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Starhawk #1
Kestrel
Book one of the Starhawk trilogy
Niko has only ever wanted to protect people.
Once a bounty hunter renowned for bringing in the most dangerous criminals the galaxy had to offer, Niko's life was forever altered after a job gone wrong left him with a devastating injury. Resigned to a languishing existence, he now believes his bounty hunting days are officially over. But when an elusive assassin known only as the Kestrel sets his aim on galactic leaders and celebrities, Niko is called back into the fight.
Caught in a deadly hunting game of cat and mouse, Niko soon discovers that nothing he's been told about the Kestrel is what it seems, exposing a web of lies as vast and entangled as the galaxy itself.
Niko is forced to make a choice: work alongside the only family he has left to stop the Kestrel from ever killing again, or save the life of the very assassin he's been sent to take down…
And Niko might just be falling in love with him.
Niko has only ever wanted to protect people.
Once a bounty hunter renowned for bringing in the most dangerous criminals the galaxy had to offer, Niko's life was forever altered after a job gone wrong left him with a devastating injury. Resigned to a languishing existence, he now believes his bounty hunting days are officially over. But when an elusive assassin known only as the Kestrel sets his aim on galactic leaders and celebrities, Niko is called back into the fight.
Caught in a deadly hunting game of cat and mouse, Niko soon discovers that nothing he's been told about the Kestrel is what it seems, exposing a web of lies as vast and entangled as the galaxy itself.
Niko is forced to make a choice: work alongside the only family he has left to stop the Kestrel from ever killing again, or save the life of the very assassin he's been sent to take down…
And Niko might just be falling in love with him.
356 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 28, 2024
84 people are currently reading
1368 people want to read
About the author
Adrienne Lothy
2 books61 followersADRIENNE LOTHY lives in Illinois with two cats and approximately one million houseplants. When she’s not writing interstellar love stories, dreaming up new plotlines, or trying to negotiate peace in the Felines vs Foliage war, she can be found journaling, photographing the sky, haunting coffeehouses, and (of course) reading.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
April 3, 2025
Stunning, amazing and beautiful.
An interesting and exciting action-packed plot. Visiting different worlds, cultures and alien species. A world-spanning organization. Morally questionable activities. Two characters who are quite broken and yet try to fight for what is right. The fine line of walking on a knife edge and fighting not to fall for evil. Told from only one perspective, but without missing anything. And the icing on the cake is the development of emotions ... Yes, there are also two sex scenes, but they're not really that important.
Oooooooh that was so incredibly good.
And not to forget the great writing. Folks this is a debut and yes if I wanted to be mean I could maybe find something here and there but no, it really is perfect.
Adrienne Lothy ... I think I'm a little bit in love, with the story and with the author.
I don't really want to give anything away about this story, it's good to experience a lot of things blind.
The romance is not very prominent in this first book. Kestrel and Niko are on opposing sides and have to get to know each other first. And the romance that then develops is quite light. Until it reaches a new level with only one bed and such, forcing both characters together.
I really like how balanced everything is. The plot takes up a lot of important space, as do the inner demons of both characters.
The brutality they both had to live with in the past, as well as the violence in the present, is not for the faint-hearted. I had to swallow hard a few times.
But it's all written very harmoniously, the author has really put a lot of thought into how to keep the balance. I am soooo impressed.
T1-N4 chimed in her perennially pleasant, digital tone, “Niko, you seem to be lethargic and depressed today. Would you like to view the top-rated video of ‘kittens misjudging how far they can jump?’ It is considered by viewers across the galaxy as ‘heartwarming’ and ‘funny’—”
“No.” He groaned, struggling to push his legs off the edge of the couch. He gave them both a hearty shove and both feet settled onto the floor.
“Perhaps you would prefer ‘puppies greeting their owners after a long absence?’”
“Knock it off, Tina,” he grunted. 🤣🐈🤣
Niko couldn’t feel any of it. But the sight of Elliott as he held his cheek against Niko’s leg, eyes closed, before trailing more long, sensual kisses along it made him hurt in a profound way. 🫠💞🫠
“I’d like that. I want to build stupid sandcastles with you.”
“Why do I have a feeling you’d come stomp all over mine and start a war?”
Elliott’s smile grew, some of the sorrow exorcised from it. “Only because mine would be better. You have to establish dominance by being the first one to strike. That’s basic sand kingdom superiority.” 🥰🏰🥰
Well, problem ... this is a trilogy and there is only the first book. Fortunately, it ends open-ended with an outlook that can go either way, but without a cliffhanger. Book two is due out this year. But how long it will take for the third book ... Well, I knew that beforehand so I shouldn't complain now, nobody could have guessed it would be so good.
It's also interesting that the author explains how this book came about on their website, which was great to read.
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
Minor spoilers probably ahead
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
Content warnings: abysses of human and otherworldly behavior, murder, rape, child abuse, death of siblings and parent, grief, paralyzed MC
Cheating between MCs: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
Kinks: vers couple
An interesting and exciting action-packed plot. Visiting different worlds, cultures and alien species. A world-spanning organization. Morally questionable activities. Two characters who are quite broken and yet try to fight for what is right. The fine line of walking on a knife edge and fighting not to fall for evil. Told from only one perspective, but without missing anything. And the icing on the cake is the development of emotions ... Yes, there are also two sex scenes, but they're not really that important.
Oooooooh that was so incredibly good.
And not to forget the great writing. Folks this is a debut and yes if I wanted to be mean I could maybe find something here and there but no, it really is perfect.
Adrienne Lothy ... I think I'm a little bit in love, with the story and with the author.
I don't really want to give anything away about this story, it's good to experience a lot of things blind.
The romance is not very prominent in this first book. Kestrel and Niko are on opposing sides and have to get to know each other first. And the romance that then develops is quite light. Until it reaches a new level with only one bed and such, forcing both characters together.
I really like how balanced everything is. The plot takes up a lot of important space, as do the inner demons of both characters.
The brutality they both had to live with in the past, as well as the violence in the present, is not for the faint-hearted. I had to swallow hard a few times.
But it's all written very harmoniously, the author has really put a lot of thought into how to keep the balance. I am soooo impressed.
T1-N4 chimed in her perennially pleasant, digital tone, “Niko, you seem to be lethargic and depressed today. Would you like to view the top-rated video of ‘kittens misjudging how far they can jump?’ It is considered by viewers across the galaxy as ‘heartwarming’ and ‘funny’—”
“No.” He groaned, struggling to push his legs off the edge of the couch. He gave them both a hearty shove and both feet settled onto the floor.
“Perhaps you would prefer ‘puppies greeting their owners after a long absence?’”
“Knock it off, Tina,” he grunted. 🤣🐈🤣
Niko couldn’t feel any of it. But the sight of Elliott as he held his cheek against Niko’s leg, eyes closed, before trailing more long, sensual kisses along it made him hurt in a profound way. 🫠💞🫠
“I’d like that. I want to build stupid sandcastles with you.”
“Why do I have a feeling you’d come stomp all over mine and start a war?”
Elliott’s smile grew, some of the sorrow exorcised from it. “Only because mine would be better. You have to establish dominance by being the first one to strike. That’s basic sand kingdom superiority.” 🥰🏰🥰
Well, problem ... this is a trilogy and there is only the first book. Fortunately, it ends open-ended with an outlook that can go either way, but without a cliffhanger. Book two is due out this year. But how long it will take for the third book ... Well, I knew that beforehand so I shouldn't complain now, nobody could have guessed it would be so good.
It's also interesting that the author explains how this book came about on their website, which was great to read.
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
Minor spoilers probably ahead
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
Content warnings: abysses of human and otherworldly behavior, murder, rape, child abuse, death of siblings and parent, grief, paralyzed MC
Cheating between MCs: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
Kinks: vers couple
July 15, 2025
~3.5~
Wow:
~ Skilled writing
~ Imaginative world building (loved the descriptions of other planets, solar systems, and non-human species)
~ Captivating action scenes (we're talking fight and flight - blood, murder, escape)
~ Interesting exploration of family and relationship dynamics (kinship, loyalty, betrayal)
~ Disability rep (what para/quadriplegics the world over wouldn't do for Niko's neuro-suit!)
But I noticed the misses too:
- Singular third-person POV. Niko narrates the entire story. This was justifiable in the beginning when Kestrel's motives and actions were unclear, but later on, the lack of Kestrel's POV proved to be a serious detriment.
~ Kestrel not having a voice left his character flat and exposed. I didn't like him all that much, especially when he tried to dump Niko toward the end. Like, bitch, Niko gave up everything for your sorry ungrateful ass.
~ The relationship didn't really jive. I was expecting an enemies-to-lovers vibe, but that was vague at best. The sexual tension and big emotions just weren't there.
~ Unsatisfying ending, which okay, this is the first in a series, but I reserve the right to hate it anyway.
I liked this story but am not too keen to read the second book, knowing that it's almost certainly singular POV (friends, pretty please call this out in your reviews!) and likely ends in another cliffhanger.
Wow:
~ Skilled writing
~ Imaginative world building (loved the descriptions of other planets, solar systems, and non-human species)
~ Captivating action scenes (we're talking fight and flight - blood, murder, escape)
~ Interesting exploration of family and relationship dynamics (kinship, loyalty, betrayal)
~ Disability rep (what para/quadriplegics the world over wouldn't do for Niko's neuro-suit!)
But I noticed the misses too:
- Singular third-person POV. Niko narrates the entire story. This was justifiable in the beginning when Kestrel's motives and actions were unclear, but later on, the lack of Kestrel's POV proved to be a serious detriment.
~ Kestrel not having a voice left his character flat and exposed. I didn't like him all that much, especially when he tried to dump Niko toward the end. Like, bitch, Niko gave up everything for your sorry ungrateful ass.
~ The relationship didn't really jive. I was expecting an enemies-to-lovers vibe, but that was vague at best. The sexual tension and big emotions just weren't there.
~ Unsatisfying ending, which okay, this is the first in a series, but I reserve the right to hate it anyway.
I liked this story but am not too keen to read the second book, knowing that it's almost certainly singular POV (friends, pretty please call this out in your reviews!) and likely ends in another cliffhanger.
July 4, 2025
4.5***** stars
This is just freaking awesome! And a fabulous debut to boot.
************
Starhawk Trilogy
Book 1 - Kestrel - 4.5 stars
Book 2 - Killjoy - currently reading
Book 3 - Starhawk - release tbd
This is just freaking awesome! And a fabulous debut to boot.
Niko reached over, resting his hand atop the other man’s. […]
“Elliott, let’s set the galaxy on fire.”
************
Starhawk Trilogy
Book 1 - Kestrel - 4.5 stars
Book 2 - Killjoy - currently reading
Book 3 - Starhawk - release tbd
November 2, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️
Tropes :
- MM enemies-to-lovers
-Sci-fi
-Revenge
-Disability representation
-Betrayals & politics
This is how you write a great and realistic enemies-to-lovers ✨✨
I really enjoyed Kestrel by Adrienne Lotty. The story grabbed me right away and the characters felt real and easy to care about. The writing is really nice without being over the top, and there were a few twists I didn’t see coming. I just wish a couple of parts had been explained a bit more, but overall it was a great read and I’d definitely recommend it.
My only complaint is the beginning and the world building. It’s a bit slow and confusing so it took me some time to truly get invested. Dual POV would have made this 100% better too 🤧
🌶️
Tropes :
- MM enemies-to-lovers
-Sci-fi
-Revenge
-Disability representation
-Betrayals & politics
This is how you write a great and realistic enemies-to-lovers ✨✨
I really enjoyed Kestrel by Adrienne Lotty. The story grabbed me right away and the characters felt real and easy to care about. The writing is really nice without being over the top, and there were a few twists I didn’t see coming. I just wish a couple of parts had been explained a bit more, but overall it was a great read and I’d definitely recommend it.
My only complaint is the beginning and the world building. It’s a bit slow and confusing so it took me some time to truly get invested. Dual POV would have made this 100% better too 🤧
October 16, 2024
Ooooh this was so much fun! Be gay, do space crimes was 100% the vibes of this book… but what if those crimes were all for the greater good? What if the assassin killing celebrities across the galaxy was someone who you never expected at all?
Niko Estrella was an intergalactic bounty hunter, bringing down the worst criminals from across the galaxy, but since an injury on the job caused him to lose the use of his legs, he’s been lying low. But now a mysterious killer called The Kestrel is murdering celebrities and powerful people across the galaxy, always in public spaces. Niko’s brother Zann, a member of the intergalactic police, asks him to dust off his bounty hunting license and specialised armour suit that lets him walk, in order to hunt down this mysterious monster… but when Niko catches up to The Kestrel, he isn’t what he was expecting at all.
I really loved the cat and mouse game between Elliott and Niko; there is such a thrill around these two killers at the top of their games just playing with each other on a huge intergalactic stage! Their push and pull morphs into electric sexual tension between the pair and the more they uncover about each other, the more entangled their lives get. I also appreciated the disability representation - Niko can’t walk without his suit and cannot feel his legs at all. Seeing his nervousness around his disability, especially in the context of intimacy, really added depth to his character.
Read Kestrel for:
✨ Assassin x Bounty Hunter
✨ Being gay & doing crimes in space
✨ Disability rep; paraplegia, use of wheelchair
✨ Killing with a conscience
✨ Murders right across the galaxy
✨ Stopping a hot killer as foreplay
✨ Lonely, touch starved MC
✨ Only one bed
✨ Trapped on an abandoned planet together
Niko Estrella was an intergalactic bounty hunter, bringing down the worst criminals from across the galaxy, but since an injury on the job caused him to lose the use of his legs, he’s been lying low. But now a mysterious killer called The Kestrel is murdering celebrities and powerful people across the galaxy, always in public spaces. Niko’s brother Zann, a member of the intergalactic police, asks him to dust off his bounty hunting license and specialised armour suit that lets him walk, in order to hunt down this mysterious monster… but when Niko catches up to The Kestrel, he isn’t what he was expecting at all.
I really loved the cat and mouse game between Elliott and Niko; there is such a thrill around these two killers at the top of their games just playing with each other on a huge intergalactic stage! Their push and pull morphs into electric sexual tension between the pair and the more they uncover about each other, the more entangled their lives get. I also appreciated the disability representation - Niko can’t walk without his suit and cannot feel his legs at all. Seeing his nervousness around his disability, especially in the context of intimacy, really added depth to his character.
Read Kestrel for:
✨ Assassin x Bounty Hunter
✨ Being gay & doing crimes in space
✨ Disability rep; paraplegia, use of wheelchair
✨ Killing with a conscience
✨ Murders right across the galaxy
✨ Stopping a hot killer as foreplay
✨ Lonely, touch starved MC
✨ Only one bed
✨ Trapped on an abandoned planet together
December 5, 2024
OMFG Y'ALL, this debut was INCREDIBLE! I used to reading sci fi books pretty often, so I was excited to discover Adrienne Lothy's space opera Kestrel (THANK YOU to Thea Verdone and Logan Sage Adams for talking it up!). It's such a cool mash up of things I love - obviously the romance (IN SPACE), but it's also got a deranged assassin (or is he?), depressed bounty hunter, disability rep, tons of action and adventure - seriously, it's such a fun read. The world building is pretty simple, the story is fast paced, and I LOVED how Niko and Elliott's relationship developed. HIGHLY recommend!
Poor sweet Niko, my heart went out to him. He has BEEN THROUGH IT, and it feels like he's just going through the motions until he catches sight of Elliott for the first time. There's something to be said for falling for your enemy - it takes a long time for Niko to actually TRUST Elliott, though he's still clearly VERY into him. I absolutely LOVED how the disability rep was handled in this book - Niko lost the use of his legs in a bounty hunting accident, and he is only able to walk thanks to an armored suit. There were some really interesting passages about the contrast between when he can and cannot walk that were so freaking intriguing.
Elliott is an absolute trip. I loved how single-minded and intense he could be, but when he is vulnerable with Niko I loved him even more. He's intelligent, calculating, and once his motivations for assassinating prominent people are revealed, it becomes obvious that he's also truly hoping to do good in the world. I loved that he was able to find Niko after feeling so alone in the world, almost made me cry.
This book is the first in a planned trilogy, and I HIGHLY recommend getting a head start now. Kestrel doesn't really end on much of a cliffhanger, but you are definitely going to want more when you finish. Book two is (hopefully?) coming in early 2025, and I CANNOT WAIT!
Poor sweet Niko, my heart went out to him. He has BEEN THROUGH IT, and it feels like he's just going through the motions until he catches sight of Elliott for the first time. There's something to be said for falling for your enemy - it takes a long time for Niko to actually TRUST Elliott, though he's still clearly VERY into him. I absolutely LOVED how the disability rep was handled in this book - Niko lost the use of his legs in a bounty hunting accident, and he is only able to walk thanks to an armored suit. There were some really interesting passages about the contrast between when he can and cannot walk that were so freaking intriguing.
Elliott is an absolute trip. I loved how single-minded and intense he could be, but when he is vulnerable with Niko I loved him even more. He's intelligent, calculating, and once his motivations for assassinating prominent people are revealed, it becomes obvious that he's also truly hoping to do good in the world. I loved that he was able to find Niko after feeling so alone in the world, almost made me cry.
This book is the first in a planned trilogy, and I HIGHLY recommend getting a head start now. Kestrel doesn't really end on much of a cliffhanger, but you are definitely going to want more when you finish. Book two is (hopefully?) coming in early 2025, and I CANNOT WAIT!
August 1, 2024
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I adored this book! The characters are so alive and fit each other really well. Niko is headstrong, never knows when to stop, but he's got the biggest heart this side of the galaxy. He cooks! I love a man who cooks. He never stops doing what he feels is right, not even if it leads him into the den of the galaxy's most wanted assassin.
The worldbuilding in this space opera is so rich and tangible that even I couldn't help but picture each of these aliens. The descriptions of food had me order takeout in the middle of the night. I've got to get some chicken nachos!
All in all, we get a beautifully constructed, lovingly written, emotionally tuned enemies-to-lovers book that never stops moving and asks questions you never realized were coming.
I adored this book! The characters are so alive and fit each other really well. Niko is headstrong, never knows when to stop, but he's got the biggest heart this side of the galaxy. He cooks! I love a man who cooks. He never stops doing what he feels is right, not even if it leads him into the den of the galaxy's most wanted assassin.
The worldbuilding in this space opera is so rich and tangible that even I couldn't help but picture each of these aliens. The descriptions of food had me order takeout in the middle of the night. I've got to get some chicken nachos!
All in all, we get a beautifully constructed, lovingly written, emotionally tuned enemies-to-lovers book that never stops moving and asks questions you never realized were coming.
May 19, 2025
I always say I'm not into sci-fi, but I think maybe I just need the right author and story to change my mind. This one was definitely a "change my mind" kind of book. I might not remember all the details: all the places they went, the names of every person involved, etc. I might have gotten a little lost during the action scenes. But it doesn't matter. I was here for the vibes.
I loved the disability representation and the way both characters were so different, yet so similar. I loved their slow dance around each other until they finally get together. And I loved the way they were so ready to put everything on the line for each other.
So excited for the next book!
I loved the disability representation and the way both characters were so different, yet so similar. I loved their slow dance around each other until they finally get together. And I loved the way they were so ready to put everything on the line for each other.
So excited for the next book!
August 17, 2024
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I’ve asked to be part of the ARC-club for the rest of the trilogy, if that is any indication of my enjoyment for this book!
Kestrel is a moderately-paced, deep space sci-fi adventure/romance that thematically and visually lives in the grey area of morals. The darker subject matter and difficult decisions facing the protagonists truly make for a compelling read. The book shines in the main conflict, which focuses on several potentially-triggering themes. I appreciate that Adrienne doesn’t shy away from tackling them head on. Niko and Kestrel are both wonderfully compelling characters and although the plot structure is a little wishy-washy in its execution, the overall book was an enjoyable read!
Would I go back in time and still read this book, knowing what I know now?
Absolutely.
See below for the four criteria I use to decide whether and when to read a book
CHARACTERS:
This world is a fascinating blend of densely packed with characters, and then surprisingly sparse at the same time, which highlights how isolated the two main characters truly are throughout this novel. Niko and Kestrel are complex and compelling. I appreciate that their backstories make sense in terms of who they are as characters in this book. The interactions between the two of them are truly the best scenes throughout! They are also wonderfully complementary and equal in many ways, which I don’t always find in m/m romance novels. So this aspect is incredibly refreshing. At one point, I had a thought concerning the writing and the author addressed it and did just that within the next page. It was a lovely moment that had me grinning. One of my personal favorites is how we end up meeting Kestrel ‘twice’, essentially (no spoilers on how). It’s a brilliant character introduction and I absolutely adore it.
PLOT:
To me, the execution of the plot is the weakest aspect. The conflict is very slow to start and then moderately-paced throughout. While a little dense, it also makes sense for a debut book that also attempts to build up an entirely new world as well as a story set to cover three books. The plot structure is a bit nebulous, so it was hard for me to easily follow the inciting event, climax, etc. It also takes quite a while to officially meet Kestrel, and the book is told entirely from Niko’s POV. A lot of the beginning is in Niko’s head without much action, but once we get past that and reach the meeting of the two protagonists, things start to take off (moderately). The complexity of the themes and the compelling characters make up for the plot structure shortcomings in my opinion.
EMOTIONAL INTENSITY: There is no good/bad here. Sometimes I just want a low-investment entertainment read whereas other times a high-stakes 'I need a therapist to recover' is what I need.
4 out of 5/high. This book not only deals with some darker themes and morally grey areas, but the characters themselves have deep histories and vulnerabilities, coupled with the density of the world itself. There is a lot to unpack and demanded a high emotional investment from me!
CATHARTIC FULFILLMENT: Is the emotional journey worth it? Do I finish this book feeling that I've crested the wave of the climactic moment and everything has been settled, leaving me settled and fulfilled?
90%. I believe that if the plot structure had been more succinct, truly tossing me over the climactic waves and through the emotional dips and turns, I would have felt the final fulfillment at the end. Yes, this book is book 1, but it doesn’t leave a huge cliffhanger, but sets up nicely for where the second book will go, as well as some unanswered questions that I’m intrigued to learn more about as the trilogy continues.
I’ve asked to be part of the ARC-club for the rest of the trilogy, if that is any indication of my enjoyment for this book!
Kestrel is a moderately-paced, deep space sci-fi adventure/romance that thematically and visually lives in the grey area of morals. The darker subject matter and difficult decisions facing the protagonists truly make for a compelling read. The book shines in the main conflict, which focuses on several potentially-triggering themes. I appreciate that Adrienne doesn’t shy away from tackling them head on. Niko and Kestrel are both wonderfully compelling characters and although the plot structure is a little wishy-washy in its execution, the overall book was an enjoyable read!
Would I go back in time and still read this book, knowing what I know now?
Absolutely.
See below for the four criteria I use to decide whether and when to read a book
CHARACTERS:
This world is a fascinating blend of densely packed with characters, and then surprisingly sparse at the same time, which highlights how isolated the two main characters truly are throughout this novel. Niko and Kestrel are complex and compelling. I appreciate that their backstories make sense in terms of who they are as characters in this book. The interactions between the two of them are truly the best scenes throughout! They are also wonderfully complementary and equal in many ways, which I don’t always find in m/m romance novels. So this aspect is incredibly refreshing. At one point, I had a thought concerning the writing and the author addressed it and did just that within the next page. It was a lovely moment that had me grinning. One of my personal favorites is how we end up meeting Kestrel ‘twice’, essentially (no spoilers on how). It’s a brilliant character introduction and I absolutely adore it.
PLOT:
To me, the execution of the plot is the weakest aspect. The conflict is very slow to start and then moderately-paced throughout. While a little dense, it also makes sense for a debut book that also attempts to build up an entirely new world as well as a story set to cover three books. The plot structure is a bit nebulous, so it was hard for me to easily follow the inciting event, climax, etc. It also takes quite a while to officially meet Kestrel, and the book is told entirely from Niko’s POV. A lot of the beginning is in Niko’s head without much action, but once we get past that and reach the meeting of the two protagonists, things start to take off (moderately). The complexity of the themes and the compelling characters make up for the plot structure shortcomings in my opinion.
EMOTIONAL INTENSITY: There is no good/bad here. Sometimes I just want a low-investment entertainment read whereas other times a high-stakes 'I need a therapist to recover' is what I need.
4 out of 5/high. This book not only deals with some darker themes and morally grey areas, but the characters themselves have deep histories and vulnerabilities, coupled with the density of the world itself. There is a lot to unpack and demanded a high emotional investment from me!
CATHARTIC FULFILLMENT: Is the emotional journey worth it? Do I finish this book feeling that I've crested the wave of the climactic moment and everything has been settled, leaving me settled and fulfilled?
90%. I believe that if the plot structure had been more succinct, truly tossing me over the climactic waves and through the emotional dips and turns, I would have felt the final fulfillment at the end. Yes, this book is book 1, but it doesn’t leave a huge cliffhanger, but sets up nicely for where the second book will go, as well as some unanswered questions that I’m intrigued to learn more about as the trilogy continues.
May 20, 2024
"Niko was engaged in a text exchange with the most elusive assassin in the galaxy.
And that very assassin had used the opportunity to send a fucking dick pic."
Baby Author Alert! I took a chance on this one because I was totally in the mood for some space romance when I saw the ARC opportunity come up and I like to support newbie authors. There's a lot of potential here in this series and where it could go. Then again, I have no idea how the author is going to get these MCs out of the hole they have found themselves in by the end. But that's why I am the reader and they are the author. I just get to enjoy the ride, while they figure out the destination.
The one thing that kinda bummed me out was the single POV cuz honestly Elliot was super interesting and I wanted in his head more than Niko. I didn't realize it wasn't dual POV until I started reading it, which is something I usually check first. That does not mean I didn't enjoy it, just that I have a personal preference. AKA I am super nosey and wanted to know what was running through Eliot's mind during so many moments, especially the steamy bits.
The jury is still out on how I feel about Niko's brother Zann. I really hope for Niko's sake that his brother is on the up and up and really is a good person because if not, well things are about the get even worse for our couple in book 2. I can't imagine if the Galapol got their hands on either one of them at this point that they wouldn't be made to disappear rather quickly. There are still 2 books left in this trilogy and a horrendous political secret still hidden. Fingers crossed they all get what they deserve by the end!
And that very assassin had used the opportunity to send a fucking dick pic."
Baby Author Alert! I took a chance on this one because I was totally in the mood for some space romance when I saw the ARC opportunity come up and I like to support newbie authors. There's a lot of potential here in this series and where it could go. Then again, I have no idea how the author is going to get these MCs out of the hole they have found themselves in by the end. But that's why I am the reader and they are the author. I just get to enjoy the ride, while they figure out the destination.
The one thing that kinda bummed me out was the single POV cuz honestly Elliot was super interesting and I wanted in his head more than Niko. I didn't realize it wasn't dual POV until I started reading it, which is something I usually check first. That does not mean I didn't enjoy it, just that I have a personal preference. AKA I am super nosey and wanted to know what was running through Eliot's mind during so many moments, especially the steamy bits.
The jury is still out on how I feel about Niko's brother Zann. I really hope for Niko's sake that his brother is on the up and up and really is a good person because if not, well things are about the get even worse for our couple in book 2. I can't imagine if the Galapol got their hands on either one of them at this point that they wouldn't be made to disappear rather quickly. There are still 2 books left in this trilogy and a horrendous political secret still hidden. Fingers crossed they all get what they deserve by the end!
May 25, 2024
I was provided with an ARC of this book, but I preordered it anyway, which is its own endorsement in a way. Review won't contain major spoilers, but maybe don't read it if you want to go in totally blind.
Bodyguard jock x murder twink became my new favorite ship dynamic after reading this book lol. Tons of great action sequences on spectacular galactic sets, and I really loved how Niko's disability was handled. I don't read sci-fi extensively, but I can't recall another sci-fi book atm that deals with physical disabilities at all. It explores Niko's earnest(but unfounded) feelings of inadequacy without ever shaming him for his mobility limitations, and Elliot helps him feel more confident in his body.
Also there's gay sex in it which improves any book in my opinion.
Bodyguard jock x murder twink became my new favorite ship dynamic after reading this book lol. Tons of great action sequences on spectacular galactic sets, and I really loved how Niko's disability was handled. I don't read sci-fi extensively, but I can't recall another sci-fi book atm that deals with physical disabilities at all. It explores Niko's earnest(but unfounded) feelings of inadequacy without ever shaming him for his mobility limitations, and Elliot helps him feel more confident in his body.
Also there's gay sex in it which improves any book in my opinion.
January 19, 2025
Be gay do space crime. Maybe kill a couple horrible CEOs on the way. This was fun and a little dark with a nice romance. Something about the writing wasn’t clicking in my brain which made it slower to get through as well as being back at work but I still had an overall good time.
June 29, 2025
5 heroic Stars
⭐ |
3.5
🌶️
ARC Read: 10/04/2025
I received this ebook for free from the author and I'm leaving this review of my own accord. Thank you, Adrienne Lothy for this gift. 🥰
What to expect from this book? 🤔
🫶 MM Adult Space Opera Romance
👉 Slow Burn
👉 Enemies To Lovers
👉 Be Gay & Do Crimes (In Space)
👉 On The Run
👉 Bounty Hunter x Assassin (Vigilante)
👉 Touch-Starved
👉 Only One Bed
👉 Light "Good Boy"
👉 Tattoos!
💭 “I Wanted You To Think Of Me”
📲 Dirty Text Messages
👉 Stubborn Meets Stubborn
🤫 Meeting In Secret
🐭 Cat Mouse Games 🐱
👉 Corrupt Governments
👉 Galactic Pop Concerts
👉 Idiotic Robot Companions
💞 Epic Love Story
👉 Disability Rep
👉 Mental Health Rep
👉 Hurt/Comfort
👉 Cliffhanger (Trilogy)
Content/Trigger Warnings:
ARC Read: 10/04/2025
I received this ebook for free from the author and I'm leaving this review of my own accord. Thank you, Adrienne Lothy for this gift. 🥰
What to expect from this book? 🤔
🫶 MM Adult Space Opera Romance
👉 Slow Burn
👉 Enemies To Lovers
👉 Be Gay & Do Crimes (In Space)
👉 On The Run
👉 Bounty Hunter x Assassin (Vigilante)
👉 Touch-Starved
👉 Only One Bed
👉 Light "Good Boy"
👉 Tattoos!
💭 “I Wanted You To Think Of Me”
📲 Dirty Text Messages
👉 Stubborn Meets Stubborn
🤫 Meeting In Secret
🐭 Cat Mouse Games 🐱
👉 Corrupt Governments
👉 Galactic Pop Concerts
👉 Idiotic Robot Companions
💞 Epic Love Story
👉 Disability Rep
👉 Mental Health Rep
👉 Hurt/Comfort
👉 Cliffhanger (Trilogy)
Content/Trigger Warnings:
✨✨✨✨Q✨u✨o✨t✨e✨✨✨✨
"This time it was an image, a self-taken photograph of Elliott Kestrel.
All his breath left him. The picture was angled from above, looking down. The man was lying in bed, golden cowlicked hair fanning around him like a halo. Sea green eyes stared right back at Niko, gaze dull, bland even.
He was wearing nothing at all, his lithe body bare, patches of skin blushing with faded bruises from their last altercation. His hand was wrapped around his hard cock in mid-stroke.
Niko couldn’t breathe. Heat flushed through his face and neck. It was an outrageous picture. It was insulting. It was—
He couldn’t peel his eyes away. The idea of writing any sort of reply had vanished from the moment the image had filled his vision. Niko couldn’t remember what words even were.
He swallowed as thought and sensation slowly came back online. A thousand questions hung half-formed in his mind, primarily What the fuck? And an inadmissible, possessed Did you take this right now? Are you doing this right now?
The thought made his face burn hotter.
Niko recognized this, now, for what it really was—provocation.
A taunt.
On Uula, Niko had tried to goad Kestrel into making mistakes. Now the assassin was returning the favor.
Another message pinged through. I wonder, would you swallow it all for me like a good boy?
And then another. I think you would.
It took a heroic effort of will to gesture the picture away, where it finally disappeared from view. Niko could think again, though only barely. His pulse was racing—he could feel it in his neck, in his chest, wild and anarchic. He hadn’t been an adolescent sneaking his first illicit peeks at raunchy photos in a long, long time. But this had made him feel like one again.
Enough, Niko sent back. Whatever game you’re playing, I’m not having any part in it.
The reply was almost instant. You had a part in it when you kissed me back."
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
Cover: 5/5
Story: 5/5
Series: Starhawk Trilogy #1
Format: Ebook/ARC
POV: 3rd Person - One POV
Plot: 5/5
✨✨✨✨Q✨u✨o✨t✨e✨✨✨✨
“What?” Niko snapped. A soft breath of tired laughter escaped from the assassin. “Last time, you wanted so badly to talk. You were begging me.” His voice took on a mocking, cruel tone. “'I want to understand,' you said.” “I’m done talking to you. You’re a murderer.” “Then what are you?” Before Niko could answer, Kestrel seized his chance and sprang up before leaping off the edge of the platform with the same grace he’d done the night Niko had first encountered him."
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
Main Characters:
5/5 - Niko Tomás Estrella, 30yo, he/him, cis-BIPOC/Latinx, is a bounty hunter (Badge No. 44-8783-3332), Niko was left paraplegic after a hunt went wrong. His half-brother Zann gifted him a suit that enables him to walk again (temporally). Struggles with depression and muscle pain in his legs. His mother was murdered when he was young. He owns a ship called Soñadora Despierta and has a Autonomous Assistance Bot named Tina (aka T1-N4), who is an absolute riot. Niko is incredibly stubborn.
5/5 - Elliott James Kestrel, 26yo, he/him, cis-white, considered very attractive, he graduated early at the top of his class, he is a tech genius, before turning vigilante, he worked as a robotics engineer. After the murder of his sister, Cleo, he began targeting and killing bad people connected to her death, he struggles with depression and mental illness, loves to taunt Niko.
Side Characters: 5/5
Steam Level: 3.5/5
Romance: Medium High Focus
Favorite character?
Amazing story! I love Niko and Elliot so much. I just want to give them both a big hug. It was beautiful to see them go from enemies to best friends.
From the very beginning, when Niko was hunting Elliot and they were still strangers, their chemistry was obvious. What a challenge that was for him! And all of Elliot’s relentless taunting? those moments were so funny.
This book tells such a compelling story… the justice and revenge for our loved ones (and for ourselves), the corruption within governments and the police, being framed and forced to live on the run, the depression, panic attacks, and loneliness that come with it. To say that it touched me deeply is an understatement.
I can’t wait to see what happens next after that ending! LOVE LOVE LOVE this world.
✨✨✨✨Q✨u✨o✨t✨e✨✨✨✨
"Everything about him was beautiful. He was breath and body, air and life.
Niko had never needed anything more.
Kestrel moved again, this time closer to Niko. He swung his leg over him and straddled his lap. Niko leaned forward to meet him again, lips messily claiming every inch of collarbone, neck, and his good shoulder. He buried his lips against Kestrel’s throat and started sucking another welt onto his skin. Niko wanted to devour him."
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
Humor: Low Focus
Angst: High Focus
Cheating?
The Ending: 5/5
HEA/HFN/Cliffhanger
This is my 1st book by Adrienne Lothy.
Enjoyment: 5/5
✨✨✨✨Q✨u✨o✨t✨e✨✨✨✨
"He was so lucky. Despite everything. Despite the cost of it all. He was so fortunate to be sleeping beside this man. There was nowhere else Niko would rather be. He had never been so enraptured by another man before. Even when he’d tried to resist it, Niko had only found himself falling harder. He lamented the pain that had led Elliott to cross paths with him. But he was grateful, too, that he’d had the chance at all. He had traded the entire galaxy for one man and found he’d make the same choice again and again and again."
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
Starhawk Trilogy:
1. Kestrel - 5,0 stars
2. Killjoy - 5,0 stars
TBD:
3. Starhawk
!! I don't equate fiction stories to real life. It's a matter of personal taste and what you are willing or want to tolerate in the books you read. We all have different opinions and preferences when it comes to the kind of books we enjoy, so it's important to respect and remember that it's just a book!!
Hope this review was helpful.
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September 7, 2025
4.5 stars
I can't remember how I found this book, but I'm so glad I did! It's a very well thought-out and executed sci-fi romance - the first in a trilogy so no HEA or plot wrap up yet - in which we get to visit a number of alien worlds and species and cultures as we follow Niko, a former bounty-hunter who is called in by law enforcement (specifically, his brother) to help apprehend a dangerous and extremely elusive assassin. When that assassin turns out to be completely different to what Niko - and just about everyone in the galaxy - has been led to believe, Niko is forced to choose between doing the right thing and doing the comfortable, familiar thing, even as he's falling hard for the last man in the universe he should want anything to do with.
The world-building is imaginative and the action scenes are really well done; the two leads have terrific chemistry, the sexual tension is delicious; their developing romance is nicely done and I enjoyed watching them letting their guards down and becoming closer. Their backstories - both, in different ways, tragic - are nicely seeded throughout the story, and the disability rep is good; Niko damaged his spine in an accident while on the job, and is only able to walk courtesy of an armoured suit. The characterisation is very good, too - Niko is single-minded and impulsive (sometimes to his detriment) where Kestrel has a cooler-head and is more calculating. I liked them both, although we get to know Niko a bit better as we're in his PoV for the whole book. That works for the most part but it means that perhaps Kestrel's character is a little under-developed - that said, the reasons for not having his perspective make sense, and the author does a pretty good job of showing who he is and where he's coming from through Niko's eyes.
I had a few minor quibbles with the odd turn of phrase, but overall Kestrel is a compelling read, tense and exciting with an intriguing plot and two well characterised and engaging leads. Highly recommended.
I can't remember how I found this book, but I'm so glad I did! It's a very well thought-out and executed sci-fi romance - the first in a trilogy so no HEA or plot wrap up yet - in which we get to visit a number of alien worlds and species and cultures as we follow Niko, a former bounty-hunter who is called in by law enforcement (specifically, his brother) to help apprehend a dangerous and extremely elusive assassin. When that assassin turns out to be completely different to what Niko - and just about everyone in the galaxy - has been led to believe, Niko is forced to choose between doing the right thing and doing the comfortable, familiar thing, even as he's falling hard for the last man in the universe he should want anything to do with.
The world-building is imaginative and the action scenes are really well done; the two leads have terrific chemistry, the sexual tension is delicious; their developing romance is nicely done and I enjoyed watching them letting their guards down and becoming closer. Their backstories - both, in different ways, tragic - are nicely seeded throughout the story, and the disability rep is good; Niko damaged his spine in an accident while on the job, and is only able to walk courtesy of an armoured suit. The characterisation is very good, too - Niko is single-minded and impulsive (sometimes to his detriment) where Kestrel has a cooler-head and is more calculating. I liked them both, although we get to know Niko a bit better as we're in his PoV for the whole book. That works for the most part but it means that perhaps Kestrel's character is a little under-developed - that said, the reasons for not having his perspective make sense, and the author does a pretty good job of showing who he is and where he's coming from through Niko's eyes.
I had a few minor quibbles with the odd turn of phrase, but overall Kestrel is a compelling read, tense and exciting with an intriguing plot and two well characterised and engaging leads. Highly recommended.
May 28, 2024
4+⭐
Who doesn't want to read about the misadventures of gay vigilantes — in space? I took a chance on a new author (to me and in general), because gays in space, and I was pleasantly surprised.
These are two broken guys working together and against each other. There's violence, murder, some distressing themes of depression and desperation, and even especially repulsive abuse. While the violence is frequent, there aren't many grisly details, and the abuse scenarios are even more vaguely described. I don't have the best stomach for gruesome violence, and found this story very tolerable despite the subject matter.
The alien races and worlds are plenty, and this book could benefit from an illustrated cheat sheet, but I didn't feel overwhelmed. The story could be trimmed a bit, the thought processes are occasionally a bit too thorough and some things are repeated. I think more could be left to the reader to piece together. Overall the writing is good — these are nitpicks that the author most likely will improve on as she becomes more experienced.
One needs to suspend their disbelief a bit here, but I think that's a pretty obvious expectation from the cover and blurb and everything; this is a space adventure with two action heroes. We do see the primal sin of action flicks here: being combat ready in record times after almost dying. (The healing tech could be great but that great?)
I don't really get why everything is a trilogy or longer series with spinoffs these days *angry grandpa shaking fist* but the ending here is all right for a story that is not finished. It's not a completely standalone book, but ends in a good stopping point. I will definitely read the second novel. These pages weren't quite enough to tell the story of Niko and Kestrel, but I am interested to see if there really is a need for a third book too.
The cover is pretty and the characters look like they are described in the book, but sometimes the heads just don't seem to quite fit. The perfectionist in me is annoyed. 😅
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Who doesn't want to read about the misadventures of gay vigilantes — in space? I took a chance on a new author (to me and in general), because gays in space, and I was pleasantly surprised.
These are two broken guys working together and against each other. There's violence, murder, some distressing themes of depression and desperation, and even especially repulsive abuse. While the violence is frequent, there aren't many grisly details, and the abuse scenarios are even more vaguely described. I don't have the best stomach for gruesome violence, and found this story very tolerable despite the subject matter.
The alien races and worlds are plenty, and this book could benefit from an illustrated cheat sheet, but I didn't feel overwhelmed. The story could be trimmed a bit, the thought processes are occasionally a bit too thorough and some things are repeated. I think more could be left to the reader to piece together. Overall the writing is good — these are nitpicks that the author most likely will improve on as she becomes more experienced.
One needs to suspend their disbelief a bit here, but I think that's a pretty obvious expectation from the cover and blurb and everything; this is a space adventure with two action heroes. We do see the primal sin of action flicks here: being combat ready in record times after almost dying. (The healing tech could be great but that great?)
I don't really get why everything is a trilogy or longer series with spinoffs these days *angry grandpa shaking fist* but the ending here is all right for a story that is not finished. It's not a completely standalone book, but ends in a good stopping point. I will definitely read the second novel. These pages weren't quite enough to tell the story of Niko and Kestrel, but I am interested to see if there really is a need for a third book too.
The cover is pretty and the characters look like they are described in the book, but sometimes the heads just don't seem to quite fit. The perfectionist in me is annoyed. 😅
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 12, 2024
Queer space opera is a genre blend in a tier all its own—TOP tier.
I don’t think any other genre is having quite as much fun.
Honestly, I’m not really a big science fiction fan. But, give me some immersive world-building, a dynamic plot, some complex characters, satisfying relationship development, and a dollop of tongue-in-cheek banter—and you’ve got me.
This was truly such a fun book to read.
I really appreciate our main characters—Niko and Elliot—a lot. Though the plot is tied up in conspiracy theories and rampant intergalactic corruption—which is super interesting in its own right—the story really revolves around Elliot and Niko’s relationship. Watching them interact and grow closer is both enjoyable and entertaining. They’ve got great chemistry and such a satisfying give-and-take dynamic.
Also, it’s lovely to see not only a queer relationship between two leading men in a sci-fi novel but an inter-able relationship as well. That’s really important representation for the genre.
Now, is this story a little silly at points? Yes, for sure.
I would describe this as a romance book with sci-fi elements and a space opera aesthetic. Different priorities, you know?
The only critique I really have is with the substance of the central conspiracy. It feels a little bit like it’s been snatched right from any number of far right-leaning online forums. Though the intention may not be to reference right-leaning conspiracy theories, it does make me squint a little.
Again, aside from that, this is such a riot to read.
I’m a big fan of authors trying to expand genres and make them more inclusive. Im a big proponent for more readers being able to see themselves reflected in the stories and genres they love.
And, who among us is not a sucker for not only an enemies-to-lovers tale but a murder husbands story to boot? Be for real.
Be gay and do space crimes indeed.
Absolutely loved this and definitely recommend it! Especially if you are a reader looking for more queer science fiction, I’d try picking up this series~
I don’t think any other genre is having quite as much fun.
Honestly, I’m not really a big science fiction fan. But, give me some immersive world-building, a dynamic plot, some complex characters, satisfying relationship development, and a dollop of tongue-in-cheek banter—and you’ve got me.
This was truly such a fun book to read.
I really appreciate our main characters—Niko and Elliot—a lot. Though the plot is tied up in conspiracy theories and rampant intergalactic corruption—which is super interesting in its own right—the story really revolves around Elliot and Niko’s relationship. Watching them interact and grow closer is both enjoyable and entertaining. They’ve got great chemistry and such a satisfying give-and-take dynamic.
Also, it’s lovely to see not only a queer relationship between two leading men in a sci-fi novel but an inter-able relationship as well. That’s really important representation for the genre.
Now, is this story a little silly at points? Yes, for sure.
I would describe this as a romance book with sci-fi elements and a space opera aesthetic. Different priorities, you know?
The only critique I really have is with the substance of the central conspiracy. It feels a little bit like it’s been snatched right from any number of far right-leaning online forums. Though the intention may not be to reference right-leaning conspiracy theories, it does make me squint a little.
Again, aside from that, this is such a riot to read.
I’m a big fan of authors trying to expand genres and make them more inclusive. Im a big proponent for more readers being able to see themselves reflected in the stories and genres they love.
And, who among us is not a sucker for not only an enemies-to-lovers tale but a murder husbands story to boot? Be for real.
Be gay and do space crimes indeed.
Absolutely loved this and definitely recommend it! Especially if you are a reader looking for more queer science fiction, I’d try picking up this series~
January 21, 2025
Hello complete and utter obsession 😂 what amazing thing did I just read. Sci Fi, enemies to lovers that turns into touch him and 💀, be gay do space crime, eat the rich, vigilantes - have you ever seen anything more perfect?! Seriously this book 🤯 then to top it all off Niko and Elliott have this insane chemistry and you're basically bouncing in your seat just waiting for them to be together again.
I loved how their personalities complimented each other. Once they're on the same page they're a force to be reckoned with and the entire "you're the only person in the galaxy I trust" vibe was just ✨✨ Sometimes Elliott seemed really vulnerable and inexperienced, despite how tough and capable he was and I appreciated how Niko tried to take care of him in the ways he could.
It's a 'me and you against the world' romance that will shoot you into the greater reaches of the galaxy and wish you had a spaceship and a cool bounty hunter name to go along with it. I LOVED it and book 2 better come soon.
I loved how their personalities complimented each other. Once they're on the same page they're a force to be reckoned with and the entire "you're the only person in the galaxy I trust" vibe was just ✨✨ Sometimes Elliott seemed really vulnerable and inexperienced, despite how tough and capable he was and I appreciated how Niko tried to take care of him in the ways he could.
It's a 'me and you against the world' romance that will shoot you into the greater reaches of the galaxy and wish you had a spaceship and a cool bounty hunter name to go along with it. I LOVED it and book 2 better come soon.
February 23, 2025
Holy kriff, I need the next book asap!! How incredible is Adrienne Lothy?? How wonderful are her characters and her writing?? I loved every single thing about this book!
August 18, 2025
The world swam and spun around him. All the adrenaline in his body melted away into a slurry of icy shame and horror, the taste of unpalatable, rare defeat on his tongue.
Um. This was fucking amazing.
It's one of those rare occasions where I wish I had more than five stars to give, because it was hands down the best book I have read in over a year. Multiple years. There are many books that begin well and then flounder, but Kestrel was a work of art from start to finish. Every scene important. The pacing fast. The tension palpable. Each word carefully chosen and absolutely necessary.
The galaxy's best bounty hunter agrees to come out of retirement to bring down the galaxy's best and most elusive assassin. The Kestrel is assassinating the famous - celebrities, politicians, philanthropists - everywhere he goes, and no else has been able to get close. Niko is hot on his heels, but his prey has a devastating secret. And just as Niko is about to catch him, he catches something else instead. FEELINGS. (strictly not quite accurate; there's an element of instalust but the emotions take a realistic time to develop. But when they're finally together and have each other's backs? Swoon)
It was also fantastically edited! No niggling typos and malapropism to interrupt your immersion in what was a deep and well-crafted world (galaxy?). Niko and Elliott were sparks of excitement and goodness in a glitzy sci-fi setting that when you look closer, has lost its sheen and is being eaten by rust or rot.
The pair were competent, without being ridiculous or exasperating. Clever, without being infallible. Heroic, but with their own flaws. The mystery was enthralling, the sexual tension had me literally squealing, and I devoured each word with an eagerness I've not felt in a long time...and the horror of knowing the words would eventually run out.
Thank goodness the second one is out...but I fear the third one is not, so I may just go crazy. (Not as crazy as Kestrel, jks)
This was a debut??? Lothy is going places. Seriously. This book hit all my tastes: sci-fi, enemies-to-lovers, an unfurling mystery, competent MCs, "they just don't understand you like I do", self-sacrificing idiots.
Ahhhh....yeah, this book has ruined me for all others, Lothy. I hope you're happy.
The fact that he was studying Niko the way Niko had been studying Kestrel though his own files. The fact that Niko was engaged in a text exchange with the most elusive assassin in the galaxy.
And that very assassin had used the opportunity to send a fucking dick pic.
Um. This was fucking amazing.
It's one of those rare occasions where I wish I had more than five stars to give, because it was hands down the best book I have read in over a year. Multiple years. There are many books that begin well and then flounder, but Kestrel was a work of art from start to finish. Every scene important. The pacing fast. The tension palpable. Each word carefully chosen and absolutely necessary.
The galaxy's best bounty hunter agrees to come out of retirement to bring down the galaxy's best and most elusive assassin. The Kestrel is assassinating the famous - celebrities, politicians, philanthropists - everywhere he goes, and no else has been able to get close. Niko is hot on his heels, but his prey has a devastating secret. And just as Niko is about to catch him, he catches something else instead. FEELINGS. (strictly not quite accurate; there's an element of instalust but the emotions take a realistic time to develop. But when they're finally together and have each other's backs? Swoon)
It was also fantastically edited! No niggling typos and malapropism to interrupt your immersion in what was a deep and well-crafted world (galaxy?). Niko and Elliott were sparks of excitement and goodness in a glitzy sci-fi setting that when you look closer, has lost its sheen and is being eaten by rust or rot.
The pair were competent, without being ridiculous or exasperating. Clever, without being infallible. Heroic, but with their own flaws. The mystery was enthralling, the sexual tension had me literally squealing, and I devoured each word with an eagerness I've not felt in a long time...and the horror of knowing the words would eventually run out.
Thank goodness the second one is out...but I fear the third one is not, so I may just go crazy. (Not as crazy as Kestrel, jks)
This was a debut??? Lothy is going places. Seriously. This book hit all my tastes: sci-fi, enemies-to-lovers, an unfurling mystery, competent MCs, "they just don't understand you like I do", self-sacrificing idiots.
Ahhhh....yeah, this book has ruined me for all others, Lothy. I hope you're happy.
The fact that he was studying Niko the way Niko had been studying Kestrel though his own files. The fact that Niko was engaged in a text exchange with the most elusive assassin in the galaxy.
And that very assassin had used the opportunity to send a fucking dick pic.
May 24, 2025
Enemies to lovers is one of my favorite tropes – provided it’s well executed. A romance between a serial killer and his bounty hunter immediately sounded intriguing: would the author be able to pull off a believable shift? Well, she absolutely did!
I’m truly a fan of this book. The characters have a lot of depth, the emotions are well developed, and the moral dilemmas are fascinating. Add a solid narrative arc and a few well-written spicy scenes, and I’m all in.
Since the story takes place in an unfamiliar universe, it does sometimes require a bit of imagination, but the settings the author chose for each scene were vivid and evocative. The second part is coming out next month, and I’m really looking forward to it!
I’m truly a fan of this book. The characters have a lot of depth, the emotions are well developed, and the moral dilemmas are fascinating. Add a solid narrative arc and a few well-written spicy scenes, and I’m all in.
Since the story takes place in an unfamiliar universe, it does sometimes require a bit of imagination, but the settings the author chose for each scene were vivid and evocative. The second part is coming out next month, and I’m really looking forward to it!
May 25, 2025
There’s no other way to describe this book except unputdownable.
Kestrel grabs your attention from the very first chapter and keeps you waiting eagerly for the splendid romance that unfurls and burns across the galaxy in the most satisfying way following a dance of tiptoes and small missteps from both characters that make the waiting all worthwhile.
The world-building is rich and well thought out, immersive and beautifully described, and the characters are unforgettable.
The plot itself is thrilling and had me reading up until late night every single time.
If you like affirming and validating disability rep, a beautiful queer romance, complex but deep family dynamics and a solid story with lots of action, this might be the book for you.
I am so eager for the second book in this amazing series!
Kestrel grabs your attention from the very first chapter and keeps you waiting eagerly for the splendid romance that unfurls and burns across the galaxy in the most satisfying way following a dance of tiptoes and small missteps from both characters that make the waiting all worthwhile.
The world-building is rich and well thought out, immersive and beautifully described, and the characters are unforgettable.
The plot itself is thrilling and had me reading up until late night every single time.
If you like affirming and validating disability rep, a beautiful queer romance, complex but deep family dynamics and a solid story with lots of action, this might be the book for you.
I am so eager for the second book in this amazing series!
May 1, 2025
This was my first MM science fiction, and I LOVED it! A furious romp through a fascinating galaxy filled with unique worlds, alien species, and CHICKEN NACHOS. (if you know, you know)
The enemies-to-lovers trope was well executed, and I fell in love with both main characters right away.
There's so much more to say, and I'll probably add more, but for now, suffice it to say that I'm excited to read book 2, which was just announced to be arriving this summer 2025!!!
The enemies-to-lovers trope was well executed, and I fell in love with both main characters right away.
There's so much more to say, and I'll probably add more, but for now, suffice it to say that I'm excited to read book 2, which was just announced to be arriving this summer 2025!!!
November 3, 2025
A phenomenal sci-fi adventure that was both funny and full of sorrow. Excited to see what happens in the next one.
July 6, 2025
3/5
this story starts off strong; the universe and world-building were interesting, and the initial mystery surrounding kestrel and his motivations for killing kept me curious. i was entertained... until about halfway through when i found myself growing increasingly indifferent towards both the characters and the romance.
i know, classic mallory. full transparency, though—aside from the intriguing sci-fi premise, one of my main reasons for picking this up was because i happened upon a comment of someone likening the enemies to lovers arc in this story (arc is a generous word) to that of THEE captive prince trilogy. now, being the self-appointed #1 cpt stan, this immediately made my ears perk up.
but i can now confidently say, to whoever said that: no ❤️
it's entirely possible that this comparison (a comparison that i'm truly and genuinely puzzled at) lingering in the back of my mind while reading gave me unfair expectations. i could also just be very picky. either way, i do think the romance in kestrel would've benefitted from the enemies (were they ever truly enemies? temporary adversaries is more accurate and much cooler to say, anyways) dynamic between the MCs having more time to breathe and develop, making the eventual payoff more satisfying for the reader.
as for niko and elliott being convincing as esteemed and elusive professional assassins... i wasn't completely sold, but it's whatever i guess. something that did bug me though: despite being the titular character and the main focal point of the story, elliott somehow felt a bit flat and one-dimensional, though i can't really pinpoint why. like yes, he's gunning for the obvious bad guys so clearly the reader is supposed to cheer him on, but i just kept waiting for an extra layer to his character that never arrived. i think his backstory had a lot more potential that was never fully tapped into. maybe this is something that's explored more in the sequelthat i won't be reading?
some of my favorite parts of the book were times when the author offered us glimpses into niko's personal life. vulnerable scenes like when he's home alone with T1-N4, the conversations with oliver, and his visits to family members' gravesites really made it easier for me to understand and relate to him as a person.
my biggest lingering question, however... why do people in this universe insist on throwing and attending massive public events with thousands of people present when there's currently an active serial killer who's literally known for targeting these types of crowded places? babe i'm no public safety expert but i think we should postpone the important gala/concert/speech/etc. until the rampant murderer sniping people in busy areas is apprehended.
this wasn't a bad book by any means. while the story and romance didn't necessarily work for me, i can see why others enjoyed it. the reviews are glowing, so if the blurb piques your interest i suggest giving it a shot. i'm personally not invested enough to continue on with the series, but i may check out other books from this author in the future.
this story starts off strong; the universe and world-building were interesting, and the initial mystery surrounding kestrel and his motivations for killing kept me curious. i was entertained... until about halfway through when i found myself growing increasingly indifferent towards both the characters and the romance.
i know, classic mallory. full transparency, though—aside from the intriguing sci-fi premise, one of my main reasons for picking this up was because i happened upon a comment of someone likening the enemies to lovers arc in this story (arc is a generous word) to that of THEE captive prince trilogy. now, being the self-appointed #1 cpt stan, this immediately made my ears perk up.
but i can now confidently say, to whoever said that: no ❤️
it's entirely possible that this comparison (a comparison that i'm truly and genuinely puzzled at) lingering in the back of my mind while reading gave me unfair expectations. i could also just be very picky. either way, i do think the romance in kestrel would've benefitted from the enemies (were they ever truly enemies? temporary adversaries is more accurate and much cooler to say, anyways) dynamic between the MCs having more time to breathe and develop, making the eventual payoff more satisfying for the reader.
as for niko and elliott being convincing as esteemed and elusive professional assassins... i wasn't completely sold, but it's whatever i guess. something that did bug me though: despite being the titular character and the main focal point of the story, elliott somehow felt a bit flat and one-dimensional, though i can't really pinpoint why. like yes, he's gunning for the obvious bad guys so clearly the reader is supposed to cheer him on, but i just kept waiting for an extra layer to his character that never arrived. i think his backstory had a lot more potential that was never fully tapped into. maybe this is something that's explored more in the sequel
some of my favorite parts of the book were times when the author offered us glimpses into niko's personal life. vulnerable scenes like when he's home alone with T1-N4, the conversations with oliver, and his visits to family members' gravesites really made it easier for me to understand and relate to him as a person.
my biggest lingering question, however... why do people in this universe insist on throwing and attending massive public events with thousands of people present when there's currently an active serial killer who's literally known for targeting these types of crowded places? babe i'm no public safety expert but i think we should postpone the important gala/concert/speech/etc. until the rampant murderer sniping people in busy areas is apprehended.
this wasn't a bad book by any means. while the story and romance didn't necessarily work for me, i can see why others enjoyed it. the reviews are glowing, so if the blurb piques your interest i suggest giving it a shot. i'm personally not invested enough to continue on with the series, but i may check out other books from this author in the future.
December 23, 2025
Three stars seems mean, but four stars seems too generous. There’s a lot to like here - as Lothy says in her acknowledgments, “be gay, do space crime.” Can’t argue with that.
But, one fundamental flaw here, in my opinion. The world building is lacking in many ways. Is this the Milky Way? Are the humans us or is this a Star Wars situation? How are we doing interstellar travel? All of the travel seems to take place instantaneously which I find disappointing. Space should seem massive and infinite! What are the tech levels here? We’re supposed to believe that with this level of tech, we can travel from world to world instantaneously but can’t cure paraplegia (I hope this doesn’t come across as ableist - I only think we need an explanation!)? I just have too many questions about everything and it’s just doesn’t make sense.
Still, I like the actual revolutionary plot here! I do think a lesser author would have ended up with more of a “working within the system” story, so I do have to credit Lothy here. This is queer resistance, you could argue.
I did buy the central romance too, even if it progressed a smidge too quick. Decent smut too.
I will happily read the rest of the trilogy! 3.5 stars for now, but hope to be proven wrong with the sequel.
But, one fundamental flaw here, in my opinion. The world building is lacking in many ways. Is this the Milky Way? Are the humans us or is this a Star Wars situation? How are we doing interstellar travel? All of the travel seems to take place instantaneously which I find disappointing. Space should seem massive and infinite! What are the tech levels here? We’re supposed to believe that with this level of tech, we can travel from world to world instantaneously but can’t cure paraplegia (I hope this doesn’t come across as ableist - I only think we need an explanation!)? I just have too many questions about everything and it’s just doesn’t make sense.
Still, I like the actual revolutionary plot here! I do think a lesser author would have ended up with more of a “working within the system” story, so I do have to credit Lothy here. This is queer resistance, you could argue.
I did buy the central romance too, even if it progressed a smidge too quick. Decent smut too.
I will happily read the rest of the trilogy! 3.5 stars for now, but hope to be proven wrong with the sequel.
July 20, 2024
When I say I adored this book I truly did! It’s definitely different than my usual genre, but I cannot express how much I enjoyed reading this book.
As a sci-fi it truly fits right into the genre, full of advanced tech and space ships, colorful planets and aliens and the looming presence of a hidden organization that had you gripped to know what is going on. The writing style simply paints such a clear picture of the world you’re introduced to.
As a romance, the characters felt so REAL. My biggest issue with romances are often the characters feel forced together, and you’re left sitting there wondering exactly how or why they are even together. That’s not how this book is AT ALL. I was so rooting for them to get together!
From the intriguing plot, masterfully crafted to keep me engaged and wondering just WHO was behind this all, to such a clean and polished writing style, this book is gorgeous inside and out! 10/5 recommend for scifi lovers, and romance lovers!
As a sci-fi it truly fits right into the genre, full of advanced tech and space ships, colorful planets and aliens and the looming presence of a hidden organization that had you gripped to know what is going on. The writing style simply paints such a clear picture of the world you’re introduced to.
As a romance, the characters felt so REAL. My biggest issue with romances are often the characters feel forced together, and you’re left sitting there wondering exactly how or why they are even together. That’s not how this book is AT ALL. I was so rooting for them to get together!
From the intriguing plot, masterfully crafted to keep me engaged and wondering just WHO was behind this all, to such a clean and polished writing style, this book is gorgeous inside and out! 10/5 recommend for scifi lovers, and romance lovers!
August 5, 2025
I. Am. OBSESSED.
Oh my gooooooooooood this book!! These characters, Niko and Elliot, aaahhhh!! I was so hooked, the plot was so intriguing and I just kept looking forward to reading this every chance I got! I'm so happy that book 2 is out now so I can go read that next right away 🤭💕
The push and pull of these two, hunter vs hunted, to then realizing how WELL they work together. They're more alike than they suspected in their line of work, where Niko realizes, hey, maybe Kestrel has a point in why he's doing all this... The realization of a dark underbelly of their galaxy's elite is so fascinating and I cannot wait to read more to see how this all unravels. I feel like I can't say too much without spoiling, other than I LOVED THIS!! 🤩💕💖
Oh my gooooooooooood this book!! These characters, Niko and Elliot, aaahhhh!! I was so hooked, the plot was so intriguing and I just kept looking forward to reading this every chance I got! I'm so happy that book 2 is out now so I can go read that next right away 🤭💕
The push and pull of these two, hunter vs hunted, to then realizing how WELL they work together. They're more alike than they suspected in their line of work, where Niko realizes, hey, maybe Kestrel has a point in why he's doing all this... The realization of a dark underbelly of their galaxy's elite is so fascinating and I cannot wait to read more to see how this all unravels. I feel like I can't say too much without spoiling, other than I LOVED THIS!! 🤩💕💖
August 26, 2024
If you go into this with a healthy dose of “it’s entertainment” then you will find this story engaging, thrilling at times, and violent at others. Niko and Elliot are the main draw here and their developing relationship. Ignore the sci fi that is laughable. There is so much dated stuff in there that it’s ridiculous to think it’s still going strong in the future. There was some humor in there as well. I really liked Neo and Elliot so I’m going with a higher rating than I would have normally given this, it’s also a debut book so I’m cutting some slack.
March 16, 2025
Let’s set the galaxy on fire
This book has brought up a lot of real world issues that rarely get discussed. The greed of the elite and how everyone turns a blind eye. Amidst the chaos a romantic relationship blooms. The lines blur between hate and lust. I loved the world building and the characters. Elliot and Niko are such beautiful characters that are so relatable.
This book has brought up a lot of real world issues that rarely get discussed. The greed of the elite and how everyone turns a blind eye. Amidst the chaos a romantic relationship blooms. The lines blur between hate and lust. I loved the world building and the characters. Elliot and Niko are such beautiful characters that are so relatable.
November 17, 2025
A fast-paced and action-packed sci-fi debut, Kestrel will keep you on the edge of your seat while it’s emotional romance unfolds and the story hints at a darker underbelly to the glittering galaxy of the Starhawk Trilogy.
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