Hi there! Today I’m sharing a review and giveaway for a new M/M sci-fi romance from Mary Newman. A PRINCE’S RANSOM is a complete tale of deception, flight, connection and redemption–all in a handy novella format.

Catch the excerpt, my review and enter to win a copy of the book below.

About the book:
Prince Itu Graus thought coming out in front of the entire royal court was bad. Being exiled by his father to the frozen wastelands where he struggled just to survive was harsh.

But, running for his life is so much worse.

His planet invaded and the royal family assassinated, Itu leaves his world one step ahead of a death squad. Hiding from those who want him dead and just trying to survive are now his only goals.

Loka Chalce is known as a trader who travels the galaxy to buy and sell goods, but he has a secret life known only to a few as a licensed enforcer for the Interplanetary Council. When a contract comes across the com for a deposed prince who is running directly towards those Loka loves, he only stops long enough to be certain it is genuine before accepting the job.

But what happens when the man you have been hired to keep from ever returning to his world turns out to be someone you would much rather protect?

How about a little taste?

“Not getting in the middle of an established relationship, Salio,” Loka grumbled. “Stop matchmaking. You and Bira are terrible at it.”

“Fine,” Salio huffed. “Find your own boyfriend. I was only being helpful.”

“This discussion is over with,” Loka stated, flatly.

“Uncle Loka, will you help me move another bed from the storage room out to the guest house?” Alor asked as he stepped through the back door. “We can put one in Pop Pops old office and move the desk and chair out.”

“Well, well,” Salio looked at him, eyes gleaming. “I guess that answers that question.”

“Shut it, Salio!” Loka growled, pointing a thick finger at her. “I don’t need or want your help.”

Salio’s laugh was pure evil as she flounced towards the front of the store.

“Hey, Bira, guess what?” she called out.

Loka sighed and scrubbed his face with both hands.

“Oh man, Uncle Loka, you better run now. They’ll have you married and settled before morning,” Alor cackled.

“Gods, why can’t they keep their wedded bliss to themselves?” Loka grumbled. “Come on, Alor, let’s go haul out the desk and chair first.”

My Review:
Itu is an exiled prince of the planet Bergradi when an invading army executes his estranged royal family. Escaping the planet with the help of his manservant, Grekor, Itu wants to settle somewhere far away and be safe. While he loves his planet he never planned to rule there–men of his type (those favoring men) had no change of authority.

Finding work on Outpost Sema, Itu and Grekor attempt to build a new life. They have no idea a Galactic Enforcer, Loka, is stationed nearby. Loka receives the contract on Itu’s life–which he notes is amended from execution to observation and notification–if Itu seems poised to return to Bergradi. Loka accepts the contract and befriends Itu, never anticipating falling for the beautiful, compassionate man who is his target.

As the political state of Bergradi continues to degrade some big galactic players come to the fore, and Itu must choose whether to accept the meager terms of the invaders, or be bold, as his true father had been. I really enjoyed this story. The plot had excellent pacing and a logical progression. There is a nice bit of intrigue, and some harrowing moments, but it never felt melodramatic. I liked how the romance built, with Loka being a considerate and patient partner to his younger and less-experienced lover. I think, however, the dialogue could have been a bit better written. There was too much of our everyday slang, for me, which detracted from the otherwise excellent sci-fi world-building and political thriller elements.

Interested? You can find A PRINCE’S RANSOM on Goodreads and Amazon.

****GIVEAWAY****

Click on this Rafflecopter giveaway link for your chance to win a copy of A PRINCE’S RANSOM.
Good luck and keep reading my friends!

Meet the author:
I’m a self-published writer of stories set on worlds that live only in my mind. If you think it can’t happen, well, I do my best to prove you wrong. I mainly write romance because I like to take the most unlikely of couples (or trios) and give them a happily ever after. My characters quite often pick up the personalities of my family and friends – which can lead to the most interesting of conversations, believe me.

I live in the wilds of Northeast Oklahoma with Mija, a rescued hound of unknown mixed heritage, and a rose point Siamese named Kiko who delights in tormenting both Mija and me when we’d rather be relaxing or sleeping.

You can catch up with Mary online on Goodreads, Facebook and twitter.