The Shape of Romance

Tags

C.L. Wilson, Diana Palmer, fantasy, Grace Draven, historical, Isis Sousa, Juliet Marillier, Louisa Gallie, Meljean Brook, paranormal, Pauline Baird Jones, romance, scifi, Sharon Lynn Fisher, Sloane Killion, Sorchia DuBois, Steampunk, Susanna Kearsley, Tiffany Roberts

Scrolling through my Facebook feed, I found a link to an article called: Adult Romance: 10 Books that Broke the Cliché Mold.

Often I see these types of articles and I think, okay, but if I made my own list, it wouldn’t look at all like this one. So, I did. Make my own list.  (Note: red highlighted titles and book covers are purchase links.)

First of all, I agree with the Talk nerdy to Me bloggers on their choice of Lord of the Fading Lands by C.L. Wilson. The entire Tairen Soul series is fantasy wrapped around romance mixed with magic and war and hope and so many emotions. I. Loved. This Series!

The nerdy bloggers also picked a few others I have read: Kresley Cole, Maya Banks and Christine Feehan. I agree, that in their time they may have been mold-breaking.  There are many other books that I would put higher on the list today. I admit, my romance memory may be a bit short. I fondly remember the last book I read much more than the book I read and adored 10 years ago. 10 years ago, I was reading J.R. Ward and Lara Adrian, but you will note that none of their books make today’s list.

So here are my choices (in no particular order):

1. Blackthorn & Grim series by Juliet Marillier. This is a fantasy series with a romance deeply imbedded in the story. So deep that you don’t always know that it is there, but when it happens you are absolutely swept away. Read all three books to fall in love with this romance.

2. The Kraken King by Meljean Brook . Any book in Brook’s Iron Seas series is fantastic, but as far as romance goes, the relationship drives and is intimately intertwined with the non-romantic aspects of the story. I listened to the audiobook and found I had to invent reasons to drive or go for a walk so that I could listen more. I think that means I could not put it down!

3 & 4 & 5. Master of Crows, Entreat Me, and Wraith Kings series by Grace Draven.  Well, just about anything on her bibliography.  The mentioned books feature unlikely duos who are brought together by fortune. At first they may seem to be opposites: young/old, rich/poor, magical/mundane, human/non-human, bossy/stubborn. Oh wait. That last pair may not truly be opposites. The protagonists are not young and beautiful/handsome.  There is no love at first sight, which is my least favorite device anyway. In other words, affection, trust and love are things that are labored over and duly won, often with a healthy sense of humor.

NOTE: I love Ms. Draven’s stories and the cover artwork so much that I purchased prints of two of the book covers. They hang on the wall in my office.  Today’s banner (above) is from the beautiful cover of Eidolon (Wraith Kings, #2), by Isis Sousa.

Top: Radiance by Isis Sousa.  Bottom: Beyond Neith (Master of Crows cover) by Louisa Gallie, Night’s Plutonion Shore by Sloane Killion.  The last one is not book cover, but fits in with the Crows cover.

6. Zoraida Grey series by Sorchia DuBois.  First, who is Zoraida going to end up with? And when that is decided, are they truly on the same side? Attraction, smattraction. Put these characters through some serious peril and maybe, the truth will out. I’m waiting on the next installment to find out…..

7 & 8. The Winter Sea and The Firebird by Susanna Kearsley.  Originally published in 2008, The Winter Sea was the first significant dual timeline novel I read. I embraced this storytelling mode. I mean, why wouldn’t I? I got two stories for the price of one. The slowly evolving timelines led to shock and surprise and tears. Dealing with ancestral memory in The Winter Sea, and psychometry in The Firebird, the paranormal elements enhance both timelines.

9. Ghost Planet by Sharon Lynn Fisher. Relationships with ghosts are not unusual in fiction. But Fisher takes ghost stories to a whole new planet and redefines the species. The human/ghost relationship becomes so much more than a love story. Oops, no more. No spoilers…

10. The Morcai Battalion by Diana Palmer – this series starts out very strong and ends a little fizzly on the 5th book. But the first book is so worth it! It may seem like just another human/alien romance, but at the time it was published, it stood quietly out there on its own. It was originally published in 1980 under the name of Susan Kyle. At the time, scifi romance, as a genre, was unheard of. In its reissue, the story comments on war, race relations, bigotry, sexism and tolerance.

11. Dustwalker by Tiffany Roberts.  My favorite Tiffany Roberts book! Subtle and loud, gritty and soft, this post-apocalyptic story of romance and survival for a human and a ‘bot is epic. The human/robot relationship is such a challenge to get right. It’s been done many times, but Roberts gives this theme teeth by creating human and ‘bot characters with a past, a present, and hope for the future.

12. Steamrolled by Pauline Baird Jones.  Geeks have gone from being ignored to being popular in recent years. I think we have Big Bang Theory to thank for that, at least in part. I love geeks in my romance books! Few people can write geeks as well as Pauline Baird Jones. In Steamrolled, Robert Clementine is super intelligent and unceasingly curious. Robert and his nanites are like a superhero geek team when it comes to getting out of tight places. But not good with women. Emily Babcock – she who does not ever ask a question, who thinks Robert Oh My Darling Clementyne is a little dangerous and a lot geeky. She’s a geek too. The cutest couple in all of steampunk fictiondom.

Reviewing my list, I think my choices do not just break the cliché mold. They give a sparkly new form to the shape of romance!

Pets in Space® 4 By Many (13) Authors- Review

Tags

5 stars, Alexis Glynn Latner, Anna Hackett, anthology, Book Review, Cassandra Chandler, cats, chameleons, dogs, Donna McDonald, E D Walker, J.C. Hay, Kyndra Hatch, Laurie A. Green, other worldly creatures, Pauline Baird Jones, pets, Pets in Space, Regine Abel, S.E. Smith, scifi romance, snakes, Tiffany Roberts, Veronica Scott

You have arrived at day 3 of Furry Friends Week. I don’t mean to leave out the non-furry friends out there, but Furry and Non-So-Furry Friends Week does not have that ring to it. Today’s review of Pets in Space 4 will reveal that furred and non-furred creatures can be equally endearing. Today’s post also features the art of Adrian, who created the drawings of each of the pet characters in Pets in Space 4.

About Pets in Space 4

Pets in Space® 4 is proud to present 13 amazing, original new stories! Join the adventures as today’s leading Science Fiction Romance authors take you on a journey to another world. Combining science fiction and romance with cats, dogs and otherworldly creaters, Pets in Space® proudly supports Hero-Dogs.org, a non-profit charity that provides service animals to veterans and first responders in need. Join authors S.E. Smith, Anna Hackett, Tiffany Roberts, Veronica Scott, Pauline Baird Jones, Laurie Green, Donna McDonald, Regine Abel, Alexis Glynn Latner, JC Hay, E.D. Walker, Kyndra Hatch, and Cassandra Chandler for another exciting Pets in Space® anthology.

Proud supporters of Hero-Dogs.org, Pets in Space® authors have donated over $7,100 in the past two years to help place specially trained dogs with veterans and first responders.

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Review of Pets in Space 4

Let me tell you about a few of my favorites from Pets in Space 4.

About Madas’s Falling Star by S.E. Smith

Gril was supposed to be on a routine training exercise, but his flight goes horribly wrong.

When Madas spies an unusual object streaking across the sky before crashing near her location, she believes it is a good omen.

Her hopes of finding something valuable are dashed when instead she sees a big, and rather ugly, Tearnat warrior. It’s his spaceship that she really wants.

The giant warrior pilot of the spaceship isn’t going to give it up easily. Danger surrounds Madas and Gril— both from Madas’s clan and from the saboteur who is determined to see Gril dead.

Review of Madas’s Falling Star

Madas’s Falling Star is affiliated with a series, but truly stands alone. I did not feel I was missing anything despite not having read any of the Lords of Kassis books. I thoroughly enjoyed the tale of cat and mouse. And no, the pet in this story is neither cat nor mouse. L’eon is Chameleon Lightning Lizard. Just now, typing that, I figured out where L’eon gets his name.

L’eon is more than a pet. He is also a devious little matchmaker. Intelligent, with a ironic definition of the word ‘pet’, he had a pretty major role in this story. Madas and Gril are also intelligent, strong characters, each with their own motivations. If only they knew they wanted the same thing. Fun story!

About Entwined Fates (Infinite City) by Tiffany Roberts

Bold, kind, and adventurous, Kiara was everything Volcair needed in his stiff, formal life. Along with his pet inux, Cypher, the three were inseparable during Volcair’s years on Earth.

When chance brings them together again nearly two decades later, Volcair finds that his feelings for Kiara have only grown— he needs her. Have they been granted a second chance, or has time opened a rift between them that cannot be crossed?

Review of Entwined Fates

Entwined Fates is a refreshing standalone story in the Infinite City series. I relished the first half of the story told from the viewpoint of a child just as he meets the girl who will become so important in his life. A bored son of a diplomat gets dragged to an adult party and meets the surprise of his life. But diplomatic life separated young Volcair and Kiara, perhaps never to be together again. When they part, Volcair gives Kiara his companion Cypher.

But the title, Entwined Fates, is a dead giveaway. Of course they are going to meet again. This time as stubborn, mule-headed adults who refuse to recognize the truths of their long separation. Cypher plays a role in keeping Kiara safe and maybe even a bit of a matchmaker role. I enjoyed the mixing in of the pirates into the plot, to add a spice of danger.

About Cyborg’s Revenge (Project Enterprise) by Pauline Baird Jones

Rap solves problems large and small. He is currently working on his biggest threat— his old Master. He’ll need all the help he can get from his pet, Snake.

Ale’s new body has made her human again— mostly— and her new beating heart is pounding for Rap. It’s a pity that Rap is inscrutable and she’s got a huge secret that she can’t share.

Rap and Ale must face their greatest enemy if they hope to defeat him, but can they find love and a happy ever after while they do it?

Review of Cyborg’s Revenge

While Cyborg’s Revenge can be enjoyed as a standalone (sufficient background supplied), having read Maestra Rising did give me a boost up into the story line.

Rap and Ale are two newly created cyborgs. Sort of new. They were once fully human. Then their consciousness was transferred to robots by an evil genius. Then the good guys helped them transfer back to human bodies. Finally, they were enhanced with AI’s and robotic extensions and that made them cyborgs. Now all they want is to live in peace. So, they go after the evil genius that turned them into robots. Hence the word ‘Revenge’ in the title.

It is during this mission that Rap first finds out that Ale is female. That must have been a fun surprise! It is also during this mission that Rap and Ale figure out how much they mean to each other. The former robots trying to figure out their very non-robotic emotions makes for a cute g-rated romance.

The pet in this story is not one most of us would consider to be pet. Snake is handy when you need to transport something into tight places. And makes a good spy when hanging out in those tight places. Snake is loving in a way that only snakes can be.

I like how the author pulled a few characters from a favorite series (Project Enterprise) and gave them their own satisfying happily ever after.

About SpyDog (Inherited Stars) by Laurie A. Green

When his transport is destroyed before his eyes, agent Rigel Blackline and his bio-engineered StarDog partner wind up marooned on a planet buzzing with enemy patrols.

Things get complicated when they cross paths with Sona, a savvy warrior-class Rathskian female.

Rigel decides “capturing” Sona as an enemy asset and delivering her to his superiors may be his best option, but Sona has secrets. Her knowledge of Network dealings are on a level even he isn’t privy to. Is she truly an ally, or is he playing directly into the hands of a dangerous double-agent… in more ways than one?

Review of Spydog

Spydog could be called a prequel to Inherit the Stars. It is a standalone, but of all my favorites in this book, it is the one that may need the benefit of having read other books in the series. Mention of secondary characters and also the term ‘Operation Reset’ may have the reader wondering.

Having said that, I will say that Rigel and Sona are absolutely my favorite couple from the book. Totally untrusting of each other from the beginning, but needing to work together to get out of their sticky situation, makes for a lovely enemies to lovers romance, with plenty of danger and even a little humor along the way.

There seems to be all sorts of issues to prevent the Rigel’s and Sona’s HEA, starting with the fact that Rigel is human and Sona is Rathskian and ending with Sona’s own mission. How will it all end?

The title Spydog is Maura, a genetically engineered StarDog who partners with Rigel. She carries information critical to the Network’s efforts to thwart the Alliance. She also likes Sona, which really irritates Rigel. As with many of the animals we all know, Maura is intuitive and knows a good gal when she meets one. Or a bad guy if that happens…..

There is not much contact with bad guys outright. Just a sense of the fact that they are out there. We don’t want to be caught by them. And in the grand scheme, something’s got to give. Hence the missions, spying and the eventual Operation Reset. There are a few run ins with people who should be Rigel’s ally – they are all on the same side. But trust no one seem to be the phrase of the day – just to make completing the mission more challenging, separating Rigel from both Maura and Sona and making it difficult to get to the happily ever after when they meet up again.  Don’t worry about that HEA though…..

I’d also like to mention and commend The Prince and Her Bodyguard by E.D. Walker, which has not one, but two romances to recommend it! And Interrupting Starlight by Kyndra Hatch, which is tied to her After the Fall which I enjoyed so much last year’s Pets in Space 3.  Stran from Doom by Regine Abel gets the award for the scariest endearing pet.  Charrli from Idol’s Curse by Veronica Scott wins the prize for the pet I most want sitting on my lap.

Two things I don’t care for in Pets in Space 4:

1) Multiple characters from existing series without much of their associated background.  The great authors can do this and still call the story a standalone.  Although, with short stories, I prefer the number of characters be limited.  To be fair, fans of those series may actually like the familiar feel this method provides.  However, I found two stories that I lost interest in because I do not read the series.  There may be other readers that feel the same way about the series authors I read and enjoyed.  For that reason, I always try to point out if ‘standalone’ applies to the story.

2) The cover.  Bare-chested men are way overdone in SFR.  Plus, they do not usually attract me to a book, unless I already know the author’s work.  But the style seems to attract other readers, so who am I to judge?  Oh yes.  I am the reviewer. 🙂

My 5-star rating does not reflect these criticisms, as I have rated only on those stories I am actually reviewing (enjoyed the most!).  No two stories are alike!  There is enough variety, with 13 original stories, everyone that reads Pets in Space 4 is sure to find their own 5-star story.  Probably several stories!

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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Links

Add Pets in Space 4 to your Goodreads shelf:

Purchase Pets in Space 4:

 

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Furry Friends Week continues tomorrow with a review of another SFR that prominently features a Furry Friend.  Then on Friday, a look at the art of Tracy Lovett, friend to animals everywhere, but especially to pets!

If you missed this week’s earlier Furry Friends Week posts, check out my review of the hilarious urban fantasy, No Kitten Around (Monday) and Laurie A. Green’s guest post about Pets in Space 4 (Tuesday).

See you tomorrow!

 

Pets in Space® 4 Releases Today – Guest Post by Laurie A. Green

Tags

Alexis Glynn Latner, Anna Hackett, book feature, Cassandra Chandler, cats, dogs, Donna McDonald, E D Walker, Hero Dogs, J.C. Hay, Kyndra Hatch, Laurie A. Green, Pauline Baird Jones, pets, Pets in Space, Regine Abel, S.E. Smith, scifi romance, Tiffany Roberts, Veronica Scott

This is day two of Furry Friends Week.  This is a special day.  The book the inspired Furry Friends Week comes out today!

In 2016, when I first heard of the idea of combining SciFi, Romance, Pets and a Worthy Cause, I knew it was going to be a winner.  That combination is going on four anthologies strong and my enthusiasm for the concept has not waned one bit!  If you come back tomorrow, I will prove it by giving you my review of Pets in Space 4.

This year, I am very pleased to be a part of the release of Pets in Space 4 by 13 special authors.  Today, one of those authors is here to tell us a bit about Pets in Space.  Welcome Laurie A. Green!

Many thanks to Riley for hosting me for the New Release Announcement for Pets in Space® 4! First, let me touch on a few key things.

What is Pets in Space® All About?

Ever since 2016, a Pets in Space® collection has launched in October to great acclaim from science fiction romance fans and non-fans alike. There’s just something very special about the theme of imaginative stories set in space, or other places and times, that include adorable or dynamic pets.

We Support a Wonderful Cause

Each year we’ve supported the fabulous Hero-Dogs organization with 10% of all pre-orders and first month’s royalties. Hero Dogs raises, trains and provides service dogs to veterans and first responders, free of charge. We’ve been able to contribute a total of $7,100 to Hero Dogs to date—and we hope to really ramp up our donations for 2019.

More About the Collection

I’ve been very fortunate to be included in two of the last three editions, and I’m super excited about our 2019 release. I have 12 talented peers who outdid themselves in bringing you a baker’s dozen of outstanding stories. And these stories are substantial! The entire collection is about the size of five full-length novels–and you get it all for about the price of a cup of coffee. Even better, most of these works are connected to popular SFR series, so not only will you find fascinating new reads and favorite new authors, you may also discover entire new SFR universes that you want to explore.

Just remember to grab your copy quick! Pets in Space® 4 is only available for a limited time – and then it’s gone forever!

Pets in Space® 4 Releases Today!

Pets in Space® 4 features 13 original, never-before-released stories from today’s leading Science-Fiction Romance authors.

Journey to far off worlds with Anna Hackett’s House of Roan or board Veronica Scott’s Nebula Zephyr for another amazing Interstellar cruise. From S.E. Smith’s Lords of Kassis, Tiffany Roberts’ The Infinite City, to Pauline Baird Jones’ Project Enterprise series, and Laurie A. Green’s Inherited Stars Universe, you’ll find the perfect story along with a few unusual pets. Thirteen incredible stories by thirteen of today’s award-winning or bestselling authors. Don’t miss out on this limited time offer and help a great charity!

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Overview of the Stories

MADAS’ FALLING STAR
Lords of Kassis Series
by S.E. Smith
Even an incredibly skillful warrior Princess needs help sometimes. Can Madas trust the strange warrior who fell from the sky with her life… and with her heart?

DARK GUARD
Galactic Gladiators: House of Rone Series
By Anna Hackett
A cyborg who’s vowed to keep his emotions and lethal powers leashed, discovers the one woman who can bring him to his knees.

ENTWINED FATES
The Infinite City Series
By Tiffany Roberts
Being separated by time and distance does not lessen the love Volcair has for the woman who captured his heart.

STAR CRUISE: IDOL’S CURSE
The Sectors SF Romance Series
By Veronica Scott
Two crew members of an interstellar luxury liner must join forces with a retired military canine to find a missing relic before the curse brings disaster for everyone.

CYBORG’S REVENGE
Project Enterprise Series
By Pauline Baird Jones
Can two almost human geeks find love while they fight against their old Master?

SPYDOG
The Inherited Stars Series
By Laurie A. Green
An agent must decide if he can trust the savvy female Rathskian warrior that crosses his path or if he should deliver her to his superiors.

NOTHING REMOTELY FAMILIAR
My Crazy Alien Romance Series
By Donna McDonald
Nothing is normal when Topper finds herself expecting again.

DOOM
Xian Warriors Series
By Regine Abel
A genetically engineered war machine finds love with the human doctor who may be his only chance of survival.

WINTER’S PRINCE
Starways Series
By Alexis Glynn Latner
A scientist looking for a genetically engineered unicorn and a historian seeking the right question find each other in an interstellar amusement park full of dangerous games.

HEART OF THE SPIDER’S WEB
TriSystems: Smugglers Series
By JC Hay
The last thing Sheri needs is a brooding, brawny smuggler watching her every move, but his help is all that stands between her and a crime lord’s wrath.

THE PRINCESS AND HER BODYGUARD
Alien Animal Rescues Series
By E.D. Walker
A kidnapped princess and her bird companion must rely on the exiled guard who loves her to help them.

INTERRUPTING STARLIGHT
After The Fall Series
By Kyndra Hatch
The human composed a song in his heart, a pull he couldn’t ignore, a draw that demanded further exploration.

IMPORT QUARANTINE
The Department of Homeworld Security Series
By Cassandra Chandler
A simple house call to care for a sick animal turns a young woman’s life upside down when she discovers the ‘house’ is really a spaceship!

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Buy Links

Amazon US          Amazon UK          Amazon CA          Amazon AU

Kobo          IBooks          Nook          GooglePlay

All Buy Links

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Other Links

Pets in Space® Facebook Readers Group

Pets in Space® Web Site

Pets in Space® Newsletter Sign-Up

Pets in Space Book Trailer on YouTube

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If you missed my post yesterday, please check out day 1 of Furry Friends Week – a review of R. J. Blain’s No Kitten Around.

Furry Friends Week continues tomorrow with my review of Pets in Space 4.  Another SFR book starring a Furry Friend will be the subject of my Thursday Post.  And Friday, I will have two special guests (yes, one is a Furry Friend)!  Hope to see you all week long!