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Diplomacy Squared
When Fold pilot Diego is assigned to space station Mikesi, he expects his biggest problem will be boredom, even if it is circling a recent First Contact alien home world. Much of the Human speculation aboard the place revolves around the mystery of Antho females, as all those encountered so far seem to be male. Being gay, it's not a question Diego gives a lot of consideration.
All his attention is soon taken, anyway, by station admin Portya. Though they have many physical differences, they also have enough in common that Diego is confident they'll get along just fine—and they do. The sex isn't just amazing, it's addicting.
Until Portya winds up pregnant, a surprise for which Diego was not remotely prepared.
All his attention is soon taken, anyway, by station admin Portya. Though they have many physical differences, they also have enough in common that Diego is confident they'll get along just fine—and they do. The sex isn't just amazing, it's addicting.
Until Portya winds up pregnant, a surprise for which Diego was not remotely prepared.
- GenresM M RomanceAliensLGBT
123 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 26, 2018
3 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
About the author
Sydney Blackburn
22 books44 followersSyd is a binary star system, who is servant to two cats, likes chocolate, salted caramel and sushi (though not all at the same time) and falls in the "pineapple does not belong on a pizza" camp.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
April 11, 2025
3.5 stars
A spaceship captain gets familiar with an alien ambassador while posted on a diplomatic station.
This had some interesting cultural elements, and probably would have been even better if it were longer and the author took more time to get into them. I quite liked how Portya's speech was written, the grammatical errors made sense to me for a new learner of the language.
I also would've liked it to delve more into the psychological reasons that Diego was so bothered by Portya’s pregnancy, his assumptions on gender and what it means to him as a gay man that the aliens are actually non-binary. Admittedly, Portya knew that Diego didn't know and probably should've told him there was a potential to conceive, even if slight.
I couldn't really picture the aliens in my mind, they have knees that hinge the opposite way to ours and that is apparently beyond the capabilities of my brain.
On balance, it was fairly light on actual character development but enjoyable nonetheless. I always like a fish out of water situation, and alien space ships are fun. I enjoyed them getting to know each other, playing pool, eating out.
While there's not a huge sense of time passing, I appreciated that this takes place over 6 months, and that people worry at the end that they're rushing into it. I find often stories happen too fast and don't feel genuine to me.
A spaceship captain gets familiar with an alien ambassador while posted on a diplomatic station.
This had some interesting cultural elements, and probably would have been even better if it were longer and the author took more time to get into them. I quite liked how Portya's speech was written, the grammatical errors made sense to me for a new learner of the language.
I also would've liked it to delve more into the psychological reasons that Diego was so bothered by Portya’s pregnancy, his assumptions on gender and what it means to him as a gay man that the aliens are actually non-binary. Admittedly, Portya knew that Diego didn't know and probably should've told him there was a potential to conceive, even if slight.
I couldn't really picture the aliens in my mind, they have knees that hinge the opposite way to ours and that is apparently beyond the capabilities of my brain.
On balance, it was fairly light on actual character development but enjoyable nonetheless. I always like a fish out of water situation, and alien space ships are fun. I enjoyed them getting to know each other, playing pool, eating out.
While there's not a huge sense of time passing, I appreciated that this takes place over 6 months, and that people worry at the end that they're rushing into it. I find often stories happen too fast and don't feel genuine to me.
February 25, 2019
Turns out the main character is Filipino, which is enough for me to add one more star to whatever I was going to give it. "Diego Bahaghari" is his name (I guess author didn't go for Mendoza or Mercado or any of those Espaniola names to make it MORE FILIPINO), and being captain is his ... game.
The story verges on "okay". The anatomy of the Antho was confusing for me, and I couldn't quite envision them. In the end I settled on pretending they were digitigrade (not sure this is what author intended but it was the only way I could finish the story without confusing myself).
The ~climax of the story, with Diego's hysteria, breakdown and then subsequent 360 degree turnaround gave me a bit of whiplash. Like, we spent so long getting them together, and then the confession and penitence were jammed into however many pages.
Still, it's decent enough that I'm willing to try another book from this author, since I'm still looking for more gay-ass books to read in 2019. Maybe not with aliens, though.
The story verges on "okay". The anatomy of the Antho was confusing for me, and I couldn't quite envision them. In the end I settled on pretending they were digitigrade (not sure this is what author intended but it was the only way I could finish the story without confusing myself).
The ~climax of the story, with Diego's hysteria, breakdown and then subsequent 360 degree turnaround gave me a bit of whiplash. Like, we spent so long getting them together, and then the confession and penitence were jammed into however many pages.
Still, it's decent enough that I'm willing to try another book from this author, since I'm still looking for more gay-ass books to read in 2019. Maybe not with aliens, though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 19, 2018
When Diego is assigned to the Space Station Mikesi, he finds himself attracted to an Antho station admin named Portya. Their attraction is strong and their intimacy hot and perfect. They can't get enough of each other. Regardless of what others think, they grow more connected and intertwined. But what happens when Portya ends up pregnant, much to Diego's surprise?
A great story of two men finding love even though they come from two different world s and look so different physically... Even though Diego has some trouble getting over some of the differences, like a male being able to get pregnancy. But it's about love overcoming obsticles, even if it's your own preconceived notions. Portya is a strong and amazing being. Diego is faulted but growing to understand mistakes. Truly enjoyable.
I received this book as an advanced reader's copy and voluntarily am leaving my honest review and recommendation.
A great story of two men finding love even though they come from two different world s and look so different physically... Even though Diego has some trouble getting over some of the differences, like a male being able to get pregnancy. But it's about love overcoming obsticles, even if it's your own preconceived notions. Portya is a strong and amazing being. Diego is faulted but growing to understand mistakes. Truly enjoyable.
I received this book as an advanced reader's copy and voluntarily am leaving my honest review and recommendation.
September 26, 2018
Wow!! Awesome story! I loved the characters and the world-building was extraordinary. The connection between Diego and Portya is authentic and their struggles with cultural differences and communication was interesting and thought provoking. The writing was great and the story kept me reading from cover to cover.
I was curious about how the author would bring me into the plot and have me buying into the whole concept. I was very intrigued and loved the details and imagery that made this feel very real.
Diego and Portya do struggle some with an unexpected happening, however i really liked how both men worked through the issues. I really loved both characters.
Watching them find their HEA was very satisfying!
I was curious about how the author would bring me into the plot and have me buying into the whole concept. I was very intrigued and loved the details and imagery that made this feel very real.
Diego and Portya do struggle some with an unexpected happening, however i really liked how both men worked through the issues. I really loved both characters.
Watching them find their HEA was very satisfying!
September 27, 2018
Diego is human and Portia is an alien, however the two fall in love anyway. When Portia gets sick Diego isn’t allowed to visit as the humans made the assumption that if the aliens found there weekness they might use it to kill off the human race, so the aliens will not allow the humans in because if they think the aliens will try to find a way to kill them then the humans must be trying to find away to kill off the aliens. Usually I don’t do the whole alien thing but I must say this book was tastefully written and I found that I actually enjoyed this read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 25, 2018
Diego and Portya literally came from different worlds, their attraction was instant and not even a small language barrier or alien customs (on both sides) could keep them apart. I enjoyed how Diego stepped up, once he got over his shock, and worked to make amends. This is a great sci-fi romance read with likable characters and an engaging storyline.
*I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book*
*I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book*
September 26, 2018
When he went to the station he expected to be bored but he is surprised to find talk is all about the aliens on board. Are there any females and what do they look like? He is gay so he does not really care until he sees him. They are soon having an out of this world relationship. Trouble happens when he gets them pregnant. Now what will happen? See what will happen
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 29, 2018
A great story that is a really cute read with great world-building and wonderful characters. Diego and Portya are great together even though they come from completely different worlds and are very different. They have obstacles to overcome which are mostly self-created and I really like seeing them work through everything and allowing love to shine through. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
September 28, 2018
If you love world building this is the book for you. Well crafted details of planets, space station, and diverse characteristic of the aliens. Poyta and Diego are great characters with a sweet love story with the added complication of being different spieces. This book was fun and well worth the read.
September 26, 2018
*I voluntarily read this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else's*
This was quite an intriguing read and I really enjoyed it.
Diego and Portya were sweet together and I enjoyed their interactions. Their affections towards one another in public don’t go unnoticed but what challenges will it bring their way? These two had amazing chemistry and I loved the fact that neither was put off from exploring each other despite their differences.
The book was written well but the pace slowed down in some places. It’s a shame Portya’s POV wasn’t included - I genuinely think his POV would have been insightful. The author focused on cultural/specie differences and the issues were explored really well. The world building was ok but I was left with more questions than answers when it came to the Antho species.
This was quite an intriguing read and I really enjoyed it.
Diego and Portya were sweet together and I enjoyed their interactions. Their affections towards one another in public don’t go unnoticed but what challenges will it bring their way? These two had amazing chemistry and I loved the fact that neither was put off from exploring each other despite their differences.
The book was written well but the pace slowed down in some places. It’s a shame Portya’s POV wasn’t included - I genuinely think his POV would have been insightful. The author focused on cultural/specie differences and the issues were explored really well. The world building was ok but I was left with more questions than answers when it came to the Antho species.
October 6, 2022
So cute !
It was perfect! I just wish it was longer. I loved Diego and Portya together they were cute and kinda awkward but also very real and flawed. It's definitely a 4 bucks well placed.
It was perfect! I just wish it was longer. I loved Diego and Portya together they were cute and kinda awkward but also very real and flawed. It's definitely a 4 bucks well placed.
October 3, 2018
diego and portya, are hot! lol loved this book, science fiction with some man on man action. loved this book, would def recommend!
July 25, 2024
4.5 rounded up ✨
as a filipino, diego being one really surprised me. the world building is pretty interesting. and i love diego and portya's relationship. overall, a great quick read.
as a filipino, diego being one really surprised me. the world building is pretty interesting. and i love diego and portya's relationship. overall, a great quick read.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews