Review: Nice Blend of Romance & Sci-Fi
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 09 23, 2013
As a fan of sci-fi/futuristic reads I was excited to read this story, and on a whole found much to like, but found those elements that first drew me to be a bit lacking.  Except for a few comments about the differing technology this story could've been set in any time as it felt like any other western.  As this is the first book in a series I hope Ms. Ryan will expand upon those defining elements to make for a more memorable and colorful setting in future installments.While the world-building may have been lacking the characters more than made up for that as they were fun and immensely likable with an entertaining dynamic.  Kat has grown attached to her ranch after being torn away from the life she knew as a child and would now do anything to keep ahold of it, including marrying a stranger.  She's a strong-willed woman unaccustomed to having someone to lean on.  She doesn't want to look weak in front of others but in private moments enjoys the laughter and comfort Jasper brings to her life.  She's a smart heroine who deserved her HEA.Jasper was a caring man with strong convictions to help the underdog using the law to achieve his goals.  He may have come to Kat under the guise of a lie but his intentions were true and he would do anything to keep her safe and her ranch in her hands.  He might be a city boy but wasn't shy to get his hands dirty and really wanted to make Kat proud of him and wanting to rely on him.  He wanted to be her hero and was willing to literally walk through fire to keep her safe.Though their relationship evolved quickly I still believed in their feelings.  They were both supportive of the other to go for their dreams and were both strong-willed enough to achieve their desires.  When it came to desire there was plenty of it between the two of them.  The sexual interludes were both hot and playful and nicely paced throughout the story to also allow the mystery surrounding Kat's ranch to play out in a mostly satisfying way.  Ultimately this story is about Kat and Jasper's romance with the mystery being relegated to the background and it's villain coming out of the blue.  Overall Ms. Ryan created an entertaining and sexy story and I look forward to seeing where she takes us next.  Fans of sci-fi may feel a bit shortchanged but lovers of romance will enjoy the give and take of the main characters and their satisfying HEA.