Overload Flux (Central Galactic Concordance Book 1) by Carol Van Natta #spaceopera #scifirom

Title: Overload Flux (Central Concordance Book 1)
Author: Carol Van Natta
Genre: Space Opera/Scifi Romance
Publisher: Chavanch Press
Available: Kobo, B&N, Amazon (272 pages $3.99)
Rating: 4*
Rater: Pippa




Blurb:
Brilliant investigator Luka Foxe must act fast if he's going to save the civilized planets of the Central Galactic Concordance. For as a pandemic sweeps across the galaxy, someone is stealing the vaccine. To make matters worse, Luka's hidden mental talents are out of control, leaving him barely able to function in the midst of violence and a rising body count. The convoluted trail leads to a corrupt pharma industry and the possibility of an illegal, planet-sized laboratory. In the face of increasing threats, he must rely on an enigmatic, lethal woman who has secrets of her own.

Mairwen Morganthur hides extraordinary skills under the guise of a dull night-shift guard. The last thing she wants is to provide personal security for a nova-hot investigator, or to be plunged into a murky case involving sabotage, treachery, and the military covert operations division that would love to discover she's still alive. Worse, she knows that two more deaths won't bother their enemies one bit. Their only hope for survival is to share their darkest secrets. With everything in their universe at stake, can they learn to trust one another?

What I liked:
I liked that the protagonists were older, almost my age, though that isn't clear until quite late in the book. I grew fond of both characters though connected with Mairwen more with her social awkwardness softening her mostly hard ass female persona. I also liked the slow burn romance, which was sweet rather than adding to the tension, plus I'm a huge fan of stories with psychic/superhuman talents. The setting was detailed and interesting enough to hold my attention without being overwhelming.

What I didn't like:
I'm not a fan of criminal investigation/thriller style stories, and this dragged the pace of the story right down for me, with not quite enough action to compensate. The two chapters featuring Hildree especially didn't seem to add to the narrative, since we later get her 'perspective' via Foxe/Zheer (unless she's going to feature later on in the series) so I'd happily have skipped them. There's also way too much introspection/inner monologues, which again slow the story down.

In conclusion:

If you like CSI style space opera and a sweet, slow burn romance with an older couple, this is for you. If you prefer action, it's there but not quite the amount that would have scored that fifth star from me. However, I found the main couple adorable and their special talents interesting. I definitely want to continue with reading this series.

Disclaimer: All information correct at time of posting. Book purchased by the reviewer from a legitimate retail site for their own personal enjoyment.

Promise The Stars (Corwint Central Agent Files Book 5) by CE Kilgore #scifi #romance

Title: Promise the Stars (Corwint Central Agent Files Book 5)
Author: CE Kilgore
Genre: SciFi Romance
Publisher: Tracing the Stars
Available: Kobo, B&N, iBooks, Amazon (197 pages $0.99)
Rating: 5 stars
Rater: Pippa

Blurb:

To you, my dearest child, I promise the stars…

Nikki’s been to the deepest pit of darkness in the universe and lived to tell about it, barely. But, to move forward with her life, she must first go back to Thetos – where a buried secret and her father’s promise await her return. Despite her independent, defensive nature, she lets Brom into her world and under her skin bit by bit. With her Trexen biology clawing its way into fruition, including unwanted side effects like mind-reading and a deadly temper, she struggles to see herself as worthy of her father’s intellectual legacy. The more she reveals to Brom, the faster she expects him to leave. She quickly learns Orellians don’t give up so easily, and Brom’s as stubborn as they come.

But someone’s been waiting for Nikki’s return and the secret she guards. Its discovery could mean a chance at peace, or lead to all out war. In the wrong hands, even the best intentions can lead to catastrophe, and a promise can decay into regret.

What I liked:
A wounded but feisty won't-stop-for-nothing heroine in search of information that can change the universe, and a steady, strong and sensitive hero prepared to do anything to keep her safe and win her broken heart on her terms. Add to that a colourful cast of secondary characters, action, adventure, tension both plotwise and sexual, all set against a fully fledged scifi setting, and it gets an unreserved 5 star rating from me! 
What I didn't like:
Zero. Zip. Zilch. This was perfect!

In conclusion:
Space opera fans who don't mind a few well written sex scenes in their scifi will love this. For anyone who likes ST, Firefly and Farscape, and/or even just a damn good adventure story with snogging.

Disclaimer: All information correct at time of posting. Book was purchased by the reviewer from a legitimate retail site for their own personal enjoyment.

Salvation (Prophecy #2) by Lea Kirk #scifi #romance #spaceopera

Title: Salvation (Prophecy Book Two)
Author: Lea Kirk
Genre: SciFi Romance
Publisher: Lea Kirk
Available: Kobo, B&N, iBooks, Amazon (231 pages $3.99)
Rating: 5*
Rater: Pippa

Blurb:

A blessing and a curse…

Seven years ago, a single moment changed the course of Nicholaus Bock’s life forever—the moment his preternatural Gift to heal awakened in him. A gift that made him an invaluable commodity to the known galaxy. Now his mentor’s intriguing and secretive new student goes out of her way to challenge his loyalty to everything he values.

A dark secret…

After facing death and destruction during the Anferthian invasion, Sakura Yamata revels in her new-found Gift to heal. Helping Earth’s survivors keeps her mind off the loss of her family, and the memory of the terrible choices she made. Nick could penetrate her defenses and discover what she’s hiding. She must not let the handsome healer close enough for that to happen.

A race facing annihilation…

When a mysterious disease strikes the hidden sanctuary of the Anferthian dissenters, Nick and Sakura are called in to help. But someone is going to great lengths to ensure the dissenters don’t survive. Nick and Sakura must set aside their differences and work together to save them before the fragile peace between three worlds is shattered.

What I liked:
The two MCs are adorable! This is a play on the 'enemies to lovers' trope (one of my favourites) though not quite the 'kill on sight' variety. While Nick might first come across as a grade a jerk, I understood his frustration and his rejection of an unwanted gift and position forced upon him. But he swiftly rose to the challenge, and his sensitive handling of the heroine later in the book will melt the frostiest heart hardened against his preceding jerk-ish behaviour. The heroine - Sakura - is quite justified in her initial assessment of him but I felt a touch too much jealousy over his position and talent coloured her behaviour. However, as we learn how broken she is, I admired her strength and resolve, supported by the hero, as she fought to find her own path. Those nervous of the SciFi tag should be reassured - other than being on an alien planet and some simple (and in places humorous) detail on alien anatomy and customs, this is light on the SF element and much more character driven romance and adventure that any romance reader should enjoy, more like ER/CSI set off world.

What I didn't like:
The opening sex scene, while certainly hot and well written, made me wince a couple of times. Haesi is clearly a masochist but it might leave some readers flinching. Please trust me that this is a very small proportion of the book and later sex scenes are far more sensual! I would also have preferred more SF elements, but then I'm an addict for my scifi.

In conclusion:
While this wasn't the same 'tear out your heart and stomp on it' rollercoaster of book one (or maybe I was just better prepared) it is a worthy successor in this series. You will need to have read book one to follow this as I don't think it would stand well alone even if it focuses on different main characters. A heartwarming sexy romance between two characters struggling to overcome troubled pasts and really be the saviours of the title for an alien race depending on them. Both make a journey of discovery and find ways to heal themselves as well as their alien allies. Recommended for those who like medical/adventure romances in exotic locations as it may be a little light on the SciFi elements for the SFR fans.

Freedom's Embrace (A'yen's Legacy #4) by Rachel Leigh Smith #futuristic #romance

Title: Freedom's Embrace (A'yen's Legacy #4)
Author: Rachel Leigh Smith
Genre: Futuristic Romance
Publisher: Rachel Leigh Smith
Available: Goodreads, Kobo, B&N, Amazon (pages 321,  $4.99)
Rating: 5*
Rater: Pippa




Blurb:

They made the wrong choice. Putting it right requires going into a war.

A'yen's Reign: Year Two
Taran has served Nicco, prince of Marcase, for twenty-three years. While on a fact-finding mission to Corsica--a planet annexed by the empire thirteen years ago--Taran and Nicco are kidnapped by the Freedom Alliance and taken deep into the Corsican hardwood forests.

Da'Renna, sister to King A'yen's linked bodyguard, has loved Taran since the moment he saw her. Leaving him behind wasn't easy, but her brother needed her more. Hearing about Taran's kidnapping makes her wonder if she made the right choice.
With the help of a friend from Corsica, Da'Renna and her brother sneak in to find Taran. When mercenaries take her hostage, Taran must make the choice he dreads most: his master, or his soul-mate.
If Taran loses his girl, he'll never find his way to freedom.
Note: This novel stands alone and is a great entry point into the A'yen's Legacy futuristic romance series

What I liked:
Fully fleshed and complex, tortured characters you can immediately sympathize with (though I wanted to slap the main couple). I was so happy to see more of Ro and Jasmine even though this wasn't their story, the majority of that having taken place in book three. This book can stand alone so you don't have to read the previous three to be able to follow the majority of it (although personally I was glad I had as it gives you more back up/lead up to this story and the politics/history behind it). It continues to build on the A'yen universe and the slow crawl toward freedom for all the Lokmane. This is a story about divided loyalties, what freedom means to an individual, and what they are prepared to sacrifice for love. This is perhaps the smoothest read of the series so far, and not only progresses the story but also ties up some loose ends from the previous books.

What I didn't like:
I actually can't pick up on anything I didn't really like. The 5* rating says it all. Aside from getting frustrated with the central couple (which is the whole purpose of the story), and maybe a bit too much of the cupping faces again (but touch is so much more important to a Lokmane because of the almost spiritual connections couples share), I can't fault it.

In conclusion:
Recommended for those who want to try scifi romance but are put off by the prospect of having to wade through a lot of science, or for paranormal/UF lovers looking for something a bit different to the usual vampires, shifters, demons etc. You don't even have to have read the previous books in the series as this can stand alone (though personally I would suggest that you do).

Willing Skin (Space Grit #4) by Ella Drake #scifi #romance #spaceopera

Title: Willing Skin (Space Grit #4)
Author: Ella Drake
Genre: Scifi Romance/Space Opera
Publisher: self
Available: Amazon $3.99 (Kindle) 207 pages
Rating: 5*
Rater: Pippa


Blurb:
Sylla Viola has never put down roots. When she's forced to abandon her life, she leaves everything behind. Nothing to miss. Nothing to regret. Not even the loss of her body. Using a DNA mod that changes her into a male half-human Scoriah, she's poised to get away from the hunter on her trail. Until she runs into the one man who can see through her disguise.

Docked at Station Viesel, Echtei Bronson helps a lost male Scoriah. One minute in his company threatens Echtei's control. One glimpse of the woman inside and he can't keep his hands off. One heated touch and he gives in to the need to wreak havoc on anyone who touches Sylla--a woman who could never stay with a man forever tied to family and home.

But even Echtei can't defeat what's chasing Sylla--a ruthless cyborg hunter who has shown that a Scoriah is no match for him. Echtei won’t give Sylla up without a fight. It's face the impossible or die trying, even if survival means war.

Willing Skin is a full-length science fiction romance, standalone novel in the Space Grit series with a happily ever after ending.

Warning: This novel is intended for readers 18 and older. It contains explicit female/male and (female as male)/male scenes, language, violence.

Keywords: f(m)/m, explicit sex, violence, alien romance, space opera, Twelfth Night trope, What you Will, disguise, gender swapping, woman disguised as man, android, cyborg, romance, genes

What I liked:
I wasn't sure if I would like this but I decided to take a leap of faith, and I'm glad I did. Take a deep breath because the tension and action never let up for a second! It didn't feel at all like 95K, in a good way because of the seat of your pants pacing. The tech elements were intriguing and appealed hugely to my SF side without being overwhelming for anyone who isn't that into SciFi - the concept of the skin suit for the heroine and all the mental and physical conflict it involved was hugely original and completely fascinating to me. Plus the author excels at writing explicit sex scenes but in a way that doesn't set me cringing at the words used. I was also fascinated by the cyborg bounty hunter.

What I didn't like:
Some of the phrasing got a bit repetitive toward the end, and the constant to-ing and fro-ing to the same places got a bit wearing. Also the amount of time the central couple spent snogging, fondling, and/or more involved pushed my believeability limit considering how much danger Sylla was supposedly in. These were very minor niggles overall though.

In conclusion:
While a bit heavy on the sex scenes for my personal taste, this is one hot, exciting, tense, and all-round fun romp on a space station, with some uber fascinating tech including the heroine's ability to gender-flip. I'm still thinking about the story and the characters weeks after reading. If you find the idea of switched gender sex offensive, this is not for you. About the closest comparison I can make is maybe an X-rated version of Farscape where the Scarrans are more human and sexy rather than scary, and with a Terminator-style assassin. Although book four of this series, it reads perfectly fine as a standalone so you can jump in mid-series without feeling lost.

Chain Reaction (8th Wing #2) by Zoe Archer #scifi #romance #spaceopera

Title: Chain Reaction (8th Wing #2)
Author: Zoe Archer
Genre: Scifi Romance
Publisher: Harlequin Digital Sales Corp
Available: Amazon $2.99 (Kindle) 139 pages
Rating: 4*
Rater: Pippa




Blurb:
Elite 8th Wing pilot Celene Jur was taken captive after a mysterious device temporarily disabled her ship's controls. Three solar months later, when Celene receives intel on the man who built the device, she's ready to get the bastard. Only problem is, the higher-ups think her mission partner should be Nils Calder, a tech-head who can understand the disabling device. The attraction between them is electric, but Celene needs a soldier who can watch her back as she exacts her revenge.

Nils knows his department is nicknamed NerdWorks. Pilots like Celene think the closest tech geeks come to combat is all-night Nifalian chess tournaments. But behind the NerdWorks insignia on his sleeve Nils is an able fighter, ready to prove himself and gain Celene's trust.

The desire between them is unexpected, but with the fate of thousands hanging in the balance, the hotshot pilot and the tech genius must succeed in their mission—no matter the cost.

What I liked:
Some great sensual descriptions, as well as great snark. Beautifully paced tension, especially on the sexual side, and the actions scenes were full of energy. I really liked the character of Nils and how he broke the nerd cliche. There was also nothing heavy about the story.

What I didn't like:
I didn't really connect/empathize with Celene, although perhaps that's because I hadn't read the previous book. There weren't any scenes to emphasize how the whole hero worship thing was actually crippling her love life other than being told backstory. The pace was good until it dropped and became a bit fragmented midway and never quite picked back up for me, especially at the finale. There also wasn't anything ground-breakingly new or different about the story overall.

In conclusion:
This was a quick, light, and fun military SFR story that can be read as a standalone despite being book two of a series. On the downside, it was lacking on the emotional intensity side of the romance for me and missing an explosive final confrontation. If I'm honest I was left a bit disappointed by it. For fans of military scifi romance who aren't into a lot of emotional angst as part of the build up or lots of techy descriptions, and along the lines of a lighter Battlestar Galactica (reboot)/newer Star Trek.

Terms For Surrender by CE Kilgore #spaceopera #scifi #romance

Title: Terms for Surrender (Corwint Central Agent Files)
Author: CE Kilgore
Genre: Space opera
Publisher: Tracing the Stars
Available: Amazon $2.99 (Kindle) 119 pages
Rating: 4*
Rater: Pippa




Blurb:
((Includes Free Short Story "Mechanics Of Survival"))
Ogrridannes is leading her Central Strike Team on the hunt for the fugitive Lucas Ardos. Ardos is wanted for betraying his Central Agent partner and the murder of twenty-eight civilians. She must track him deep into dangerous T'jaros territory, but she isn't the only one who's after Ardos.

Cassien is not what he appears at first glance. He's on a desperate mission to preserve the research done by his adoptive parents and save the future of his people. Ardos has stolen their research and Cassien is willing to do whatever it takes to get it back, even learn to trust a woman who could either open his heart or break every bone in his body.

Ogrridannes isn't looking for love. She's been burned before, and she gets that to most, her bulging muscles, mohawk and orange, scaled skin is nothing more than a curiosity. Being just one of the guys, however, is starting to get depressing. When Cassien shows up, needing her help, she has to decide if she's going to let him in or keep him away to save her mission and her heart.

What I liked:
In this side story we learn more about the T'jaros, who have come across as drug-crazed pirates until now. My heart bled for Ogrridannes and her hesitation in giving her affection to anyone because of her traumatic past. Lots of action, and a super cute romance between two unlikely lovers.

What I didn't like:
The number of characters and rush of events left me somewhat confused. I'm also not entirely convinced by Cassien--I felt he fell a little too hard and fast.

In conclusion:
Another great short that expands the Corwint universe. More action packed with a super cute romance between two unlikely characters who appear at opposite ends of the spectrum. Perhaps not the best place to start if new to the Corwint series as the characters and action come all at once, but definitely a worthy addition.

Mechanics of Survival by CE Kilgore #spaceopera #scifi #romance #short

Title: Mechanics of Survival (part of Terms for Surrender, Corwint Central Agent Files)
Author: CE Kilgore
Genre: Space Opera
Publisher: Tracing the Stars
Available: Amazon $2.99 as part of Terms for Surrender (Kindle) 24 pages
Rating: 3.5*
Rater: Pippa




Blurb:
A free short included in Terms for Surrender. 
Stranded on an uninhabited planet, an ambassador for the Xen’dari Empire and a Mechatronic Central Agent must overcome their differences and accept their similarities if they hope to survive.

What I liked:
I adore Kilgore's Mechatronic Automatons and her universe, and even though the heroine was one of the hated Xen'dari, I loved Veira's character and how she learned to unbend and think beyond the strictures of her upbringing. This was great in terms of character growth and development.

What I didn't like:
While I love the enemies to lovers/forbidden love tropes, this one just did not work for me as a short. As a novella/novel, it might have. But the Xen'dari are supposedly not only xenophobic and obsessed with racial purity as well as their superiority to all other sentient races, they also regard the Mechatronic Automatons as not even living beings. They are things. So for Veira to fall so quickly and completely for something her race considers little better than a kitchen appliance, even if it did save her life in extreme circumstances, just didn't work in such a short piece for me.

In conclusion:
An enjoyable, quick and sweet scifi romance short, but much as I love Kilgore's work and her universe, this went outside my believeability limits. Well worth reading as part of the Corwint Central Agency Files, but not the best play on the enemies to lovers/forbidden love trope for me. A good introduction to the Corwint universe if you've not read her work before.

Violet Haze by CE Kilgore #scifi #romance #spaceopera

Title: Violet Haze (Corwint Central Agent Files)
Author: CE Kilgore
Genre: Scifi Romance
Publisher: Tracing the Stars
Available: Amazon $2.99 (Kindle) 96 pages
Rating: 5*
Rater: Pippa




Blurb:
Caleb finds himself evolving beyond the boundaries he was programmed with as Corwint struggles to find stability during the Mechatronic Automaton rights movement. Meeting Violet, a rare female Mecha, encourages him to follow the evolution to its fullest potential, while violent events surrounding the rights movement pushes them both to stand up for acknowledgment of their existence and their right to live equally.

Author's Note: The events of this story begin 32 years prior to the events in Book 1: Ghost In The Machine, and end after Book 3: Tracing The Stars, but it can be read as a stand alone story.

What I liked:
I have a serious thing for Kilgore's mecha, and in Violet Haze it's pretty much ALL mecha. A beautifully written short that follows the sentient development of the mecha, from emotional awakening, their fight to be recognized as sentient beings with the rights of individuals, and the terrible consequences they and their supporters face. Wonderfully done, it questions what it means to be alive.

What I didn't like:
I wish it could have been longer. The story is fully complete, but I wanted more! Also, because the Mechatronic Automatons live so long, this covers a much longer time scale than some of the other characters in the Corwint Universe, and as such I felt a tad lost. It's difficult to adjust my personal sense of time to that of the mechas in the story. Not a complaint, just a niggle.

In conclusion:
This is a wonderful, sweet and thought-provoking story of the sentient awakening of the mechas, and what the people who support them also sacrifice to help them reach their full potential and gain their rights as free thinking, feeling individuals. Less explicit than some of the others in this series if you're sensitive to sexual content, light on the SF elements, and a sweet, slow burn romance. Loved it.

Prophecy by Lea Kirk #scifi #romance #spaceopera

Title: Prophecy (Book One in the Prophecy series)
Author: Lea Kirk
Genre: scifi romance
Publisher: self
Available: Amazon (pre-order price) $0.99 (Kindle) 342 pages
Rating: 5*
Rater: Pippa




Blurb:
One normal day turns into a nightmare when Earth is attacked. Now ER nurse Alexandra Bock is imprisoned aboard an alien slave ship with no way out. She deems all aliens untrustworthy, including the handsome blue-skinned Matiran captain who shares her cell.

One night of betrayal leaves Senior Captain Gryf Helyg a prisoner of his enemies. Because of him, Earth’s indigenous people face extinction and his home world is threatened. But his plans for escape are complicated by his inexplicable draw to the Earth woman imprisoned with him.

One ancient prophecy holds the key to free Alexandra and Gryf’s war-ravaged worlds. Can two wounded souls who have lost everything learn to trust and forgive in order to fulfill the prophecy, and find a love that will last for eternity?

What I liked:
I've never been a fan of alien abduction or contemporary (ish) settings, which just goes to prove what a fabulous book this must be to win past my prejudices. Kirk's greatest skill lies in crafting her characters, winning you over to them, and writing even secondary romances in such a way that not only tugs on your heartstrings but completely reels you in, rips you apart, and leaves you with the warm fuzzies and tears in your eyes afterward. Prophecy also offers a different twist on the alien abduction trope by making both main characters abductees imprisoned together - one alien and one human - a variation that helped win me over (I'm not a fan of female abductee falls for alien abductor). It also plays on the Atlantis mythology, and two of my favourite themes: Soul mates and psi powers. The sex scenes are sensual and hot yet surprisingly quite non-explicit. This story packs some serious emotional punch.

What I didn't like:
While the story jumps straight into events, the first few chapters dragged just a fraction with all the main characters held prisoner. In some ways I suppose it accurately reflects their own frustrations at being trapped in a cell, but I would have liked it to move on a bit quicker. That said, it didn't put me off reading or impact my overall thoughts on the book.

In conclusion:
I LOVED. This. Book. While it's a little light on the SF elements for me, it's a stunning debut that reads like the work of a long-term professional author. The writing is smooth and highly polished, with great sensual intimacy in the sex scenes without a lot of explicit wording. Wonderfully three dimensional characters and perfectly written primary and secondary romances that will leave you longing for a Matiran of your own. Recommended for fans of alien abduction/invasion stories, gut-punching sensual romance, those who don't like their SFR too tech-heavy, and especially if you're looking for a variation on the alien abduction theme.

I received an ARC from the author for an unbiased and honest review.

Breathe Into Existence by CE Kilgore #spaceopera #scifi #romance

Title: Breathe Into Existence (Corwint Central Agent Files, #4)
Author: CE Kilgore
Genre: Space opera/scifi romance
Publisher: Tracing the Stars
Available: Amazon $3.80 (Kindle) 246 pages
Rating: 5*
Rater: Pippa




Blurb:

Asha journeys to the Vesparian homeworld, breaking the laws of her sisterhood in a hope to save the life of Merik - the Trexen who nearly lost his mind in his attempts to protect her from herself. As she seeks reconciliation for her past and a reason to hope for the future, she must accept responsibility for Merik's condition at the possible cost of her heart.

Merik awakens to an alien world and the silver eyes that have come to haunt his dreams. Fighting against his Trexen nature, his heart begs him to protect Asha while his carnal spirit calls him to claim her as his and no one else's.

Bonds will be forged and broken. Trust will be lost, love tested and the strings of Fate pulled taught. The universe will tilt as two Vestrasa collide and Ethan learns a truth that has the power to change everything.

What I liked:
This is a hard one to do without spoilers: be warned! So, my new favourite character got what I was hoping for. Despite the head hopping and multiple POVs, I found this one far less confusing to follow than book three. And wowzers, was there was a huge surprise with massive, universe changing potential at the end! Lots of tension culminating in what would be a completely satisfying conclusion as a final book, but intriguing threads that promise more to come. I much preferred this one to book three.

What I didn't like:
There are still another four books to come, and none of them are available yet! I felt that after all the build up the fate of the 'villain', though expected, was a bit of a damp squib. And yet, in some ways, we understand his drives so much better that some may feel sympathy for him. The head hopping remains an issue, but less confusing in this installment.

In conclusion:
Classic space opera with real emotion that made me cry. Loved the ending, loved the romance that was resolved in this book, and in some respects this would be a great finale to a series, while still leaving openings for more books (which the back matter promises there will be). Who is the mysterious fourth player?! Oh, and I'd recommend skipping the side stories to make it easier to focus on the main books as it's less confusing. Those can stand alone so you can always come back to them later.

Tracing the Stars by CE Kilgore #spaceopera #scifi #romance

Title: Tracing the Stars (Corwint Central Agent Files #3)
Author: CE Kilgore
Genre: Space opera/scifi romance
Publisher: Tracing the Stars
Available: Amazon $3.80 (Kindle) 251 pages
Rating: 3.5*
Rater: Pippa




Blurb:
Hankarron Eros has loved Tara since she had pigtails, but his fear of losing the strength and support that their friendship provides leads him to keep his heart's desires locked away. When the truth about his family is exposed and leaves him grasping to hold onto his ship, his crew and his sanity, words are spoken that can't be taken back and the presence he had grown so used to having at a convenient reach is gone.

Tara Flint has never denied her heart's attraction to the floppy-haired, brown-eyed Hankarron, even if he can be a stupid limik sometimes. Her strong will falters as she is forced to decide between a promise she made to her father, a boy she has loved since she had pigtails and the possibility of finding out what her life might be like without the presence of Hankarron always by her side.

When you get knocked down, you get back up and hit the other guy harder. Trip 'Wild Fists' Weston is a Runata'ji combat fighter at the top of his career with a fame and fortune he doesn't want and a Lucky Clover tattooed across his heart to remind him of the girl who is always just out of reach. When Tara's luck lands her in his lap without Hankarron on her heels, Trip wonders if this is his chance to capture his Clover, or if Tara's luck has other ideas in mind. Fate doesn't always give you want you want, but it will always give you what you need.

Jennadri Szina doesn't have time for matters of the heart or trying to get two wayward agents back on track. She's got a mission to run, a Director who is dying and a mother who isn't easy to impress. When Jehdra sends her to save Hank and Tara, Jen takes her mother's mission on at full speed, but she isn't prepared to manage 'Wild Fists' Weston and his damn dimple.

They say that the stories of our time will one day be traced into the stars to help guide others home. Fate strings intertwine with skipping stones across the stars of the universe, pulling it forward and writing new lines in the night sky as the Corwint Central Agent saga continues to lead Ethan, Orynn and Jarren towards a collision that holds the power to change everything.

What I liked:
The plot thickens and the tension and intrigue continue to rise. This one, perhaps more than the previous two, starts to hint that there's much more going on than anyone realized, and way more at stake than just Orynn's safety and freedom. The depth of the world building and differing cultures, plus more behind the existence of both the Vesparians, Trexens, and the Mechatronic Automatons, grows ever more complex. The situation between Asha and Merik is becoming increasingly tense. The secondary romance was more satisfying than the main romance.

What I didn't like:
The main focus of this book is the first romantic couple listed in the blurb, and to my mind it is the least satisfying and most overly drawn out 'will-they/won't they' romance of the series. Painfully so. It made me flinch rather than ramping up the tension, and it was more a case of 'hurrah, that's over' rather than them getting their HEA.

In conclusion:
In terms of the main story arc - the two skipping stones or Vestrasa Jarren and Orynn - and the developing conflict on a cosmic scale, this was an improvement on book two. There's much more of the search for Orynn, more revelation on Jarren's scheming coming together and the realization that he has manoeuvred so many people while keeping his hand well hidden. In terms of the primary romance, it really fell flat to me (and I will admit to skipping ahead because I wanted more Merik and Asha). I actually preferred the fiery secondary romance between Trip and Jennahdri despite it happening too fast. However, the bigger storyline that started in book one is certainly building up tension and impetus, so I would say I rate book three more for that than the romance (though it is still most definitely a romance). Again, the very many POVs made it harder to follow. I will mention, however, that I have an older version of this book so some of it may have been tightened up since (as I know the author has updated them), and the few typos/errors I spotted have probably been remedied. This is not my favourite of the series so far. I also skipped the side stories so as to focus on the main books in the series, and I found that made it less confusing moving from book two to book three.

Whispers from Exile by CE Kilgore #spaceopera #scifi #romance

Title: Whispers from Exile (Corwint Central Agent Files #2)
Author: CE Kilgore
Genre: Space opera/scifi romance
Publisher: Tracing the Stars
Available: Amazon $0.00 (Kindle) 292 pages
Rating: 4*
Rater: Pippa




Blurb:
A love forbidden, and some would say impossible, forged between two friends as one struggles for the freedom of his people, and the other struggles for freedom from the confining construct of his mechanical existence.
The Ruisks were once a fierce and proud race with courageous spirits, but after over a century of being held captive under the oppressive leash of the Xen'dari Empire, they have become defeated, hollow shells that bow their heads in submission. Larx fights to help his people find their courage again as he seeks the courage to be true to the callings of his heart.
Torque has been a Central Agent for over one hundred and thirty years. Each day is defined by the protocols embedded into the subroutines of his Mechatronic mind. Orders are followed without question and his personal life is never put before the directives of the agency. After learning a groundbreaking truth, he fights to hold on to Larx and a bond that threatens to change his directive-driven world forever.
In Book 2, the rippling effects caused by Orynn's existence continue to move through the universe in unforeseen and unpredictable ways. Whispers of her aura linger, and the lives she touched continue to move the story of the universe forward. Follow the stories of the Central Agents as they continue to search for the truths about their universe and about themselves.
*This book is intended for mature readers and contains mild violence, coarse language and romantic scenes of intimacy.

What I liked:
As always, a well-paced, emotional story, this time with several romances of varying gender and/or species pairings threaded through it (there is something for everyone!) while also going back to the main story for Ethan and Orynn. It progresses the overall series arc, while also focusing on intertwining characters with their own stories. I've developed a sudden obsession with bad boy Merik, because here we see hints that there's more to him under that twisted, murderous exterior.

What I didn't like:
This book didn't gel so well for me. While I bought this as part of the Corwint series rather than as a m/m SciFi romance, the latter is what I expected from the focus of the blurb and the excerpt on the author's website. Instead it was straight back to Orynn and Ethan. While I adore them and was very happy to get back to them after the two side stories between books one and two, it felt like I'd picked up the wrong book to begin with! It took until the end of chapter four to get my bearings when it became the story in the blurb, but it then took several more chapters for it all to come together. I also found the head hopping during the m/m sex scenes very confusing. I almost wonder if it might have been better to have Larx and Torque's romance as a separate story in its own right. There were just too many characters to keep track of and maybe, just maybe, too many romances happening at once.

In conclusion:
A great continuation of the series, full of heart-wrenching romances and tension, though somewhat confusing with the dual main storylines and numerous character POVs. If you like m/m romances, and especially non-human with human or android interactions, this is for you but you need to have at least read book one (the side stories aren't required reading though). As always, Kilgore writes the emotional turmoils of her characters with real impact - if you don't cry at least once you are as heartless as the Xen'dari make out the Mechas to be! Debating whether to go straight to book three or read the side stories first.

According to Plan by C.E.Kilgore #spaceopera #scifirom

Title: According to Plan (Corwint Central Agent Files) 1.2
Author: CE Kilgore
Genre: Scifi Romance/Space Opera
Publisher: Tracing the Stars
Available: Amazon $0.00 (Kindle) 52 pages
Rating: 4.5*
Rater: Pippa




Blurb:
Meticulous calculations, weighing the odds, setting up the pieces in proper order and making sure each step had a failsafe and an alternate path should things go unexpectedly. That was Jehdra Szina's forte, her prime skill and her true enjoyment from life. It was challenging, invigorating and empowering.
By the boasting of her superiors, she knew she was damn good at it too. Maybe too good. Maybe so damn good that she had become complacent and her subconscious had slipped on purpose in order to offer her up a real challenge for a change.
How else could she possibly explain the existence of the snoring smuggler next to her? Everything had been planned and accounted for. Everything but Trent.

What I liked:
Again, this is a side story in the main series, but is fine to read as a standalone. Unlike To Even Have Dreams, this one is a romance, which came as a relief after the total heartbreak of TEHD. I adored the super-snarky Jehdra and the razor sharp, flaming dialogue and interaction between her and Trenton. While I twigged the plot twist just before it happened, it was nonetheless delightful. The 'pigeons', despite their role, were bizarrely adorable.

What I didn't like:
Ugh, the head hopping. This is a recurring thing which I can generally ignore in Kilgore's writing simply because the characters are so indepth and the stories so compelling. However, it was more noticeable to me in this one and therefore just a smidge more annoying (hence the smidge under 5* rating on this one).

In conclusion:
Once again, a fast paced, totally beguiling SciFi romance with great characters, interesting aliens, extra fiery interactions, tension, and heartbreak, though with a satisfying (if surprising) HFN.

Inherit the Stars by Laurie A Green #scifi #romance

Title: Inherit the Stars (The Inherited Stars Series)
Author: Laurie A Green
Genre: scifi romance
Publisher: Array Press
Available: Amazon $6.99 (Kindle) 401 pages
Rating: 5*
Rater: Pippa




Blurb:

STEAMY SCIENCE FICTION ROMANCE...JUST WHAT THE GALAXY ORDERED! 

To escape the merciless Ithian Alliance, Sair, a fugitive slave, makes a desperate deal with Drea Mennelsohn, captain of the prototype ship, Specter. But putting his life in the hands of a woman as mysterious as she is beguiling could turn out to be the biggest mistake of his life, especially when the price on his head begins to escalate. 

Drea seems to want far more from the fugitive than just payment for his passage on her ship. Though neither can deny the sizzling chemistry and growing bond between them, Sair must soon make an agonizing decision that could result in the loss of the remarkable woman he has fallen in love with—and their chance to inherit the stars.

This is also available in three serialized parts:
Inherit the Stars Part 1: Flight (The Inherited Stars Science Fiction Romance Series) $0.99 125 pages
Inherit the Stars Part 2: The Network (The Inherited Stars Series) $2.99 170 pages
Inherit the Stars Part 3: Sacrifice (The Inherited Stars Science Fiction Romance Series) $2.99 126 pages

What I liked:

Sair is exactly my kind of hero. Despite his subspecies' reputation for ferocity and aggression matched by large, muscular build, Sair is a tortured hero with a soft  heart, lacking the arrogance and testosterone-boosted ego of the typical alpha male. Not sure I'd rate him as a beta either though.  He's strong, loyal, caring, devoted to his women (yes, you did read that as plural but no spoilers!), and sexy as heck. Given into slavery at a young age, he's done what he's had to to survive and prosper, and it's given certain skills in the bedroom. This comes in useful since he has little else to offer for help in his escape. The story is told entirely from his point of view, and I have absolutely no issue with this since we remain in the one perspective for the entire serial/novel. 
Drea is a strong, complex woman, and we get to know her in a very natural fashion over the three parts. The secondary characters are also fully fleshed and well developed, and the romance intense. The conflict fuels the story and the action, with a good dose of thorough and intriguing world building (including the horrifying Ithian culture), plot twists, action and adventure. 


What I didn't like:

I'm not a fan of serials, but since all three parts were released in quick succession and swiftly followed by the full novel, it didn't keep you waiting (full disclosure: I read the full version prior to it being contracted and published). Part one gives you a good introduction if you're not willing to pay out for the full novel from a new author,but personally I find big books  released in parts a bit frustrating. Both part one and part two end on cliff-hangers,hence much of my irritation with serials. I am not a patient person! To me, the full novel falls more naturally into two parts, the first focusing entirely on Sair and his predicament, then moving on to his and Drea's joint quest for freedom and happiness.

In conclusion:

This, to me, sums up a lot of what I love most about science fiction romance - the two main elements are perfectly woven together to produce a heart-twisting, exciting romance adventure in a futuristic, technologically-advanced setting. For those nervous about paying out for the full novel from a new author, the serialization is the place to start, providing cliff-hanger endings are okay by you (though all three parts are available to curb any impatience!). I loved the technology and the characters, and can't wait to read more by this author. 

Deep Deception by Cathy Pegau #scifi #romance

Title: Deep Deception
Author: Cathy Pegau
Genre: SciFi Romance (f/f)
Publisher: Carina Press
Available: Amazon $1.99 (Kindle) 208 pages
Rating: 4*
Rater: Pippa




Blurb:

Colonial Mining Authority agent Natalia Hallowell doesn't always play by the rules, but she wouldn't compromise a case either. Put on administrative leave under a cloud of accusation, with no support from her boss, Natalia seeks a little anonymous companionship at her favorite bar. But she's surprised when the woman who catches her fancy starts buying her drinks.

Desperate, Genevieve "Gennie" Caine has no choice but to seduce, drug and tie Natalia to the bed to get her attention. With the Reyes Corporation after something she has, Gennie needs Natalia to open an investigation and distract them long enough for her to get off Nevarro.

Natalia doesn't trust Gennie—despite the growing attraction between them—but the corporation's suspiciously high profits and abnormal business dealings convince her that they must be hiding something. She has no idea just how deep the deceptions run…

What I liked:

In this one the romantic tension was much higher and in far more jeopardy than Caught In Amber and Rulebreaker, with both the main characters having issues and secrets that could do far worse than simply make a romance difficult.

What I didn't like:

I didn't find either heroine as likeable as those in other Pegau books I've read, so I had a harder time connecting and emphasizing with them, despite the justification in Gennie's case. I also think that Natalia's 'illness', having been made out as something deadly, abruptly became a minor factor when I felt it should have been more pivotal.

In conclusion:

This is not my favourite of Pegau's books, but still an exciting, heart-wrenching SFR worth reading. Light on the SF but with plenty of tension, emotional and action-wise, with thriller and espionage elements.

Rulebreaker by Cathy Pegau #scifi #romance #ff

Title: Rulebreaker
Author: Cathy Pegau
Genre: SciFi Romance (f/f)
Publisher: Carina Press
Available: Amazon $1.99 (Kindle)  247 pages
Rating: 5*
Rater: Pippa




Blurb:

Liv Braxton's Felon Rule #1: Don't get emotionally involved.

Smash-and-grab thieving doesn't lend itself to getting chummy with the victims, and Liv hasn't met anyone on the mining colony of Nevarro worth knowing, anyway. So it's easy to follow her Rules.

Until her ex, Tonio, shows up with an invitation to join him on the job of a lifetime.

Until Zia Talbot, the woman she's supposed to deceive, turns Liv's expectations upside down in a way no woman ever has.

Until corporate secrets turn deadly.

But to make things work with Zia, Liv has to do more than break her Rules, and the stakes are higher than just a broken heart…

What I liked:

I loved the development of the romance between the two heroines, Liv and Zia. It was sweet, sensual, and felt very natural. I'm also a sucker for a redeemed thief. There was plenty of angst and heartbreak, which are top of my wish list for a story with real emotional punch. The world building was solid, though a little lacking in SF elements for my usual fare, and very smooth and believable character development. I also like how the story fitted in with Caught in Amber and Deep Deception, but without requiring you to read either in order to follow the setting and characters.

What I didn't like:

The SF elements were a touch on the light side for my tastes. This, however, is a plus for anyone put off SciFi romance by the prospect of heavy scientific or technical description that might bog the story down.

In conclusion:

This is an ideal starting point for those new to SciFi romance while still delivering a satisfyingly romantic thriller/action filled story for long-term SFR fans. Fans of industrial espionage might also enjoy this story, as will f/f readers.

Queen of Starlight by Jessa Slade #scifi #romance

Title: Queen of Starlight (Sheerspace 1)
Author: Jessa Slade
Genre: scifi romance
Publisher: Red Circle Ink
Available: Amazon $0.00 (Kindle)  167 pages
Rating: 4 stars
Rater: Pippa




Blurb:

Her body is his prize, but he'll risk the stars for her love... Transformed by empathic crystals into the perfect paramour, Benedetta Galil is the last treasure of her fading world. When raiders attack—seeking to corrupt the crystals and conquer all of charted space—she gives herself as a prize to the one man in the universe who values freedom over power. Mercenary sheership Captain Corso Deynah left oppression behind him on a burning planet and has no use for a sex slave, even one as seductive as Benedetta. But while he stubbornly resists her body, her fierce spirit tempts him, and he will risk everything—his ship, his seclusion, the very stars—to win not just her passion but her love. 


What I liked:
Beautiful lyrical writing and descriptions that I adored. Also sex scenes written along the same vein, that managed to be hot and sensual without lots of explicit wording, some of which I often finds spoil the overall descriptions with words that jar me out of the scene. The world building was awesome and intriguing (I have a thing for crystals anyway, so to have these used to enhance a body's sensitivity and enable an empathic kind of union totally grabbed me). Despite the hero's insistence that he was a jerk, he really wasn't, and though I'm not a huge alpha fan I was won over by his devotion to a cause that he hadn't really wanted to take up.


What I didn't like:
The hero calls himself a jerk or similar several times at the start, to the point where I almost stopped reading. It was done too many times and really wasn't necessary after the first couple of mentions. Also, despite the beautifully written scenes, the couple had sex at what seemed totally inappropriate times and places, as if the author had felt compelled to force them in to avoid them being missed out completely. Both times this totally pulled me out of the story. I felt these could have been put elsewhere and broken the flow a lot less. I also didn't like the heroine as much as the hero - in some respects she almost came over as a bit of a wet blanket but just about avoided that label.

In conclusion:
This is a good book for fans of scifi romance, especially those who prefer the sex scenes hot and sensual rather than full out explicit, if you can excuse the weird timing and settings.  Some SF purists might dislike the science behind the crystals bonding to humans (in that respect, I would point to Anne McCaffrey's Crystal Singer). I would probably read the rest of the books in the series and more by this author.

Farewell Andromeda by Laurie A Green #scifi #romance

Title: Farewell Andromeda (The Inherited Stars series)
Author: Laurie A Green
Genre: Scifi Romance
Publisher: Array Press
Available: Amazon $0.99 (Kindle) 62 pages
Rating:  5 stars
Rater: Pippa 





Blurb:
STEAMY SCIENCE FICTION ROMANCE...JUST WHAT THE GALAXY ORDERED! 

Fresh off a painful jilting, the last thing deep space pilot Tiharra Bell needs is another romantic entanglement. Certainly not with the galaxy’s most famous astronomer-who also happens to be single, inconveniently handsome, and a resident of the remote Andromeda Station. But Tiharra soon discovers two terrible truths about Dr. Dante “Donner” Dane 1) he’s not the man he appears to be and 2) he doesn’t have long to live. Before her fourteen day layover is complete, she’ll put her life and career on the line to protect his heartbreaking secret. 

What I liked.
The world building was strong and in-depth, no mean feat for a short story. I really didn't see a way out of the situation that could possibly result in the happily ever after required for a romance, which added to the heartbreaking overtone that ran for most of the story and really added to the HEA at the end. The hero was adorable, the villain suitably evil, the secondary character interesting and the heroine a complex, well drawn woman. Beautifully lyrical writing and scene descriptions.

What I didn't like.
If I really dig deep to find something to complain about, perhaps I got a tiny bit tired of the heroine feeling sorry for herself. But as she'd just had her heart completely broken, then the possibility of happiness snatched away in one of the most heart-wrenching, inhumane of ways, a little self pity is more than understandable!

In conclusion.
Prepare to have your heart ripped to pieces, along with some great character building and enough tech for the space enthusiast without being overwhelmed by science. A short, more than satisfying scifi romance that will leave a smile on your face. Fans of ST: Deep Space Nine would definitely like this.

Dragonfly by Erica Hayes #scifi #romance #spaceopera

Title: Dragonfly
Author: Erica Hayes
Genre: Scifi Romance
Publisher: Momentum
Available: Amazon $5.90 (Kindle)
Rating:  4 stars
Rater: Pippa 





Blurb:
Carrie Thatcher is a tough Imperial counter-terrorism agent. Her mission: pose as a sexy cyber-thief to entrap the notorious rebel Dragonfly, who's planning a heist on the space station Casa de Esperanza - an orbital casino on the fringe of Imperial space.

And this assignment's personal: Dragonfly murdered her closest friend, and she's in no mood to show him mercy. Even getting stuck with the partner from hell--Malachite, her sociopathic ex-lover and the Empire's most dangerous agent--can't dampen her relish for the kill.

With Carrie's expert weapons skills and penchant for cracking codes, insinuating herself into Dragonfly's confidence should be easy. But is he the ruthless killer she was led to believe? Or has her precious Empire deceived her? With Malachite watching her every move, the slightest flinch in loyalty means death.

Carrie is soon racing to uncover an audacious treachery that will shock the Empire to its core ... if she can stay alive for long enough to expose it.

What I liked.
The world building was in-depth, complex and intriguing. The plot was high tension and action packed. There was quite a bit of science (maths) and technology, something I love but that might put off those not so keen on heavy SF elements. The characters are captivating, and the hero particularly takes some figuring out.

What I didn't like.
This was quite slow at the start due to a heavy amount of set up and world building, but had a lot of tension throughout, right to the final conflict...and then totally flopped for the final few pages. I think this book had the most disappointing ending I've come across, even if it had the required HFN for a romance. Also I got a little tired of Carrie with her 'he's my enemy, he has to die, OMG he's hot and I want to sleep with him' mental routine. I prefer my sexual tension a bit more subtle. Others might enjoy her constant mental conflict more than me.

In conclusion.
If you're a fan of the Firefly/Farscape style of space opera, this is for you (Carrie was a very Aeryn Sun type character to me). Be prepared for some heavy-ish technobabble and world building though, and having to stick with it for the first couple of chapters to get to the adventure.