Adverse Effects

Saving Caeorleia #2

by Alicia Nordwell

Saving Book Two

Dade, human-Caeorleian hybrid and ex-military grunt, doesn’t fit in—not with humans, not with aliens, not anywhere. He’s always on the outskirts, angry, and people aren’t sure they can trust him. When he encounters a compatible tziu named Yaseke, secrets, misunderstandings, and attacks nearly prevent the two from making a connection Dade sorely needs. Even after they unite, Dade and Yaseke face challenges that two newly joined males should never have to endure.

From traitorous council members, to sadistic aliens who plan to sell them as slaves, to meeting a mysterious race of revered aliens called Collectors, Dade and Yaseke manage to stay together—and even rescue two youths related to Yaseke, who’ve lost their parents to the same betrayer.

Someone from Dade’s past is at the root of everything he’s suffered. No way can he let them get away with what they’re planning, but Dade isn’t sure he can stop them on his own. If he doesn’t let go of his isolation and risk the pain letting others in will bring, he’ll never save Caeorleia in time.

Genres: Science Fiction, M M Romance, Aliens, Romance, Military Fiction, Abuse, Vampires

290 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 2, 2014

About the author

Hi! I'm Alicia, also known as Cia. I'm a huge bookworm and I also write straight and gay fiction online under both names. I love to mix modern and paranormal worlds! When I'm not reading for pleasure or writing, I'm beta reading for my author friends, doing photography, or taking care of my very patient family! You can find links to all of my free online fiction through my blog.

You can find a list of my free ebooks under the author name Cia_.

Reviews

[M'rella · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.5 stars. Here are a few quickies as to why.

- “Dade, human-Caeorleian hybrid and ex-military grunt,” who is smarter than the entire planet of advanced aliens with their crazy technology. Just... wow Too good, too perfect, too shiny. Bleh.

- Shifting POVs, one of them first person. Guaranteed to make your head spin... with nausea to follow.

- Alien guards. There are three types: Fioe, a big softie, who is decent at his job - one; traitors - about 50%; and the rest, incompetent wannabies. Those last ones so closely resemble the OST Enterprise’s ever-failing security team (add to the mix a human character named Ryker), that I kept wondering if this book is actually a fanfic went sideways.

- Editing. Was this ever proof read? I almost DNFed around the time Dade was describing the experiments conducted on him. Other hiccups are too numerous to mention. Clearly I finished the book, yet how did I come out of it with my brainz not hurting is a mystery to me.

[Chappy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great follow-up to The Experiment

Here we get Dade's story. He's another human-Caeorleian hybrid and he's got some powerful and debilitating abilities since he's been "modified". His new empathic sense renders him incapable of touching or being touched without getting swamped by the person's emotions.

When he discovers that he cannot "feel" Yeseke, an immediate bond is formed. Let me tell you that it gets pretty freakin' hot.

Great world building and plot twists with traitors, attacks and some nice setups for future books.

[Raven · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was soooo good. although this is not my normal genre I am loving this series. I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a REALLY good SciFi romance. I will now skip over to the author's blog site to read "Cosmic Inception" book #3 in the Saving Caeorleia series. The writer posted the 3rd book on line for free for her fans -THANK YOU-

[Audi♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picking up after the first book...
The humans are still trying to take over Caeorleia. Someone from the inside is helping them, and he doesn't even know it!
We found out what experiments were done on Dade and how it changed him.. Poor dude couldn't catch a break. He was constantly on the go, being abducted, hiding, fighting, and trying to protect Yaseka and the kids they rescued. He was such a badass. I wasn't bored once.

The spice n lovins in this were warm n fuzzy. They were so kissy, touchy-feely, n ready to get freaky at any time. I loved them together 🥺Aww, and the kids!! Their lil family was the sweetest.
Off to Nicklaus' book.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was really excited to see book two in the Saving Caeorleia series. I loved The Experiment and could not wait to see where author Alicia Nordwell would take us next in this series. Adverse Effects is a must read! I couldn’t stop and wanted more when the book was done. This series must be read in order. Or you will be lost, but it is so worth it highly recommend it.
There is some quality world building going on in this book. We really get to see how the Caeorleians live, eat, and the political system. I loved that. We also are really exploring the effects of the experiments on the humans now turned half Caeorleian. Dade has had things happen to him that would break a lesser person. The horrors he survived make him, angry, unable to be touched by anyone, and scared all at the same time. I am really glad he gets what I would consider to be the perfect mate for him. Yaseke is first brought in to assess Dade’s mental state. With the erratic behavior he displays its no wonder people are starting to wonder if the man is losing his mind. Yaseke is honest, sweet, and different from most Caeorleians. I liked his honesty and pure heart. Dade really needs that in his life right now. They are a perfect pair, Dade all fierce and protective. Then there is Yaseke who is calmer and level headed. I loved that perfect ying yang combination.
There is great chemistry between the two characters but there is also a lot of trust. I liked that because it would be unbelievable if Dade feel for someone who could not build that with him first.
Over all the amazing story writing, and world building really makes me want more of this world. I love where the series is going so far and hope there are many more books to come. I know This book and The Experiment are on my keeper shelf. All I can say is Ms. Nordwell please write faster!


Five Shooting Stars and a Star Dust Award

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok. Really, really enjoyed this. Let me explain to the best of my ability.
This is the second book in Ms. Nordwell's Saving Caeorleia series (book 1 is The Experiment), and it deals with Dade, one of the two humans rescued at the end of book 1. Dade's a former soldier, a BAMF really, with a bit of potty mouth, but he's pretty fucking smart and a good man. He's angry about what's happened to him, but over the course of the book, he starts to come to terms with it...and some good things happen, too :D
So, I love the characters, but also: there's a fuckton of awesome world building here. Ms. Nordwell's taken pains with everything; the politics, the Caeorleians' manner of speech, even the flora and fauna is vividly detailed.
We make some new friends, meet some new enemies. Nick still needs snuggles. Seral's still a bit of an overprotective jerk sometimes, but Ryker still knows how to handle him. I love these books. I love these characters, and I can't wait to go back to Caeorleia.

[Tierra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this second book in the series. At first I thought the pace was going to go too fast, but it sort of maintained it's steam all the way through to the climax. The ending was a trifle abrupt to me, but that's just my opinion. I'm looking forward to the third installment - which will hopefully be out soon.

[Hc · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another good edition..

Still seem to have too many 'close calls'... attacked and almost kidnapped, kidnapped..entertaining but I didn't particularly care for the multiple times of fighting danger.

[Qin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little less successful than the previous instalment since all the action takes place on-planet thereby depriving us of any spacefaring and along with it of any sense that we are dealing with galactic adventures, this book doubles down on the intricate world building. Pity this occurs not so much by way of descriptions of the exotic fauna, flora, places and people (even the most attentive reader will still think he misses a satisfactory grasp of the Caeloreian society and culture, as both facets remain broached on a strict need-to-know basis) than by complexifying the political intrigue launched in Ryker and Seral's tale. I must confess to mixed feelings about this, almost overkill, amount of court and status quibble that brings very little depth to the story of contrary Dade's mating. I strongly suspect this imbalance to be the cover up of Mrs Nordwell's inability to enrich the character building and trajectory of her main leads, for even though Dade is suitably pithy and entertaining as the alpha hero, one must admit that there is not much to Yaseke's persona beyond the token alien soldier and mate. This spoils much of the novelty, and, frankly put, nearly all of the fun, of having the formerly human character be top dog; what, pray tell, is the freshness of Dade's dominating decisiveness in the bedroom and outside of it with respect to his Caeloereian mate if the latter hero, deliberately or not, has been underwritten as a sort of doormat or, to be more specific, a literary peg, if not a mere cipher, on which to hang much of the plot? Mrs Nordwell therefore only subverts the tired cliche of 'alpha alien versus beta human' to fall back on the 'bigger mate = stronger mate' trope, which, unfortunately, is hardly less hackneyed on top of sounding weak and contrived in this otherwise strongly put together plot; as a consequence, much of the narrative limps in my opinion. The writing does not testify to stronger literary values than those in evidence in the previous story; the most I can state, and if this is faint praise so be it, is that the penmanship in this book has the good grace to make itself scarce, neither enhancing nor weighing down the narrative.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

★★★ = It wasn't bad but it wasn't good. It was just okay.

Following on from The Experiment comes this side story about the other human experiment's that were rescued: Dade and Nicklaus. Although Ryker and Seral make appearances in this story, their overall existence is minimal. This is mainly about Dade's role on the "alien" planet and the secrets he hides. Nicklaus (my new favourite character) only plays a small part in this story as well and I hope that Alicia writes his story soon, as I found I wanted to read more about him and Fieo.

As it stands, all the humans rescued off the ship were damaged souls. Not only psychically but mentally as well. We start with the trauma that Dade is facing since being bought back to Ryker's home on Caeorleia. Ryker has clearly settled in with his new alien mate Seral but Dade isn't into "mating" or "pairing off" with aliens. He's a solider. A surviver. And no one owns him.

I like how Dade wasn't the sub in this story. I automatically assumed the human's to be the weaker (excuse my stereotyping) element against the aliens and to automatically be the sub in the relationship. Nope. Not with Dade. Although, technically with all the enhancements he faced, he is almost full alien now, and with his modifications came teeth, bonding, claws and other Caeorleia traits that a normal alien male has. So, this works out perfectly for when a alien male walked into Dade's life and was suited to be a tziu (the sub) more than the isit (the dom) and has a certain "special" part about his DNA that attracts Dade.

Again, Alicia delivers some great action and drama. I love those edge-of-your-seat moments that leave you breathless, and this didn't disappoint. If Dade wasn't get shot at, he was being chased through the jungle, surviving the desert or surviving the enemies that can be found in his very home. Very exciting. Also, I like the romance and alien mating moments. Although, I don't personally like stories based from the Dom's POV, and because of that, I didn't really connect with Dade's story. This is nothing against the book, just I don't prefer these plot angles.

The politics were a strong point in the plot, again. And again, I found myself finding that I wished for more downtime with the new pair, more than all the political BS. Also, I didn't like how some aspects weren't covered. The build-up towards the end was a rush of excitement that left my head spinning. I read and re-read that one scene between Dade and the General and still don't really understand what happened (that may be because I was reading late at night, though). The story had a conclusion but it was abrupt. I do hope Alicia continues the story (involving Nicklaus and Fieo) to conclude everything that's happening on the planet of Caeorleia once and for-all.

I won't criticise the grammar, as I know this is unedited, but some parts of the story didn't match up. In one scene Dade is wearing shorts then he's wearing a wrap. I thought he didn't have claws, then in one scene he did? Also, I thought his blood was red, not blue? I don't know. I realise a lot of this is down to editing and I can look pass those issues because of that reason, and, it's free, so I can't complain ;)

I enjoyed this follow-on from the first book but I didn't connect with Dade's story, and because of that I didn't find it as interesting as the first book. I hope that Alicia writes about Nicklaus (from his POV) in her next novel (if she writes one), but for now, I'm was happy with reading more about the alien's on Caeorleia.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book two in the Saving Caeorleia universe. I strongly recommend reading book one, which gives the background for book two

This picks up right on the end of book one, but from a new character’s perspective. The reader is introduced to Dade and Nickolas, two more survivors from the experiments the humans were conducting on their own people. Dade is angry. He’s an ex-soldier in a situation he doesn’t understand, in a body that’s been genetically modified, with enhancements that left him open to registering other people’s emotions. It’s been years since he’s been able to touch anyone, or he’s allowed anyone to touch him.

The Caeorleian’s and Ryker are afraid of how volatile his is and ask Yaseke to assess Dade’s mental state and report back. Yaseke refuses, but sees a person in need a friend. When Yaseke and Dade are physically threatened, Dade realizes he wants more from Yaseke than friendship.

I really liked this installment. More action, less heart to heart talking. I enjoy a book where actions push characters forward and toward resolutions. Heart to hearts happened “on the go”, so to speak, where the characters hashed things out while trying to resolve the situation they were caught in.

More cool aliens were introduced in this book as well, from the nasty quad-hive mind of the slavers (whose name I’m not even going to try to spell) to the Collectors of knowledge on a distant planet. Yes! Dade and Yaseke went off planet! Loved it!

Nice amount of external tension between the actions of the Council member, the aliens who got through the bio-net, and the attacks on Yaseke’s family. This could have gotten too busy, but the author tied the multiple plot threads up quite nicely.

A couple of Caeorleian children were rescued, which added a nice dynamic. I usually don’t care for kids in my romances, but this worked. I also greatly appreciated that both men remained strong and steadfast while being protective and concerned.

*My* quirks in this one:
• Dade and Yaseke are stranded on the desert planet. If lips are cracked, sunburned, and peeling, there isn’t going to be a mashing of lips and tongues. Just too painful. Ow!
• Still with the pulling of adult males into laps. Children get pulled into laps, adults are drawn in or sit down on.
• I’m still not comfortable with the term “little male”. I do like how the author is using male/female in the Caeorleian syntax, but the descriptor doesn’t work for me.
Bottom line, Adverse Effects was solid continuation of this series.

Review cross posted at Gay Book Reviews
Book provided by the author/publisher in return for a fair and honest review. Thank you!

[Nikyta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed at The Blogger Girls.

Dade might have been saved from the evil scientists experimenting on him but that doesn’t mean he’s happy about being on Caeorleia around a bunch of aliens. He doesn’t trust them and their weird cultures, not to mention how much baggage he already has. But when he meets Yaseke, he can’t stop his curiosity from wanting to be around the alien more and more. So when Yaseke asks Dade to accompany him on a walk, Dade’s all too eager to get away from everyone and spend some time with Yaseke. As Dade and Yaseke get closer together, they also get closer to danger and before they know it, they’re thrust into one situation after another where they’re running for their lives and just trying to survive.

Okay, I don’t want to give away any spoilers so I kept my recap pretty vague. What I’ll say is, if you enjoyed The Experiment, then you’ll definitely enjoy this one. I really loved how intriguing Dade was. I didn’t expect him to be so vulnerable or to be empathic. It was a complete, but pleasant, surprise and I really enjoyed him learning to use that ability. As for Yaseke, I found him intriguing as well but he’s still somewhat of a mystery because most of the story is told from Dade’s POV. I really liked how Dade was very adamant about not wanting to be bonded to any of the aliens but ended up taking his bonding to Yaseke pretty well. Besides that, I liked how everything played out from Dade’s ability to Yaseke’s family to the ‘conflict’ of the story. Add to that, this one had a surprising amount of suspenseful, which was quite delightful!

I really, really loved this book! But there was just waaaaaaay too much sex for me. I loved that Dade got so close to Yaseke but I wish there was more of them getting to know each other instead of having so much sex. Aside from that, I wish there had been more of Yaseke’s POV within the story so we could have gotten to know him more.

In the end, though, I ADORED this book! I loved getting back to Caeorleia and seeing Dade get his story. But I also loved Dade and Yaseke together and really liked how the story played out. It was interesting to learn what exactly Dade has gone through and how his ability worked but I also liked seeing other worlds too. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series but I’m also really looking forward to listening to Adverse Effects in audio. If you like sci-fi/fantasies and smut, definitely give this one a go!

[Anna C]

DNF at 46%

Okay, I gave up. The writing and the romance were even worse than book 1, and here I wonder hard why most readers said it's better than book 1. I guess the problem is I don't like Dade the whiny since the end of book 1. Dade dude failed to impress me in book 2 even after he told us his experiences with doctors and then, his insta and soulless 'I love you' in 3 days after his first meeting with his mate totally ruined the overall mood, everything went down south and super cheesy after that. Book 1 is cheesy too, but at least I like Ryker and Seral enough to tolerate the cheese, here I don't like Dade at all.
Hard to enjoy romance like this, most of the time I just sat there rolling my eyes, might as well stop reading this book before my eyes pop out of its socket. I should just skip this book 2 and read book 3 instead because Nicklaus intrigued me more. Nicklaus had it worse than Dade, yet stronger than Dade even. However I tried to finish Dade's story so I don't miss anything before I get to Nicklaus'. But the writing and romance development had convinced me to not even waste my time with Nicklaus anymore, I have many interesting books waiting for me.
So, bye-bye Dade, bye-bye Nicklaus. Bye, Alicia Nordwell. I quite enjoyed the first 25% and the last half of book 1, but turned out your storytelling is not for me after all.
To sum it up, more telling than showing for the romance part, first book was tolerable, second book was intolerable.

[Eran · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say....I adore this 2nd book in the series and I hate that I've already finished it! What a wonderful journey Alicia took us on.....Dade and Yaseke are a fantastic couple and all that they went thru together left me breathless and wanting more. I'm so glad we got to understand more about why the 3 guys were changed and what truly evil people will do for power. Love the kids and was so glad that Dade and Yaseke are going to be raising them. Can't wait to get the next book in the series (Nicklaus just breaks my heart-he deserves a HEA of his own with Fieo). Also hope there will be a 4th book in the series with Chip and Larede????? I thoroughly enjoyed that fact that we got romance, adventure and action all rolled into one amazing story! You did a wonderful job Alicia-Thank you!

[Meggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish we had Adverse Effects in an audiobook edition, because truly this is an amazing piece of work. Alicia Nordwell done an excellent job, with Dade's and Yasake romance. Both MC's were perfect for each other. The main plot was complex and full of action, there wasn't a moment of boredom. HIGHLY recommended series!
2015/March/24 - 4 star rating
This story continues where the first book ended, but from Dade's POV. The main storyline was well developed and pulling. I liked how Dade's story progressed and got explained. His romance with Yaseke was sweet and warm.

[Chanty · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the first book Dade is rescued by Ryker and Seral. In this book he is slowly adapting to life on Caeorleia. Dade had powers nobody knows about. That's because he had been experimented on twice. Once a couple of years ago and than again while on the science ship on route to Caeorleia. Dade really does not liked to be touched. Only Yaseke can touch him. Which is a good thing, because Yaseke is his perfect fit. Again a lot happens in this book. Lots of action and smexy times. Although I still have some niggles, they are less than I had about the previous book.

[Nik · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was disappointed when the last book ended without finding out what happened to Dade & Nicklaus. Thankfully, the author directed me to this story available on her blog for now which tells Dade's story and I'm enjoying what's written so far. Looks like we'll have to wait for a 3rd book to get the rest of Nicklaus' story though he, Feio, Seral & Ryker make some appearances in this story as well.

[Ireyon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is simultaneously an improvement and a step back. An improvement because the characters are more fleshed out, the main character has more character development and a step back because I didn't get a similar plot twist as the last time. The villain is exactly the guy you first expect. Another alien race is introduced however, so we have some more insight into the universe.

[Chancey "Does not give out 5's like candy" Knowles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice follow up. Probably should read the first in the series before reading this one. Interesting characters & world building. I liked the first just a tad better. At times this one was a little confusing, but well worth the read especially if one likes space or vampires (though that part as very secondary in this story). I look forward to the 3rd & learning more about the last hybrid & Fieo.

[kerryann williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome sequel

Well written keeps you in the moment from the start to the end of the book, looking for more . You cringe being human and cheer and hope for the planet
Caeorleia Description of the planet makes me want to see it up close .Nicely done ,buy it you'll want to visit to.

[CB · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW - an epic story that's quite involved, intricate, entertaining and sexy! I just don't know where authors get these ideas but I'm sure glad they do as I really enjoyed these perfectly, imperfect characters and strange new worlds.

This is the 2nd in a series of 3 (there could be more if the author wants...!), I would certainly read more!!

[Kristy Maitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like MC Dade, so reading about his problems and resolving them was a fun read.

26.03.2015 - 4 stars

That is really great progress. Main couple Dade & Yaseke are very pulling as a couple and reading about them was fun.

Great work.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 STARS

I really like this series, review later

[Sandra]

Received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, reviewed for Hearts On Fire

[Ericka Walden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this second installment and hope we get another with Fieo and Nicklaus! Soon!!

[Marsha Spence · Rating 4 out of 5]

I so love this series! Just can't get enough!

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

[Arlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story

[Omega696 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dade was an interesting character.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so pleasantly surprised! This book fixed what few issues I had with the first and I love it! I haven't been able to put down this trilogy. Even though I now realize the next is mpreg, which is my least fav trope of all. I will still read it because that's how much I enjoy this series. I want to make that clear, because my two issues with this book are pet peeves of mine and are going lead to me venting now. *deep breath*

Of all things, this book is oddly sexist. The next in line to the world wide leadership position is a woman, only she's never with her father while all these massively important decisions are being made. Do you know who is? His son, who has nothing to do with leadership. He will never lead, but he's the one helping his dad all through the first book. (Which did make some sense due to the plot at the time.) In this one though, it's even more blatant. Then finally, towards the end, even the author must have realized, because they put in a medical reason why she isn't leading- because she's pregnant and too delicate! Jesus help me- I can't make this 1950s shit up! Finally at the end they put her in charge of women and children and even then, as soon as the masc MC walks in the room he takes charge!! You all, I almost threw my kindle. I know this is a minor point to the book, but seriously? In this day and age, that's how her character is handled? Did I mention she babysits for the MCs as well? Which is now the total sum of her activities in this book.

Which brings me to my second issue- children. If one must put children in a romance, for the love of all that is well written, do NOT use them as props! They are actual characters. The MC's guards had more personality than these two generic children. Which included the boy being stoic and the girl being incredibly sweet. Generic and stereotypes. Ugh! The author is obviously a better writer than this, so why they chose to write them this way I have no idea. Though they are hardly the first, hence the fact I almost never read romances with children.

I'm a tad tentative about the third due to the mpreg and misogyny/stereotyping, but I've come this far and I've been waiting for Nick's story since the second they opened his cell door! (I just want to wrap up in blankets and cuddle with him.) So here I go :)