She is fiercely independent.
Aurora (Rory) Espinoza is ready to pounce on any adventure, fight, or sexy times. With her handy throwing knives, her engineering and munitions expertise, and her secret shifting ability she has never met a situation she couldn’t get out of. Therefore, stowing away on a ship headed into space was right up her alley. During her trek through the stars, who knew that keeping her secrets, her hands, and her heart to herself would prove the hardest part of her mission?
He is fiercely protective.
Bren is a Staraban warrior, the second-in-command of the Alien Relocation Cooperative, and the commander of the ship appointed to carry a prisoner as well as dangerous information to the All Alien Alliance. He’d developed two addictions while on Earth. His love of the Earth creatures known as cats and his desire for a certain human he instinctively wants to protect. Unfortunately, everything he does pisses her off, but when he discovers her stowed away on his ship, he might just throttle her himself.
Destiny or disaster?
Their tempers and passions blaze across the stars on this space road trip. When faced with danger, betrayal, and political games, only three questions remain… Who will end up on top? Can they survive long enough to enjoy it? And… Will they forge a loving partnership that survives it all?
Warning: This story contains AI in an existential crisis, space ports, and a profound appreciation for food. It's my homage to one of the greatest sci fi series ever made.
Content Warning: Parental Death
Given this entry’s indebtedness to the events of Moving Jack, some readers will find this sequel more accessible after reading its predecessor first. Newcomers to Mars’s world are tossed into the conflict between ARC and the Humans Against Relocation Movement, to which the series’ human protagonists belong, with little explanation of Earth’s crisis or the major human players. But that won’t stop them from getting sucked into the action or enjoying the quippy interplay between the characters.
Inspired in part by the culture of the real-world Gitano people of Spain, Rory is a heroine all romance fans will root for. She is equal parts brilliance, directness, and stubbornness to a fault, traits that come in handy on her interstellar mission of diplomacy. Her chemistry with Bren is electric and adversarial: though they constantly fight over their mission’s next steps, their vastly appealing differences keep them—and readers—hooked. This enjoyable blend of comedy, sci-fi, intensely physical romance, and women’s empowerment is sure to please readers.
Takeaway: This witty, sexy adventure’s mixture of sci-fi thrills and paranormal romance makes it a solid addition to any adult reading list.
Great for fans of: Grace Goodwin, Jennifer L. Armentrout, K.F. Breene.
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A-
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: B+
