Review: A Firedancer and An Officer
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 06 1, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed the second book in the Galactic Alliance:  Alien 'N' Outlaw.  I guess you could say I've been on a m/m scifi romance binge and the premise of Alien 'N' Outlaw was interesting.  Purple alien and a prince of his people?  A thief but one with a good heart and doing good deeds?  Oh yeah I enjoyed it.  When a story is that interesting I tend to visit the author's web page and goodreads to see what else is available.  Lucky me, Voodoo 'N' Vice was available and of course I clicked.At first I was disappointed the focus shifted from Darien and Ricky.  I got invested in their story and the world building on Ankylos.  But. . . Voodo 'N' Vice took the series in another direction and I was happy with the outcome.This story focuses on Fleet Captain Gideon Arcturus who we meet in the previous book.  He is sent to Elora Ki in punishment for imprisoning Darien.  We learn about Gideon, his life, his military background, how his actions or inactions contribute to where and what he is now.  Gideon is a fascinating character, his thoughts, his actions, how he handles himself and realizes . . . finally. . . just what he wants in his life.  His metamorphosis comes about because of Tai.I loved the whole concept of Tai, his tattoos, his fire dancing, his whole persona.  He reminded me of the Samoa dancers at the Polynesian cultural center in Hawaii. I could relate because I have seen a tattooed fire dancer.  But not an alien (wink).For those wanting more details. . . Voodoo is the name of an establishment on Elori Ki.  There is no black magic with evil intent in this book.  Voodoo is where Gideon and Tai meet and where Tai performs.  The world building from the first two books expands, we get brief cameos of Damien and Ricky, more on the underworld drug trade, the military, the issues dealing with escorts, and of course all this revolves around the budding relationship of Tai and Gideon.  Their story isn't easy, they both have trust issues, and past experiences heavily influence their relationship.  I love how Gideon is from an upper crust military family and Tai's parentage is sketchy, literally.  He's talented but poor.  Ah those contrasts!For what it adds to the series, the excellent in-depth characters, plot, and creativity, yes this one is five stars. Recommended but I'd say read Alien 'N' Outlaw first.  - Dan's Wife