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Tag: Strong Female Characters

Well-developed characters with realistic strengths and weaknesses

Uh oh. The power went out and the guards are MIA ⚡🚓 #SciFi #MMRomance #MFRWhooks

Wulf, Tales of the Chosen MM Sci-Fi Romance #MMRomance #MMReads #SciFi

Luc had brought Wulf home with him to protect him from a threat. As the Harbinger, Luc has a well-won reputation in the widespread world of the Thieves' Guild. Anyone  foolish enough to attack him would be swiftly dealt with. In this scene in Luc's home, Luc and Wulf are awakened by someone breaking into their bedroom. Though Luc is armed and ready to shoot, it turns out to be his son, who's come to warn them the power is out and the guards protecting the house are all dead.

Escape Plan

How Luc hated it when he was right about things going wrong. He'd planned for big trouble; hoped for an easy solution.

Wulf stared at Senthys with a blank expression that faded to one of terror. He lurched backwards, glancing about the room like a rabbit with foxes after him.

Luc dashed forward and dragged Wulf up against his chest. "Easy, love. It's all right. I won't let anyone hurt you."

The younger man trembled, but he drew himself up and controlled his chattering teeth. "I—I'm okay. You take care of S-Senthys."

"Hey." Senthys winked at him. "Don't worry about me." He gave him thumbs up. "But you might want to get some clothes on."

Luc handed Wulf his pants. "Shirt and shoes too. We may have to run for it." Luc added his own shirt. "Now you see why I always fold my clothes. Easier to dress and run."

"Run where?" Senthys folded his arms. "There's no way out from up here except the windows in the other rooms."

"You knew we were trapped in here but you came anyway?"

Senthys frowned at him. "What was I supposed to do, leave you? You're my dad."

Luc slipped on his shoes. "We'll talk about safety later." He tucked the weapon in his pants pocket, opened the drawer, and pulled out an extra power clip. "Wulf, do you know how to shoot?"

"I could learn."

"That's my boy. You may have to. I don't want to arm Senthys if I don't have to."

"What!" Senthys faced him. "I can fire a weapon. I've had training. He hasn't."

"And if I need you to shoot I'll give you a gun without hesitation, but I don't want to jeopardize your guild standing if I don't have to."

The Guild took a dim view of using a weapon except in self-defense. Armed robbery, at least on Kelthia, didn't exist. A sad truth that had come about after the death of Wulf's father.

"Wulf, love, open the closet door. Go to the third set of shoe cubbies on the left, then the fourth cubby up from the bottom right. Reach into the back and push."

The rear of the closet swiveled open.

"Oh, cool!" Senthys rubbed his hands together. "A secret passageway."

"Senthys, you lead the way. Here." He tossed him a flashlight from the drawer. "No noise."

"Yes, sir."

Wulf followed him without prompting.

Luc closed the outer closet door, entered the narrow brick passageway, and shut the secret door behind him. A smooth passageway tilted down. Luc brought up the rear.

Wulf waited for him ahead. "So much 'not even Senthys could get in here tonight.'"

"Shh." Luc raised a finger to his lips. "Wulf," he whispered, "would you kindly keep in mind a killer's in the house searching for us at this very moment? Keep your voice down."

At the bottom of the stairs, Senthys stopped before a metal door. "I've never seen so many locks in one place before."

"Excuse me." Luc turned sideways to fit into the cramped space and moved around Wulf. To dry his fingertips, Luc brushed them against his pants and then stroked the topmost lock. "Senthys, hold the light."

"Yes, sir. What system is this?"

He keyed a pattern on the second lock. "A Cyr de Tomasson. Very old, made before the planet Kelthia was part of the Tarthian Empire." He caught Wulf's knowing smile over Senthys' head. Luc had been Cyr de Tomasson in a previous life. This was his invention.

"Wow." Senthys squinted at the locks. "I never thought I'd get to see one of these. Was de Tomasson related to you?"

Luc fumbled the lock sequence and had to start over. "What in the worlds made you think that?"

"The 'Cyr' in the name. Seems like a lot of Kelthian history is about people with that name. I run into it all the time when I'm researching the guild archives for Grand Master de Laney."

Senthys shone the light on the last lock. "Did you put this thing down here?"

Luc hesitated. "It came with the house." Not a total lie. He'd built the house too, in another life.

"Don't you think it's time to upgrade?"

"Modern thieves have no idea how to operate the system. It isn't just a series of locks, Senthys. There are small switches and catches as well." He released the final lock. "Virtually pick-proof. It's safe to say no one in the union these days could break into it."

"Then how did you manage it so smoothly?"

Luc pulled open the door, took the light from his son, and shone it up on his own face. "I'm the Harbinger, remember?" He used the light to indicate the opening. "Let's go."

Tales of the Chosen

Erotic MM Billionaire Age Gap Sci-Fi Romance #MMReads #MMRomance

Wulf is permafree on all retailers.
Warning: Not for readers of "clean and sweet" romance.

#MMRomance #MMReads #SciFi

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Tales of the Chosen Series #MMRomance #SciFi #WriteLGBTQ

Tales of the Chosen Series #MMRomance #SciFi #WriteLGBTQ

Tales of the Chosen Series #MMRomance #SciFi #WriteLGBTQ

Complete Set Tales of the Chosen Series: All Books in the Erotic Gay Sci-Fi Series


Welcome to Book Hooks!

Marketing for Romance Writers Book HooksBook Hooks is a weekly cooperative blog hop hosted by Marketing for Romance Writers as part of the MFRW Authors Blog.
It's a chance each week for you to discover current works in progress or previously published books by possibly new-to-you authors.
Thank you for stopping by.

Links below lead to other sites also taking part. You can "hop" from mine to theirs with one click.

Feel free to say hello or leave a note in the comments.

Download a printable book list or a list of trigger warnings for all books. Claim your immortality by signing up for my newsletter

Immortal Reviews Rock & Rule - Join the Review Team


~ Copyright ©2025 Kayelle Allen. All rights reserved ~ Kayelle Allen participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates program, an affiliate advertising program which provides the means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com. If you purchase an item listed on the site from Amazon.com, Kayelle will earn a small commission. Other sites might be affiliate links as well. These will not result in higher prices for you. Thank you for your support!

My characters may be found in multiple books in my story universe. Pietas images Nik Nitsvetov as Pietas cosplay.


This idBot of yours is invading everything #Excerpt from A Stolen Heart #SciFi

Let idBot get the door

Is it true that idBot sees everything? In this scene, Luc is about to enter an elevator/lift in the Thieves' Guild. The elevator car moves up, down, and sideways to traverse the huge building. He's on his way to an important meeting.

idBot sees everything

After Luc left Tonio's office, he visited the Arcane Level library on the thirtieth floor, checking data to prepare for his meeting with Ms. Lexius. He headed for his office, but when the elevator opened, Grand Master Aerlray de Clare stood inside.

Luc repeated his mantra. Focus, not dwell. Move forward. Gathering his patience, Luc entered and pressed the button for his floor. "Aerlray."

"Luc Saint-Cyr." The man smiled like a predator. "The man I'm looking for."

"Oh?" Luc kept his back to the doors. "Why's that?"

"It's been brought to my attention idBot's poking its nose into our files."

"Is that so?" Floor numbers in idBot green scrolled around the top of the car as it moved downward. Ten floors to the first turn. "That phrase 'idBot sees everything' is literal."

"But it's scanning confidential data. Contracts. Personnel. Sealed adoptions."

And why was he trying to hide those? "IdBot needs to know what it's protecting."

"A lock on a door doesn't need to know what's behind the door."

"IdBot's more than a lock. It gathers intel about its surroundings. It's a living, breathing system that can actively protect its owner." He owed Shohn Lexius for that tidbit.

"I don't care about any of that." De Clare puffed himself up. "I want it to stop. Now. Pull idBot back from this invasive search, Saint-Cyr. It's setting a dangerous precedent. The Guild won't tolerate it."

He'd switched to using last names. Interesting.

Three floors.

"Aelray, if you think a threat will deter me, you don't know me."

"No threat." De Clare held up both hands. "But this idBot of yours is meddling where it doesn't belong."

"Oh?" The car slowed, shifted direction sideways. "What is there to hide?"

De Clare pointed at him. "I'm not the only councilmember who dislikes these invasive searches. This could have serious consequences if it came to a vote."

Good. Let it. "Why are you telling me this?"

"Because you own idBot."

"Let's say a tech company hires one of our people. Signs a contract for corporate espionage, but it's bungled. Things go badly. What's the procedure for a complaint?"

De Clare stepped back. "Why are you asking me? You know the procedure."

"That's right. I do." The car slowed, headed down again. "Procedure doesn't say 'go to the Grand Master and whine."

"What's your point?"

"When the Guild installed idBot, it came with a book of procedures in case anything went wrong. I didn't write the book, but I can guarantee you that nowhere in it does it suggest hassling members of the board or the owner."

The man stiffened, mouth set in a straight line. His usual cocky self had deteriorated into a petulant boy. "Are you going to stand there and tell me this isn't your doing?"

"What isn't my doing?"

The elevator made the last turn to the side, bypassing the Heart of the Guild. Not unlike de Clare, who could not seem to grasp the heart of the organization.

"Look, Saint-Cyr." De Clare arranged his robes of office. "This idBot of yours is poking through employee files, intake records, and financial statements. It's rifling through everything."

Excellent. More proof. Luc bared his teeth in a pseudo-smile. "You mean it's searching databases in order to back them up and provide security for every aspect of the facility?" The car slowed. The doors opened and Luc took one step outside. He wedged a foot to block the elevator from closing.

"That's exactly what I mean!" Spittle showed at the corners of de Clare's mouth. He took a full step back, shoulders against the wall. "I want it to stop." He jabbed a finger toward Luc. "Now!"

Luc released the doors. "Then call the Help Desk."

Be sure to check out the other authors in this hop at the bottom of the page.

Thieves' Guild Academy

Thieves' Guild Academy #SciFi #MMRomance #WriteLGBTQ

#SciFi #WriteLGBTQ #MMRomance
Support me by buying direct https://kayelleallen.com/buy-direct/buy-tga/

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A Stolen Heart: When your king is immortal—and your ex—how do you guard your heart?

A Broken Heart: He can be invisible, but how can he hide his heart...

A Divided Heart: In a school filled with hackers and thieves, how do you trust your heart?

Thieves' Guild Academy Bundle 1 Honor above profit. Skill above chance. Family above all. #SciFi #MMRomance #WriteLGBTQ

“Ow. Why am I on the floor?” Boxing mishap from Wulf by Kayelle Allen #MMRomance #SciFi #MFRWhooks

Wulf, Tales of the Chosen MM Sci-Fi Romance #MMRomance #MMReads #SciFi

In this scene from Wulf, while looking for Luc, Wulf opened the door to a built-in gym where Luc and his teenaged son, Senthys had been boxing. Senthys ducked just as the door slid open, and Luc punched Wulf.

What happened?

"Wulf?" Luc's voice intruded in the darkness. "Wulf, wake up."

He opened his eyes to find Luc and Senthys both hovering over him. "What happened?"

The teenager leaned in close, peering at him. "Nose is busted."

"Senthys!" Luc snapped. "Get back. This is all your fault!"

"Is not!" the youth shot back. "I didn't deck him. You did."

Wulf pressed his nose. "Ow. You hit me?"

"He sure did." Senthys jerked a thumb at Luc. "Right in the nose."

"I did not!" Luc insisted.

"Shut up, both of you. Somebody hit me. Why?" Wulf raised himself up on an elbow.

"Don't get up." Luc knocked it out from under him.

Wulf's head bounced on the semi-soft surface. "Ow!"

"Sorry! I'm sorry." Luc caressed Wulf's face. "Why'd you come in? The sign on the door says 'knock and wait.' You could've been hurt."

"He was hurt," Senth pointed out.

Luc glared at him.

"What sign?" Wulf rubbed his brow. "My head feels like shit. Where am I?"

Senthys grinned at him. Up close, his blue eyes had slashed catlike pupils and his fangs showed. Otherwise, he appeared human. "Your head hurts because Dad punched you in the nose."

"Senthys!" Luc gritted his teeth. "This is all your fault!"

"Hey, I didn't do anything." Senthys moved to Wulf's other side. "You okay, Wulf?"

"Senthys!" Luc stiffened. "That is Mr. Gabriel to you."

Wulf closed his eyes. "Please fight later. What happened? Why'd you hit me?"

"I'm sorry he beat you up, Wulf." Senthys sat back.

"His name is Mr. Gabriel"-- Luc repeated --"And I didn't beat him up."

"Luc, let him call me Wulf. Mister sounds like you're talking to my father."

"'Luc'?" Senthys chuckled. "You let someone call you 'Luc'?"

"Son, do not use my first name."

Senthys shrugged. "Wasn't me calling you 'Luc'. I said Wulf calls you 'Luc'. I know better than to call you 'Luc', sir. I know how much you hate it when people call you by the name 'Luc'. I sure wouldn't call you 'Luc'."

"Senthys!" Luc's teeth showed in a grimace. "Knock it off!"

The youth blinked, his face a picture of innocence. "Knock off what?"

"Both of you!" Wulf covered his eyes. "Shut up!"

Tales of the Chosen

Erotic MM Billionaire Age Gap Sci-Fi Romance #MMReads #MMRomance

Wulf is permafree on all retailers.
Warning: Not for readers of "clean and sweet" romance.

#MMRomance #MMReads #SciFi

Claim your immortality by signing up for my newsletter

Wulf, Tales of the Chosen MM Sci-Fi Romance #MMRomance #MMReads #SciFi

Alitus: Tales of the Chosen #WriteLGBTQ #SciFi #MMRomance

Jawk: Tales of the Chosen #WriteLGBTQ #SciFi #MMRomance

Complete Set Tales of the Chosen Series: All Books in the Erotic Gay Sci-Fi Series


Welcome to Book Hooks!

Marketing for Romance Writers Book HooksBook Hooks is a weekly cooperative blog hop hosted by Marketing for Romance Writers as part of the MFRW Authors Blog.
It's a chance each week for you to discover current works in progress or previously published books by possibly new-to-you authors.
Thank you for stopping by.

Links below lead to other sites also taking part. You can "hop" from mine to theirs with one click.

Feel free to say hello or leave a note in the comments.

Download a printable book list or a list of trigger warnings for all books. Claim your immortality by signing up for my newsletter

Immortal Reviews Rock & Rule - Join the Review Team


~ Copyright ©2025 Kayelle Allen. All rights reserved ~ Kayelle Allen participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates program, an affiliate advertising program which provides the means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com. If you purchase an item listed on the site from Amazon.com, Kayelle will earn a small commission. Other sites might be affiliate links as well. These will not result in higher prices for you. Thank you for your support!

My characters may be found in multiple books in my story universe. Pietas images Nik Nitsvetov as Pietas cosplay.


The perils of parenting a professional thief 😏🔐 #SciFi #MMRomance #MFRWhooks

Wulf, Tales of the Chosen MM Sci-Fi Romance #MMRomance #MMReads #SciFi

After getting a call from the Thieves' Guild Academy that Senth had been suspended from school, Luc had to hop between planets and fly home. Now, dinner over, father and son finally talk. This scene takes place on the planet Kelthia in Luc's home.

There's no rule. I checked.

Luc and Senthys cleaned the kitchen after dinner while Wulf napped on the couch. For once, Senthys didn't argue over homework and he completed his academic lessons without difficulty. Luc practiced with him for the Level 14 Advanced Pickpocket exam he'd take next week.

After Luc put Senthys through his paces, he clapped his son on the shoulder. "Excellent work. No doubt you'll pass with a perfect score."

"Thank you, Sen'dai."

"According to the Headmaster, you have the highest aptitude in the Academy."

Senthys shut off the learning pad and picked it up. "He always talks to me like I'm a screw-up."

"That's because you insist on pranks and foolishness."

"Okay, yeah, I like pranks, but I'm no screw up."

"I agree with you there. So suppose you explain to me how you got suspended from the Thieves' Guild Academy for stealing ice cream from the lunch room."

"Oh, that." His son made an off-handed gesture. "One of my friends got put on punishment for not studying, even though he knows the material perfectly. They told him he couldn't buy ice cream for a week."

"How does that involve you?"

"Well, they didn't tell me I couldn't buy it for him."

Luc rubbed his mouth, leaning back. "The way Headmaster de Laney tells it, you stole the ice cream."

"Yeah, but only because he punished me for buying it for him. That wasn't fair. There's nothing in the handbook about not stealing ice cream. I checked."

How like his son to know precisely how far to push the rules. Toes right on the line but never going over. Luc waited to see if Senthys would say more.

"You sent me to the Academy to learn to be a professional thief, yet stealing from them is against the rules?" Senthys folded his arms. "Explain that if you can."

Luc opted for the answer that would end the conversation fastest. "The headmasters don't like anyone working the system and showing them up. You know what that means?"

"Yeah. Exactly. Don't get caught again."


Welcome to Book Hooks!

Marketing for Romance Writers Book HooksBook Hooks is a weekly cooperative blog hop hosted by Marketing for Romance Writers as part of the MFRW Authors Blog.
It's a chance each week for you to discover current works in progress or previously published books by possibly new-to-you authors.
Thank you for stopping by.

Links below lead to other sites also taking part. You can "hop" from mine to theirs with one click.

Feel free to say hello or leave a note in the comments.

Tales of the Chosen

Erotic MM Billionaire Age Gap Sci-Fi Romance #MMReads #MMRomance

Wulf is permafree on all retailers.
Warning: Not for readers of "clean and sweet" romance.

#MMRomance #MMReads #SciFi

Claim your immortality by signing up for my newsletter

Wulf, Tales of the Chosen MM Sci-Fi Romance #MMRomance #MMReads #SciFi

Alitus: Tales of the Chosen #WriteLGBTQ #SciFi #MMRomance

Jawk: Tales of the Chosen #WriteLGBTQ #SciFi #MMRomance

Complete Set Tales of the Chosen Series: All Books in the Erotic Gay Sci-Fi Series

Download a printable book list or a list of trigger warnings for all books. Claim your immortality by signing up for my newsletter

Immortal Reviews Rock & Rule - Join the Review Team


~ Copyright ©2025 Kayelle Allen. All rights reserved ~ Kayelle Allen participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates program, an affiliate advertising program which provides the means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com. If you purchase an item listed on the site from Amazon.com, Kayelle will earn a small commission. Other sites might be affiliate links as well. These will not result in higher prices for you. Thank you for your support!

My characters may be found in multiple books in my story universe. Pietas images Nik Nitsvetov as Pietas cosplay.


NarrAy can finally drop her cover and take time off #SciFi #Romance #MFRWhooks

At the Mercy of Her Pleasure #SciFi #Romance

In this scene, Captain NarrAy Jorlan has just come from a meeting with a professional thief (Senth Antonello). The basic mission has been explained and agreed to. Now she's back aboard the Jalane, ready to drop the cover created for the mission.

Dropping the Cover

All People's Liberation Army Ship Jalane
Officers' Quarters

After a debriefing with her superior, NarrAy returned to her cabin. She locked the door and set the privacy indicator to full block, then kicked off her high heels and set about stripping off the red party dress. The All People's Liberation Army had spent a tradestandard month raising funds for this mission, and she couldn't waste one drak of it by spoiling the clothes. She'd have to wear the dress aboard ship on the way to Tarth.

Her cover as a wealthy woman on vacation with a full staff had not been her idea, and she'd fought the nonsense of spending an outrageous sum for party clothes, flying on a sleepliner—empire-class no less—reserving the finest suite in the biggest hotel, ground transportation, and the flight back.

All she'd wanted was the cost for hiring a member of the elite Thieves' Guild with the right expertise for the job.

But the Sleeper, the APLA's leader, insisted that individuals who could afford to hire a Level Nineteen thief were wealthy. He'd promised a special price if NarrAy hired the son of his old friend, the Harbinger. Letting Saint-Cyr know why the APLA wanted the stolen device back was out of the question. Hence the elaborate cover.

The Harbinger's "special" price by itself was triple her original budget. She comforted herself with the thought that it could have been much much more. Getting into a government holding area, even a backwater one, meant paying the dues.

"How does anyone afford these guys?" NarrAy hung the dress inside her bagbot and stuffed the shoes into their cubby. "Please let Senth be worth it."

She stepped back and took in the meticulously arranged articles of clothing, hung according to length, and grouped by color. She never wore red, but almost everything in the bagbot blared the color. Her assistant Encie's doing. The Kin female had shown off each item as if it were precious gold. Who cared about brand names? Clothes covered the body. End of story.

One slim drawer had bras folded with their cups tucked into one another, each lying beside the other in neat rows. Strips of cloth she assumed were panties lay grouped by color. A smaller drawer held cosmetics, none of which NarrAy recognized. Beyond her preferred fragrance-free soap and moisturizer, the rest belonged to the persona she'd display during the mission.

Encie had helped her dress and apply cosmetics, chiding NarrAy for not knowing how to use them.

NarrAy had set her straight on that. An addictive Better like herself could be arrested for attracting people, and NarrAy was not going to enhance her looks even more.

But the Sleeper had intervened and insisted. NarrAy's cover demanded she portray a flashy, sensual woman who traveled empire class, insisted on the best of the best, and bought what she wanted when she wanted it. Including the services of a top of the line Thieves' Guild member.

All that mattered was the mission.

Antonello Brothers

Antonello Brothers Sci-Fi Romance Series by Kayelle Allen #SciFi #Romance

Click covers for the buy link.

Series page https://kayelleallen.com/antonello-brothers

Support me by buying direct https://kayelleallen.com/buy-direct/buy-ab/

#SciFi #Romance

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At the Mercy of Her Pleasure by Kayelle Allen #SciFi #SpaceOpera

For Her Only #SciFiRomance by Kayelle Allen

Her Crystal Clear Truth by Kayelle Allen #SciFi #Romance

The Antonello Brothers #SciFiRomance #EnterTheEmpire


Welcome to Book Hooks!

Marketing for Romance Writers Book HooksBook Hooks is a weekly cooperative blog hop hosted by Marketing for Romance Writers as part of the MFRW Authors Blog.
It's a chance each week for you to discover current works in progress or previously published books by possibly new-to-you authors.
Thank you for stopping by.

Links below lead to other sites also taking part. You can "hop" from mine to theirs with one click.

Feel free to say hello or leave a note in the comments.

Download a printable book list or a list of trigger warnings for all books. Claim your immortality by signing up for my newsletter

Immortal Reviews Rock & Rule - Join the Review Team


~ Copyright ©2025 Kayelle Allen. All rights reserved ~ Kayelle Allen participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates program, an affiliate advertising program which provides the means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com. If you purchase an item listed on the site from Amazon.com, Kayelle will earn a small commission. Other sites might be affiliate links as well. These will not result in higher prices for you. Thank you for your support!

My characters may be found in multiple books in my story universe. Pietas images Nik Nitsvetov as Pietas cosplay.


Senth likes who? No way. A fun excerpt from At the Mercy of Her Pleasure #SciFi #Romance #MFRWhooks

At the Mercy of Her Pleasure #SciFi #Romance

In this scene from At the Mercy of Her Pleasure, NarrAy and Encie, one of her aides, have just observed a quick interchange between Senth and NarrAy's other aide, Broxus, and mistakes what and who Senth likes.

The reality is, Broxus had thought Senth was attracted to Encie when Senth had actually meant he likes NarrAy. Because the women had showed up while they were talking, Senth and Broxus had resorted to a kind of code.

The result? NarrAy has completely misread the situation.

He likes who?

NarrAy bit out a curse and folded her arms.

"What?" Encie sidled closer.

"He likes Brox."

"Senth? No."

"Why else would he look so embarrassed? And come on, helping Brox with his tie? Since when did Brox ever care about that? It's obvious Senth likes him and they wanted to be alone."

"No way." Encie shook her head. "Brox is not interested in his own gender."

"How would you know?"

Encie wiggled her eyebrows.

"You and... No." Brox's door remained shut. NarrAy squinted. "When?"

"Before we came to work for you. We're long since over each other."

"So..." NarrAy turned back to her. "You don't think..."

"I know for a fact that Brox isn't."

NarrAy tapped a finger against her lips. "Good."

Encie leaned closer. "There's one way to find out. Touch him."

"No. Besides, Senth is on Shackle."

"Think of it as a challenge. Can your pheromones beat the drug?"

"No." Folding her arms, NarrAy turned away. "That wouldn't be right."

"You've been flirting with Senth since he got in the car back in town. Don't even try to tell me you don't like him." A hand on her hip, Encie gave her an arch look. "He and his brother are the hottest things I've seen in weeks. Did you see the abs on him? I almost swallowed my tongue."

NarrAy paced the room, her pulse heightening.

Senth's door opened, and he came out dressed in immaculate black-and-white evening attire. Black tie against his throat, loose curls brushing his shoulders. The suit accented his wide shoulders and narrow waist. He looked every bit as rich as he was supposed to look. Those diamond studs were no doubt real, and probably stolen. What thief would buy those things?

His big, pale blue cat-eyed gaze focused on her, causing NarrAy to tingle all over. He looked away and adjusted a diamond cufflink.

Senth's untutored vulnerability and restrained sensuality lashed at her senses. Sweet, charming, intelligent. All the man needed now was the right woman to awaken his passion.

NarrAy strolled toward him.

Antonello Brothers

Antonello Brothers Sci-Fi Romance Series by Kayelle Allen #SciFi #Romance

Click covers for the buy link.

Series page https://kayelleallen.com/antonello-brothers

Support me by buying direct https://kayelleallen.com/buy-direct/buy-ab/

#SciFi #Romance

Claim your immortality by signing up for my newsletter

At the Mercy of Her Pleasure by Kayelle Allen #SciFi #SpaceOpera

For Her Only #SciFiRomance by Kayelle Allen

Her Crystal Clear Truth by Kayelle Allen #SciFi #Romance

The Antonello Brothers #SciFiRomance #EnterTheEmpire


Welcome to Book Hooks!

Marketing for Romance Writers Book HooksBook Hooks is a weekly cooperative blog hop hosted by Marketing for Romance Writers as part of the MFRW Authors Blog.
It's a chance each week for you to discover current works in progress or previously published books by possibly new-to-you authors.
Thank you for stopping by.

Links below lead to other sites also taking part. You can "hop" from mine to theirs with one click.

Feel free to say hello or leave a note in the comments.

Download a printable book list or a list of trigger warnings for all books. Claim your immortality by signing up for my newsletter

Immortal Reviews Rock & Rule - Join the Review Team


~ Copyright ©2025 Kayelle Allen. All rights reserved ~ Kayelle Allen participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates program, an affiliate advertising program which provides the means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com. If you purchase an item listed on the site from Amazon.com, Kayelle will earn a small commission. Other sites might be affiliate links as well. These will not result in higher prices for you. Thank you for your support!

My characters may be found in multiple books in my story universe. Pietas images Nik Nitsvetov as Pietas cosplay.


“Sorry. You did what?!” #Excerpt Free book At the Mercy of Her Pleasure #Romance #SciFi #MFRWhooks

At the Mercy of Her Pleasure #SciFi #Romance

In this scene, rebel captain NarrAy Jorlan discovers Senth Antonello locked inside a robotic suitcase, and releases him. She cannot imagine how he got locked in. She's certain someone tried to kill him, but NarrAy just hasn't reckoned with how crazy Senth gets when he's bored.

---

Excerpt At the Mercy of Her Pleasure

NarrAy helped Senth to the bed. "Who did this to you? What happened? I'm calling security."

"No!" He clutched her arm. "NarrAy. Sorry." He gasped for breath. "My fault."

"What happened?" She picked up a booklet from the desk and used it to fan him. "Are you all right?"

He grunted and turned on his side, doubled over.

"I'm calling sick bay. You --"

"No! NarrAy." He shook his head and took a deeper breath. "My fault. I was trying...test. See if...if..." He tightened his grip on her arm as he looked away from her. "So stupid."

"I don't understand, Senth. What happened?"

"I was bored, so I…" He pushed his face against the bed, avoiding her gaze. "I break into bagbots all the time. I thought I'd try breaking out of one."

"You did what?" She sank to the floor beside the bed at eye level with him. "Senth, you could've been killed!"

"Once the doors closed, the bot kept trying to compact itself."

All at once she glimpsed the future she'd have with Senth if she pursued him. Her wild missions paled compared to the thought of a life full of stunts like this one. Finding him locked inside some bagbot or cabinet or safe. Having him risk his freedom for the sake of a few rare coins or an old locket like the one he'd stolen for her. Thievery commonplace in her life? Her parents would never, ever approve.

Which was why she had to give that future a chance.

Antonello Brothers

Antonello Brothers Sci-Fi Romance Series by Kayelle Allen #SciFi #Romance

Click covers for the buy link.

Series page https://kayelleallen.com/antonello-brothers

Support me by buying direct https://kayelleallen.com/buy-direct/buy-ab/

#SciFi #Romance

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At the Mercy of Her Pleasure by Kayelle Allen #SciFi #SpaceOpera

For Her Only #SciFiRomance by Kayelle Allen

Her Crystal Clear Truth by Kayelle Allen #SciFi #Romance

The Antonello Brothers #SciFiRomance #EnterTheEmpire


Welcome to Book Hooks!

Marketing for Romance Writers Book HooksBook Hooks is a weekly cooperative blog hop hosted by Marketing for Romance Writers as part of the MFRW Authors Blog.
It's a chance each week for you to discover current works in progress or previously published books by possibly new-to-you authors.
Thank you for stopping by.

Links below lead to other sites also taking part. You can "hop" from mine to theirs with one click.

Feel free to say hello or leave a note in the comments.

Download a printable book list or a list of trigger warnings for all books. Claim your immortality by signing up for my newsletter

Immortal Reviews Rock & Rule - Join the Review Team


~ Copyright ©2025 Kayelle Allen. All rights reserved ~ Kayelle Allen participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates program, an affiliate advertising program which provides the means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com. If you purchase an item listed on the site from Amazon.com, Kayelle will earn a small commission. Other sites might be affiliate links as well. These will not result in higher prices for you. Thank you for your support!

My characters may be found in multiple books in my story universe. Pietas images Nik Nitsvetov as Pietas cosplay.


“Even their breath is mine…” Ritual of Strength, performed by Nik Nitsvetov @nitsvetov #Ritual Bringer of Chaos series by Kayelle Allen #PietasFans #Cosplay #SciFi

#Ritual "I prevail over the breath of my enemies." Ritual of Strength, performed by Nik Nitsvetov @nitsvetov Bringer of Chaos series by Kayelle Allen photographer @by_cosphoto #PietasFans #SciFi

 I prevail over the breath of my enemies.

Pietas performs this level of the ritual by thrusting forth his hands, making fists, and yanking back both arms; a symbol of taking life from those who opposed him. He carries out each step in a calm manner. To him, each statement is true. He's simply stating facts.

The first time Pietas performs the ritual in Origin of Pietas, he's in a beautiful chamber aboard his flagship. Everything in the room is geared toward the ritual. The elegance of the chamber reflects his confidence.

The second time, he's in exile. Wearing rags, gravely injured, he hobbles about with a heavy stick, his once-perfect body ruined by a brutal imprisonment. Not only can he no longer perform the ritual correctly, but he must perform it with the help of a lowly human.

Excerpt Origin of Pietas

In this scene, Pietas and Six are on the planet Sempervia, and Pietas has been performing the ritual on his own. Six, being human, is unworthy of taking part.

Taking care in the slippery mud, Pietas left the creek and once more, knelt beside the fire. He unwrapped the leaves holding the small amount of paste he'd created for his mask and applied it with his fingertips. There was no mirror to guide him, but he'd performed the ritual countless times. Once satisfied the mask blackened his eye area, he rested, preparing himself for the injury he must suffer.

He would perform this part alone, having no one worthy to accept his sacrifice. He picked up the knife.

"I, First Conqueror, War Leader of the Ultras, suffer for my people. I bleed for my people." He made a cut along one cheek, not as deep or long as Dessy had made. He bent forward to pull his hair toward the top of his head so he could cut it and was stopped, cold, by the inability to lift his arms far enough to reach. His muscles were still too tight, too drawn and withered to allow the movement.

Pietas remained on his knees, casting about in his mind what to do. How to complete the ritual.

The presence of Six brought both relief and a spike of anger. He sat up and tilted back his head to meet the man's gaze.

"Look, Pietas, before you yell at me, let me speak, okay?" Six knelt beside him. "I'm sorry. I know you said not to watch, but I couldn't look away. I can tell you're having trouble with this part. Let me help you. What do you need?"

The point of this part was to surrender his pride, was it not?

"I'll bow. Pull my hair toward the front and hold it in your fist. Then say, 'What sacrifice do you offer as proof of devotion?' After I answer, cut off the hair in your fist." He held up the knife.

Pietas resumed his position of supplication.

Six lifted Pietas's hair and drew it upward, toward the top of his head.

The sensation of being in his friend's capable hands sent a shockwave of gratitude over Pietas.

"What sacrifice do you offer as proof of devotion?"

"I surrender my pride."

Six's knife went through the wet hair in one clean motion.

Pietas righted himself. "I want to see how you sharpen knives."

Though it was full daylight, they were in shade and the firelight cast flickering shadows on Six's face. "Oh?"

"That blade is impressive."

"Thanks." He folded the knife and holstered it. "It does the job."

"However, you disobeyed a direct order."

Six fastened the safety on the holster, securing the knife. "See, I'm not one of your soldiers." Using a thumb, he wiped away a smear of blood from Pietas's cheek. "Which means you can't give me an order. Therefore, I did no such thing."

He met the man's unwavering gaze. "How you frustrate me, ghost."

"To quote you, 'Good.' Now, what's next?"

"When I performed this ritual before my people, whoever cut my hair had sex with me afterward."

Six's eyes went wide. "You're...kidding, right?"

Pietas let his gaze travel slowly down Six's length and back up before breaking into a smile. "Yes, I am."

"Not funny, Ultra. Anything else?"

"The ritual is complete."

Six gestured to his own eyes. "So that mask is part of your ritual."

"I never wear the mask until I've made myself worthy. And I'm ready for war."

"That means the day we met, you'd done the ritual."

"Yes."

Six cursed under his breath. "So, what else do you need?"

"I'll settle for you helping me up."

"The great Pietas, War Leader of the Ultras, wants help from a mortal? How the mighty have fallen."

Pietas narrowed his eyes. "Ghost, don't make me eat you."

"Yeah? I got two words for you, Ultra. Bring. Salt."

Bringer of Chaos

Bringer of Chaos Bundle 1 - Science Fiction and Space Opera #SciFi #SpaceOpera #PietasFans

Series page: https://kayelleallen.com/chaos-series/

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Lights Out: Bringer of Chaos, futuristic military sci-fi #SciFi #MilSF #SpaceOpera

Origin of Pietas: Bringer of Chaos - #SciFi #SpaceOpera

Forged in Fire: Bringer of Chaos #SciFi #SpaceOpera

 

Watch Your Six – Bringer of Chaos series 3 #SciFi #SpaceMarine #PietasFans

Behind the Scenes: Bringer of Chaos series

Bringer of Chaos Bundle 1 – Sci-Fi & Space Opera #SciFi #SpaceOpera #PietasFans

 

FREE for immortals.
Lights Out, the first story in the Bringer of Chaos series,
plus an illustrated look at the art and weapon designs commissioned for the series.

Claim your immortality:
https://kayelleallen.com/immortality

Download a printable book list or a list of trigger warnings for all books. Claim your immortality by signing up for my newsletter

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~ Copyright ©2025 Kayelle Allen. All rights reserved ~ Kayelle Allen participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates program, an affiliate advertising program which provides the means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com. If you purchase an item listed on the site from Amazon.com, Kayelle will earn a small commission. Other sites might be affiliate links as well. These will not result in higher prices for you. Thank you for your support!

My characters may be found in multiple books in my story universe. Pietas images Nik Nitsvetov as Pietas cosplay.


“Your pretty-boy thief is late.” Excerpt free book #SciFiRomance #MFRWhooks

At the Mercy of Her Pleasure #SciFi #Romance

A deleted scene from At the Mercy of Her Pleasure

In the book, Captain NarrAy Jorlan meets with Senth at a coffee shop adjacent to the Thieves' Guild. But in this version, they meet at the Starport.

Inside secret: the starport on Kelthia is named Starhaven Leojnimaj. Those are the names of my sons combined and backward (Joel, Jamin). NarrAy's last name, Jorlan, was chosen in honor of the hero of Dara Joy's book Ritual of Proof.

Starport Meetup

Kelthia, Miraj City, Starhaven Leojnimaj
Coffee Shop, Concourse D

NarrAy sat, holding a cup of coffee she didn't want and had no interest in tasting. A plain dress hid beneath her black hooded cape, covering every inch of skin as the law required for Betters. How long would it be before they forced her to hide her face too? She blew on the coffee. Where was her thief?

She touched the edge of her hood, activating a mic. "Anything yet?"

"Nothing." Broxus answered from the south terminal.

"No sign." Encie made ticking sounds into the transmitter. "Your pretty-boy thief is late."

"We'll give him two more minutes."

"You're too easy, boss." More ticking.

What was that noise? NarrAy scanned the area. "Encie, I thought you quit biting your nails."

"I'm not bi-- Hey. How'd you know I was doing that?"

"You may be on the north side of the concourse, but I can see you between the lockers." She blew on the coffee.

Her assistant stood up straight and glanced around. "I forgot about those eyes of yours."

"Yes, well, it was my ears that heard you nibbling."

"Nibbling what?" Senth asked, dropping into a chair.

NarrAy set down her coffee so fast it spilled. "Where did you come from?"

"Cohorts didn't see me?" His inviting mouth stretched into a smile. "Level nineteen thief, remember? If those two could spot me, I wouldn't be worth what you're paying." Using her napkin, he sopped up the coffee.

Brox's and Encie's questioning voices broke into her concentration.

"He's here. We're leaving." When she rose, Senth assisted her with her chair.

Not that she wanted or needed help, but imagine a thief with manners. Well, well... This could be interesting.

Antonello Brothers

Antonello Brothers Sci-Fi Romance Series by Kayelle Allen #SciFi #Romance

Click covers for the buy link.

Series page https://kayelleallen.com/antonello-brothers

Support me by buying direct https://kayelleallen.com/buy-direct/buy-ab/

#SciFi #Romance

Claim your immortality by signing up for my newsletter

At the Mercy of Her Pleasure by Kayelle Allen #SciFi #SpaceOpera

For Her Only #SciFiRomance by Kayelle Allen

Her Crystal Clear Truth by Kayelle Allen #SciFi #Romance

The Antonello Brothers #SciFiRomance #EnterTheEmpire


Welcome to Book Hooks!

Marketing for Romance Writers Book HooksBook Hooks is a weekly cooperative blog hop hosted by Marketing for Romance Writers as part of the MFRW Authors Blog.
It's a chance each week for you to discover current works in progress or previously published books by possibly new-to-you authors.
Thank you for stopping by.

Links below lead to other sites also taking part. You can "hop" from mine to theirs with one click.

Feel free to say hello or leave a note in the comments.

Download a printable book list or a list of trigger warnings for all books. Claim your immortality by signing up for my newsletter

Immortal Reviews Rock & Rule - Join the Review Team


~ Copyright ©2025 Kayelle Allen. All rights reserved ~ Kayelle Allen participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates program, an affiliate advertising program which provides the means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com. If you purchase an item listed on the site from Amazon.com, Kayelle will earn a small commission. Other sites might be affiliate links as well. These will not result in higher prices for you. Thank you for your support!

My characters may be found in multiple books in my story universe. Pietas images Nik Nitsvetov as Pietas cosplay.


Senth “liberates” a few coins #excerpt free book #SciFi #Romance #MFRWhooks

At the Mercy of Her Pleasure #SciFi #Romance

In this scene, Senth and Khyff are about to meet with Senth's father, Luc Saint-Cyr, at an infamous club in a bad part of town, when they run into a little snag. Seems Senth's "baby face" means no one takes him seriously.

Good thing his father -- known as the Man -- has a reputation that opens doors. And Senth has a real talent for liberating items...

The Bouncer

As Senth approached The Ghost, the club's beefy Kin bouncer put out a hand. "Hold up, kid. You--" She motioned toward Khyff -- "Wait over there. Now..." She motioned Senth aside. "You got ID?"

Senth opened his cloak, revealing the lining with its unmistakable Thieves' Guild insignia, a skeleton key inside a slashed circle. He gave his Sen'dai's hand sign, two fingers held at the level of his waist.

"Ffffftt!" The bouncer made an apologetic shrug. "Sorry. Why didn't you say you were the Man's right up front?"

"His shouldn't have to." Senth brushed a hand down the front of the cloak. "And I'm no kid."

"Sorry, sir." She opened the door for both of them and bowed.

Once inside, Khyff held out one palm, and Senth slid his down it, hooked his fingers as Khyff did, and with hands clasped, gave one downward shake.

"C'mon, Bro." Khyff led the way past the darkened foyer.

Inside, music pulsed like a living entity. Throbbing bass tickled Senth's chest, and he coughed. Drums pounded. Colored lights swept the cavernous room. Strobes flashed across the congested dance floor, highlighting bobbing heads and upflung arms. Light glinted off human bodies slick with sweat, while bared and damp Kin furskin stuck out in points, laden with glitter.

"Stay close," Khyff shouted over the pounding music, standing next to Senth. He headed for the rear and left no chance to argue.

Senth skirted around the crammed dance area, liberating loose credit stubs clipped to belts. In this place, it wouldn't take long for the pockets of his cloak to bulge.

He tried not to stare at the half-naked slakes along the wall, but their clothing and attitude declared their availability. A pair of male and female slakes bent over a low railing, their pants around their ankles. Androgs handled their bodies like merchandise.

Khyff nudged him. "Comparison shoppers."

Senth frowned. "Not funny."

"Try being the one hanging over the railing." Khyff jerked his head to the side.

Antonello Brothers

Antonello Brothers Sci-Fi Romance Series by Kayelle Allen #SciFi #Romance

Click covers for the buy link.

Series page https://kayelleallen.com/antonello-brothers

Support me by buying direct https://kayelleallen.com/buy-direct/buy-ab/

#SciFi #Romance

Claim your immortality by signing up for my newsletter

At the Mercy of Her Pleasure by Kayelle Allen #SciFi #SpaceOpera

For Her Only #SciFiRomance by Kayelle Allen

Her Crystal Clear Truth by Kayelle Allen #SciFi #Romance

The Antonello Brothers #SciFiRomance #EnterTheEmpire


Welcome to Book Hooks!

Marketing for Romance Writers Book HooksBook Hooks is a weekly cooperative blog hop hosted by Marketing for Romance Writers as part of the MFRW Authors Blog.
It's a chance each week for you to discover current works in progress or previously published books by possibly new-to-you authors.
Thank you for stopping by.

Links below lead to other sites also taking part. You can "hop" from mine to theirs with one click.

Feel free to say hello or leave a note in the comments.

Download a printable book list or a list of trigger warnings for all books. Claim your immortality by signing up for my newsletter

Immortal Reviews Rock & Rule - Join the Review Team


~ Copyright ©2025 Kayelle Allen. All rights reserved ~ Kayelle Allen participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates program, an affiliate advertising program which provides the means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com. If you purchase an item listed on the site from Amazon.com, Kayelle will earn a small commission. Other sites might be affiliate links as well. These will not result in higher prices for you. Thank you for your support!

My characters may be found in multiple books in my story universe. Pietas images Nik Nitsvetov as Pietas cosplay.