Regroup

Captured Earth #2

by T.J. Nichols

Reunited with his lover and fellow soldier, Xavier Fisher, Josh Rayne and the other survivors from the alien base watch from the shore as their rescue is blown up. Now on the run and on their own, they need to find a safe place to regroup and figure out how they are going to escape alien country and get back home.

With no military support, they are in desperate need of supplies when they make it to a seemingly abandoned tourist town. But not all is at it seems, and Josh will have to decide who runs and who has to stay and fight to give them a chance. He wants to go home, and he wants more than the vague promises he and Xavier made to each other.

Book Two in the Captured Earth trilogy. For readers who like action, explosions, and don’t mind a little gore with their gay romance.

Genres: Military Fiction, M M Romance, Science Fiction, Romance, Aliens, LGBT, Urban Fantasy

110 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 28, 2021

About the author

TJ Nichols (they/them) is the author of the Studies in Demonology and Familiar Mates series. They write mostly gay fantasy and paranormal romance, but sometimes gay action/horror as Toby J. Nichols.

After traveling all over the world and Australia, TJ now lives in Perth, Western Australia.

Free gay shifter novella when you join TJ's newsletter: http://tjnichols-author.com/lp/

You can find TJ on
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Reviews

[Ay · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is part two of three - do not start with this book.

The people regroup (hey, that's the title! Not a spoiler!) and proceed. To book three. This is not a self contained story guys.

It's best to regard this series as a military adventure, with an SF tinge, (the enemy are aliens) with an M/M arc in the background - ie "two guys working their shit out" during an intense military operation.

The story started to come apart at the seams for me in this one. It all begins near Geraldton (in the previous book they were "in the desert"). They head north, and then it gets tropical really really fast? I was trying to work out what was happening via google maps (after failing to make sense of it in my head) and ... it didn't seem to work? I couldn't follow how they got from where they were to ??? where I think they were trying to get to? I mean, WA is really really really really big (I mean REALLY BIG) and the coast line is REALLY LONG - why not have the story start inland of Broome? Or just southeast of Broome in the previous book instead of inland of Geraldton? The author lives in WA - they know all this. A throw away line re the climate being different or the transport being super duper fast or something would have sorted these issues.

A common response when I raise these sorts of issues is: "Ay, this is science fiction" to which I respond that "the willing suspension of disbelief is essential to SF - and nothing ejects a reader like crap world building, and not thinking things through".

So, action packed story set ... ?in alternative Western Australia?

I received a free copy of this in exchange for an honest review.

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

oh, this was a perfect follow up on the first book and I love Josh and Xavier together. the first book was more action and story- and world-building, while in this book we get more love story and relationship development ... but don't imagine for a minute that it is a quiet book. there is a lot of action in it
and I loved it!
the whole review is posted at book 3

[Florence . · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to come soon. But I had to pick this one up as soon as I finished the first book in the series, I was way too invested in the plot, I had to know what happens next.

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

4 stars

Regroup is the second book in the Captured Earth trilogy, a suspense series featuring an alien attack and its aftermath. The books follow upon one another and so this review will have some spoilers from the first book, Resist.

Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.

[Elaine White · Rating 5 out of 5]

** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK FOR MY READING PLEASURE **
Reviewed for Divine Magazine

~

Regroup (Captured Earth, 02) by T.J. Nichols
★★★★★

3rd person POV, single character
Themes: alien invasion, action/adventure, military, capture, gay romance
Triggers: references to off-page slavery/rape, human sacrifice, violence, medical ick
Genre: action/adventure, Urban Fantasy, MM, sci-fi, aliens

World-Building: ★★★★★
Heat: ★★★★☆
Chemistry: ★★★★★
Plot: ★★★★★
Romance: ★★★☆☆


Regroup is Book 2 in the Captured Earth trilogy, and it was everything I wanted, after Book 1 was done. Book 1 really set the stage, in terms of action/adventure plot, the aliens and Josh's relationship history with Xavier. Here, in Book 2, we get to see that relationship on page.

Book 2 picks up exactly where Book 1 left off, right in the middle of the shock and devastation. As before, we get an almost minute-by-minute play of the action, as the group fight for survival and a place to hide until they can regroup.

The title couldn't be more indicative of what each book is about. Book 1 is about resisting the grief and hopelessness of being captured by aliens intent on treating humans like slaves and food. Book 2 is all about regrouping as a team, as a unit, and as a couple, to find their way out of the alien-hotspots and back to safety.

We didn't see much of Xavier in Book 1, to gauge his character beyond being Josh's sometimes-boyfriend and a good soldier. Here, we get to see far more of his personality, and how he functions with Josh. They're a little chalk-and-cheese, but the type that fit perfectly together. Josh is insular, serious, weighed down by his responsibilities, has never left his closet, and is afraid of coming out. Xavier is extrovert, playful at times, while taking his job seriously he can also make light to calm the mood. He's far more of the mind that you only live once and while they were afraid before, they've come to a point where they've got nothing to lose.

I'm not familiar with Australia's stance on LGBT+ rights, nor am I entirely clear on the timeline of the series. I know it's contemporary, but I don't remember there being a specific year mentioned. Because of those things, I'm left thinking the coming-out issues is military related, but I struggle to see why Josh is so consumed by the idea that they can't possible let anyone on the planet know about their relationship. Even in the middle of an alien invasion, he's afraid to let anyone know or see him with Xavier. While Xavier doesn't care, and kisses him openly and without hesitation, Josh keeps a barrier between them that doesn't quite make sense to me. Maybe I'm missing something, or maybe it will become clear in Book 3, I'm not sure. For now, though I'm confused by it, I won't let it affect my rating.

As for the writing, this is an ARC and I always allow a little leeway for editing issues, since I tend to get ARC's before the final edits anyway. For an ARC, it's very clean. I only spotted one or two minor issues, and I've come to expect that level of attention to detail from Nichols. Whether ARC or final product, they're always extremely clean and well written.

I have one niggle, about the ending of the book, but I'm not going to mention it. Since Book 2 continued immediately after Book 1, I'm expecting Book 3 to do the same, and I have a feeling my niggle will be resolved/answered in the first chapter of Book 3.

Overall, as with Book 1, I see great potential in this series. Despite having more romance and heat than Book 1, it still managed to keep a good balance between action/adventure and romance. It added new information to the alien situation, and had a solid, complete storyline. The ending was perfect, for a middle-of-series book, and I'm excited to see what Book 3 brings to the story arc.

[AshPenny37 · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book in the Captured Earth trilogy picks up immediately after the events in Resist. If book one was all about escape, Regroup is all about survival...staying one step ahead of the aliens. Josh has a plan for sourcing supplies and transport to get them to a rendezvous point, but there are differences of opinion on what the group should be doing. He has to show some serious leadership and make the tough decisions again. His reconnection with Xavier is physically slow (there are still injuries at play) but emotionally they're on the same page. The romance angle again feels like it's secondary to the overall plot, but that feels right to me. A handful of stolen moments of intimacy strike the right balance in the grand scheme of things.

I still like the overall storyline. It's still solid sci-fi fare, but it might feel like it's straying into horror territory for some readers. I'm totally fine with this, though. My gripe, if I have one, is that there are a couple of things introduced I this instalment that I would have liked to have been more developed (the occupants of the police station, etc). More interaction/background would have worked more for me. Of course, there's another cliffhanger to lead into book three, too.

One thing's for sure, though, I'm totally invested in seeing the gang's final face-off against the alien invaders and whether Josh and Xavier get their HEA. 3.75*

These are my honest thoughts: a copy was provided by GRR.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I tell you, this series has gotten good. It’s fast action and I like that. This book picks right up where book 1 left off and book 3 picks up right where this one does. So even though it’s a bit of a cliffhanger at the end of the books, I can deal because I have them all lol. 

In this one, Josh just can’t seem to win for losing. He finally gets himself and Xavier and a few others to the rescue boat only to watch it blow up in their faces. The aliens knew the whole time. They have a way of tracking people and Josh and Xavier have figured out what it is. And it’s time to go undercover, if possible. It seems to go a little better when they reach a little town and try to get what they need to continue on, but dang if something else doesn’t stop them. And this time it’s not the aliens. And what’s happening is a shock. 

I have to say right there. Xavier was the bigger man in this one. Because I would have ended up like Josh and doing something I might regret later. It would have felt great at the time, but I guess in the end maybe it’s not worth it? I don’t know. Because all this is going to do is cause more trouble in the end with it. But I am proud that Josh finally let go and acknowledged Xavier as his and they’re engaged! Now I really want them to win against these freaky aliens so they can have a beautiful wedding. 

Now I have to run off to read book 3 because I am soooo ready to see how this ends! It’s exciting. It really is.

[Bookworm · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 stars for this book. M/M military OFY romance trilogy with a dash of sci-fi horror.
This is a review of all 3 books.
Josh and Xavier are closeted alpha male soldiers in the Australian army.
Their relationship was ill defined despite going on for 3 years when earth was invaded by lizard like aliens.
All 3 volumes are told from Josh’s POV.

In Resist, the focus is on a futile military operation while Josh is drowning in sorrow and regret as he remunerates about their disagreement and harsh last words. When captured by the aliens, he slowly learns of the horrors that are inflicted on the other human captives. It is the relationship with other captives, the gladiator scenes, the farm horrors and the great escape that dominate this plot. There is very little interactions between Josh and Xavier especially since Josh thought Xavier was dead for the majority of the book.
The book ends on a cliffhanger.

In Regroup, with the non stop threat of recapture, Josh and Xavier gain perspective on their relationship and their life. If it wasn’t for the disgusting farm related scenes this book would have been nicer as we see them work together and love hard. It was one scene but they definitely earned it and it was sweeter with the proposal. It also ends on a cliffhanger.

In Revolt, annoyingly the relationship regresses as the exact same argument occurs again! This time putting Josh in mortal danger. I was annoyed at Xavier’s naive approach to the mission and their role in it. Josh was the more pragmatic one and he might have skirted close to the line of what’s acceptable but his focus was on keeping everyone alive.
It didn’t help that the plot was full of holes. There was no explanation for why the aliens destroy one ship but not the other(s)! Or why they know where to ambush in a remote area but need human accomplices in a town! Or why retreat and not have gotten re-enforcements after this minor resistance? And how exactly will Josh heal considering his extensive wounds?
The sense of doom hanged heavy over this plot and not much romance. There was one super rushed scene, light on details. But they were mostly not seeing eye to eye in this plot.

So in summary, I don’t like insect related horror, the plot was full of holes and the relationship development was uneven. Xavier was annoyingly naive and unnecessarily kept risking Josh who just wanted to keep him happy as penance or something at his own personal cost.
The epilogue was super rushed! And considering that they kept making the same relationship mistakes, I have to wonder if their relationship can make it.

[Tony Farnden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had an advance cop of Regroup to review if I chose to. As you can see I did as I enjoyed reading it.

Regroup takes up the story just where ‘Resist!’ left off. Josh and Xavier had just got themselves and those they rescued from the enemy base to the coast and the landing craft had beached. They were about to board when the waiting ship was destroyed. Now there was no other recourse but to head north in the landing craft with the navy crew, refuelling and restocking as they go. They need to get to Darwin which is on the other side of the Simpson Line and is quite a distance away. When they reach Georgetown, which is on the way, they make some discoveries, mostly concerning the larvae and the adult bugs. We find out a little bit more about the aliens although it will not probably help our protagonists.

There is a lot of excitement, mostly of an unpleasant nature but Josh and Xavier get to spend one night together or at least part of a night together. They make tenuous plans for a future together but the instalment ends with a very dark shadow over everyone’s future not just theirs. This is a quite a dark instalment with moments that might make you shudder.

I’m looking forward to the next instalment regardless of any scary bugs.

[Linda Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can this thriller get anymore amazing?! M/M romance with one explicit scene
Second short book in this trilogy and I couldn’t read fast enough! This book is a thrill-a-minute. I found myself yelling at the characters to “Don’t do it” or “Leave now!” Must be read after RESIST or the story will not make sense.
Australia has been attacked by alien creatures whose defenses are impenetrable. The government decided to give them a piece of the land in hopes that would appease them. I think the aliens have a different plan in mind. Our military heroes: Sgt Josh Rayne and Xavier Fisher have gone through he!! to try to help other captors to escape. They are leading a motley crew to the human side of the Simpson line, away from the alien infested side. What happens in this book will keep you on tinder hooks. Truly these guys and the people with them go from one crisis to another. Reader cannot be squeamish. Still some gross things in this book. Sensitive love between Josh and Xavier but light on steam.
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through Gay Romance Reviews and I give it a resounding 4.5 scary stars. Now I’m off to read the third book in this trilogy, REVOLT, the end of this trilogy.

[Debby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Along with his lover, Xavier Fisher, and other survivors of the alien base, Josh Rayne watches as the rescue ship is blown up. Alone, with no support and short on food, the group sets out for the closet town hoping to find supplies. The town appears deserted except there are a few surprises. Josh does not want the command he has and does not want to make decisions for everyone. He wants to go home and have more with Xavier than just vague promises. But first they have to regroup and escape again.

This book will keep you on the edge of your seat. So much is happening and so much more is on the way. There are explosions and betrayals and poor results for those who do not listen. Josh and Xavier are brave and determined and refuse to quit. They are amazing and so is this series.

[Anne Barwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book picks up immediately where the previous one left off, and again the descriptions don’t pull punches. I liked the mix of civilians and military, and their differing reactions to the situation.

Josh and Xavier discover more about the aliens and their physiology, and that humans are good and bad, no matter the situation. I also enjoyed Josh’s inner struggle to admit their relationship and his concern that the people he’s trying to lead might view him differently. I liked his and Xavier’s relationship and how they work well together as a team, yet don’t agree all the time.

The tension ramps up, and the action scenes are edge-of-seat. I liked that, as well as the death toll, mounting, characters don’t escape unscathed, and need to address their mortality as their injuries have a good chance of finishing them off if the aliens don’t.

[Sue Philips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carrying on from Book 1 - Resist, Regroup has the group trying to survive in dire circumstances. Battling to stay out of the way of the Geckos and also trying to stay alive with limited rations and those in the group who want things done differently - the cracks are beginning to show and tensions as well as tempers are running high.
The only thing keeping Josh and Xander together mentally and emotionally is their love for each other and that now they can actually get time together. Xander has placed a ring on Josh's finger so the relationship is strengthening and this is what Josh needs.
Set against the arid backdrop of northern Western Australia this series is riveting and addictive. Would make a good movie.
Highly recommended read

[Cheryl_cajun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for the ARC read, I voluntarily give this book an honest review. The ship is destroyed, Xavier has an infestation, all the survivor's and new crew are looking to Josh for answers he doesn't have. With Xavier down for the count and a distraction in mind and just maybe with the new found help from Marsh, Josh could get the rag-tag team to safety. Josh has many fears as to his leadership handling and was he about to loss the man he loved after finding him again? After all the Geckos was out the there, was they watching and just playing with their prey? This is getting deeper and better, from wondering if they will make it out of
The farm to the ship only to watch it blown or blazes away. Now this a traitorous act all for what end.

[Juniper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Captured Earth series, so make sure you start with the first one for full context. In this installment, Josh and Xavier are reunited, and the bond between them is a source of strength for both, which is good, as it’s badly needed. There’s something cinematic about this storyline: it’s immersive in a way that makes you feel like you’re seeing/hearing/experiencing every tense, driven moment alongside the characters, and I really like that about it. The world building is excellent, and the alien invaders as well as the backdrop of rural Australia really come to life on the page. Now to wait patiently for book 3…

*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Coline Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving this fast reading well written series, this is the 2nd book and wow! just wow! It picks up right where the last one ended with the adventure going as fast and as furiously as the first! With the survivors and soldiers of the farm and there new companions are still stuck behind enemy lines, trying to make their way home when every stop along the way is fraught with more drama and danger than any one person deserves, from the first page to the very last you are drawn into the story, with all it's twists and turns till you are finished with the book thinking oh my am I glad there is one more coming because I have to know how this adventure is going to end.

[Ida Umphers · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this installment, our group of survivors is on the run from the aliens. They learn more about them and try to figure out a way to take them down. As would be true in real life, the group is a mixed lot both personality wise and in their fighting ability as not all are military. The relationship between Josh and Xavier is developing, but it is mixed here with a very interesting complication - Josh is trying to figure out what a leader really is, if he can step up and be that for these people and how a same sex relationship would impact his ability to lead. Must personal happiness be sacrificed for the survival of the group?

[Janet Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

First thing, you really need to read the first book in the Captured Earth series. Josh and Xavier are reunited! The ship has been destroyed. Their bond is strong still although Xavier is not well, and everyone is looking to Josh to help them and give them answers. This was fantastic continuation, and I cannot wait for the next! The story was really well written, highly recommend. I’m voluntarily reviewing from an advanced copy that I received. My review is solely based on my thoughts and opinions.

[Aimee · Rating 5 out of 5]

We left book one with Josh & Xavier reunited in an alien camp, they escape and are heading to safety…not so much!! This book is just as intense and action packed but we so get more from the two MCs. They, along with the other survivors have made camp in an abandoned hotel, and have decided to take advantage of the extra time they have together. So we get more of their loving relationship while still dealing with the nasty bugs/gecko aliens. I couldn’t put this one down either…though still a cliff hanger…be warned…

[Cat Face Gargoyle Vesta · Rating 5 out of 5]

While slower than the first book in the series, this continuation of the story allowed for some well-needed breathing room. Still intense but in a different way, leaning more into Josh and Xavier's relationship. It's a good thing--they needed some development and I was glad to see a little of the way they feel about one another.

Wondering how this is going to wrap up given that the story as a whole leads us to believe that the alien problem will get dealt with by the end, and not just what's going on with these guys. Guess I'll find out!!

[Lydia Devlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carrying straight on from book one, this story had me hooked straight from the beginning!
As with the first book,this story is fast paced, full of great action and I loved it!
Both main characters are great and I was rooting for them, and for everyone else too.
I want to say so much about this story but,I won't as I don't want to spoil this for anyone
I received an ARC copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.

[Tessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a great sequel to Resist the first book in the trilogy. If you haven't read the first book then it might be hard to read this one. This series of books are not standalone. In this book, Xavier and Josh (and the other escapees) are on their own in enemy territory and have to scramble to figure out how to survive. They are again learning how to be in a relationship. This book was good not to angsty lots of fun times. I definitely recommend this book! Now on to the third book.

[Felicity · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thrilling continuation to the series. The mission continues taking place in a ghost town and trying to survive the night from alien creatures 👽 tons of suspense and plot twists. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you Gay Romance Reviews for introducing me to this author.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

They have managed to escape the ship but they have no supplies or even weapons to use. They are a team and they need to find supplies before they move forwards. Where will they find them? Will they be able to escape from there without too many problems? Will the aliens find them? Will they be recaptured? See if they find their supplies

[Dannica · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one isn't really a book in itself--it continues where Resist left off, and leads into the conclusion to the novella trilogy, but couldn't really stand alone. It was still fun to read about our band of survivors traveling, fighting aliens and trying to return to civilization, and to see Josh and Xavier have some more time together and a chance to talk.

[Brooks 59 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This group of survivers just can't catch a break. Good writing, lots of suspense, dastardly bad guys. I really like the author's blurb, a little gore with your gay romance! This was such a fun, interesting read!

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book will keep you on the edge of your seat. So much is happening and so much more is on the way. There are explosions and betrayals and poor results for those who do not listen. Josh and Xavier are brave and determined and refuse to quit. I received an ARC of this book for my honest review.

[Olivia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Better than book 1. More romance, same exciting action.

[Gema Rodríguez · Rating 4 out of 5]

It continues the story where the first book left off and, like it, it kept me quite hooked on it.