No Man's Lander Series by D.N. Bryn

Rubem of No-Man’s Land was content keeping to his wine, his pets, and his extensive collection of fishnets.But since a sentient, fuel-producing parasite bonded to his brainstem, every morally-depraved scientist and hardcore rebel for a hundred miles wants to ruthlessly dissect him. The parasite itself is no better, influencing his emotions and sassing him with his own memories as it slowly takes over his body.The only person offering Rubem help is Tavish K... moreRubem of No-Man’s Land was content keeping to his wine, his pets, and his extensive collection of fishnets.But since a sentient, fuel-producing parasite bonded to his brainstem, every morally-depraved scientist and hardcore rebel for a hundred miles wants to ruthlessly dissect him. The parasite itself is no better, influencing his emotions and sassing him with his own memories as it slowly takes over his body.The only person offering Rubem help is Tavish K. Findlay, a dashing and manipulative philanthropist whose mother’s fuel company monopolizes their corrupt underwater city with an iron claw. She desperately wants to tear Rubem apart for the parasite before those who oppose her can do the same. Her son is irresistibly charismatic though, and after a lifetime of being kicked out and disavowed, Rubem is desperate to believe in the friendship Tavish offers. With revolutionary plots and political schemes tangling his every choice, Rubem must soon decide whether or not to trust Tavish in his fight against the parasite’s growing control. Odder Still is a M/M fantasy novel with a class-crossing slow burn romance, murderous intrigue, and a Marvel’s Venom-style parasite-human friendship in an underwater steampunk city. This book exist in the wider These Treacherous Tides universe, coming chronologically after Once Stolen, but it is the first book in the No-Man's Lander series and is an easy entry point into the world. Each No-Man's Lander book has a romantically fulfilling ending and a final HEA, with steamy thoughts and foreplay but no explicit sex. (For more information on reading order, please visit D.N. Bryn's website.) Content warnings include alcohol consumption and animal death. less

Rubem has become the voice of the auroras—or their rage, at least. Between his threats and Tavish’s diplomacy, they’ve convinced most of the world that the auroras can be saved through the return of their ignits. But pockets of denial and refusal linger, including in the Findlay’s old trading partner, a city who has completely ignored Tavish’s attempts at contact. With a cat on their back and apprehension in their step, Rubem and Tavish set out to confront them directly... moreRubem has become the voice of the auroras—or their rage, at least. Between his threats and Tavish’s diplomacy, they’ve convinced most of the world that the auroras can be saved through the return of their ignits. But pockets of denial and refusal linger, including in the Findlay’s old trading partner, a city who has completely ignored Tavish’s attempts at contact. With a cat on their back and apprehension in their step, Rubem and Tavish set out to confront them directly.They arrive to a metropolis of watery channels and balconies on the verge of collapse, the once glorious city now overwhelmed the sea monsters that snap at their front doors. Only their dying aurora’s song keeps the dangerous creatures at bay, but with apocalyptic prophecies running wild and the government split into stubborn factions, Rubem quickly realizes that someone wants the city destroyed. Whoever they are, they’re willing to destroy its aurora protector to do it. And Rubem is the only person standing in their way.But amidst the chaos, the Findlay’s past involvement with the city comes to light in ways Rubem never expected—and Tavish wants nothing to do with—adding grudges, broken hearts, and freckle-faced pre-teens on Rubem’s list of problems. As those intent on destroying the city and its aurora grow more threatening, Rubem seems always one step behind and never quite strong enough.And he’s growing weaker by the day… less