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Sci-Regency #4
Diplomatic Relations
Dalton Fairfax, Lord Ashbourne, has always flaunted the rules of Regelence high society. Despite being the heir to the Marquess of Ravensburg, and cousin to the Townsend princes, Dalton found his calling in the military, first in the Intergalactic Navy and now the Regelence Special Regiment. Finally home, and in the same city as the parents he seeks to avoid, Dalton jumps at the chance to help his planet by taking on the role of bodyguard to the heir of the Duke of Eversleigh.
Blaise Thompson, Viscount Redding, strives to prove himself worthy of carrying on the Eversleigh legacy as the next Regelence IN council member. Maintaining his stellar reputation isn’t easy for Blaise, especially while keeping his outrageous younger brother in line and foiling his rival’s personal attacks. Ever conscious of living up to his responsibilities, Blaise has no time for romance, not even with a lusty special forces soldier.
But opposites don’t just attract… they sizzle. And when the only way to stop a scandal that threatens them both is to compromise their principles, Blaise and Dalton are forced to confront the risk of losing everything… even each other.
Blaise Thompson, Viscount Redding, strives to prove himself worthy of carrying on the Eversleigh legacy as the next Regelence IN council member. Maintaining his stellar reputation isn’t easy for Blaise, especially while keeping his outrageous younger brother in line and foiling his rival’s personal attacks. Ever conscious of living up to his responsibilities, Blaise has no time for romance, not even with a lusty special forces soldier.
But opposites don’t just attract… they sizzle. And when the only way to stop a scandal that threatens them both is to compromise their principles, Blaise and Dalton are forced to confront the risk of losing everything… even each other.
408 pages, Paperback
First published February 19, 2019
85 people are currently reading
517 people want to read
About the author
J.L. Langley
31 books1,867 followersJL has been talking since she was about seven months old. To those who know her it comes as no surprise, in fact, most will tell you she hasn’t shut up since. At eighteen months, she was speaking in full sentences. Imagine if you will the surprise of her admirers when they complimented her mother on “what a cute little boy” she had and received a fierce glare from said little boy and a very loud correction of “I’m a girl!” Oddly enough, JL still finds herself saying that exact phrase thirty-some-odd years later.
Along with the motormouth, JL also displayed a very vivid imagination and artistic ability. The artist first surfaced in way of drawing and painting, then became more apparent with dance. JL was a member of the National Art Honor Society in high school and has won several regional and national titles in dance, specifically tap and jazz. In college she majored in Graphic Art, but chose to make dance her profession. She taught tap, jazz and ballet for fifteen years before settling into her career as a writer.
Today JL is a full-time writer, with over ten novels to her credit. Among her hobbies she includes reading, practicing her marksmanship (she happens to be a great shot), gardening, working out (although she despises cardio), searching for the perfect chocolate dessert (so far as she can tell ALL chocolate is perfect, but it requires more research) and arguing with her husband over who the air compressor and nail gun really belongs to (they belong to JL, although she might be willing to trade him for his new chainsaw).
She also writes under the name Jeigh Lynn
Along with the motormouth, JL also displayed a very vivid imagination and artistic ability. The artist first surfaced in way of drawing and painting, then became more apparent with dance. JL was a member of the National Art Honor Society in high school and has won several regional and national titles in dance, specifically tap and jazz. In college she majored in Graphic Art, but chose to make dance her profession. She taught tap, jazz and ballet for fifteen years before settling into her career as a writer.
Today JL is a full-time writer, with over ten novels to her credit. Among her hobbies she includes reading, practicing her marksmanship (she happens to be a great shot), gardening, working out (although she despises cardio), searching for the perfect chocolate dessert (so far as she can tell ALL chocolate is perfect, but it requires more research) and arguing with her husband over who the air compressor and nail gun really belongs to (they belong to JL, although she might be willing to trade him for his new chainsaw).
She also writes under the name Jeigh Lynn
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
January 4, 2020
4 Hearts - BR with Adam!!
Again, consistent futuristic sci-fi with a historical vibe, I continue to enjoy the trope of the virginal young man and his efforts to stay so despite a deplorable rake who’s doing his darnedest to rectify the situation.
Here Dalton, the cousin of the Regelence princes who are prominent throughout this series, has sort of a reputation, one that he’s personally perpetuated due to some major unresolved issues with his dads. Though Dalton’s somewhat more respectable having served in the military, it’s hard to keep a good troublemaker down!
By the books Blaise, is a stiff upper lip diplomat in training. He’s had his whole life planned out for him, and that's just the way he likes it. However, when Dalton becomes his bodyguard, Blaise can’t help being bad right alongside him as they further uncover some unsavory things about the Intergalactic Navy who has its own sinister plan to rule the galaxy.
As always, the main mystery continues to flow through each installment, where small reveals are made towards exposing said tyrannical conspiracy. Though this wasn’t my favorite, Langley delivers on her theme of progressive high society and the men who love to break its rules.
This had a nice dose of punch-you-in-the-guts feels, with a good dash of sexy.
Overall, I really just enjoy this royal family and all the shenanigans they get into and try to get out of. I impatiently look forward to their next adventure!
Thank you to the author/publisher for a copy in exchange for a honest review
Again, consistent futuristic sci-fi with a historical vibe, I continue to enjoy the trope of the virginal young man and his efforts to stay so despite a deplorable rake who’s doing his darnedest to rectify the situation.
Here Dalton, the cousin of the Regelence princes who are prominent throughout this series, has sort of a reputation, one that he’s personally perpetuated due to some major unresolved issues with his dads. Though Dalton’s somewhat more respectable having served in the military, it’s hard to keep a good troublemaker down!
By the books Blaise, is a stiff upper lip diplomat in training. He’s had his whole life planned out for him, and that's just the way he likes it. However, when Dalton becomes his bodyguard, Blaise can’t help being bad right alongside him as they further uncover some unsavory things about the Intergalactic Navy who has its own sinister plan to rule the galaxy.
As always, the main mystery continues to flow through each installment, where small reveals are made towards exposing said tyrannical conspiracy. Though this wasn’t my favorite, Langley delivers on her theme of progressive high society and the men who love to break its rules.
This had a nice dose of punch-you-in-the-guts feels, with a good dash of sexy.
Overall, I really just enjoy this royal family and all the shenanigans they get into and try to get out of. I impatiently look forward to their next adventure!
Thank you to the author/publisher for a copy in exchange for a honest review
February 4, 2021
A rare thing has happened here:
I liked both of the heroes equally. And a lot.
Right?
This just never happens!
Okay, so it's impossible to tell you the deal about this book because it's the 4th book in a series and if you haven't read the first three you won't get this one.
But, if you do read the first ones just know that this one is the best of the series.
I liked both of the heroes equally. And a lot.
Right?
This just never happens!
Okay, so it's impossible to tell you the deal about this book because it's the 4th book in a series and if you haven't read the first three you won't get this one.
But, if you do read the first ones just know that this one is the best of the series.
February 26, 2019
Hot damn, a new book in this series! Finally!
May 21, 2019
4.5 stars rounded up because still now 1/2 stars here on GR...full review to follow soonish.
I think this might actually be my favorite one yet in this series...
"Diplomatic Relations" mmmm...I don't think this means what we all think it means...lol!!!
J.L. Langley's 'Sci-Regency' series will always have a special spot in my heart because many years ago when I was reading a lot of fantasy and m/f romance and honestly just getting a bit disillusioned with both genres because things were seeming very same old, same old a book called 'My Fair Captain' caught my eye and my little pea-brain whispered "Come on try it you know you wanna" and really I did so I did and I read it and then I went back to the beginning of the book and read it again from there I discovered a world of stories that have delighted me and yes...sometimes they've also disappointed me but if we didn't encounter the bad...how would we ever really recognize and appreciate the truly awesome.
While the previous books in this series have involved members of Regelence's immediate royal family this one is...well, it's more about the royal relatives. Relatives like Dalton Fairfax who is not only the heir to the marquess of Ravensburg but cousin to the royal princes. After flaunting one societal rule to many, Dalton finds himself with a commission in the IN to be followed by a couple of years in the Regelence Navy.
Now that he's completed his time with the IN, Dalton's returned to Regelence and his ready to start his enlistment with their navy. While his enlistment may have been less than voluntary, Dalton has come to realize that it's one of the best things to happen to his life so far and it's Dalton's plan to make a life in the military his career, but not with the IN...nope there're things going on in the IN that are questionable at best and while he loves the military Dalton loves Regelence, his home planet and that's where he wants to be. But Dalton's goals take a slight detour when he learns that Blaise Thompson the Viscount Redding is in need of a body guard...one look at Blaise and Dalton's more than willing to guard his body.
While Blaise is determined to keep his distance from the less than reputable rogue, what he comes to realize is that Dalton is much more than the picture that people would paint of him.
While I've absolutely enjoyed all of the previous books in this series none have delighted me like this one. For Dalton and Blaise the journey to be together is filled with challenges and danger but ultimately it becomes a question of trust and faith. Both men are going to have to trust in what they've built together and have faith that it will weather the storm of societies judgment.
'Diplomatic Relations' not only gave us new MCs but a new narrator...KC Kelly was the narrator this time around and this was probably the perfect time to switch narrators in a series since not only did we have two new MCs but because they weren't direct members of the royal family we were also treated to a host of new secondary characters so while some of the usual suspects were on hand for the most part they were a little further in the background than usual allowing the listener to focus more on the new voices that Mr. Kelly provided as opposed to comparing interpretations of characters from previous stories to his interpretation in this story. Overall I enjoyed this audio book every bit as much as the previous stories.
While these men may be opposites in their own way, there's also a balance between Dalton and Blaise's personalities that allows them to temper the more extreme sides of each other's personality and at times this can create more than a few sparks between these two men.
'Diplomatic Relations' is absolutely Dalton and Blaise's story but at the same time we're not only given more information about them but about Dalton and Blaise's families and the royal family, as well.
There are events at play that have still not fully unfolded and hopefully as we progress in this series I have faith that the author will lead us where she needs us to be to bring things to their inevitable conclusion and while I have little doubt that I'll enjoy the next book the story that I'm waiting for is Tarren and possibly there will be another of the royal family's guards involved...I'm just saying that's what this reader is hoping for after all he may only be one of the royal guard but I think he's the royal guard for Tarren...but that's another story for another book...right?
This is the part where I would usually tell you that an audio book of 'Diplomatic Relations' was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review, however, that wasn't the case here a copy of this audiobook was provided by me because I really, really wanted to listen to this one so I bought me a copy and I regret nothing.
I think this might actually be my favorite one yet in this series...
"Diplomatic Relations" mmmm...I don't think this means what we all think it means...lol!!!
J.L. Langley's 'Sci-Regency' series will always have a special spot in my heart because many years ago when I was reading a lot of fantasy and m/f romance and honestly just getting a bit disillusioned with both genres because things were seeming very same old, same old a book called 'My Fair Captain' caught my eye and my little pea-brain whispered "Come on try it you know you wanna" and really I did so I did and I read it and then I went back to the beginning of the book and read it again from there I discovered a world of stories that have delighted me and yes...sometimes they've also disappointed me but if we didn't encounter the bad...how would we ever really recognize and appreciate the truly awesome.
While the previous books in this series have involved members of Regelence's immediate royal family this one is...well, it's more about the royal relatives. Relatives like Dalton Fairfax who is not only the heir to the marquess of Ravensburg but cousin to the royal princes. After flaunting one societal rule to many, Dalton finds himself with a commission in the IN to be followed by a couple of years in the Regelence Navy.
Now that he's completed his time with the IN, Dalton's returned to Regelence and his ready to start his enlistment with their navy. While his enlistment may have been less than voluntary, Dalton has come to realize that it's one of the best things to happen to his life so far and it's Dalton's plan to make a life in the military his career, but not with the IN...nope there're things going on in the IN that are questionable at best and while he loves the military Dalton loves Regelence, his home planet and that's where he wants to be. But Dalton's goals take a slight detour when he learns that Blaise Thompson the Viscount Redding is in need of a body guard...one look at Blaise and Dalton's more than willing to guard his body.
While Blaise is determined to keep his distance from the less than reputable rogue, what he comes to realize is that Dalton is much more than the picture that people would paint of him.
While I've absolutely enjoyed all of the previous books in this series none have delighted me like this one. For Dalton and Blaise the journey to be together is filled with challenges and danger but ultimately it becomes a question of trust and faith. Both men are going to have to trust in what they've built together and have faith that it will weather the storm of societies judgment.
'Diplomatic Relations' not only gave us new MCs but a new narrator...KC Kelly was the narrator this time around and this was probably the perfect time to switch narrators in a series since not only did we have two new MCs but because they weren't direct members of the royal family we were also treated to a host of new secondary characters so while some of the usual suspects were on hand for the most part they were a little further in the background than usual allowing the listener to focus more on the new voices that Mr. Kelly provided as opposed to comparing interpretations of characters from previous stories to his interpretation in this story. Overall I enjoyed this audio book every bit as much as the previous stories.
While these men may be opposites in their own way, there's also a balance between Dalton and Blaise's personalities that allows them to temper the more extreme sides of each other's personality and at times this can create more than a few sparks between these two men.
'Diplomatic Relations' is absolutely Dalton and Blaise's story but at the same time we're not only given more information about them but about Dalton and Blaise's families and the royal family, as well.
There are events at play that have still not fully unfolded and hopefully as we progress in this series I have faith that the author will lead us where she needs us to be to bring things to their inevitable conclusion and while I have little doubt that I'll enjoy the next book the story that I'm waiting for is Tarren and possibly there will be another of the royal family's guards involved...I'm just saying that's what this reader is hoping for after all he may only be one of the royal guard but I think he's the royal guard for Tarren...but that's another story for another book...right?
This is the part where I would usually tell you that an audio book of 'Diplomatic Relations' was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review, however, that wasn't the case here a copy of this audiobook was provided by me because I really, really wanted to listen to this one so I bought me a copy and I regret nothing.
February 19, 2019
Fans of J.L. Langley’s Sci-Regency novels are going to love Diplomatic Relations! The sons of the Regelence royal family continue to get “‘leg-shackled’” (their words), and the fourth installment of this addictive series picks up right where My Regelence Rake left off. If this saga is new to you, or for those of us who’ve waited so long for this book, an entire read of the series might be in order.
At its heart Diplomatic Relations is still the rake-seduces-virgin tale I love, but J.L. Langley makes this one so much fun! She takes her time with Blaise and Dalton, establishing a firm connection, and builds up the tension between them. This story is more about their relationship than advancing the mystery which weaves throughout the series.
Despite some painful reminiscences, there’s a wonderful lightness that surrounds this read. Blaise and Dalton are close in age, they’re silly and sassy, and they know how to play together. These boys repeatedly ditch their chaperones, and get away with so much mischief…. as well as finding ways to fit in a whole lot of lovin’.
Blaise and Dalton seem like polar opposites when we first meet them, but they end up influencing each other in the best of ways. Dalton’s carefree nature forces Blaise to see the path he’s on isn’t right for him; while Blaise’s steady support helps Dalton refocus and prioritize home and family. These royals have some interesting skeletons in their closets, and seeing Dalton find some peace makes me so happy.
It’s great to see all the characters from the previous novels together in Diplomatic Relations, and I’ve relished the time spent on Regelence since we’re told the next episode takes place off planet. An excerpt from the upcoming My Highland Laird is included at the end, and Bannon’s story promises to be something special. Thankfully there’s still a sixth (but hopefully not final) book to look forward to as well, and I can hardly wait for Rexley and Jeremy’s story.
At its heart Diplomatic Relations is still the rake-seduces-virgin tale I love, but J.L. Langley makes this one so much fun! She takes her time with Blaise and Dalton, establishing a firm connection, and builds up the tension between them. This story is more about their relationship than advancing the mystery which weaves throughout the series.
Despite some painful reminiscences, there’s a wonderful lightness that surrounds this read. Blaise and Dalton are close in age, they’re silly and sassy, and they know how to play together. These boys repeatedly ditch their chaperones, and get away with so much mischief…. as well as finding ways to fit in a whole lot of lovin’.
Blaise and Dalton seem like polar opposites when we first meet them, but they end up influencing each other in the best of ways. Dalton’s carefree nature forces Blaise to see the path he’s on isn’t right for him; while Blaise’s steady support helps Dalton refocus and prioritize home and family. These royals have some interesting skeletons in their closets, and seeing Dalton find some peace makes me so happy.
It’s great to see all the characters from the previous novels together in Diplomatic Relations, and I’ve relished the time spent on Regelence since we’re told the next episode takes place off planet. An excerpt from the upcoming My Highland Laird is included at the end, and Bannon’s story promises to be something special. Thankfully there’s still a sixth (but hopefully not final) book to look forward to as well, and I can hardly wait for Rexley and Jeremy’s story.
April 19, 2019
Real Rating: 4.25* of five
I had the same issues with inconsistent world-building that I've had with the whole series. I must say I was fully prepared to three-or-less the enterprise, so irritated by the logical lapses was I; then came A Certain Snow Scene with all the sweetness and charm and joie de vivre a withered-souled old hatemonger like me could ever complain of, and back came the star; a later scene of marriage-proposal nature added another partial star; and damned glad the author should be of it, since eight (8) instances of the stinking, wretched, lazy, revolting w-bomb took off a whole star from the realms of possibility.
In fact, I will procure book five when it comes out, I'm that gruntled and kempt by the last 12% of the book.
I had the same issues with inconsistent world-building that I've had with the whole series. I must say I was fully prepared to three-or-less the enterprise, so irritated by the logical lapses was I; then came A Certain Snow Scene with all the sweetness and charm and joie de vivre a withered-souled old hatemonger like me could ever complain of, and back came the star; a later scene of marriage-proposal nature added another partial star; and damned glad the author should be of it, since eight (8) instances of the stinking, wretched, lazy, revolting w-bomb took off a whole star from the realms of possibility.
In fact, I will procure book five when it comes out, I'm that gruntled and kempt by the last 12% of the book.
May 1, 2019
So, as we all know, all the castles, all the high end townhouses in this universe come with AI butlers. So WHY and HOW do our MCs keep getting away with their highly improper shenanigans time after time after time?
The making out sessions were extremely distracting, and that's on top of the main storyline that didn't seem to know what to do with itself. It was all over the place, being pulled this way and that. Some of the threads led nowhere, the others twisted and ended up running in the different direction altogether.
Nothing significant ever happened in this book until the very end, just a lot of flailing about. Would have been better 100 pages shorter.
Not the best book in the series.
The making out sessions were extremely distracting, and that's on top of the main storyline that didn't seem to know what to do with itself. It was all over the place, being pulled this way and that. Some of the threads led nowhere, the others twisted and ended up running in the different direction altogether.
Nothing significant ever happened in this book until the very end, just a lot of flailing about. Would have been better 100 pages shorter.
Not the best book in the series.
February 20, 2019
3.5 Stars!
All the books in the Sci-Regency series by J.L. Langley have an interesting, unique blend of the societal dynamics of the Regency era mixed with futuristic sci-fi/ intergalactic themes which make them good reads. The books have not been perfect though,(with the first 3 books following the same “formula” more or less ) . Fortunately, this book was different and so enjoyable that it is currently my favourite.
As I said, I particularly liked how different it was from the earlier books. There was no “Scandal” to force the MCs to marry, the two MCs behaved like the adults they were and the growth of their relationship from friends to lovers was organic(even if it WAS a bit on the faster side of things).
Also, with the other couples in this series we were told how much they cared and loved one another but with Blaise and Dalton, I could actually feel it. They were just perfect for each other in my books.
New secondary characters introduced, as well as the appearances of already established couples made for a more engaging (and funny) book. I’m still hoping for a Raleigh - Stephen Book(at least a novella) because those two are just awesome.
While I have nothing but love for our MCs, I felt the book could’ve treated the orphan storyline a bit better. I believe more page time should’ve been given to how their issue was resolved (i.e. whether they got their funding back and how they ended up). We were just given a glimpse of them in the epilogue and nothing else was mentioned about them. It left me feeling a bit off-kilter.
Hopefully, Bannon’s book (which is next) would address all of these and shed more light on the IN situation. I pray he doesn’t injure himself given that he doesn’t think through his thoughts before acting more often than not.
*** eARC Was Graciously Provided By The Publisher, DreamSpinner Press In Exchange For An Honest, Unbiased, Review ***
All the books in the Sci-Regency series by J.L. Langley have an interesting, unique blend of the societal dynamics of the Regency era mixed with futuristic sci-fi/ intergalactic themes which make them good reads. The books have not been perfect though,(with the first 3 books following the same “formula” more or less ) . Fortunately, this book was different and so enjoyable that it is currently my favourite.
As I said, I particularly liked how different it was from the earlier books. There was no “Scandal” to force the MCs to marry, the two MCs behaved like the adults they were and the growth of their relationship from friends to lovers was organic(even if it WAS a bit on the faster side of things).
Also, with the other couples in this series we were told how much they cared and loved one another but with Blaise and Dalton, I could actually feel it. They were just perfect for each other in my books.
New secondary characters introduced, as well as the appearances of already established couples made for a more engaging (and funny) book. I’m still hoping for a Raleigh - Stephen Book(at least a novella) because those two are just awesome.
While I have nothing but love for our MCs, I felt the book could’ve treated the orphan storyline a bit better. I believe more page time should’ve been given to how their issue was resolved (i.e. whether they got their funding back and how they ended up). We were just given a glimpse of them in the epilogue and nothing else was mentioned about them. It left me feeling a bit off-kilter.
Hopefully, Bannon’s book (which is next) would address all of these and shed more light on the IN situation. I pray he doesn’t injure himself given that he doesn’t think through his thoughts before acting more often than not.
*** eARC Was Graciously Provided By The Publisher, DreamSpinner Press In Exchange For An Honest, Unbiased, Review ***
March 12, 2019
Tag team review with R!
3.5 stars
This Sci-Regency books were some of the first MM reads I picked up, so this series is special for me. I was over the moon to hear that JL Langley was making her comeback with book #4!
‘Diplomatic Relations’ tells the story of rakish special forces soldier Dalton Fairfox and the more tightly-laced up-and-coming politician Blaise Thompson. The two very different men are thrown together by circumstance, and soon find that the connection between them can’t be denied.
It took me a while to get in to the book, as I re-familiarized myself with the various characters and what their connections to each other were, and how the different plotlines intersected.
Once I’d gotten that straightened out though, it was smoother sailing.
I love an opposites-attract romance, and ‘Diplomatic Relations’ delivers. Dalton eschews Regelence’s social norms and can’t be bothered with love or propriety. Blaise is the meek wallflower waiting for his knight in shining armour.
The two couldn’t be more different. Yet from the moment they meet, the sexual tension is undeniable.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Dalton bringing Blaise’s scandalous side out, and seeing Blaise love every moment of it.
The relationship borders on insta-love, and was definitely insta-lust. But the romance was very sweet and sexy.
However, their relationship isn’t all about the physical side of things. They slowly but surely become friends, and both reveal things to each other that they’ve kept bottled up for years.
They may be opposites, but they find in each other the one man who just really understands. It doesn’t take long for Dalton and Blaise to count the minutes until they can next meet.
My only complaint is that the political intrigue aspect of the book was unnecessarily drawn out. Nothing really happens, so the build up seemed like repetitive page filler.
The angst, when it does come, was completely understandable. But it didn’t take too long to be resolved, and Blaise and Dalton end with a brilliant happy ever after!
Overall I really liked ‘Diplomatic Relations’. It wasn’t the grandest romance in the series, but I’m looking forward to seeing where it goes next!
3.5 stars
This Sci-Regency books were some of the first MM reads I picked up, so this series is special for me. I was over the moon to hear that JL Langley was making her comeback with book #4!
‘Diplomatic Relations’ tells the story of rakish special forces soldier Dalton Fairfox and the more tightly-laced up-and-coming politician Blaise Thompson. The two very different men are thrown together by circumstance, and soon find that the connection between them can’t be denied.
It took me a while to get in to the book, as I re-familiarized myself with the various characters and what their connections to each other were, and how the different plotlines intersected.
Once I’d gotten that straightened out though, it was smoother sailing.
I love an opposites-attract romance, and ‘Diplomatic Relations’ delivers. Dalton eschews Regelence’s social norms and can’t be bothered with love or propriety. Blaise is the meek wallflower waiting for his knight in shining armour.
The two couldn’t be more different. Yet from the moment they meet, the sexual tension is undeniable.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Dalton bringing Blaise’s scandalous side out, and seeing Blaise love every moment of it.
The relationship borders on insta-love, and was definitely insta-lust. But the romance was very sweet and sexy.
However, their relationship isn’t all about the physical side of things. They slowly but surely become friends, and both reveal things to each other that they’ve kept bottled up for years.
They may be opposites, but they find in each other the one man who just really understands. It doesn’t take long for Dalton and Blaise to count the minutes until they can next meet.
My only complaint is that the political intrigue aspect of the book was unnecessarily drawn out. Nothing really happens, so the build up seemed like repetitive page filler.
The angst, when it does come, was completely understandable. But it didn’t take too long to be resolved, and Blaise and Dalton end with a brilliant happy ever after!
Overall I really liked ‘Diplomatic Relations’. It wasn’t the grandest romance in the series, but I’m looking forward to seeing where it goes next!
February 5, 2019
YOU GUYS!
We have waited a long 7 years for this book, and Diplomatic Relations by J.L. Langley is finally here.
The 4th book in the Sci Regency series, this one is about our special forces Dalton and politician Blaise. They are so opposite from each other, but they say that's what attracts us. Dalton is home after being away, and he becomes a guard to Blaise. They eventually warm up to each other. With scandal, and threats, family drama and romance this one was filled with it all.
I am not going to lie, I found it really hard to enjoy this one, it started out really interesting, then it plummeted and then it got interesting again, then plummeted and then the last 30% was phenomenal. I went from 2 stars to 3!
With the seven year gap between books, it was hard to get back into this world, I did a little recap for myself and I did remember, a lot of the characters, that's what I loved the most all the family interactions. I loved Daltons family.
Blaise took a little while to warm up to, I liked his brother Bannon (which he is getting his own book) I think if you were to pick this up maybe re read the other ones first.
Arc was given for a honest review.
2.75 almost 3 stars.
PNR Book Lover Reviews
We have waited a long 7 years for this book, and Diplomatic Relations by J.L. Langley is finally here.
The 4th book in the Sci Regency series, this one is about our special forces Dalton and politician Blaise. They are so opposite from each other, but they say that's what attracts us. Dalton is home after being away, and he becomes a guard to Blaise. They eventually warm up to each other. With scandal, and threats, family drama and romance this one was filled with it all.
I am not going to lie, I found it really hard to enjoy this one, it started out really interesting, then it plummeted and then it got interesting again, then plummeted and then the last 30% was phenomenal. I went from 2 stars to 3!
With the seven year gap between books, it was hard to get back into this world, I did a little recap for myself and I did remember, a lot of the characters, that's what I loved the most all the family interactions. I loved Daltons family.
Blaise took a little while to warm up to, I liked his brother Bannon (which he is getting his own book) I think if you were to pick this up maybe re read the other ones first.
Arc was given for a honest review.
2.75 almost 3 stars.
PNR Book Lover Reviews
May 30, 2019
Solid entry in the series. I really liked the characters, together and separately. I'm a little disappointed with the ending and I wish the turn to romance was a little more in depth. It was a bit too sudden for my tastes. But neither of those are that big of a deal. I'm not usually a fan of public declarations, particularly when one party of the declaration is unaware and taken by surprise, but I didn't mind it here. Dalton needed that kind of public choosing. I like that he didn't hold a grudge and make it endlessly complicated and terrible for Blaise to make up for his "errors". I actually understood where both of them came from with regards to the big dust up. It made sense and though Blaise needed to "man up" I think he would've if he hadn't' been so blindsided. (He's a little too quick to let Griff off the hook though). I'm interested in Bannon's story, I slightly panicked when I found out his ending for this book and who I thought that meant he'd be paired with, but the blurb for his book calmed me and I can relax. The disaster is averted.
March 18, 2019
What a lovely Regency era romance it was! Blaise and Dalton were charming, funny, stubborn and endearing. Blaise's innocence was a perfect counterpart to Dalton's wordliness and jaded attitude. They both discovered new things about themselves and each other. Since Dalton's family was a bit of a mystery to me, it was very exciting to know him and his parents, to uncover the ugly secrets that could have ruined the royal family and put old grudges and hurts to rest.
I really liked reading about Mission: Orphans, and what Blaise and Dalton planned to do about it. With the discovery of people needing help, Blaise realized what he wanted to do in regards to his political career, and Dalton was finally perceived as a gentleman of substance and honor. I loved the royal family shenanigans and all the trouble they got into. I can't wait for Rexley's story! This book is absolutely lovely and I recommend it! It was great fun!
I really liked reading about Mission: Orphans, and what Blaise and Dalton planned to do about it. With the discovery of people needing help, Blaise realized what he wanted to do in regards to his political career, and Dalton was finally perceived as a gentleman of substance and honor. I loved the royal family shenanigans and all the trouble they got into. I can't wait for Rexley's story! This book is absolutely lovely and I recommend it! It was great fun!
October 1, 2024
DNF @45%
I remember liking this series, but this one was a muddle. I’m almost half way in and not a whole lot is happening. It’s been mostly introducing/discussing characters. Lots of characters. And it doesn’t help that they’re all referred to by about four different names: first, last, title, nickname. This was in desperate need of a family tree or a cast of characters provided as an appendix. Maybe even a summary of any over-arching intrigue laced throughout the books. (Something along the lines of the scene-setting openings of the Star Wars movies would’ve been very helpful.) Since it’s been seven years since the last book, I had a very hard time following along.
I remember liking this series, but this one was a muddle. I’m almost half way in and not a whole lot is happening. It’s been mostly introducing/discussing characters. Lots of characters. And it doesn’t help that they’re all referred to by about four different names: first, last, title, nickname. This was in desperate need of a family tree or a cast of characters provided as an appendix. Maybe even a summary of any over-arching intrigue laced throughout the books. (Something along the lines of the scene-setting openings of the Star Wars movies would’ve been very helpful.) Since it’s been seven years since the last book, I had a very hard time following along.
July 22, 2019
I enjoyed this world previously but getting back into it this time after such a long absence was a bit of a struggle. I almost gave up multiple times but the prospect of leaving this world was just too painful that I made myself push through and I’m so glad for it! Lovely to be back in this world and definitely enjoyed this story.
I don’t actually remember who Dalton is and well, he seems to have been away so maybe he wasn’t in any of the previous books but I don’t remember. This is definitely a bit of an epic love story. One where the rake reforms to become one of the most loyal one-man man. Blaise on the other hand is a bit of an angel that’s somewhat being corrupted by the rake. Not all bad though. Dalton does help Blaise loosen up and have fun 😉
I’m just a little impatient about the overarching storyline of the IN council. One which I think will finally be addressed in the next book but it’s like a year away! 😫 gah.... I might need to reread all the books again when it comes out. Lol
I don’t actually remember who Dalton is and well, he seems to have been away so maybe he wasn’t in any of the previous books but I don’t remember. This is definitely a bit of an epic love story. One where the rake reforms to become one of the most loyal one-man man. Blaise on the other hand is a bit of an angel that’s somewhat being corrupted by the rake. Not all bad though. Dalton does help Blaise loosen up and have fun 😉
I’m just a little impatient about the overarching storyline of the IN council. One which I think will finally be addressed in the next book but it’s like a year away! 😫 gah.... I might need to reread all the books again when it comes out. Lol
July 6, 2019
Audiobook provided through Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words in exchange for an impartial review.
I was excited to have a chance to listen to the audio of this new installment of a series I first started reading many years ago when I was new to MM romance. Unfortunately, the narrator’s style and pacing did not meet my expectations. In fact, at times, I cringed at a vocalization or at the way he rushed through a particular paragraph or dialogue. So, being the bookaholic I am, I got the e-book version and alternated reading with listening.
The story itself was complex and interesting. In fact, I had to pay attention carefully because many of the characters in this book appeared in the past, and while listening to the audio, I had to take “pause time” to recall old relationships—one more advantage to having the e-book(s) so I could double-check names and research past appearances. I should have reread the previous book before starting this one. I didn’t realize the first line in the blurb, which said this is a sequel to My Regelence Rake, was actually a strong hint. So, by all means, other readers should do that first. It may help with character recall.
This book features a sweet, innocent, virginal character, Blaise Thompson, one who reminded me of Aiden in My Fair Captain. Blaise fed my need for a revisit to this world. Smart as a whip, cute as a button, he was constantly trying to get his younger brother out of trouble. Enter Dalton Fairfax, a soldier between assignments and nephew of Raleigh, the King Consort. Estranged from his father and sire, Dalton doesn’t much care about his reputation, until he makes a deeper connection with Blaise than he thought he’d ever desire.
I like the universe the author has created, the complexities of the governments and off-planet entities that make their futuristic world so different. And I really love these sweet, innocent young men and the all-men society they live in. It’s refreshing to be there as they confront their first sexual attraction—usually a rake from whom they’ve been warned to stay away. But, in this case, I can’t recommend the audiobook format. E-book? Yes, by all means. The story is certainly worthwhile. But the pacing and interpretation of the story and narration of the character voices was very poorly done in audio.
I was excited to have a chance to listen to the audio of this new installment of a series I first started reading many years ago when I was new to MM romance. Unfortunately, the narrator’s style and pacing did not meet my expectations. In fact, at times, I cringed at a vocalization or at the way he rushed through a particular paragraph or dialogue. So, being the bookaholic I am, I got the e-book version and alternated reading with listening.
The story itself was complex and interesting. In fact, I had to pay attention carefully because many of the characters in this book appeared in the past, and while listening to the audio, I had to take “pause time” to recall old relationships—one more advantage to having the e-book(s) so I could double-check names and research past appearances. I should have reread the previous book before starting this one. I didn’t realize the first line in the blurb, which said this is a sequel to My Regelence Rake, was actually a strong hint. So, by all means, other readers should do that first. It may help with character recall.
This book features a sweet, innocent, virginal character, Blaise Thompson, one who reminded me of Aiden in My Fair Captain. Blaise fed my need for a revisit to this world. Smart as a whip, cute as a button, he was constantly trying to get his younger brother out of trouble. Enter Dalton Fairfax, a soldier between assignments and nephew of Raleigh, the King Consort. Estranged from his father and sire, Dalton doesn’t much care about his reputation, until he makes a deeper connection with Blaise than he thought he’d ever desire.
I like the universe the author has created, the complexities of the governments and off-planet entities that make their futuristic world so different. And I really love these sweet, innocent young men and the all-men society they live in. It’s refreshing to be there as they confront their first sexual attraction—usually a rake from whom they’ve been warned to stay away. But, in this case, I can’t recommend the audiobook format. E-book? Yes, by all means. The story is certainly worthwhile. But the pacing and interpretation of the story and narration of the character voices was very poorly done in audio.
July 16, 2020
The ‘Sci-Regency’ series with its contradiction between several versions of Regency-era societies and its existence in the year 4831 continues to fascinate me with its politics, dark machinations, and mysterious goings-on in this fourth book. The aristocracy is alive and well and monarchs are in charge of entire planets, military careers start in the Intergalactic Navy (IN) and continue in planetary military forces, and societal restrictions and morals are very much an accepted part of life. Picking up where ‘My Regelence Rake’ left off, this time the focus is on another unlikely couple – a rakish special forces soldier named Dalton, and Blaise, a conservative politician who is as innocent as they come where matters of the heart (and the body) are concerned. As ever, various scandals threaten, several families have opposing agendas, and the IN is up to no good – not that anyone can conclusively prove it.
Please find my full review of the second edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review of the second edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
February 22, 2019
This was super good. My favorite in the series so far.
Full review to come
Full review to come
February 15, 2019
Book four in the Sci-fi Regency Series. I recommend starting with number one as the previous books lay the foundational character and world building information.
Premise of the book is, Blaise is on track for nomination to the Planetary Diplomatic Affairs as an IN Councilman. Given the current political concerns, he is assigned Dalton as a guard – a known rake and ne’er do good. He comes with a reputation for chasing loose trousers, gamboling and everything that Blaise doesn’t do as a respectable young gentleman and heir to a dukedome.
Dalton Fairfaix/Deamon/Lord Ashbourne prides himself with his reputation as a trouble maker. Abandoned by his father at age 8 to the care of Lord Rexley, his uncle, he has done everything in his power to lash out at the family name. Now coming off of a two year stint with the military, he talks Rexley into allowing him to guard Blaise for two weeks, when he ships out on his next assignment.
I liked this selection, but I have a some points of contention. My main ongoing issue with the series continues to reside with the “Regency” aspect. “Regency” is more than just putting gentlemen in cravats, morning jackets and tight breeches. Regency comes with a standard of etiquette and decorum that, in my humble opinion, is lacking in the books. I acknowledge, it’s my quirk, but darn it, it’s what makes “Regency” Regency – all the formality, protocol and manners.
Point: Dalton and Muffin barging into Raleigh and Steven’s study during a water balloon fight, just as Steven and Raleigh are about to indulge in a bit of sex. Also happened in the previous book. If this was a Regency society, we’d have a bit more decorum – especially in a receiving room right of the foyer.
Names continued to confuse me. Each person has something like three or four names. I wish I had started a character tree because even though I read My Relegence Rake a couple months ago, I found myself puzzling over “who was this again?” more than once.
And I admit to being a bit confused, and this is where stronger adherence to “regency” might have helped – it’s okay to have a guard, but you still need a chaperone…? And one’s valet can be a chaperone? The requirements for when and where a chaperone was necessary felt a bit scattered.
Improvement – Reference was made to Adrian carrying his sketchpad with him to a ball, but we don’t see Arian sketching. If you've been reading the series and/or my review, you'll know what I mean here.
Lest you think my opinion of the book is totally negative, I reassure you that I did enjoy this latest installment. It’s an entertaining read, there is a small mystery component, and contains quite the variety of characters. Is it “perfect”, no, but I don’t always need perfect. This is pure escape-ism and some weeks you just need to get away mentally. This is the series for that.
Review is cross posted at Gay Book Reviews
A copy of the book was provided by the author and publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Premise of the book is, Blaise is on track for nomination to the Planetary Diplomatic Affairs as an IN Councilman. Given the current political concerns, he is assigned Dalton as a guard – a known rake and ne’er do good. He comes with a reputation for chasing loose trousers, gamboling and everything that Blaise doesn’t do as a respectable young gentleman and heir to a dukedome.
Dalton Fairfaix/Deamon/Lord Ashbourne prides himself with his reputation as a trouble maker. Abandoned by his father at age 8 to the care of Lord Rexley, his uncle, he has done everything in his power to lash out at the family name. Now coming off of a two year stint with the military, he talks Rexley into allowing him to guard Blaise for two weeks, when he ships out on his next assignment.
I liked this selection, but I have a some points of contention. My main ongoing issue with the series continues to reside with the “Regency” aspect. “Regency” is more than just putting gentlemen in cravats, morning jackets and tight breeches. Regency comes with a standard of etiquette and decorum that, in my humble opinion, is lacking in the books. I acknowledge, it’s my quirk, but darn it, it’s what makes “Regency” Regency – all the formality, protocol and manners.
Point: Dalton and Muffin barging into Raleigh and Steven’s study during a water balloon fight, just as Steven and Raleigh are about to indulge in a bit of sex. Also happened in the previous book. If this was a Regency society, we’d have a bit more decorum – especially in a receiving room right of the foyer.
Names continued to confuse me. Each person has something like three or four names. I wish I had started a character tree because even though I read My Relegence Rake a couple months ago, I found myself puzzling over “who was this again?” more than once.
And I admit to being a bit confused, and this is where stronger adherence to “regency” might have helped – it’s okay to have a guard, but you still need a chaperone…? And one’s valet can be a chaperone? The requirements for when and where a chaperone was necessary felt a bit scattered.
Improvement – Reference was made to Adrian carrying his sketchpad with him to a ball, but we don’t see Arian sketching. If you've been reading the series and/or my review, you'll know what I mean here.
Lest you think my opinion of the book is totally negative, I reassure you that I did enjoy this latest installment. It’s an entertaining read, there is a small mystery component, and contains quite the variety of characters. Is it “perfect”, no, but I don’t always need perfect. This is pure escape-ism and some weeks you just need to get away mentally. This is the series for that.
Review is cross posted at Gay Book Reviews
A copy of the book was provided by the author and publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
February 28, 2019
I love this authors work, her books are some of the first mm romance books I ever read. It was so exciting to see her work up on Dreamspinner Press and that she’s releasing books again. Definitely check out her cowboy books and her werewolf series. Super hot!
I did find this one was a challenge to read. It needed more tension and I also found the flow of the book a little disjointed and tough to follow. How some of the plus size characters were portrayed earlier in the book was a little jarring too. But, it was so lovely to revisit with previous characters and also that there looks like there is more books on the way. Not sure this one is a favourite in this series.
I did find this one was a challenge to read. It needed more tension and I also found the flow of the book a little disjointed and tough to follow. How some of the plus size characters were portrayed earlier in the book was a little jarring too. But, it was so lovely to revisit with previous characters and also that there looks like there is more books on the way. Not sure this one is a favourite in this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 20, 2019
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.5 stars
Today Jay and Sammy are teaming up for a Buddy Review of the newest book in J.L. Langley’s Sci-Regency series, Diplomatic Relations. This series started way back in 2007 with My Fair Captain, followed by The Englor Affair in 2008. When My Regelence Rake released in 2012, we reviewed all three of the books here at Joyfully Jay. The books were originally published by Samhain Publishing and they have been recently re-released by Dreamspinner Press in anticipation of the release of fourth book, Diplomatic Relations, which we are reviewing here today.
Read Jay’s and Sammy's review in its entirety here.
3.5 stars
Today Jay and Sammy are teaming up for a Buddy Review of the newest book in J.L. Langley’s Sci-Regency series, Diplomatic Relations. This series started way back in 2007 with My Fair Captain, followed by The Englor Affair in 2008. When My Regelence Rake released in 2012, we reviewed all three of the books here at Joyfully Jay. The books were originally published by Samhain Publishing and they have been recently re-released by Dreamspinner Press in anticipation of the release of fourth book, Diplomatic Relations, which we are reviewing here today.
Read Jay’s and Sammy's review in its entirety here.
February 22, 2019
Regency Romance mashed with Military Space Opera just can't go wrong to my way of thinking. After a hiatus, the author comes back to this whimsical, quite spicy sci-regency romance loaded with political intrigue and the shenanigans of a unique royal family. Diplomatic Relations was a book date waiting to happen just as soon as I got the joyous news that it was coming.
Diplomatic Relations is the fourth book in the Sci-Regency series. Yes, read these in order. The intro to the mischievous Townsend family, their work to thwart a danger rising within a joint-military organization, and their paths to their hot and, oft times humorous, happily ever afters all tie together throughout the series.
In this installment, the roguish Townsend cousin, Dalton Fairfax, is getting his story. Dalton, a military man, has been a secondary character in the series and I was always curious why he was closer to his Uncle Raleigh and cousins while avoiding his own parents like the plague. I was glad to finally get the deets on his past and see the shenanigans ensue when he becomes attracted to straight arrow political intern, Blaise Thompson, a ducal heir and the watchful eye on his younger trouble magnet brother. Blaise feels compelled to make his parents proud and secure the Councilman position that his family has always held. He is determined to help his people by tracking down the missing Jenkins family who have important intel in the ongoing secret investigation that Regelence is doing into the IN affairs. This unlikely pair end up working together, and maybe will work out if they both take a chance.
So, for those unfamiliar with this series. There are some interesting features that set it apart. It is a unique world of humans in the future whose ancestors left earth and colonized out into the galaxy. Some planetary colonies to take as their model Earth's Regency Period and so, centuries later, they are a combo of regency and tech society. One of these planets, Regelence, took its uniqueness a step further and is not just gay friendly, but gay dominated. Their royals, aristocrats, and government leaders are male-male families. It's an interesting what-if scenario. I won't get into the deets of how they pull it off. The conflict arises from a United Nations-like organization called the Inter-galactic Navy that is made up of a council and military organization that is meant to be the peace-keeping policing action arm, but there are some within it who have decided to make a go at taking over the governance of all the galaxy by developing a planet-killing weapon and using Regelence genetic tech to make their own super-soldiers.
The romance is hot and spicy, but is not isolated. There is the ongoing political intrigue story thread, good action scenes, and connection through family and friends all set against this futuristic regency world backdrop. Each couple, like Blaise and Dalton have their background stories and their romances that are teased out. I really enjoy how the author writes her pairs as partners and friends first and foremost even if they do have strong attraction or end up in forced or arranged marriages due to circumstances.
All in all, I was utterly satisfied with this installment that returns to the series and promises further fabulous series installments. I loved the hints about future Townsends getting their stories and knowing that the rascally Bannon is the next one to get a story on a planet, Skye, made up of a Scottish Highlander clan culture. So, yes, if you are in to a historical-future, spicy hot m/m romance mash up, grab book one and dive in.
Diplomatic Relations is the fourth book in the Sci-Regency series. Yes, read these in order. The intro to the mischievous Townsend family, their work to thwart a danger rising within a joint-military organization, and their paths to their hot and, oft times humorous, happily ever afters all tie together throughout the series.
In this installment, the roguish Townsend cousin, Dalton Fairfax, is getting his story. Dalton, a military man, has been a secondary character in the series and I was always curious why he was closer to his Uncle Raleigh and cousins while avoiding his own parents like the plague. I was glad to finally get the deets on his past and see the shenanigans ensue when he becomes attracted to straight arrow political intern, Blaise Thompson, a ducal heir and the watchful eye on his younger trouble magnet brother. Blaise feels compelled to make his parents proud and secure the Councilman position that his family has always held. He is determined to help his people by tracking down the missing Jenkins family who have important intel in the ongoing secret investigation that Regelence is doing into the IN affairs. This unlikely pair end up working together, and maybe will work out if they both take a chance.
So, for those unfamiliar with this series. There are some interesting features that set it apart. It is a unique world of humans in the future whose ancestors left earth and colonized out into the galaxy. Some planetary colonies to take as their model Earth's Regency Period and so, centuries later, they are a combo of regency and tech society. One of these planets, Regelence, took its uniqueness a step further and is not just gay friendly, but gay dominated. Their royals, aristocrats, and government leaders are male-male families. It's an interesting what-if scenario. I won't get into the deets of how they pull it off. The conflict arises from a United Nations-like organization called the Inter-galactic Navy that is made up of a council and military organization that is meant to be the peace-keeping policing action arm, but there are some within it who have decided to make a go at taking over the governance of all the galaxy by developing a planet-killing weapon and using Regelence genetic tech to make their own super-soldiers.
The romance is hot and spicy, but is not isolated. There is the ongoing political intrigue story thread, good action scenes, and connection through family and friends all set against this futuristic regency world backdrop. Each couple, like Blaise and Dalton have their background stories and their romances that are teased out. I really enjoy how the author writes her pairs as partners and friends first and foremost even if they do have strong attraction or end up in forced or arranged marriages due to circumstances.
All in all, I was utterly satisfied with this installment that returns to the series and promises further fabulous series installments. I loved the hints about future Townsends getting their stories and knowing that the rascally Bannon is the next one to get a story on a planet, Skye, made up of a Scottish Highlander clan culture. So, yes, if you are in to a historical-future, spicy hot m/m romance mash up, grab book one and dive in.
July 16, 2020
The ‘Sci-Regency’ series with its contradiction between several versions of Regency-era societies and its existence in the year 4831 continues to fascinate me with its politics, dark machinations, and mysterious goings-on in this fourth book. The aristocracy is alive and well and monarchs are in charge of entire planets, military careers start in the Intergalactic Navy (IN) and continue in planetary military forces, and societal restrictions and morals are very much an accepted part of life. Picking up where ‘My Regelence Rake’ left off, this time the focus is on another unlikely couple – a rakish special forces soldier named Dalton, and Blaise, a conservative politician who is as innocent as they come where matters of the heart (and the body) are concerned. As ever, various scandals threaten, several families have opposing agendas, and the IN is up to no good – not that anyone can conclusively prove it.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
April 3, 2020
4.5 stars
It's been five years since the last instalment of this series was released, and it's nice to get a fresh story. This time it's Dalton's turn - royal nephew, and generally badly behaved rake... falling for the oh so proper Blaise, older brother of Aiden's friend Bannon. Their relationship isn't straight forward, and there are a couple of hitches (one of which could be avoided if they'd talked). Blaise's valet is a good addition to the female characters in this series.
As well as their relationship there is the overarching story as to what the IN are up to - and a bit more is revealed - in particular regarding the procreation technology - though from the look of it we won't find out the whole story for at least a couple more books
Rexley remains one of my favourite characters in this series, alongside Raleigh and Steven, but his book is still not next... next up we are off planet with Bannon... though it looks like Tarren's match is starting to be set up. I have a feeling Rexley and Trouble might be the last pairing to get their story - though hints that Rexley is far from Prince Perfect he was initially made out to be are sprinkled through this story.
It's been five years since the last instalment of this series was released, and it's nice to get a fresh story. This time it's Dalton's turn - royal nephew, and generally badly behaved rake... falling for the oh so proper Blaise, older brother of Aiden's friend Bannon. Their relationship isn't straight forward, and there are a couple of hitches (one of which could be avoided if they'd talked). Blaise's valet is a good addition to the female characters in this series.
As well as their relationship there is the overarching story as to what the IN are up to - and a bit more is revealed - in particular regarding the procreation technology - though from the look of it we won't find out the whole story for at least a couple more books
Rexley remains one of my favourite characters in this series, alongside Raleigh and Steven, but his book is still not next... next up we are off planet with Bannon... though it looks like Tarren's match is starting to be set up. I have a feeling Rexley and Trouble might be the last pairing to get their story - though hints that Rexley is far from Prince Perfect he was initially made out to be are sprinkled through this story.
January 11, 2020
Probably only for established J.L. Langley fans
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.
Rating: 6/10
PROS:
- This Sci-Regency series is still one of the most interesting / clever / fun concepts I’ve read in the m/m genre. I love the idea of a world in which futuristic space technology exists but society is governed by Regency rules of etiquette and propriety.
- The political intrigue in this series is unfolding at a good pace: new developments are revealed in each book, and we don’t yet know what the endgame is. At this rate, the author could keep it all going until all of the Townsend princes, their family members, and their friends have had their own romances.
- I admire Langley’s commitment to her fantasy setting and the details she includes. I hadn’t considered, for example, that in a world in which the upper-class society is bred to be mostly same-sex-attracted, the valets would need to be female rather than male.
CONS:
- This story doesn’t seem to flow as well as the earlier ones in the series (and I read the 3 earlier ones right before this one, to refresh my memory). The plotting and the characterization and the writing itself all seem just a tad awkward, as though Langley had trouble getting back into her world after taking such a long break from it (7ish years, I believe).
- This one is very slow going on the romance front (which is both a pro and a con; I couldn’t decide quite where to put it and flipped a coin in the end). On the one hand, this means that the guys don’t just fall into bed right off the bat and actually get to know each other first—which I like. On the other, it’s a bit frustrating and...dare I say it?...boring at times.
- This is a niggley grammar thing, but it bugs me, so I’m including it because I think there are likely others out there who will be annoyed by it too. Langley has this tick as a writer where she sometimes avoids using past perfect tense and instead uses simple past tense. Here’s an example: “Blaise grinned at the nickname that a day ago annoyed him.” This should be “had annoyed him”... the past perfect tense indicates that something happened at some point in the past *before* something else happened. When an entire book is written in past tense, the past perfect tense becomes pretty essential.
Overall comments: Langley was one of the very earliest authors I read in the m/m genre over a decade ago. Because of that, her books hold a special nostalgic place in my heart. That said, the genre has advanced by leaps and bounds since 2006, and it now attracts some phenomenal writers. Langley is, unfortunately, very average compared to the better m/m authors who are writing stories these days.
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.
Rating: 6/10
PROS:
- This Sci-Regency series is still one of the most interesting / clever / fun concepts I’ve read in the m/m genre. I love the idea of a world in which futuristic space technology exists but society is governed by Regency rules of etiquette and propriety.
- The political intrigue in this series is unfolding at a good pace: new developments are revealed in each book, and we don’t yet know what the endgame is. At this rate, the author could keep it all going until all of the Townsend princes, their family members, and their friends have had their own romances.
- I admire Langley’s commitment to her fantasy setting and the details she includes. I hadn’t considered, for example, that in a world in which the upper-class society is bred to be mostly same-sex-attracted, the valets would need to be female rather than male.
CONS:
- This story doesn’t seem to flow as well as the earlier ones in the series (and I read the 3 earlier ones right before this one, to refresh my memory). The plotting and the characterization and the writing itself all seem just a tad awkward, as though Langley had trouble getting back into her world after taking such a long break from it (7ish years, I believe).
- This one is very slow going on the romance front (which is both a pro and a con; I couldn’t decide quite where to put it and flipped a coin in the end). On the one hand, this means that the guys don’t just fall into bed right off the bat and actually get to know each other first—which I like. On the other, it’s a bit frustrating and...dare I say it?...boring at times.
- This is a niggley grammar thing, but it bugs me, so I’m including it because I think there are likely others out there who will be annoyed by it too. Langley has this tick as a writer where she sometimes avoids using past perfect tense and instead uses simple past tense. Here’s an example: “Blaise grinned at the nickname that a day ago annoyed him.” This should be “had annoyed him”... the past perfect tense indicates that something happened at some point in the past *before* something else happened. When an entire book is written in past tense, the past perfect tense becomes pretty essential.
Overall comments: Langley was one of the very earliest authors I read in the m/m genre over a decade ago. Because of that, her books hold a special nostalgic place in my heart. That said, the genre has advanced by leaps and bounds since 2006, and it now attracts some phenomenal writers. Langley is, unfortunately, very average compared to the better m/m authors who are writing stories these days.
June 21, 2020
Endlich ist der 4. Band der Reihe erschienen und auch wenn in der Geschichte kein weiterer Sohn von Steven und Raleigh verkuppelt wird, wie ich gehofft hatte, tut das der Geschichte keinen Abbruch, im Gegenteil.
Das Ganze Hin und Her um die Machenschaften der IN, das sich schon in den vorherigen Bänden angedeutet hat, wird auch in diesem Buch weiter geführt und es bleiben zum Schluss weitere bzw. neue Fragen offen, die hoffentlich bald in weiteren Bänden geklärt werden. Immerhin gibt es noch einige junge Herrschaften zu verkuppeln.
In »Das Herz des Diplomaten« sind es Dalton und Blaise, die ihre Liebe zueinander entdecken und besonders Dalton, der Neffe von Raleigh hatte es mir von Anfang an mächtig angetan. Er ist ein toller Charakter, mit einer schlimmen Familiengeschichte, die erst nach und nach ans Licht kommt und dadurch ziemlich eindringlich zeigt, wie sehr einen Erlebnisse in der Kindheit verändern können. Ich kann verstehen, dass Daltons Eltern damals diese Entscheidung für ihren Sohn trafen, aber ich verstehe auch, dass Dalton ihnen das übel nimmt, wozu er in meinen Augen jedes Recht hat. Den Ruf und Familiennamen über die Liebe des eigenes Kindes zu stellen, auch wenn man es nur beschützen möchte … Ob das richtig war? Darüber kann man wahrlich streiten.
Dem gegenüber steht Blaise, den ich ehrlich gesagt nicht einschätzen kann. Ich weiß nicht mal, ob er in den älteren Büchern schon Erwähnung gefunden hat, als Charakter war er mir jedenfalls eher unsympathisch und das hat sich bis zum Schluss auch nicht geändert. In ein paar Szenen dachte ich, wow, das ist es, endlich wird er erwachsen und steht für sich ein, aber dann tut er wieder Dinge bzw. er tut gar nichts, sondern lässt Dalton sogar in dem Glauben, dass Blaise sein Ruf wichtiger ist, als der Mann, der ihn liebt … Das fand ich echt unmöglich.
Sie bekommen ihr Happy End und am Ende tut Blaise das Richtige, als ihm klar wird, was er im Begriff ist zu verlieren, aber ich bin mit ihm trotzdem nicht warm geworden. Ich hätte mir für Dalton jemand anderen als Partner gewünscht.
Darum bekommt die Story auch keine volle Punktzahl und ich bin froh, dass vor allem Raleigh und die Verschwörung der IN in dem Buch viel Raum einnehmen. So gab es noch genug andere Storyline im Hintergrund und nicht nur die Liebesgeschichte zwischen Dalton und Blaise.
Das Ganze Hin und Her um die Machenschaften der IN, das sich schon in den vorherigen Bänden angedeutet hat, wird auch in diesem Buch weiter geführt und es bleiben zum Schluss weitere bzw. neue Fragen offen, die hoffentlich bald in weiteren Bänden geklärt werden. Immerhin gibt es noch einige junge Herrschaften zu verkuppeln.
In »Das Herz des Diplomaten« sind es Dalton und Blaise, die ihre Liebe zueinander entdecken und besonders Dalton, der Neffe von Raleigh hatte es mir von Anfang an mächtig angetan. Er ist ein toller Charakter, mit einer schlimmen Familiengeschichte, die erst nach und nach ans Licht kommt und dadurch ziemlich eindringlich zeigt, wie sehr einen Erlebnisse in der Kindheit verändern können. Ich kann verstehen, dass Daltons Eltern damals diese Entscheidung für ihren Sohn trafen, aber ich verstehe auch, dass Dalton ihnen das übel nimmt, wozu er in meinen Augen jedes Recht hat. Den Ruf und Familiennamen über die Liebe des eigenes Kindes zu stellen, auch wenn man es nur beschützen möchte … Ob das richtig war? Darüber kann man wahrlich streiten.
Dem gegenüber steht Blaise, den ich ehrlich gesagt nicht einschätzen kann. Ich weiß nicht mal, ob er in den älteren Büchern schon Erwähnung gefunden hat, als Charakter war er mir jedenfalls eher unsympathisch und das hat sich bis zum Schluss auch nicht geändert. In ein paar Szenen dachte ich, wow, das ist es, endlich wird er erwachsen und steht für sich ein, aber dann tut er wieder Dinge bzw. er tut gar nichts, sondern lässt Dalton sogar in dem Glauben, dass Blaise sein Ruf wichtiger ist, als der Mann, der ihn liebt … Das fand ich echt unmöglich.
Sie bekommen ihr Happy End und am Ende tut Blaise das Richtige, als ihm klar wird, was er im Begriff ist zu verlieren, aber ich bin mit ihm trotzdem nicht warm geworden. Ich hätte mir für Dalton jemand anderen als Partner gewünscht.
Darum bekommt die Story auch keine volle Punktzahl und ich bin froh, dass vor allem Raleigh und die Verschwörung der IN in dem Buch viel Raum einnehmen. So gab es noch genug andere Storyline im Hintergrund und nicht nur die Liebesgeschichte zwischen Dalton und Blaise.
June 6, 2021
Another Langley novel, and another novel that I struggle to rate. Once again I flipped between 3 and 4 stars for a bit, but this time decided on 4. I like Blaise and Dalton a lot, and the cringe ending was not enough to deter that.
Blaise and Dalton are the best couple in the series so far. They match each other well, with enough similarities to be compatible and enough differences to keep things interesting. Their journey from awkward acquaintances to lovers was beautifully done. The romance was also set at a much slower pace this time, and it worked beautifully. Blaise falling into bed as quickly as the others did would not be believable, and Langley adjusted perfectly.
The mystery also took a major step forward here. We've learned more about what the IN is doing, and now we have a lead to follow. Looks like that'll be happening in the next book.
My gripe is the ending. The sudden 'twist' at the end was unnecessary and was not resolved well in my opinion. The book would've been better off without it, or at least having it happen near the middle of the novel rather than the end.
Overall a novel that I really enjoyed. On to the next.
Blaise and Dalton are the best couple in the series so far. They match each other well, with enough similarities to be compatible and enough differences to keep things interesting. Their journey from awkward acquaintances to lovers was beautifully done. The romance was also set at a much slower pace this time, and it worked beautifully. Blaise falling into bed as quickly as the others did would not be believable, and Langley adjusted perfectly.
The mystery also took a major step forward here. We've learned more about what the IN is doing, and now we have a lead to follow. Looks like that'll be happening in the next book.
My gripe is the ending. The sudden 'twist' at the end was unnecessary and was not resolved well in my opinion. The book would've been better off without it, or at least having it happen near the middle of the novel rather than the end.
Overall a novel that I really enjoyed. On to the next.
March 27, 2021
This book destroyed me! The chemistry between Blaise and Dalton was amazing and they were so perfect together. I was feeling it hard! And their sexy scenes were so romantic. And as the book went on and the book got closer to the end I kept hoping they wouldn’t have a falling out. But they did. Really close to the end. 😞 And it tore my heart out! Omg I was so upset it nearly ruined my day! I read through the rest of the book as quickly as I could and they reconciled and then the next thing you know it’s the wedding day and the book is done. I had no time to really absorb the fact that they reconciled and I’m left still feeling upset.
February 28, 2019
OMG so excited this book is finally out. I love this series! Was up until 3am on a work night so I could finish it in one go. Dalton is wonderful, but Blaise made me so mad I was yelling at my book.
March 20, 2019
I enjoyed getting back to the Sci-Regency series although I didn't love this one as much as the previous stories. Hope we don't have to wait such a long time for another book in this series.
April 4, 2019
Enjoyed it quite a lot, but I felt that there was some unnecessary conflict at the end
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