Jessie Mihalik

Thanks, Carrie, for recommending this to me!
"Polaris Rising" was a fast-paced book that's a really fun binge read. I loved the combination of sci-fi space adventure, romance, and political intrigue; it makes for an engaging story from any standpoint. The characters were also just straight-up entertaining and I came to like every one of them in their own way. It gets a teeny bit trope-y a points, but honestly I thought that was part of the fun. It was a bit like reading a REALLY good fanfiction at points: just enough fanservice to keep readers delighted but tons of plot to make the story keep moving.
The main thing that I rolled my eyes at were the repeated moments of male characters basically saying "No, I'm going with you/guarding you/being protective because I'm a Man and you're a Lady and it's The Proper Thing", but even that was never badly written so I'm not gonna complain too much. ;) The main romance was honestly very cute and made me grin like an idiot multiple times, and that made this worth reading all on its own!
I'm super eager to read the next book come October- can't wait to see what happens next!
… (meer)

I think I may enjoy Mihalik's more techie less action-y heroines. First Bianca (Aurora Blazing), now Kee...

To a certain extent this series can't really be read out of order or each book on their own. You need that knowledge of who Morten, Sura Fev and the Empress Neperu is. And why all three want to kill most of the main characters with alacrity.

It also gives some grounding when they say things like "Sura Fev is stronger then Torran", even though he's lauded as super-strong.

This does push the conspiracy further. What exactly is the Empress' gods damned plan? She's willing to sacfrice anyone, and I do mean any one, for...what?

The chemistry between Varro and Kee is flaming hot, even as Kee is constantly admonishing herself to keep it downlow. I understood Varro's reluctance though and in its own way it was essentially also Kee's issue.

But folks. Communicate!

Next book I think is Lexi and Nilo's book, so uh fireworks ahoy!… (meer)

Holy stars x.x

Everyone knows I'm a fan of Mihalik's - her books are easily auto-buys for me because I know I'm guaranteed a rollicking good time filled with action, banter, sexy fun times and guys who maybe should quit talking while they're ahead.

This beginning of a new series has all the hallmarks - kickass female lead, male lead who definitely doesn't know what hit him, secondary chars (most of whom who I bet will be their own books in the over arching plot) with lots of kinetic charisma and of course, impossible odds defeated by stunning competency.

That's all you're getting from me til closer to release.… (meer)