Gods of Misfortune Series by Lyn Gala

Regi has settled into a comfortable life away from his home and family and gods. By choosing to leave the Empire, he chose to leave all those behind and live alone and godless. He still claimed to follow Poque, goddess of wanderers, but he doesn't expect her to notice him as he serves on Coalition ships... moreRegi has settled into a comfortable life away from his home and family and gods. By choosing to leave the Empire, he chose to leave all those behind and live alone and godless. He still claimed to follow Poque, goddess of wanderers, but he doesn't expect her to notice him as he serves on Coalition ships. However, when an improbable series of events strands his ship near a black hole with no engines, no communication, and a pirate ship in the area, he must wonder if the gods' first blessing—misfortune—has found him. If so, he needs to find the second blessing that follows, or the entire crew will die. Dante had a rather uncomfortable life until aliens kidnapped him, and then it turned downright miserable, but when a ship shows up claiming to be law-enforcement from the Coalition, he wonders if life might improve. The security chief is kind with an expressive face and velvety skin, not that he's noticing any of that. It's just that he's been alone for a long time and having someone touch him with kindness is stirring feelings Dante hasn't felt for a long time. However, he doesn't have time for foolishness when they're on a pirate ship and trying to escape certain death. Danger first, deciding how to ask an alien out on a date second. less

Regi and Dante landed on one of the Empire's border planets while the exalteds try to understand the involvement of the gods. Regi's people are xenophobic, so he's determined that his crew will make a good impression. The alternative is unthinkable, especially with so many Kowri suggesting that the gods would rather see the outsiders dead rather than show them respect. Dante wants to avoid the brewing political fight... moreRegi and Dante landed on one of the Empire's border planets while the exalteds try to understand the involvement of the gods. Regi's people are xenophobic, so he's determined that his crew will make a good impression. The alternative is unthinkable, especially with so many Kowri suggesting that the gods would rather see the outsiders dead rather than show them respect. Dante wants to avoid the brewing political fight. He has never enjoyed politics—not on Earth, much less around aliens he barely understands. Give him a stable and alien horses to learn to ride instead. But when a certain goddess of poisons is involved, he will be dragged into the conflict whether he wants to be there or not. With Dante's life in danger, Regi cannot remain neutral. He won't take a stand on the conflicts between the Coalition and the Empire, but for Dante he will challenge the universe itself. less

Dante and Regi have finally proven to the Kowri that the gods have blessed Dante, which means executing the outsiders is not an option. They are still stranded on a Kowri world surrounded by people who hate them, but they aren't in immediate danger of execution. Hopefully.  With the xenophobia temporarily under control, the crew can focus on fixing their ship so they can return to Coalition space. And Regi can focus on controlling his increasingly inappropriate feeling for the huuman Dante... moreDante and Regi have finally proven to the Kowri that the gods have blessed Dante, which means executing the outsiders is not an option. They are still stranded on a Kowri world surrounded by people who hate them, but they aren't in immediate danger of execution. Hopefully.  With the xenophobia temporarily under control, the crew can focus on fixing their ship so they can return to Coalition space. And Regi can focus on controlling his increasingly inappropriate feeling for the huuman Dante. However, the gods have not forgotten them. Blessed disaster and Ter's vicious temper put the ship in a precarious position as the xenophobic forces within Kowri politics move to attack Regi's people with a new set of laws. Perhaps they can't kill the outsiders, but that does not mean they cannot make them suffer for invading Kowri space. Despite enemies and estranged family members, Regi is determined to protect his crew, even at the cost of his own happiness. less