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The Blue Solace #1
Happens Just Like That
Alternate cover edition of ASIN B07J39W59Q
Welcome to the mercenary ship, The Blue Solace:
Leti Ando needs off planet and fast. He has a best friend and a new half-sister to rescue, and he needs to be sneaky about it. Unfortunately sneaky isn't really his thing. With the help of a friend, Leti and his menagerie, along with his two companions, stow away aboard a mystery ship. Little does he know that The Blue Solace belongs to the infamous mercenary, Captain Will Hackett, a man he'll come to love with everything inside him.
Will has been in a bitchy ass mood for the past six months. He's restless and grumpy, but doesn't know why. He knows he needs something and he can't find it, but his crew are out of patience and insist on some R &R back home at Charybdis Station.
Then Hack finds a stow away angel and everything changes. Leti is his mate and he'll do anything to keep him safe and happy, even smile.
The galaxy's not a safe place, though, and The Blue Solace has a job to do: pick up a renowned scientist and his mysterious artifact. Then get them safely back to Charybdis Station. Hack and Leti don't realize their romance story is about to get hijacked by Concord mercenaries. Their love is easy, it happens just like that. Staying alive and keeping the galaxy safe? That's a little harder.
Author's Note: 41,801 words. This is a m/m love story with no angst and no cheating, just a HEA. There is lots of action, sex, mpreg, and a few potty mouths involved in the story. 18+ readers only, please. It is also the first of two books about this specific couple.
Follow me at @cwgrayauthor on facebook.
Welcome to the mercenary ship, The Blue Solace:
Leti Ando needs off planet and fast. He has a best friend and a new half-sister to rescue, and he needs to be sneaky about it. Unfortunately sneaky isn't really his thing. With the help of a friend, Leti and his menagerie, along with his two companions, stow away aboard a mystery ship. Little does he know that The Blue Solace belongs to the infamous mercenary, Captain Will Hackett, a man he'll come to love with everything inside him.
Will has been in a bitchy ass mood for the past six months. He's restless and grumpy, but doesn't know why. He knows he needs something and he can't find it, but his crew are out of patience and insist on some R &R back home at Charybdis Station.
Then Hack finds a stow away angel and everything changes. Leti is his mate and he'll do anything to keep him safe and happy, even smile.
The galaxy's not a safe place, though, and The Blue Solace has a job to do: pick up a renowned scientist and his mysterious artifact. Then get them safely back to Charybdis Station. Hack and Leti don't realize their romance story is about to get hijacked by Concord mercenaries. Their love is easy, it happens just like that. Staying alive and keeping the galaxy safe? That's a little harder.
Author's Note: 41,801 words. This is a m/m love story with no angst and no cheating, just a HEA. There is lots of action, sex, mpreg, and a few potty mouths involved in the story. 18+ readers only, please. It is also the first of two books about this specific couple.
Follow me at @cwgrayauthor on facebook.
203 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 6, 2018
363 people are currently reading
583 people want to read
About the author
C.W. Gray
60 books435 followersI have been self-publishing since October 2018. My books are extremely light and fluffy m/m romance with mpreg, and while they span a few subgenres of romance, they have similar themes of found family and love at first sight. Besides writing, I enjoy reading everything I can get my hands on, especially m/m romance. My personal favorites are mpreg, sci-fi, fantasy, and paranormal.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
September 15, 2023
Oh this was just precious! It was so sweet and funny. Definitely insta-love but it’s how I like my mate stories. It’s low angst..or really zero angst relationship wise. They are mates after all. The angst comes from outside forces and there are definitely some sad moments. But overall it’s lighthearted.
I loved Leti! He was so funny and quirky. I love how he just kept taking in animals and kids and people. Hack was just mush for Leti. He didn’t even bat an eye when he realized his mate was a man.
The crew was awesome and I can’t wait for their stories.
I loved Leti! He was so funny and quirky. I love how he just kept taking in animals and kids and people. Hack was just mush for Leti. He didn’t even bat an eye when he realized his mate was a man.
The crew was awesome and I can’t wait for their stories.
September 17, 2019
This was really really fun. 😁 This reminds me of those really OTT space operas I used to watch in my teens. Funny, lighthearted and totally angst free. ❤️ What more could a girl ask for? 😉
Leti has always despised how his father treated everyone in his household including him. The man is narcissistic, discriminative and pompous. But the atrocity of him peaked when he decided to sell his own child up for sale because her mother was a slave. Since Leti can’t let his half-sister become a slave or meet a possible worse fate than that, he has decided to take matters into hands once and for all. It’s time, Leti, his best friend/bodyguard, his half-sister and his menagerie of house pets run away furthest possible place in this galaxy from his cruel father. But Leti has never dreamed the captain of the ship they stowed away, the infamous Captain Hackett is his mate.
Simply put, this is absolutely hilarious! 😂 Leti is so quirky and adorably clueless. And my! His menagerie of pets! They are even funnier! 🤣 Seriously, I feel for Captain Hackett who instantly found himself with a fate mate with a really huge entourage. 😅 And the space adventures they had! They are awesome. I also loved that this is totally angst free because I needed that fluff in my life. I think everyone in this story is so cool and fascinating but I must admit, I have a soft spot for Princess Buttercup! 😅🥰 The narrator did a good job narrating this story too. It was really enjoyable. Well, I cant wait for the next book in the series. Because I need me more space operas! 😉
4 And the prince rescued his Prince Charming riding a flying dragon stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Audio rating
Story - 4.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Narration - 3.75 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟
Performance- 3.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Overall - 4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Disclaimer: An audio copy of this book was provided by the author for an honest and unbiased review.
Leti has always despised how his father treated everyone in his household including him. The man is narcissistic, discriminative and pompous. But the atrocity of him peaked when he decided to sell his own child up for sale because her mother was a slave. Since Leti can’t let his half-sister become a slave or meet a possible worse fate than that, he has decided to take matters into hands once and for all. It’s time, Leti, his best friend/bodyguard, his half-sister and his menagerie of house pets run away furthest possible place in this galaxy from his cruel father. But Leti has never dreamed the captain of the ship they stowed away, the infamous Captain Hackett is his mate.
Simply put, this is absolutely hilarious! 😂 Leti is so quirky and adorably clueless. And my! His menagerie of pets! They are even funnier! 🤣 Seriously, I feel for Captain Hackett who instantly found himself with a fate mate with a really huge entourage. 😅 And the space adventures they had! They are awesome. I also loved that this is totally angst free because I needed that fluff in my life. I think everyone in this story is so cool and fascinating but I must admit, I have a soft spot for Princess Buttercup! 😅🥰 The narrator did a good job narrating this story too. It was really enjoyable. Well, I cant wait for the next book in the series. Because I need me more space operas! 😉
4 And the prince rescued his Prince Charming riding a flying dragon stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Audio rating
Story - 4.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Narration - 3.75 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟
Performance- 3.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Overall - 4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Disclaimer: An audio copy of this book was provided by the author for an honest and unbiased review.
July 5, 2022
4 Stars
As a science-fiction M/M romance, featuring fated mates, interspecies relations, mpreg and a boat-load (or spaceship load) of lovable furry critters, this seriously could have gone either way.
Thankfully, for me, it went exactly the right way!
I adored the insta-love, “I found my mate and will treasure him forever” feelings that quickly developed between runaway historian Leti Ando and mercenary Captain Will Hackett, of the Blue Solace.
I enjoyed the huge cast of characters and the wonderful found family vibe they shared.
I was immersed in the action/rescue scenes, as the crew and their new friends came up against the ruthless Big Bads of the galaxy, the Concord mercenaries.
And, I loved every moment Leti’s menagerie of pets were on page, winning the hearts of even the most apathetic of the crew.
Seriously, everything about this was just easy, light-hearted, smile-inducing FUN, to the point that I’m now considering starting a new GR shelf titled “Space Fluff.”
Undoubtedly, I will be back for the many sequels, because The Mercenary's Mate was a pure delight to read and I can’t help but want more of that feeling.
As a science-fiction M/M romance, featuring fated mates, interspecies relations, mpreg and a boat-load (or spaceship load) of lovable furry critters, this seriously could have gone either way.
Thankfully, for me, it went exactly the right way!
I adored the insta-love, “I found my mate and will treasure him forever” feelings that quickly developed between runaway historian Leti Ando and mercenary Captain Will Hackett, of the Blue Solace.
I enjoyed the huge cast of characters and the wonderful found family vibe they shared.
I was immersed in the action/rescue scenes, as the crew and their new friends came up against the ruthless Big Bads of the galaxy, the Concord mercenaries.
And, I loved every moment Leti’s menagerie of pets were on page, winning the hearts of even the most apathetic of the crew.
Seriously, everything about this was just easy, light-hearted, smile-inducing FUN, to the point that I’m now considering starting a new GR shelf titled “Space Fluff.”
Undoubtedly, I will be back for the many sequels, because The Mercenary's Mate was a pure delight to read and I can’t help but want more of that feeling.
April 14, 2022
Re-read April 2022
I can't wait to finally read the rest of the books in this series, they're better than I remembered.
----------------------------------------------
What a delight this book was. This was adorable, had a ‘true mates’ romance, lots of cute animals, and is set in space.
Leti and his best friend (who’s actually supposed to be a bed slave) Draif, are at an auction on their home planet to buy Leti’s little sister. His father decided to sell the baby because he didn’t want her. Leti is just recovering from the last beating his father gave him, but he’s there to take care of his sister, and to run far away with her, Draif and his pets.
When they stow away as cargo on a ship, Leti didn’t count on them being found out almost immediately. But the big bad mercenary captain finds them when he comes to inspect the cargo. But the big bad captain suddenly doesn’t look so bad. And it seems like the captain feels the same pull towards Leti as Leti feels towards him.
Captain Hackett shook his head. “You’re no imposition! Really, what can we do to help? Are you alright? Were you cramped up in this crate for long? Do you need food? Water?”
Draif lowered his phasors and looked at the Captain in disbelief.
“Stow-aways with weapons and you’re offering them food and water? Did I hit my head? Am I dreaming?” Dru sputtered. She reluctantly holstered her phasor.
Leti blushed and shook his head. “I’m fine, thank you. It wasn’t as bad as it could have been.” He looked at Draif. “Oh, Draif, I’m so sorry. Are you alright? Is my sister okay?”
Draif gave him a wide-eyed stare. “We’re fine, Leti. Just being stow-aways. On this ship. With a mercenary group. Nothing to worry about at all.”
Dru snickered. “Is he being weird too?”
Draif nodded. “He should be shaking and freaking out. He doesn’t deal well with change. Doesn’t like aggression, or strangers, or people looking like they want to fuck him.” He eyed the Captain.
“Thank the gods! I was afraid it was just my crew,” Dru said. “At least everyone’s crazy together.”
This book had such a family feel. Leti was just adorable how he adopted all those animals, and later on children too. His heart was just so big, he was adorable. And Will was the badass captain, who was actually quite the softie.
I do have to admit that the writing felt quite rushed. Not a slow sex scene in sight, blink and it was over. ;) And that was the case with lots of things. But… it was still adorable enough that I really enjoyed it.
I was especially a big fan of Princess Buttercup, the dragon (boy) pet who could change size, was always cranky, and used the toilet.
I can't wait to read the next book.
I can't wait to finally read the rest of the books in this series, they're better than I remembered.
----------------------------------------------
What a delight this book was. This was adorable, had a ‘true mates’ romance, lots of cute animals, and is set in space.
Leti and his best friend (who’s actually supposed to be a bed slave) Draif, are at an auction on their home planet to buy Leti’s little sister. His father decided to sell the baby because he didn’t want her. Leti is just recovering from the last beating his father gave him, but he’s there to take care of his sister, and to run far away with her, Draif and his pets.
When they stow away as cargo on a ship, Leti didn’t count on them being found out almost immediately. But the big bad mercenary captain finds them when he comes to inspect the cargo. But the big bad captain suddenly doesn’t look so bad. And it seems like the captain feels the same pull towards Leti as Leti feels towards him.
Captain Hackett shook his head. “You’re no imposition! Really, what can we do to help? Are you alright? Were you cramped up in this crate for long? Do you need food? Water?”
Draif lowered his phasors and looked at the Captain in disbelief.
“Stow-aways with weapons and you’re offering them food and water? Did I hit my head? Am I dreaming?” Dru sputtered. She reluctantly holstered her phasor.
Leti blushed and shook his head. “I’m fine, thank you. It wasn’t as bad as it could have been.” He looked at Draif. “Oh, Draif, I’m so sorry. Are you alright? Is my sister okay?”
Draif gave him a wide-eyed stare. “We’re fine, Leti. Just being stow-aways. On this ship. With a mercenary group. Nothing to worry about at all.”
Dru snickered. “Is he being weird too?”
Draif nodded. “He should be shaking and freaking out. He doesn’t deal well with change. Doesn’t like aggression, or strangers, or people looking like they want to fuck him.” He eyed the Captain.
“Thank the gods! I was afraid it was just my crew,” Dru said. “At least everyone’s crazy together.”
This book had such a family feel. Leti was just adorable how he adopted all those animals, and later on children too. His heart was just so big, he was adorable. And Will was the badass captain, who was actually quite the softie.
I do have to admit that the writing felt quite rushed. Not a slow sex scene in sight, blink and it was over. ;) And that was the case with lots of things. But… it was still adorable enough that I really enjoyed it.
I was especially a big fan of Princess Buttercup, the dragon (boy) pet who could change size, was always cranky, and used the toilet.
I can't wait to read the next book.
December 27, 2019
Terrible narration. Could not get into the story.
May 6, 2020
The story was interesting and I think I'll continue reading more books from this author. There were many scene that made me smile, but there was angst too, and some scene(that don't happen on page)could be a trigger for some people for their themes. The MCs were a cute couple. The world building has a lot of potential.
October 16, 2021
Pretty funny. (I hope it was supposed to be humorous.) Naw, of course it was. Fated mates in space!
C.W. Gray is super creative with their descriptions of all the different species.
Audio nicely performed by Connor Brown.
C.W. Gray is super creative with their descriptions of all the different species.
Audio nicely performed by Connor Brown.
August 31, 2019
Does not live up to the title. One would expect excitement but it was pretty dull. A sweet omega with a dozen different pets and an infant sister hooks up with a space captain. To me this reads more like a fluffy scifi omegaverse. The book absolutely assaulted the reader with seven new names/characters each chapter. It was hard to remember who was who and impossible for me to emotionally invest in any of them. The most exciting bit was that one of the pets was a plant eating dragon.
June 22, 2020
3.5 ⭐️
June 7, 2019
The insta love part of this book is too bad because we miss the falling in love that would have been so delightful with such a great couple in Leti and Will
Leti has been put down his whole life by an awful father. He is chubby and I love that. He is also over the top care taking and has pets of all kinds-pig, dog, cat, and others including and size adjusting dragon. He also saves his infant half sister and best friend who is a slave oh and adopts kids all the time. Love it!
Will has a huge heart and a loving family. There is a fun crew and lots of action.
Once we settle in, I enjoy this couple and they will be the heart of this light hearted series which has good world building.
Leti has been put down his whole life by an awful father. He is chubby and I love that. He is also over the top care taking and has pets of all kinds-pig, dog, cat, and others including and size adjusting dragon. He also saves his infant half sister and best friend who is a slave oh and adopts kids all the time. Love it!
Will has a huge heart and a loving family. There is a fun crew and lots of action.
Once we settle in, I enjoy this couple and they will be the heart of this light hearted series which has good world building.
June 17, 2019
This was such a lot of fun to read. Complete insta-love *true mates* but really, I didn’t care a bit. Besides Hack and Leti, who was adorable, there’s s great cast of characters and I’m going to enjoy them all throughout the series. *Princess Buttercup will still be my favorite though ❤️* I love a sci-fi world and this one promises excellent entertainment!
December 16, 2023
Lucky baby bunny sweater FTW
Leti is just super sweet and funny. I love how Hack changed so quickly. All the animals are so cute and funny.
Leti is just super sweet and funny. I love how Hack changed so quickly. All the animals are so cute and funny.
September 20, 2023
A fun and sugary sweet OTT "he's my mate and I just love everything about him!" story. 😂😍
3.5 stars
3.5 stars
June 9, 2024
Yeah. That was something.
So, in order to get to the book I want to read from the interconnected series, I supposedly have to read this series.
I know in advance that I'm not going to like it. The storytelling isn't working for me, it has 368 side characters that I actually had to write down to keep up, a little bit of action thrown in there and it sounds like the dialogues weren't written for an adult audience.
I could be wrong.
🟣 Happening in space, most characters are humanoid aliens
🟡 Mercenary ship with the most un-mercenary mercenaries
🟢 A fuckton of pets
🟠 Main couple is adopting kids left and right
🔵 Insta-love, some kind of fated mates, but not really
🟣 Mpreg
🟡 The gay-awakening that's not really happening, the older guy's too excited to fuck the younger one and the younger one's a virgin with no interest in anyone, so who knows??
🌶️ Little bit of sex, it wasn't sexy, it could be, but smut took up so little page time that I can't really remember at this point what they did; t/b
Leti is from Planet Vextonar in the Silverlight System, he's a Prime mate, meaning he's mostly human from a higher caste and he can also get pregnant. He's treated terribly because of it, so even though he's some kind of royalty, he wants to get away from the place.
Ah yes, he's also chubby and fat shamed, but those rolls are nothing for Will, the captain of the mercenary ship The Blue Solace, who's feeling restless because apparently he's about to meet his mate.
“Weapons are sexy, but it doesn’t matter. I’m not feeling any mating call. It’s probably just some rare disease. Maybe I’m dying.” 🤦
Leti and his little zoo, plus his bed-slave that's actually his bestie and his adopted half sister end up with Will and his crew and the story isn't really a romance, since it offers very little time with the main love couple, their relationship development is basically non-existent.
It goes something like the captain immediately falling in love and on the first day asking his little chubby could-be-impregnated mate if he can come inside him.
Quite.
Not to mention Leti has a bad self image because of his belly
"His panic had reached his eyes and his lips trembled. He was close to tears. “I can try to lose some weight. I just really like food.”
so everyone's trying to make sure he knows he's sexy
“Look at this ass! Alois, you would fuck this ass, right?” Cordelia gestured to Leti’s butt with both hands, like it was a prize in a gameshow.
“Yes… Yes, I would.” Alois nodded, face serious. “Except the captain would murder me in a very slow and painful manner.”
I'd fuck him if it weren't for the captain, for sure. The supportive mercenaries and all that.
And the way Will is talking to his father, the admiral, is also quite interesting. They have profound dialogues that really convey the society at Will's home planet.
“I’ve never even been with a man before, but I can’t wait to get my hands on Leti. His ass is so plump and perfect, and gods, his mouth…”
“My ears! What the fuck? Why would you say that, Will?”
So yeah, thumbs up to me for making it until the end.
I didn't like it, at all, but it's one of those series where you know you'll hate every ridiculous shit that'll be said but you'll read it anyway.
Ah yes, and why the 2⭐? Well, I'm sticking around for Draif and Lucas' story, so that's that.
February 26, 2019
This was book 1 in the
" Blue Solace "
series. Leti's newborn sister was being sold as a slave and he's there to make sure she's brought back into his care, even if he has to purchase her. His plan is to take her, his best friend and bodyguard Draif, and his menagerie, smuggling those he cares about off planet to start a new life. With the help of a friend, Leti and his menagerie, along with his two companions, stow away aboard a mystery ship. Little does he know that The Blue Solace belongs to the infamous mercenary, Captain Will Hackett his mate a man he'll come to love. This was a pretty good read that I liked a lot. Hack is irritable and grouchy but does not believe it is because he is searching for his mate, like his shipmates say. I liked these two character's and the secondary one's as well. This was my first time reading this author. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
dnf
July 28, 2020on-hold @39%.
Ugh, the premise was so cool.
It's about a growly captain of a mercenary space ship with the reputation to be mean and dangerous... and a cute boy with his menagerie of pets who hides in the ship as a stowaway to get away from his abusive father.
But unfortunately, I didn't connect with the writing at all. There was more dialogue than narration and it showed. There is barely more than the minimum of descriptions and more often than not, a lack of it.
The whole fated mates thing I could've accepted if the author had at least made it believable. There is like, one line from the POV character about how hot the other is and they immediately treat each other like they're long lost lovers. I want to know how they feel!
There is also barely a difference in POVs since... the characters don't have a voice because there is barely any narration!
The whole thing felt disjointed and rushed as a result and even though I LOVE mercenaries in space and stowaways and a colorful crew I don't feel inclined to continue reading. :(
Ugh, the premise was so cool.
It's about a growly captain of a mercenary space ship with the reputation to be mean and dangerous... and a cute boy with his menagerie of pets who hides in the ship as a stowaway to get away from his abusive father.
But unfortunately, I didn't connect with the writing at all. There was more dialogue than narration and it showed. There is barely more than the minimum of descriptions and more often than not, a lack of it.
The whole fated mates thing I could've accepted if the author had at least made it believable. There is like, one line from the POV character about how hot the other is and they immediately treat each other like they're long lost lovers. I want to know how they feel!
There is also barely a difference in POVs since... the characters don't have a voice because there is barely any narration!
The whole thing felt disjointed and rushed as a result and even though I LOVE mercenaries in space and stowaways and a colorful crew I don't feel inclined to continue reading. :(
February 5, 2019
I started this book a little roughly because of the insta love aspect. Yes there is insta love and almost immediate declarations of endless love and it kinda threw it off for me.
BUT, (and that’s a big butt...uh I mean but*) this adventurous story grew on me quite quickly. The pets that Leti has and how he loves them and how everyone else falls in love with them is just so cute and so much fun! Leti himself has super cute moments like his baby bunny sweater. The kids they adopt, the MPREG! A pet dragon that changes sizes and is slightly temperamental.
I mean.. what more can a person ask for? I know, I know. It’s not perfect, YES it IS insta love, but the cute/quirky feel in this adventure story was just so much fun, and a pure joy to read.
I’d easily recommend this story if it sounds interesting to you after what I’ve said. I will certainly be reading the next book.
BUT, (and that’s a big butt...uh I mean but*) this adventurous story grew on me quite quickly. The pets that Leti has and how he loves them and how everyone else falls in love with them is just so cute and so much fun! Leti himself has super cute moments like his baby bunny sweater. The kids they adopt, the MPREG! A pet dragon that changes sizes and is slightly temperamental.
I mean.. what more can a person ask for? I know, I know. It’s not perfect, YES it IS insta love, but the cute/quirky feel in this adventure story was just so much fun, and a pure joy to read.
I’d easily recommend this story if it sounds interesting to you after what I’ve said. I will certainly be reading the next book.
November 7, 2019
Honestly almost didn't finish this book... At times I enjoyed it, but then the writing would get a little cringe which would pull me out of the story.
I enjoyed the concept and the characters however - though I would have much preferred a bit more romance than instant love? A bit more proving his worth as a mate and hesitance etc.
The animals were cute but also... As someone who has several animals I just kept thinking about how much freaking maintenance so many animals requires. I just got anxious thinking about all those poor animals stuffed in crates!
I enjoyed the concept and the characters however - though I would have much preferred a bit more romance than instant love? A bit more proving his worth as a mate and hesitance etc.
The animals were cute but also... As someone who has several animals I just kept thinking about how much freaking maintenance so many animals requires. I just got anxious thinking about all those poor animals stuffed in crates!
March 22, 2019
This was ok. I kind of grabbed it in a rush to read something...
Anyways it ever sugary sweet and without a lot of depth. I did love all the animal though...
Another rushed bland review... sorry peeps
Anyways it ever sugary sweet and without a lot of depth. I did love all the animal though...
Another rushed bland review... sorry peeps
November 8, 2024
3 ⭐
This was such a mess, but I kind of loved it? 😅😂
Everything was super dramatic and messy but I loved all the pets and the characters and how fluffy and adorable these mercenaries were!
Princess buttercup is bae 🥰
Narrator: Connor Brown
This was such a mess, but I kind of loved it? 😅😂
Everything was super dramatic and messy but I loved all the pets and the characters and how fluffy and adorable these mercenaries were!
Princess buttercup is bae 🥰
Narrator: Connor Brown
August 22, 2019
A little too 'twee' for my sci-fi expectations. Probably will give other titles in the series a miss.
May 15, 2022
I loved this book so much! While the romance felt secondary, it was really sweet and I didn't mind as the adventures were wonderful. Plenty of action and getting to know each other, along with the crew and all of the found family feels!
The characters are stunning and just wonderful throughout, so many amazing cast from members of the crew and those they find along the way.
Not forgetting the incredible amount of animal companions! I am in love with them all, they each had personalities of their own and I adored how each creature found someone that suited them in the crew. So much fun and entertaining with all of their antics.
Also while romance isn't heavy focus, it is rather adorable and some grumpy/sunshine vibes. The instant connection worked for me, so very sweet and fit to being mates. Leti and Hack fit together perfectly, I loved that both get chance to protect and care for each other. Its very balanced.
Overall this book was wonderful! It had a lot of themes I appreciate with great world building and ongoing story arc. Which I'm excited to see more off theoughout the series and the rest of the cast finding love.
This story is to continue in the second book, however it does finish a clear end in this book for the crew as continue their journey. 💕
The characters are stunning and just wonderful throughout, so many amazing cast from members of the crew and those they find along the way.
Not forgetting the incredible amount of animal companions! I am in love with them all, they each had personalities of their own and I adored how each creature found someone that suited them in the crew. So much fun and entertaining with all of their antics.
Also while romance isn't heavy focus, it is rather adorable and some grumpy/sunshine vibes. The instant connection worked for me, so very sweet and fit to being mates. Leti and Hack fit together perfectly, I loved that both get chance to protect and care for each other. Its very balanced.
Overall this book was wonderful! It had a lot of themes I appreciate with great world building and ongoing story arc. Which I'm excited to see more off theoughout the series and the rest of the cast finding love.
This story is to continue in the second book, however it does finish a clear end in this book for the crew as continue their journey. 💕
May 23, 2021
Fast paced sci-fi action
This was a fast paced action adventure set in space with a dash of fated mate and a lot of humor thrown in. Captain Will Havkett finds his forever mate showed away in his ship's cargo hold along with a menagerie of animals.
KU, book in series, action, adventure, sci-fi, humor, fated mate, more, death of a side character, chosen family
This was a fast paced action adventure set in space with a dash of fated mate and a lot of humor thrown in. Captain Will Havkett finds his forever mate showed away in his ship's cargo hold along with a menagerie of animals.
KU, book in series, action, adventure, sci-fi, humor, fated mate, more, death of a side character, chosen family
February 16, 2020
3 ⭐️
I didn’t want to write a Review for this book. But now that I read the book 2, I think this one deserve a Review. 🤔 (Even if it will be a short, short review 😆)
Why 3 little star? ⭐️
⁂ All happened way too fast. And I’m not used to it. 😢
⁂ The relationship is absolutely angst-free. But like, no angst at all.
⁂ I didn’t understand a lot of this story.
Why I write a review ? And why I changed my mind?
ღ Like I said above, I read the book 2. So I understood more.
ღ When I’m thinking about it, this kind of story remind me my Fifteen self when I was so ill and in the hospital and I read Fictions in French to pass time. And I love this book just for it. 💖
ღ But mostly ? The book 1 is the prequel to this story, I think. And now that I know it, I want to rate it higher. (Or reread it... 🤷🏻♀️)
My highlights (10):
I didn’t want to write a Review for this book. But now that I read the book 2, I think this one deserve a Review. 🤔 (Even if it will be a short, short review 😆)
Why 3 little star? ⭐️
⁂ All happened way too fast. And I’m not used to it. 😢
⁂ The relationship is absolutely angst-free. But like, no angst at all.
⁂ I didn’t understand a lot of this story.
Why I write a review ? And why I changed my mind?
ღ Like I said above, I read the book 2. So I understood more.
ღ When I’m thinking about it, this kind of story remind me my Fifteen self when I was so ill and in the hospital and I read Fictions in French to pass time. And I love this book just for it. 💖
ღ But mostly ? The book 1 is the prequel to this story, I think. And now that I know it, I want to rate it higher. (Or reread it... 🤷🏻♀️)
My highlights (10):
April 13, 2019
Solid 3 stars. KU borrow. This was a funny, no-angst book. All the “drama” was from external sources. Which is nice.
Our MC’s (Leti & Hack) are insta-love ~ but I give that a pass as it’s a “fated mate” thing. Unfortunately, they have a few cutesy convos and 2 or 3 sex scenes ~ but I didn’t really *feel* their relationship. We’re just told repeatedly they’re in love and there’s not much dialogue/interaction to back that up.
It also suffers from the drag of typical first in the series “world building” but to an extreme. There are a LOT of characters in this book. Leti comes with a friend, an infant sister, and a Dr. Doolittle-level menagerie of pets. Hack comes with his spaceship crew. All these people & pets have names, species/breeds descriptions, & personalities to keep track of as well as a few back stories. Then more people are picked up in a rescue so there’s more names & species to learn. Then there’s a battle involving Hack’s siblings and MORE rescues.
If I kept track correctly this was about 5 days worth of time. While I enjoyed the flow, action, and quite a bit of the humor ~ the number of characters was kind of exhausting. In some respects it’s awesome that this author has created such a varied and vivid world. It was just too much world for me to digest in a single volume and still enjoy the story.
I’m not sure I’ll continue this series (maybe I’ll come back after a bit because I *am* invested in some of these characters). I’ll also check out the other series this author has going.
Our MC’s (Leti & Hack) are insta-love ~ but I give that a pass as it’s a “fated mate” thing. Unfortunately, they have a few cutesy convos and 2 or 3 sex scenes ~ but I didn’t really *feel* their relationship. We’re just told repeatedly they’re in love and there’s not much dialogue/interaction to back that up.
It also suffers from the drag of typical first in the series “world building” but to an extreme. There are a LOT of characters in this book. Leti comes with a friend, an infant sister, and a Dr. Doolittle-level menagerie of pets. Hack comes with his spaceship crew. All these people & pets have names, species/breeds descriptions, & personalities to keep track of as well as a few back stories. Then more people are picked up in a rescue so there’s more names & species to learn. Then there’s a battle involving Hack’s siblings and MORE rescues.
If I kept track correctly this was about 5 days worth of time. While I enjoyed the flow, action, and quite a bit of the humor ~ the number of characters was kind of exhausting. In some respects it’s awesome that this author has created such a varied and vivid world. It was just too much world for me to digest in a single volume and still enjoy the story.
I’m not sure I’ll continue this series (maybe I’ll come back after a bit because I *am* invested in some of these characters). I’ll also check out the other series this author has going.
October 25, 2019
Over the top, unbelievable, yet so cute. The beginning felt a bit rushed, introducing so many alien characters at once, was difficult trying to keep the cast straight at first. Once I realized this was so over the top, I just sat back and enjoyed the crazy ride.
Hack is a mercenary captain who finds a stowaway aboard his space ship. It’s insta love with finding his true mate. Not only is it insta love, but insta family. Leti is a nerdy animal loving omega and he’s smuggled all his pets as well as his baby sister and personal servant. I mean, really, who plans an escape to freedom by smuggling 2 cats, 2 dogs, 2 chickens, newt, and a llama? And how do you crate a llama in secret without any noise or damage when smuggling aboard ship?! Way unbelievable, but funny.
Overall it was fun adventure, and I’ve become very fond of the crew of the Blue Solace.
Hack is a mercenary captain who finds a stowaway aboard his space ship. It’s insta love with finding his true mate. Not only is it insta love, but insta family. Leti is a nerdy animal loving omega and he’s smuggled all his pets as well as his baby sister and personal servant. I mean, really, who plans an escape to freedom by smuggling 2 cats, 2 dogs, 2 chickens, newt, and a llama? And how do you crate a llama in secret without any noise or damage when smuggling aboard ship?! Way unbelievable, but funny.
Overall it was fun adventure, and I’ve become very fond of the crew of the Blue Solace.
September 10, 2025
This series feels to me, like a funny and cute sitcom, that focuses on family and found family, with a side of political intrigue and a historical mystical mystery. It's captivating and for every heavy moment, we get cute and sweet moments to help smile again. It's really a mixture of heavy topics and light beautiful moments. It's a total comfort read for me. I love basically each and every character and side character!! When I think about found family, these books are some that come to my mind. It's one of my favorite series.
Leti is such a cutie patootie with a heart of gold. Hack is such a softie, I'm obsessed with both of them. The scene of these two meeting is hilarious and makes me smile every time!!
Slight spoiler-y, this series is a great example for fascism and what happens if it doesn't get stopped immediately. Especially in times like these it's eye opening and horrifying!!
Leti is such a cutie patootie with a heart of gold. Hack is such a softie, I'm obsessed with both of them. The scene of these two meeting is hilarious and makes me smile every time!!
Slight spoiler-y, this series is a great example for fascism and what happens if it doesn't get stopped immediately. Especially in times like these it's eye opening and horrifying!!
November 11, 2018
This is the second book I’ve read by this author and she didn’t disappoint. The world and character building was brilliant.
Leti was sweet and his big heart drew people/children to him. The crew were a fun bunch and I enjoyed them bantering and teasing Captain Will.
Leti and Will were adorable together and it warmed my heart that they adopted many to join their family. The little siren girl stole my heart when she called Leti and Will her daddies.
Leti’s pets were intriguing but my favourite was the dragon lizard who liked changing his size - I want one of these!
A story filled with action, adventure, romance, humour and so much more. I eagerly look forward to reading the next book. I’m definitely adding this author to my favourite list.
Leti was sweet and his big heart drew people/children to him. The crew were a fun bunch and I enjoyed them bantering and teasing Captain Will.
Leti and Will were adorable together and it warmed my heart that they adopted many to join their family. The little siren girl stole my heart when she called Leti and Will her daddies.
Leti’s pets were intriguing but my favourite was the dragon lizard who liked changing his size - I want one of these!
A story filled with action, adventure, romance, humour and so much more. I eagerly look forward to reading the next book. I’m definitely adding this author to my favourite list.
April 12, 2024
re-read: April 2024
This is the third time that I’ve read this book and it gets better every time. I never get tired of this series.
December 2019
Enjoyed it just as much the second time as I did the first.
Rating: 4 stars
This book has everything that makes me smile. A quirky crew, animals galore and precocious children. I also loved both MCs. I loved how quickly Hack changed his tune once he met his mate. Was it a major case of insta-love? Yes, but that didn’t bother me one bit. Pretty much par for the course with these books. I’m pretty sure that there were some pretty big plot holes in this story, but again that didn’t bother me. I was too busy being entertained. All in all, a pretty good start to a series and looking forward to the next installment.
This is the third time that I’ve read this book and it gets better every time. I never get tired of this series.
December 2019
Enjoyed it just as much the second time as I did the first.
Rating: 4 stars
This book has everything that makes me smile. A quirky crew, animals galore and precocious children. I also loved both MCs. I loved how quickly Hack changed his tune once he met his mate. Was it a major case of insta-love? Yes, but that didn’t bother me one bit. Pretty much par for the course with these books. I’m pretty sure that there were some pretty big plot holes in this story, but again that didn’t bother me. I was too busy being entertained. All in all, a pretty good start to a series and looking forward to the next installment.
May 14, 2020
This is an introduction to a whole new universe that will absolutely pull you in and leave you breathless with laughter and every other emotion.
Leti is different from those around him and he fully knows it. As he gathers those he cares about to get them off-world and safe, I don't think you will every meet someone like him again.
Hack is irritable and grouchy but does not believe it is because he is searching for his mate, like his shipmates say. Then it happens and you will snort in laughter.
As these two and those they care about travel, you will not believe everything that happens. But keep reading cause it does.
C.W. Gray, please keep writing these!
Leti is different from those around him and he fully knows it. As he gathers those he cares about to get them off-world and safe, I don't think you will every meet someone like him again.
Hack is irritable and grouchy but does not believe it is because he is searching for his mate, like his shipmates say. Then it happens and you will snort in laughter.
As these two and those they care about travel, you will not believe everything that happens. But keep reading cause it does.
C.W. Gray, please keep writing these!
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