5 STARS: "They say things happen for a reason, good and bad. While the tragedies that had befallen Skylar over the previous 24 hours were certainly not good, they did put her on a path that led her to the one person who could answer all her questions, or at least help her find the answers. Running for her life from an unknown assailant and carrying something in her purse that’s important enough to get her boss killed, Skylar isn’t sure who she can trust or even where to go at this point. To top that off, the spirit guiding her on this journey employs less than appreciated means of persuasion to get her to do what it wants. There’s something she’s meant to do, she just doesn’t know what that is or where to find it. Nothing like embarking into the unknown, especially when it could get you killed. When she runs into a sinfully sexy man who declares his intent to protect her, Skylar can’t help but accept his invitation. After all, the man is built like a brick-shit-house and could obviously handle his own. Surely it couldn’t hurt to have a beefed-up bodyguard, right? She had no misgivings that this gorgeous fella might actually be attracted to her. Girls like her didn’t get men like that. But she wouldn’t let that depress her, she’d just enjoy his company while it lasted. Besides, her spirit seemed to like the idea. Who was she to argue? Maxim had searched one club after another, touching as many wrists as he could to try and find a compatible mate. When his quest turned up empty, he decided it was time to go home. After several failed attempts to contact his Insedi brothers via mind-call, Maxim realizes the delayed flight and questionable security of the plane were just a reminder of how unpleasant his trip home had been thus far, as well as how miserable the final leg of his journey would likely be, too. Why would his rotten luck change now? Despite his sour mood, he finds his spirits quickly lifting when he spots a gorgeous female making her way through the crowd. Entranced by her beauty, he can only stare as she walks right toward him. Even though he’s sure he’s never seen her before—he’d definitely remember eyes like hers—she seems to recognize him. One misstep from her and he suddenly finds himself in a powerful Occasio surge. With his body nearly paralyzed in a mixture of pain and pleasure, he has no choice but to ride it out until the end and pray she doesn’t bolt. Thinking the beautiful woman would likely run like hell while he flopped around uncontrollably, he was totally shocked when instead she hovered over him like a mother protecting its young while curious onlookers crowded around. Despite the crappy day thus far, Maxim had just found a potential mate. The last thing he expected was to find himself flat on the floor in the middle of a crowded airport with his mate plastered to the front of him. But once he realizes who she is, he has no intention of letting her go. Using his suave skills, he manages to convince her to forgo the plane and the bus and continue her journey with him, alone, in a rented hummer. Despite her initial hesitance, she finally agrees. It turns out to be a decision that changes both of their lives. Fueled by Lust: Maxim takes us on the journey of another special Insedi male as he finally meets the woman that can make him whole. Even though Skylar isn’t really looking for a man, Maxim is just what she needs. Together, they discover the meaning of true love, as well as the hardships and sacrifice that sometimes comes with it. Despite the challenges, neither is willing to give up the other. Working as a team, they uncover the truth and significance behind the artifacts Skylar found during the excavation in Rome, as well as what they mean to the Insedi people and their future. Skylar has some supernatural skills that aid in their journey. While her abilities previously scared away past loves and earned her the “crazy” label, Maxim found her gifts nothing less than amazing. Skylar isn’t used to someone accepting her as she is. Her parents were the only other people who believed in her. When they passed away, her aunt and uncle used her abilities to convince a judge to lock her away in an institution because they claimed she wasn’t stable. To have Maxim accept her—weird talents and all—is more than she could have ever hoped for. Who was this mystery man and where did he come from? I’m at a loss at this point. With each new installment of Ms. Prater’s Fueled by Lust series, I’m finding it more and more difficult to put the right words on paper to adequately do her work justice. Once again, Ms. Prater’s writing sucked me right in from page one. In truth, there have only been a few series that I’ve read over the years that touched me so deeply that I actually felt depressed because they weren’t real and even more so when they ended. Ms. Prater’s characters have certainly reached that status with me. If only…she definitely provides material that revs up my fantasies. I love how Ms. Prater skillfully weaves in new characters with the old and makes everything blend so seamlessly. It feels like I’m watching a TV series and each new book is like a new episode. I don’t know how many she has in her, but I’m praying like crazy that it’s a lot. I will truly be saddened when this series finally ends. I am likely only one of Ms. Prater’s adoring fans and I think I can speak for all of us when I say, please don’t let it end! *smile* If you haven’t checked out Ms. Prater’s Fueled by Lust series, then you are seriously missing out on some really good stuff. The men are amazingly sensitive to the needs of Earth women and it doesn’t hurt that they’re smoking hot. Each of her female characters have endearing qualities that make me love them just as much. I even love their pets! Barney is just awesome. They’re good stories about love conquering all told from a fresh and invigorating perspective. If you like a little science fiction to go along with your romance, then this series is for you. I absolutely loved this one just as much as all the rest. Maybe even a little bit more. It’s kind of hard to pick a favorite when they’re all great. Read one, read them all, just be sure to grab a copy of Fueled by Lust: Maxim, it is most definitely a worthwhile book." -- Verbena, Long and Short Reviews
4 STARS "I so need an alien in my life. Charming and kind Maxim gets knocked off his feet by Skylar and then proceeds to sweep her off hers. And me off mine. Maxim has been a regular in the series and I'm so glad he got his turn. He's had his moments as a devilish prankster but he has never been mean and he deserves his chance at forever with the woman meant for him. He talks big to reassure Skylar and he is able to back that up which is such a turn on. Skylar is a unique women who has been mistreated by her remaining family and has a problem with trust, and with good reason. She's not your average hysterical woman when things get dicey and in fact holds it together brilliantly while managing to look on the bright side. I liked her immensely and appreciated her attitude throughout the book. I found the beginning of the book a little hard to follow as the author was laying groundwork and it was intricate. But the more I read, the clearer things became and after my initial confusion all was good. There is a lot of violence at times, but as pointed out in the book, the bad guys brought it on themselves. The back story present in the whole series moved along and some major questions were answered, as well as some historic moments clarified. While Maxim and Skylar get their happy ending, it is obvious that more books are coming. I recommend the entire series." -- Chris, Night Owl Erotica
More From Fueled by Lust
STORY EXCERPT
Maxim groaned upon hearing the flight delay announcement and slumped back in the uncomfortable plastic chair he’d been parked in for the last hour. Great, just what I needed. Let’s see how much more fucked up this trip can get.
Severe turbulence coming into Los Angeles had left his stomach in an uproar, and hunting down Richard Jimenez had been a chore. That male was a whirlwind of activity. If he hadn’t been in a meeting, he was out scouting new venues for his increasingly popular male revue group. When he did finally find him two days later, it was a dead end. Caelius had performed as scheduled, yet he was unable to accept their invitation of another appearance. He had no idea where he was. Maxim had been tempted to take Jimenez up on the offer of a guest spot at their next show, but figured he better get his butt home.
Peering out the wide glass window separating him from the plane he should be on right now, Maxim cringed when he saw shadowed bodies scurrying around the belly of the beast. Flashlights were swinging beams of light all over the ground and back to the underside of the wings. Fuck, did something fall off?
Shuddering, he hunkered back down in the seat and decided he might need to take an alternate way home. Through the night sky in a hurtling metal tube that may, or may not, drop pieces off while thirty thousand feet in the air didn’t seem like something he could stomach at the moment. He turned back just in time to see the guy sitting across from him coming to the same conclusion. They both grimaced and looked over to the customer service area. People were packed shoulder to shoulder and trying to jockey for position.Screw that. He’d just wait it out and get a refund.
Maxim sent out a mind-call to Cato and got nothing. The brother was locked down tight. Similar calls to Kallon, Petrus, Severus, and Drusus resulted in a complete black out. What in the hell? He was just about to try Nikos and Chiron when a round of raucous laughter drew his attention back to the customer service area. He couldn’t hear what was being said, but someone was obviously cracking up the airline staff behind the counter. Soon, the long line of people were craning their necks and trying to get a peek at whatever had everyone’s attention. Gradually, small smiles were lifting their lips.
Intrigued, Maxim leaned forward and finally got a brief glimpse of a woman standing at the counter. Her hands were flying around in the air and the golden-brown spiral curls that fell all the way to her waist were swaying and bouncing across her back. She wore a blue patterned broom skirt that fell to her ankles and a white, spaghetti-strap tank top. A tattoo of a three-phased moon graced her left shoulder blade. Her feet were clad in pretty, tan sandals, and he caught a glimpse of a glittering ankle bracelet before the crowd swallowed her up again.
Leaning back, he slipped his phone out of his pocket, dialed Cato, and got no answer. Kallon’s rang, but went immediately to voice mail. Well, hell. I guess everyone got invited to the party except me. Scrolling through the numbers, he selected Petrus’s and made it to the third ring before the phone drifted away from his ear. He was stunned.
The counter comedian was now gliding effortlessly through the parting crowd. She appeared to float along on a cloud. If her feet were truly hovering above the ground, he failed to notice. His eyes were riveted on the most stunning face he’d ever encountered. She was breathtakingly beautiful. It was her eyes more than anything else. They were as pale blue as a robin’s egg and circled with thick, dark lashes.
Maxim couldn’t tear his gaze away. She’d stopped on the edge of the crowd and was asking a couple if they knew how to get to the bus terminal. Her voice was melodic and ethereal. She thanked them and turned his way. Realizing he was staring at her like an idiot, Maxim turned to the guy sitting across from him. Shit. Had his face worn that same ridiculous expression of adoration?
Unable to help himself, he glanced back to her and was shocked to see she was now staring at him. Her eyes were wide and her lips were parted as if she was surprised. The closer she drew to him, the higher her brows rose. He felt his stomach clench when she spoke. Tingles shot up his spine and he shivered.
“You.”
Frowning, Maxim glanced to the right. He was the only “you” sitting on this side of the row of connected chairs. When he turned back to her, he watched her mouth open in surprise as her foot caught the edge of a suitcase sticking out in the aisle. She lost her footing, and he leapt from his chair. Without thought, Maxim reached out to stop the inevitable plunge to the ground. The moment she clutched his arm, their eyes locked. He rolled to the side to give her something else to land on beside the hard tiles.
Back slamming onto the floor, Maxim felt the air rush from his lungs. Her generous breasts pressed heavily against his chest before she rolled away. An intense electrical surge rushed through his system and bent his spine to the point he thought it would snap in two. Agony and bliss warred with each other to determine which one would finally kill him. He heard shouts, but they sounded muted and far away. His mind tried to reason why someone was stabbing the hollow of his throat, yet running a soothing palm across his forehead at the same time.
Feeling a hard tug on his hand, Maxim freed whatever he’d been grasping. Gritting his teeth, he fought to stay lucid as whatever was destroying him decided to finish it or go away. Something snatched his other hand, and he latched on as if it was the tenuous thread to continued breathing. He opened his eyes and everything made sense.
ADULT EXCERPT
Their bodies crashed together in the middle of the room. He didn’t even remember throwing his bag to the side. All he knew, or cared about, was the feel of her sweet mouth opening for him, her arms wrapped around his neck, and her fingers frantically unraveling his braid. He couldn’t stop the deep growl of approval rumbling through his chest or his equally haphazard attempt at releasing her flowing locks.
Maxim pulled his head back just long enough to gasp for air and lift her shirt over her head. He drank in the sight of her black lace bra lovingly cupping her luscious mounds until his shirt blocked the view as she yanked it up and practically tore it from his body. Her palms landed heavily on his pecs and she looked up to him.
“Damn, Maxim. You’re exactly like my vision, except better. If you have a black loin cloth on under those jeans, I’m going to faint.”
Plopping on the bed, he shucked his boots and socks then leapt back up. He unbuckled his belt and quickly slid the zipper down. He didn’t give a shit that his voice sounded like a barbaric maniac. He was close to having his skin next to hers and he couldn’t wait a moment longer.
“I have one back home, but there’s not a damn thing under here to get in my way.” He shoved his jeans off and kicked them to the side. He knew his cock was bobbing up and down in anticipation and he watched her eyes gradually widen as she took in the sight. Her lips parted, and her words rushed out on a hard breath.
“Oh, shit.”
He grabbed the middle and lifted it toward his belly to give her ample viewing of what he had to offer.
“Don’t worry. You’ll fit me. That pussy’s mine.”
Her eyes flicked back up to his.
“Ah, hell. I like the way you talk. You just made my knees wobble.”
“I’m going to do more than that, sweetness. Lose the bra and get those jeans off. I want to see you.” Maxim felt his nut sac rise when she didn’t hesitate. She kicked her sandals aside, flicked the clasp at the front, and wiggled out of the bra. She was breathing heavily now and with each sway of her gorgeous breasts, the silver half-rings dangling from the dusky-pink nipples glittered from the dim light of the nightstand. He was proud he was able to find the fortitude to hold back. He wanted to see the rest of her before he lost his gods damn mind.
Skylar’s eyes narrowed into a sensual dreamy look, and he trembled. She was going to give him a show.
Steady, Maxim. Stay steady.
She ran a hand slowly down her belly and teased around the top button. Flicking it open, she slipped the zipper down and parted the flaps, giving him a good look at her tiny belly button and rounded tummy. She caught the edges of the jeans with her thumbs and began to slip the material down her thighs. Her hips swayed from side to side as she slowly bent and pushed them to her ankles. Her leg kicked out and shoved them aside. Nothing remained but her glittering ankle bracelet and a sheer black thong. He lifted an index finger and motioned for her to turn around.
She gave him a half-lifted smile, pushed her hands through her hair, and shook out the mass of dark curls until they fell about her shoulders. Fuck! She’s gorgeous. Running his fist to the crest of his dick, he pumped a few times and spread the leaking fluid. His breath caught when the tip of her pink tongue slipped out and wet her lips as she watched his movements. Slowly, Skylar swiveled around and presented her luscious ass for his perusal.
Just as he’d imagined, the ample rounded globes were perfect—firm, smooth, and ready for his hands to explore. She continued to turn and faced him again. One eyebrow lifted. Her voice was low, yet strong.
“I hope you like big butts, because that’s what I have. No excuses, it is what it is.”
He lowered his voice.
“Nilum autem perfectio, mellis. Nothing but perfection, sweetness. You made my knees wobble.”
She blinked a few times, and he saw her ribcage quickly expand and deflate. He sat on the edge of the bed and motioned her over.
“Come here.”
She approached and stood still as a statue in front of him. He reached out, gently captured her narrow waist, and slid his palms downward. He loved how curvy her hips were. He leaned forward and placed a soft kiss to her belly. The punch of her pear-scented desire hit him hard. He fought the need to flip her on the bed and totally consume her, but he was far from ending the exploration. Maxim looked up to her expectant eyes, gently twisted her around until she faced the mirror across from the bed, and pulled her down to his lap.
“Lean back, baby. I want to feel your skin on mine.” He heard her sigh mix with his as their flesh joined. She was warm, soft, and pliable. He bit his lip when his cock lay trapped between their bodies. He undulated his hips once and shivered at the feel of it sliding along the seam of her ass. He reached forward, caught the inside of her thighs, and lifted them to drape on the outside of his. Gently, he spread his knees and widened her legs. He palmed both of her breasts and whispered close to her neck.
“Look at yourself, Skylar. I’ve never seen anything more beautiful in my life.”
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