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Destination Lost #1
Healing Touch
This is a previously-published alternate cover edition of ASIN B01N1G5CK4.
A routine mission from the Moon Colony to Earth ends in the five-man crew of the Swallowtail being transported to the other side of the galaxy. Met with hostility, captured, and tortured simply for being Human, the three survivors hold little hope for their futures.
Captain Noah O'Keefe has lost his ship and his crew to alien forces he didn't even know existed until a few hours ago. Chemically blinded and helpless, he can only rely on the kindness of strangers to escape a dungeon and try to recover what he's lost.
Vivek Korraay has the fate of the universe in his hands, but around every corner is another crisis...or a blue-eyed Human whose needs he cannot ignore. Spying has lost its appeal and Vivek longs for a simpler life and someone to share it with.
Can Noah and Vivek survive pursuit on land and in space long enough to prevent a war?
And, if they do, might a true and binding love be their reward?
A routine mission from the Moon Colony to Earth ends in the five-man crew of the Swallowtail being transported to the other side of the galaxy. Met with hostility, captured, and tortured simply for being Human, the three survivors hold little hope for their futures.
Captain Noah O'Keefe has lost his ship and his crew to alien forces he didn't even know existed until a few hours ago. Chemically blinded and helpless, he can only rely on the kindness of strangers to escape a dungeon and try to recover what he's lost.
Vivek Korraay has the fate of the universe in his hands, but around every corner is another crisis...or a blue-eyed Human whose needs he cannot ignore. Spying has lost its appeal and Vivek longs for a simpler life and someone to share it with.
Can Noah and Vivek survive pursuit on land and in space long enough to prevent a war?
And, if they do, might a true and binding love be their reward?
185 pages, ebook
First published November 16, 2016
99 people are currently reading
146 people want to read
About the author
Missy Welsh
39 books336 followersMissy Welsh stares into space a lot, has conversations with cats, takes notes while people-watching, records conversations (not the ones with cats), named her laptop Norbert and her phone Pushkin, has backups of her backups’ backups, faints at the sight of a misused semi-colon, and will often ask socially unacceptable questions of strangers. Basically, she’s a writer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
July 13, 2024
*3.5* The story begins with the crew of the Swallowtail, on a routine mission from the Moon Colony to Earth being abruptly transported to a hostile part of the galaxy. With only three survivors, the odds seem grim as they face capture and torture simply for being human.
Captain Noah O’Keefe is a wonderful protagonist, struggling with the loss of his ship and crew while also dealing with chemical blindness. He relies on the kindness of strangers while in an alien prison to navigate his new reality.
Sci-fi, gay/bi romance
Violence/torture
Found family
Alien looking aliens
Insta lust
Vivek Korraay, a spy with the fate of the universe in his hands, finds Noah after he is tortured, and cares for him.
While this was an immersive universe, and the plot was fast paced, some of the emotions felt surface level. There was also the odd inclusion of a character that started out, childlike, but was so much more than he seemed. Maybe some of the world building and characters will be explained as the series continues.
Captain Noah O’Keefe is a wonderful protagonist, struggling with the loss of his ship and crew while also dealing with chemical blindness. He relies on the kindness of strangers while in an alien prison to navigate his new reality.
Sci-fi, gay/bi romance
Violence/torture
Found family
Alien looking aliens
Insta lust
Vivek Korraay, a spy with the fate of the universe in his hands, finds Noah after he is tortured, and cares for him.
While this was an immersive universe, and the plot was fast paced, some of the emotions felt surface level. There was also the odd inclusion of a character that started out, childlike, but was so much more than he seemed. Maybe some of the world building and characters will be explained as the series continues.
March 9, 2017
The whole time I was reading this book, I was just positive that I didn't like it. Except that I read the whole thing in one sitting, growled at anybody that tried to talk to me, and laughed out loud more than once. So, apparently, I did like it. I don't know why, since I usually like my sci-fi to be serious and this was pretty cheesy, and also a little simplistic, but I guess I just don't care. I hope there's more soon.
September 24, 2024
I feel like there could have been more build-up to them getting together. I didn't feel that burning chemistry yet. But this was still cute! I love how gentle and caring they were.
Kinda bummed there wasn't a special bond between them, tho.
I'm interested to know what happened to Noah's crew mates after they were separated.. What will happen when they're together??
Will Vivek go back to Aquada? Will Noah go with him??
What happened to Bendel? Did he make it home?
Off to the next one.
Kinda bummed there wasn't a special bond between them, tho.
I'm interested to know what happened to Noah's crew mates after they were separated.. What will happen when they're together??
Will Vivek go back to Aquada? Will Noah go with him??
What happened to Bendel? Did he make it home?
Off to the next one.
December 16, 2018
This was an ok sci-fi story... I found it interesting but it always felt flat and like something was missing.
Maybe a review later.
Maybe a review later.
May 31, 2019
Entertaining if a bit awkward story about a crew of humans getting lost in space and encountering aliens.
Healing Touch focusses on Noah, the captain of the crew that got lost, and Vivek, an alien healer-spy.
Content warnings include: violence, death, torture, one character uses language that might be harmful to trans readers, sex on-page, character contemplates suicide; mentions of slavery.
There were quite a few weird things about this book.
The romance was mostly insta-lust, which yeah, is a thing, but felt completely out of place in the life-or-death torture/escape setting where the characters meet. Then as soon as their surrounding situation calms down they instantly jump into "you are my home"/"i want to belong to you forever". All of this happens in the span of maybe a day, possibly less.
The focus of some scenes was also weird, bordering on uncomfortable, and often awkward. Not just in the way of how and what was described, but also what the characters think about. Vivek forgets about his mission, Noah forgets about his crew, and both of them forget about the child they rescued and are now supposed to care for but sex is somehow more important to them.
The entire plot about Bedel, the child, was also.... not exactly weird, but I'm wondering why he was included when it lead nowhere. Same goes for the libido supressing drugs Vivek was taking? Like, what was the point???
The worldbuilding was okay, but I was a bit disappointed by the aliens. They seem to be entirely humanoid, with antropomorphic snakes, lions and dolphins, centaurs and entirely human looking ones making up the ones that appear.
Any sort of background for the characters was missing. The characterization wasn't entirely consistent, but that was fine bc it didn't go very deep anyways.
Still a diverting read that flowed easily.
Healing Touch focusses on Noah, the captain of the crew that got lost, and Vivek, an alien healer-spy.
Content warnings include: violence, death, torture, one character uses language that might be harmful to trans readers, sex on-page, character contemplates suicide; mentions of slavery.
There were quite a few weird things about this book.
The romance was mostly insta-lust, which yeah, is a thing, but felt completely out of place in the life-or-death torture/escape setting where the characters meet. Then as soon as their surrounding situation calms down they instantly jump into "you are my home"/"i want to belong to you forever". All of this happens in the span of maybe a day, possibly less.
The focus of some scenes was also weird, bordering on uncomfortable, and often awkward. Not just in the way of how and what was described, but also what the characters think about. Vivek forgets about his mission, Noah forgets about his crew, and both of them forget about the child they rescued and are now supposed to care for but sex is somehow more important to them.
The entire plot about Bedel, the child, was also.... not exactly weird, but I'm wondering why he was included when it lead nowhere. Same goes for the libido supressing drugs Vivek was taking? Like, what was the point???
The worldbuilding was okay, but I was a bit disappointed by the aliens. They seem to be entirely humanoid, with antropomorphic snakes, lions and dolphins, centaurs and entirely human looking ones making up the ones that appear.
Any sort of background for the characters was missing. The characterization wasn't entirely consistent, but that was fine bc it didn't go very deep anyways.
Still a diverting read that flowed easily.
Read
November 24, 2021
Trigger & Content Warnings
Slavery mentioned
Suicidal ideation
Torture
Slavery mentioned
Suicidal ideation
Torture
September 11, 2018
Entretenido, muy rápido y me he reído bastante. A ver el resto.
June 30, 2017
Good story, could be an interesting series
This book grabbed my interest and kept it as we meet a group of humans flung out into the further and far more populated reaches of space and everything that happens to them there.
Noah is the captain of the jump ship that ends up of course and when he and his crew end up getting captured by a hostile alien species, he fights back with all he has. That ha s him targeted for torture to find out about the technology they carry In their ship. When Noah gets rescued by a healer, Vivek, and also rescues a child-like being Bendel, the three end up on the run to find a safe haven.
Noah and Vivek are a good pairing despite the difficult situation. Any time you pair people where their is an imbalance of power, through knowledge or healing or anything, there is a risk that it feels forced. Nothing about this ever felt as such. Noah wasn't simply acting out of gratitude and Vivek didn't have any desire to keep him in a power imbalance. With each action Vivek sought to heal and teach Noah, and in turn Noah sought his place in the new universe he was finding and protected them.
The intrigue was fascinating because it was urgent, but also focused on The fact that they were one facet of a full mission. Vivek is a spy and his Intel was important, but he also hoped that others were running concurrent missions to prevent loss and give multiple options. The drive was there to get in the Intel, it Vivek andthe Noah didn't have to "save the world" alone as it were, which was a refreshing change of pace.
There was a bit of an oddity in the plot with Bendel. I felt his situation was never properly explained and didn't quite make sense, and but it didn't detract to much from the greater plot at hand.
Good story and I hope to see more as a series!
This book grabbed my interest and kept it as we meet a group of humans flung out into the further and far more populated reaches of space and everything that happens to them there.
Noah is the captain of the jump ship that ends up of course and when he and his crew end up getting captured by a hostile alien species, he fights back with all he has. That ha s him targeted for torture to find out about the technology they carry In their ship. When Noah gets rescued by a healer, Vivek, and also rescues a child-like being Bendel, the three end up on the run to find a safe haven.
Noah and Vivek are a good pairing despite the difficult situation. Any time you pair people where their is an imbalance of power, through knowledge or healing or anything, there is a risk that it feels forced. Nothing about this ever felt as such. Noah wasn't simply acting out of gratitude and Vivek didn't have any desire to keep him in a power imbalance. With each action Vivek sought to heal and teach Noah, and in turn Noah sought his place in the new universe he was finding and protected them.
The intrigue was fascinating because it was urgent, but also focused on The fact that they were one facet of a full mission. Vivek is a spy and his Intel was important, but he also hoped that others were running concurrent missions to prevent loss and give multiple options. The drive was there to get in the Intel, it Vivek andthe Noah didn't have to "save the world" alone as it were, which was a refreshing change of pace.
There was a bit of an oddity in the plot with Bendel. I felt his situation was never properly explained and didn't quite make sense, and but it didn't detract to much from the greater plot at hand.
Good story and I hope to see more as a series!
November 12, 2022
The book had the ability to be interesting. Problem was, the author sped through most of it, not giving the audience time to really get into the minds of the characters or sympathize. Also, very little was actually described. It was just a case of suddenly being in a room or on a bed or in a market. We never see the process of getting there or what there looks like. VERY confusing.
Author: you need to invest in editors.
Author: you need to invest in editors.
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December 13, 2017
Good storyline, sweet characters but the book was a bit on the short side in terms of page length.
November 20, 2016
When Captain Noah O'Keefe and his crew get lost in space, the ship is captured by an alien race--the snake-like Tevian. Tortured for information about his Human weapons, Noah wishes he could just die and end it all. That is, until Vivek Korraay, an Aguadite healer, tends Noah's wounds and helps him escape. Before they get free from the cells, though, Noah convinces Vivek to rescue another inmate, the child-like Bendel.
From there, the three need to get off the planet and allow Vivek to pass on sensitive information that may help prevent more war in the universe.
The story is very immersive. The two point-of-view characters--Noah and Vivek--are each clearly defined. In Vivek's POV, it's easy to see his way of thinking is different. His responses, actions, and dialogue all reflect his alien mindset. This really drew me in as a reader, making the world and races realistic and enticing. And Noah, who is thrust into the middle of this situation, tries to act brave and strong, but we see how he struggles internally.
The relationship between the two is also endearing. Though Noah initially relies on Vivek to help him escape, the two quickly move past captor and savior and onto equal footing. They are a well suited match, despite the difference in their races. Each gives and receives in equal measure, which was a refreshing quality to have in the novel.
The quick pace of the story never let up. It had me reading eagerly, moving through the novel as fast as possible. The characters, worlds, and the alien races were all so interesting. I can't wait for the next book in the series!
From there, the three need to get off the planet and allow Vivek to pass on sensitive information that may help prevent more war in the universe.
The story is very immersive. The two point-of-view characters--Noah and Vivek--are each clearly defined. In Vivek's POV, it's easy to see his way of thinking is different. His responses, actions, and dialogue all reflect his alien mindset. This really drew me in as a reader, making the world and races realistic and enticing. And Noah, who is thrust into the middle of this situation, tries to act brave and strong, but we see how he struggles internally.
The relationship between the two is also endearing. Though Noah initially relies on Vivek to help him escape, the two quickly move past captor and savior and onto equal footing. They are a well suited match, despite the difference in their races. Each gives and receives in equal measure, which was a refreshing quality to have in the novel.
The quick pace of the story never let up. It had me reading eagerly, moving through the novel as fast as possible. The characters, worlds, and the alien races were all so interesting. I can't wait for the next book in the series!
October 4, 2022
Not that it matters, but the edition I read (10/3/22) via Kindle Unlimited has a cover not shown yet on Goodreads, so I don't know if there are any content changes in the edition I read. BUT! Onward, to my thoughts...
This is a 3.5 star read rounded up for me, pretty close to a 4 star. It was fun and a bit fluffy, and I enjoyed it quite a bit other than two things that just nagged at me throughout, and thus lowered my overall ability to get lost in the story (and giver it a higher rating):
But overall, definitely a fun idea, decent storytelling, and if some of the world building and characterization were a bit skimmed over, that's okay. It just is what it is, and not ever book is something that sucks you in and holds you under in all the best possible ways 🤣 This one was definitely a nice discovery though, and I'm excited to keep reading on with the series!
This is a 3.5 star read rounded up for me, pretty close to a 4 star. It was fun and a bit fluffy, and I enjoyed it quite a bit other than two things that just nagged at me throughout, and thus lowered my overall ability to get lost in the story (and giver it a higher rating):
But overall, definitely a fun idea, decent storytelling, and if some of the world building and characterization were a bit skimmed over, that's okay. It just is what it is, and not ever book is something that sucks you in and holds you under in all the best possible ways 🤣 This one was definitely a nice discovery though, and I'm excited to keep reading on with the series!
July 19, 2020
HOLY IDONTEVENKNOWWHAT
This book was AMAZING. The kind of story that gets your heart racing and eyes watering. This is probably one of my new favorites of the genre. I can barely contain my excitement to read the next installment for long enough to write a review.
Okay. Bad stuff time. There were some editing issues, but it wasn't too bad. A few missing words and whatnot were there and noticeable. I found the transfer of language through healing a bit too easy, though I kind of liked that better than magical translator that sometimes show up.
I liked pretty much everything else. The flow of the story was great, the plot was interesting, the characters felt so very real... The romance progressed quickly but it didn't seem that way while reading it. The world building was great. Seriously this book was amazeballs.
Great buy. Serious re-readability. Loved it, getting the next IMMEDIATELY.
This book was AMAZING. The kind of story that gets your heart racing and eyes watering. This is probably one of my new favorites of the genre. I can barely contain my excitement to read the next installment for long enough to write a review.
Okay. Bad stuff time. There were some editing issues, but it wasn't too bad. A few missing words and whatnot were there and noticeable. I found the transfer of language through healing a bit too easy, though I kind of liked that better than magical translator that sometimes show up.
I liked pretty much everything else. The flow of the story was great, the plot was interesting, the characters felt so very real... The romance progressed quickly but it didn't seem that way while reading it. The world building was great. Seriously this book was amazeballs.
Great buy. Serious re-readability. Loved it, getting the next IMMEDIATELY.
July 29, 2017
Fun sci-fi
I can't even begin to imagine how terrifying this whole ordeal must have been for Noah and his crew. There were a couple of things that I felt were introduced late in the story that felt too serendipitous (i.e. Noah's training and skill with swords, Vivek not recognizing that Bendel didn't conform to any of the five known species even after healing him). I would have liked to have seen more foreshadowing that definitely had the chance of happening.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this book and will definitely be buying any further books in this series.
I can't even begin to imagine how terrifying this whole ordeal must have been for Noah and his crew. There were a couple of things that I felt were introduced late in the story that felt too serendipitous (i.e. Noah's training and skill with swords, Vivek not recognizing that Bendel didn't conform to any of the five known species even after healing him). I would have liked to have seen more foreshadowing that definitely had the chance of happening.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this book and will definitely be buying any further books in this series.
May 24, 2023
Closer to three because I didn't really dislike it, but I also didn't feel much at all from it. The romantic interest is an anthropomorphic dolphin. Gives me heebie jeebies, especially since he makes dolphin noises sometimes. No thanks.
After all the build-up and escape, the climax was a let down. I wasn't even aware that it had happened until they were suddenly safe.
I won't be reading the next.
After all the build-up and escape, the climax was a let down. I wasn't even aware that it had happened until they were suddenly safe.
I won't be reading the next.
March 18, 2017
Just never got off the launch pad....
Capt. Noah O'Keefe's ship is inadvertently transported to a distant point in the galaxy, where it's captured and boarded by Tevians, vicious snake-like aliens. After arriving on their home world, a desperate and blinded Noah is rescued by Vivek Korraay, a healer, who's been spying on the Tevians in an attempt to discover their plans for taking over the galactic alliance. Despite their physical differences, Noah and Vivek are surprised by the attraction that springs up between them, and as they make their way back to Vivek's headquarters, their growing friendship develops into more, and soon Noah can't envision a future without Vivek in it.
Sadly, this story's just a re-tread of the familiar boy-meets-alien-and-they-fall-in-love story. Even the action and suspense elements are blunted by Vivek's apparently having a 'Get Out of Jail Free' card for every complication.
It begins well enough with the takeover of Noah's ship, and his terror of the snakey Tevians, but soon it devolves into a rather flat and bland romance where there are absolutely no surprises and where, despite Vivek's similarity to a dolphin, the sex is fairly pedestrian....
So...just 2 stars for Flipper and Friends....
Capt. Noah O'Keefe's ship is inadvertently transported to a distant point in the galaxy, where it's captured and boarded by Tevians, vicious snake-like aliens. After arriving on their home world, a desperate and blinded Noah is rescued by Vivek Korraay, a healer, who's been spying on the Tevians in an attempt to discover their plans for taking over the galactic alliance. Despite their physical differences, Noah and Vivek are surprised by the attraction that springs up between them, and as they make their way back to Vivek's headquarters, their growing friendship develops into more, and soon Noah can't envision a future without Vivek in it.
Sadly, this story's just a re-tread of the familiar boy-meets-alien-and-they-fall-in-love story. Even the action and suspense elements are blunted by Vivek's apparently having a 'Get Out of Jail Free' card for every complication.
It begins well enough with the takeover of Noah's ship, and his terror of the snakey Tevians, but soon it devolves into a rather flat and bland romance where there are absolutely no surprises and where, despite Vivek's similarity to a dolphin, the sex is fairly pedestrian....
So...just 2 stars for Flipper and Friends....
September 11, 2022
Fun
I had this on an unread list for quite some time. It was one of those I figured would be a last resort book.
I'm kinda kicking myself now because after reading it I can't wait to dive into the next one.
I love the characters and the world building. Definitely recommend for anyone who may still be on the fence.
I had this on an unread list for quite some time. It was one of those I figured would be a last resort book.
I'm kinda kicking myself now because after reading it I can't wait to dive into the next one.
I love the characters and the world building. Definitely recommend for anyone who may still be on the fence.
September 16, 2017
I loved this book and enjoyed every word. Great worldbuilding and character development, which was so cute. I especially enjoyed Noah and Vivek’s interaction with Bendel. All of them were so interesting, and I loved the clear difference in tone and language whenever the POV shifted.
September 21, 2017
Fun
I enjoyed this book. It was quick paced and cute. The sex scenes were fun and push at your imagination. Overall I liked the build up to other books but still got a good HEA for this couple. If you like space/alien this is a great light read.
I enjoyed this book. It was quick paced and cute. The sex scenes were fun and push at your imagination. Overall I liked the build up to other books but still got a good HEA for this couple. If you like space/alien this is a great light read.
October 20, 2017
Loved it💖
While reading this I was reminded of a show that used to air on the Syfy channel, Farscape. I thought that this was a great story with engaging characters and a storyline that kept me reading until the last page.
While reading this I was reminded of a show that used to air on the Syfy channel, Farscape. I thought that this was a great story with engaging characters and a storyline that kept me reading until the last page.
April 29, 2022
across worlds
I really enjoyed the story of Vivek and Noah. Though not deeply explored, their beginning is beautifully written. I will definitely continue to find out about Noah’s crew members
I really enjoyed the story of Vivek and Noah. Though not deeply explored, their beginning is beautifully written. I will definitely continue to find out about Noah’s crew members
May 10, 2022
Pretty Good
Extra points for appropriate reaction to encountering aliens for the first time. Cute relationship. A couple of actions/skills left unexplained, but there are the 2 other books 🤷♀️.
Extra points for appropriate reaction to encountering aliens for the first time. Cute relationship. A couple of actions/skills left unexplained, but there are the 2 other books 🤷♀️.
May 11, 2022
Nice surprise
So very good! I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I can't wait to read the others. The pacing was great and I love the banter. I can't wait to see what happens next.
So very good! I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I can't wait to read the others. The pacing was great and I love the banter. I can't wait to see what happens next.
August 3, 2023
This was a really fun read.
The plot had me hooked even more than the romance--Noah has to navigate his way through a universe he doesn't understand and fight for his life. Couldn't put it down because I was so anxious for him. I can't wait to dive into the next book in this trilogy!!!!
The plot had me hooked even more than the romance--Noah has to navigate his way through a universe he doesn't understand and fight for his life. Couldn't put it down because I was so anxious for him. I can't wait to dive into the next book in this trilogy!!!!
December 17, 2023
Adult slow-burn Alien romance. Captivity. Healer. Adventure/suspense. Drama. Post-Traumatic Stress.
I really liked the main character in this, plus the story had some satisfying unexpected twists and turns.
I really liked the main character in this, plus the story had some satisfying unexpected twists and turns.
April 24, 2018
3.5 Stars rounded up
October 3, 2019
Interesting read, I initially thought it was going to be darker but the plot was told well and the HEA came at a good time. Am curious where this will go as it does not seem as a stand-alone.
April 15, 2022
good read
I was hoping for more in depth sex scenes but overall a good read. I loved the characters and their stories.
I was hoping for more in depth sex scenes but overall a good read. I loved the characters and their stories.
May 18, 2022
Amazing
This was such a good book, I enjoyed the plot and the characters though I would have likes to see more of them! I highly recommend!
This was such a good book, I enjoyed the plot and the characters though I would have likes to see more of them! I highly recommend!
February 4, 2023
Super sweet!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews