Title: Diplomatic Liability
Series: Devlin Taylor, Earth Ambassador, Book Two
Author: Rebecca Cohen
Publisher: NineStar Press
Release Date: 01/28/2025
Heat Level: 3 – Some Sex
Pairing: Male/Male
Length: 65900
Genre: Science Fiction, tentacle/tail sex, aliens, interspecies, scientist, ambassador, space travel
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Description
Devlin Taylor is Earth’s first ambassador, seeing the universe with his alien boyfriend Zal by his side. But nothing is straightforward when you’re the first human on board a spaceship. Devlin and Zal need to keep their relationship hidden for now, and many others on the ship would like to get the chance to explore a new species’ anatomy.
New planets, strange worlds, and exciting adventures await Devlin, but when an unknown species tries to board the Chroalian ship, something doesn’t add up, and Devlin is left wondering what is going on. Add in homesickness, jealousy, and cultural differences, and Devlin has a lot to learn. Good job Zal is by his side every step of the way.
Diplomatic Liability
Rebecca Cohen © 2025
All Rights Reserved
Zal trotted over to a panel, and his fingers flew over its surface. Devlin had no clue what the writing said but, for once, he didn’t mind being kept in the dark as he wouldn’t spoil his own surprise. He saw Zal’s tail flick and he was beginning to recognise the non-verbal signals he didn’t think Zal noticed he was giving out. The jiggle and quick rotation of the arrowhead-like tip was a good sign.
“Ready?” he asked as Zal re-joined him.
“Yes.”
“And?”
“You’ll see.”
He followed Zal to the elevator, where he noticed him select the top button. “Come on, tell me what it is you’re up to.”
Alone in the elevator, Zal took hold of his hand, squeezed it, and then let go. “You’re so impatient. Where’s the calm and collected Devlin Taylor I fell in love with?”
“Cheeky.”
The elevator opened into a long, softly lit area, with several occupied tables and closed doors across the back wall. The light was significantly less harsh here, and there was a slight blue hue. “We’re at the top of the ship. This is a relaxation zone called the Bubble Bar, and behind each of the doors is a viewing bubble.”
“Oh, that sounds exciting.”
“The bubbles are my favourite places on the ship. I come here to think, and I spent a lot of time here after I left Earth. And this particular viewing bubble is the best of the lot. I was so lucky I was able to use your ambassador privileges to book it, as it’s usually not available to crew without special permission.”
Devlin squeezed his hand. “I can’t wait to share it with you.”
Zal made a soft squeaking noise, another sign he was excited, then pressed the door release which emitted a low hiss as the door slid open. Zal pulled him inside. Devlin’s jaw dropped as he took in his surroundings. They were in a glass dome, a completely clear canopy, giving the impression they were standing amongst the stars. “Wow!”
“I know, isn’t it amazing? The other bubbles are great, but they’re basically rooms with extra-large portholes. But this is full immersion.”
He spun slowly around on the spot, looking up into outer space. It was almost too surreal to comprehend. He’d had lots of thoughts about life on board but never had he imagined this. Then he spotted the table and chairs and what looked like a picnic basket.
“We’re eating here,” he said, still a little thunderstruck.
“Yes, the purser was surprisingly willing to indulge our special guest. He’s had the chef put together a selection of cold food to introduce you to Chroalian cuisine. I did ask for hot options but he made a most rude snorting noise.”
“Whatever we eat, it will be incredible in here. Can I take some photos? I’d like to include a couple in my report, but I’d also like some for us, to record this for posterity.”
“You and me both.”
Devlin whipped out his phone, then pulled Zal into a one-arm embrace and took a picture of them with the universe as the backdrop.
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Rebecca Cohen spends her days dreaming of living in a Tudor manor house, or a Georgian mansion. Alas, the closest she comes to this is through her characters in her historical romance novels. She also dreams of intergalactic adventures and fantasy realms, but because she’s not yet got her space or dimensional travel plans finalised, she lives happily in leafy Hertfordshire, England, with her husband and young son. She can often be found with a pen in one hand and sloe gin with lemon tonic in the other.
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