Category Archives: Sci Fi

#WOTR24 #Review – Shadow Initiate by Todd Skaggs

Magic is a barrier. It protects our world from many things. Some of these things are older than Time.
There are travelers who use the Earth as a way-point in their journeys between the magical realms.

Most of these travelers are harmless enough.

Some, however, are quite deadly.

Humans are one of the last species in the realms who can channel magic naturally. They are therefore highly prized and must be kept safe. Their protection is done by ancient orders. There are gates and locks.

And in the each millennia, born among humans are “keys.”

Some keys unlock gates glowing with light. Others unlock the gates shrouded in shadows, passages of darkness.

These keys are seldom aware of their gift, and the potential they hold.

Most don’t live that long.

Unless they are kept well hidden.

Magic itself is neither good nor evil. Magic either shines in luminous brilliance or peers back from deep in the blackest of shadows.

Those who hold the key to using this magic are highly sought after.

Some things should be left well alone.

Duane was always plagued by nightmares. Visitations from the shadows. These visits, though terrifying, were the one thing that made him feel unique. Also, quite crazy. No one believed him. The people who were supposed to love him unconditionally looked at him through the eyes of strangers.

The one person who could always make him feel safe was his best friend, Ellen. That’s what made her betrayal so painful.

Goodreads

Amazon

Bookbub

Review by Twinsie Kelly

I am not sure what I really thought this story was going to be about but was pleasantly surprised with the direction it went. The blurb is compelling but then you actually start reading and you are hooked. The balance of good and bad, light and dark is truly emphasized throughout the story. It is very compelling and intriguing but there were some areas where I felt a bit confused because I felt like I was missing some pieces. While things tied up nicely at the end, with quite a twist that I didn’t see coming, I wish there was more. I would love to see this world evolve because it seems there is so much more to be told. It was a great short read.

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Todd has happily wandered down the path of writing for one simple reason–he has quite a few stories in his head and they need to come out (it’s getting crowded up there)! He’s also fond of pointing out that writing is cheaper than therapy and is still the single best way to exorcise the demons.

Living in Ohio and enjoying all four seasons in a single week, Todd works as a security analyst and plays with words any chance he can. During his free time you can find him swimming the sea of song, playing with sci-fi, dancing slowly with some poetry, or mixing things up a bit with some free-form ramblings of a completely random nature. As long as its telling a story, Todd’s happy.

On his Blog: www.toddskaggswrites.com

Twitter:@atskaggs71

Instagram:@atskaggs71

#WOTR24 #Review Stolen Soul A Reapers Origin Story: A Reapers Prequel by Tara Vasser

Someone has done the impossible – broken into Death’s vault in The Realm of the Dead, and stolen an especially valuable and dangerous soul. The very soul which determines the balance between life and death.

As Death’s enforcers, Gunnar and his fellow Reapers are tasked with hunting down the thief and recovering the soul. Will they catch the culprit and recover the soul before things take a catastrophic turn?

Stolen Soul is a prequel novella to the Reapers series.

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Kelly

This is a new series and author for me and I understand that this is a prequel, however, I received this book for free for signing up for the author’s newsletter. As Tara Vasser is a new to me author, it was the perfect way to see if I would enjoy her words. Well guess what?! I absolutely do!

Stolen Soul is absolutely gripping!! Right from the jump I was captivated. I absorbed this story in what felt like minutes. It is intriguing and will leave you literally needing to continue this story. I was able to get a snippet of some characters that I feel like will be big players down the road. Amethyst is a witch, Gunnar is a vampire, Atticus is a werewolf, and then there is Death. There are many more characters that you are introduced to within this short story that I can’t wait to catch back up with them all in the series. Gunnar has a new mission and I can’t wait!

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Tara is a writer who lives in the frozen north in Minnesota with her wonderful husband and two rambunctious little dudes. She is an engineer during the day, a crazy mom in the afternoon and a writer at night. She enjoys spending her time playing in the dirt when her gardens aren’t covered in snow and listening to a wide variety of music that inspires her writing – sometimes doing both at the same time.

Be sure to visit Tara’s web page and sign up for her newsletter for updates on works in progress and upcoming new releases! www.authortaravasser.com

#Review #Zombies Love and Decay, Volume One by Rachel Higginson


Zombies- as if that wasn’t enough to ruin any girl’s dream of a happily ever after.

A vaccination gone oh so wrong and a huge portion of the world’s population was turned into Zombies. Reagan Willow is forced out of her home when her parents become casualties of the horrid Zombie Apocalypse. With the help of her best friend Haley, they’ve become somewhat of experts on surviving the dangers of a world thrust into chaos and decay. Reagan and Haley are on a vague mission to find somewhere safe to live out the remainders of their terrifying life when they stumble upon the Parkers, a pack of brothers that seem to have the survival thing down in a much more efficient and successful way than Reagan could ever have imagined.

Soon the Parkers become more to Reagan than just traveling companions and more than friendship starts to develop between her and Hendrix, the second oldest brother. But at the end of the world, nothing can be as simple as life and death. Now, Reagan is going to have to schedule falling in love between hunting and surviving. Hopefully she can last long enough to find out if true love can still exist when everything else has started to fall apart.

Goodreads

Amazon

Review by Twinsie Kelly

Love me some Zombies!!!  Love and Decay sort of reminded me of The Walking Dead and Zombieland mixed together. I have to admit that I was a bit skeptical of reading this because some of the reviews were pretty harsh because of the character’s likeability. You have two young adult females that were best friends from before the zombie apocalypse that started with a vaccine (the vaccine piece is being played out). The girls have been going good for a couple years relying solely on each other. One fateful night, they find MASCARA! I know that this doesn’t seem like a big deal but sometimes, you miss those little things. Well, things don’t go as planned and while running from a zombie horde they get help from the Parker brothers. Some things are a bit predictable as the two groups join and work together. But while on their journey, we learn a ton about each character which gives all of them some depth. The author lets the characters still be “normal” people who haven’t lost their sense of humor or their passion for protecting the ones they love. Each episode is wrapped up nicely and kept me entertained. I would recommend this for teens and young adults.

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Rachel Higginson is the best-selling author of The Opposite of You, The Five Stages of Falling in Love, Every Wrong Reason, Bet on Us and The Star-Crossed Series.

She was born and raised in Nebraska, and spent her college years traveling the world. She fell in love with Eastern Europe, Paris, Indian Food and the beautiful beaches of Sri Lanka, but came back home to marry her high school sweetheart. Now she spends her days writing stories and raising five amazing kids.

You can visit Rachel:

Instagram @mywritesdntbite

www.authorrachelhigginson.com

facebook.com/rachelhigginsonauthor

Twitter @mywritesdntbite

#Review – Immortal Ghost: The Imogen Gray Series Prequel Novella by Lauretta Hignett


Immortality sucks.

Just ask Imogen Gray: Over two-hundred thousand years old and teetering on the edge of total insanity. Strong as a shifter, faster than a vampire, Imogen’s walked the earth forever, always alone, never growing, never changing.

Never learning, either. Her smart mouth and quick temper get her into trouble far too often.

And when trouble comes, she gets hurt. Sometimes very badly, and it can take a long, painful time to heal from severed limbs and disembowelment.

She’s tired of it all. So tired.

But she’s got a plan. Imogen’s on a mission to find the next reincarnation of her father, the only person in the world who knows what she is; the only man who can help get rid of the curse of immortality.

She’s got to find him first. For that, she needs to perform a powerful scrying spell, and for that she needs a blood witch.

Imogen is going undercover at an animal shelter to try and flush out one of these bloodthirsty maniacs. But it’s not exactly going to plan, thanks to a blind date with a goblin, a vampire stuck in the late nineties, and one pesky ghost…

Immortal Ghost is the prequel novella to the bestselling Imogen Gray Series, a fun, fast-paced urban fantasy. Content note for foul language, minor violence, suicidal ideation, and references to animal abuse and sexual assault (no explicit scenes at all.)

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Kelly

When your life gets in the way of your death, you become the Patron Saint of Rescue Animals!

As a caveat, this is a new to me author and I have not read any of the rest of this series. I picked this up for a fun and quick read, and boy is that ever what I received! Imogen is like any normal human being, but not. Catch my drift?! She gets hurt and takes time to heal, she just doesn’t ever die. She goes undercover at an animal rescue shelter with a plan to find a blood witch…a good-ish blood witch (another oxymoron). She ends up being a ghost and a savior all while remaining immortal. If something wonky can happen, Imogen will find it, LOL! I am hooked and working on getting the actual first book of the series to see what other types of antics Imogen can get herself into.

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A raving fangirl for all things paranormal, supernatural, magical and fantastical, Lauretta writes fun, fast-paced Urban Fantasy – unique, kickass characters and madcap adventures with a dash of romance and loads of laughs.

She’s a massive fan of anything shifter, witch or vampire, she loves a plot twist, hates cliffhangers, and always keeps her readers on their toes.

When she’s not writing, Lauretta enjoys crazy fad diets, sunshine, her two little children, weird craft projects and massive amounts of dark chocolate. You’ll often find her staring into space or muttering to herself in weird voices. Just ignore her. She’ll come back to reality eventually.

#Review #Cyborgs #HEA – Tin Soldier (Silver Cyborg Series Book 3) by Ava Cuvay


The Army shuffled Staff Sergeant Gage Austin off to a menial desk job at the Pentagon as hush money… as if he’d admit to anyone he’s a cyborg. Society abhors cyborgs, so Gage keeps to himself and suffers the daily humiliation of an extensive security scan with stoic fortitude. He’s a soldier down to his core processor and would willingly give his all—red blood and blue lubricant—for the land he loves. As such, he accepts the task to locate and safely retrieve missing Pentagon assistant Audra Muir. Yet as sparks sizzle between them, Gage questions whether he’s delivering her to salvation… or doom.

Audra Muir has spent years pilfering secrets about corrupt government oversight of the cybernetics industry under the guise of her job at the Pentagon. As she leaves for breast cancer treatment, she happens upon earth-shattering intel. Determined to hand this information over to the people who will wage that particular war, she battles her own personal recovery and rages against a society that can make a cyborg, but can’t save women from breast cancer. Yet when Gage Austin kisses her, that anger dissipates, replaced by a passion that just might deliver her flagging faith in humanity… and herself.

Gage and Audra find peace from their own inner demons within the heat of each other’s arms. But defeating the evil that is ruining the cybernetics industry is a far bigger enemy, and requires the force of a secret band of rebels and their hidden cyborg army.

Book Three of the Silver Cyborg Series. This story has a romantic happy ending and a resolution of the storyline continuing through books one and two.

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Kelly

This book absolutely blew me away. I finished the story, which is the end of the series, and felt like I lost a limb. Cyborg fan for LIFE!! When you read this book, please make sure that you read the dedication and author notes. This book pulled at my heartstrings in a lot of ways. You will have all the feels right from jump with this one. When Audra and Gage finally come together, they collide and there are fireworks! These two, even though they are fighting their own battles, have been doing a ton on their own because of their own situations (which is explained in the book, so just read it!), and they don’t realize how much they need someone to help them. The best part is they are able to help each other fight their own battles. As the story progresses, they really figure out what is truly worth fighting for. I finished reading this book and just had no clue how I was going to express to anyone how much I love this book AND the series, let alone how I was going to write a review. I don’t think many people are into “cyborg” type romances and what not but the Silver Cyborg series is so much more than that. It is real people, with real problems, that come together to fight for a good cause. But let us not forget the humor, wit and sarcasm that comes right along with these characters. I literally messaged the author when I finished the book and asked why was it over… I know that all good things come to an end. I highly HIGHLY recommend this book and most of all, this series!

Ava Cuvay is an award-winning bestselling author of out of this world Sci-fi and Paranormal Romance featuring sassy heroines, gutsy heroes, passion, adventure… and the word “moist”.

She resides in central Indiana with her own scruffy-looking nerfherder and teen kiddos who think her “Rizz” is “cringe” but she “passes the vibe check” and her books “hit different.” No cap.

She believes life is too short to bother with negative people, everything is better with Champagne, and Han Solo shot first. When not writing, Ava is thinking about writing. Or wine. And she’s always thinking about bacon.

Ava Cuvay – Out of This World Romance

https://facebook.com/AvaCuvayAuthor/

https://instagram.com/avacuvay/

Email: Ava.Cuvay@avacuvay.com

#Review – Isle of Pieces: Episode One (Isle of Pieces YA Episodic Series) by Chrisina L. Rozelle

Isle of Pieces: Episode One (Isle of Pieces YA Episodic Series Book 1)

Join Flick and Tinsley in their icy quest for truth amidst the raging fury of a post-apocalyptic ice age.

What secrets lie buried in the snow?

Will they make it to Gaia’s Gate, the last environmentally encapsulated place on Earth, or will they freeze to death at the doorstep?

As I sit here writing now, the sounds of distress and fear on repeat, the naivety of our boyish selves is apparent. We were led here by the promise that leads everyone else as close as they can get to the Great Gaia. The promise that someday, if we work hard enough, sacrifice enough, and of course, get lucky enough, we will be granted Asylum. That we’ll see the sunshine from the last environmentally encapsulated space on the planet. That we’ll know what it’s like to lie in green grass, to smell flowers and taste the Earth. We all want to believe that we won’t just die here in the cold.
-Lt. M. Flick

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Kelly

This is a thrilling first episode in a dystopian world that will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. There are two teens from completely different areas. One stuck in a frozen landscape just trying to make it to Gaia’s Gate. The place where everything is supposed to be better. The other, leading a completely different life going to pageants and what not. Nothing is what it seems. I have a feeling that when they end up where they are meant to be and meet, things are going to explode! It is a quick read that will suck you right in and keep you wanting more.

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Christina L. Rozelle is the author of the bestselling YA Dystopian Scifi series, The Treemakers Trilogy, which includes her groundbreaking debut, “The Treemakers,” and its sequels, “The Soultakers,” and “The Seeker’s Keys.” Hailed for its strong, believable, and relatable characters, original and complex plotting, and phenomenal world-building, The Treemakers Trilogy appeals to lovers of dystopian literature who are looking for something refreshing and new.

Rozelle’s writing roots sprouted with poetry and prose in countless journals in her early years, continuing through her tumultuous teenage years, and well into her turbulent young adult life. Though her younger self dreamed of scribing non-fiction and poetry someday, when she discovered the magic in creating fiction she never looked back. Overcoming countless obstacles of her own, the wisdom gained along her personal path through healing breathes life into her beautifully dark, yet hopeful tales of triumph. Filled with an array of emotional triggers, not many topics are off limits in her works. Rozelle’s exceptional storytelling dives deep into the survival and growth journeys of diverse, broken characters and unlikely heroes. Authentic, gritty, intricate, and wildly imaginative, her stories also offer hope—a light in the dark—as her characters discover their own inner strengths and worth in the midst of debilitating adversity.

If you’ve enjoyed any of her books, you can thank Christina by leaving an honest review of any length on Amazon.

#Review – The Reluctant Assassins – Clara and Damien (Book 2): Delta Underground Operatives by Sarah Noffke

The Reluctant Assassins : Clara and Damien (Delta Underground Operatives Book 2) by [Sarah Noffke]

Werewolves are the worst.

Especially a lone one…

Clara and Damien know they must bring down a rogue werewolf to get to his boss.

Taz Kiera must be stopped.

The mentalist has gone too far—abducting coma patients, siphoning their powers and abusing magic.

But to get to him, the unlikely pair of assassins are going to have to kill a rabid werewolf.

That won’t be easy, but it’s definitely going to be entertaining.

Vampires love killing werewolves.

Empaths don’t like hurting anyone.

But together, Clara and Damien must stop this evil before it goes too far and harms too many.

Can this duo join forces to stop a power so fierce it could destroy humanity?

If they do, they win.

If they don’t, then everyone loses.

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Kelly

What a mindbender! Wait, mind melder is probably a better description. Clara is literally taking her mind on the riskiest journey ever and Damien can only be there to support her. Clara and Damien have had a moment to rest, but now it is time to regroup. Clara is struggling with the fact that she killed someone. Even though they were awful and that person didn’t care about life, Clara is still bothered by it. Damien can feel this, and he is unsure of how to actually help Clara. The longer these two work together, their connection, from the puddle and simply by being friends, grows so much stronger. This story really comes to life as they are working together like never before. Watching each other make sacrifices for each other and for the good of all humanity, is extremely humbling. They have to stop at nothing to stop Taz from siphoning power from the coma patients. This journey brings planning to an all new level and there is no more just letting things happen. There is plenty of action and tons of witty comebacks for our favorite duo, that will keep you completely invested in this story. Now, I am impatiently waiting for the next book. Thank you Sarah for keeping me entertained!

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Sarah Noffke is a prolific USA Today Best-Selling Author, who writes YA and NA science fiction, fantasy, paranormal and urban fantasy. Most of her stories draw on her experiences living on the West Coast, growing up in Texas or traveling the world.

Her passion for art, culture and literature drives her to create stories that are full of whimsey, humor and philosophy. Her books appeal to readers who enjoy an escape, a bit of magic mixed with science and the unexpected–like a dragon who tells bad jokes and has a video game addiction, but fights for justice.

Noffke’s books are top rated and best-sellers on Amazon. Her books are available in paperback, audio and in Spanish, Portuguese, German, Dutch and Italian.

To stay up to date with Sarah, please visit her website and subscribe to her newsletter: www.sarahnoffke.com

For a complete list of books by Sarah and a suggested reading order, please see: www.sarahnoffke.com/reading-guide/

#Review – The Improbable Pair – Clara and Damien (Book 1): Delta Underground Operatives by Sarah Noffke

The Improbable Pair - Clara and Damien (Book 1): Delta Underground Operatives by [Sarah Noffke]

A brand new Urban Fantasy adventure from USA Today bestselling author Sarah Noffke — perfect for fans of The Unstoppable Liv Beaufont.

Blood-sucking vampires and vegan psychics dont mix.

But to save the world from a magic-stealing madman, theyre going to have to.

The Delta Underground Operatives, humanity’s last line of defense against evil threats, only enlist the brightest and the best.

Clara and Damien fit the bill.

So when a threat like no other can only be stopped by a perfect assassin team, the organization recruits these two unlikely vigilantes with complementary skill sets.

Too bad they cant stand each other.

He’s dangerous. She’s peaceful.
He’s loud. She’s meditative.

They dont see eye to eye, but theyll have to fight side by side.

As their target hunts the innocent and threatens to destroy the delicate balance of magic, everything rests on the duo’s ability to work together.

Clara wants peace. Damien wants vengeance.

Only they can take down evil.

But first, theyll have to learn to get along….

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Kelly

The Dodgers should eat magical turnips to win. There, I said it! LOL! (go ahead and read it to find out why, I dare you)

Psychics that are allergic to the sun and vegan vampires….what a pair! Wait, I think I got that mixed up, or did I? Clara and Damien are quite the improbable pair. These two are literally the exact opposite of each other. They are brought into the world of the Delta Underground Operatives and are put on a special mission as the newest assassin duo. The way these two get along is great. In true Sarah Noffke fashion, these two are witty, sarcastic, and aren’t afraid to throw a punch either. The banter is hilarious but will also ground you as they become closer. Awwwww! I think they like each other! Whoa! Maybe not…. Jk!

These two are presented with an impossible mission with little training but come together as a force to be reckoned with. I couldn’t stop turning the pages and ABSOLUTELY need more. I am incredibly happy that Sarah continues to write books for me! 😊

Author Logo

Sarah Noffke is a prolific USA Today Best-Selling Author, who writes YA and NA science fiction, fantasy, paranormal and urban fantasy. Most of her stories draw on her experiences living on the West Coast, growing up in Texas or traveling the world.

Her passion for art, culture and literature drives her to create stories that are full of whimsey, humor and philosophy. Her books appeal to readers who enjoy an escape, a bit of magic mixed with science and the unexpected–like a dragon who tells bad jokes and has a video game addiction, but fights for justice.

Noffke’s books are top rated and best-sellers on Amazon. Her books are available in paperback, audio and in Spanish, Portuguese, German, Dutch and Italian.

To stay up to date with Sarah, please visit her website and subscribe to her newsletter: www.sarahnoffke.com

For a complete list of books by Sarah and a suggested reading order, please see: www.sarahnoffke.com/reading-guide/

#Review – Tin Toy (Silver Cyborg Book 2) by Ava Cuvay

Tin Toy (Silver Cyborg Book 2) by [Ava Cuvay]

Betty Hayworth is hiding from her life. She endured cybernetic enhancements to serve her country as an international spy, but infiltrated top-secret information from her own government as a high-end escort instead. So, she ran away to a small Indiana neighborhood where she works as a librarian and fears her handler will track her down or her cyborg status will be exposed to a society that abhors them. None of which helps her find the kind of love and happiness she reads about in her romance novels.

Everett Dean is running for his life. As founder and CEO of the premier cybernetic design company, someone is trying to destroy him. His life, his company, his legacy. He needs to discover the truth and expose whoever is behind the recent attempts on his life, before they try again. This search leads him to an unassuming library where he meets an enigmatic woman who looks like a pin-up model, fights like a trained assassin, and kisses like an angel. All of which inspire him to reassess his life’s priorities.

Their mutual attraction is a risk neither can afford. But as complications from their secrets arise, they must learn to trust each other if they hope to survive.

Book Two of the Silver Cyborg Series trilogy. This story has a romantic happy ending and a storyline continuing to book three.

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Kelly

What do you do when you realize God is just a man and that man is your maker? Betty is a librarian but she is so much more than just a librarian. This woman is a beautiful bad@ss. She was used and abused but is trying to just live and come out on top. This woman has an insanely crazy past. She sold her soul to the devil himself and became a cyborg. She left that life trying to just live and be normal when one day, the man that was behind giving humans a second chance as cyborgs, quite literally lands in her lap. Everett is on the run and he has no clue why! He is a millionaire with crazy intelligence and a great government contract, aaaaand then he was no longer. He becomes a vagabond and ends up in Betty’s library trying to look for answers. Their worlds collide and Pandora’s Box explodes open. These two are both trying to distinguish between the good guys and bad guys all while having something vital in common: secrets. What would the neighbors think? This book is seriously intense but has all of my favorite things like snark, angst, secrets, sarcasm, fighting, serious sexy time, and an ending that will keep you wanting more!

Ava Cuvay

Ava Cuvay writes out of this world romance featuring sassy heroines, often-alien-but-always-sexy heroes, and an alcoholic beverage or two… Set in a galaxy far, far away. She resides in central Indiana, USA with her own scruffy-looking nerfherder, kiddos who are growing up without her permission, and two kitties that make her laugh. She believes life is too short to bother with negative people, everything is better with Champagne, and Han Solo shot first. When not writing, Ava is thinking about writing. Or wine. And she’s always thinking about bacon.

#WOTR23 #Review Catnapped by the Catman: An Alien Abduction Standalone Romance (Interstellar Protections Agency Book 1) by Jade Waltz

Catnapped by the Catman: An Alien Abduction Standalone Romance (Interstellar Protections Agency Book 1) by [Jade Waltz]

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Kelly

Ok, first I have a question to ask. Do you prefer dogs or cats? LOL!

“If there’s one thing I’ve learned from today, it’s that if I wanted loyalty, I should’ve gotten a dog. No matter how much I loved Loki, he was still a cat who could only serve himself. One thing was for sure: I wasn’t going to trust a feline ever again.”

Well, let me tell you something. When you are catnapped by a catman, trust is very difficult. However, when aliens and space travel are involved as well as a damned good explanation from the catman, it is extremely difficult not to fall head over paws for him!

Sarah is a single woman who has had poor luck with love in the past but absolutely adores her cat, Loki. One thing she was not prepared for was for her cat to make a deal with an alien cat to kidnap her. There were so many “miscommunications” that it was hard not to chuckle at their entire exchange. Once Sarah realizes she has been kidnapped and aliens do exist, she starts to try and figure out what her next steps are. Sarah and the catman cannot communicate so they are both fumbling around, which is super cute and adorable. The way that the catman and Loki banter back and forth is hilarious, but both ultimately have Sarah’s best interest at heart. Ultimately the point of kidnapping/catnapping Sarah is to save some of her friends and others that are traveling into an area where they could be attacked. I did expect there to be some more action but the action actually takes place away from their ship. Other than that, this story had a lot of funny moments, tons of banter, and a super sweet romance with a few really hot moments (bow chicka bow wow). I cannot wait to see what the next book unravels!

Jade Waltz