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The Blue Solace #5
The Engineer's Mate
Welcome back to Charybdis Station and the crew of the Blue Solace: (Fifth Book in the series)
Beck Brackenstone is a simple Grell. He loves his family and friends and enjoys tinkering in his shop. His greatest dream is to meet his life-mate, settle down, and raise a bunch of babies. When he finally does meet his mate, he realizes how completely unprepared he really is. How do you court an assassin? How do you keep your brain from melting when your mate smiles?
Guild Master Beol is not a simple man. He runs one of the most prominent assassins guilds in the galaxy and has a troubled past. He has responsibilities and contracts to worry about and no time for a mate. When he meets Beck, that all changes. His Grell completely bewitches him and sparks something inside him that he thought died a long time ago. The problem is that Beck has secrets that even his most trusted friends don't know, and Beol has some major trust issues.
The two men may appear to be a horrible match, but in truth, they are perfect for one another. Unfortunately the Crellic Queen and Humans First are terrorizing the galaxy and Charybdis Station is their next target. They will need to trust in one another and their friends to end the Queen's path of destruction once and for all.
Author's Note: 56,000 words. This is a sci-fi/fantasy, m/m love story with no angst and no cheating, just a HEA. There is lots of action, a little sex, mpreg, and a few potty mouths involved in the story. 18+ readers only, please. It is also the fifth book in a series that is best read in order. Read "The Mercenary's Mate," "The General's Mate," "The Soldier's Mate," and "The Lieutenant's Mate" first!
Beck Brackenstone is a simple Grell. He loves his family and friends and enjoys tinkering in his shop. His greatest dream is to meet his life-mate, settle down, and raise a bunch of babies. When he finally does meet his mate, he realizes how completely unprepared he really is. How do you court an assassin? How do you keep your brain from melting when your mate smiles?
Guild Master Beol is not a simple man. He runs one of the most prominent assassins guilds in the galaxy and has a troubled past. He has responsibilities and contracts to worry about and no time for a mate. When he meets Beck, that all changes. His Grell completely bewitches him and sparks something inside him that he thought died a long time ago. The problem is that Beck has secrets that even his most trusted friends don't know, and Beol has some major trust issues.
The two men may appear to be a horrible match, but in truth, they are perfect for one another. Unfortunately the Crellic Queen and Humans First are terrorizing the galaxy and Charybdis Station is their next target. They will need to trust in one another and their friends to end the Queen's path of destruction once and for all.
Author's Note: 56,000 words. This is a sci-fi/fantasy, m/m love story with no angst and no cheating, just a HEA. There is lots of action, a little sex, mpreg, and a few potty mouths involved in the story. 18+ readers only, please. It is also the fifth book in a series that is best read in order. Read "The Mercenary's Mate," "The General's Mate," "The Soldier's Mate," and "The Lieutenant's Mate" first!
195 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 16, 2019
148 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
About the author
C.W. Gray
60 books438 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 38 reviews
August 1, 2019
I was really looking forward to Beck’s story and it didn’t disappoint. Beol and Beck were a sweet couple. This was probably the best in the series as far as what all was going on. The ending was a little rushed but I was still glad for the closure with the queen. But there’s more to come. More enemies on the horizon. Beck is such a sweetheart though 😍
April 17, 2022
I wasn’t as engrossed in this book as I was with the others.
Now there’s not always enough focus on the relationship in these books, and I’ve accepted that, but here I never quite felt the romance between Beck and Beol.
Sure, they were cute and sweet, but I wasn’t quite as into them as I was with the other couples.
There is a big fight scene near the end that was pretty spectacular though. I absolutely loved seeing all the different powers people have, flying bots, jumping boots, and fierce dragons (well, it was only one, but Princess Buttercup counts for 10).
I also adore Fire, and Death isn’t too bad either. Fire is absolutely adorable though. I can’t wait for his book.
And we also meet Air. I was even pleasantly surprised by him/her.
But I did feel as if this book was a bit too full. So many things happening all the time, it was a bit exhausting.
So even though I’m settling for 3 stars, I still really like the series and can’t wait to read the other books.
Now there’s not always enough focus on the relationship in these books, and I’ve accepted that, but here I never quite felt the romance between Beck and Beol.
Sure, they were cute and sweet, but I wasn’t quite as into them as I was with the other couples.
There is a big fight scene near the end that was pretty spectacular though. I absolutely loved seeing all the different powers people have, flying bots, jumping boots, and fierce dragons (well, it was only one, but Princess Buttercup counts for 10).
I also adore Fire, and Death isn’t too bad either. Fire is absolutely adorable though. I can’t wait for his book.
And we also meet Air. I was even pleasantly surprised by him/her.
But I did feel as if this book was a bit too full. So many things happening all the time, it was a bit exhausting.
So even though I’m settling for 3 stars, I still really like the series and can’t wait to read the other books.
June 7, 2019
The world building here is so well done by the time we arrive at the 5th book in this super fun action adventure science fiction romance.
The outside conflict is well done here with the series villain getting closer to being defeated and the array of characters here in all their charm. The little mystery of what Breck is doing is his lab adds a nice new layer to the series.
Beol is written a little too simply with being quick to distrust but I love him with the shy genius Breck and his his loyal crew is wonderful.
I love the dates and the pets. This book made me happy.
The outside conflict is well done here with the series villain getting closer to being defeated and the array of characters here in all their charm. The little mystery of what Breck is doing is his lab adds a nice new layer to the series.
Beol is written a little too simply with being quick to distrust but I love him with the shy genius Breck and his his loyal crew is wonderful.
I love the dates and the pets. This book made me happy.
October 2, 2023
Can't get enough.
I just can't get enough of this series. All the characters have me hooked so hard. The love between the mates and the love of the large family is just joyous.
I just can't get enough of this series. All the characters have me hooked so hard. The love between the mates and the love of the large family is just joyous.
September 22, 2025
Beol and Becks are probably my favorite couple in this series.
I loved Beck from the moment he was introduced. He is such a shy sweet sweet man. Beol is basically the complete opposite. He too has a heart of gold, he just hides it better.
They finally face the queen. The fight against her is heartbreaking and makes me shed a few tears.
This series is so good, it's just a great example for fascism.
The books are a mix of a kinda cringy Sitcom, that you can't help but love and the fight against a fascist group with the main goal to get even richer. Sounds like it doesn't mix well, but it really does.
Especially right now, with the rise of right wing conservative politics and fascists all around the world, it's horrifying to see how bad it can be. I mean just look in history books and you can see how bad it is. I hope we, as humans can fight it before it hurts even more people.
I loved Beck from the moment he was introduced. He is such a shy sweet sweet man. Beol is basically the complete opposite. He too has a heart of gold, he just hides it better.
They finally face the queen. The fight against her is heartbreaking and makes me shed a few tears.
This series is so good, it's just a great example for fascism.
The books are a mix of a kinda cringy Sitcom, that you can't help but love and the fight against a fascist group with the main goal to get even richer. Sounds like it doesn't mix well, but it really does.
Especially right now, with the rise of right wing conservative politics and fascists all around the world, it's horrifying to see how bad it can be. I mean just look in history books and you can see how bad it is. I hope we, as humans can fight it before it hurts even more people.
February 21, 2025
3 ⭐️
...
Narrator: Connor Brown
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Narrator: Connor Brown
August 17, 2025
There were too many massive time jumps for this to be more than average. The romance was also quite lacking since it was instalove fated mates with very little relationship building after. The thing that kills me is these people are spacefaring swashbucklers who have extremely advanced technology including robotic limbs that work like natural limbs and the ability to create sentient androids. But somehow they can't manage to work birth control right and they're always surprised when they get pregnant? What even is that?
July 4, 2025
Beck and Beol are so wonderful together...I mean, a sweet-natured Grell and a grumpy assassin? Match made in heaven!! Add in all of their "helpful" friends, some secrets that aren't very well kept, a fabulous wedding (with fake mustaches!!), and, oh yeah, saving the galaxy, and you could argue that this book has it all. I love this book, it is such a great addition to the series and allows a lot of our favorite characters to spend page time with our feature couple. Loved, loved, loved.
December 5, 2019
I doing one one review for all of the books due to I gave book 1 a bad rating and review. Now it seems the author got his or her groove on after book 1 the story started getting better and better and I look forward to hearing book 7 The Rebel Mate when it comes out.
In so many ways the series could be compared to out us today one group determined to destroy another because how they may worship, look, race or who they love we see this in our government, religious leaders and white supremacists but in the books this happens in the future were man has gone into apace and met other beings soon their is no full human and what there is very small but they have decided go to war against the non human because of how they look, their race and most likely who they love they decide to kill billions of people for what they wanted A Pure Full Human Race and either kill everyone else or sell them into salvery.
As I said I was not pleased with book one but the following books were great and the narrator did a great to bring the story alive. So you check it out
In so many ways the series could be compared to out us today one group determined to destroy another because how they may worship, look, race or who they love we see this in our government, religious leaders and white supremacists but in the books this happens in the future were man has gone into apace and met other beings soon their is no full human and what there is very small but they have decided go to war against the non human because of how they look, their race and most likely who they love they decide to kill billions of people for what they wanted A Pure Full Human Race and either kill everyone else or sell them into salvery.
As I said I was not pleased with book one but the following books were great and the narrator did a great to bring the story alive. So you check it out
May 26, 2021
This series is an excellent mix of romance, humor, and galaxy spanning, bigotry fueled war and cruelty.
Beck is the super sweet and shy engineer for the Blue Solace. Courting the Half-Moon Assasin’s Guild Master Beol isn’t easy for him. Beck kept secret the new species he was responsible for and nearly lost his mate. Things were going good for the two when they finally got together until Human’s First and the Queen destroyed more planets. Charybdis Station manages to come up with an iffy plan to try and take out the Queen. The final epic battle in this book should not be missed.
This book is rated 4 stars. There are minor errors and typos. The overall story flows well and is unique and addicting. The subplot that runs throughout the series is logical without random bad guys being thrown in just because.
Personal Note:
Charybdis Fyrlings have now been added to my “I want this pet” list with the dragons….
Beck is the super sweet and shy engineer for the Blue Solace. Courting the Half-Moon Assasin’s Guild Master Beol isn’t easy for him. Beck kept secret the new species he was responsible for and nearly lost his mate. Things were going good for the two when they finally got together until Human’s First and the Queen destroyed more planets. Charybdis Station manages to come up with an iffy plan to try and take out the Queen. The final epic battle in this book should not be missed.
This book is rated 4 stars. There are minor errors and typos. The overall story flows well and is unique and addicting. The subplot that runs throughout the series is logical without random bad guys being thrown in just because.
Personal Note:
Charybdis Fyrlings have now been added to my “I want this pet” list with the dragons….
June 2, 2019
Deliciously epic
Perhaps I missed it, but were Life, Air, and Water permanently erased? Sebastian talked about it in previous books, and it was supposed to take a long time, once started, but I'm rather surprised that the process itself seems to have been skipped in the telling of the story. There was one point where Sebastian said he was planning on starting the ritual, and one comment by Earth could indicate that it had happened, but it wasn't ever explicitly stated.
It was awesome to see the Charybdis soldiers take the offensive against the Queen and the HF. But best of all, I loved that they were able to do so without compromising their values and desire to make the galaxy a welcome place for all life.
Perhaps I missed it, but were Life, Air, and Water permanently erased? Sebastian talked about it in previous books, and it was supposed to take a long time, once started, but I'm rather surprised that the process itself seems to have been skipped in the telling of the story. There was one point where Sebastian said he was planning on starting the ritual, and one comment by Earth could indicate that it had happened, but it wasn't ever explicitly stated.
It was awesome to see the Charybdis soldiers take the offensive against the Queen and the HF. But best of all, I loved that they were able to do so without compromising their values and desire to make the galaxy a welcome place for all life.
May 23, 2019
One of the best series I have ever read
There is so much detail and it’s amazing how much of a story can be told with so few pages. I never feel like something wasn’t covered or cut short. Some the best writing I’ve seen. The story is adventure, thrill, romance, sci-fi, and a little mystery thrown in. So many good things I cant find the words to explain the awesomeness that is this author and story. Thank you for putting this out for us humans!
There is so much detail and it’s amazing how much of a story can be told with so few pages. I never feel like something wasn’t covered or cut short. Some the best writing I’ve seen. The story is adventure, thrill, romance, sci-fi, and a little mystery thrown in. So many good things I cant find the words to explain the awesomeness that is this author and story. Thank you for putting this out for us humans!
June 5, 2019
Alien MPREG Adventure
3 stars!
This is book 5 in the Blue Solace Series. Each book follows a different couple but must be read in order due to an overarching storyline.
I liked book 5 but it didn't feel completed. I'm wondering if book 6 will still feature Beck and Beoul which would explain it ending in an unfinished way.
I liked the continuation of the storyline and the new additions were exciting.
Overall, this was a good addition to this series.
3 stars!
This is book 5 in the Blue Solace Series. Each book follows a different couple but must be read in order due to an overarching storyline.
I liked book 5 but it didn't feel completed. I'm wondering if book 6 will still feature Beck and Beoul which would explain it ending in an unfinished way.
I liked the continuation of the storyline and the new additions were exciting.
Overall, this was a good addition to this series.
September 22, 2024
A binge-worthy and fast-paced MM fated mates story. I really liked Beol.
How much did I like it? 5 Stars
Ideas - World Building: 5 Stars
Ideas - Plot: 5 Stars
Emotional highs and lows: Expert
Character Depth: 5 Stars
Character interactions: Extensive
Animal Characterisation: Expert
Non-human Characterisation: Standard
Content Warning: Consensual explicit sex scenes. Swearing.
Execution: 5 Stars
How much did I like it? 5 Stars
Ideas - World Building: 5 Stars
Ideas - Plot: 5 Stars
Emotional highs and lows: Expert
Character Depth: 5 Stars
Character interactions: Extensive
Animal Characterisation: Expert
Non-human Characterisation: Standard
Content Warning: Consensual explicit sex scenes. Swearing.
Execution: 5 Stars
May 29, 2019
Another WIN by CW Gray
I am hooked on this author. The Blue Solace series had a bit more sex than I liked but it was still amazing. This whole series is fast paced n action packed while filled with love of friends, family n fur babies. LOVED IT. Cant wait for the next book to come out in July 2019!
I am hooked on this author. The Blue Solace series had a bit more sex than I liked but it was still amazing. This whole series is fast paced n action packed while filled with love of friends, family n fur babies. LOVED IT. Cant wait for the next book to come out in July 2019!
July 3, 2019
Sci fi fun
I loved this one just as much as the other books. Fire is hilarious with us no filter mouth and lack of boundaries which causes some funny and embarrassing moments. At first Beol finds it hard to trust Beck but he does eventually. Jack's family and friends are very protective of him but they learn to love Beol.
I loved this one just as much as the other books. Fire is hilarious with us no filter mouth and lack of boundaries which causes some funny and embarrassing moments. At first Beol finds it hard to trust Beck but he does eventually. Jack's family and friends are very protective of him but they learn to love Beol.
October 26, 2020
Beck and Beol, absolute cuteness and chaos.
Okay, I want a becky Boo. Ijust do. His adorable engineer cuteness with a side of shyness is just so sweet and Iwanna cuddle him so much. Beol being a kick butt assassin to a guild is perfect to protect the sweet and gullible Beck. Iwant a beol and Wolfe too. Ugh, Ijust want them all.! <3
Princess Buttercup still rocks in my opinion
Okay, I want a becky Boo. Ijust do. His adorable engineer cuteness with a side of shyness is just so sweet and Iwanna cuddle him so much. Beol being a kick butt assassin to a guild is perfect to protect the sweet and gullible Beck. Iwant a beol and Wolfe too. Ugh, Ijust want them all.! <3
Princess Buttercup still rocks in my opinion
May 21, 2019
Another great addition to this series!
Love all of these characters and there are so many. The fact that they are so distinctive (including the many pets and children) really says something about the author’s ability to create amazing worlds.
Love all of these characters and there are so many. The fact that they are so distinctive (including the many pets and children) really says something about the author’s ability to create amazing worlds.
May 26, 2019
Love C.W. Gray they are my favorite author right now
I regularly check to see if any new books are out and count down until the next. This is another lovely addition. I wasn't really looking forward to Beck's book but I shouldn't have doubted it was great.
I regularly check to see if any new books are out and count down until the next. This is another lovely addition. I wasn't really looking forward to Beck's book but I shouldn't have doubted it was great.
May 28, 2019
Excellent
I can hardly wait for the next adventure when the Captains mate comes out. The stories are intriguing, dramatic, and addictive. One story leads right to the next. The characters are always all there from the very first book with the information on the two in the story.
I can hardly wait for the next adventure when the Captains mate comes out. The stories are intriguing, dramatic, and addictive. One story leads right to the next. The characters are always all there from the very first book with the information on the two in the story.
June 5, 2019
AWESOME
This is an awesome series... I'm truly invested in these characters... I like the adventure of these books as well as the romance... Their sweet and entertaining.... Patiently waiting on the next book ....
This is an awesome series... I'm truly invested in these characters... I like the adventure of these books as well as the romance... Their sweet and entertaining.... Patiently waiting on the next book ....
September 15, 2019
Amazing , incredible and loving.
This book was not only about the amazing love between two good men . It was also about how incredible having friends and family by you side. I loved this book so very much .
This book was not only about the amazing love between two good men . It was also about how incredible having friends and family by you side. I loved this book so very much .
June 4, 2020
I feel bad I waited so long to read this series.
Amazing addition to this series, definitely a different feel and some surprises. I enjoyed this couple very much. Excited to read the next one.
Amazing addition to this series, definitely a different feel and some surprises. I enjoyed this couple very much. Excited to read the next one.
June 12, 2021
Going and going and...
Okay, so I keep reading these for the impressive story arc, but the matings are getting a little silly.
KU, book in a series, sci-fi, mpreg, action adventure, military men, death of a side character, fated mates, shifter, alien., interracial
Okay, so I keep reading these for the impressive story arc, but the matings are getting a little silly.
KU, book in a series, sci-fi, mpreg, action adventure, military men, death of a side character, fated mates, shifter, alien., interracial
September 4, 2024
Thrilling. Fun. Scary. Heartwarming!
Being the engineer’s mate will bring some surprises to Boel the head of the Half Moon Assassins. Enjoy how Boel and Beck handle the surprises, the stresses of family and combat, and the joys of their happy and steamy moments together!!!
Being the engineer’s mate will bring some surprises to Boel the head of the Half Moon Assassins. Enjoy how Boel and Beck handle the surprises, the stresses of family and combat, and the joys of their happy and steamy moments together!!!
May 17, 2019
M
I absolutely love these stories and desperately wish I could live in this universe. I can't wait to see what is in store next
I absolutely love these stories and desperately wish I could live in this universe. I can't wait to see what is in store next
May 19, 2019
4.5✨ 🙌🏼 I love this series! 🥰
May 19, 2019
Great
This has become my favorite series. I love following along with the crew. I loved watching how Beol changes and accepts that he is loved. The story was very well written.
This has become my favorite series. I love following along with the crew. I loved watching how Beol changes and accepts that he is loved. The story was very well written.
May 30, 2019
This doesn’t work for me. You can’t have fluffy cutesy stuff right alongside heavy cursing and gory violence. Or rather you can but you have to make it work. It doesn’t work here.
June 6, 2019
Best yet
I love all these books but this one really takes it for me. Great story and wonderful characters. Can’t wait for the next one!
I love all these books but this one really takes it for me. Great story and wonderful characters. Can’t wait for the next one!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews