Author: Aubrie Dionne
Genre: Sci-Fi Romance
Length: Novel
Release Date: August 2011
ePub ISBN: 978-1-937044-02-2
Mobi ISBN: Coming soon!
Print ISBN: 978-1-937044-03-9
http://www.entangledpublishing.com/paradise-21/
Book Blurb:
Aries has lived her entire life aboard mankind’s last hope,
the New Dawn, a spaceship traveling toward a planet where humanity can begin
anew—a planet that won’t be reached in Aries’ lifetime. As one of the last
genetically desirable women in the universe, she must marry her designated genetic
match and produce the next generation for this centuries-long voyage.
But Aries has other plans.
When her desperate escape from the New Dawn strands her on a
desert planet, Aries discovers the rumors about pirates—humans who escaped
Earth before its demise—are true. Handsome, genetically imperfect Striker
possesses the freedom Aries envies, and the two connect on a level she never
thought possible. But pursued by her match from above and hunted by the
planet’s native inhabitants, Aries quickly learns her freedom will come at a
hefty price.
The life of the man she loves.
“Might
as well stay here and make camp for the night.”
His casual tone stung her composure. How could he talk of such
mundane things when they’d almost been captured, when she’d touched him so
tenderly?
“We’ll let them get farther away,” Striker explained, reasonable
as always. “We’re going in their direction tomorrow.”
The sting of rejection grew, burning a hole in her
heart. “Why?”
“Why what?”
Her lips trembled. “Why not kiss me like you did before?”
“I can’t.” He shook his head, and the air cooled between them; so
much so, Aries wondered if the desert had turned into deep space.
He’d teased her with such affection before, it was cruel to take
it away. “I don’t understand,” she said, wishing she didn’t care, wishing
she could stop all the emotions he’d started in her heart.
Aries caught a glimpse of pain etched in the wrinkles around his
eyes. Striker turned away and started pulling supplies out of his
backpack. “I can’t do this.”
“Do what?”
Striker shook his head and Aries prompted, “Can’t kiss me, can’t
trust me? What?”
“I can’t allow myself to get tangled up with someone. Not again.”
The thoughts of Striker with another woman confused her. On the
New Dawn, everyone had one lifemate and that was it. “You mean you loved
someone before?”
Striker’s hand tightened on the backpack. “I trusted someone a
long time ago, allowed myself to love, if you will. She hurt me so much I
lost my entire life and ended up here. I can’t experience that kind of
pain again.”
Aries clasped her hand over her heart. “I’m so sorry.”
He waved her apology off as if it meant nothing. “It’s a tough
world, Aries. And it’s dangerous to love. If I were you, I’d keep my heart
well-guarded, because you never know when it will affect your decisions,
when it will make you weak.”
Aries couldn’t take his advice. Watching him talk about his past
made her realize she’d already given up her heart.
He had it.
My Thoughts
When I first
read the blurb for Paradise 21, I was
struck by the unique story line. While I’m not a big fan of books about space
and/or space travel, I enjoyed this book very much. It was easy to relate to
Aries and her feelings. What reader hasn’t, at some point, felt that life was beyond
her control? What reader hasn’t wished she had the courage to make radical
changes? I found myself rooting for Aries and Striker before they even meet.
There were just enough twists and turns in the plot to keep me guessing. Just
enough suspense to keep me reading to see what happened next. I enjoyed the
relationship between the two main characters, each one helping the other to
purge the demons of their past and take a chance on another. The only thing I
would change, if I could, would be to add a little more romance. I typically
read contemporary romance or romantic suspense so I was looking forward to the
moment when Aires and Striker came together. While I certainly got my
happily-ever-after, I would have enjoyed a few romantic scenes. That said, I enjoyed
reading Paradise 21. I would recommend
it anyone who enjoys a nice light read. One where the good guys and even the ‘bad’
get their happy ending. I look forward to reading more from Aubrie
Dionne.
Thank you for this wonderful review! Book 2: Tundra 37 has more romance in it, so you should like it even more. :)
ReplyDeleteCan't wait. Is it available now? I'll have to add it to my TBR list!
ReplyDelete