Nightchaser: Volume 1

I can honestly say I’ve never read a book like this one before. This is so sci-fi but with romance and written in such a way that I was totally absorbed into the story from the first page. There is plenty of adventure, drama and action as well as a wonderful chemistry between the hero and heroine. I worried what type of decision Shade was going to make and how Tess would respond to his actions. It was the perfect amount of angst to keep the romance part of the story moving even while Tess is leading a group of rebels and keeping some pretty deep secrets to herself. Tess is a strong, independent heroine with a deep drive to protect those that she considers family. I loved her character in every way possible. Shade was protective and alpha enough to keep an eye on her but smart enough to know she led her own life and he couldn’t dictate to her. This is a lengthier book but it never felt bogged down or wordy. The secondary characters are awesome and the twists had me reading wide-eyed and transfixed. The steam factor didn’t even register to me because it was all about Tess, Shade and their gang and the danger that hovered dangerously close to them. The ending is a cliffhanger but it has a happy for now quality to it even as the future for these characters is uncertain. And now the wait for book 2…

***3.5 Stars*** I find myself in a bit of a conundrum with this one. Overall, I really enjoyed the book. I thought the world building was very well done. There are various cultures and statuses amongst those who inhabit this world and each place has it’s own flavor that gave the world as a whole a depth that made it feel real. And this extended to the various characters that we met along the way. Some were more fleshed out than others, which is to be expected, but those who were close with Tess were unique and I really loved spending time with them ~ especially Jax, he’s my fav outside of Bonk. But then comes there is that situation that brought about the conundrum. Tess and Shade. See, I actually like Tess and Shade. They have vibrant and complex personalities and have both been through more than most can imagine. My issue is that I’m just not feeling them as a couple *winces and ducks incase anything is thrown at my head* I don’t know what it is because I have no issue with the insta-lust thing they had going on, and can buy that they are into each other, I’m just not feeling them and really can’t explain it more than that. But seeing as this is a trilogy, I’m hoping that feeling will fade and I’ll become as intrigued by them as a couple as I am when it comes to them individually. With that said, I will reiterate that I did enjoy everything else in the book and though I am not a hardcore SciFi fan, I really liked the Star Wars/Robin Hood vibe going on throughout the story. And while that ending is kind of a cliffy, but kinda not a cliffy, I am quite interested in seeing where things take these characters in the next two books and where they all end when everything is said and done. ~ Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley & voluntarily reviewed ~

I really enjoyed the story. Ms. Bouchet creates strong, stubborn heroines with more courage than brains. Tess is brilliantly written. The worldbuilding is amazing and the storyline is exciting and fast-paced. I love that we are in space, the final frontier. Ha! Yeah, I had to say it! I love that we are in space and there's a woman captain. You go girl! And can we talk about heroes for a second? Shade is super dreamy and has blistering chemistry with Tess. The couple are supported by a plethora of complex characters and a deeply intricate plot shrouded in mystery. I was glued to the very last page. The only negative is that we have to wait a whole year for the next book. ***Net Galley provided in exchange for honest review***