Her Cyborg Commander

The Drift: Haven Colony #9

by Susan Hayes

Coming to Haven colony should have marked the start of her new life, but the past isn’t done with her, yet.

River had negotiated the agreement that brought the survivors of Reamus Station to Haven. Back then, she’d dreamed it would be a sanctuary for her cyborg brethren, somewhere out of reach from those who had created and tormented them. She’d been wrong.
Now her home, her friends, and the future she worked so hard for are all in danger… because of her.

He’d vowed to protect every cyborg in Haven… but he’d take on the galaxy to keep her safe.

Edge doesn’t have any illusions about who or what he is–a weapon forged in the heat of battle and quenched in the blood of his kills.
As happy as he is for the rest of his brethren to settle into new lives, he can’t see himself doing the same. It’s enough for him to watch over them from a distance, especially when it comes to River. She’s beautiful, frustratingly stubborn, and far too good for him.

When an old enemy threatens their new home, these broken souls will have to decide which rules are worth breaking, and which chances are worth taking.

164 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 28, 2025

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

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

*4.5 stars*

When home is threatened…
River and Edge were fractious fire in this ninth (I can’t believe it’s nine already!) outing of The Drift Haven Colony series. They were cyborgs which meant, at the least, they were used to war, to fighting. This time, they were fighting for themselves. For freedom of movement. To be on equal footing in their new home with an equal voice. With the past banging on their doorstep, it was even harder to move forward…

When River was threatened, her well thought out plan was put into action. She was not going to let anyone or anything hurt her friends, not if she could prevent it. What she didn’t plan for was Edge to try and rescue her. She was capable of doing that herself. What she found, was Edge was not alone…

I simply loved how the Haven circled River in help, in love and friendship. The bonds she’d built were stronger than she even realized and the love she felt for Edge, well, that was even stronger. And his for her. Facing their enemy together, with a wealth of support behind them, this was a love story that knew no bounds. This read was full of friendship, steam and even laughter in the darkest moments – so good!

*I happily reviewed this story

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

The cyborgs of Haven Colony are still fighting for their freedom from the Grey Lords, a group that had enslaved the cyborgs from the moment of their creation. Their enslavement was not only of the body but even of the mind, as they created programming that demanded obedience to their every whim. This is River and Edge’s story. River hoped she was at last free from the Grey Lords and their power-hungry whims. However, when River realizes she still has some embedded programming that takes her over, she is devastated and she fears for both her friends and the whole of Haven Colony. She sets out to enact the worst-case-scenario plan she had conceived after she first became free, and she leaves the new colony to protect the rest of the colonists from retaliation by the Grey Lords.

Edge has long ago decided that River will be his one day, and when she disappears, he’s not having any of it. When they meet up again, they will both have things to learn about trust, both trust in themselves and in each other. There is one of the Grey Lords determined to regain control of his possession, and will not take no for an answer.

A very enjoyable continuation of The Drift series!

Review submitted based on an advance reader copy provided by the author.

[Christine Biesheuvel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hard To Accept Help
River thinks she is finally safe from the man haunts her nightmares, but when she finds out she is wrong, the only thing she knows to do is flee. To leave the friends in Haven behind and face her tormentor alone. Fortunately for her, some friends have a different opinion and send her help in the form of her friend Edge. Being together in close proximity they realize that they both have changed a lot and that there is more between them. And having backup and not being all by herself to face her enemy from the past is making it even better.
Warning: this story can be read as a stand-alone, but contains numeral references to characters from earlier books, which makes you want to read them all! I love these series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick read! I enjoyed the history that makes for a somewhat antagonistic relationship between River and Edge. He knows her traumatic history and only wants to protect her while she is fighting to be seen as a strong and capable woman who can be his equal.

When Edge learns River has implemented such a complex escape plan he’s determined to find her to keep her safe, hurt that she didn’t turn to him for help and proud of how much she’s changed from the once meek and subservient female she used to be.

River is running from someone she fears more than death and she wants to keep her friends safe. When Edge finds her, these two have a combustible reunion. Feelings are realized and the connection is intense.

A fun and entertaining read.

I received a free ARC from the author and 1852 Media; and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.

[Shana W · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the world building and the characters in this book.  River and Edge both have difficult pasts, but they are doing the best they can on Haven, their new home. That is, until River gets a message from someone from her past, causing her to flee to protect the residents of Haven. The cyborg commander Edge goes after her to help her, since he has always protected her. I liked their chemistry and the way they worked together to defeat their enemy. I also liked the other characters they interacted with. I recommend this entertaining, well written story if you enjoy sci-fi romance and adventure.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Christina Standridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the story and series. Keep them coming. Can't wait for the next book. River was responsible for finding the cyborgs a home. She is happy with their home but upset that the shadow men and corporations won't leave them alone. Edge is a cyborg and he helped protect River and other cyborgs while they were being tortured by the corporations. River finds that her corporate handler has not forgotten her and wants her back. She leaves the colony to protect the others on the planet. Edge is mad that River leaves the colony on her own and goes after her. What will happen now. Can River stay out of the abusers hands? Must read to find out. I read an arc of this book and this is my review.

[Lisa Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another exciting addition to the series as River and Edge finally work their way to a fab HEA. Edge has always protected River but in doing so, he doesn’t notice that she’s no longer the victim... She receives a new threat from an old adversary and takes off to protect Haven. Of course, Edge is not in favour of her being off by herself and sets out to find/help her ;) I loved seeing them work together, and how it finally let him see her as the strong woman she really is. Definitely fun but also teeming with clear world building, fun characters, action, drama, danger, humour and great spice. Well written and entertaining, this was a page turner for me :D

[Judi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like how this book gives you so much background history without a heavy flashback. As River remembers her time before Haven it’s removed enough to be somewhat sad but not intrusive. Edge’s previous time with River in captivity might have given him the wrong idea about her true personality. And now that she is being pursued by the evil fiend who terrorized her, Edge cannot and will not let her face it alone. Now if he will only realize he’s not doing it because he is her commander. The action and how it plays out is exciting and end oh so well. As does this couples relationship. Great read.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fighting Back . . .

River is a cyborg who found a way to move the surviving cyborgs from Reamus Station for a new start at Haven. Edge is a cyborg who sees himself as nothing but a killing machine, undeserving of a mate. River would have been his choice, but he does not deserve her. But will a common enemy bring them together to protect their new home? Would working together as a team make them acknowledge how they feel about each other? And will the two of them finally find a HEA waiting for them after all they have been through?

[Donna Zug · Rating 5 out of 5]

How does the bad guy track River? And after all the precautions and scans, how can he still control her? Then there's Edge, if he'll just realize the connection to River that everyone else sees. He just knows he needs to protect her.
I recommend reading this series, in order, to get the full experience and meet all the side characters. Not necessary but I know I appreciated the background. With rich characters and well described locations, it's easy to be drawn into this story. Our author has a great imagination and I love getting lost in it. Enjoy.

[ObsessiveReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Edge and River have a complicated past. When they were held captive, Edge was always there to protect River. Once they were free, Edge felt that River betrayed them by making them seem like they were uncontrollable, which led to more restrictions on them. When River's past comes back, she leaves fr the protection of the colony. Edge isn't about to let her face it on her own. They have been drawn to each other since they met, but their past made them leery of admitting it to each other. Another good book in the series.

[Nancy R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Susan Hayes does not disappoint with this continuation of the Haven Colony series. Here we get Edge and River’s story. Wonderful and inventive plot with incredible romance that is hot above the charts. Each book in this series gives a fresh look at life at the Haven Colony. I love that Hayes returns to old characters who you loved and gives you a quick peek at their lives now. Download and enjoy ❤️❤️❤️

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun read set in a world of future exploration and new worlds, of cyborgs and aliens..fabulous. I love books, audios, films etc, with sci-fi settings. River and Edge have both been manipulated and used by unscrupulous scientists and corporations. River in part,has been abused and now danger is knocking on her door again.
I really enthusiasm read and will definitely seek out more from this author 💖💖💖💖

[Veronica · Rating 5 out of 5]

River and Edge (total relationship goals)

I love, love, love; this book, this series, this universe. I almost had a stroke trying to figure out how River was going to get free of her situation. Edge is so perfect for her. It's the hea of the series. I am so excited that you are still writing in this universe. Defence Station, how perfect. I can't wait! I'm a little sad to leave Haven. I hope we can drop by from time to time.

[Jannie Cv · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thrilling romance!
After all the precautions taken, somehow the one River dreads the most has found her. I love the meticulous planning River did just in case. It’s brilliant! I also admire Edge and his determination to find and protect her. With chills and thrills guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat, this is a fine adventure and delightful romance!

[Kamila Mykhailiuk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I absolutely loved this book. Amazing characters and wonderful plot. Very beautifully written and easy to read.

I read this book in one sitting and I loved every second of it. The chemistry and passion between Edge and River was undeniable and sizzling. They were made for each other.

Overall I loved this book very much. I highly recommend reading it.

[Eydie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the Drift/Haven series and this is a good addition. The only thing I didn't particularly like about this book is the current theme of "do what I say or you will be punished" in the bedroom. I don't feel like it works well with female cyborgs some of whom have been tortured their whole lives, for them to love this attitude. But that's just me. Otherwise, I enjoyed this book.

[Tori Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great Haven colony story

So great to see the two beings needing a story most got it in this book. The Corporation/Shadows are back as a threat, the cyborgs have to answer and a quirky AI is in the mix. And of course the networks of Drift and Haven friends have their back. Great read!

[Cheri Winget · Rating 5 out of 5]

River and Edge's story is about love evolving. The Cyborgs of Liberty have had to deal with so much adversity since being created. To see them finally acheive true freedom is exciting.
The Cyborg world is expanding. I can't wait to see what comes next.
Great writing, world building and character development.
Well worth my time and $$.

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought that this was an awesome read. I loved River and Edge. They really had me up in my feels and getting swoony. The story offers up an engaging combination of heart, emotions, drama, tension, twists and intensity that kept me glued to pages and falling hard.

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have totally been looking forward to River and Edge’s book and it’s finally here! I immediately sat down to devour it and boy was it worth it! What a thrill ride their coming together turns out to be. They are absolutely meant to be a couple and I really enjoyed their journey.

[Alaska love · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

Another exciting book from Haven. River is being hunted by a deranged scientist who thinks she is his. NOPE! Edge looks for her after she sneaks off. What happens next is both horrible and rewarding. Enjoy

[Holly Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Susan Hayes’s book 9 of The Drift: Haven Colony called Her Cyborg Commander. Someday I’ll go back and read all the prior books! Cyborg female River has overcome her past for the most part until she receives a message from her former captor, so she flees Haven though it’s against the law. Her commander, Edge, goes to retrieve her as he’s sworn to protect her…both out of duty, but also out of deep feelings for her. Not only do they eliminate the threat, but also they take down part of the enemies’ abilities to do further harm to their kind. Excellent story filled with lots of spice!

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

River and Edge! Finally. Everyone knows they’re meant to be but them. Watching these two find their way to love is a nail-biting adventure you don’t want to miss.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an intensely good book. It was captivating. I am looking forward to the next Drift book. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book.

[Evelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a fun read.