Only Rogue Actions (Galactic Bonds 5)by Jennifer Estep-dual review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 14, 2025

A WOMAN WHO DREAMS OF THE FUTURE . . .
Once upon a time, I was Vesper Quill, a lowly lab rat using my seer magic and engineering skills to repair broken appliances at a Regal-owned corporation. These days, I’m one of the most infamous and wanted fugitives in the Archipelago Galaxy, along with Kyrion Caldaren, my partner.

Kyrion and I are hiding out on a distant planet when we are offered a chance to train at a prestigious facility in hopes of better understanding our truebond, the psionic connection that lets us share thoughts, feelings, skills, and more.

Mastering our magic is the only way we can hope to defeat our many enemies and make my dreams of a safe future a reality, so Kyrion and I accept the invitation. But evil forces are at work, and our training exercise is not what it seems, plunging us both into another deadly situation with only bad options.

A MAN WHO CAN’T ESCAPE HIS PAST . . .
I’ve always been Kyrion Caldaren, a Regal lord with telekinesis, telepathy, telempathy, and other powerful psionic abilities. I might have gone rogue from the Arrows, the Imperium’s elite warriors, but my fighting skills are as sharp and deadly as ever.

Vesper Quill and I need help with our truebond, so we agree to participate in a rigorous training exercise designed to test the depths of our connection. But a new enemy has other plans, and we’re soon separated and confronted with one dangerous obstacle after another.

But my love for Vesper is stronger than any forces set against us, and I’ll do whatever it takes to make my way back to her—and kill anyone who gets in my way.

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SANDY’S REVIEW:  ONLY ROGUE ACTIONS is the fifth instalment in Jennifer Estep’s adult GALACTIC BONDS sci-fi, fantasy space opera-esque series focusing on the former leader of the Imperium Arrows Kyrion Caldaren, and his truebond mate/seer/R & D tech specialist Vesper Quill. ONLY ROGUE ACTIONS should not be read as a stand alone as some of the events of the current timeline are as of a direct result from the previous stories.

Told from three first person perspectives (Kyrion, Vesper, Nerezza) ONLY ROGUE ACTIONS follows Kyrion Caldaren and his bondmate Vesper Quill as they are invited to take part in a holographic training session that becomes all too real, more than just images projected throughout a maze. The obstacle course slash labryinth is the stuff of their nightmares, and our couple, separated, and without weapons, find themselves fighting for their lives, in the wake of vengeance and betrayal. Having been set up, Kyrion must face down the demons from his past, as Vesper struggles to save the man to whom she had bonded.

The world building focuses on a fight for survival. A holographic and virtual world with real world outcomes and injuries, finds our couple battling a familiar foe; one man’s personal hunting playground, and every act of vengeance for sins of the past.

The secondary and supporting characters are numerous, energetic and sometimes questionable.

ONLY ROGUE ACTIONS is an action packed story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, relationships and love. The fast paced premise is intriguing, dramatic and dark; the romance is fate-the $ex scenes are passionate but mostly implied; the characters are charismatic and determined.

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BARB’S REVIEW:  Only Rogue Actions by Jennifer Estep is the 5^th book in her Galactic Bonds series. Only Rogue Actions is another wonderful action-packed sci-fi fantasy adventure, with a sweet romantic bond. As noted, many times, I am a big fan of Jennifer Estep, having enjoyed all of her fantastic series. Refresher: Vesper Quill, our heroine is together with her true bond, Kyrion Caldaren.  Vesper is a seer, as well as being a successful inventor/engineer; always increasing her magical powers. Kyrion is also powerful, especially with his Psionic Arrow abilities.   When the last book ended, both Vesper and Kyrion were accepted at House Collier, allowing them to live in their House.

Siya is one of the daughters, who is in charge of security; Asterin, has helped Vesper in past attacks in the Imperium. They both prepare Vesper and Kyrion for the Maze that has been working very well for House Battis; as most houses use this project.  

In a short time, a trap is set up for Vesper & Kyrion, with Roderick has privately brought his team into the maze, making sure he will be able to kill Kyrion, and Vesper is in danger (with Jeffrey helping Roderick kidnap her).  Also, both Siya and Asterin were handcuffed with Roderick’s staff, and they were also going to be killed; with Vesper going to be sent to one of her enemies. 

Vesper manages to escape a Black Scarub and kill it; and is determined to find a way to help Kyrion, who is being attack by Roderick.  But since she was close to the sisters, Vesper manages to defeat the 4 members of Roderick’s team, and knock out Jeffrey; and rescue Siya and Asterin.  Once the three of them notify House Collier to come for the rescue, Vesper takes control of Jeffrey’s computer to look for Kyrion, before Roderick kills him.  With Vesper powers, she manages to help Kyrion, who is very much in danger; and together they use their ability to stop and defeat Roderick.

Only Rogue Actions was in an exciting, no-stop, suspenseful, intriguing, captivating story that kept my attention from start to finish. Vespers magical powers continue to improve; as she was a fantastic heroine, smart and savvy. I loved seeing Vesper and Kyrion together to fight against their enemies. The last half of the book was very intense, with twists along the way. Only Rogue Actions was very well written by Jennifer Estep. Only Rogue Actions was another terrific, intriguing adventure filled with secrets, lies, betrayal, danger, and magic.  I suggest you read this wonderful book.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Only Bad Options
Only Good Enemies
Only Cold Depths
Only Hard Problems

Copies supplied for review