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Stealing Life
Stealing Life by T.A. ChaseTwo outsiders, a thief and an assassin, find an ally in the other as they fight an empire to stay alive.Rue Thaday accepts a job to steal some files for the Inter-Universal Military. When he comes face-to-face with his mark, Rue realizes there’s more going on than meets the eye. He might even have been set up to take the fall while the IUM forces another planet to accept their rule.Vlatko's trying to find a way to survive. When Rue arrives in his life, Vlatko knows the thief has ulterior motives, but he's willing to risk everything for a taste of Rue's lips.Together, they have to find a way to keep Vlatko alive, and not allow the IUM to win the very dangerous power play they’re caught up in. That might be the easy part, considering all the trouble appearing from Rue’s unknown past, along with the assassins who want to kill Vlatko.T.A. ChaseAbout the There is beauty in every kind of love, so why not live a life without boundaries? Experiencing everything the world offers fascinates TA and writing about the things that make each of us unique is how she shares those insights. When not writing, TA’s watching movies, reading and living life to the fullest.
214 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2007
5 people are currently reading
129 people want to read
About the author
T.A. Chase
161 books894 followersThere is beauty in every kind of love, so why not live a life without boundaries? Experiencing everything the world offers fascinates me and writing about the things that make each of us unique is how I share those insights. I live in the Midwest with a wonderful partner of thirteen years. When not writing, I’m watching movies, reading and living life to the fullest.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
April 1, 2020
Uh, well, I have a long list of complaints.
I'll start with the writing.
The worst is the contradicions. They don't occur a lot, so there's that, but they are glaring. I guess the intention is to mislead and then surprise the reader, but it's a total failure. Some things just don't make sense. It looks like the writer forgot what she had written in previous chapters.
The constant change of pov is incredibly annoying. Every few paragraphs you find an abrupt stop to switch places, so one scene may be cut in three, four, five parts with alternating pov. It breaks the rhythm of the narrative and it's distracting and irritating.
Repetition and overexplaining. The thing is really way too short for this. When a new character is introduced and has to be informed of something there's a reenacting with him of a conversation that already happend between the MCs. Or the characters tell to one another something that has already been told in internal monologue in no more or less detail. Reference facts that have been previously established as many times as you want, just don't explain them every time ffs WE KNOW WE GET IT I SWEAR.
Now, onto the story.
The MCs jump into bed immediately after meeting. This is in the first chapter, so the problem isn't only that they haven't known each other for five minutes, it's that I haven't known them for five minutes. I have no idea who these dudes screwing in front of me are, I don't care about them, and I'm therefore unaffected by their screwing. And this problem is prolonged because the first part is almost uninterrupted sex. They stop to eat and sleep and have very short talks. And I'm still not interested. I'm bored.
The sex itself, even if the context was adequate, is unrealistic and sometimes downright unpleasant. The deep aversion some writers have to lube(!!!) and condoms is beyond me. They would do anything, say anything, to avoid having their characters using them.
There's also a distinctly insta-lovey vive that had me rolling my eyes a lot.
I feel like Rue is infantiliced. There are 53 mentions of his smaller size in 112 pages, which can be tiring, but is also quite telling. Additionally, and this is a personal pet peeve of mine, he is literally carried everywhere all the time. He can walk, LET HIM FUCKING WALK. I don't know why it bothers me so much, but it does. I'd rather have sex scenes with mature, or just wild, underage teenage characters than with adults that are described, are trated and behave like small children. But that's just me ¯\_(°-°)_/¯
As an advice for sf writers everywhere, it's always better to not get into the science at all than to make a fool of yourself. Don't get into the specifics. Please.
And last but not least! The occasional misogyny. Simply lovely.
(Okay, no, it's not actually the last, but I believe I covered most. I've dedicated to this more time than it deserves anyways lmao. The point is that it is bad and I disliked it a whole lot.)
I'll start with the writing.
The worst is the contradicions. They don't occur a lot, so there's that, but they are glaring. I guess the intention is to mislead and then surprise the reader, but it's a total failure. Some things just don't make sense. It looks like the writer forgot what she had written in previous chapters.
The constant change of pov is incredibly annoying. Every few paragraphs you find an abrupt stop to switch places, so one scene may be cut in three, four, five parts with alternating pov. It breaks the rhythm of the narrative and it's distracting and irritating.
Repetition and overexplaining. The thing is really way too short for this. When a new character is introduced and has to be informed of something there's a reenacting with him of a conversation that already happend between the MCs. Or the characters tell to one another something that has already been told in internal monologue in no more or less detail. Reference facts that have been previously established as many times as you want, just don't explain them every time ffs WE KNOW WE GET IT I SWEAR.
Now, onto the story.
The MCs jump into bed immediately after meeting. This is in the first chapter, so the problem isn't only that they haven't known each other for five minutes, it's that I haven't known them for five minutes. I have no idea who these dudes screwing in front of me are, I don't care about them, and I'm therefore unaffected by their screwing. And this problem is prolonged because the first part is almost uninterrupted sex. They stop to eat and sleep and have very short talks. And I'm still not interested. I'm bored.
The sex itself, even if the context was adequate, is unrealistic and sometimes downright unpleasant. The deep aversion some writers have to lube(!!!) and condoms is beyond me. They would do anything, say anything, to avoid having their characters using them.
There's also a distinctly insta-lovey vive that had me rolling my eyes a lot.
I feel like Rue is infantiliced. There are 53 mentions of his smaller size in 112 pages, which can be tiring, but is also quite telling. Additionally, and this is a personal pet peeve of mine, he is literally carried everywhere all the time. He can walk, LET HIM FUCKING WALK. I don't know why it bothers me so much, but it does. I'd rather have sex scenes with mature, or just wild, underage teenage characters than with adults that are described, are trated and behave like small children. But that's just me ¯\_(°-°)_/¯
As an advice for sf writers everywhere, it's always better to not get into the science at all than to make a fool of yourself. Don't get into the specifics. Please.
And last but not least! The occasional misogyny. Simply lovely.
(Okay, no, it's not actually the last, but I believe I covered most. I've dedicated to this more time than it deserves anyways lmao. The point is that it is bad and I disliked it a whole lot.)
August 15, 2009
Rue is the best thief in the stealing business and his current assignment is to steal files from the best assassin in the killing business. Yet neither man was ready for the attraction that sparked immediately between Rue and Vlatko, complicating both their lives once they realize the little gem Rue recently stole is actually far more valuable than it appears. This "gem" might just save both of their lives. The deepening attraction between the men causes them to join forces to thwart power hungry governments as well as assassins in their quest for a long and peaceful life together.
While the plot line is rather thin in the first half of the book, it does pick up once Rue and Vlatko meet up with the Mitcovians. The first half heavily relies on the frequent and vigorous sex Rue and Vlatko engage in while Rue ostentatiously is looking for the files Vlatko has hidden, which Rue’s employer wants to recover. While the files are mentioned in several places there is very little plot progression or even character progression as these two indulge their rabid libidos in every way possible. Very few conversations or decisions are made without the involvement of sex as either a way to forestall the future or derail thoughts. Vlatko’s motivations are largely explored towards the end of their time in the deserted planet with Rue’s sudden change of heart exposed at the same time.
Rue and Vlatko have instant chemistry, as is shown too often at the start, but little progression is given to their relationship until they leave the barren planet. While it’s clear both men gravitate to the other for the lack of condescension and judgment, deeper values and qualities seem to be elusive and under developed. Once both men arrive at their destination, the real depth of their relationship becomes evident and the qualities each admires in the other are more fully exposed. The emphasis on their deep sexual longing for each other is lifted somewhat, not completely but enough to give more meaning to the characters and their thoughts and actions.
Small glimpses into Rue’s thoughts and past offer his need for stability and love as well as emotional protection. Vlatko’s obvious physical strength is a draw for Rue but more so, the larger man’s openness and willing to show and communicate his feelings comforts Rue tremendously. Vlatko’s more of a solitary person though there is no question he adores Rue and his bad attitude towards authority. Rue’s wit, humor, and resourcefulness make the thief attractive to Vlatko as does their undeniable sexual need. The emotional connection is more established as it’s clear these two men offer a unique support neither has experienced before and needed.
The secondary characters of Allaite and Zalaigh gave a nice compliment to Rue and Vlatko but again neither character was given much depth. Their relationship offered a teasing glimpse of the ruler and bodyguard theme but little time was spent exploring that and kept these two mostly as characters to further the storyline along without going into much depth. This left all four of the characters feeling flat and one-dimensional yet likeable and easy to read.
The plot picks up as does the pace towards Part Two, giving more interest to the story with a reasonable resolution for a science fiction based romance. The characters tended to be slightly corny with repeated winking at one another and exaggerated personalities but the easy flow of the story had it moving quickly. The world building was more explored in the latter half of the story, giving more depth to the plot line. Fans of the author will recognize and appreciate Chase’s trademark writing and dialogue as well as the hot sex scenes. Although I felt there were too many unnecessary sexual encounters in the story that did nothing for the progression and could easily have been skipped, this is an easy and light offering with a fun science fiction setting and some hot characters sure to please for some light reading.
While the plot line is rather thin in the first half of the book, it does pick up once Rue and Vlatko meet up with the Mitcovians. The first half heavily relies on the frequent and vigorous sex Rue and Vlatko engage in while Rue ostentatiously is looking for the files Vlatko has hidden, which Rue’s employer wants to recover. While the files are mentioned in several places there is very little plot progression or even character progression as these two indulge their rabid libidos in every way possible. Very few conversations or decisions are made without the involvement of sex as either a way to forestall the future or derail thoughts. Vlatko’s motivations are largely explored towards the end of their time in the deserted planet with Rue’s sudden change of heart exposed at the same time.
Rue and Vlatko have instant chemistry, as is shown too often at the start, but little progression is given to their relationship until they leave the barren planet. While it’s clear both men gravitate to the other for the lack of condescension and judgment, deeper values and qualities seem to be elusive and under developed. Once both men arrive at their destination, the real depth of their relationship becomes evident and the qualities each admires in the other are more fully exposed. The emphasis on their deep sexual longing for each other is lifted somewhat, not completely but enough to give more meaning to the characters and their thoughts and actions.
Small glimpses into Rue’s thoughts and past offer his need for stability and love as well as emotional protection. Vlatko’s obvious physical strength is a draw for Rue but more so, the larger man’s openness and willing to show and communicate his feelings comforts Rue tremendously. Vlatko’s more of a solitary person though there is no question he adores Rue and his bad attitude towards authority. Rue’s wit, humor, and resourcefulness make the thief attractive to Vlatko as does their undeniable sexual need. The emotional connection is more established as it’s clear these two men offer a unique support neither has experienced before and needed.
The secondary characters of Allaite and Zalaigh gave a nice compliment to Rue and Vlatko but again neither character was given much depth. Their relationship offered a teasing glimpse of the ruler and bodyguard theme but little time was spent exploring that and kept these two mostly as characters to further the storyline along without going into much depth. This left all four of the characters feeling flat and one-dimensional yet likeable and easy to read.
The plot picks up as does the pace towards Part Two, giving more interest to the story with a reasonable resolution for a science fiction based romance. The characters tended to be slightly corny with repeated winking at one another and exaggerated personalities but the easy flow of the story had it moving quickly. The world building was more explored in the latter half of the story, giving more depth to the plot line. Fans of the author will recognize and appreciate Chase’s trademark writing and dialogue as well as the hot sex scenes. Although I felt there were too many unnecessary sexual encounters in the story that did nothing for the progression and could easily have been skipped, this is an easy and light offering with a fun science fiction setting and some hot characters sure to please for some light reading.
Read
March 27, 2009Rue is a thief. A young, handsome and good thief. And now he must steal the secrets that Vlatko, a rogue assassin, is using to blackmail the IUM, the army who has trained him to be an assassin and that he has abandoned chosing to live in a semideserted planet.
Vlatko is genetically enhanced and he has no apparent weakness, but he secretly craves for someone to alleviate his loneliness and he is very attracted from this little thief with a big ego. He also entertains him and the sex is hot. And soon they discover that it is not only sex who links them together. Although the word is not said, it is love between them.
But Vlatko is condamned: he is slowly dying cause the treatment he has suffered to the hand of the IUM: apparently there is no cure for him. And now he has one more reason to find a cure: his thief, who has no managed to steal his secrets, has stolen something more important for him... his heart.
Rue is free spirit, used to provide for himself. He has no regrets but also a rule: not to harm the others and steal only from whom could afford it. And Vlatko seems to fit this rule: steal his secrets will not harm him. But now Rue knows that, if he will leave, Vlatko will suffer and also him with him: for the first time in his life, he feels something for another person.
Rue and Vlatko are a perfect match. Even if Vlatko his more strong and big than Rue, he manages to balance his force. And Rue compensates his lack in physisc's strenght with wit.
Another beautiful story from an author that always surprising us: an old classic cowboy story (No Going Home), a contemporary paranormal tale (Here Be Dragon), an heartbreaking regency love (Angel's Evolution) and now a intense and somewhat funny futuristic story. What will we have next?
http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/93...
Vlatko is genetically enhanced and he has no apparent weakness, but he secretly craves for someone to alleviate his loneliness and he is very attracted from this little thief with a big ego. He also entertains him and the sex is hot. And soon they discover that it is not only sex who links them together. Although the word is not said, it is love between them.
But Vlatko is condamned: he is slowly dying cause the treatment he has suffered to the hand of the IUM: apparently there is no cure for him. And now he has one more reason to find a cure: his thief, who has no managed to steal his secrets, has stolen something more important for him... his heart.
Rue is free spirit, used to provide for himself. He has no regrets but also a rule: not to harm the others and steal only from whom could afford it. And Vlatko seems to fit this rule: steal his secrets will not harm him. But now Rue knows that, if he will leave, Vlatko will suffer and also him with him: for the first time in his life, he feels something for another person.
Rue and Vlatko are a perfect match. Even if Vlatko his more strong and big than Rue, he manages to balance his force. And Rue compensates his lack in physisc's strenght with wit.
Another beautiful story from an author that always surprising us: an old classic cowboy story (No Going Home), a contemporary paranormal tale (Here Be Dragon), an heartbreaking regency love (Angel's Evolution) and now a intense and somewhat funny futuristic story. What will we have next?
http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/93...
April 1, 2011
I'm a bit on the fence about this book and, although I usually love T.A. Chase, sometimes his stories are a bit heavy on the fluff and lacking in depth. I think one reviewer of another of his fics put it aptly - "like candy - it tastes sweet, but it doesn't fill you up." That said, it IS a sweet romance, and the contrast between the two main characters is entertaining. Well-written, as always.
WARNING: VERY MILD SPOILERS TO FOLLOW
Fluffy sci fi candy, definitely. Filling, not so much...
WARNING: VERY MILD SPOILERS TO FOLLOW
Fluffy sci fi candy, definitely. Filling, not so much...
July 12, 2013
review written for http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/
Vlatko is a hired assassin. He knows he is dying and is trying to find a cure, while hiding form the force he defected from the IUM. He likes his solitude on the primitive planet he is hiding on.
Rue is a thief and is trying to steal the secrets the Assassin has and doesn’t know he is being double crossed by the IUM. He knows his life will be changing drastically after his first night on the island with the dangerous, but gorgeous man.
I found this a very interesting science fiction story. The planets are not complicated and overly weird. The story line is quite intriguing with a few interesting twists and turns, and there is lots and lots of hot mansex. The story is peppered in among the sex enough to make it interesting and romantic. I liked the contrast of the characters and the deep emotions. It is very good story of other worlds and intrigue. I would definitely read more!
Recommendation: If you like outsiders, thieves, assassins, people from other planets, true love, firebirds and lots of hot man-sex with a good ending this is definitely for you.
Vlatko is a hired assassin. He knows he is dying and is trying to find a cure, while hiding form the force he defected from the IUM. He likes his solitude on the primitive planet he is hiding on.
Rue is a thief and is trying to steal the secrets the Assassin has and doesn’t know he is being double crossed by the IUM. He knows his life will be changing drastically after his first night on the island with the dangerous, but gorgeous man.
I found this a very interesting science fiction story. The planets are not complicated and overly weird. The story line is quite intriguing with a few interesting twists and turns, and there is lots and lots of hot mansex. The story is peppered in among the sex enough to make it interesting and romantic. I liked the contrast of the characters and the deep emotions. It is very good story of other worlds and intrigue. I would definitely read more!
Recommendation: If you like outsiders, thieves, assassins, people from other planets, true love, firebirds and lots of hot man-sex with a good ending this is definitely for you.
July 27, 2011
Read as part of my QGB Q3 Challenge picked by Dianna. T.A. Chase's ability to draw a reader into the world she has created is enviable. I got so engrossed I was upset when it ended! Rue and Vlatko along with the secondary characters totally drew me in and by the end I was totally ready to start another adventure. I am sure Rue can get up to all sorts of mischief. BTW - I thought it was hilarious that Allaite would take Rue on a tour of the Treasure Vault... shame on you Allaite! LOL!
August 9, 2010
3,5 stars
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews