiting for Manning to off himself a few times because he was hating being a captive so much. He hated not knowing everything and not having control. Their difference cultures clashed, as his captor thought he was doing everything beyond good for his sobroke, his mate. On top of it all, Manning was feeling super attracted to his captor and was fighting so hard to deny it.
Then at some point he realizes the ‘truth’ of who he is and what he means to the alien. Then he jumps on the bandwagon and brings in his other lover who ends up being a distant cousin of his. It was so confusing to me all.
Then I was left with a question at the end.
I personally found it hard to follow. Perhaps it was all the different slang and ‘words’. Frankly I was waiting for Manning to off himself a few times because he was hating being a captive so much. He hated not knowing everything and not having control. Their difference cultures clashed, as his captor thought he was doing everything beyond good for his sobroke, his mate. On top of it all, Manning was feeling super attracted to his captor and was fighting so hard to deny it.
Then at some point he realizes the ‘truth’ of who he is and what he means to the alien. Then he jumps on the bandwagon and brings in his other lover who ends up being a distant cousin of his. It was so confusing to me all.
Then I was left with a question at the end.
July 17, 2015
I really enjoyed this, I'd love to read a sequel.
June 28, 2018
I'm not a sci-fi reader but I did love the feel of this story. The world of the Drakkan was quite entertaining.
I once was a cargo ship captain, straddling the line between the law and the bandits that roamed the galaxy. I had a good crew and a simple life. That was until my ship was captured by an unknown alien race. They enslaved me and my crew and made us into pleasure slaves.
Here is where the story becomes yours— Was I sold and did I come to love my master? Did I find relief in my submission? Did I struggle and escape with the help of a secret lover that came looking for me? Was I rescued and come to fall in love with the military officer that liberated me? Or something altogether different?
This book is part of the Love is an Open Road Event of the M/M Romance Group and is free to download here.
September 9, 2015
[NOTE: I rate most writing event stories (free reads) 4 or 5 stars because of my appreciation of the author's participation and gift.]
I enjoyed the world of this and the portrayal of the shifter. I think it could have benefited from more length (That's wha he said!) to make Manning's acceptance seem less sudden, probably not the best word, maybe more proven of its worthiness. I just felt that there needed to be a bit more shown as to why Manning would accept Kayluth.
Also, not sure how the Prologue fit in. Seems we almost see that scene twice, but I'm not really sure why.
Still I really liked the atmosphere of this story.
I enjoyed the world of this and the portrayal of the shifter. I think it could have benefited from more length (That's wha he said!) to make Manning's acceptance seem less sudden, probably not the best word, maybe more proven of its worthiness. I just felt that there needed to be a bit more shown as to why Manning would accept Kayluth.
Also, not sure how the Prologue fit in. Seems we almost see that scene twice, but I'm not really sure why.
Still I really liked the atmosphere of this story.
January 10, 2021
How can something both drag on AND move to quickly? The threesome seems forced, as does... well, everything, really.
Also, focusing on the mpreg in promotional materials for this just seems like false advertising.
But hey, it got me to finish it, so that's something.
Also, focusing on the mpreg in promotional materials for this just seems like false advertising.
But hey, it got me to finish it, so that's something.
July 9, 2015
I am so pleased to see how much Mrs. Alexis Woods writing has grown and matured form her first story, last year.
It's like watching your child grow and blossom good work, babe, proud of you!
It's like watching your child grow and blossom good work, babe, proud of you!
October 11, 2015
Creative but did not hold my attention. Did not finish.
October 1, 2015
Super meh writing.
July 12, 2015
3.5 stars
June 2, 2017
3.0 Stars
I liked the idea of this one more than I liked the execution of it. For a species to exist just taking what it wants for hundred (or even thousands?) of years, only for one of it's kind to wake up one day with a different perspective was a bit hard to swallow. Sure, there were several instances of the kidnapped Manning taking a stand and not acting subservient (except for whatever reason on those occasions when he did)...but that rebellion typically ended with him broken, bruised or battered in some way. One day, his refusal didn't end in violence, but he was still treated as a possession.
But see, this possession was in fact a gift, because they were chosen to be owned, to be loved. Yeah, I was chosen that way once as well (with the accompanying injuries) and it doesn't make it any more romantic that it's a dragon shifter or whatever.
Also, throwing Brandt in there just muddied the waters some more because he was treated even worse by all of the drakken that "chose" him, in succession, but then gave up and just let him rot for a while after all that trauma. So, yeah, no.
I can see what the author was going for, it just didn't translate as well into the words...which is why I gave it a 3-star rating instead of maybe 2.5 (which was my first instinct). Also, I liked the originality of tapping the Norse mythology for origin stories to build the background of this tale. (Doesn't hold up when compared to, say, Firefly with it's logical Chinese, Russian, or American expansionist sensibilities, though.)
I liked the idea of this one more than I liked the execution of it. For a species to exist just taking what it wants for hundred (or even thousands?) of years, only for one of it's kind to wake up one day with a different perspective was a bit hard to swallow. Sure, there were several instances of the kidnapped Manning taking a stand and not acting subservient (except for whatever reason on those occasions when he did)...but that rebellion typically ended with him broken, bruised or battered in some way. One day, his refusal didn't end in violence, but he was still treated as a possession.
But see, this possession was in fact a gift, because they were chosen to be owned, to be loved. Yeah, I was chosen that way once as well (with the accompanying injuries) and it doesn't make it any more romantic that it's a dragon shifter or whatever.
Also, throwing Brandt in there just muddied the waters some more because he was treated even worse by all of the drakken that "chose" him, in succession, but then gave up and just let him rot for a while after all that trauma. So, yeah, no.
I can see what the author was going for, it just didn't translate as well into the words...which is why I gave it a 3-star rating instead of maybe 2.5 (which was my first instinct). Also, I liked the originality of tapping the Norse mythology for origin stories to build the background of this tale. (Doesn't hold up when compared to, say, Firefly with it's logical Chinese, Russian, or American expansionist sensibilities, though.)
February 24, 2019
I really liked the first part of the book, the second - not so much. Perhaps it would have been better if the story was longer. Then the change of the feelings would be more believable, especially in Brandt's case. I understand it was supposed to have HEA ending and the plot was preconditioned by that but still... At the end I was rolling my eyes every second sentence.
September 10, 2016
** 3.5 Stars **
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Not what I usually read (dragon-shifters and ménage) but I was intrigued by the prompt. It turned out to be a very imaginative and interesting read.
Thank You Ms. Woods
December 6, 2015
A very good story with a potentially rich world... the sex was somewhat hot and unique... the transition to love was far too swift... but the relationship developed some believability. Toward the end, they worked very well together, even if there were some rough bits.
July 4, 2015
3.5 Stars
July 14, 2015
Nice interpretation of the photo and the story letter. Thank you Alexis Woods for donating your story, your time and your talent.
April 2, 2016
My Rating System:
* couldn't finish, ** wouldn't recommend, *** would recommend, **** would read again, ***** have read again.
* couldn't finish, ** wouldn't recommend, *** would recommend, **** would read again, ***** have read again.
December 29, 2016
Excellent story, fully formed world and characters, and great reasoning for the conflicts. Nice job incorporating Norse mythology into a space-faring world!
March 31, 2017
3.5 Stars - the transition from the slave to mate was too sudden. I didn't buy their turn around nor Brandt's and the end was a bit rushed. However, I think the basic story fit the prompt well and I liked that the picture is included in a scene. I liked the history given for the Drakken.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews