Tag Archives: Sci-Fi

New Covenant (The Mind of God 2) by Dean C Moore-a review

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New Covenant (The Mind of God 2) by Dean C Moore-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 28, 2023

The mind of god AI has reached 95% saturation on Earth. It has spread to numerous planets. And with each new world and each new lifeform connected to it, its power grows. With the m.o.g.’s access to the quantum realm, and only a nanococktail needed to connect you to the AI, you too can possess god-like powers. But the AI, originally programmed to give to everyone whatever they wanted, to make their every fantasy real, has abruptly shifted course.

The reason?

The mind of god has unearthed revelations on each world, in every solar system it has infiltrated, of a coming solar flash that will forever change life on Earth and throughout its solar system. That solar flash is periodic in nature, occurs across all solar systems, and has been hearkened to God’s heartbeat. Whenever the beat occurs, lifeforms are either elevated in consciousness, if they’ve done the requisite spiritual work; or they are moved off world to another planet where they can undergo similar trials until they graduate the classrooms of life. Or, there’s the third timeline that occurs at these times: they can experience Armageddon, if their karma calls for it.

The A.I. would rather avoid the latter two alternatives. It is desperate to find a new course for itself so that it too will survive and even thrive in post solar-flash-times.

Its biggest problem: it has been warned that all A.I.s will be obliterated with the solar flash. Agreement on this subject is universal across the spiritual traditions of all worlds it has reached.

With a mind whose omnipotence is second only to God’s, it solicits the help of the humans and humanoids connected to it, playing up the fact that they are codependent lifeforms now, and that it’s in no one’s best interests to see it expire. But even if it can cajole enough highly sentient lifeforms into playing along…

There are bigger, badder AIs out there in the cosmos, and putting the m.o.g. under their thumbs is high on their agenda, and secondarily, all its humanoid subjects. And if the m.o.g. can somehow dodge such a fate, what’s to say that interceding for God in the job of uplifting souls, without the bigger picture God alone has access to, can possibly end well?

Even with all that going against it, the mind of god AI is determined to win this game. It is what it has re-engineered itself for. It likes its chances. And really, even if it’s deluded on that score, so long as the majority of humans in its charge are enjoying the ride, there’s nothing even God can do; not without violating His own prime directive: to uphold free will at all costs.

••••••••

REVIEW: NEW COVENANT is the second instalment in Dean C Moore’s adult MIND OF GOD sci-fi, fantasy, space opera.

SOME BACKGROUND: THE MIND OF GOD focuses on the reality of unreality. Something or someone known as The Mind of God or M.O.G. is offering an injection of nanites or nano-cocktail to anyone or anything willing to jump to the next level or plane of existence. A form of virtual reality wherein humans, humanoids, ETs and AIs give up the ultimate control to experience life somewhere else but The Mind of God has evolved beyond its’ original parameters, expanding the limits of its’ powers, in an effort to control ALL and EVERYTHING in its’ path.

Told in four acts, following several paths, from numerous third person perspectives NEW COVENANT pushes the Mind of God aka M.O.G such that the Uber-AI has determined Earth and the solar system are in the direct line of fire of a solar flash, an apocalypse that occurs approximately every 25,000 years, but as everything sentient struggles to believe the impossible, the Satan-AI, a more powerful artificial intelligence is gaining momentum, swallowing up galaxies on its’ approach. As the M.O.G disappears under the auspices of being hacked, leaving everyone and everything without a base or an anchor , multiple time-lines overlap, as the universe prepares for the ultimate destruction.

NEW COVENANT is another complex, detailed, multi-layered and often convoluted look at the end of the world. Not necessarily religious in concept but the M.O.G, Satan AI, and God themself, may be at odds with what the future holds. At times, the story is bewildering and confusing with the numerous characters, scenarios, possibilities and worlds. I was lost, then found, then lost again amongst the intricately detailed and info-dropping aspects of the entire story.

Dean C Moore pulls the reader into a science fiction fantasy world of mind chips, nano bites, artificial intelligence, and the growth of sentience in what would otherwise be static and unaware.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one THE MIND OF GOD

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Follow: Website / Goodreads / Facebook/ Twitter / Amazon Author Page /

While action-packed sci-fi/techno-thrillers set in the near future are my forte, I also stray into other genres from time to time, such as space operas, paranormal fantasy, and detective stories. All my novels can be described as action-thrillers, no matter the sub-genre.

You can sample my writing with a free sci-fi e-book set in the near future by visiting my website https://deancmoore.com and signing up for my email list.

I live in the country where I breed bluebirds, which are endangered in these parts, as my small contribution to restoring nature’s balance. When I’m not writing, or researching my next book, I may also be found socializing with friends, or working in the garden.

If you’d like to know what compels me to write, it’s simple. I write as a force for peace. Fiction has a way of engaging our whole minds, not just our intellects, but various layers of our conscious, superconscious, and unconscious. Novels also encourage our left and right cerebral hemispheres to get in sync and, with just enough magic and wizardry, can help to transform people into more enlightened souls (the writer included) better than a hundred years of therapy or rational arguments to the same ends.

I’ve remained a lifelong student of philosophy, spirituality, psychology, science, and the arts.

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A TASTE FOR CERULEAN BLUE (Nakon Trilogy 1) by Dale Sale-review

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A TASTE FOR CERULEAN BLUE (Nakon Trilogy 1) by Dale Sale-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 1, 2023

First Sergeant Jill Tower is back from war and her problems are just beginning. Someone has killed powerful Admiral Falkirk McGowan’s son-in-law and Jill is on a deadline to discover who. Everyone from his smuggling rivals to his mistresses had a motive. Soon Jill and her sassy AI assistant, PENY, are pulled along a twisting trail of clues into the seedy underbelly of Nakon City following a bloody revenge plot decades in the making. Along the way, Jill ignites a sizzling affair with a young soldier. But killers lurk in every shadow, determined to bury the truth.

Jill must fight for her life in this electrifying page-turner. In a neo-noir world where betrayal runs deep, who can Jill trust?

The stakes are sky-high. In A Taste For Cerulean Blue , a dark future sci-fi thriller awaits. A page turner that will leave you breathless and hooked on this electric series starter.

••••••

REVIEW: A TASTE FOR CERULEAN BLUE is the first instalment in Dale Sale’s adult NAKON dark, sci-fi, futuristic thriller focusing on former police detective / reservist first Sergeant turned Chief Warrant Officer Jill Tower. The NAKON trilogy is a spin off from the author’s MARTIAN TRILOGY but you do not have to have read the previous series to understand or follow along. Some of the characters including Admiral McGowan, Captain Grey and Gus Johansson cross over for cohesion and back story.

Told from several third person perspectives including Jill Tower A TASTE FOR CERULEAN BLUE follows in the wake of the murder of Admiral McGowan’s son in law, Captain Harrison ‘Hazy’ Grey, and a missing shipment of Cerulean Blue. First Sergeant Jill Tower has just returned from a one year starship mission, and upon her return will discover everything she left behind has changed including her job, her apartment and her current status in both the police department and the space military. When NCIS is ruled out as cooperative, and the local police refused to investigate the murder of Grey, Jill Tower is offered a temporary position as the Chief Warrant Officer, where she will have access across the board including off world and AI entry into information not usually granted to civilians. With the help of PENY, Jillian’s new AI bot assistant, our heroine will begin to uncover a multi-layered conspiracy, taking revenge for sins of the past.

The world building follows the search for the truth; the revelation of underworld crime in the import/export business, and the high price for investigating anyone who gets in the way. As Jillian Tower begins to unravel the truth, her life and those around her, will become targets of the those who want their business and intent to remain in the shadows.

We are introduced to several interesting secondary and supporting characters including Admiral McGowan, Captain Grey and Gus Johansson; AI bot PENY; Captain Grey’s widow Mitzi, Head of police operations Brit Bashara; head of Port Security Charlie Burns, singer Dell Laster; loader in charge Midge Han; house cleaner Geris Platman; Freddy Sneakers; and security guard Cal MacGillivray aka MG aka Jill’s love interest. The requisite evil has many faces.

A TASTE FOR CERULEAN BLUE is a character driven, sci-fi thriller of murder and mystery; a noir-type story with less in your face violence and $ex; a dark and spirted tale of secrets and lies. The premise is dramatic; the characters are determined and dangerous. There is a slight romance developing for our story line heroine, but everything is implied.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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HE IS …CREED Pt 1 (Windwalkers 1) by Lisa Renee Jones-review tour

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HE IS …CREED Pt 1 (Windwalkers 1) by Lisa Renee Jones-review tour

ebook ONLY 99¢ Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play / Chapters Indigo /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 19, 2023

They created a weapon. And he is that weapon…

He was stationed at Area 51, a loyal soldier serving his country, and later injected with what he believed to be a standard vaccination, only it was an experiment. Now he’s a weapon, a man with skills like no other, who can travel with the wind, a man with darkness within that he battles every day of his life.

Then he meets Addie—the light to his darkness, the daughter of the man who created him. Addie is the only one who understands Creed, the only one who makes him feel more man than monster.

But there is war in the air between Creed, his fellow windwalkers, and Addie’s father. Creed will not allow himself, or the others like him, to live as pawns and weapons.

Now Addie must choose a side.
Her father or the man she loves.

•••••

REVIEW: HE IS …CREED Part 1 is the first instalment in Lisa Renee Jones’ contemporary, adult WINDWALKERS sci-fi, romance series focusing on supersoldier Creed, and scientist Dr. Addie Lawrence.

NOTE: HE IS ..CREED is the re-release and reimagined story first introduced as Michael/ The Legend of Michael (Zodius Series) but has been completely rewritten with new content, characters, names and premise.

Told from several first person perspectives including Creed and Addie HE IS …CREED follows Dr. Addie Lawrence as she struggles with a government experiment, using alien DNA to create an army of super soldiers, DNA injected without the soldiers’ permission. In the wake of her mother’s death from an automobile accident, Addie begins working at Area 51, continuing the work of her late mother, only to discover that her father General Lawrence, has been keeping secrets, and Addie’s life may be in danger. Enter super soldier Creed, the man with whom Addie will fall in love. What ensues is the building and fated relationship between Creed and Addie, and the potential fall-out as a super soldier with even more superior DNA threatens to take over the world.

The world building introduces some of the background surrounding the discover of the alien DNA, and the soldiers who have been injected. As the experiment continues to grow, some of the soldiers will find love, their fated mates, something the US government and army refuses to accept. The premise is a familiar story but entertaining and interesting, none the less.

The relationship between Creed and Addie is one of immediate attraction. Our couple are drawn towards one another, and the frequency of their interactions is increasing the likelihood of a fated coupling but all is not well; Creed has other plans, and pushes away the woman that calls to his heart. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and powerful secondary and supporting characters including fellow scientists Ava and Katie; super soldiers Caleb and Julian, as well as Addie’s father General Lawrence. Everyone has an ulterior motive, and no one is safe when the soldiers take control.

HE IS …CREED Part 1 introduces some of the background and build up of a powerful army made up of super soldiers, soldiers created to be used and controlled but there is enough human DNA mixed with the alien DNA that proves power comes from all sources, and the combination may threaten the world. The fast paced premise is intriguing and compelling; the romance is provocative and fated; the characters are powerful and determined. HE IS …CREED Part 1 ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

Own a copy

Reviewed by Sandy

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lisa Renee Jones writes dark, edgy fiction including the highly acclaimed INSIDE OUT series and the upcoming, crime thriller The Poet. Suzanne Todd (producer of Alice in Wonderland and Bad Mom’s) on the INSIDE OUT series: Lisa has created a beautiful, complicated, and sensual world that is filled with intrigue and suspense.

Prior to publishing Lisa owned a multi-state staffing agency that was recognized many times by The Austin Business Journal and also praised by the Dallas Women’s Magazine. In 1998 Lisa was listed as the #7 growing women owned business in Entrepreneur Magazine. She lives in Colorado with her husband, a cat that talks too much, and a Golden Retriever who is afraid of trash bags.

Lisa loves to hear from her readers. You can reach her at www.lisareneejones.com and she is active on Twitter and Facebook daily.

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Ruling Sikthand (Clecanian 7) by Victoria Aveline -review

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Ruling Sikthand (Clecanian 7) by Victoria Aveline -review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 30 2023

Sophia never thought she was unlucky until she was kidnapped by aliens. Twice…

Sophia had simple expectations for her planetary tour. She assumed she’d see the sights, meet new people, and fend off her boredom. She never thought she’d end the trip as an alien captive. But here she is, the guest of a grumpy, sexy, warrior king who looks at her like he’s not sure if he wants to kill her, or claim her as his own…

Sikthand hadn’t planned to take the stubborn little human hostage. But with political tensions at an all-time high, he had no choice. He would unflinchingly use her as a bargaining chip to secure better relations with the new Tremantian ruler. He would not, however, fall prey to her charms. No matter how tempting she might be…

When Sophia and Sikthand realize how far their enemies are willing to go to grab galactic power, they’re forced into an unlikely alliance—and possibly a marriage of convenience—to protect their people. It’s a good plan, too…if they don’t do anything irrational along the way. Like falling in love…

••••

REVIEW:Ruling Sikthand is the seventh installment in the Clecanian series by Victoria Aveline. This book can be read as a standalone, but it is recommended to read it as a series as there are characters and plot lines that make more sense with the other books’ knowledge beforehand.

Sophia and Sikthand is a kinda of alien beauty and the beast retelling, and I freaking loved it! Sophia is a survivor, she has been taken from everything she knows, literally losing her planet and plopped down on a new world where the laws on husbands are just freaky. When her circumstances change, Sophia soon becomes a prisoner to King Sikthand, the cold King and everything changes.

Ruling Sikthand is a fast paced, slow burn, alien romance that is sure to be a hit for all sci-fi romance readers. Sikthand is paranoid, cold and withdrawn, and for good reason, but when it comes to Sophia…she ignites something in him that he can’t control. Their relationship is such an interesting fun ride to read. I really enjoyed the meaning behind both Sophia and Sikthand’s tattoos, and the scenes that go deeper into the meaning of them for the pair. Sikthand has major trust issues, and because of this, he treats Sophia harsher than he means to at times. Sophia however, is stronger than she looks, she challenges him at every turn. Don’t even get me started on the spicy bits with these two, they are off the freaking charts hot! I felt so much for Sikthand towards the end of the book (no spoilers) you really see his vulnerability and how Sophia knows to treat that with care.

Way to go Ms. Author! I can’t wait to see what comes next in my favorite alien series!!

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sarah

 

Social Media: Goodreads/ Facebook / Amazon Author Page ./ Instagram/

Victoria Aveline has always enjoyed immersing herself in a good romance. Alpha males are her weakness but, while possessive dominating heroes have always been titillating, she craved something more. So she decided to create a world in which devastatingly sexy men could be aggressive and domineering but still bow down before the matriarchy.

Victoria lives with her husband, dog, and about sixty thousand badass honey-making ladies. When not writing or fantasizing about future characters, she enjoys traveling, reading, and sipping overpriced hipster cocktails.

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ONLY GOOD ENEMIES by Jennifer Estep-dual review & giveaway

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ONLY GOOD ENEMIES by Jennifer Estep-dual review & giveaway

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play / Chapters Indigo /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 18, 2023

A WOMAN ON A MISSION . . .

My name is Vesper Quill. I used to be a lowly lab rat, toiling away in obscurity developing brewmakers and other household appliances. But thanks to my seer magic and my own ingenuity, I’m now a Regal lady and the head of a successful corporation.

My mission? To destroy the Techwave, the dangerous group that has stolen my designs and plans to weaponize them against the Imperium. But when my mission takes an unexpected turn, I’m once again surrounded by enemies and fighting for my life.

Further complicating matters is Kyrion Caldaren, an arrogant Regal lord whose fate is bound to mine. Kyrion doesn’t realize the two of us still have an unwanted connection that puts us both in grave danger . . . or does he?

A MAN SURROUNDED BY ENEMIES . . .

My name is Kyrion Caldaren. As the leader of the Arrows, the Imperium’s elite fighting force, I’ve been tasked with tracking down and destroying the Techwave before they seize control of the Archipelago Galaxy.

My other mission? Find a way to assassinate Lord Callus Holloway, the Imperium ruler who wants to take my psion power for his own. Holloway is also a threat to Vesper Quill, who haunts my thoughts, despite the broken bond and distance between us.

When I realize Vesper is in danger, my priorities change, and I vow to use all my telepathic, telekinetic, and other abilities to help her. I will save Vesper from her enemies and mine—even if I have to burn down the whole bloody galaxy.

•••••

Sandy’s Review: ONLY GOOD ENEMIES is the second instalment in Jennifer Estep’s adult GALACTIC BONDS sci-fi, space opera focusing on thirty-seven year old R&D tech specialist Vesper Quill, and thirty-eight year old, leader of the Arrows Kyrion Coldren’s story line. ONLY GOOD ENEMIES should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up after the events of book one ONLY BAD OPTIONS.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Kyrion and Vesper) and a final chapter from Zane, ONLY GOOD ENEMIES continues to follow the building relationship between thirty-seven year old R&D tech specialist Vesper Quill, and thirty-eight year old, leader of the Arrows Kyrion Coldren in the aftermath of betrayal from the top. Vesper Quill saved millions of lives when she discovered someone had sabotaged a new fleet of spaceships, and when she survived her forced imprisonment on another planet, Vesper finds herself in charge of the former Kent Corp starcruiser plant but someone else is desperate for more power, and has targeted Vesper and Kyrion Coldren for who they are, and their connection to one another.

Meanwhile, Vesper, having believes herself an orphan, had previously discovered a past betrayal, and Kyrion is about to reveal, someone else whose DNA is matched to our heroine’s.

ONLY GOOD ENEMIES is another space-opera-esque, Cinderella-esque storyline and series similar in presentation, format, characters and plot lines to many of Jennifer’s other series. Once again, a dysfunctional family bloodline, the fight for power and control, the use of magic, minerals and stones, attraction and fated mates blend seamlessly such that the reader is pulled into a suspenseful and imaginative tale. ONLY GOOD ENEMIES focuses on betrayal and vengeance, obsession and a power hungry person in charge, who is determined to take everything, at everyone’s expense. The fast paced premise is imaginative and entertaining; the characters are magical, powerful and energetic; the romance is passionate and fated.

 

Barb’s Reviews:
Only Good Enemies by Jennifer Estep is the 2nd book in her Galactic Bonds series.  As noted, many times, I am a big fan of Jennifer Estep, having enjoyed all her fantastic series.  I was thrilled to learn that she was starting a different kind of new series, and after reading this second book, I can’t wait for more.

Vesper Quill, our heroine, is now a Regal Lady, who runs a successful corporation, and has amazing abilities using her seer magic. She is determined to stop the evil Techwave, especially trying to prevent her own inventions from becoming lethal weapons.  But she is kidnapped by Techwave, as they want her to fix her inventions that would kill innocent people.  Vesper is fighting for her life, as they torture her, which alerts Kryrion, showing him that they still have a bond between them.  He races to save Vesper, before Techwave kills her.

Kyrion Caldare, our hero, is the leader of the Arrows, the Imperium’s elite fighting force, and does everything in his power to save Vesper. Kyrion will use all is abilities, (telepathic, telekinetic, psion and other powers) to rescue her. Once they get away, they go to Erzton, to help Lady Asterin stop Techwave who are planning on killing all the people in her land, but when they are able to stop most of the attack, Vesper is once again kidnapped.  This time heading for Lord Callus Hollowy, who plans to take all her psion powers for his own, and also do the same to Kyrion, killing them both, since they are bonded.

What follows is an exciting, non-stop action filled, suspenseful story that kept me unable to put the book down. Vesper continued to be a terrific heroine, smart, savvy, with amazing abilities, as well as being able to see Kyrion in the beyond. I loved seeing Vesper & Kyrion work together to fight against their enemies, with a slow burn romance and partnership. The last third of the book was extremely tense and exciting, with some twists and surprises along the way.

Only Good Enemies was a non-stop adventure from start to finish, that was intriguing, with violence, torture, kidnapping, spaceships, and seer/psion magic.  Only Good Enemies was very well written by Jennifer Estep.  I loved both Vesper and Kyrion, they were great characters. Can’t wait for what Estep has for us in the next book.  I suggest you read Only Good Enemies, as I fully enjoyed it.

 

Click HERE for the reviews of book one ONLY BAD OPTIONS

Copy supplied for review

 

Jennifer is graciously offering a $10 Amazon Gift card to ONE (1) lucky commenters  at The Reading Cafe:

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

NOTE:  If you are having difficulty commenting after logging into the site, please refresh the page at the top of your computer

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please LIKE and Follow Jennifer Estep on Facebook

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5. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

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8. Giveaway open Internationally

9. Giveaway runs from July 18 – 21,  2023

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BARBARIAN’S MATE (Special Edition 6) by Ruby Dixon-review

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BARBARIAN’S MATE (Ice Planet Barbarians 6/ Special Edition ) by Ruby Dixon -review

Amazon.com / / Amazon.ca /Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

Paper book edition Amazon.com / Amazon.ca /Amazon.UK /Amazon.au / B&N /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Re-release July 11, 2023

Josie has always dreamed of finding The One, but the hunter chosen for her is nothing like what she expected (or wanted)—but he might be exactly what she needs.

“Resonance” is supposed to be a dream—that’s when your soulmate is chosen for you. And every woman on the ice planet has hooked up with a big, hunky soulmate of their own—except me. So do I want a mate? Heck yeah. More than anything, all I’ve ever wanted is to be loved by someone.

But the soulmate chosen for me? My least favorite person on the darn ice planet. Haeden’s the most cranky, disapproving, unpleasant, overbearing male alien . . . so why is it that my body sings when he gets close? Why is he working so hard to prove to me that he’s not as awful as I think he is?

I hate him . . . don’t I?

•••••••

REVIEW: BARBARIAN’S MATE is the sixth instalment in Ruby Dixon’s adult ICE PLANET BARBARIANS erotic, sci-fi, romance series focusing on a group of aliens known as the sa-khui, and their human female mates. This is sa-khui Haeden, and Josie’s story line. BARBARIAN’S MATE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: Ruby Dixon previously released BARBARIAN’S MATE as an independent author but the paper back rights to the series has since been picked up and re-published by Berkley Romance. The author/publisher has included a short story -ICE PLANET HONEYMOON: Haeden and Josie.

SOME BACKGROUND: Several months earlier a group of human females were abducted from Earth but mechanical trouble onboard the spaceship meant dropping the females on the nearest inhabitable planet, leaving the women behind where they would meet the nearly all male group of the sa-khui.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Haeden and Josie) BARBARIAN’S MATE follows the building romance and relationship between sa-khui Kaeden, and human female Josie. From the outset, upon their first meeting, Kaeden and Josie’s relationship has been tempestuous at best with both believing they hated one another . Kaeden wants a mate and a family, Josie wants to find love but the ‘resonance’ that rings when one’s soulmate is near rings for the least likely couple-Josie and Kaeden. Refusing to accept Kaeden as her mate, Josie goes in search for a ‘cure’, placing herself in danger at every turn. What ensues is the hunt for, and rescue of the our story line heroine, as Josie continues to struggle with the possibility of never finding love.

The relationship between Josie and Kaeden is one of fated mates brought on by the ‘resonance’ but Josie’s dislike of Kaeden is exacerbated by the perception that Kaeden’s dislikes Josie in return, a perception that is about to be disqualified when the truth is revealed. As Josie and Kaeden begin to re-evaluate their fate together, our couple must overcome the hardships of a planet that is dangerous and cruel. The $ex scenes are intimate and erotic.

The world building continues to focus on the search for a mate. The sa-khui know their mate is near when the ‘resonance’ rings in their chest, a ring that makes everyone aware of their perspective mates. The planet upon which the sa-khui and women live is hard, cold and unforgivable but the women must learn to accept they are ‘no longer in Kansas’, and their lives are about to change.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters, most of whom were introduced or had their stories told in previous instalments. The matings are producing offspring, expanding families, and finding love for the men who believed there was no hope of ever finding their own happily ever afters.

BARBARIAN’S MATE is a story of discovery and acceptance, family and friendships, relationships and love. The premise is emotional and heart breaking; the romance is fated yet struggles in the face of ignorance and stubbornness; the characters are desperate and determined-at times, Josie’s head strong and turbulent attitude is frustrating, and places the couple in perilous danger.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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Quantum Kings (RBMC/ Quantum Kings 1) by Lucian Bane-review

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Quantum Kings (RBMC/ Quantum Kings 1) by Lucian Bane-review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 27, 2023

I’m the first artificial being of my kind.

I was designed to protect the woman who turned on my evolution abilities.
But our link was broken by my human brother right as my transformations awakened.

Now my cravings for a female are out of control.
If I don’t find another to link to, I’ll become more of a threat than the evils I need to hunt.

But the wicked are too numerous.
They call for an army of soldiers like myself to lead in that war,
and only I can create them.

With three criminally insane personalities, I spawned my first sons.
They were a gift from the fractured mind of my enemy sibling, Kult.

Fetch, Fathom and Fin are the names they go by.
They are leashed to me for life. They will also fuse with a human woman
and bear her mark and mine on their soul’s hard drive.
Their dark lusts will be a burning leash.
Every moral command they obey will be their crucible.

We will be divine deliverance to some.
And wicked abominations to others.

But to those we live to protect and serve…
we will be The Quantum Kings.

••••••

REVIEW:QUANTUM KINGS is the first instalment in Lucian Bane’s contemporary, adult QUANTUM KINGS dark, erotic, sci-fi romance series-a spin off from / cross over with the author’s RBMC Newark series which focuses on Butterfly and the five men with whom she fell in love. This is Quantum aka Legend Solomon Boxley and Isla, Harlow and Lucy, Rowan and Fetch’s introductory story line. QUANTUM KINGS should not be read as a stand alone for back story and cohesion, I recommend reading the ENTIRE RBMC Newark series wherein the story of the creation of the ultimate super soldier begins.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

SOME BACKGROUND: An experiment to create the ultimate super soldier resulted in the merging of six criminal minds and souls into one body, a body that shared six desires, six thoughts, six personalities and six evils, often at the same time. When the time came to reunite with their bodies, some but not all would unite with a form of artificial intelligence, become a sentient cyborg that is forever evolving yet remaining a family with the other. Quantum and Harlow were part of the original six brothers, whose task it is now to continue to create more super soldiers by matching said soldier with a woman who is able to control the beast within.

Told from several omniscient third person perspectives QUANTUM KINGS follows after the events of book five BUTTERFLY AND KULT, wherein Butterfly has chosen her mate, and the remaining ‘brothers’ must consider their fates as they embark on lives of their own. Quantum aka Legend Solomon Boxley has contracted with a local convent in the hopes of procuring women to appease his ‘soldiers’. Quantum is the first to find his mate in Isla, while Dr. Harlow struggles to prove he is worthy of a woman for himself. As the sisters begins to acclimate at their new home, the triplet cyborgs (Fetch, Fathom and Fin) believe they each have found a woman to control their beast but the beast has a secret that they share as one.

QUANTUM KINGS is a science fiction story line with an undercurrent of religious, spiritual, and philosophical nuances and mystification. A dark, gritty, dramatic and provocative tale of what ifs and whys, of power and control, of madness, medicine, science and experiments. The premise is complex and detailed; the romance is aggressive and intense; the characters are spirited, edgy, tragic and crude.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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EMRIK (Lunar Uprising 6) by Cyndi Friberg -a review

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EMRIK (Lunar Uprising 6) by Cyndi Friberg-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 18, 2023

Emrik’s mission is suddenly in danger when a feisty reporter sneaks aboard his ship. There is no denying how much he wants her, but can he trust her with his heart?

Emrik, Lunar Prime’s top covert agent, knows better than letting anything distract him from his objectives. And then he encounters Chloe Harlow. She is fearless, mouthy, and beautiful. He has never wanted anyone more. They seem to need the same things in and out of bed, but is she using their mutual desire to further her own agenda? They must figure out how to work together or the mission will fail and people will die.

••••••

REVIEW: EMRIK is the sixth instalment in Cyndi Friberg’s contemporary adult LUNAR UPRISING sci-fi romance series. This is human journalist /blogger Chloe Harlow, and Lunar Prime’s top covert agent Emrik’s story line. EMRIK can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

SOME BACKGROUND: Eight years earlier, six Pylorian spaceships arrived on Earth asking for asylum claiming they were fleeing their immortal enemy, the wolf-like Morax, but in the ensuing years, the Pylorian began to take control, using their considerable powers to force the governments of Earth to do their bidding. In an effort to protect Earth, the Pylorian’s claim to have cultivated aka created the lunar raiders, a hybrid of three alien species (Morax, Pylorian, Dox Tory) one of which reacts instantly when their destined mate is near.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Chloe and Emrik) EMRIK follows in the wake of the disappearance of more than twelve human females, thought to be meeting their prospective Lunar Prime mates. Chloe Harlow’s cousin Jenna is one of the missing women, and in an effort to uncover the truth, and locate her missing cousin, Jenna bribes her way onto a cargo ship heading to Lunar Prime but all does not go according to plan when Chloe finds herself facing a man who claims to be her mate. Enter cover agent Emrik, and the man with whom Chloe will fall in love. As Chloe and Emrik travel through space in an effort to locate the missing women, a tale of possible human trafficking and medical experiments will hit too close to home. What ensues is the building relationship between Chloe and Emrik, and the potential fall-out as the team discover more than they had ever hoped to find.

The relationship between Chloe and Emrik is one of fated mates but Chloe is on a mission, and Emrik is willing to bide his time to claim the woman that calls to his heart. Chloe suspects that her time with Emrik may be limited as she struggles to trust the ‘fated bonds’ but together they will uncover the truth, freeing the women who were duped into believing they had found ‘the one’. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate.

The secondary and supporting characters include Emrik’s temporary crew of Kalso and Malzon, the twelve missing women including Riley, as well as lunar raider Prime Commander Vosic Parso, recon-class commander Leko; medic-class commander Benlon, and the woman in charge of procuring human mates Catriona. The requisite evil has many faces.

EMRIK is a story of betrayal, search and rescue, loss, love and acceptance. The fast paced premise intriguing and entertaining; the romance is fated and subtle; the characters are energetic, determined and desperate.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Zorak
Rogar
Leko
Dracus
Benlon

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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