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Imperial Space Regency #1
The Earl and the Executive
An impoverished earl trying to save his family's legacy...
Tiral Oican has inherited his brother’s title, estate, and the tremendous debt his brother took out before his unexpected death. There is only one option to save the estate and all the people who are now depending on him: marry a rich heir who is willing to pay off the debt in exchange for Tiral’s title.
Now, scholarly Tiral must transform himself into a seductive fortune hunter. The only way he can see through the mess is by hiring a tutor in love. It’s too bad that Zev is so good at his job that Tiral is falling for him.
And a rich entrepreneur trying to save his heart...
To protect himself, Zev Laft has spent years fooling the ton into believing he’s no more than an entertaining flirtation. He just didn’t expect the ruse to work so well that the newest penniless earl to arrive on Lus for the season would assume him a demimonde and try to hire him to be his instructor in courtship.
Now one of richest men in the empire finds himself struggling to keep up the façade, when his own heart is being taken by a man he has no intention of marrying.
The Earl and the Executive is a slow burn stand alone 90,000 word MM Regency Romance Novel set in space with a HEA.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 6, 2020
126 people are currently reading
466 people want to read
About the author
Kai Butler
25 books545 followersKai has been reading and writing romance novels since she was a teenager. She lives in California with her two children and her very supportive husband.
She writes M/M romance with an emphasis on HEAs and all the feels. Her current series are San Amaro Investigations and the Imperial Space Regency Novels. She likes dashing heroes and couples with banter.
She writes M/M romance with an emphasis on HEAs and all the feels. Her current series are San Amaro Investigations and the Imperial Space Regency Novels. She likes dashing heroes and couples with banter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
August 4, 2022
3 Stars
I guess you could say that anything with romance and sci-fi is going to garner a second look from me, and because I greatly enjoyed Sci-Regency so much from JL Langley, trying out this series from Butler was basically a no brainer.
Poor Tiral has inherited an earldom when his brother dies unexpectedly in an unfortunate accident. Thing is, the estate is up to its ears in debt, and the only way to save it and those under its care is for Tiral to offer his title of Earl in exchange for a large dowry. When he meets a mysterious cultured stranger at his first soirée, Tiral comes up with a plan to ask this gentleman to school him in the arts of seduction so he can snag him a rich spouse. What he doesn’t realize is that the man he starts to fall for is one of the richest tech moguls around and who has his own issues with the uppity lords and ladies from his past.
What I will say is that though this was quite long for me, this was well written with a slow burn plausible progression that shows off the back and forth banter between Tiral and Zev (minus the absolutely asinine reason why Zev won’t ever commit again). This is classic historical Regency romance in terms of propriety and societal rules (minus fainting virgins and adding a sexual inclusivity that doesn’t bat an eyelash at any pairing). What this isn’t is actual sci-fi. The odd mention of techie “fobs” and “flyers” and where whole planets serve as property instead of a large estate does not make this quite entrenched in the aforementioned genre as this pretty much read like straight historical which isn’t my usual cuppa.
Overall, despite my wishing this had more world building and outer space flair, fans of historical romances will surely enjoy this and subsequent installments!
I guess you could say that anything with romance and sci-fi is going to garner a second look from me, and because I greatly enjoyed Sci-Regency so much from JL Langley, trying out this series from Butler was basically a no brainer.
Poor Tiral has inherited an earldom when his brother dies unexpectedly in an unfortunate accident. Thing is, the estate is up to its ears in debt, and the only way to save it and those under its care is for Tiral to offer his title of Earl in exchange for a large dowry. When he meets a mysterious cultured stranger at his first soirée, Tiral comes up with a plan to ask this gentleman to school him in the arts of seduction so he can snag him a rich spouse. What he doesn’t realize is that the man he starts to fall for is one of the richest tech moguls around and who has his own issues with the uppity lords and ladies from his past.
What I will say is that though this was quite long for me, this was well written with a slow burn plausible progression that shows off the back and forth banter between Tiral and Zev (minus the absolutely asinine reason why Zev won’t ever commit again). This is classic historical Regency romance in terms of propriety and societal rules (minus fainting virgins and adding a sexual inclusivity that doesn’t bat an eyelash at any pairing). What this isn’t is actual sci-fi. The odd mention of techie “fobs” and “flyers” and where whole planets serve as property instead of a large estate does not make this quite entrenched in the aforementioned genre as this pretty much read like straight historical which isn’t my usual cuppa.
Overall, despite my wishing this had more world building and outer space flair, fans of historical romances will surely enjoy this and subsequent installments!
May 9, 2022
2,5 stars
I enjoyed 'San Amaro Investigations' by the same author and thought I’d try some of her other books. I’m sorry to say that my venture wasn’t very successful.
On the plus side:
- The scenario is interesting.
- I liked Tiral.
- Tiral’s sister is a great character.
However,
I did not care a lot for this universe where making a ‘good’ marriage is the ultimate goal for everyone, and where shallowness seems to be the norm.
The language chosen to express the Regency aspect felt often contrived and unnecessarily pompous.
But mostly, I didn’t ‘feel’ the bond between these two men.
Yes, more on Tiral’s side, that’s for sure, but Zev remains an emotional mystery for large parts of the book. And his ‘reason’ for not wanting to marry is simply ridiculous. If, as a grown man he has not been able to I do worry for his personal growth, and a lot of other things.
I also felt that the different plot strands do maybe not gel quite right. As for the main plot, a lot of eye rolling was going on. And then, there is the total lack of steam and passion.
Anyway, despite it all, the author must have done something right, because I wanted to know how it all panned out. Hence an upgrade from the 2 stars.
I enjoyed 'San Amaro Investigations' by the same author and thought I’d try some of her other books. I’m sorry to say that my venture wasn’t very successful.
On the plus side:
- The scenario is interesting.
- I liked Tiral.
- Tiral’s sister is a great character.
However,
I did not care a lot for this universe where making a ‘good’ marriage is the ultimate goal for everyone, and where shallowness seems to be the norm.
The language chosen to express the Regency aspect felt often contrived and unnecessarily pompous.
But mostly, I didn’t ‘feel’ the bond between these two men.
Yes, more on Tiral’s side, that’s for sure, but Zev remains an emotional mystery for large parts of the book. And his ‘reason’ for not wanting to marry is simply ridiculous. If, as a grown man he has not been able to I do worry for his personal growth, and a lot of other things.
I also felt that the different plot strands do maybe not gel quite right. As for the main plot, a lot of eye rolling was going on. And then, there is the total lack of steam and passion.
Anyway, despite it all, the author must have done something right, because I wanted to know how it all panned out. Hence an upgrade from the 2 stars.
November 23, 2020
I have very mixed feelings about this book. There are things that I have definitely enjoyed, and there are also things that I consider lazy writing.
Let's start with the good things. The main characters, Tiral and Zev, are perhaps the strongest point of this book. They are interesting and complicated. It's easy to like them. Although I admit that I wish Tiral had known Zev’s true identity much earlier. Hidden identities aren't my favorite theme, so it's more of a personal preference. Anyway, I think Tiral and Zev make a nice couple together.
The plot is fine too. There may be a bit too much drama for what I like, but it works. I really enjoyed a little mystery part. I really wish it had been expanded onto the whole book, which could have been easily done. That would add a more interesting dimension to the entire book.
I am most disappointed with the world created by the author. It is off-handed and sloppy. It's basically our present world with an addition of some Regency morality and a pinch of intergalacticity. This is completely untapped potential. The author quite freely chose from modern times, science fiction and regency what suited her, and left the rest. And in my opinion, she did not try enough to mix and match all these elements really well. Maybe I haven't read very carefully, but there are also some things that are not entirely clear to me. It makes the world seem so incomplete and not well meshed together.
And yet, I consider reading the next book in this series. Just for those nice characters. We will see.
Let's start with the good things. The main characters, Tiral and Zev, are perhaps the strongest point of this book. They are interesting and complicated. It's easy to like them. Although I admit that I wish Tiral had known Zev’s true identity much earlier. Hidden identities aren't my favorite theme, so it's more of a personal preference. Anyway, I think Tiral and Zev make a nice couple together.
The plot is fine too. There may be a bit too much drama for what I like, but it works. I really enjoyed a little mystery part. I really wish it had been expanded onto the whole book, which could have been easily done. That would add a more interesting dimension to the entire book.
I am most disappointed with the world created by the author. It is off-handed and sloppy. It's basically our present world with an addition of some Regency morality and a pinch of intergalacticity. This is completely untapped potential. The author quite freely chose from modern times, science fiction and regency what suited her, and left the rest. And in my opinion, she did not try enough to mix and match all these elements really well. Maybe I haven't read very carefully, but there are also some things that are not entirely clear to me. It makes the world seem so incomplete and not well meshed together.
And yet, I consider reading the next book in this series. Just for those nice characters. We will see.
December 20, 2025
Reread 2023: I had a much tougher time getting into it this time around. I think I just was not in the mood for the slow burn. Will keep my original review and revisit again sometime in the future!
Original Review
4.5 stars!
I was so completely excited to read a “regency novel set in space”, and I was not at all disappointed. This somehow reads like a historical set in the future, and I get how little that makes sense; but let me tell you, it was absolutely amazing. It’s a slow burn, so you really get to know the two characters and their particular idiosyncrasies before they get to the love part, and trust me, it’s a fight getting there. Secret identities, masquerade balls, a little steam, and definitely love. This book had it all ❤️. And the little bit of introduction to the next one we got in the epilogue is going to make me die waiting until October. Preordered that so fast.
Original Review
4.5 stars!
I was so completely excited to read a “regency novel set in space”, and I was not at all disappointed. This somehow reads like a historical set in the future, and I get how little that makes sense; but let me tell you, it was absolutely amazing. It’s a slow burn, so you really get to know the two characters and their particular idiosyncrasies before they get to the love part, and trust me, it’s a fight getting there. Secret identities, masquerade balls, a little steam, and definitely love. This book had it all ❤️. And the little bit of introduction to the next one we got in the epilogue is going to make me die waiting until October. Preordered that so fast.
January 6, 2022
This was a slog for me to get through, and I only finished with aggressive skimming.
It really is just regency set in space, which is fun because then I get to have the social dynamic of social strictures and clothes and balls and flirtations, while the characters can be open about being not straight. So much fun. This was the main reason I kept reading, honestly.
This had good bones, but it was buried in inanities. Conversations dragged on too long, scenes had useless detail, and it felt meandering at many places. The background plots ...existed, but were never developed enough to be anything but a confusing piece that popped up every once in a while.
There was not enough hinting/explanation early on about why Zev wouldn't get married. It was a big point, especially at the Emotional Scene, but since I had no idea why...it just didn't hit right. It was just plain confusing. At the end we find out about why Zev is gunshy, which...honestly, after all that build up, was kind of a letdown. Either way, it needed to be worked in more throughout the story to justify Zevs actions and stances.
I wasn't feeling the sex scene, it felt a bit perfunctory. Just the bare minimum to not be fade to black, and maybe it would have been better that way.
The epilogue was more about the next couple than the main couple, which is always vexing.
Overall, I was excited about the premise, but the execution left something to be desired. I'll still try the next one.
It really is just regency set in space, which is fun because then I get to have the social dynamic of social strictures and clothes and balls and flirtations, while the characters can be open about being not straight. So much fun. This was the main reason I kept reading, honestly.
This had good bones, but it was buried in inanities. Conversations dragged on too long, scenes had useless detail, and it felt meandering at many places. The background plots ...existed, but were never developed enough to be anything but a confusing piece that popped up every once in a while.
There was not enough hinting/explanation early on about why Zev wouldn't get married. It was a big point, especially at the Emotional Scene, but since I had no idea why...it just didn't hit right. It was just plain confusing. At the end we find out about why Zev is gunshy, which...honestly, after all that build up, was kind of a letdown. Either way, it needed to be worked in more throughout the story to justify Zevs actions and stances.
I wasn't feeling the sex scene, it felt a bit perfunctory. Just the bare minimum to not be fade to black, and maybe it would have been better that way.
The epilogue was more about the next couple than the main couple, which is always vexing.
Overall, I was excited about the premise, but the execution left something to be desired. I'll still try the next one.
August 5, 2025
I like beetroot. I like gin. Mixing them has never worked out well.
So "An Imperial Space Regency Novel" is going to have to work pretty hard to persuade me that mixing two genres goes down better than purple alcohol with top notes of vinegar.
Tbh, the space part of this is the merest window dressing. Atmospheric differences are ignored, inter-planetary travel as quick as nipping down to Tesco, someone's cut & pasted "my flyer" for "my carriage". Indeed, it's frankly depressing to see how little mankind has changed his little ways centuries into the future.
The central m/m Regency romance is actually OK. I mean, it's got some glaring holes in it—I can't buy either Zev's double life, or his OTT anti-marriage stance; Tiral should apply his scientific mind to following the money—but the relationship is OK. Not sure I'd read this again, but for a given value of "Get from A to B effectively", Kai Butler does a decent job.
So "An Imperial Space Regency Novel" is going to have to work pretty hard to persuade me that mixing two genres goes down better than purple alcohol with top notes of vinegar.
Tbh, the space part of this is the merest window dressing. Atmospheric differences are ignored, inter-planetary travel as quick as nipping down to Tesco, someone's cut & pasted "my flyer" for "my carriage". Indeed, it's frankly depressing to see how little mankind has changed his little ways centuries into the future.
The central m/m Regency romance is actually OK. I mean, it's got some glaring holes in it—I can't buy either Zev's double life, or his OTT anti-marriage stance; Tiral should apply his scientific mind to following the money—but the relationship is OK. Not sure I'd read this again, but for a given value of "Get from A to B effectively", Kai Butler does a decent job.
July 26, 2021
regency romance - but in space! what's not to love?
well...
it was a regency romance. in space.
that's literally what it was. it's literally just regency historical fiction, but in space. because we're in space, we get progressive ideals such as same-gender love being completely the same as mixed-gender love, and no hints of sexism or racism, which is good. so it's not completely just the regency period grafted onto space with some holo-phones and flying cars thrown in. (i nearly typed 'flying cats' there, which would have certainly made this book more interesting.)
the romance was good, the plot was good, but there was basically no world-building - and i don't understand why. i know i'm saying this a lot, but it's THE REGENCY IN SPACE. there's a plethora of things that could have happened here. did leonardo da vinci and galileo pop off and invent space travel centuries earlier? is this the future, and we've colonised other planets that have adopted a 1800s British-style monarchy because all their other governments went to hell and they just went, "fuck it, let's have an empress"? is it a parallel world?
if this was set in a non-homophobic version of actual regency england, literally nothing would change. nothing. except that zev would have to be a businessman who got rich off something like diamonds, instead of... whatever the hell he sells. miscellaneous space technology, i guess. it's never explained in any detail.
this review sounds pretty negative, but i did enjoy the characters and the story for the most part. there was just nothing exceptional about any of it, and the lacklustre worldbuilding means this can't go over a 3 star rating.
well...
it was a regency romance. in space.
that's literally what it was. it's literally just regency historical fiction, but in space. because we're in space, we get progressive ideals such as same-gender love being completely the same as mixed-gender love, and no hints of sexism or racism, which is good. so it's not completely just the regency period grafted onto space with some holo-phones and flying cars thrown in. (i nearly typed 'flying cats' there, which would have certainly made this book more interesting.)
the romance was good, the plot was good, but there was basically no world-building - and i don't understand why. i know i'm saying this a lot, but it's THE REGENCY IN SPACE. there's a plethora of things that could have happened here. did leonardo da vinci and galileo pop off and invent space travel centuries earlier? is this the future, and we've colonised other planets that have adopted a 1800s British-style monarchy because all their other governments went to hell and they just went, "fuck it, let's have an empress"? is it a parallel world?
if this was set in a non-homophobic version of actual regency england, literally nothing would change. nothing. except that zev would have to be a businessman who got rich off something like diamonds, instead of... whatever the hell he sells. miscellaneous space technology, i guess. it's never explained in any detail.
this review sounds pretty negative, but i did enjoy the characters and the story for the most part. there was just nothing exceptional about any of it, and the lacklustre worldbuilding means this can't go over a 3 star rating.
April 5, 2020
The positives: precise writing, good editing, thorough research. That's about where it ends for me.
I wanted to like this a lot more than I did. It sounded like a great premise: space regency novel! All the uptight shenanigans of rigid society IN SPACE. In theory, this book is awesome. In practice...I was just pretty bored. I think if this is a new genre for a reader or else if someone really super duper loves regency historical novels, they'll probably like this book a lot more than I did. For me, though, I've read a ton of books in the traditional MF regency genre, and there was nothing new or interesting to be found here. The book just read like the author took the regency formula and put two male characters in the lead instead. I didn't even really feel the connection between the leads, and pretty much nothing interesting happens until around the 90% mark. I felt the author concentrated too much on applying the research into the regency era correctly and spent too little time developing the chemistry between the main characters. I appreciate the opportunity to have read the advanced reader copy I received, but I'm afraid this one just left me cold.
I wanted to like this a lot more than I did. It sounded like a great premise: space regency novel! All the uptight shenanigans of rigid society IN SPACE. In theory, this book is awesome. In practice...I was just pretty bored. I think if this is a new genre for a reader or else if someone really super duper loves regency historical novels, they'll probably like this book a lot more than I did. For me, though, I've read a ton of books in the traditional MF regency genre, and there was nothing new or interesting to be found here. The book just read like the author took the regency formula and put two male characters in the lead instead. I didn't even really feel the connection between the leads, and pretty much nothing interesting happens until around the 90% mark. I felt the author concentrated too much on applying the research into the regency era correctly and spent too little time developing the chemistry between the main characters. I appreciate the opportunity to have read the advanced reader copy I received, but I'm afraid this one just left me cold.
April 10, 2024
3.5 Stars
February 21, 2023
DNFing at 31%.
2 stars.
Nothing wrong with the writing itself, BUT!
2 stars.
Nothing wrong with the writing itself, BUT!
October 9, 2021
That was simply lovely! So looking forward to the next one.
October 9, 2021
Honestly, I quite enjoyed this one!
The world-building is a bit vague and not quite as fleshed out as it could be, but I honestly didn't really feel like I *needed* it--yes, it was a bit generic, but that wasn't really the point of the story. It was all about the relationship, and I thought it was quite charming. The concept was interesting and unique enough, the sexual tension was wonderful, and the ending was very satisfying. I also thought the way the future book pairings were introduced felt quite organic.
Some niggles:
-Zev's refusal to consider marriage to the point of very clearly sabotaging his own happiness for really no reason at all was a bit frustrating and felt a little forced and drawn out
-It was so obvious that something shady was going on with Tiral's brother's death that it was actually unbelievable that none of the characters were putting together the frequent and frankly heavy-handed "clues"
-I loved the tension, but it's quite a slow burn and not *quite* as smutty as I wanted just because I loved their chemistry so much, but I also felt like the smut that was included was both hot and worked within the narrative
The world-building is a bit vague and not quite as fleshed out as it could be, but I honestly didn't really feel like I *needed* it--yes, it was a bit generic, but that wasn't really the point of the story. It was all about the relationship, and I thought it was quite charming. The concept was interesting and unique enough, the sexual tension was wonderful, and the ending was very satisfying. I also thought the way the future book pairings were introduced felt quite organic.
Some niggles:
-Zev's refusal to consider marriage to the point of very clearly sabotaging his own happiness for really no reason at all was a bit frustrating and felt a little forced and drawn out
-It was so obvious that something shady was going on with Tiral's brother's death that it was actually unbelievable that none of the characters were putting together the frequent and frankly heavy-handed "clues"
-I loved the tension, but it's quite a slow burn and not *quite* as smutty as I wanted just because I loved their chemistry so much, but I also felt like the smut that was included was both hot and worked within the narrative
July 31, 2021
Yes! This was a very good surprise. Based on other reviews my expectations weren't so high, but this author amazes me again and again! This is true romance novel in my honest opinion, beautifully done, sensible wording...excellent!
October 4, 2021
Interesting world. The romance was meh.
April 11, 2020
2.75 stars
Interesting premise, less-than riveting follow-through, and a very sweet ending.
While the setting promised some incredibly vast and fantastical uniqueness, the story focused on the regency era of England and the jaded wealthy man and the possibility of a love match if he swallows his hurt and accepts the earl's heart. The research and application of that knowledge was near impeccable to my proletarian sensibilities. What I was less impressed with was the tedium that dominated the majority of the book. With a wonderfully sweet ending and a lovely confession from Zev there was something to enjoy by the end, it was just quite a slog to get there.
To be fair, this wasn't a poorly written story at all. The subject matter was interesting, the characters had potential, and Tiral was both compelling on his own and heartbreaking in all the emotional abuse he received. There were quite a few things to enjoy if you're willing to read slow yet witty banter that occurs and reoccurs and reoccurs again with no goal or intention beyond showing he and Zev share a sense of humor. Nothing of interest occurs until at least two-thirds of the way through the book.
I was moved by Tiral but unimpressed with everything about Zev. There are a few side characters that are interesting and amusing, but if their stories are anything as dry as this one I'll likely pass on reading them. Even with the little mystery thrown in at the end this story could have been cut in half and would likely have benefitted from the subtraction. Getting to the point sooner rather than later would have allowed for due attention to be given to the little danger plot which ultimately fizzled in the end as well because it wasn't exciting, dramatic, or even germane to the story itself.
So honestly I was bored by the story more than I was intrigued and if it weren't for Tiral I would probably have stopped reading. It wasn't a bad story, just a piece of pre-packaged lunch meat when I was expecting a slab of prime rib. Weird metaphor? Yeah, I know, but being left unsatisfied when I was expecting all kinds of amazing feels like that.
Interesting premise, less-than riveting follow-through, and a very sweet ending.
While the setting promised some incredibly vast and fantastical uniqueness, the story focused on the regency era of England and the jaded wealthy man and the possibility of a love match if he swallows his hurt and accepts the earl's heart. The research and application of that knowledge was near impeccable to my proletarian sensibilities. What I was less impressed with was the tedium that dominated the majority of the book. With a wonderfully sweet ending and a lovely confession from Zev there was something to enjoy by the end, it was just quite a slog to get there.
To be fair, this wasn't a poorly written story at all. The subject matter was interesting, the characters had potential, and Tiral was both compelling on his own and heartbreaking in all the emotional abuse he received. There were quite a few things to enjoy if you're willing to read slow yet witty banter that occurs and reoccurs and reoccurs again with no goal or intention beyond showing he and Zev share a sense of humor. Nothing of interest occurs until at least two-thirds of the way through the book.
I was moved by Tiral but unimpressed with everything about Zev. There are a few side characters that are interesting and amusing, but if their stories are anything as dry as this one I'll likely pass on reading them. Even with the little mystery thrown in at the end this story could have been cut in half and would likely have benefitted from the subtraction. Getting to the point sooner rather than later would have allowed for due attention to be given to the little danger plot which ultimately fizzled in the end as well because it wasn't exciting, dramatic, or even germane to the story itself.
So honestly I was bored by the story more than I was intrigued and if it weren't for Tiral I would probably have stopped reading. It wasn't a bad story, just a piece of pre-packaged lunch meat when I was expecting a slab of prime rib. Weird metaphor? Yeah, I know, but being left unsatisfied when I was expecting all kinds of amazing feels like that.
January 2, 2024
Fun premise, meh execution.
I knew this would book would be an uphill battle as soon as I met Zev. Zev is an executive and such a cliche one. I’m so over the rich executive dude excusing being an absolute asshole by saying he “expects perfection” from everyone. No sir, that’s just code for being an ass, without boundaries and setting people to impossible standards. It didn’t help that his character reminded me of Elon Musk; not something I want to think about in a romance book. Or any book to be honest.
Tiral, the other MC was better but his characterization gave me whiplash. Sometimes so competent and others such a mess in very inconsistent ways.
The big emotional scenes didn’t really land with me. I didn’t care that Zev had issues with marriage cause again, couldn’t be more of a cliche. I was hurt once so I’ll never trust anyone. Please.
I’m curious about the next books of the series and I may read them, especially cause book friends have rated it better.
I knew this would book would be an uphill battle as soon as I met Zev. Zev is an executive and such a cliche one. I’m so over the rich executive dude excusing being an absolute asshole by saying he “expects perfection” from everyone. No sir, that’s just code for being an ass, without boundaries and setting people to impossible standards. It didn’t help that his character reminded me of Elon Musk; not something I want to think about in a romance book. Or any book to be honest.
Tiral, the other MC was better but his characterization gave me whiplash. Sometimes so competent and others such a mess in very inconsistent ways.
The big emotional scenes didn’t really land with me. I didn’t care that Zev had issues with marriage cause again, couldn’t be more of a cliche. I was hurt once so I’ll never trust anyone. Please.
I’m curious about the next books of the series and I may read them, especially cause book friends have rated it better.
April 4, 2020
Really enjoyed this fast reading well written slow burn regency scifi romance it was such a nice change. Tiral didn't want to be an earl he was content with being a Professor and an Inventor, but when his brother dies unexpectedly he finds out their estate is in financial ruin and must step up to find himself a rich heir to save them. During the season he meets quiet a few heirs, but there is only one for him is Zev, but there's something about him that doesn't ring true and he's not interested in marriage, so now what's he going to do.
August 22, 2021
Mixed feelings. Bare bones of the book is good, it just misses the oompf to make it good. There was no connection between or to the characters for me and nothing really interesting happens in the plot. The romance itself is just too slow, without sparks between the characters.
April 10, 2020
I really enjoyed this! There was a particularly robust supporting cast, which is something I love in romance novels - no lead character is an island, and both Tiral and Zev were surrounded by delightful friends and family members who cracked me up and I would love to know more about. I know Deva and Asta's book is next, but I would GLADLY read books upon books about Rexe, Ovi, Nosre, and the romance between ! I WANT TO KNOW ABOUT EVERYONE.
And I loved the relationship between Tiral and Zev. Their easy rapport and dry teasing was so warm and funny - I have so many highlighted lines where I cracked up laughing. Sometimes I read romance novels and I really can't tell what two characters see in each other, and that was decidedly not the case here, particularly for Zev. I loved Tiral. He's so kind, thoughtful, principled, and clueless, but without being infantilized or put on a pedestal. His streak of teasing humor, and what an enormous dweeb he is, adds so much to him as a character. (Also I just have to say, as someone who spends a great deal of time in and among their ranks, I howled with laughter at every passing mention of how awkward and dry engineers and academics are in social settings. #notallacademics, etc., but I really do have a lot of conversations about people's dissertations. Accurate!)
Zev remained a bit of a cipher throughout the book, and I have to admit that . But I thought there was excellent chemistry between the two of them, and I got a massive kick out of the regency setting in space!
Overall this was probably a 4.5 for me, as the plot felt a little pasted-on and I lost some patience with Zev, but I'm rounding up because I enjoyed the romance, particularly loved Tiral, laughed SO MUCH, and loved the setting, the world-building, and the relationships between the whole cast. Final thoughts: A warm, cozy book that was the perfect read for a rainy quarantined afternoon. I got to the end and couldn't stop smiling.
And I loved the relationship between Tiral and Zev. Their easy rapport and dry teasing was so warm and funny - I have so many highlighted lines where I cracked up laughing. Sometimes I read romance novels and I really can't tell what two characters see in each other, and that was decidedly not the case here, particularly for Zev. I loved Tiral. He's so kind, thoughtful, principled, and clueless, but without being infantilized or put on a pedestal. His streak of teasing humor, and what an enormous dweeb he is, adds so much to him as a character. (Also I just have to say, as someone who spends a great deal of time in and among their ranks, I howled with laughter at every passing mention of how awkward and dry engineers and academics are in social settings. #notallacademics, etc., but I really do have a lot of conversations about people's dissertations. Accurate!)
Zev remained a bit of a cipher throughout the book, and I have to admit that . But I thought there was excellent chemistry between the two of them, and I got a massive kick out of the regency setting in space!
Overall this was probably a 4.5 for me, as the plot felt a little pasted-on and I lost some patience with Zev, but I'm rounding up because I enjoyed the romance, particularly loved Tiral, laughed SO MUCH, and loved the setting, the world-building, and the relationships between the whole cast. Final thoughts: A warm, cozy book that was the perfect read for a rainy quarantined afternoon. I got to the end and couldn't stop smiling.
July 12, 2024
4-⭐
Sci-fi Regency is a rather ridiculous concept but I love sci-fi and historicals, so why not? I didn't find fault in the setting, though the sci-fi is more like a sidenote here. This is also my first book from Kai Butler, but it wont be my last. While the book is a tad too long and I had many niggles with the plot, I was not bored or put out by the writing at any point.
Tiral is a lovely character and there are several good side characters. Zev is a bit ridiculous. His reasoning against marriage was such a weird thing, considering he actually wanted everything marriage is. I did enjoy his final revelation, though I remained a bit bitter how badly he had treated Tiral. Then again Tiral's reactions were believable.
The thriller subplot was way too minor to really matter and the steamy scenes are a bit disappointing, there's only a couple and they're very short. Considering the great build-up, I was expecting a bit more.
But I lived and felt with Tiral, and I am interested in reading the sequels as well as trying out the San Amaro series.
Sci-fi Regency is a rather ridiculous concept but I love sci-fi and historicals, so why not? I didn't find fault in the setting, though the sci-fi is more like a sidenote here. This is also my first book from Kai Butler, but it wont be my last. While the book is a tad too long and I had many niggles with the plot, I was not bored or put out by the writing at any point.
Tiral is a lovely character and there are several good side characters. Zev is a bit ridiculous. His reasoning against marriage was such a weird thing, considering he actually wanted everything marriage is. I did enjoy his final revelation, though I remained a bit bitter how badly he had treated Tiral. Then again Tiral's reactions were believable.
The thriller subplot was way too minor to really matter and the steamy scenes are a bit disappointing, there's only a couple and they're very short. Considering the great build-up, I was expecting a bit more.
But I lived and felt with Tiral, and I am interested in reading the sequels as well as trying out the San Amaro series.
Read
February 26, 2023I liked this ok but would have liked it much better at 3/4 the length or less. The concept of regency in space was fun but a little too direct of a transfer -- I would have liked to see more integration of technology into "the season" besides SF cellphones. Some bantery-y scenes could have been cut or merged together. Also, it's bad enough for the MC to have to suffer through a conversation about the weather at a garden party, don't make me live through it too 😴 I would have amped up the subplot earlier, it was hard to take seriously when the MC kinda shrugged instead of putting together the pieces and getting concerned. I was disappointed that . So basically fun idea but needed more work on execution.
March 3, 2022
Regency romance set in space is the kind of weird genre fusion that really shouldn't work - and yet, somehow, it does. Provided one manages to take the worldbuilding, which - let's be honest - is so flimsy as to be barely there at all in this case, at face value. But you know what? I can live with flimsy worldbuilding one really shouldn't question too closely in a romance that is otherwise so utterly delightful that I'm quite in love with it. Really liked the characters, despite wanting to punch Zev in the face on a handful of occasions, and I'm always game for a well-developed slow burn love story. Thoroughly enjoyed this, will definitely be back for more.
August 8, 2022
Charming sci fi romance.
I love Georgette Heyer and sci fi, so a "space regency" with humor, believable characters, and heartwarming romance seemed the perfect blend. The worldbuilding is excellent, Tiral is so awkwardly wonderful, and the story is great.
I love Georgette Heyer and sci fi, so a "space regency" with humor, believable characters, and heartwarming romance seemed the perfect blend. The worldbuilding is excellent, Tiral is so awkwardly wonderful, and the story is great.
April 9, 2020
Really enjoyed it.
July 22, 2022
This was sweet but the pacing was a bit off for me
November 6, 2024
I may have inhaled this lol. And read pretty much all of it during work hours cause I couldn’t stop but shhh don’t tell.
September 12, 2020
An easy read — funny, clever, and very sweet.
Tiral is adorable and Zev is a bit of a stubborn doofus but also quite endearing.
The other characters around them pulled everything together and there is just enough intrigue outside of the pair to help move the plot along.
I did a few parts a bit dialogue heavy, I would’ve liked to see a bit more descriptors breaking up all the talk. However, this only happened in only a couple of sections in the entire book.
But other than that, absolutely loved it. I’m looking forward to the next book
Tiral is adorable and Zev is a bit of a stubborn doofus but also quite endearing.
The other characters around them pulled everything together and there is just enough intrigue outside of the pair to help move the plot along.
I did a few parts a bit dialogue heavy, I would’ve liked to see a bit more descriptors breaking up all the talk. However, this only happened in only a couple of sections in the entire book.
But other than that, absolutely loved it. I’m looking forward to the next book
December 27, 2020
Regency... isn't it such an intriguing concept? All that supposed polish of the golden age of aristocracy, balls and fancy clothes without having to do without basic amenities or modern (futuristic even) technology.
I used to be a fan of historical romance until my tastes changes and I couldn't stand it any longer because of all those rigid and absurd rules so upgrading it like this? I might just like it again.
This book was not the brightest or the fulfilment of all my dreams but you know what? I enjoyed it. I got caught up in it. And sometimes... most of the time - that's all that matters.
Because remember when in Twilight a certain sparkly character decided to leave and then our main lead became a kind of a walking vegetable a.k.a an ad for depression? Or codependency? Yes, with my new flashy powers of observation and all those years and book under my belt I can pinpoint things that are wrong or could be considered not great but when I have been reading it for the first (and second, maybe third, fourth who-knows-how-long times)? I was crushed. I thought my heart was breaking, I did not go all "get up you mopey face" because I felt it. I felt the pain, I was fully identified with the main character and I was not judging the book, I was simply... feeling.
And that is exactly what happened in here. Could I write an essay detailing what was overdramatic and excessive or dump or something? certainly. Did it matter when I was feeling his pain and my eyes were all teary and I was up late at night? Not really.
And just like in that stupid teleshopping, they don't care if you can see those flaws - you don't care it looks stupid or if you didn't really need it as long as it works.
So, despite being a little too heavy on some elements and thanks to having some fine features, I am more than happy with this book and - from a subjective perspective (might not work for everyone)- very much recommend.
I used to be a fan of historical romance until my tastes changes and I couldn't stand it any longer because of all those rigid and absurd rules so upgrading it like this? I might just like it again.
This book was not the brightest or the fulfilment of all my dreams but you know what? I enjoyed it. I got caught up in it. And sometimes... most of the time - that's all that matters.
Because remember when in Twilight a certain sparkly character decided to leave and then our main lead became a kind of a walking vegetable a.k.a an ad for depression? Or codependency? Yes, with my new flashy powers of observation and all those years and book under my belt I can pinpoint things that are wrong or could be considered not great but when I have been reading it for the first (and second, maybe third, fourth who-knows-how-long times)? I was crushed. I thought my heart was breaking, I did not go all "get up you mopey face" because I felt it. I felt the pain, I was fully identified with the main character and I was not judging the book, I was simply... feeling.
And that is exactly what happened in here. Could I write an essay detailing what was overdramatic and excessive or dump or something? certainly. Did it matter when I was feeling his pain and my eyes were all teary and I was up late at night? Not really.
And just like in that stupid teleshopping, they don't care if you can see those flaws - you don't care it looks stupid or if you didn't really need it as long as it works.
So, despite being a little too heavy on some elements and thanks to having some fine features, I am more than happy with this book and - from a subjective perspective (might not work for everyone)- very much recommend.
January 15, 2021
So this took me a hell of a long time to finish, but in all honesty after the 18th of Dec till the 2nd of Jan I didn't do any kind reading (I was with my family that I hadn't seen for more than half a year).
I was stuck at 19% and the book wasn't calling back to me to tell the truth. But I persevered till the 30% because that's the point I usually DNF if there's nothing wrong with the book apart from a very slow, slow, slow pace. And lo and behold after that point the book picked up speed and it was nice seeing Zev's and Tiral's interactions.
Did you notice I used the word "nice"? They are interesting characters, complex and they made a good pair but there was no sizzling chemistry! For all the premise of the story, of Tiral needing a rich spouse to save his estate and needing Zev's help to learn how to flirt, they were hardly in any balls, soirees and parties and when they were they left early with hardly any interactions.
Frankly after the 53% mark because everything was on repeat I started skimming and never stopped. The writing was good and I love the whole sci-fi MM Regency Romance but here it lacked steam to keep you going.
I was stuck at 19% and the book wasn't calling back to me to tell the truth. But I persevered till the 30% because that's the point I usually DNF if there's nothing wrong with the book apart from a very slow, slow, slow pace. And lo and behold after that point the book picked up speed and it was nice seeing Zev's and Tiral's interactions.
Did you notice I used the word "nice"? They are interesting characters, complex and they made a good pair but there was no sizzling chemistry! For all the premise of the story, of Tiral needing a rich spouse to save his estate and needing Zev's help to learn how to flirt, they were hardly in any balls, soirees and parties and when they were they left early with hardly any interactions.
Frankly after the 53% mark because everything was on repeat I started skimming and never stopped. The writing was good and I love the whole sci-fi MM Regency Romance but here it lacked steam to keep you going.
November 10, 2021
I think I had high expectation going in but the world building was severely lacking. It was a regency setting only instead of the estates being lands, they were planets and they flew "flyers" instead of carriages. Nothing about the world was explained. I also hated that Zev had a really random reason for not wanting to get married that he explained when the book was almost over and then suddenly got over it and decided he did want to get married after all. It was just too contrived, I didn't particularly enjoy their banter, I had to suspend my belief too much and even the smut seemed lackluster. Won't be reading the rest of the series.
Summary: Tiral has just inherited his dead brother's estate/planet only to find out he was in severe debt. Tiral needs to find someone rich to marry but he's awkward so he gets Zev to help tutor him in courtship and love ensues.
Summary: Tiral has just inherited his dead brother's estate/planet only to find out he was in severe debt. Tiral needs to find someone rich to marry but he's awkward so he gets Zev to help tutor him in courtship and love ensues.
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