Book Review: Girl Gone Nova by Pauline Baird Jones

This is a book with a great science/black ops heroine; a sexy alien leader; danger; time traveling bad guys and impossible situations.

Girl Gone Nova 

by Pauline Baird Jones

Paperback: 434 pages

Publisher: L & L Dreamspell (April 29, 2010)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1603182047

ISBN-13: 978-1603182041

Genre:  Science Fiction Romance
My Rating: 5.0

Book Description

Publication Date: April 29, 2010

Doc-Delilah Oliver Clementyne's-orders are simple: do the impossible and do it yesterday. A genius/bad ass, she does the impossible on a regular basis. But this time the impossible is complicated by an imminent war between the Earth expedition to the Garradian Galaxy and the Gadi, an encounter with some wife-hunting aliens, and not one but two bands of time travelers. The only way it could get worse? If the heart she didn't know she had starts beating for the wrong guy...

Review:  This has great imagination and characterization. I love the characters and love the story even more. 

This is book Two of the Project Enterprise series and is set two years after The Key. Doc, Delilah Oliver Clementyne, has been transferred to the Earth expedition ship, the Doolittle.  Doc is sometimes called “Morticia” due to her dark hair, white face and cool demeanor. What no one realizes is that she is also“the Chameleon.” She is a super spy, portrayed as a Doctor, but so much more.  Doc has always had a brain that manages multiple tasks at super speed. She is accustomed to accomplishing the impossible although she knows the odds on continuing to do so are against her. She has never had time for romance or met anyone who sparked her libido...until now.

Helfron Giddioni is the leader of the Gadi people.  The Gadi and Dusan leaders had tried to capture “the Key” two years before until the Gadi and Earth forces joined to defeat the brutal Dusan. The Gadi still want control of the Kikk outpost which has some remarkable technology including travel portals. General Halliwell is the Earth commander who is negotiating with the Gadi leader, a man he doesn’t like or trust from prior experience, in a delicate dance of diplomacy.

Shortly into this story an assassination attempt is made against the two leaders, General Halliwell and Helfron.  Doc’s hidden talents help her to survive the bomb attack, eliminate the “clean-up” crew and thwart a second bombing. Hel had already noticed Doc and now suspects there is more to her than meets the eye.  A fragile agreement has to be made to work with Hel to uncover the espionage and protect their position and future negotiations.

Doc heads off to the outpost to study the technology and try to retrieve a team that went through the portals two years before. On her way she is captured by “Conan”, Vidor Shan, the leader of a barbarian looking group of men out to capture women to replenish their race. Now both Hel and General Halliwell are desperate to locate her.

As if dealing with hostile races isn’t enough, Doc has to try to figure out why Dr. Tobias Smith is messing with time. Yet her efforts to go back in time may cause a paradox and a change to current time.

There is plenty of intrigue and action as well as puzzling time travel issues. The friendly, sentient nanites are added fun companions to Doc, as they were with Sara in The Key.  There is immediate attraction and interest that draws Hel and Doc, even though they are an unlikely pair. But their new found emotion and love is torn by a time shift leaving Doc alone once more unless she can reach Hel and convince him to help them again.

I love the adventure, the alien setting, the action and the humor of these stories. Pauline sets up a believable time travel scenario with all the paradoxes that should be expected. The characters are rich and likeable; even the pirate, bad boy Vidor, has engaging qualities. The writing has a wonderful fast pace that fits the tale. This can be read alone but it works much better if you read The Key first.

~~~~~~

 A taste of action:

Doc studied the timer on the bomb as her brain kicked into a predictable kaleidoscope of higher gears. Despite the surge of data, there was a precision to it, as if her brain were a Swiss clock on steroids. EOD—Explosive Ordinance Detail—wouldn’t make it. She had maybe a minute to defuse it. The good news, a “Doc minute” was more than enough. P. 24-25

A touch of romance:

“Just don’t be surprised by what we find on the other side.” His smile was both wry and tender. “I have been surprised almost every minute since your people arrived in this galaxy, Delilah.” P. 348

Thank you to the author for providing the ebook to read and review.

Check out my review and giveaway for The Key.

Book Review and Giveaway: The Key by Pauline Baird Jones

This is one of my FAVORITE series!! I am highlighting the series this week with reviews, giveaways and an author interview. If you love action, snarky humor and clean romance, don't miss the Enterprise Project series! (My followers know that I don't gush...so this is me gushing in case you don't recognize it.)

THE KEY

by Pauline Baird Jones

• Perfect Paperback: 476 pages
• Publisher: L & L Dreamspell; 1st edition (August 14, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1603180109
• ISBN-13: 978-1603180108

Genre: "A science fiction/action adventure romance novel"
My Rating: 5.0.

Book Description
Publication Date: July 15, 2009
When Sara Donovan joins Project Enterprise she finds out that what doesn't kill her makes her stronger. An Air Force pilot - the best of the best to be assigned to this mission - Sara isn't afraid to travel far beyond the Milky Way on an assignment that takes her into a galaxy torn apart by a long and bitter warfare between the Dusan and the Gadi. After she's shot down and manages to land safely on an inhospitable planet, Sara encounters Kiernan Fyn - a seriously hot alien with a few secrets of his own - he's a member of a resistance group called the Ojemba, lead by the mysterious and ruthless Kalian. Together they must avoid capture, but can they avoid their growing attraction to each other? A mysterious, hidden city on the planet brings Sara closer to the answers she seeks - about her baffling abilities and her mother's past. She has no idea she's being pulled into the same danger her mother fled - the key to a secret left behind by a lost civilization, the Garradians. The Dusan and the Gadi want the key. So do the Ojemba. They think Sara has it. They are willing to do anything to get it. Sara will have to do anything to stop them.

Review:

Captain Sara Donovan is a top military pilot with the secret Enterprise Project.  She is sent on special assignment to a warfare battle in another galaxy. The opposing armies are searching for a “key” to a lost civilization. Sara ends up in the middle of the action when it becomes apparent that she holds some secret to the key. 

Sara is shot down on an alien planet, Kikk, where she is rescued by Fyn, a big, muscled alien, wearing leather armament and with a full head of dreads. Fyn (dubbed "Chewie" for his size - he's not that hairy) is strong and fierce but kind and ultimately protective when it comes to Sara. Sara’s team picks them up and Fyn’s apparent warrior skills are soon put to use.  As they begin to get to know each other, though keeping secrets, the battles rage around them.

Sara’s craft is pulled by a strange force into a hidden city on the Kikk planet. As she explores the buildings she touches a panel and receives some “hitchhiker” nanites. They are little sentient, computer companions to their hosts and add other (fun) characters to the stories.

I was drawn into and invested emotionally in Sara’s character. As such I was impressed with Fyn as a hero, dreads and all.  Pauline does a great job with the action scenes so you feel you are right there facing the enemies or dodging the shots around you.  She also provides humorous, snarky dialogue. There are fun military euphemisms that take the place of most of the swearing.  Sara’s usual expletive is “Dang!”

I read this two years ago but never did my review. I have to say I enjoyed remembering the story as I skimmed through to prepare this review. I think reading the series closer together would help the reader keep track of the personalities, the time stream and the enemy force. This is a series that is a keeper for me and I will enjoy reading them all again.

I did get The Key on Audible.  I wasn't crazy about the narrator at first but she grew on me.  Or better... the story became so engrossing I didn't notice any more!  That is a sign of a really good story! This is a great series for anyone who likes sci fi action, like Star Trek or Galaxy Quest (funny movie!), with a clean, warm, intergalactic romance.

Examples of fun dialogue:
Colonel Carey:
“Looks like we have another furball, playmates,” Carey said.  “Fangs out and form up on me. Let’s teach these gomers their second lesson in intergalactic etiquette.” P 83.

Sara and Fyn:
“It didn’t seem right being there without you on my six.”
.....
“I do...like your...six,” he said, his voice husky. P 387.

 Thank you to the Author for the book to enjoy and share!  

I had to add these notes from the author's website as it will give you a taste of her humor!

Author's note: Following the release of The Key realized that some readers didn't know that my series is set in the present day, in a kind of alternate reality, I guess. Unless there IS a secret project taking our people to the stars on beyond. If that's the case, it is accidentally true.

Tags: space opera; science fiction romance; alternate universe; no sex; sexual tension; mild swearing

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the signed Review copy: 

1. Visit the author's website and tell me something that interests you there. This is required for entry.

2.  For an extra entry, become a follower (GFC, Twitter, FB, email) or tell me if you are already a follower.

3. For two more entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.
(Four total entries possible.)

THERE WILL BE ONE WINNER.

* This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.

* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.

* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on March 16, 2012.
The winners will be randomly selected from all entries and announced on March 17 with 72 hours to complete the winners form.
 

Book Review: A Clockwork Christmas - A Steampunk Christmas Anthology

Happy ticking! Four stories with mechanical gear work and Christmas cheer.

A Clockwork Christmas - A Steampunk Christmas Anthology
Authors:  Gail, Stacy; Forte, PG; Schwartz, Jenny; Coi, J.K.

• Format: Kindle Edition
• File Size: 692 KB
• Publisher: Carina Press (December 5, 2011)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
• Language: English
• ASIN: B005Z1C47Q

ISBN:         9781426892752
Genre:  Sci Fi, Fantasy, Romance
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0
   
URLs:        
Publisher Website : click here http://ebooks.carinapress.com/8944228A-4DD7-4023-88F7-DDB1510B0C59/10/134/en/ContentDetails.htm?ID={A0A6E711-1982-40B9-AD94-47256F4D3B04}

We Wish You a Steampunk Christmas

Changed forever after tragedy, a woman must draw strength from her husband's love. A man learns that love isn't always what you expect. A thief steals the heart of a vengeful professor. And an American inventor finds love Down Under. Enjoy Victorian Christmas with a clockwork twist in these four steampunk novellas.

Anthology includes:

Crime Wave in a Corset by Stacy Gail
This Winter Heart by PG Forte
Wanted: One Scoundrel by Jenny Schwartz
Far From Broken by JK Coi

Stories also available for purchase separately. 117,000 words

Review: All four stories are fun and different, engaging reads. Sometimes it is hard to get a full story in the shorter works of an anthology. These stories are all nice lengths that allow completion for each tale and a good feel for the voice of the authors. I would enjoy more stories by any of these authors. 

Crime Wave in a Corset by Stacy Gail
Setting: Turn of the Century, Boston
Cornelia is a sleek, sexy thief preparing to celebrate Christmas. She didn’t decide on that career at school but rather as the result of childhood training and limited options.  She is a survivor from a life as a street pick pocket. She has a kind heart and tries not to hurt people who can’t afford to lose things but she still is a first class thief who steals from the rich.

Roderick is a Professor of Engineering at Cambridge University. He has made a point to capture Cornelia to make her return a Faberge egg she stole from his family. He shackles Cornelia with a timepiece that will explode in seven days, midnight Christmas eve, if she doesn’t steal back the egg and return it in time.

Roderick works with Cornelia as she locates the egg and formulates a plan for the heist.  His contempt for her profession begins to turn to respect for her intelligence, survival instincts and ingenuity - not to mention being drawn to her sexually. He helps her build the airship they will use for the dangerous plan. A twist of irony reveals that the egg is now in the possession of a sick child. When it comes time to steal the egg will Cornelia be able to pull it off or will she sacrifice her life?

This story has good intrigue, vibrant characters and some light “naughty” fun. Rating 4.0


This Winter Heart by PG Forte

Setting: 1870, Santa Fe.
Ophelia Winter is the daughter of a brilliant inventor. Dario was interested in her father’s work and willing to invest in his projects. When Dario met Ophelia it was love at first sight. They were  soon married but shortly after the wedding Dario leaned the devastating truth about Ophelia. He demanded that she get out of his life since she had lied to him and she would never be able to provide the family he desired.

Eight years later Ophelia dares to return with a her son, Arthur, in tow. Ophelia’s father has died and her step-siblings refuse to honor her share of the inheritance. To protect Arthur and give him the things in life he deserves she determines to introduce Dario and convince him to provide for his own son. Ophelia is disappointed to return to the estate and find the magnificent mechanical garden that had been built for her totally abandoned and in disrepair.

Dario hasn’t celebrated Christmas, or much of live at all since he cast Ophelia out. He has had a lot of devastating deaths in his family.  Dario is still drawn to the beauty of Ophelia but doesn’t believe that Arthur is his son and doesn’t believe that Ophelia can give either of them true love. Will it cost the life of one of them for Dario to recognize the strength of her love? Once he realizes Ophelia’s true feelings what steps can he take to convince her that he will never doubt her again?

I really liked the strong emotional tugs and revelations in this story. Ophelia is a surprise but her emotions are clearly genuine. This is a nice “reunion” love story. Rating: 4.25


Wanted: One Scoundrel by Jenny Schwartz

Setting: 1895 Swan River Colony, Australia
Suffragette Esme doesn’t want a man for a husband. What she needs is a scoundrel who can pose as a gentleman to be accepted in society and to go into the men’s clubs where she cannot enter. He must be willing to argue her views in her stead.

Esme’s Uncle introduces her to Jed as just the man, a card shark, fresh from America.  Jed immediately notes Esme’s remarkable beauty. Before long he is appreciating her independence, fairness, kindness, determination and other admirable qualities. He enjoys having her show him the community and explaining the Christmas holidays that occur even though it is summer in Australia.

Esme is being pursued by an arrogant, social snob, Bambury, who thinks he could tame her to be a quiet and acceptable wife. Jed isn’t about to let Bambury succeed in his advances even before he determines that he might have to convince Esme that he would be the right man for her after all. Jed is a hero on more than one occasion and is able to use some abandoned inventions to save the day.

I thoroughly enjoyed the history of Australia and political arguments woven into this story. The story flows easily. I loved the characters and the sweet romance. The underlying humor is a hoot!  Rating: 4.5


Far From Broken by JK Coi

Setting: Manchester, England
Jasper is a spymaster but he had hidden that part of his life from is wife, Callie, a beautiful ballerina. Callie is captured by Jasper’s enemies and brutally beaten. She has survived with the help of government doctors who have patched her together with mechanical limbs and implants. She is not sure she is glad to be alive in this condition.

Jasper has been away for four months tracking down the monsters who attacked his wife. But Callie thinks his absence was a rejection of her broken body. The government has invested a lot in her recovery and they have plans to use her as a new weapon. 

Jasper still loves his wife and doesn’t want her to be a tool of the war office. How can he convince her of his continuing love and help her overcome her physiological trauma that has kept her house bound? He had failed to protect her once. Can he accept her new strengths and protect her when they come under attack together?

I liked how this story pulled me into the horror and fear of Callie’s situation right from the beginning descriptions. Although I didn’t agree with Callie’s depression you can feel her pain. I liked Jasper’s warm love and how he was determined to help Callie move beyond the tragedy and rebuild their life together.

This is an entertaining story with fast action and a renewed love that brings the strong characters  together as a team. Rating: 4.25.

Learn more about the book and authors at: http://www.facebook.com/AClockworkChristmas

I received this book through NetGalley for an unbiased review. 

Book Review and ARC Giveaway: Virgin by Cheryl Brooks

Alien hearts collide and merge in this fun Sci Fi Romance.
Virgin by Cheryl Brooks

• Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca; Original edition (June 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402251653
• ISBN-13: 978-1402251658

     Genre: Sci Fi Romance
      My Rating: 4.25

Product Description
Zetithians have a feline gene that gives the males remarkable sexual prowess. Refugee Dax is no exception-but as a virgin, he has no idea how to use it. His fumbling attempts at romance fail to tempt the beautiful Ava, but he is determined to learn the art of love. Let the seduction begin...

Review: This is a fun sci fi world in a sexually hot story.
Dax is a tough, hunky 33 year old virgin. His planet was destroyed and he was raised on a space ship. Some of the other boys focused on learning about their sexual prowess but Dax focused on learning everything else including geography and astronomy. Now Dax is a pilot of a luxury space ship visiting all around the galaxy. He attracts plenty of women but has never really felt sexual desire for anyone ... until now.

Ava is an attractive waitress who views Dax as just another gorgeous “bad boy.” She has had it with bad boys who let her carry the burden of the work and relationship. Dax’s sidekick, Waroun, a Norludian, invites Ava to become a passenger on their ship which has three other interesting alien passengers. Dax is thrilled until he learns she is leaving one bad boyfriend to go home to a good old boyfriend.

Dax is experiencing his first taste of sexual lust but has no clue how to approach Ava, much less how to seduce her. He decides to detour to a recreational planet to seek help from an “experienced” friend. While struggling with lots of  luring but illusory smells and senses on the planet, they discover that Ava is carrying an object prophesied to bring peace to her father’s water planet.

The story is full of interesting worlds, strange aliens, a magician with fun and surprising weaponry, lots of sex on the mind... and ultimately elsewhere too. There is fun dialog with lots of sexual innuendos and then hot sexual scenes. But in addition to the relationship developed between Dax and Ava there is also a good plot centered on Ava’s unknown background and the “A Team” effort it takes to get her safely on planet and to the temple to save the people from civil war. Although the opposition to Ava’s mission seemed weakly written, and at one point almost abandoned, the story was still fun even with that flaw.

I really liked the characters, the world created by this author and the fast paced movement of the story. The varied planets and aliens are very creative. I imagine that the prior stories were similarly fun (and sexy). There are a couple of characters in this story who would be fun for future books in the series.

Caution: This is sexually explicit in a not a vulgar but clearly heated way.
Three word description: Fun, sexy, creative.

Thank you to Sourcebooks for the book to read and review.

TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY FOR THE ARC COPY:

1.  Visit the Author's Blog and tell me something you like there. Please leave your e-mail!

2. For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

3. For two extra entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

(Four total entries possible.)
It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.

* This contest is open US and Canada only.
* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.
* This contest will close 10:00 PM (Central) on June 24, 2011.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.