*I thought I could walk away. I've done it many times. But all the roads lead back to her.*
Elaina Fairan knows she’s broken. Maybe that's why she’s been hiding at the edge of the universe, guarding herself with her work. Vulnerability has never been her strong suit, and machines are simpler than people. But when a magnetic Gaian stranger walks into her life, something about him makes her wonder if maybe she’s finally ready to stop running.
Cyan Orlogsson thought he was guided by fate itself when the ancient sword he bears pulled him to the edge of the known universe. He’s left behind everything—everyone—for this duty. He can’t let the aloof astrotechnician with striking eyes, or the electric connection between them, steer him off-course. But something about her makes him question everything he thought he knew about his purpose… Something about her feels like home.
As the fabric of their very universe unravels, Elaina and Cyan must risk everything—including their hearts—to stop the collapse. Can they find the courage to lean into a bond powerful enough to rewrite the stars? Or will their fear of falling tear them apart?
*Gravity Between Us* is a steamy sci-fi romance in which two fragile human souls must overcome their deepest fears—and fate itself—for a chance at love.
I'll start by thanking the author for sending me a free copy of her book in exchange for my honest review.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4 here.
Elaina is a smart woman with a logical and rational mind. She's highly skilled at repairing tech on the planet where she lives.
Cyan crosses galaxies on a mission he can't fully explain, one that is meant to maintain balance in the universe.
While this is technically a sci-fi romance, it could also be classified as a "romantasy" because of Cyan's sword that seem to guide him and even though it doesn't speak to him, he can decipher the messages. It's a fact-paced story, and the mystery surrounding Cyan's swords adds an intriguing element. However, I felt the novel was a bit rushed, and as a result, the chemistry between Elaina and Cyan didn’t feel fully developed.
Though not a traditional fated mate story, the relationship dynamic had a sense of inevitability that made it feel like it should have been one. This is my main issue with the book. The plot was occasionally confusing and a bit all over the place, to the point where I had to set it aside for a bit. Ultimately, the romance lacked the depth I was hoping for. The steam was a 2/5 however, since I found the couple to lack chemistry, it didn't have the impact it could have had on me. Cyan is very dominant and I usually like that a lot!
That said, the story was still entertaining, and I appreciated the way it ended. I also loved how distinct the planets were from one another—it made the world-building feel more authentic, as opposed to having similar cultures and dialects across planets. This was a nice touch.
If you enjoy sci-fi with mysterious objects guiding the hero, a tech-savvy woman who's emotionally closed off, and two people who can't stay away from each other, this might be a good pick for you.
I enjoyed the premise of this book: the Architect, the simulation, and two unfated people falling in love. I do wish some parts were fleshed out a bit more like Elaina’s feelings about leaving her friends and planet (and what happened to them afterwards) and also the entire end of the book could have been longer.
This book is very different from the Hearts with Teeth series.
Elaina (h), a skilled astrotechnician struggling to make sense of mysterious anomalies on the harsh desert planet of Earendel, finds her life upended by Cyan (H), a stoic wanderer bound to an ancient sword and a mission he doesn’t fully understand. Elaina and Cyan’s connection deepens as they face mounting challenges, from technological crises on the orbital station to the haunting pull of the Architect, a godlike being intent on breaching their reality and rewriting existence itself. As Elaina and Cyan’s partnership deepens, their fight against the Architect becomes personal. Haunted by loss and driven by love, they have to confront their own fears and sacrifices to stand against a force that threatens to unravel everything they know. From the barren deserts of Earendel to the lush forests of Gaia, Elaina and Cyan’s journey is one of resilience, trust, and the enduring power of connection. Hot and steamy science fiction, adventure romance, exploring love, connection, destiny, sacrifice, resilience, and the choices that define one, a backdrop of cosmic mysteries and existential questions about the nature of reality.
“You don’t have to protect me from fate, Cyan. You just have to be here with me while we face it.”
This book was delightfully unexpected! From the blurb, I thought I knew how this story would play out. The plot twisted, and it was definitely not something you saw coming. I enjoyed the unique take and I absolutely loved the relationship that blossomed between Cyan and Elaina.
For fans of the Matrix and The Fifth Element, but with romance and some spice between the mmc's.
I need to start this review by saying that cover? It is definitely why this book caught my eye in the first place. *Chefs Kiss*
This book had a strong start. I was truly intrigued by the world-building and how the author was able to eloquently describe the aesthetic of the world of Earendel without going into minute detail of every little thing like others I've read. However, this became the most enjoyable aspect for me as I could not connect all that much to its central characters.
Elaina is a smart cookie. Earendel's leading astrotechnician, she lives and breathes her work of repairing the city's machines and she truly loves doing it. But she doesn't have much more going for her to make her a well-rounded character in my opinion. I wasn't getting much personality from her.
On the other hand you have Cyan, a man with a mission who has just crossed the galaxy and left behind everything he knew and everyone he loved. He has less of a problem with personality for me and more of a lack of true emotion. I find his behavior with Elaina erratic and just plain annoying at times.
These two characters together didn't mesh for me. The romance was subpar while most intimate moments felt bizarrely placed. It wasn't until maybe 75% into the book that they resonated with me at all as a couple.
Then there is the main plotline of the story. I was very curious as to what was going on in Earendel. Machines breaking down and the cause behind it. When it is revealed why things are happening the way they are, I honestly was more confused than anything. Mostly about the connection to our characters and how it was resolved. It wasn't a bad plot at all - but maybe a vague one. I felt like the reveal was over in two paragraphs and then we were moving on. I wanted more context on what exactly was happening and why the ending fixed it.
Overall, I liked this book and I recommend giving it a read. The world-building and visuals were great and the plot interesting. However, if you are a reader looking for a great sci-fi romance you might give this one a pass.
This book was very engaging from start to finish. The world building was done very well. I love how different everything is so different from how we live and that even within the world there are very different cultures and languages. I love how the characters are and how they fit together. I love how the way they feel is described. Cyan and Elaina are very well written characters! One area that this story fell a bit flat with was the climax. as it felt a bit anticlimactic. Ultimately, the journey to get there is why it still has 5 stars as the rest of the book makes up for it. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Astrotechnician Elaina can fix just about anything on dusty Earendel. But the frequency of technical breakdowns is increasing and there seems to be some underlying cause. In the midst of her casual investigation, she meets Cyan, a knight-like man from far-away Gaia with a mysterious sword and even more mysterious agenda. As the two explore the malfunctions, they cannot deny their mutual attraction. But their budding romance has far-reaching consequences, and they need to determine if their relationship is worth fighting for.
Both Elaina and Cyan struggle to make connections with other people. Elaina can’t seem to let people past her emotional barriers and abruptly moves on whenever she feels the need. Cyan believes that he has a duty to follow the guidance of his sword to bring balance to the galaxy. He goes wherever the sword tells him to go, which prevents him from creating any meaningful relationships. Their difficulty in forming attachments gives an overall feeling of disconnection to the book, and sheds light on modern relationships, where superficial interactions and work prevent more meaningful connections. Both characters have to continue to choose each other, just like in real life. My only complaint is that I wish more time was spent with the two continuing to choose each other with corresponding deepening of their emotional relationship.
Gravity Between Us is a uniquely compelling sci-fi romance that takes a critical view of modern day relationships that is well worth reading.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Sci-fi romance different than others. 🔸️The first thing which came to my attention when choosing a book was that this is UNfated mates story. It was my first time to come across such concept, so I picked it up without hestitation, especially as I really enjoy Alexandra's Norton writing style. 🔸️What can I say after reading? 1. I really loved vast, detailed world building. The setting's descriptions are fantastic. I was immediately transfered into another universe. 2. On sci-fi side: I give extra points for all high tech involved and for well thinked philosphy behind storyline. 3. On romance side: bonus points for having a bitter sweet vibes. The MCs are not immediately swayed or blinded by lust/love. They have their own purposes, responsibilities and aspirations. It was soooooo refreshing to read. ❤️ 4. I liked the spice scenes. 🔸️What didn't work for me is Elaina and Cyan as a pair. I loved them both seperately. They are two intelligent, capable and so unique chatacters. I enjoyed their interactions and dialouge but ultimately wasn't convienced by them being a "love match" Because of that reason, I was debating between 4 and 5 stars (as it it still a romance category). Finally I have decided to give 5 as story itself is unique and clearly is outstanding from many others. 🔸️Overall, a very well written story, which can satisfy more demanding readers. Choose it if you are looking for something different.
The story of Elaina and Cyan can best be enjoyed if viewed as a romantasy novel rather than a sci-fi romance. After having read all the other novels from this author, I had a hard time wrapping my head around the difference in the style. Perhaps, that is why I did not enjoy this book as much.
Elaina is a very independent,and smart woman. She repairs tech, but there is something more to her. It is something that she will not discover until she meets Cyan. Cyan is a man who has crossed the galaxy on a mission to keep balance where it is needed. When he arrives on Earendel and meets Elaina, he discovers truths that are hard to accept. Suddenly, his mission is changed in a way he never would have thought and his faith is tested. The romance element seemed a bit of an after thought. It popped up at the weirdest times. It was only in the last 25% of the book, that the feelings between the MCs really resonated.
As usual the author did a great job world building. The description of riding through a wormhole was awesome. I loved the beauty of the book cover.
This book was a little different than the other books by the author I had read. It was more personal, in the aspect of the relationship between the MCs. It seemed they were going back and forth in their relationship. They get to know each other but then one of them takes a step back, as if they are scared to make it into something real that could work.
I found the world-building interesting and impressive. Elaina was living on a desert planet with a sky full of stars, and working as an astrotechnician with the talent to fix any device. And Cyan, the mystery man carrying a sword, like a knight in a shining armor, coming to Elaina's world through a wormhole, believing he's there for a purpose. I loved Cyan and Elaina, who struggle to form connections with other people. They are very much attracted to each other, but there's an emotional barrier they have to overcome to be together. I enjoyed this sci-fi romance adventure and I hope there will be more stories about this world in the future. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book was.... Interesting, not really what I was expecting but I still enjoyed it. I like the overall premise of the story, I think I just struggled a bit with the push/pull aspect of the romance. There was a lot of pushing. I'd say it's a slower burn. Anyway I did really love the world building and the idea of the Architect. I liked both the main characters: Elaina and Cyan. Cyan was a man of mystery, I still had some many questions about him and the sword (and his confrontation with the Architect). Elaina was smart and independent with a generous dose of stubbornness. She was a likeable character who was a bit too curious at times.
Gravity Between Us is a unique book, I haven't read any other sci-fi romances with a plot like this one. The cover art is stunning. While I prefer the fated mates trope I did enjoy this book overall. I'd recommend it to those who enjoy sci-fi romance with a bit of spice.
Elaina Farin is a talented astrotechnician on Earendel who protects herself by keeping constantly busy. She seems capable of fixing anything that needs her attention. But oddly, breakdowns are occurring more frequently and she needs to determine what is causing this increase in malfunctions. Universe-traveler Cyan Orlogsson, reminiscent of a powerful knight in armor, arrives with his magical sword that he allows to lead him wherever it wants him to go. Although they feel an attraction to each other, they are not sure if they want to struggle to make the necessary connections a relationship requires. Both of them have their own personal issues to deal with. But something about Elaina makes him question things he had always accepted in the past. Is he ready to accept change now? Or will they decide it is just easier to walk away? Will they both remain so intensely job-focused, or will they learn to open their hearts as well?
This was such an interesting read with fab world building and an interesting plot. The author really took me on a different reading ride, though, by shaking up her writing style for this one. Since it's rooted in a true story, that makes sense, though. It also makes sense how this slow burn sci fi romance reflected real life so well. I really enjoyed seeing two people that weren't fated mates, work through their baggage (duty, loss and relationship fear) to find a way to be together. I really was drawn to the jacket of this book but the author definitely gave me a fab reading experience with her stellar details. Good fun!
Alexandra is one of the best sci-fi romance authors in my book. Her world building is so unique and exciting. I loved this story for so many reasons. There is plenty of action as the characters try to work out what is sabotaging all the electronics on planet and up at the station. Some cool sci-fi stuff here. The romance is a slow-burn but super delicious. Read this just about in one session, just loved it!!
Gravity Between Us was a sci-fi romance that checked off all the boxes. Great world building, loved the main characters that had satisfying chemistry. I really enjoyed the romance between these two and just couldn’t get enough of them. This one held more mystery and was different than her other books. This author is my go to for science fiction romance. Thanks to the author for this gifted eArc. All thoughts and feelings are my own.
Amother gorgeous sci-fi romance full of emotion. I love A Norton's work and this is no exception.
The romance is slow burn but worth the wait. I love true science fiction in my science fiction reads whether it is romantic or not and it is abundant here. A.N uses very detailed elements in her clever and thought-provoking world building in addition to her relatable characters.
Another work solidifying A Norton as one of my favourite sci fi/romance authors.
This was a very interesting and entertaining book. It was well written with great characters in a unique world. Cyan has a great destiny to stop the great evil in universe even if it means going thru a worm whole taking him a hundred years in the future. How do you stop the corrupt creator of the universe? How do you save the love of your life and the known universe? Read this book and find out.
Creo que la idea me gusta más que la ejecución. En teoría la historia suena bien pero al leerla me ha decepcionado un poco, sinceramente. La pareja no me encanta, él la deja plantada siempre y ella vuelve en cuanto él aparece de nuevo. El mejor personaje es Priad, sin ninguna duda. Es verdad que el final está muy bien y todo el tema del Arquitecto es interesante. Ha sido un “cover buy” de manual, me encantó la cubierta y me lancé sin mirar atrás.
Elaina and Cyan It was a very interesting book. Here both MC must work to Stay together, its not like they imediatly love each other like Fated mates and just go with it, no, they have to work for it like us normal people. There are strange things happening with the electronics and both off them have to find out what its causing it. Romance is slow but holesome and there is a lot off alien stuff.
Once again AN crafted a riveting and unique romance with fascinating characters a gripping plot richly imagined world and an unexpected ending. "...she had decided to take more chances on people. And for better or worse, she wanted to take one on this person specifically." Fated mates in a world where destiny aka the architect has different plans. Highly recommended.
I enjoyed this story! The characters were well written and I loved the world lore. I also love that Earth wasn’t written off as it is in some romance sci-fi stories. Rather than being the place they’re escaping from it’s actually reversed.
A sweet, unusual story with detailed world building and interesting characters in Elaina and Cyan who both had a lot of struggles in this slow burning romance The plot was intriguing and thoughtful. A really enjoyable story.
A story about defying fate and making your own life. This is a slow paced read that will have you scratching your head in some places. The writing was a little choppy. Besides those things, is a interesting read worth giving a chance.
this book had me so thoroughly hooked i could never guess what was going to happen next. beautifully executed the way it came together! alexandra never disappoints!😌
This book is so much like life, wrapped up in a Sci-fi thriller. I loved this book so much, particularly the bitter-sweet romance between astrotechnician, Elaina Farin, and the universe traveler Cyan Orlogsson. This romance is very slow burn as both characters have their own baggage they carry with them, work, duty, loss, and a fear of attaching to another individual.
The writing style of this author is exceptional, and I always enjoy her work. She uses very detailed elements in her world-building, drawing the reader into the scenes, allowing one to feel everything happening there. The overall plot took me on a trip I had not anticipated but found so clever and thought-provoking. Fans of Alexandra Norton may be surprised by this sweet, unusual story because of its difference, but i do hope readers will stay with it. The imitation of real, modern-day life is there and so worth the read.
January 20, 2025 For such an epic premises, the story fell flat. The chemistry between Cyan and Elaina was mid.
I didn’t like Cyan tbh. He was a flake. He forgot, twice, that Elaina was vegetarian. He kept leaving her hanging or stood her up because he couldn’t keep track of time. Then he randomly just left her without a word. And she still took him back. Every time.
Elaina decided to travel through the wormhole to go back to Gaia, meaning that 100 years pass outside of the wormhole. She went through this for a guy who made no promises to her, made no commitment to her, and has a history of leaving her. After she gets to Gaia, then it hits her that “oh, my parents are dead now.” 🤦♀️
Spicy wasn’t spicy. Story was mid. Writing was good though.
November 18, 2024 Note to self: check TW and length of book. Also check if it’s a dark romance.