The Romanceaholic

The Galactic Alliance’s most important negotiator, Jathan One-Moon, is responsible for ensuring the yearly negotiations with the Ankylos are successful. If he fails and the Ankylos go to war, the human race will likely be exterminated. As if that wasn’t enough, he’s under pressure to marry and produce an heir. When he mistakes the brothel owner, Kazha Deinos, for his escort prior to the negotiations, the resulting evening makes Jathan realize his life is missing a man who can be a true partner to him.

Kaz never met his most important client, and Jathan’s misconception allows Kaz the freedom to give in to desires he’s never let himself indulge in before. But Kaz has a business to run, one that a rival is trying to steal, which will force him to reveal his true identity to Jay. There’s also the little issue of Jathan’s impending marriage. Kaz is not interested in being a boy on the side of Jay’s marriage, no matter how much he’s come to care for Jathan. Will Jathan and Kaz find a way to be together, or will losing the man Jathan’s grown to love be yet another price he must pay for saving the human race?

Oh my! Is it hot in here to you? No? Whew. I guess it’s just me then after reading this book.. *fans self*

If you’re a fan of M/M erotic romance, especially in a sci-fi/futuristic setting, I think that you are going to love this book.

What worked for me:

• I loved that the book didn’t start off with the heroes’ first meeting. Rather, there was quite a bit of setup to the story, introducing you not just to Kaz and Jathan, but also to their respective worlds.  It didn’t feel clunky, however, and each character had an interesting enough history and lead-up to their initial meeting that I wasn’t even tempted to skim forward to get to the naughty parts.
• The situation that led to Jay mistaking Kaz for an escort felt realistic.  The fact that it was a simple misunderstanding that escalated out of control added quite a bit of tension to the story, which I enjoyed.
• The lovin’. Oh my oh my, the lovin’. *fans self some more*  Jay is very dominant without truly desiring a D/s relationship, and Kaz has always longed for someone to take control. Let’s just say when these two come together, there are definite fireworks.
• I loved that while this definitely qualified as erotica, it wasn’t a “Plot? What plot?” type of book — both of the main characters were well-developed, and I felt that the tenderness and affection they felt for each other went far beyond the sexual chemistry they certainly felt.

What didn’t work for me:

• The many references to the unfair treatment and illogical attitudes towards gay men got a wee bit annoying towards the end. Yes, I get that it’s ridiculous for a man to think he can “top” and still be straight so long as he doesn’t “bottom” for anyone. I also understand how ridiculous it is for a man to own a gay brothel and be homophobic. I don’t need to be reminded of it over and over thank you.
• The name of the brothel, and thus the novel itself, was a bit cheesy to me. To be fair, I have to admit that “spice ‘n’ solace” did indeed sum up the relationship between Jay and Kaz, however.

In short, I loved this story.  It was sweet, sexy, romantic, and intense.  The sci-fi elements were enough to add a bit of side interest, but not enough to distract from Jay and Kaz’s relationship, and the social dynamic certainly kept both characters on their toes. The attraction between them, both sexual and otherwise, felt incredibly real, and their love scenes were enough to scorch your fingers while holding the page.

A very delicious 5/5 Stars

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