In what feels like the final volume of this series, at least for now, the two main characters go into their new relationship with very different expectations. Neither of them ends up being right, and the confusion that follows takes them quite a while to untangle. I enjoyed their struggle for understanding what was going on, and, while the solution seemed obvious to me in many ways, I could also see why it would take them a lot longer to figure it out. Let me explain.

Jack is a human who ended up in prison despite his innocence. As if this weren't bad enough, he is then selected by an extra round of the Eoean lottery. Since he figures life as a slave cannot be much worse than being locked up in prison, he goes willingly, promising to tell nobody he is a convicted criminal. Jack expects to be a sex slave, but nothing could be further from the truth. It derails him for a while, since the sexy alien he ends up with inspires all kinds of fantasies in him, but as soon as he gets his bearings, he goes after Kelr with all he has.

Kelr is a half-Eoean and half Renka. The Renka are new to the series, and quite an interesting alien species. They can influence the universe on a quantum level, resulting in their ability to reshape matter, influence people's emotions, and all kinds of interesting stuff. However, as a consequence, they do not deal well with touch. Kelr grew up believing he could never become physical with a lover, and the few times he tried were painful enough to want him to never try again. As he gets to know Jack, though, things change and Kelr understands that he may have to reconsider.

The process of both men figuring out what they want, in Jack's case, and what they think they cannot have and still want it, in Kelr's case, was absolutely fascinating. Jack is desperate to seduce him, yet understands about the pain and backs off. Kelr is too afraid to try touching Jack, but does want to be his friend. So, long before they solve their issues, each already acts in the other's best interest. And if that isn’t love, I don’t know what is! Beautifully done!

If you like science fiction stories with men from two different cultures who each think they cannot have what they need most but want to make sure the other has what he needs, if you want to find out more about the background to the Eoean's history and the lottery, and if you're looking for a hot read full of smoldering heat and a relatively slow-building romance, then you will probably like this novella.
( )