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8th Wing #1
Collision Course
In a galaxy torn apart by war…Mara Skiren is a scavenger, a black-market dealer. Blackmailed into helping Commander Kell Frayne infiltrate a treacherous corner of the galaxy, Mara learns that her biggest danger is from her sexy, by-the-book partner. She's a loner with more than a few battle scars on her heart, but something about Commander Frayne stirs up her long-buried need for an intimate connection.An ace pilot for the elite Black Wraith Squadron, Kell's mission is to rescue a lost pilot and ship. Unable to deny his attraction to the beautiful, rebellious Mara, he decides bedding her would cool his ardor. But one taste is not nearly enough, and he finds himself sharing more of his real self with her than he has with anyone. With deadly criminals on their heels and an increasingly dangerous assignment to complete, he's starting to wonder…if they survived, could he let her go? And will Mara want to stay? 46,390 words"
141 pages, ebook
First published March 16, 2011
About the author
Zoe Archer
35 books656 followersZoë Archer is a RITA award-nominated romance author whose stories are about smart, capable heroines and the heroes who love them. She is the author of the acclaimed Blades of the Rose series, as well as the Hellraiser, and Nemesis Unlimited series, among others. She also writes Regency-set romances as Eva Leigh. Visit her on the Web at http://www.zoearcherbooks.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
May 27, 2011
Oh boy. For laughs, this deserves a 5 guys.
Not to say I didn't enjoy this book, but it is LOLZ-worth indeed. For the benefit of doubt, SF romance RARELY works well actually (see Ann Aguerre's Sirantha Jax for an excellent example) so, granted, this genre is hard to do. And FOR THE RECORD, I've enjoyed other works by this author, but this novella just missed the meat. Er, actually it kinda found it. It's basically lady porn, guys.
QUOTE:
"Sweet meteor candy...This man amazed her...He was one of the most physically attractive men she'd ever seen, including the famed Halu pleasure slaves bred specifically to be the most aesthetically appealing creatures in the galaxy...A plasma pistol was strapped to his thigh...His body was hard, lethal. A warrior, this one."
SWEET METEOR CANDY?!?!?!?!!! The whole cro-magno man in space just...problematic. Anyway. I would...check out "Warrior" by this author, which is set in olden times, so the whole "you my woman" thing is a bit more swallow-worthy. Hehe, I said swallow.
Not to say I didn't enjoy this book, but it is LOLZ-worth indeed. For the benefit of doubt, SF romance RARELY works well actually (see Ann Aguerre's Sirantha Jax for an excellent example) so, granted, this genre is hard to do. And FOR THE RECORD, I've enjoyed other works by this author, but this novella just missed the meat. Er, actually it kinda found it. It's basically lady porn, guys.
QUOTE:
"Sweet meteor candy...This man amazed her...He was one of the most physically attractive men she'd ever seen, including the famed Halu pleasure slaves bred specifically to be the most aesthetically appealing creatures in the galaxy...A plasma pistol was strapped to his thigh...His body was hard, lethal. A warrior, this one."
SWEET METEOR CANDY?!?!?!?!!! The whole cro-magno man in space just...problematic. Anyway. I would...check out "Warrior" by this author, which is set in olden times, so the whole "you my woman" thing is a bit more swallow-worthy. Hehe, I said swallow.
January 2, 2016
This was a fun, quick read. I love space romance, and this definitely fits the bill. I rated it three stars because the storyline was too focused on sex for my tastes. It seemed like much of what happens occurs through that filter. I would have liked to see more of Kell and Mara's relationship develop outside of their sexual attraction. It was clear they fell and love and will stay together, but too much of their bond seems physical to me.
Also, Mara seems to be mainly characterized by her sexuality. While I'm not judgmental against a woman for being sexually active, I was uncomfortable with how often her past sexual exploits (including a drunken bout with a female friend and triplets) were referred to. I can appreciate the role reversal that I believe Archer was going for. How often is the hero's sexuality thrown in our face and so casually? A lot. I'm not a big fan of that, so I'm equal opportunity. Her past when reveals adds some perspective to why she lives her life the way she does.
Kell is a good hero. I like that he's multi-layered. While he's an all business military guy, he also has a less-than-respectable past, and he can handle himself, in all ways. I liked that it was clear that he was falling in love with Mara probably even before she was allowing herself to feel something more than lust for him. He can hold his own with a strong woman and throw down, and what's not to like about that?
The action was really good, and the world-building felt authentic. The descriptions of the planet and the Scavengers hangouts were really great and gritty. I really got a feel for their culture in those descriptions. I love that Rustic sort of sci-fi vibe, ala "Firefly" and Archer captures it here beautifully. The aspect of how the 8th Wing fighters fly their ships was really cool. I was geeking out.
I think that if a reader is going for a shorter, steamy sci-fi romance where sex is the focus, they will love this. If a reader wanted a more full-bodied story where other aspects are equally developed, they might find this lacking a bit. Having said that, I'm excited to read Chain Reaction in the near future, I hope. Zoe Archer is a great writer and I'll continue to read her books.
Also, Mara seems to be mainly characterized by her sexuality. While I'm not judgmental against a woman for being sexually active, I was uncomfortable with how often her past sexual exploits (including a drunken bout with a female friend and triplets) were referred to. I can appreciate the role reversal that I believe Archer was going for. How often is the hero's sexuality thrown in our face and so casually? A lot. I'm not a big fan of that, so I'm equal opportunity. Her past when reveals adds some perspective to why she lives her life the way she does.
Kell is a good hero. I like that he's multi-layered. While he's an all business military guy, he also has a less-than-respectable past, and he can handle himself, in all ways. I liked that it was clear that he was falling in love with Mara probably even before she was allowing herself to feel something more than lust for him. He can hold his own with a strong woman and throw down, and what's not to like about that?
The action was really good, and the world-building felt authentic. The descriptions of the planet and the Scavengers hangouts were really great and gritty. I really got a feel for their culture in those descriptions. I love that Rustic sort of sci-fi vibe, ala "Firefly" and Archer captures it here beautifully. The aspect of how the 8th Wing fighters fly their ships was really cool. I was geeking out.
I think that if a reader is going for a shorter, steamy sci-fi romance where sex is the focus, they will love this. If a reader wanted a more full-bodied story where other aspects are equally developed, they might find this lacking a bit. Having said that, I'm excited to read Chain Reaction in the near future, I hope. Zoe Archer is a great writer and I'll continue to read her books.
May 27, 2011
Quick Take:
A solid series-starter, this would make for a good first taste of sci-fi romance for fans of paranormal romance. Some very minor personal gripes couldn't keep me from loving this action-filled, steamy romp.
Review:
A new sci-fi romance series is born! This is a great bit of news, since this segment of the romance genre definitely deserves more love and attention, especially given the increased popularity of its sibling paranormal romance. In my view, Collision Course is sci-fi lite—in a good way. It would be a decent segue into its genre from those used to PnR.
This book is aptly named, as it involves the clash between classes, ideologies, and—most specifically—the two main characters. The plot itself is straightforward, with not many asides. The set-up of an epic struggle between corporations 8th Wing and PRAXIS is fun, and carries much potential. It’s pure space opera to the max.
Though there is a good bit of legitimate world-building, the narrative definitely doesn’t hold your hand through visuals. The text is full of what I like to call “nothing words.” Those are science-fiction-sounding wording that ultimately carry no real meaning to the reader; comprehension instead comes from the rest of the sentence, as in “he was as sneaky as a Cormelian sea worm.” But this sometimes happens in science fiction writing, right? One must simply get used to working more actively with the descriptions provided.
I really enjoyed the hero, Kell Frayne. He was intriguing both when serving as the narrative voice, and when being described through the heroine’s head. There’s something rather attractive about the tough and practical yet honorable hero. ^_^ He’s definitely one of the strongest sources of my attachment to the book.
Zoe Archer is quite good at action sequences. My excitement for the book ratcheted up several notches in the third act, where most of the high-octane activity takes place. In that area, the author seems to have a great sense of pacing and tension building.
I must make a small note of one aspect that didn’t thrill me, though. A little bit of the later dialogue felt a bit too trite for my taste. It was discourse between the hero and heroine, too…oh well.
This story is definitely a solid series starter. I’d recommend it to those newer to or unfamiliar with the genre, since its themes are fairly universal and the world built thus far is not too complex.
A solid series-starter, this would make for a good first taste of sci-fi romance for fans of paranormal romance. Some very minor personal gripes couldn't keep me from loving this action-filled, steamy romp.
Review:
A new sci-fi romance series is born! This is a great bit of news, since this segment of the romance genre definitely deserves more love and attention, especially given the increased popularity of its sibling paranormal romance. In my view, Collision Course is sci-fi lite—in a good way. It would be a decent segue into its genre from those used to PnR.
This book is aptly named, as it involves the clash between classes, ideologies, and—most specifically—the two main characters. The plot itself is straightforward, with not many asides. The set-up of an epic struggle between corporations 8th Wing and PRAXIS is fun, and carries much potential. It’s pure space opera to the max.
Though there is a good bit of legitimate world-building, the narrative definitely doesn’t hold your hand through visuals. The text is full of what I like to call “nothing words.” Those are science-fiction-sounding wording that ultimately carry no real meaning to the reader; comprehension instead comes from the rest of the sentence, as in “he was as sneaky as a Cormelian sea worm.” But this sometimes happens in science fiction writing, right? One must simply get used to working more actively with the descriptions provided.
I really enjoyed the hero, Kell Frayne. He was intriguing both when serving as the narrative voice, and when being described through the heroine’s head. There’s something rather attractive about the tough and practical yet honorable hero. ^_^ He’s definitely one of the strongest sources of my attachment to the book.
Zoe Archer is quite good at action sequences. My excitement for the book ratcheted up several notches in the third act, where most of the high-octane activity takes place. In that area, the author seems to have a great sense of pacing and tension building.
I must make a small note of one aspect that didn’t thrill me, though. A little bit of the later dialogue felt a bit too trite for my taste. It was discourse between the hero and heroine, too…oh well.
This story is definitely a solid series starter. I’d recommend it to those newer to or unfamiliar with the genre, since its themes are fairly universal and the world built thus far is not too complex.
June 28, 2011
A nice little SciFi romance novella. There wasn't room to develop the sci fi element greatly but what there was was decent. There weren't any glaring bits that made me grimace as sometimes happens when romance authors try sci fi. Attention was paid to piloting ships and description of space and planets in enough detail that it was firmly in the SFR camp rather than the futuristic romance camp.
However the gist of the story is the romance that develops between Mara, a smuggler sort, and Kell, a military man. Even though the story took place over just a few days, I felt like their emotions showed a progression. So even though they had the hots for each other immediately, the story was mainly about finding a compatible soul to go through life with. Mara was a competent woman who was in charge of her life and when the old one no longer suited, she was willing to make a new one that better suited her new desires. Kell was an honorable man. He was pretty kick butt. The author did a good job of giving just enough back story to justify the skills and actions of each of the main characters. I would be willing to try further stories in the series.
However the gist of the story is the romance that develops between Mara, a smuggler sort, and Kell, a military man. Even though the story took place over just a few days, I felt like their emotions showed a progression. So even though they had the hots for each other immediately, the story was mainly about finding a compatible soul to go through life with. Mara was a competent woman who was in charge of her life and when the old one no longer suited, she was willing to make a new one that better suited her new desires. Kell was an honorable man. He was pretty kick butt. The author did a good job of giving just enough back story to justify the skills and actions of each of the main characters. I would be willing to try further stories in the series.
April 15, 2011
This is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic.
Expected Release Date: Available Now!
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: Carina Press
Author’s Website: http://www.zoearcherbooks.com
My Source for This Book: Netgalley
Part of a Series: Yes, Book 1 in the 8th Wing series
Steam Level: Hot
I had forgotten how much I like a good space adventure, but this book certainly reminded me. It had everything I love -- tons of heart-pounding action, corrupt politicians, enemies coming from every angle, and incredible sexual tension.
Overall, this was a tasty, easy, entertaining read. The tension and love scenes between Kell and Mara were absolutely delicious, and despite the fact that their romance developed over a very short amount of time, the pacing still felt right. A very cheerful 4/5 Stars
Expected Release Date: Available Now!
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: Carina Press
Author’s Website: http://www.zoearcherbooks.com
My Source for This Book: Netgalley
Part of a Series: Yes, Book 1 in the 8th Wing series
Steam Level: Hot
I had forgotten how much I like a good space adventure, but this book certainly reminded me. It had everything I love -- tons of heart-pounding action, corrupt politicians, enemies coming from every angle, and incredible sexual tension.
Overall, this was a tasty, easy, entertaining read. The tension and love scenes between Kell and Mara were absolutely delicious, and despite the fact that their romance developed over a very short amount of time, the pacing still felt right. A very cheerful 4/5 Stars
April 13, 2011
Mara is a tough-as-nails scavenger pilot who likes to be in control, Kell is an elite Black Wraith fighter pilot who fights for what he wants. Put them together and you get a steamy space adventure that takes you through gritty scavenger bars, dangerous energy storms and a war for freedom.
Collision Course drew me in immediately and I didn’t put it down until the last page. I’ve had Archer on my TBR list for a long time now and if Collision Course is anything to go by then I am missing out on some great reads!
Archer has created a compelling and easy to understand world, providing the perfect balance of romance and action. This is a perfect title because Mara and Kell are definitely on a collision course, and they might not survive with their hearts intact. But once these two crash into each other it��s a fiery explosion of sex and trust.
I loved the development of Mara and Kell’s relationship because they both expected each other to be totally different then what they turned out to be. They feel an instant attraction, Mara is gorgeous and Kell is drop-dead sexy, but the mission comes first and they’re from two totally different worlds. They come to find out though that they have more in common then they thought but are trapped by their circumstances, a scavenger and an 8th Wing don’t have a future together.
Collision Course is a fun and entertaining, and I’m looking forward to more stories from this amazing world Archer has created.
Collision Course drew me in immediately and I didn’t put it down until the last page. I’ve had Archer on my TBR list for a long time now and if Collision Course is anything to go by then I am missing out on some great reads!
Archer has created a compelling and easy to understand world, providing the perfect balance of romance and action. This is a perfect title because Mara and Kell are definitely on a collision course, and they might not survive with their hearts intact. But once these two crash into each other it��s a fiery explosion of sex and trust.
I loved the development of Mara and Kell’s relationship because they both expected each other to be totally different then what they turned out to be. They feel an instant attraction, Mara is gorgeous and Kell is drop-dead sexy, but the mission comes first and they’re from two totally different worlds. They come to find out though that they have more in common then they thought but are trapped by their circumstances, a scavenger and an 8th Wing don’t have a future together.
Collision Course is a fun and entertaining, and I’m looking forward to more stories from this amazing world Archer has created.
April 4, 2011
First off let me say, this was a very entertaining read! You have Mara a stubborn, beautiful, in-control scavenger and you put her with Kell, a sexy, strong, 8th wing officer and you get the recipe for a a great, super-steamy romance!
The characters could not have been more likeable! Mara was the epitome of 'I don't give a shit' kick-ass while Kell was tied to his duty as an 8th wing officer. This contradiction made for some great interactions. It was fun watching each of them learn that neither was quite what the other expected. Don't judge a book by it's cover right?
The reason I give this book four stars instead of five is because it seemed to take awhile for the action to start in the book... Yeah, the sexual tension is great, but I also wanted to jump right into the adventure as well! About 1/3 of the way in the action really picked up and I was happy I waited. The romance just did not feel natural until that point.
Zoe Archer made a believable universe that left me wanting to learn more about it's inhabitants. Collision Course was a wonderful, sexy sci-fi romance packed with adventure and action. It was a very quick read (only 199 pages) and I highly recommend it! I will definitely be on the look out for the next in the series!
The characters could not have been more likeable! Mara was the epitome of 'I don't give a shit' kick-ass while Kell was tied to his duty as an 8th wing officer. This contradiction made for some great interactions. It was fun watching each of them learn that neither was quite what the other expected. Don't judge a book by it's cover right?
The reason I give this book four stars instead of five is because it seemed to take awhile for the action to start in the book... Yeah, the sexual tension is great, but I also wanted to jump right into the adventure as well! About 1/3 of the way in the action really picked up and I was happy I waited. The romance just did not feel natural until that point.
Zoe Archer made a believable universe that left me wanting to learn more about it's inhabitants. Collision Course was a wonderful, sexy sci-fi romance packed with adventure and action. It was a very quick read (only 199 pages) and I highly recommend it! I will definitely be on the look out for the next in the series!
May 11, 2011
I love Zoe Archer! I'm not a fan of Sci-fi but because Zoe was the author of this I just had to read it knowing that she would give it everything I've come to expect of her writing.
Mara and Kell are two incredible characters with enough heat sizzling between them to make a supernova look pale in comparison. Sparks fly right from the first look they give each other and only intensifies as the story progresses.
The Sci-fi aspect was actually really good and I did so enjoy the vivid descriptions. You could actually feel every emotion that from fear, hatred, excitement, loathing, jealously and so much more from all the characters. Each and every character was so realistic it was like you could actually reach out and touch them.
This is one Sci-fi romance that I was very happy to read and will have to look into more. I think it's about time I expand my horizons now that Zoe has given me a taste of sizzle, sizzle, blastoff!
Mara and Kell are two incredible characters with enough heat sizzling between them to make a supernova look pale in comparison. Sparks fly right from the first look they give each other and only intensifies as the story progresses.
The Sci-fi aspect was actually really good and I did so enjoy the vivid descriptions. You could actually feel every emotion that from fear, hatred, excitement, loathing, jealously and so much more from all the characters. Each and every character was so realistic it was like you could actually reach out and touch them.
This is one Sci-fi romance that I was very happy to read and will have to look into more. I think it's about time I expand my horizons now that Zoe has given me a taste of sizzle, sizzle, blastoff!
January 10, 2020
3.5 stars
A sexy space romp, this novel was action-packed and fun to read. However, the fast pace means the romance builds at an unbelievable speed. I'd still read other books in this series, though. Recommended for fans of Jessie Mihalik's The Consortium Rebellion trilogy.
A sexy space romp, this novel was action-packed and fun to read. However, the fast pace means the romance builds at an unbelievable speed. I'd still read other books in this series, though. Recommended for fans of Jessie Mihalik's The Consortium Rebellion trilogy.
September 26, 2017
Good book
March 31, 2019
Review posted on Got Fiction?
I wanted a short Sci Fi Romance, and this was on sale, so I grabbed it! I really enjoyed the heroine and her voice. I’ve already bought book 2, so I’m excited to continue on. With work being so time consuming, novellas are my favorite thing right now.
Mara is a salvager. She’s being blackmailed into helping the 8th Wing recover one of their ships and the captain. As if that isn’t bad enough, they’re sending one of their best pilots with her. She works alone, and no matter how sexy this guy is, she wants to keep working alone.
Kell is trying to make the universe a safer place. The war that’s been going on needs to end, and the 8th Wing’s new ships are the way to do that. But his friend is the pilot, and he wants her back safely. In the mean time, he wants to sway Mara to his side, not just into is arms 😉
But can the two of them keep their hands off each other during the mission? (spoiler alert: they can’t!)
There were a couple of twists and turns I didn’t see coming, but if you’re in the mood for a fun little Space Opera/Sci Fi Romance, this one is quick, sexy, and enjoyable.
I wanted a short Sci Fi Romance, and this was on sale, so I grabbed it! I really enjoyed the heroine and her voice. I’ve already bought book 2, so I’m excited to continue on. With work being so time consuming, novellas are my favorite thing right now.
Mara is a salvager. She’s being blackmailed into helping the 8th Wing recover one of their ships and the captain. As if that isn’t bad enough, they’re sending one of their best pilots with her. She works alone, and no matter how sexy this guy is, she wants to keep working alone.
Kell is trying to make the universe a safer place. The war that’s been going on needs to end, and the 8th Wing’s new ships are the way to do that. But his friend is the pilot, and he wants her back safely. In the mean time, he wants to sway Mara to his side, not just into is arms 😉
But can the two of them keep their hands off each other during the mission? (spoiler alert: they can’t!)
There were a couple of twists and turns I didn’t see coming, but if you’re in the mood for a fun little Space Opera/Sci Fi Romance, this one is quick, sexy, and enjoyable.
May 10, 2011
Posted at http://yummymenandkickasschicks.com/?...
Mara and Kell are a smokin’ hot couple. If pages could catch fire due to the heat characters generate, this book would have scalded my hands. Well, it’s an eBook, so my Kobo would have melted…and that would have pissered me off…so maybe that wasn’t such a good analogy. But you catch my drift. But in case you don’t, I’ll spell it out for you: The chemistry between Mara and Kell is spectacular.
After reading Zoe Archer’s Blades of the Rose books and thoroughly enjoying them, I placed Zoe on my “no matter what she writes, I will check it out, unless it’s about man-eating broccoli, then I may just draw the line there” list. I knew (thanks to Twitter) that she was releasing sci/fi romance book, and since she’s on my fancy list (and even though I also often have trouble relating to sci-fi settings), I decided to check it out. And I am really glad I did.
Collision Course takes place in a whole other world/galaxy and is filled with spaceships and other space stuff. The story revolves around Mara, a scavenger, who is blackmailed into helping the 8th Wing track and save one of their pilots and Kell, a member of the 8th Wing who is to accompany Mara on her mission. And even though there is so much “space stuff” going on, you can’t help but focus on this couple. From the moment they meet, the sparks fly. It’s not like their attraction overpowers the plot, but it definitely rides right alongside it.
I love characters like Mara. A strong and independent woman who has worked very hard to get where she is. She has no time for friends, let alone partners or relationships. Yet Kell cracks through. And Kell, confident and smart, is also used to working alone and being alone. He pretty much has one thing on his mind and that is to help in the war against the heartless conglomerate who is trying to pretty much take over space. I really enjoyed watching as Mara and Kell slowly let their barriers down. They worked really well together and, as I mentioned before, their chemistry… well, it worth reading this book just to witness that.
And don’t worry about the fact that this is a novella. It does not read like one. Zoe manages to really give you a good feel for the setting and scenery, a thorough understanding of the characters and their mission and a clean, unrushed ending. Very well written.
Zoe said that each book in this series will focus on a different couple, but that past characters will make an appearance. I am excited about that and can’t wait to see what she cooks up for the members of the 8th Wing. Next up is Lt. Jur’s story in Chain Reaction, which is due out November 28th 2011.
I knew I’d get a good story and a good coupling, because this is a Zoe Archer book after all, but this book surpassed my expectations. It was sweet and steamy and action-filled. It was, simply put, a great book.
4.5 stars
Mara and Kell are a smokin’ hot couple. If pages could catch fire due to the heat characters generate, this book would have scalded my hands. Well, it’s an eBook, so my Kobo would have melted…and that would have pissered me off…so maybe that wasn’t such a good analogy. But you catch my drift. But in case you don’t, I’ll spell it out for you: The chemistry between Mara and Kell is spectacular.
After reading Zoe Archer’s Blades of the Rose books and thoroughly enjoying them, I placed Zoe on my “no matter what she writes, I will check it out, unless it’s about man-eating broccoli, then I may just draw the line there” list. I knew (thanks to Twitter) that she was releasing sci/fi romance book, and since she’s on my fancy list (and even though I also often have trouble relating to sci-fi settings), I decided to check it out. And I am really glad I did.
Collision Course takes place in a whole other world/galaxy and is filled with spaceships and other space stuff. The story revolves around Mara, a scavenger, who is blackmailed into helping the 8th Wing track and save one of their pilots and Kell, a member of the 8th Wing who is to accompany Mara on her mission. And even though there is so much “space stuff” going on, you can’t help but focus on this couple. From the moment they meet, the sparks fly. It’s not like their attraction overpowers the plot, but it definitely rides right alongside it.
I love characters like Mara. A strong and independent woman who has worked very hard to get where she is. She has no time for friends, let alone partners or relationships. Yet Kell cracks through. And Kell, confident and smart, is also used to working alone and being alone. He pretty much has one thing on his mind and that is to help in the war against the heartless conglomerate who is trying to pretty much take over space. I really enjoyed watching as Mara and Kell slowly let their barriers down. They worked really well together and, as I mentioned before, their chemistry… well, it worth reading this book just to witness that.
And don’t worry about the fact that this is a novella. It does not read like one. Zoe manages to really give you a good feel for the setting and scenery, a thorough understanding of the characters and their mission and a clean, unrushed ending. Very well written.
Zoe said that each book in this series will focus on a different couple, but that past characters will make an appearance. I am excited about that and can’t wait to see what she cooks up for the members of the 8th Wing. Next up is Lt. Jur’s story in Chain Reaction, which is due out November 28th 2011.
I knew I’d get a good story and a good coupling, because this is a Zoe Archer book after all, but this book surpassed my expectations. It was sweet and steamy and action-filled. It was, simply put, a great book.
4.5 stars
April 7, 2011
Review originally posted here: http://thebookpushers.com/2011/04/06/...
Publisher: Carina Press
Publish Date: Out Now!
How I got this book: NetGalley
I’m a big fan of space opera romance, and man oh man does Archer deliver one of the best I’ve ever read!
Mara is down on her luck when she gets blackmailed into helping the 8th Wing get back one of their pilots and top secret ships. Because of her special skills (dealing in the black market), Mara really doesn’t have a choice. But her day gets worse when she realizes she has to work with a partner, the sex on legs Kell.
The two are instantly attracted, but for them both, the mission has always come first. But with danger lurking around every corner, the two quickly fall to their passion. With their enemies, other mercenaries and mercs hot on their heels, they will have to work together to complete their mission, get out alive, and figure out just where life can take them.
I really can’t say enough fabulous things about Collision Course. I loved the world Archer created, and the fact that she didn’t go heavy on the science fiction. It was soft, easy to understand and get involved in, and so compelling I immediately got sucked in. The balance of space battles and romance were the perfect combination to give any romance reader a thrill ride, regardless of the sub-genre.
Mara and Kell were super fun characters as well. Both were strong in their values and beliefs. I enjoyed that they both had such depth to them, even though the story was shorter than your average novel. The history they each had to go through to get to where they are today, was so fun to watch unfold. I loved that Kell was, in many ways, a very alpha hero. And at the same time, he gave Mara a lot of liberties to be her own woman, pilot her own ship, and get them out of some sticky situations. Likewise I enjoyed Mara’s ability to be a super strong heroine, and yet vulnerable and able to change at the same time. Plus, they had this great chemistry together. They burnt hot and steady and I enjoyed watching them deal with that.
The action was great in this as well. I loved the way that Mara and Kell had to rely on each other to continually get out of sticky situations, they way they each played off of the others skills. Again, there were so many things I loved about the world building: the different planets, the in space fights, the neat ships and crazy scenarios were so fun to read.
The book was constantly moving at a fun pace, and I never felt like I was left behind or confused ( as can happen in some Sci Fi Romance). For anyone out there thinking about jumping into the Sci Fi Romance genre, this would be a great starter book for you!
All in all, I give Collision Course an A.
Publisher: Carina Press
Publish Date: Out Now!
How I got this book: NetGalley
I’m a big fan of space opera romance, and man oh man does Archer deliver one of the best I’ve ever read!
Mara is down on her luck when she gets blackmailed into helping the 8th Wing get back one of their pilots and top secret ships. Because of her special skills (dealing in the black market), Mara really doesn’t have a choice. But her day gets worse when she realizes she has to work with a partner, the sex on legs Kell.
The two are instantly attracted, but for them both, the mission has always come first. But with danger lurking around every corner, the two quickly fall to their passion. With their enemies, other mercenaries and mercs hot on their heels, they will have to work together to complete their mission, get out alive, and figure out just where life can take them.
I really can’t say enough fabulous things about Collision Course. I loved the world Archer created, and the fact that she didn’t go heavy on the science fiction. It was soft, easy to understand and get involved in, and so compelling I immediately got sucked in. The balance of space battles and romance were the perfect combination to give any romance reader a thrill ride, regardless of the sub-genre.
Mara and Kell were super fun characters as well. Both were strong in their values and beliefs. I enjoyed that they both had such depth to them, even though the story was shorter than your average novel. The history they each had to go through to get to where they are today, was so fun to watch unfold. I loved that Kell was, in many ways, a very alpha hero. And at the same time, he gave Mara a lot of liberties to be her own woman, pilot her own ship, and get them out of some sticky situations. Likewise I enjoyed Mara’s ability to be a super strong heroine, and yet vulnerable and able to change at the same time. Plus, they had this great chemistry together. They burnt hot and steady and I enjoyed watching them deal with that.
The action was great in this as well. I loved the way that Mara and Kell had to rely on each other to continually get out of sticky situations, they way they each played off of the others skills. Again, there were so many things I loved about the world building: the different planets, the in space fights, the neat ships and crazy scenarios were so fun to read.
The book was constantly moving at a fun pace, and I never felt like I was left behind or confused ( as can happen in some Sci Fi Romance). For anyone out there thinking about jumping into the Sci Fi Romance genre, this would be a great starter book for you!
All in all, I give Collision Course an A.
August 4, 2011
FANTASTIC Science Fiction Romance!!!!
This is my first Zoe Archer book (Blades of the Rose) and I am very pleased to have had the opportunity to read it specifically for this review.
Mara Skiren, the scavenger, has been blackmailed into a rescue mission for the 8th wing. Mara, who is a one woman crew of her own spaceship, has been forced to have the arrogant Commander Kell Frayne tag along with her for this mission. These two are instantly attracted to each other, but there is no way anything can happen between Mara and Kell, a scavenger, and an 8th wing flyboy…. unheard of.
As their time on the ship together opens their eyes to see beyond each others status, the sexual tension starts to build until resistance is totally stripped away. As their mission continues, they start to share their secrets that they’ve never shared with anyone else, slowly peeling away the layers of protection around their hearts. Mara, who has never taken a man to bed more than once, until now, finds herself at odds with parting ways with Kell at the end of this mission. Kell finds that he wants Mara to stay with him after their mission is over, but how does he convince the free spirited, self reliant woman to stay?? I don’t want to give up too much of this story, but all aspects were really good.
The characters were great, Kell is a super sexy alpha male, flawed, and not afraid to express his feelings. Mara is a kick ass flawed heroine who knows how to wield a plasma gun, and damn if she’s not sexy too.
This book had it all for me....romance, action, a good story. It holds a lot of promise for future books, and I’m looking forward to them.
Well done Zoe Archer!!!!
Quotes:
******
He pulled back from the kiss just enough to stare down at her with smoldering eyes. With her breasts bared, pressed above the fabric of her corset, her mouth swollen from kissing, she probably resembled an Auroran courtesan. And she didn’t care. Delighted in it, to see the answering hunger in his face and his barely leashed body.
“You devastate me.” He sounded like a beast straining at it’s leash.
“Good” She answered, because he did the same to her.
******
Her heart threatened to tear from her body, to see this powerful warrior kneeling before her, tending to her so carefully, as if she was someone precious. Not a scavenger. Not a pawn. A woman who deserved to be cherished.
April 14, 2011
Favorite Quote: “Launching,” she murmured, “in five, four, three, two, one. Hang on to your balls, Commander.”
I really enjoyed Zoe Archer’s Blades of the Rose series this past year. Now she has the start of a new series going in a different direction – Sci Fi. I don’t read a lot of sci fi but I had a feeling I would like this one because I love Zoe Archer’s style – and I guessed correctly.
Mara is a scavenger who dips her toes in the black market and because of her somewhat shady career and super knowledge of the Smoke Quadrant , she gets blackmailed into helping the 8th Wing, an elite Black Wraith Squadron recover a ship and pilot who have been kidnapped. The ship has special technology wanted by the PRAXIS group, aka the bad guys. It becomes Mara’s mission to go into the Smoke Quadrant and retrieve the kidnapped pilot and lost ship. But the fun begins when she is forced to take on a partner – Commander Kell Frayne of the 8th Black Wraith Squadron.
What really stands out in Collision Course is the chemistry between Mara and Kell. Mara is so strong willed and stubborn. She doesn’t want to take part in this rescue mission, especially with another person. She likes to work alone. Period. But she can’t deny the physical attraction she has to Kell the first time she lays eyes on him. Their banter and flirtation take on a great tone. From the stolen glances, to the pure sexual hunger emanating from Kell. For example, the first night together, Kell sleeps on a mattress in the hallway and Mara is in her room. They are apart yet they still have this incredibly sexy scene – you can feel the tension coming off each of them as they try to not make a move towards a physical relationship. It doesn’t last long and the romance is very hot indeed.
We not only have romance but some great action scenes as well. The world is described nicely and for all of the sci-fi terms there are, the story flows well and I was able to picture the setting in my mind as I read.
A fun ride to watch two such strong characters take a step back and rely on the other to accomplish not only their mission, but a step towards love as well. Collision Course is a sexy novella that I definitely recommend.
Rating: B+
I really enjoyed Zoe Archer’s Blades of the Rose series this past year. Now she has the start of a new series going in a different direction – Sci Fi. I don’t read a lot of sci fi but I had a feeling I would like this one because I love Zoe Archer’s style – and I guessed correctly.
Mara is a scavenger who dips her toes in the black market and because of her somewhat shady career and super knowledge of the Smoke Quadrant , she gets blackmailed into helping the 8th Wing, an elite Black Wraith Squadron recover a ship and pilot who have been kidnapped. The ship has special technology wanted by the PRAXIS group, aka the bad guys. It becomes Mara’s mission to go into the Smoke Quadrant and retrieve the kidnapped pilot and lost ship. But the fun begins when she is forced to take on a partner – Commander Kell Frayne of the 8th Black Wraith Squadron.
What really stands out in Collision Course is the chemistry between Mara and Kell. Mara is so strong willed and stubborn. She doesn’t want to take part in this rescue mission, especially with another person. She likes to work alone. Period. But she can’t deny the physical attraction she has to Kell the first time she lays eyes on him. Their banter and flirtation take on a great tone. From the stolen glances, to the pure sexual hunger emanating from Kell. For example, the first night together, Kell sleeps on a mattress in the hallway and Mara is in her room. They are apart yet they still have this incredibly sexy scene – you can feel the tension coming off each of them as they try to not make a move towards a physical relationship. It doesn’t last long and the romance is very hot indeed.
We not only have romance but some great action scenes as well. The world is described nicely and for all of the sci-fi terms there are, the story flows well and I was able to picture the setting in my mind as I read.
A fun ride to watch two such strong characters take a step back and rely on the other to accomplish not only their mission, but a step towards love as well. Collision Course is a sexy novella that I definitely recommend.
Rating: B+
June 20, 2011
Mara is a Scavenger, a smuggler and criminal, but the doesn't stop the 8th Wing from blackmailing her into helping them save one of their pilots and a high tech fighter ship that has been taken from them. Used to flying solo Mara doesn't like having the arrogan Commander, Kell, on her ship, the Arcadia is her home and she rarely allows anyone inside. But Kell quickly gets under her skin and she finds her self reluctantly falling for him.
I don't know if I have just overloaded on sci-fi romance or if this just wasn't my cup of tea, but I didn't like it that much. The universe was just text book sci-fi with nothing to really distinguish it from countless others and I found it irritating the way random new words, obviously relating to something sci-fiey, were just thorwn in without any kind of explanation. In the end I found that bit boring but bearable.
But, what really bugged me was the romance. It was so over wrought! Having read some Zoe Archer before I was a little prepared for this, but after reading it I need to shower to get all the damn sap off! Every look was soul-wrending, every sigh was deep and meaningful, you couldn't damn well blink with out it having some kind of deep meaning and having, yet another, wall collapse around someones either heart or soul, how many walls/barriers can one possible have?! In the end I just got exasparated with it all and speed read it to get to the end.
I am trying not to be too negative, but when you are reading a book but wishing that the world destroying bad guys win you know that something isn't quite right!
I don't know if I have just overloaded on sci-fi romance or if this just wasn't my cup of tea, but I didn't like it that much. The universe was just text book sci-fi with nothing to really distinguish it from countless others and I found it irritating the way random new words, obviously relating to something sci-fiey, were just thorwn in without any kind of explanation. In the end I found that bit boring but bearable.
But, what really bugged me was the romance. It was so over wrought! Having read some Zoe Archer before I was a little prepared for this, but after reading it I need to shower to get all the damn sap off! Every look was soul-wrending, every sigh was deep and meaningful, you couldn't damn well blink with out it having some kind of deep meaning and having, yet another, wall collapse around someones either heart or soul, how many walls/barriers can one possible have?! In the end I just got exasparated with it all and speed read it to get to the end.
I am trying not to be too negative, but when you are reading a book but wishing that the world destroying bad guys win you know that something isn't quite right!
August 8, 2016
The first book in Zoe Archer's Sci-fi Romance series, 8th Wing. An 8th Wing Black Wraith ship has been stolen along with the pilot and Mara Skiren, a scavenger is "hired" to find it and get it back. Commander Kell Frayne of 8th Wing accompanies her to assist in the extraction. It's his job to ensure the ship is destroyed if the mission to retrieve it fails.
Mara is considered to be a criminal and Kell certainly doesn't need to get involved with her but they both feel a strong attraction to each other. A little spicy in places but still a good story. It's a novella so not a lot of backstory development. Overall, I liked it and will more than likely continue the series.
Mara is considered to be a criminal and Kell certainly doesn't need to get involved with her but they both feel a strong attraction to each other. A little spicy in places but still a good story. It's a novella so not a lot of backstory development. Overall, I liked it and will more than likely continue the series.
January 8, 2012
I tried to like this book, I really did. The story and universe sound fairly interesting. But when I start flipping through pages describing just how wet character A is for character Bs [insert synonym for hard here] organ, then that's it. I'm out, I didn't even finish, although I'm sure the two main characters did, in excruciating detail.
I don't mind sex in my books, I don't. But if I wanted sex with a small side of scifi, I would have picked up a Harlequin book or something. And it's a shame, because the actual writing was good.
I don't mind sex in my books, I don't. But if I wanted sex with a small side of scifi, I would have picked up a Harlequin book or something. And it's a shame, because the actual writing was good.
September 19, 2011
This was a fun sci-fi romance novella. It's really more 3.5 stars since it's hard to develop too much of the world or characters in this short a story. However, Zoe Archer does a pretty good job with the time she has to set up the world and get us Mara and Kell's backstory. It never feels like an infodump and I did come to care for both characters. I'm hoping that Zoe Archer has a full novel size book planned for this world as I would definitely read it.
February 23, 2013
Gosh, for a small novella this packs quite the sexy, action packed punch! Great chemistry, vividly written action scenes and an exciting mission had me glued to the pages. Again it's hard to reconcile the instant attraction between two strangers but I'll write it off to battle lust and the two protags being more alike than not (p.s. I'm NOT complaining!). That said this is a fun, slightly smutty scifi read, perfect for a rainy day!
April 28, 2012
Collision Course is a fun SFR that holds few surprises. Mara is a scavenger who is strong-armed into helping a "government" on a mission. She is forced to partner with Kell, an alpha pilot with a past. Each is attracted to the other, and neither is what the other expected, and each is what the other desires. Need I say more?
April 27, 2011
i enjoyed both main characters and the world building. i was honestly a little sad to see it end. i hope Archer has plans to continue the series.
March 10, 2015
Straight up, cheesy lady-porn. Cute... But there isn't much else to it.
August 17, 2012
When I was a kid, I watched Star Trek, and I'm pretty sure my first crush was Captain Kirk, despite only being in first or second grade. Even then looking I was looking for the romance in the show. Kirk hooking up with green chicks, chicks that could turn into a floating ball of colorful gas, Nurse Chapel, even that time he and Uhura were forced to make out by the men with the big heads. I wanted romance on that ship. What can I say. I was a precocious child.
When I was a teen, it was all about STAR WARS, and my crush had morphed to Han Solo.
For some reason, as I grew older my tastes changed to Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance and somewhere along the line, I mostly quit reading Sci/fi although I still loved the SCIFI movies and TV shows. I’ve watched every Star Trek episode there is, except for some reason, I could never get into the last Star Trek. I’ve just recently rediscovered my love of Science Fiction, now I’m looking at a new genre to me, Space Science Fiction Romance.
I recently read and reviewed SCARABEAUS, another SCI-FI romance and liked it, but that was my first real Sci-Fi Romance or Space Opera as I’ve heard them called. I just stumbled on COLLISION COURSE by Zoe Archer and it was a very quick read. COLLISION COURSE is much lighter than SCARABEAUS. It is kinda like comparing 2011 a Space Odessy to Star Wars with COLLISION COURSE being STAR WARS but with WAY more sexual tension.... and with the genders switched.... and yes, I’m going to beat the Star Wars analogy to death in this review, so suck it up.
Mara Skiren is a Scavenger Pilot (think a female Han Solo) who operates on the fringe of the Galaxy, doing her best to avoid the two warring sides, the Evil Planet raping PRAXIS, and the plucky opposition force, who may be out numbered but have some bad ass tech.
Blackmailed into going on a on a rescue mission by the opposition’s 8th Wing (which other than them flying bad ass space ships I still don't know much about), Mara finds out immediately she is expected to take with her Commander Kell Frayne, a hot shot pilot and hot looking WRAITH pilot. The Wraith ships are incredible technological breakthrough of pilot merging with machine and PRAXIS would do anything to get their hands on one and its necessary pilot, something the 8th Wing would do anything to stop happening. One of Mara’s ilk, a scavenger/smuggler, has captured a pilot “Commader Jur,” and her Wraith Ship are being auctioned them off in the Smoke Quadrant on planet Ryge.
Mara wants nothing to do with Kell, and tries to refuse to bring him, however the Wraith ship can only be flown by a Wraith pilot who has tech that interfaces with the ship, installed under his finger tips. Not knowing what condition the captured Commander Jur will be in, the 8th Wing forces Mara to bring Kell with her as he may need to fly the ship out. The 8th Wing admittedly knows little to nothing about the Smoke Quadrant, due to its natural barrier and the fact that no smuggler would ever talk to them. Except Mara, who is looking at jail time, or going undercover with Kell and running the risk of ruining every connection she has if she is found out.
Kell is all about the mission and rescuing one of his friends. Mara is so pissed she has been blackmailed into this and then saddled with Kell, she refuses his help and forces him to ride shotgun and keep his hands to himself, despite him itching to get his hands on her ship, and as time goes by, on her.
The two of them are so attracted to eachother they can’t see straight, yet neither one can imagine a relationship working between people so different from each other so they fight their feelings. However traveling in very tight quarters on her ship, leaves them nowhere to go to get away from each other and leaves them both extremely …frustrated. They generate enough heat, the ship should be able to run on the lust these two are fighting.
They have to fly through a storm of asteroids that is so severe neither the Galatic bad guys, the PRAXIS, nor the 8th Wing alliance, will attempt to fly through it, and everyone on the planet is stuck waiting out the storm. Mara and Kell must get through the storm and land at the smugglers den that is Beskidt Bay before PRAXIS can get there and bid on the Wraith and her Pilot.
Kell and Mara bond as they risk their lives flying through the storm and Kell actually isn’t the arrogant gorgeous dead weight Mara assumed he’d be, he has some very useful ideas that save their lives. Being crazy enough to fly through the storm, earns Mara more street cred with the unruly crowd that makes up the city where the auction is being held. Kell and Mara hope to be able to pick up enough intel at the bars to find where the auction is being held. Along the way they learn to trust each other, although Kell is pretty pissed off when Mara introduces him at the bar as her Pleasure Slave.
Kell comes from a really wretched background and has dug his way out of it to become his own man, but one who lives by rules and relishes belonging to something bigger them himself. Mara comes from a completely different background, but has had to make her own way, and toughen up to survive. I loved the scene, where they let their guard down and share their back-stories with each other. It was actually really touching.
The characters were fun, the action was fast, the sex was hot, and the science was just enough to make it SCIFI and not so much I felt like I needed a Masters Degree in Astrophysics to follow the action. I liked how strong a character Mara was. She was feminine, wily, smart, smart mouthed, stubborn but not stupidly so. Kell was all growly gorgeous Alpha, but then he surprised me and evidently Mara by taking a back seat and letting Mara run the show when she SHOULD be the one to call the shots. Later the two of them work fantastic as a team.
The downside was part of what made it so good, its familiarity. Beskidt Bay was almost a stand in for Tattooine from STARWARS, and unfortunately, no fictional bar on an off the grid planet will ever be able to fully avoid feeling a little like “The Cantina”. At the end of the book there is even a scene that is almost straight out of Star Wars that I won’t go into for fear of being too spoilerish. I also felt more information was needed to explain what the 8th Wing was. Was it fully in charge of the resistance, or was it just a “wing” of it? I never felt I learned enough about the warring parties to understand the background.
However, I enjoyed the hell out of this book. I was impressed Zoe was able to create such a credible world, generate such sexual heat, and still have enough genuine Science Fiction in it all in so few pages. I read this is just book one in an ongoing series and I look forward to the next episode!
When I was a teen, it was all about STAR WARS, and my crush had morphed to Han Solo.
For some reason, as I grew older my tastes changed to Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance and somewhere along the line, I mostly quit reading Sci/fi although I still loved the SCIFI movies and TV shows. I’ve watched every Star Trek episode there is, except for some reason, I could never get into the last Star Trek. I’ve just recently rediscovered my love of Science Fiction, now I’m looking at a new genre to me, Space Science Fiction Romance.
I recently read and reviewed SCARABEAUS, another SCI-FI romance and liked it, but that was my first real Sci-Fi Romance or Space Opera as I’ve heard them called. I just stumbled on COLLISION COURSE by Zoe Archer and it was a very quick read. COLLISION COURSE is much lighter than SCARABEAUS. It is kinda like comparing 2011 a Space Odessy to Star Wars with COLLISION COURSE being STAR WARS but with WAY more sexual tension.... and with the genders switched.... and yes, I’m going to beat the Star Wars analogy to death in this review, so suck it up.
Mara Skiren is a Scavenger Pilot (think a female Han Solo) who operates on the fringe of the Galaxy, doing her best to avoid the two warring sides, the Evil Planet raping PRAXIS, and the plucky opposition force, who may be out numbered but have some bad ass tech.
Blackmailed into going on a on a rescue mission by the opposition’s 8th Wing (which other than them flying bad ass space ships I still don't know much about), Mara finds out immediately she is expected to take with her Commander Kell Frayne, a hot shot pilot and hot looking WRAITH pilot. The Wraith ships are incredible technological breakthrough of pilot merging with machine and PRAXIS would do anything to get their hands on one and its necessary pilot, something the 8th Wing would do anything to stop happening. One of Mara’s ilk, a scavenger/smuggler, has captured a pilot “Commader Jur,” and her Wraith Ship are being auctioned them off in the Smoke Quadrant on planet Ryge.
Mara wants nothing to do with Kell, and tries to refuse to bring him, however the Wraith ship can only be flown by a Wraith pilot who has tech that interfaces with the ship, installed under his finger tips. Not knowing what condition the captured Commander Jur will be in, the 8th Wing forces Mara to bring Kell with her as he may need to fly the ship out. The 8th Wing admittedly knows little to nothing about the Smoke Quadrant, due to its natural barrier and the fact that no smuggler would ever talk to them. Except Mara, who is looking at jail time, or going undercover with Kell and running the risk of ruining every connection she has if she is found out.
Kell is all about the mission and rescuing one of his friends. Mara is so pissed she has been blackmailed into this and then saddled with Kell, she refuses his help and forces him to ride shotgun and keep his hands to himself, despite him itching to get his hands on her ship, and as time goes by, on her.
The two of them are so attracted to eachother they can’t see straight, yet neither one can imagine a relationship working between people so different from each other so they fight their feelings. However traveling in very tight quarters on her ship, leaves them nowhere to go to get away from each other and leaves them both extremely …frustrated. They generate enough heat, the ship should be able to run on the lust these two are fighting.
They have to fly through a storm of asteroids that is so severe neither the Galatic bad guys, the PRAXIS, nor the 8th Wing alliance, will attempt to fly through it, and everyone on the planet is stuck waiting out the storm. Mara and Kell must get through the storm and land at the smugglers den that is Beskidt Bay before PRAXIS can get there and bid on the Wraith and her Pilot.
Kell and Mara bond as they risk their lives flying through the storm and Kell actually isn’t the arrogant gorgeous dead weight Mara assumed he’d be, he has some very useful ideas that save their lives. Being crazy enough to fly through the storm, earns Mara more street cred with the unruly crowd that makes up the city where the auction is being held. Kell and Mara hope to be able to pick up enough intel at the bars to find where the auction is being held. Along the way they learn to trust each other, although Kell is pretty pissed off when Mara introduces him at the bar as her Pleasure Slave.
Kell comes from a really wretched background and has dug his way out of it to become his own man, but one who lives by rules and relishes belonging to something bigger them himself. Mara comes from a completely different background, but has had to make her own way, and toughen up to survive. I loved the scene, where they let their guard down and share their back-stories with each other. It was actually really touching.
The characters were fun, the action was fast, the sex was hot, and the science was just enough to make it SCIFI and not so much I felt like I needed a Masters Degree in Astrophysics to follow the action. I liked how strong a character Mara was. She was feminine, wily, smart, smart mouthed, stubborn but not stupidly so. Kell was all growly gorgeous Alpha, but then he surprised me and evidently Mara by taking a back seat and letting Mara run the show when she SHOULD be the one to call the shots. Later the two of them work fantastic as a team.
The downside was part of what made it so good, its familiarity. Beskidt Bay was almost a stand in for Tattooine from STARWARS, and unfortunately, no fictional bar on an off the grid planet will ever be able to fully avoid feeling a little like “The Cantina”. At the end of the book there is even a scene that is almost straight out of Star Wars that I won’t go into for fear of being too spoilerish. I also felt more information was needed to explain what the 8th Wing was. Was it fully in charge of the resistance, or was it just a “wing” of it? I never felt I learned enough about the warring parties to understand the background.
However, I enjoyed the hell out of this book. I was impressed Zoe was able to create such a credible world, generate such sexual heat, and still have enough genuine Science Fiction in it all in so few pages. I read this is just book one in an ongoing series and I look forward to the next episode!
December 30, 2017
My three stars are kind of unfair. The book did exactly what it intended, in perfect style. But it did not give me what I wanted from the read.
It is a sf romance with forced proximity, very hot sex and professionally competent heroes. Both main characters come from very different but difficult backgrounds and find in each other the person they can be human with.
Nothing wrong with that.
Why did it not satisfy me? One part is the sex. I love sex, but I don't like it when the relationship is defined by it. The hot sex takes up most of the book, and that never was why I read my romances.
Also I did not find the possessiveness and the violence of the male hero attractive. He was very respectful of his partner, but very caveman in many ways.
The main problem for me was that the heroes never failed. Not once. This is an action packed rescue mission in space, with bad guys and dangerous situations galore. And I understand that both the heroine and the hero are incredibly capable. But to me a story without failure is just meh.
And they take everything totally serious! Where is the fun in that?
And of course there were the expectations: there are two romances with forced proximity in a tiny spaceship that I have read and loved. I guess I wanted this to be like them. And it so wasn't.
It is a sf romance with forced proximity, very hot sex and professionally competent heroes. Both main characters come from very different but difficult backgrounds and find in each other the person they can be human with.
Nothing wrong with that.
Why did it not satisfy me? One part is the sex. I love sex, but I don't like it when the relationship is defined by it. The hot sex takes up most of the book, and that never was why I read my romances.
Also I did not find the possessiveness and the violence of the male hero attractive. He was very respectful of his partner, but very caveman in many ways.
The main problem for me was that the heroes never failed. Not once. This is an action packed rescue mission in space, with bad guys and dangerous situations galore. And I understand that both the heroine and the hero are incredibly capable. But to me a story without failure is just meh.
And they take everything totally serious! Where is the fun in that?
And of course there were the expectations: there are two romances with forced proximity in a tiny spaceship that I have read and loved. I guess I wanted this to be like them. And it so wasn't.
April 19, 2022
Novela cortita de ciencia ficción modalidad space opera, o sea, aventuras espaciales con toque culebrón y rollete romántico. Ha desaparecido una piloto de combate con su espectacular aeronave, tecnológicamente muy avanzada: hay que evitar que caigan en manos del enemigo. El sitio donde se supone que están es recóndito y fuera de toda ley y orden. Para entrar en ese planeta recaban la ayuda (es un decir, la obligan mediante el chantaje) de la contrabandista Mara Skein. La acompañará el comandante Kell Frayne, el chico sexi y competente. Lo suyo es lujuria a primera vista. La historia va de cómo hacen el viaje y si consiguen o no el rescate. Una de las cosas que destacan es Mara, una heroína muy competente y capaz. Sabe pelear, conducir su nave como nadie, y no aguanta tonterías... pese a todo, no puede sentirse atraída por el tipo militar, seriote y competente, y es que también en el espacio hay que darse una alegría al cuerpo...
Crítica extensa, en mi blog.
Crítica extensa, en mi blog.
January 11, 2024
I normally try to rate any book I finish at least 3 stars but I couldn't. The only reason I finished this is I bought the kindle version for 99 cents and it was a short read.
There are SO many better sci fi romances out there. I also really wanted more sci-fi than romance and this was the inverse.
There are SO many better sci fi romances out there. I also really wanted more sci-fi than romance and this was the inverse.
July 13, 2017
The world building was very good for such a short read. I really like that the main characters were well fleshed out and had such good chemistry.
May 27, 2019
Good. A m/f scifi romance/action book. I found myself annoyed by the narrator at times - nearly all of her male voices sounded like gruff women.
Bought as part of audible romance package.
Bought as part of audible romance package.
October 31, 2021
Good, solid romance sci-fi.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews