Elisa Jones has just graduated college with her journalism degree and now she’s trying to make her way in the world alone. Without any idea what to do, Elisa turns back to her first love - cold serial killer cases. She decides to follow up on a lead she found that the police overlooked. It's a clue that takes her to California, where she thinks she might be able to assist in uncovering the killer.
Commander Turock Gav’rin is on the hunt for a fugitive, one that has taken him across the stars to a small blue planet with worlds of potential. Hiding who he really is, “Chase Ricter” has to find and capture his fugitive before any of the natives discover who, and what, he truly is.
Elisa and Chase are thrust on an adventure that will test their very beings. A twist of fate brings them together in a collision that will set their worlds on edge. Will the two of them survive as mighty hunters? Or will they lose it all as they become the hunted?
3.5*s Review posted here... http://bookpassionforlife.blogspot.co... Chasing Constellations is the first book in the USG Constellation series where we meet a recently graduated journalism student – Elisa Jones. The story is set in a time when women were second class citizens and Eliza wants to challenge that by making a name for herself. Having followed the case of the ‘Zodiac’ killer since it began, Elisa has made some new discoveries that she is compelled to share with the detectives that run the case, knowing she won’t have much luck with them over the phone, she decides to up-sticks to California where she plans to take her revelations right to the source. When she arrives however, she has a strange encounter with a wanted man known as Chase Ricter in which he knocks her over and kisses her whilst sprawled on top of her – which is weird - but at least she caught the attention of one of the detectives on the Zodiac case. After giving the task force the information she has, Eliza must sit tight and wait for developments, but then she gets a phone call threatening her to leave and stay out of the case…. Then she gets a visit…. And she just might not make it out alive. I really enjoyed this story and I liked how the author used a serial killer from our past in her story. The book is set in the seventies and boy, do those mens attitudes suck! That fact made me gel with Elisa straight away because I love when the oppressed stand up and show people what they are made of. She was very level headed and knew where she stood most of the time but also knew when to push and be heard which also made me admire her. The story didn’t really have as much of a sci fi feel that I thought it would have, it dealt with a serial killer case in which Elisa tried to be heard and showing the police what she had come up with….. it’s only later that we see how the author blends the two together and opens their world right up. I liked the serial killer investigation and even if that was all that the book was about – I would have liked it, but when you add that to another thread, then the story got really interesting. Obviously from the synopsis you can guess that they are both chasing the same person but it’s the why that gets the curiosity going and that is where the romantic element comes into play. Elisa and Chase share a bond, only Chase is the only one who knows about it with him being ‘other’ – think soul mates and you’re on the right track. I love this type of concept but it was insta love to the max! and Chase seemed to be way ahead of Elisa in terms of where their relationship was and where it needed to go. Don’t get me wrong, I love these things but I wanted them to spend more time together before they were all loved up. There is an event that forces the issue and pushes them together in an intense way that also brings out Chase’s protective side -so that could be forgiven and it by no means stopped my enjoyment of the book. Then it became all about catching the killer in a ‘need it done yesterday’ kind of way and I liked the plotting and planning that came about but their enemy is just as cunning. There are a lot of things that I liked about this that I can’t speak about because it ties into the why and who of the story but I enjoyed it all and thought it tied the real world drama perfectly with the sci fi drama. We also meet some of Chase’s comrades aboard the ship and see a little of how things are run with Chase being the commander, one of his friends in particular shines out – Tracker – and by the end of this book I think his book is set up. We also see just how important the bond is that Chase and Elisa share which I enjoyed and look forward to seeing it develop more because so far, it is rare to find. For a short book though, this had just the right amount of action & romance with good pacing to keep me entertained and I would definitely read a sequel.
While chasing a lead on a serial killer case, fate throws Elisa Jones into Commander Chase Ricter’s path as he chases the killer as well and they are thrust into an adventure that will test their very beings in this exciting sci-fi romance.
Elisa knows that she probably won’t be taken seriously as she approaches the police about the lead she has discovered on the serial killer but she has to try and the reader can’t help but get caught up in the story as that lead not only puts her on a collision course with Commander Chase Ricter but also makes her as target for the serial killer. The characters are strong compelling and grab the reader’s attention from the very beginning and the fast paced plot keeps readers on the edge of their seat. Elisa and Chase’s attraction is instantly hot enough to scorch the galaxy but first Chase will have to explain a few things…like the fact that he’s not from Earth and they do things a little differently.
The serial killer has set his sights on Elisa and little does she know that there is more to his reasoning than just the fact that she was getting a little too close to the truth. Spine tingling excitement builds throughout the story as Elisa and Chase grow closer to finding the killer and readers should be prepared for a really violent scene. The well orchestrated suspense and excitement draw the readers in and ensure that they want to know every last detail.
The author has created a fascinating world with some intriguing and different elements that make for an interesting change and while there were a couple of instances where the plot seemed a little bumpy, they were minor and I was completely engrossed in the story from the beginning. I can’t wait to see where this promising new series takes readers next.
This was a REALLY disappointing read for me! It started out and I was excited over the idea of tying in the Zodiac Killer with an insane alien, and it almost worked.
Alas it was not to be. There are so many inconsistency's with this book, or maybe it's just so many things that are left unexplained. The story takes place during the time of the Zodiac Killer, but when exactly? I never really got a month or a year...? Ton's of things were left unexplained with the alien's so we'll just skip that altogether. The there were the multitude of times that the author restates the same information, I had to keep going back to make sure that I had actually moved on from when I first read it. Another example is when Elisa walks into a room with the detective and the two aliens she acknowledges them and then moments later stats that she hadn't realized that the detective was in the room...? Say what!??
So sadly a complete dud for me, I will NOT be continuing on with this series!
I did not expect what I read. I'm still in awe at the hold book. When u start reading this u think it a mystery but u soon realize it's so much more. This is full of twist and turns that u don't see coming. Chase and Elisa are two different type of beings. Brought together my murder and family. This is a must read. Looking forward too the next book in this series. I personally want Trackers story. I fell in love with him. Love all things about this book. A MUST READ.
Chasing Constellations takes place in the late 1960s and introduces us to Elisa Jones who has just graduated from college and strikes out on her own to California hoping to continue to follow the serial killer case she has researched over recent years for her thesis. Hoping to gain some closure from the unsolved murder of her parents and justice for the victims of the case she has followed, after establishing residence in California she approaches the local police to share the information she has uncovered where she is all but tackled by Chase who is an alien commander for the USG and the journey begins.
This was an intriguing tale that poses an alternate fictionalized story based on a historically famous serial killer case. The premise of the story is fun and the romance between Elisa and Chase steamy with some seriously interesting smexy going on. I would have liked to see more world building regarding what exactly the USG is other than being alien enforcers out to capture a presumed criminal. I also had some difficulties with the beginning of the story where Elisa repeatedly spouts the phrase "if I were a man." While this was likely for the time frame in which the story takes place, she seemed to repeatedly bristle at the slightest provocation and spout this line.
There were also some editing issues of note and while I am a frequent reader of ARCs and tend to overlook most minor flaws, there were multiple occasions where it was pretty obvious that the spellchecker chose an alternate word from what was intended and this was overlooked. So perhaps another round at the editing table would not be amiss.
Overall Chasing Constellations is a unique and entertaining tale that has a satisfying conclusion, I am curious to see where the future installments will lead, and definitely look forward to reading more from this world. I received this book with a request for my honest review without any compensation whatsoever, other than the joy of reading a new book. Rating 3.5 stars :)
Pros: The story is very unique. The idea of a woman investigating a serial killer because of her own dark past is intriguing in and of itself. However add into that the aspect of that killer making her the focus of an intergalactic commander, just has so much potential.
However I felt that the characters could have been more well developed. Elisa especially. Knowing that little bit of her past I would have liked to see more of how that affects her now. I truly did like her as a heroine but felt there should have been more detail put into that aspect of the story to help me empathize with her a little better. I think I would have bought into the story more if she was just a little more skeptical of what was going on around her.
The descriptions of the characters that do not belong to earth were very good. I could imagine how they looked but again felt I could use a little more insight into their personalities. Especially with Chase as the hero.
Cons: The timeline of the book is sort of iffy. I wasn't able to exactly place what year it was from reading it. There were also editing problems that led to inconsistent placing of characters within a scene from chapter to chapter. There were other grammatical errors which detracted from an easy reading of the story, but I didn't detract any stars because of that. I'm sure an additional editing will take care of those.
All in all I love the idea behind the basic story and the settings were easy for me to picture in my mind's eye, but I feel that a little more character development and consistency would have helped it along tremendously.
This was a Sci-Fi, romanticish book that was written as a multi pov. Based on the 1970's from what I gathered but with "aliens" that traveled to the future of earth and got some cool tech and brought it back to the past "the GPS Unit" which I gather will be used in the next book by Tracker.
Anyway, as for the story. The story concept itself was good. It did however, leave me with a few "huh??" moments. I found myself going back and re reading parts to make sure I understood correctly what was going on. I liked the characters and the way they were portrayed. (but the guy on the cover looks nothing like what was described in the book) The details were done nicely.
I did find that this book needed more editing. I found wrong names used in places, grammer and wrong word usage along the way, etc. The beta reader/content editor in me cringed on occassion. This too caused the book to slow down a bit, but once I got past it, I was able to get back into the flow of the story.
This book had Sci-Fi, suspense, not really romance because it was more like paranormal when you find your mate for life so no real "wooing" per se, but did have some sweet lovey scenes.
All in all, I enjoyed it.
Would I recommend this book? Yes.
Would I read more from this author Yes, I look forward to Tracker and Sandy's story which I assume is next. I'll be disappointed if it's not.
Chasing Constellations is a book that is set in California but has plenty of backstory set in Michigan, and since I firmly believe there aren’t enough books that talk about the Great Lakes State, I decided to read it. There were many aspects of this story I enjoyed. The characters are diverse and well developed, the setting is detailed, and there’s a compelling mystery. About halfway through the story, it takes a sci-fi turn which, is a little surprising, but the author handles it so well, that after a few pages, I was once again lost in the story.
What I really liked about the story is that this book, which is going to be part of a series, actually has an ending, instead of the sudden stop in a cliffhanger that so many authors seem to use today with the hopes that it will help them sell more books.
My only problem with Chasing Constellations is that the author has a slightly dramatic writing style that I sometimes struggled to accept, though I’m willing to be that many readers won’t even notice it. I also wish the author would have spent a little more time focusing on the murder story line which she used more as a plot point to bring all the characters together rather than a key element of the story. All things considered, I enjoyed Chasing Constellations enough that I’m sure I’ll pick up the second book in the series when it’s released.
• Chase an alien from another planet is after a serial killer on earth who he suspects may be his twin brother. Elsa a recent college graduate and aspiring journalist, has been following the case in California of the serial killer. Now that she is done with school she decides she will take time to go see the lead detective as she feels she may have some information they may not know about. While waiting to see the police she is tackled and almost assaulted at the police station. After meeting with the police and convincing them that she has worthwhile information she is attacked at home. Left to die by the serial killer she is rescued by Chase. The adventure further begins as they work together to save each other and set a trap to catch the killer.
• This is the first book in a new series. There was action, intrigue and love. I really enjoyed the book and can’t wait for the second in the series. I loved how the author details the unstoppable love and connection that exists between Chase and Elsa. It brings back memories having the story play out in the 70’s when a headstrong woman has to fight to be recognized as an equal. The acceptance comes from an Alien man who believes in Elsa 100%. I totally recommend this sexy thriller
Chasing Constellations is a great novel that does not fall into any one category/genre. There are so many great elements to this book: Take a pinch of mystery & suspense, mix with a cup of crime solving, add a dash of sci-fi, a sprinkling of romance, a dollop of humor and you have the recipe for Heather’s great debut novel! This is not the type of novel I would have normally read, but I am soooo glad I did! I was entertained from start to finish! And the best part was – I couldn’t correctly guess what was going to happen next! I love a book that keeps me guessing and is not your “typical” story or ending. It starts off with Elisa following a string of murders that have been going on for some time and even though she is not in law enforcement she is determined to crack the case. Along the way she meets Chase and … well I am not going to say anymore! I don’t want to spoil the book! I am very excited for more books in this series (it does say “The UGS Constellation Series Book ONE”. Don’t just take my “word” for it, one-click away and get this book today!!!
**I received a copy of this book for free for an honest review** Elisa Jones only wants to catch a killer. However, being a woman reporter who just graduated in a time when women don't do "mans" work. She finally gets the cops to listen only to be attacked. Enter Chase Ricter hot, demanding and protective, commander of the USG. Not only is Chase from another planet, Elisa funds out the killer is Chase's twin brother and her best friend had been kidnapped by maybe a second killer. Elisa wants to use herself as bait, Chase is scared of losing her because they are soul mates. Catching killers is hard work and so is trusting someone else to protect you. Can they catch the killers and be together or will they both end up hurt or worse? Chasing Constellations started a little confusing but I after getting used to H.A. Fortman's writing style reading went a lot smoother. For a debut novel I believe this is well written and worth the read. She puts a new twist on the Zodiac Killer that happened in the 60s and 70s. I look forward to reading Tracking the Hunter.
**I received a copy of this book for free for an honest review** Elisa Jones only wants to catch a killer. However, being a woman reporter who just graduated in a time when women don't do "mans" work. She finally gets the cops to listen only to be attacked. Enter Chase Ricter hot, demanding and protective, commander of the USG. Not only is Chase from another planet, Elisa funds out the killer is Chase's twin brother and her best friend had been kidnapped by maybe a second killer. Elisa wants to use herself as bait, Chase is scared of losing her because they are soul mates. Catching killers is hard work and so is trusting someone else to protect you. Can they catch the killers and be together or will they both end up hurt or worse? Chasing Constellations started a little confusing but I after getting used to H.A. Fortman's writing style reading went a lot smoother. For a debut novel I believe this is well written and worth the read. She puts a new twist on the Zodiac Killer that happened in the 60s and 70s. I look forward to reading Tracking the Hunter.
Overall a pretty good book. The first few chapters were leaving me with low hopes, but it picked up very well and quickly just after that, so just stick with it. The story was actually really good if a bit slow to start. I would have given this a solid 5 star if:
It did not have so many instances of gonna use 10 words when 5 would cover it
A character is introduced as a nickname and is then the Name. (Personal pet peeve)
Also we had some tense issues in the beginning. If you have a set time frame stay in that time. You can't be in 'said time frame' and reference it in a history sort of phrasing.
The author told me! Please tell me without telling me! Paint me that picture! This author is clearly talented enough to do it because you have excellent instances of it in some parts of the book.
So, even though I gave it a low rating, I would reccomend it and will probably reread it at a later date.
Chasing Constellations Wasn't what I expected as this book to me started off confusing to me; I felt as if I started in the middle than beginning, I'm not an writer the orders of how events took place has me so unsure what was truly going on But once I gotten pass that I was able understand it a little more why,what and where. I appreciate the was storyline was taken place . Elisa Jones and Chase Ricter didn't meet normal way , but meet under unusual circumstances they has fine on catching Zodiac killer. through the process catching the Zodiac killer Chase has to whatever was to by keeping his mate safe. I am looking forward the next part of this series so more pics to fall in place. Ms. Fortman did do and fantastic job of writing a book about her characterseach person has a part to play in his story, I won't say this one my must favorite storylines but i'll strict say read it and come up with your on opinion but I will rate it bye giving out four stars.
" A must read Si-Fi/Thriller Romance!" Oh yes take me to the star's :)-Just read the ARC This book is super super awesome!. It is so hard to believe this is HA Fortman's first book!. It is fantastic. The story line is intriguing.This book has suspense,action,romance and laughter.The characters are amazing!. Elisa is a spunky gal due to her past sets out to help the police find a serial killer called the Zodiac only to find love from the stars "sigh". Chase and his crew have come to earth to capture a interspace criminal that Chase finds the earth people call the Zodiac but he finds more then he bargained for, he finds his soul mate Elisa. Only one problem the criminal has set his sites on Elisa. Can Chase protect his soul mate and capture the Zodiac? You will just have to read to find out :). I do hope to see more books in the future by HA Fortman because this gal can write!.
Elisa Jones, throws herself into the path of Commander Chase Ricter’s whilst following a lead on a cold case of a serial killer.
Elisa approaches the police about the lead she has discovered on the serial killer but they won;t take her seriously!!! She then becomes a target for said serial killer. Chase will have to explain a few things though…like the fact that he’s not Human and they do things a wee bit differently where he's from!!!!
This is a fascinating world. The characters are strong, compelling and grab your attention. The plot is fast paced and keeps you on the edge of their seat. Elisa and Chase’s attraction is instantly but it's hot enough to melt a planets icy core!!! I can’t wait to see where this promising new series takes readers next.
What an interesting storyline. I have never read a book were the serial killer was from another planet and thought this was a great concept. As others have said, this was not really a love story as our main characters Chase and Elise were fated mates and they did not meet under pleasant circumstances. I enjoyed the banter between Chase and his crew and even liked the lead detective in this tale. I thought this was a well thought out storyline but I think it could have been tweaked a little more to add some more depth and clarity. Even though there were several errors, I did not find it took away from the actual story but it did slow you down while you sorted it out. It was still a fast read with some humor and I found it very entertaining. I look forward to book 2 to see where the author is going and would give it a 3.5 star rating.
At first, I was like.....did they put the wrong book with the cover? (It has happened before.) Then I kept reading and I totally got it.
I really enjoyed the way the author took a real life event, and took literary license with it to make it fit to the book. The way she took different parts of the Zodiac Killer investigation and events surrounding it, was ingenious.
I really felt that Elisa was a lot stronger than she realized. She took a school assignment and made it into a mission to have the families of the people who were killed have closure she would never have.
I loved the story of how Chase got his name. Makes total sense. This is a space/fantasy/paranormal book. Quite interesting and I recommend you give it a try.
I liked this book. I usually don't read about aliens because it is not my genre but I liked it.
The author has this amazing story behind the aliens that is sometimes very confusing. I personaly think the author dedicated more time to the story in the beginning then she did to the romance in the story.
I know it is a story but nobody would just go with the man they barely know. Sorry but my opinion that didn't affect the rating at all. The four stars is basically because I was so confused between the worlds and words that the author made for the aluens. It's my bad but the story is really, really good. And I suggest whoever likes aliens and suspense and romance all together should try this book out.
This book takes place in the 70's with the Zodiac killer. Elsa a aspiring journalist who has recent graduate from college. For her paper for school she has been following the case in California of the serial killer and know that she must go to California to show the police what she has. While she is waiting to see the detective in charge of the case, she is knock down by Chase. Who is alien from another world and a Commander. The killer they are looking for happens to be his twin brother. Chase realize that Elsa is his Anare and he must protect her.
For a start of a new series this book is off to a great start, hopefully the next book is about Tracker
OVERALL IMPRESSION OF THE BOOK: A great book to a start to a new series
MY RATING: 5 Hearts *****
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
*A Copy of this Book Was Given To Me By The Author In Exchange For An Honest Review*
This is a five star story, the author has five star ability. What is lacking is a good editor to correct everything from punctuation mistakes to continuity ones. There are more mistakes in the first quarter of the book than in the rest, so maybe it is just a case of lack of experience. I am full of admiration for the story: it’s an original idea and I look forward to reading the next instalment in the saga. For the record it ends in a minor cliff-hanger.
Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng ***
This was a great book. It starts as a murder mystery. A young woman fresh out of college heads to California to consult with police about a serial killer she studied in college. She believes she has found information as yet unknown to the police. This subject alone had my interest. But then the author brings a sci-fi element into the storyline. The killer is not human. And other non-humans are also looking for him. Lots of surprises in this book, and an otherworldly romance as well. I will definitely be reading the next book in this series. I hope it is to be a series because I definitely liked the characters and want more stories with them.
Elisa has uproots herself and moves across the country to California to pursue her leads on the zodiac serial killer. She has info that the police need to catch this maniac . Even though it won't help solve her families murder mystery, maybe she can stop this one from killing anymore innocent people. She has a feeling Chase Ricter is the killer, he always seems to be at all the crime scenes. What Elisa isn't expecting is that the killer knows she has info on him and he will stop at nothing to make her his next victim. Chase is trying to hunt down the actual killer but can he protect Elisa? Can he keep his Anare safe? Awesome story and now hooked on series.
liked the story very much. it was easy to read and follow. it's not just a no-brainer book, there are a few moments you have to get your head in the game, other moments you could just enjoy the scene. there were a few minor typo's but nothing major to distract from the book, maybe a few inconsistencies that could be corrected but they don't appear in the whole book, again something that could be corrected. maybe there could have been told a bit more about the race but since there are more books following i hope we'll get told more as we read more of this series.
I'm a total Sci-Fi nerd deep down inside so this book sounded perfect for me. That is my true genre, lol :)
This book has it all mystery with just enough sci-fi for me to love even more.
I have to say this is a great debut novel and I'm quite impressed with it. Smooth read with a few edit problems but nothing someone can't overlook. It doesn't distract at all from the storyline. You just want to get to the finish. This book will keep you guessing along the way the whole time.
I love stories that are not predictable. Can't wait to see what's next in the series!
Wow I really liked this book it is a great action as you meet a fresh out of college Elisa Jones who has stumbled on a murder mystery and has a fresh outlook on to give the cops She then meets up with a alien who is trying to pass a human to catch the person who has done all the killings .He is commander Turock Gav'rin and he go by the name of Chase Ricter and he has a secret that he has to keep from the humans wow can't wait to get my hands on the next book... this is a must read if you like sifi and with a who done it this is a page turner ....
At the beginning of the book, the story was a little bit confusing and plus the changing of the views was kind of hard to understand from jumping from one character into another, but after awhile of reading the story, it all made sense and that it eventually click in place. I love the story line, and the romance that took place between characters was great. The characters felt real and alive. I really enjoy reading the book, and the story line that I really want to know what happen to Elisa's friend Sandy.
I really liked the premise of this book. I am one of those people that are fascinated by serial killers, so knowing this book was a different take on the Zodiac killings was really a bonus. There were some editing issues, but they didn't really take away from the story. I enjoyed reading about the different characters and thought they were well developed. Overall it was a great first book! Keep up the good work Ms. Fortman, can't wait for the next one!
WOW! Great first book! Mystery with Sci-Fi with Romance, what a combination!!!! Starts with the mystery that continues through the book and wow long haired men in body fitting suits. And don't forget the detective in the rumpled suite (can't have a mystery without one of those) who acts like a father figure. I can't wait for the next book in the series. Great job and hats off to the author!!! I was given this book as a gift.
I don't normally read this type of book, but stumbled across it and am so glad I did. This is a great story that begins as a normal murder mystery. The mystery hooks you, then the sci-fi almost seems normal. The author has written an exceptional book that should appeal both to fans of sci fi and mysteries. I gave it 4 stars for editing/grammatical errors (only because they were distracting). I am looking forward to the next book in the series and believe that this is an author to watch.