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Kade: Accidentally Bonded
Growing up on Rendol 4, Aiden Hill only ever wanted to help better his planet. Now a lieutenant in the Alliance Military, he is doing just that, defending the population from space pirates, slave traders and a rogue species fighting them for colonisation rights of the planet.
But during a mission gone awry, Aiden stumbles upon Kade, a brainwashed slave who immediately imprints on him and declares Aiden to be his master. But slavery in the Alliance is strictly forbidden, leaving Aiden attempting to rehabilitate his unexpected charge, despite Kade¡¯s obvious reluctance to cooperate.
Kade has waited for years to meet his master, the man he can devote himself to for the rest of his life. But when they finally meet, his master seems oddly reluctant to make use of Kade¡¯s many skills ¨C including his skills in the bedroom! Instead of giving him orders, his master insists that Kade should make his own decisions and express opinions that conflict with his master¡¯s desires.
A slave without a master is like a boat without a sail; directionless and destined to be swept up by the storms of life. But for Aiden to treat Kade as the slave he insists he is would be a moral travesty, defying both Alliance law and his own conscience. So how can the two of them ever find a middle ground, when the life Kade so ardently wants is one that Aiden finds so abhorrent?
Contains frequent military-style violence.
But during a mission gone awry, Aiden stumbles upon Kade, a brainwashed slave who immediately imprints on him and declares Aiden to be his master. But slavery in the Alliance is strictly forbidden, leaving Aiden attempting to rehabilitate his unexpected charge, despite Kade¡¯s obvious reluctance to cooperate.
Kade has waited for years to meet his master, the man he can devote himself to for the rest of his life. But when they finally meet, his master seems oddly reluctant to make use of Kade¡¯s many skills ¨C including his skills in the bedroom! Instead of giving him orders, his master insists that Kade should make his own decisions and express opinions that conflict with his master¡¯s desires.
A slave without a master is like a boat without a sail; directionless and destined to be swept up by the storms of life. But for Aiden to treat Kade as the slave he insists he is would be a moral travesty, defying both Alliance law and his own conscience. So how can the two of them ever find a middle ground, when the life Kade so ardently wants is one that Aiden finds so abhorrent?
Contains frequent military-style violence.
245 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 23, 2024
58 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
About the author
Laura Taylor
23?books76?followersLaura Taylor is a pseudonym for Gabriel Danes. Gabriel is a bisexual, transgender writer of fantasy and romance novels. He likes watching ice hockey, reading about vampires and werewolves, cooking, and has fantasies of one day becoming a firefighter.
Gabriel lives on the South Coast of New South Wales, Australia.
Gabriel lives on the South Coast of New South Wales, Australia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
December 31, 2024
3.5 stars ?? hmmm¡.i found the complexities of the dimari and other species interesting, but ultimately they ended up giving the book more of a think-piece vibe than a romance one. so my romance cravings weren¡¯t met, the the sci-fi side of things, including the world building, was quite captivating, at least enough for me to binge this in one sitting¡.i¡¯m super curious to learn more about this world and its species and who will be the next couple?
April 12, 2025
Laura Taylor books are comfort reads for me, even when I'm reading them for the first time. I like the way she writes and the way she tackles difficult subjects with thoughtfulness. I really liked this book and I'm going straight for book 2 next :)
January 4, 2025
this is not a review, but a warning for those who will come after me: this is NOT a romance, but a slave fantasy. proceed at your own risk.
December 10, 2024
Fabulous world building, tidy and action packed plot with some light intrigue, and fascinating moral discussions. This is everything I love about speculative sci if in a supremely well written mm romance package, served to you with sides of adventure. I would have read 500 more pages of this. This terrible cover hides a truly excellent book, and I will be looking for more from Laura Taylor!
December 20, 2024
4.25 stars ? Love the world building and hope there is another book in this universe!
November 26, 2024
This book handles a difficult subject remarkably well with plenty of nuances. Kade was trained from a young age to be a slave for his new master. Shipped for transport to his "owner" instead his container crash lands on another planet. Aiden is a military officer charged with investigating the landing site debris for salvageable materials. Caught under fire, he opens a container and comes across Kade. Kade immediately imprints on Aiden, believing him to be his new master.
Aiden has a difficult time with an imprinted slave. His culture rejects slave trade totally and he is highly uncomfortable with the concept. Still, he knows that many of these slave that inadvertently land on their planet succumb to suicide within several years. He decides to study the situation in depth with the aim to make sure Kade is happy and comfortable.
It immediately becomes clear that Kade is highly trained in military skills. He joins Aiden in his unit after being interviewed, tested, and trained to their methods. Still, Aiden struggles to deal with Kade at home as his master. He reluctantly accepts that it is mandatory that he shows Kade affection, friendship, and closeness to keep Kade fulfilled.
In the meantime, there are dangerous missions, political intrigue, and new faces. This book has detailed world-building, complex storylines, evolving personalities, and a beautiful love. I hope to see more from this world!
Aiden has a difficult time with an imprinted slave. His culture rejects slave trade totally and he is highly uncomfortable with the concept. Still, he knows that many of these slave that inadvertently land on their planet succumb to suicide within several years. He decides to study the situation in depth with the aim to make sure Kade is happy and comfortable.
It immediately becomes clear that Kade is highly trained in military skills. He joins Aiden in his unit after being interviewed, tested, and trained to their methods. Still, Aiden struggles to deal with Kade at home as his master. He reluctantly accepts that it is mandatory that he shows Kade affection, friendship, and closeness to keep Kade fulfilled.
In the meantime, there are dangerous missions, political intrigue, and new faces. This book has detailed world-building, complex storylines, evolving personalities, and a beautiful love. I hope to see more from this world!
March 15, 2025
4.25 stars
I¡¯ve seen a lot of human slave and alien kidnapper stories, so it was neat to see the trope subverted to human master, alien slave. To the point that you wonder if the author is pro enslaving, but I think it¡¯s its own sci fi conundrum or maybe a kinky comparison for 24/7 D/s. Either way I liked the unconventional approach and adored the characters. Glad to see the couple featured in the next book too.
Spice: 3-4/5
Angst: 2/5
I¡¯ve seen a lot of human slave and alien kidnapper stories, so it was neat to see the trope subverted to human master, alien slave. To the point that you wonder if the author is pro enslaving, but I think it¡¯s its own sci fi conundrum or maybe a kinky comparison for 24/7 D/s. Either way I liked the unconventional approach and adored the characters. Glad to see the couple featured in the next book too.
Spice: 3-4/5
Angst: 2/5
January 16, 2025
And what if I said best book I've read in 2025 so far?? What if??? Don't judge this book by cover!!
The world building went OFF, the concept was soooo interesting, and I'm very curious how book two will go. Had me staying up late to read
The world building went OFF, the concept was soooo interesting, and I'm very curious how book two will go. Had me staying up late to read
December 2, 2024
A great book!
I admit I¡¯m always a bit leery about books that involve slavery, even in a sci-fi world where the humans are staunchly against it. But it was handled really beautifully. Getting to see the world from both Kade¡¯s (the slave¡¯s) POV as well as Aiden¡¯s (his accidental human owner¡¯s) we come to understand that while their sudden relationship is messy and complex, both are devoted to ensuring the other one is happy. I loved getting to see them both grow and change. I would say the spice was 3/5 ¡ª definitely there, and a needed component to the story, but this is a plot and character driven book, rather than one purely smut. I¡¯m looking forward to the next book!
I admit I¡¯m always a bit leery about books that involve slavery, even in a sci-fi world where the humans are staunchly against it. But it was handled really beautifully. Getting to see the world from both Kade¡¯s (the slave¡¯s) POV as well as Aiden¡¯s (his accidental human owner¡¯s) we come to understand that while their sudden relationship is messy and complex, both are devoted to ensuring the other one is happy. I loved getting to see them both grow and change. I would say the spice was 3/5 ¡ª definitely there, and a needed component to the story, but this is a plot and character driven book, rather than one purely smut. I¡¯m looking forward to the next book!
November 27, 2024
Loved it, totally recommend. I cannot explain to you how freaking ecstatic I am that an author created some weird social constructs for the characters and then actually bothered to flesh it out and make it make sense. Without spoiling, basically it will harm Kade if he goes against orders, and Aiden has to come to terms with how to have any sort of relationship with him (platonic, working, or otherwise).
April 7, 2025
I should have written a review a few days ago so my thoughts were fresh, but better late than never. I LOVED this, and it was done so well. I really enjoyed this and can¡¯t wait to read more from this series- already read Dax and need to write its review too.
This book was layered and complex, in both characters and plot. I loved all the different alien races and the politics in this book, and I really enjoyed learning about the dimari and all the specifics about their training and how they think. I think it was really well done and the complexities of one of the MCs being a slave accidentally bonded to the other MC was handled very well. The characters were well developed, and I thought the pacing was great.
Kade! He was wonderful. I really enjoyed his POV and his thoughts on learning to navigate his new world, and it was always so interesting to see the difference in how a human and a dimari understood the same interaction, and watching Kade and Aiden learn to understand each other. There was a lot of trying times and Kade feeling unworthy and I felt so bad for him! But watching him figure things out and learn more about humans over the course of the book was rewarding. He became so much more confident and sure of his place in a way that seemed realistic. I just loved him.
And Aiden! Also great. I thought he was a strong character and also really well developed. The human side of things and his determination to do right by Kade was great. They worked great together, and I really loved them together. He was so considerate and tried so hard to do things the right way, even when that was often controversial or very difficult.
The plot and politics were so well done as well. , and the conflicts between species kept my attention.
I don¡¯t know what other thoughts I have. I just loved this and thought everything was handled great. It went far deeper into ethics and morals and the like that I ever expected, and I had such a fun time with this book. I already read Dax and really enjoyed that one too, and can¡¯t wait for the third book
This book was layered and complex, in both characters and plot. I loved all the different alien races and the politics in this book, and I really enjoyed learning about the dimari and all the specifics about their training and how they think. I think it was really well done and the complexities of one of the MCs being a slave accidentally bonded to the other MC was handled very well. The characters were well developed, and I thought the pacing was great.
Kade! He was wonderful. I really enjoyed his POV and his thoughts on learning to navigate his new world, and it was always so interesting to see the difference in how a human and a dimari understood the same interaction, and watching Kade and Aiden learn to understand each other. There was a lot of trying times and Kade feeling unworthy and I felt so bad for him! But watching him figure things out and learn more about humans over the course of the book was rewarding. He became so much more confident and sure of his place in a way that seemed realistic. I just loved him.
And Aiden! Also great. I thought he was a strong character and also really well developed. The human side of things and his determination to do right by Kade was great. They worked great together, and I really loved them together. He was so considerate and tried so hard to do things the right way, even when that was often controversial or very difficult.
The plot and politics were so well done as well. , and the conflicts between species kept my attention.
I don¡¯t know what other thoughts I have. I just loved this and thought everything was handled great. It went far deeper into ethics and morals and the like that I ever expected, and I had such a fun time with this book. I already read Dax and really enjoyed that one too, and can¡¯t wait for the third book
January 17, 2025
Two things:
One I loved reading this. It was well written, fast paced, complex and interesting cultures, and lots of military action and political intrigue elements, and a deep mild romance plot about a lieutenant trying to rehabilitate a slave who was accidentally bonded to him.
Two this is not fluffy. this is only appropriate for some readers given the triggers. It has mentions of self harm and child abuse. In one of the final chapters it has the later one in the form of a memory and those few sentences have been haunting me for days. I think I also didn¡¯t like it because it was when they genetically made the character into a slave and unable to make their own decisions. It¡¯s basically someone killing a kid, the soul not the body but I still wasn¡¯t prepared for it.
Like what other reviewers have said I¡¯m unsure how to classify the slave master romance. I was hopeful and everything is concentual but I thought they were making progress, but the ending reveals that the ¡®abuse¡¯ was permanent. I don¡¯t know if the author is intending to change that in book 2 or whether she decided that that was enough concent and progress for readers to be content. The ending is HFN, abut I don¡¯t know what the author wanted me to feel.
One I loved reading this. It was well written, fast paced, complex and interesting cultures, and lots of military action and political intrigue elements, and a deep mild romance plot about a lieutenant trying to rehabilitate a slave who was accidentally bonded to him.
Two this is not fluffy. this is only appropriate for some readers given the triggers. It has mentions of self harm and child abuse. In one of the final chapters it has the later one in the form of a memory and those few sentences have been haunting me for days. I think I also didn¡¯t like it because it was when they genetically made the character into a slave and unable to make their own decisions. It¡¯s basically someone killing a kid, the soul not the body but I still wasn¡¯t prepared for it.
Like what other reviewers have said I¡¯m unsure how to classify the slave master romance. I was hopeful and everything is concentual but I thought they were making progress, but the ending reveals that the ¡®abuse¡¯ was permanent. I don¡¯t know if the author is intending to change that in book 2 or whether she decided that that was enough concent and progress for readers to be content. The ending is HFN, abut I don¡¯t know what the author wanted me to feel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 12, 2025
To begin with I Highly recommend this Author's book. I believe she hits 10 out of 10 in "Kade: Accidentally Bonded" the first of a series. I just finished it and had to submit a review even before checking out any of the other in the series.
At first, I thought this was just another sf/fantasy romance. A little slow in the beginning but world building requires some time. Then the action sequences moved things along at the same time the characters were growing, changing.
SPOILER ALERT!
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The plot increases, from just a romance with action or an action with romance to something more substantial. The questions civilization and humanity must constantly answer and re-evaluate. What is slavery? What marks the difference between human and non-human (animal) rights to freedom and self-determination?
I love the sensitivity and boldness of addressing such concepts within a 'romance' setting.
This is a book well worth more than just 5 stars.
At first, I thought this was just another sf/fantasy romance. A little slow in the beginning but world building requires some time. Then the action sequences moved things along at the same time the characters were growing, changing.
SPOILER ALERT!
|
|
|
|
V
The plot increases, from just a romance with action or an action with romance to something more substantial. The questions civilization and humanity must constantly answer and re-evaluate. What is slavery? What marks the difference between human and non-human (animal) rights to freedom and self-determination?
I love the sensitivity and boldness of addressing such concepts within a 'romance' setting.
This is a book well worth more than just 5 stars.
December 4, 2024
Incredible
I love this author. I first read the Elements series years ago, and I saw this was coming out and was excited. It did NOT disappoint. Wonderful writing, world building, and character development. I loved how Aiden struggled with Kade and being who he was. He so desperately wants to make Kade an autonomous person, but Kade is not programmed that way (literally) and loves who he is, dimari or not. So many small details added that come back around at the end. I cannot wait for the next book!!
I love this author. I first read the Elements series years ago, and I saw this was coming out and was excited. It did NOT disappoint. Wonderful writing, world building, and character development. I loved how Aiden struggled with Kade and being who he was. He so desperately wants to make Kade an autonomous person, but Kade is not programmed that way (literally) and loves who he is, dimari or not. So many small details added that come back around at the end. I cannot wait for the next book!!
April 9, 2025
µþ³Ü±ð²Ô´Ç¡
Si, no est¨¢ mal, la trama pol¨ªtica y la formaci¨®n del mundo muy buena, diferentes especies est¨¢ guay, pensar que no pensamos igual es interesante. Ahora, s¨¦ que en todo momento hay un tira y afloja constante para que Aiden y nosotros entendamos a Kade, que no es igual a nosotros y no desea la misma libertad o forma de ella. Sin embargo¡ no puedo. No lo veo. Me siento mal e inc¨®moda con la relaci¨®n.
Por eso digo, toda la trama pol¨ªtica est¨¢ mega bien, pero no volver¨ªa a leer el libro.
Si, no est¨¢ mal, la trama pol¨ªtica y la formaci¨®n del mundo muy buena, diferentes especies est¨¢ guay, pensar que no pensamos igual es interesante. Ahora, s¨¦ que en todo momento hay un tira y afloja constante para que Aiden y nosotros entendamos a Kade, que no es igual a nosotros y no desea la misma libertad o forma de ella. Sin embargo¡ no puedo. No lo veo. Me siento mal e inc¨®moda con la relaci¨®n.
Por eso digo, toda la trama pol¨ªtica est¨¢ mega bien, pero no volver¨ªa a leer el libro.
December 14, 2024
This sci-fi MM romance delivers exactly what I crave: dangerous missions, political intrigue, thrilling fight scenes, and a diverse cast of alien races. The world-building is richly detailed, and the plot, tackling the morally complex issue of slave brainwashing and imprinting, kept me completely engrossed. I wasn't sure how the MCs' initially fraught dynamic would translate into a satisfying relationship, and honestly, I was breathless at 2 AM, glued to the pages as their connection unfolded in unexpectedly compelling ways! This is a true page-turner; the addictive writing kept me hooked from start to finish. While the romance's rapid development might be a minor quibble, it felt perfectly justified by the gripping plot. I'm already eager for more adventures with these kickass MCs and a return to this fascinating world.
January 10, 2025
A true 'dont judge a book by its cover' situation. I loved other books by Laura, but I was still a bit hesitant going it. Yet it blew my expectations away! Somehow a slave story ended up beautiful and joyful, with heavy sides of action and politics and world building. Very well done, and hope the next one comes out soon!
January 17, 2025
Must read sci phi romance. I was really surprised by the storyline. I was getting James Bond meets Kade submissive combat specialist who happened to be blue. I love the storytelling and the way Kade evolved. I hope this is a long series because of the new planet and the way the government is run. Way to go Ms. Laura. I loved the narrator. Please write faster. Thanks
February 14, 2025
I don't know about this. The writing was fine with plenty of action and decent worldbuilding, but I found Aiden's feelings came out of the blue. Plus, the whole slave thing made me uncomfortable, and I'm honestly not sure was necessary. The issue was the bond more than anything and I think that could have been done without the slavery aspect. Like I said, I'm conflicted about this book.
February 22, 2025
This author is new to me. I love Sci-fi and alien romance. When I read that it was also M/M, it became an instant click. The tiny bit of kink was great, too. I can only recall one typo in this entire story, but that might be due to a colloquial thing. I will be reading more of this author's work for sure. The cover is what attracted me originally.
March 2, 2025
i cant think of praise for this book that isn't an insult to others who've attempted these these exact tropes, this book has built a layered world with fully developed characters and set up a sequel book all in 244 pages while successfully resolving a conflict via a third party without it being a gross dues ex machina
I'm in love and will remember my time with this book fondly.
I'm in love and will remember my time with this book fondly.
April 3, 2025
Kaiden
This is a fantastic book, hands down. It's rare to find a romance that's also so philosophical but compromises on neither front. I'm really delighted that this is a series and I get to spend more time within the complex, galactic society the author has built for us. 7/5 stars
This is a fantastic book, hands down. It's rare to find a romance that's also so philosophical but compromises on neither front. I'm really delighted that this is a series and I get to spend more time within the complex, galactic society the author has built for us. 7/5 stars
January 20, 2025
I don't usually leave reviews but as this is my first 5 star read this year, I just had to.
I saw an ad on Facebook and as I love a good alien romance, I decided to try it. The cover caught my eye and I'm so happy it did. My first read by Laura Taylor and it won't be my last.
I saw an ad on Facebook and as I love a good alien romance, I decided to try it. The cover caught my eye and I'm so happy it did. My first read by Laura Taylor and it won't be my last.
November 24, 2024
5 stars
This was a high octane alien romance that I'm super excited that there¡¯s going to be more of. Would recommend.
This was a high octane alien romance that I'm super excited that there¡¯s going to be more of. Would recommend.
January 17, 2025
Brings up a surprising tone of what constitutes morality and personhood for a silly little alien romance.
Thoroughly enjoyable and written well.
Thoroughly enjoyable and written well.
January 18, 2025
3,5??
March 5, 2025
Very interesting concept, alien races with different morality than we have. This would have been a good book even without the adult scenes.
Want to read
March 25, 2025DNF
January 25, 2025
I loved the communication throughout the book. The topic was handled beautifully both are cute together I wanted it to be longer but I don¡¯t know what else they could have added.
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