Her Cyborg Lumberjack

The Drift: Haven Colony #7

by Susan Hayes

Birds were her only passion… until she met him.
Rin has dedicated her life to the study of birds. When the military uncovers a lost project that results in a new avian species, they hire Rin to investigate what they’ve created… and how to best use their newest assets. Rin wants more for her subjects than a life of risk and servitude, but keeping secrets from the military is a dangerous game… especially when playing alone.

This cyborg thought he was better off on his own… then he found her.
Infantry scout. Prisoner. Unwilling test subject. Axe has been many things in his life, but most of it he spent alone. Freedom hasn’t changed that. He protects the colony from a distance—patrolling the wild places others avoid. He thought he had everything he needed until a chance encounter changes everything. Now he’s got a psychic hawk in his head and a bright and cheerful scientist sneaking into his heart.

She needs his protection. The psy-hawks need his help. And Axe is about to discover that a life of solitude isn’t what he wants after all.

Genres: Science Fiction, Military Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction Romance

114 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 23, 2024

About the author

Susan lives out on the Canadian west coast surrounded by open water, dear family and good friends. She’s jumped out of perfectly good airplanes on purpose and accidentally swum with sharks on the Great Barrier Reef. If the world ends, she plans to survive as the spunky, comedic sidekick to the heroes of the new world, because she’s too damned short and out of shape to make it on her own for long.

Writing is her joy, her escape from reality and the only way she knows of to quiet the nagging harridan of a muse the universe assigned to her.

To contact her about her books or to arrange end of the world team-ups, you can email her at susanhayesromance@gmail.com

Reviews

[Leo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I havnt read any other books in the series and maybe it would have made me enjoy it more. It was an okay book but didn't give my ay strong feelings for the story or characters.

[Blake · Rating 3 out of 5]

(FYI I tend to only review one book per series, unless I want to change my scoring by 0.50 or more of a star. -- I tend not to read reviews until after I read a book, so I go in with an open mind.)

2.75*

Read as part of the novella collection Pets in Space 8.

First time read the author's work?: Yes

Will you be reading more?: Possibly

Would you recommend?: Probably


------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)

All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked

Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)

[Melanie S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love and psy-hawks

Susan Hayes never disappoints. Her latest story of love in the Haven colony features a reclusive cyborg woodsman, a dedicated human ornithologist, a control-freak army lieutenant, and a group of telepathic hawks. She's set on studying the psy-hawks (one of whom has bonded to her) in a natural environment. The army wants tight control over the birds, not their freedom. The cyborg just wants these military off-worlders off his property and his planet - and then one of the psy-hawks bonds to him. Now they're all stuck with each other, and thus begins the love story, and the fight for control over the rare birds. Low angst, high drama, fierce action, and great world-building support the well-drawn characters in this SF romance with a subtle message and all the feels. This is a voluntary, independent ARC review.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun and diverting read.

Rin meets a Vardarian named Axe while doing scientific work on the planet where the Vardarian Haven Colony has been settled. She is a dedicated scientist who has brought a new avian species to the planet to study in a natural setting, and he is a cyborg focussed on protecting his new homeworld. Sparks fly and in the process of trying to evade a smarmy miliary leader in the effort to complete her studies of the new birds, Rin and Axe's relationship develops. I enjoyed this story and would recommend to anyone that has enjoyed the author's previous works, as well as to readers who are new to Susan Hayes' stories. Some familiarity is useful to understand the background, but not required to enjoy the current book.

“Her Cyborg Lumberjack” is a short book that is set in the author's Drift Universe, and is part of the spin off series, The Drift: Haven Colony. Review made possible courtesy of an author provided ARC.

[Christine Biesheuvel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part of the inhabitants of the Haven Colony are cyborgs. They are used to not being seen as independent, intellectual, sentient beings but ‘just’ weapons to be used as other see fit. They had to fight for their freedom, to be able to make their own future. The same goes for the psy-hawks, and Rin is determent to avoid them being made into military weapons. When she meets Axe they realize they share their views. And they know they have to do everything to free the birds.
A short story about two characters falling in love with each other and their birds and a fight against organizations and their lackeys who want to capture, abduct and abuse the birds. A good read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Shana W · Rating 5 out of 5]

This well written, exciting story features lots of action and great characters who are well described.  It was a page-turner, with Susan Hayes' usual excellent world building. I love her stories that take place on Haven, as I find all the characters so interesting. How often do you get to read sci-fi with an ornithologist as the FMC? Rin is a bright woman with compassion and bravery. Axe is a cool, strong cyborg who likes Rin as soon as he meets her. He is protective and intelligent. I love the idea of hawks bonding with people. It would be fascinating to see the world through their eyes. In this book, you can love hating the villain. It's a great read!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lisa Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another wonderful addition to the series and this one really brought out all the feels. Rin is an ornithologist studying hawks from an old research project. She wants these telepathic birds to have a life of freedom, not danger in military service. However, keeping secrets from the military is tough, especially when working alone. Thankfully, she runs into Axe, a reclusive cyborg from Haven, and they just clicked so well together. However, danger hovers and everything is at risk if the military gets their way. I loved the action, drama, chemistry and fab world building the author brought to the table when penning this story. There's so much to love (and a villain to really hate, lol!) that I can't say enough about how enjoyable this story was :D

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series! It just keeps getting better. This is book 7 in Haven Colony and it just keeps pulling me in. The cyborgs are trying to live in peace and some want more solitude than others. Axe wanted complete solitude. Until he meets Rin and her psy-hawks. Ok, I really loved the hawks! They decide who they bond with. Remember that cyborg that wants complete solitude? Well, a psy-hawk decides that he wants to bond with Axe. So now there is a beautiful woman in his space and a psy-hawk in his mind. Rin wants to spend more time with Axe and the hawks but her time is limited. It is even more limited with the danger that is a threat to both her and the hawks. Axe must help keep both alive and oh FRAXXX does he.... no spoilers just know there is an HEA for more than just Rin and Axe.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story!

Oh, how I loved Rin and Axe’s story! This series has been all about the underdog fighting their way to reclaim what should have always been theirs. A place in the world that accepted them. Of acceptance and peace. And love. And wow did this story have it all in a beautiful package…

Rin and Axe bickered as they fell in love but they also fought for what they believed in and soon that included each other. I love this author’s words and this story encapsulated why in every conversation and twist that came around the corner. This was sci-fi and romance. Suspense and para-normal. It was a story about love and commitment, about finding the one who “gets” you. And fights to keep you. All told in a fast-paced, steamy, unforgetable read…

*I happily reviewed this story

[Indie · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it !! love this series !! love Rin and Axe.. this is their story... a fast paced action packed drama... Rin is a scientist specializing in birds... she has 6 psy-hawks to study and take care off if only she is allowed to do her work.. the officer in charge is a ... Axe is a loner cyborg ranger.. he was programed to be alone... he has suffered greatly and is finally accepting freedom... they meet in a glade that belongs to him... Rin is trespassing... she had no idea... when one of the hawks bonds with Axe... that is the beginning ... so good !!! betrayal by... and love with... so good !!!
received this on an ARC by the author, my honest review...

[Toni L · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since I haven’t read any of the other books in this series, my review is based only on this book as a standalone, HEA story. I freely admit that I grabbed this book purely for the title. Cyborg Lumberjack? That’s gotta be a good read! Well, I was right, but not in the way I expected. Instead of a comedic, fish out of water story, this is much more serious and thoughtful. There’s great interaction between the characters, whether they be human, cyborg or bird, and a wonderful relationship that’s built between Rin and Axe.
This isn’t a long story, and most people will get through it in a couple of hours, but it’s a very enjoyable read.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A scientist, a growly cyborg and psy hawks. Another great Haven Colony story.

We met Axe in Wreckage and Ruin's story. It's his turn to find love. Dr. Rin Rey is a feisty scientist sent to Liberty to study psy hawks for the IAF. When she and Axe meet things get interesting, one of the hawks connects and bonds to Axe. Rin and Axe have to save all the hawks while falling for each other. I highly recommend this book. If you are looking for great stories I recommend you read anything written by her.

[Judi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Geeky female heroines are my jam and Rin as an unassuming scientist drew me into this story. Psy-hawks being almost like cyborg animals were cool supporting characters. And Axe the cyborg hero is a big bad growly sweetheart, who has been a loner practically his whole life. The instant attraction is understandable but a little fast. For a short read there is lots of action, a fascinating plot, and a sweet sexy romance too. Gotta love it.

[Christina Standridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the series and this book doesn't disappoint. Rin is an ornithologist and is on New Haven studying the birds that resulted from stored eggs. The birds are able to communicate with her, They are the property of the IAF and want to weaponize the birds. As Rin is out with them Axe shows up and one of the birds bonds to him and now he can communicate with it. Their adventure begins. I read an arc of this book and this is my review.

[ObsessiveReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Axe is unfriendly with others. He has his land and he doesn't want company. Things change when Rin and the Psy-hawks enter his life. Rin draws him and he is protective of her which of course develops into something more.

Rin is a caring scientist. She brings the Psy-hawks to Haven in the hopes that they would bond with others. She doesn't want them to be used as weapons by the military.

Axe and Rin work as a couple and I enjoyed the story.

[sharon e hochstetler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sooooo good!!!!!

Haven. A Planet for Cyborgs, and other species that need a home. Need sanctuary. Rin is an ornitholigist. She has a group of sentient psy-hawks. She is trying to give them the freedom they all need and want. Axe is a Ranger. He keeps the borders safe and keeps the predators away. He bonds with one of the hawks and Rin. They fight for the beans freedom. Loved it!!!!

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

An awesome addition to The Drift: Haven Colony series by Susan Hayes. I love the idea of psy-hawks. Axe is a big, burly loner of a cyborg and is okay with that until he spies Rin working with the psy-hawks. Rin has tipped Axe off his axis and we get to watch as he will take on the world to make her his own. Though this is part of a series it can be read standalone.

[Nancy R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hayes continues to enthrall and entertain her readers with this new addition to her Have Colony series. I can’t say enough about this series! I loved the main characters Rin and Axe….their chemistry was red hot as well as their romantic scenes. These characters are amazing and the world building is perfection. I wished the story would never end. I can’t wait for the next in the series!❤️❤️❤️❤️

[Jannie Cv · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting, romantic!
We’re back in Haven again! - I do love these cyborgs! Axe is quite a loner, but encounters with Rin quickly change his mind on that matter. He is super protective and that speed and strength come in handy at times! I admire Rin for her protective care of the psy-hawks she’s studying. They are such fascinating creatures! A great story!

[Donna Zug · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rin has an interesting job, researching cyber-hawks. And one has bonded with her. Axe, a cyborg, just wants to be alone. But our author has decided otherwise as she leads her readers through Rin and Axe's challenges. Plot twists, danger, a really awful head of the project, bonding, connection and steam all made this a great story. And a promise of more of this world to come.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Birds, Trees and Love

Ron is an ornithologist studying psy-hawks. Axe is a grumpy lone cyborg who works with wood. These two are complete opposites, but when one of Rin’s hawks bonds with Axe, a chain of events is kicked off with real ramifications. I really enjoyed the grumpy-sunshine aspects of this story, and Rin and Axe were perfect together. A wonderful read.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rin and Axe were wonderful for each other. I really enjoyed how the story of the birds brought them together, both the research and the alikeness. The way the ending turned was a tad unexpected for me but enjoyable. Especially to see the take down of Douglas. I look forward to more and even maybe seeming the birds make a cameo in the future.

[Lissa J · Rating 2 out of 5]

Super quick cyborg romance. They meet, there is a sentence about the two main characters hanging out, they declair they would miss each other, they say i love you, they have sex. There is some sci-fi military stuff in their somewhere to. The novella reads like an outline of a romance. If you like a quick story and don't mind a lack of detail, then this is for you.

[Amanda Bhear · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it! I am short on time. I know I will reread it many times. I loved how the psy-hawks joined in with the people. It helped Axe loosen up a little even if he did think the bird was a little bit of a smart ass. They helped him save Rin & let them know when the other birds were missing so they could save them. It's a good story, that I had fun reading.

[Juanita E. Arp · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book, it has action, adventure, and intrigue. The characters are amazing and I can't wait to read more from this author. I received this book as a Free ARC copy to read and I voluntarily leave this review.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Haven series has been amazing. This book really delivered. It was another stunning story that I simply could not get enough up. I most definitely recommend reading all the books. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book.

[Emily Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Compelling and fast paced read

This story fits in with the Haven series but can still be read as a stand alone story! I loved the animal connection angle to the plot but the two main characters are both easy to relate to as well!

[Dawn]

Rin and Axe

This was a amazing addition to the series I love the Drift and all its many people. Rin and Axe have a adorable and adventurous meeting that I loved. This was a great read with a perfect ending. Loved it. Can’t wait for more.

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great world building

Rin is in charge of the hawk project on Haven.Axe is a Cyborg who wants to be left alone.She has bonded with her sentient Hawk.He bonds with her hawk mate.The citizens on planet wish to be free and independent.Her lieutenant wants to sell the Hawks

[Lou · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really was a 4.5 because it was such a quick read. It’s a good start to a longer story that needs to develope. The story left me wanting more…… more about how the birds choose. I want to know more about the encrypted files & what it will revel.