Excerpt
Restricted
A.C. Thomas © 2020
All Rights Reserved
Chapter One
“You want me to do what?”
Ari straightened his shoulders, hands folded together on the table between them, suppressing a wince as his skin stuck unpleasantly to a thick smear of residue best left uninvestigated.
Somewhere behind him the sound of glass breaking was followed by a bowel-shaking roar, a meaty impact, scuffling sounds, and hearty guffaws.
Definitively best left uninvestigated.
He sniffed quietly, regretting the action as the odor of stale beer and unwashed bodies assaulted his senses. Forcing himself to meet his companion’s bored regard, he cleared his throat before speaking in as firm a tone as he could manage.
“In the interest of saving both of our time, I’ll cut to the chase. I require a pilot capable of navigating uncharted areas with immediate availability and a willingness to negotiate a flexible pay schedule.”
Mr. “Call me Orin, honey” Stone slumped back in his seat with careless, sprawling grace, the edge of one enormous scuffed leather boot sliding across the floor to rest a millimeter away from the polished black toes of Ari’s spats.
“So, just so we’re clear— You’re asking me to find you a pilot ready to jump right across the Verge into the deepest, slimiest dark, for—and this is the bit that really sticks in my throat, pumpkin— You want me to find you some sap willing to do all that for, apparently, no pay.”
Keen bourbon eyes swept Ari from head to toe, that restless boot finally edging just close enough to touch.
“You’re cute, sugar. But you’re off your rocker.”
Ari’s chair scraped against the floor as he jolted forward in his seat, one hand closing around the fraying cuff of Orin’s greatcoat.
“This is a matter of utmost urgency. My brother is—” He paused to clear his throat after an embarrassing crack in his voice. “My brother is missing; he has been abducted by an Outlier fiend, and I am utilizing every resource at my disposal to ensure his safe return. My inquiries led me to you, with the assurance you could facilitate a jump with immediate effect. Now I demand that you either provide said assistance, or you cease wasting my time.”
Orin fixated on the white-knuckled grip holding his sleeve. The coiled strength of his thick forearm underscored Ari’s awareness that he could break free at a moment’s notice with very little energy expended.
“What kind of resources are we talking, here?” Orin’s eyes narrowed under a heavy brow, the sweep of space-black lashes unexpectedly elegant against his brutish visage.
Ari drew a long breath, attempting to steady his resolve.
“I possess a three-year-old Xalanthe Explorer model 953V. It is in exemplary condition, and I am prepared to offer it as payment upon my brother’s safe return to our home on Britannia.”
Before he finished speaking, Orin sat up in his chair, the full extent of his imposing size suddenly evident even while seated. He turned his hand in Ari’s grip, long fingers wrapping easily around his thin wrist.
“You’re trading your ship. A brand-new ship. To any asshole willing to fly it? Just to finish a little game of hide-and-seek with your brother who—no offense, Red—sounds like he ran off with a bit of strange?”
Aristotle bristled, slim shoulders rising to his ears as the heat of an angry flush spread from the unfortunate ginger of his precisely parted hairline down to the white of his starched collar points.
“He did not ‘run off’! He was abducted. I have no more time to waste with your nonsense, sir. Are you able to assist in my endeavor, or shall I continue pursuing a pilot on my own?”
A lopsided grin spread across his companion’s face, revealing a hint of prominent canine and a surprisingly charming set of dimples. Orin gave another insolent sweep of his gaze, ticking to the length of Ari’s throat rising above his cravat. The rumble of his voice dropped low enough that Ari had to strain to hear him above the surrounding chaos.
“Hmm, that depends, Red. That blush go all the way down?”
The clatter of the cheap aluminum chair against the cracking concrete floor was lost in the cacophony of raucous laughter, clinking glasses, and blaring synth music that characterized drinking establishments on the rough ring of colonies lining the Verge. Ari wrenched his arm away as he stood, breaking free.
He turned his back, adjusting his waistcoat with trembling fingers as he wracked his brain for alternative solutions. He had only taken a half step away from the table when a firm grip on his coattails wrenched him backward. He swung around, fists in a pugilist’s stance, raised to the smiling face of Mr. Stone.
“Whoa now, slow up there, professor. If you’re wanting to trade a whole damn ship for the temporary services of some sleazy sack of shit with a pilot’s license, I got just the guy you need.”
Knees weak with relief, Ari nearly attempted to sit before remembering he had overturned his chair, which was now likely glued to the filthy floor of the saloon.
“Excellent. Where can I find this person?”
That lopsided grin opened up into a full-blown smile, revealing rows of white, uneven teeth. “You’re looking at him, sweetheart.”
Ari twitched at the endearment, unaccustomed to the way they seemed to drip from the pilot’s every phrase like butter melting off the plate.
He turned fully to face him, coattails twining around his narrow hips as Orin maintained his grip, tugging once with a waggle of thick brows at Ari’s resulting unintentional pelvic thrust before releasing him with a flourish.
Orin pushed off from the table, broad shoulders rising up and up to just above Ari’s line of sight. Ari swallowed an obvious comment on the pilot’s intimidating height, realizing how much he’d underestimated the man’s size.
Ari stared straight ahead at the hollow of Mr. Stone’s throat, bronze skin left exposed by the open vee of his collarless shirt. A few dark, curling hairs peeked out of the opening, inches from Aristotle’s nose. A strange fluttering sensation swept through his abdomen at the sight.
Recognizing the sensation as inappropriate at best and disastrous at worst, Ari turned on stiff legs and led the way out of the saloon, doing his utmost to avoid brushing up against the rough clientele. Heads swiveled to follow Ari even as they ignored the much larger figure of Mr. Stone following close behind his every step.
Ari ducked his head as they emerged into the daylight, squinting against the intrusive brightness before heading off toward the nearest dry dock, zeroing in on his ship after a few minutes’ walk. Mr. Stone was a silent shadow at his back, footsteps shockingly light for a man of his size.
The small exploratory vessel stood out among the busted-up freighters and speeders cluttering the dock. Clean panels of riveted steel shaped the subtle curves framing the centerpiece—a large frontal view screen. The only unnecessary ornament was that of the exaggerated dorsal fin, the sight of which had caused Aristotle’s brother to laugh out loud when they first purchased the ship.
Ari’s back stiffened at a low whistle, two familiar notes usually directed with prurient interest.
Mr. Orin Stone was circling his ship, one hand, large and square as a shovel head, trailing long fingers over the surface with surprising reverence.
“What’s your name, beautiful?”
He directed his inquiry to the ship but turned to Aristotle as though expecting an answer.
Ari cleared his throat. “As I have previously mentioned, it is a Xalanthe—”
Orin cut him off with a rude sound pushed between full lips. “She.”
Ari opened his mouth to reply, mistaking a brief pause for the conclusion of the pilot’s statements.
“Ship’s a she. And she’s a pretty little thing, deserves a name. If you don’t have one for her yet, I can think of something fancy to call her. Something with a bit of glitter to it. Little lady like this one deserves to shine.”
His eyes in turn glittered at Ari, sparkling with amusement and apparent satisfaction upon viewing the small science vessel.
Without looking away, he spat into one rough palm before holding it out to Aristotle as if to shake.
“You’ve got yourself a deal, Red.”
Ari recoiled from the offered hand, curling his own into protective fists at the notion of sealing a verbal contract with an exchange of bodily fluids.
“That is the most disgusting thing I have ever seen.”
Orin’s throaty laughter rang out against the polished metal panels of the ship exterior, echoing across the shipyard.
“Is it now? Well, stick with me, sugar; I could really expand your horizons.”
Jonas Sheckler –
This review contains some small spoilers.
Restricted is a gay romance set against the backdrop of a futuristic, steampunk-esque space society. A.C. Thomas crafts a story with richly developed characters and an interesting space society that bridges Victorian elements of the inner core planet of Brittania with classic wild west themes found in the Verge colonies.
The reader is taken on a journey following Dr. Aristotle Campbell as he hires rough-and-rugged Orin Stone to pilot him past the force-field of the Verge and into the deep, dark of space. Ari, in search of his kidnapped twin brother Theo, is thrown completely out of his comfort zone of the protected Core and into the backwater colonies near the Verge.
In a story that is half-mystery, half-adventure, and wholly romantic, I found myself falling in love with these strongly developed and amazing characters. Ari is this cute academic who hasn’t been outside the Core. He’s incredibly likable for being so innocent and straight-laced, perhaps in part because of his dedication to recovering his twin. Ari’s insecurities and self-awareness (and lack of awareness of those around him) make him very relatable. His likability is also in part due to his chemistry with the street-smart (space-smart?) Orin. Orin holds a level of mystery that we uncover bit by bit as the story unfolds. His friendship with tavern-owner Sally, his origins from being born and raised in a brothel, his past marriage with a stern Enforcer (the police in this series), and his ability to complete complex mathematical calculations in his head all combine to create a character with serious depth and charm.
The pacing of the story is great and I couldn’t tear myself away from reading once I started. I ended up reading it all in one night and stayed up as late as I could to finish it. I really enjoyed the writing style of this book, and I haven’t experienced that kind of connection to a piece of writing in a very long time. There is a good bit of erotica written in and these scenes are not just sexy but also incredibly romantic, even as the characters deny their feelings. The twists and turns of the plot and the obstacles Ari and Orin face make for an absolutely interesting story that keeps you on the edge of your seat and wondering what exactly is going to come next.
If you’re looking for an interesting, dynamic romance between two really amazing characters set in an interesting space society, you will absolutely love Restricted!
Caitlyn –
**I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review**
5/5 stars for Restricted, you’re going to have to pry this book out of my cold, dead space hands- because I absolutely ADORE IT.
Aristotle Campbell (Ari for short) is tight laced, elegant and sheltered – he hasn’t experienced much outside of the safety of his home planet Britannia, and the even safer company of his own twin brother, Theo.
But when Theo goes missing, leaving behind mysterious clues that could possibly lead Ari to find him again… he has to set aside the comfort of his familiar home planet and head out into the dark reaches of space to try and liberate his brother.
But first, he needs a pilot…
Enter Orin Stone – a rugged, smooth talking mercenary from the Verge, who just happens to be one hell of a pilot. He’s been through it all, and came out the otherside with a few scars and whip crack instincts.
He’s got the perfect set of skills that Ari needs to help find his brother. As for Orin… He just needs a ship, and well- the eye candy ain’t bad either.
There is nothing more enchanting than two hearts from opposite walks of the galaxy coming together to stumble their way through learning each other, and falling in love on the way. All while a dazzling space-epic plays out right alongside this gripping tale of two unlikely allies.
Magnificent world building is expertly slid in between the intimate moments spent with Ari and Orin, and that balance of fascinating glimpses into the details of this universe and the steamy moments behind closed doors is perfect.
Restricted also features an amazing cast of side characters, who fill out the world that the author has created and make it feel wholly real. And Sally, the no-nonsense, yet exceedingly warmhearted shopkeep who helps to push Ari out of his shell (with perhaps not the gentlest of nudges) has just completely stolen my heart.
AC Thomas has a natural talent for injecting humor into her writing, and makes for quite a few moments that will have you laughing unexpectedly. But as funny as it is at times, the tense moments are gripping – and I was on the edge of my seat many times wondering what was going to happen next, saying to myself just another chapter… until I’d finished the entire book.
And with Orin’s very obvious praise kink in the bedroom, I often found myself wanting to echo all those soft and encouraging words about this book. YES YOU ARE SO VERY GOOD, FLAWLESS AND WONDERFUL. Ahem, anyway…
I would say that Restricted (The Verge #1) is the perfect story to help warm the cold of space, take it with you for long voyages – or perhaps just wrap up with it for a night in at home, I’m certain it won’t let you down.
AC Thomas delivers space age pining with masterful grace, and I have to say I cannot wait for the next installment of the series!
PS: I would like to know more about this Zingarian Warsnake.
Sarah –
I read this in one sitting. At one point, I only remembered to blink when my eyes got dry to the point of discomfort. I was lucky enough to receive an advance review copy in exchange for a frank review, so let me share my thoughts on this book with you now.
As you may know, the first incarnation of the fax machine was invented in 1843, which was the same year the first wagon made it across the Oregon Trail. I bring this up because it illustrates that people can be living in different centuries, in terms of technology and culture, but exist in the same year.
This same dichotomy appears in Restricted, a space adventure with an advanced, resource rich central planetary system, the Core, and outlying colonies, the Verge, that are the space equivalent of the little towns of the Wild West. Similarly, they vary from town to town, the only constant: Scarcity. Ari, a man from a Core planet, finds himself in need of a guide to rescue his brother, and Orin Stone, a man well versed in the Verge, is the man for the job.
Restricted is the perfect book for anyone who enjoys a sexy space adventure seasoned with humor, humility and grit. This book has captured me and I cannot wait to see what the author does next
Lisa (verified owner) –
Put simply, Restricted is a sci-fi romance centred on the developing relationship between sheltered scientist Aristotle ‘Ari’ Campbell and his hired pilot- rugged, smooth talking Orin Stone- as they attempt a dangerous journey into the darkest reaches of space, following clues left by Ari’s missing twin brother Theo in an attempt to track him down and bring him back to safety.
But it is so much more than that! Oh so much more!
The world built by A.C. Thomas is an utter delight. From a core planet with the elegance and refinement of Victorian Britain, where garters and cravats are considered essential, to a Wild Western Verge with saloons and brothels, so much is revealed through glimpses into these places, revealing as much about Ari and Orin’s lives as they do about the wider world. The secondary characters are all well fleshed out, adding real colour and depth to the settings. I found myself drawn to little details- the cracked screen of an old electronic pad in a shop; a door cut from the metal of a ship; the use of different scripts on documents- which told so much so simply.
The mystery of the story- the search for Theo- was incredibly compelling, the scattering of clues and the dangers that Ari and Orin find themselves in, had me devouring this book, eager to see what would happen next. Theo is an enthralling character even in his absence, and Ari’s relationship with his brother- and how willing he is to risk everything to save him- was just as interesting and well-written as the relationship between Ari and Orin.
But the main draw, of course, is the romance, and it’s here where the story really shines. The chemistry between Ari and Orin is utterly enchanting; I was hooked, instantly, by the way they were both presented, the author does a fantastic job in making their differences apparent through their fashions, their language, even down to their gestures, and it was easy to get attached to them both and to feel a genuine investment- I wanted them together from the start! I found myself flying through this story to see how their relationship would develop, and I was not disappointed! Their personal development is also a joy- you can really see that both characters are changed by their adventure and also their relationship with each other.
Orin’s genuine gentleness and sweetness- despite his outward presentation as a more rough and ready type- warmed my heart as much as it did Ari’s, and Ari’s sexual journey was a pleasure to read. It’s not a slow burn sexual relationship by any means, but the pacing and the characters reactions all felt entirely realistic. The sexual scenes were beautifully written, tender and romantic while still being wonderfully erotic.
I absolutely devoured this book, and I was so excited to read the preview for the next installment! There is no way I’m done with this world yet and it definitely left me eager for more.