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Chaotic Orbits #1-3

Chaotic Orbits

Now collected into a beautiful omnibus edition, this romantic sci-fi trilogy from New York Times bestselling author Beth Revis is perfect for fans of Martha Wells

When Ada, a charming grifter, crosses paths with Rian, a no-nonsense government agent, the ensuing chaos will lead them across the stars—and into each other’s arms

Ada Lamarr has a very good reason for being the first at the wreckage of an intergalactic ship. If Rian White, leader of the government ship sent to examine the remains, can't tell truth from lie when it comes to her excuses, well, that's his problem. And Ada has absolutely no issue whatsoever being his problem—in fact, when Rian's in the picture, she's determined to do the wrong thing. Whether looting an "off limits" shipwreck, stealing something from a high-security museum at an intergalactic gala, or pulling off the heist of the millennia at a trillionaire's home base, Ada always has a plan.

Even when Rian corners her.

In this collection of all three of the original Chaotic Orbits novellas, readers can follow Ada's elaborate cat-and-mouse schemes and the will-they-won't-they temptation of a romance with Rian. Featuring a new, exclusive short story told from Rian's point of view, fans will love this epic spacemance from the reigning queen of romantic science fiction!

463 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 4, 2026

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About the author

Beth Revis

61 books6,845 followers
Beth Revis writes books. She also eats too much chocolate, wishes she could travel more, and prefers puppies to people. Beth lives in rural NC with her boys: one husband, one son, two very large puppies.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
Profile Image for Val.
394 reviews27 followers
June 30, 2026
[ARC]

Thanks to DAW and NetGalley for this advance reader copy of Chaotic Orbits by Beth Revis, to be published on August 4th, 2026.

I enjoyed the story. It was an entertaining sci-fi book. The cover is really cute as well. I even added another of her books to my TBR list!
Profile Image for Kate Victoria RescueandReading.
2,209 reviews132 followers
August 11, 2026
I had fun with this ro-sci-fi (yup, that’s what I’m going with) collection of novellas.

Ada was quirky and smart, secretive and daring. At times she toed the line for me between endearing and annoying (always with the quips and comments). Rian was ok, but also seemed insta obsessed with the FMC 😑.

I wish there was more depth and exploration into the history and worlds/peoples of this futuristic setting. Since it’s 3 shorter stories combined, I get that time/space was limited while conveying the essential plot points. Oh well.

Definitely not a book I would’ve picked up on my own, without seeing it pop up on NetGalley, but glad I did. Also I’m obsessed with the cover art (space pastels will get me every time🤤).

Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and DAW for a copy!
Profile Image for Dozelina 666.
442 reviews18 followers
August 4, 2026
As someone who absolutely loves science fiction, I had an amazing time with this collection!

Having all three novellas gathered into a single volume made the reading experience even better. Instead of waiting between installments, I could simply continue Ada and Rian's adventures without interruption and I honestly ended up reading the entire collection much faster than I expected.

Not gonna lie, but I do spend A LOT of time playing Star Citizen, so I couldn't help smiling and laughing so loud throughout the first novella. The salvage operations, ship equipment, dangerous retrieval missions and the feeling of living and working aboard spacecraft reminded me so much of why I love the game in the first place. It almost felt like I was stepping into one of my own adventures in space.

And OMG, Ada? She quickly became one of my favorite protagonists. She's clever, chaotic, incredibly funny, and somehow always seems to be one step ahead of everyone else. I especially loved that she's such a foodie, it added another layer to her personality that made her even more enjoyable.

Rian was the perfect counterpart to Ada's chaos. There were so many moments where he genuinely seemed to have no idea what to do with her and watching him try to keep up made me laugh more than once. Their banter and chemistry were fantastic, and every interaction between them was entertaining.

One thing I especially appreciated was the way space travel was handled. Traveling between planets actually took time, making the world feel much more believable. The first novella also reminded me of some of my favorite space exploration games with its salvage operations, ship equipment, dangerous retrieval missions, and life aboard spacecraft. As someone who loves that kind of science fiction, I couldn't have asked for more.

The second novella slowed the pace a little compared to the first, but I still really enjoyed it. By the time I reached the third story, the humor, action and chemistry were back in full force, making for a fantastic ending to the collection.

Overall, Chaotic Orbits was an absolute joy to read. It combined humor, romance, science fiction, and memorable characters into one incredibly entertaining adventure, and I found myself recommending it to friends before I had even finished reading.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thank you to NetGalley and DAW for the opportunity to read and review this collection. All opinions are my own.

https://turnthepagewithana.blogspot.c...
Profile Image for charlene ✿.
603 reviews147 followers
September 6, 2026
4.75
★★★★★

Thank you DAW for the arc in exchange for an honest review 🫶🏾


A funny, explosive read that makes fun of Elon Musk, and touches on environmentalism, classism, equality, and the lengths we should go through to protect others, our agency and our planet.

It follows Ada, a con-woman interrupting a secret government retrieval led by Rian. This is an enemies to lovers that spans the stars, and involves heists, witty banter and a two people playing fast and loose with the truth.

My favourite story is the first - Full Speed to a Crash Landing - but the entire series is a joy to read.

I highly recommend this novella series and I want 10 more novellas STAT!! I will be rereading this again and again don’t you worry.

This is an omnibus of the 3 novellas of one of my favourite scifi series. My individual reviews of each story:
#1    Full Speed to a Crash Landing - ★★★★★
#2    How to Steal a Galaxy - ★★★★
#3    Last Chance to Save the World - ★★★★


Blog ✿ Goodreads ✿ TikTok ✿ Twitter ✿ Instagram ✿ Pinterest ✿ StoryGraph ✿ Fable ✿ Pagebound

Profile Image for Andra-Mihaela.
548 reviews4 followers
Did Not Finish
August 28, 2026
Today is #review day!

Unfortunately, Chaotic Orbits by Beth Revis is a #dnf for me.

First of all, I want to thank NetGalley and DAW Books for the opportunity to read this eARC! Here's my voluntary honest review!

General info: an adult romantic scifi trilogy full of tension, a will-they-won't-they relationship and the consequences of pollution, capitalism and human self-centeredness;

CW: death, light gore, classism, exploitation (these might be incomplete due to me not finishing the story!)

BOOK THOUGHTS

Sooo…this wasn't for me.🥲
I managed to get to 36% of the #book ( I #read the first novella and a few pages from the 2nd one) and realised that I was wasting time.🫣 There wasn't any chances for me to like this more; and the time I already gave this collection 😅…way too much.🫠
We follow Ada - a scavenger of intergalactic wrackages - as she's barely rescued by a governmental ship from certain death. From there we see how she's interacting with the crew and why exactly everyone was doing there.

The principal reason why I decided to dnf this collection was because I really cannot stand this type of protagonist .🥲�.
What I mean by that? MC is extremely quirky ( not in the good way). She inserts herself in every situation, talks back while making strange and unnecessary jokes like she isn't at the mercy of these people; it's like she's constantly on a stage and I really hate that.🥲
Ada initially feels ok, a person who has a coping mechanism to deal with stress AND strangers; but it turned out to be just a personality trait…and not one I enjoy 😔. She wants to feel every moment with talk, with innuendos to certain people and with THAT attitude 👀…you know what I'm talking about 😅..the 'I'm special, see??👀', the 'look how innocent, but clever, and funny I am!' 🫠
I also hate the constant 'banter' she had with Rian🫣…she immediately found him super attractive and doesn't let us forget it, but we also need to know how dangerous he is to her. 🥲 ( take this with a grain of salt, because I REALLY DON'T like insta-attraction /love)

Besides these very subjective reasons, I also have some problems with the narrative itself.
The author tried using the character conversations with Ada to make us believe our protagonist understands everyone from the get-go. 😅
Sorry, but I don't think it works.🤷‍♀️ Sure, Rian listens and rarely talks, trying to keep as much to himself as possible, but that doesn't mean he's hyper aware of everything, think 10 steps ahead and has some undisclosed masters from MIT 🥲.
Same with the others…just because you have a friendly person, that doesn't mean you can discern that they value their 'home', are naïve and other kinds of farfetched things.🫠
This is very much a' telling instead of showing' kind of story.

The secondary characters could have been completely different in personality and roles and nothing would be different ( in my opinion 😅)…so, unfortunately, this category isn't very well done.🥲

On the other hand, the world building kept me going👀. I appreciate the details regarding the proto-planet, the info about life on a spaceship, different technologies and how everything came to be this way. (it was also pretty well integrated between conversations) The part about humanity as a species in this far future, and the environmental struggle were especially nice!🤌
I also liked that you could feel a underlining tension throughout the book when it comes to the plot. Everyone is suspicious of Ada, and she of them. I didn't like the approach taken by the author in regards to the scope of this novella, given it can very well be interpreted as coming out of left field, but some of you might 🤔.
I can confirm that the action is well done, and some things you won't realise were important until later.
Personally, I felt a little cheated, but I can see readers that would be pleasantly surprised.

The pacing was strange 🧐…it felt slower than it should 🤷‍♀️. Maybe that's because I put down this title so many times that it gave me the impression of a slower book than it is, but, in theory, this is fast paced. Chaotic Orbits is also well written. You won't find flowery prose and other such things, but it also stays clear of the clinical style so many hate. 😁

Lastly, themes…this is focused on human impact on nature, classism and the effects of capitalism. I appreciate that our perspective is a little more pessimistic than the average in such books, and that our protagonist is quite a cynical one. So, I'd suggest you pick this up if you want a book talking about these subjects while also having a fiery romantic dynamic.

Overall, this wasn't for me, but I can see many people really enjoying this trilogy! If you like scifi, heavier themes regarding our future as a species and insta-attraction in the main couple…this one is for you!👀🤭
Profile Image for Julia.
350 reviews6 followers
July 3, 2026
This is a collection of three space adventure novellas and I had such a great time reading this. I love the banter and I found myself racing through them. My favorite story was the first one! I liked how the plot got deeper with every novella and I’m so excited to see how (if??) it will continue. I definitely recommend picking this up if you’re in the mood for a fun and fast paced time

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an early copy in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for Angela.
3,222 reviews396 followers
August 25, 2026
Combining 3 novellas and a quick additional POV scene at the end, this anthology gives us all of Ada’s adventures (so far??). I can only hope there’s more to come. I could watch Rian swear himself into following her and trying to keep up with her shenanigans for eternity.

Ada’s a smart main character whose mouth gets her into as much trouble as it gets her out of - often purposefully and for the right price, she says. But she might just have a higher goal too. She's constantly thinking 39 steps ahead and only ever showing two at any given time and I love it.

Rian is the do-right government worker. He believes in the system. Doesn’t he? Or is he starting to realize that the system is rigged to fail those that it’s supposed to be protecting?

I’ll be first in line to buy more of Ada’s follow-up adventures if they come.
Profile Image for Sam.
848 reviews349 followers
August 15, 2026

My Selling Pitch:
An enemies to lovers heist in space that’s also a thinly veiled FUCK ELON MUSK. So fun! Get the audiobook.

Pre-reading:
The cover is gorgeous. I love the color scheme.

(obviously potential spoilers from here on)
Thick of it:
This immediately reminds me of Voidwalker.

I am disgustingly sat.

I’m giddy. I love this. I love a brat.

I. Love. Her. She reminds me of Morgan.

I feel like she knew they would be there and she’s there on purpose to rob them, but I don’t know for why because I don’t know this world yet, but I’m so excited to find out. This might be five stars

I have a sneaking suspicion her ship is designed to fly broken and she’s playing possum.

Irwin like Steve?

This audiobook narrator’s performance is making the book.

I want her to bully him just a little.

I feel like she took the recorder box because she caused the crash. (Basically.)

Reading is political and climate change is everyone’s problem.

This is so good???? Flirty and a little musey and romantic and a smidge political.

Okay, call me by your name.

Reading is political 👏👏👏

Oof, reading that quote facing down my abrupt diagnosis of surgery or die is-

Opposite politics works when they’re both opposites on the same side. Games did it. This did it. Same morals, different approaches.

I’m sad that she’s about to screw him over, but I’m so excited for him to then get revenge on her next book. I love enemies to lovers!

I love a heist. I saw it coming, but like I don’t care. It’s what I wanted to happen.

I love that she can be like I never lied to you. I told you I wasn’t a damsel in distress.

Oh, that’s fun. If you translate the binary, it says “this data has been compromised” over and over again.

Technically a mixed media book

That was so fun! An easy 4/5. I dig the romance. I like the heist plot. I think the major plot is easy enough to guess, but all the little intricacies reveal keeps it satisfying even if you do catch it. There’s not a lot of in depth world-building since this is a short story, but it's more than functional. If you've seen Star Trek or Doctor Who, you'll know what's up. I don’t know, man, there’s not much I would change about it. It’s almost 5 stars. I don't think I've bonded with the characters enough yet to get that 5 star feeling. Everything had to go very fast because we had such a short page count, but like I care about them. I loved all the banter. I’m so sat for the romance. I’m so glad this is a bind-up because I would be foaming at the mouth for the sequel.

Oh my god, the acknowledgments are funny. Oh interesting! This takes place in a larger universe. I had never heard of this author before but I can’t say I read a ton of sci-fi, and I definitely picked this up because the blurb said enemies to lovers in space. (Also, I’m lying to you. Apparently, I’ve read books by her before, but it never registered that she was an author I liked. I read a Tyranny of Petticoats ages ago before I started writing real reviews, but I remember liking her story, Pearls. I've also read The Crimson Throne, but I only really picked up on Sara Raasch’s voice in that. Apparently, her most well-known series is a murder mystery in space (which like DOWN) but it does just sound like that one episode of Doctor Who with Kylie Minogue. It’s also YA, and at almost 30, I dunno how much more YA I have in me. But maybe if I love the rest of this, I'll go back and read it.)

Multiple books this year have referenced this wild geese poem, and I just don’t care for it.

It’s very Riversong.

Like Anna Wintour? So like this is the Met Gala? That’s so fun.

Yeah, they would eat them, the freaks.
I didn’t know they made paint! Cool to know, but holy fuck, white people!

She’s a feral raccoon, and I love her.

Try the grey stuff, it’s delicious!

Is she gonna kidnap him because I would love that.

So if her lipstick doesn’t need to be touched up, why did she bring her lip gloss? What is the lip gloss some sort of paralytic? (I STAY ON)

Everyone, say hi Elon!

Who is Eva Charming because she asked the influencer if that was her dress brand?

I love that trope. It’s not quite jealousy, but it is. Someone else is inappropriately flirting, and the MMC just shuts it down immediately. Like I love it!

Ahah! That’s what the name is for.

So they killed Cassandra first🎶

Did she put the earring on the phone? But why would she need to phone tap? Because it’s the only secure communication so they’re actually using it?

This writing reminds me a lot of Ally Carter’s, and I like it a lot.

We love a big fuck you, Elon Musk.

What’s up with the murder lipstick? She must be drugging him, no? And she can’t eat the chocolate because she has the gloss on? (Clocked immediately.)

She’s stealing you, bro!

A little Killing Eve, a little Hops and Wilde, a little Doctor Who. I. Love. To. See. It.

Another 4/5 banger. I love banter. I love heists. I love a manic girlie and her exasperated not!boyfriend who’s just along for the ride!

My cabbages!

‘You’ll never like the way I break the laws you make’ is kinda giving Arin and Sylvia from Jasad, but Arin would eat Rian alive.

More heroines on their periods and girlbossing anyway, thanks. (Also soooo typical the future makes pain stickers but no period solutions.)

Why would the AI bots use visual and not thermal imaging to spot people? Wouldn’t that be more efficient and better?

They’re communicating by pigeon? Lol.

This one’s a little weaker than the other two. I don’t love her mom's storyline. It’s a little cheesy afterschool specialy.

Are you kidding me? That’s it? I need six more books.

MA’AM. Next book when. Next book when??? I love them.

Post-reading:
So like more of this immediately. You got that, Revis? I'm gonna need at LEAST six more books of these crazy kids.

Heist books are so fun! I love when they're fairplay and easy enough for you to guess the gist, but still twisty and clever enough to keep little details until the big reveal. It's incredibly satisfying to read.

The banter in this book is so good. It’s borderline camp. The humor really works. The gag surrounding Ada’s food obsession is entertaining but overused. I shamelessly wish the romance went further, but I think there’s an appropriate amount and escalation for a first installment. But you know, gimme the filthy, smutty follow up to it yesterday. It's an easy series set up with a lot of room to grow. There's a Doctor Who episodic quality about it, and the characters will feel familiar to fans of that franchise, but they're still different enough to stand on their own.

It's a surprisingly political book. It is not subtle about its fuck Elon Musk messaging. And as a New Englander, if I see one more cybertruck I swear to god, I'm gonna floor it.

This is a bind-up of three short stories, and the last one, while still a good time, is definitely the weakest of the bunch. I don't love the idea that the rebellion is simply the family biz. The tone got a little ra ra earth day, and it has a cheesy after-school special resolution when the rest of the series has been a bit smarter. I do love the setup for the fourth book, but I'm disappointed that it's such a cut off tease!

I will very happily be picking up anything else she puts out in this series. I kinda demand more. If you like banter-filled romps, give this series a try. There's something so feel-good about it, I think you'll finish it smiling even if you wish the plotting was a bit more complex. It has that Disney feel where characters are older and there's adult jokes, but the writing is so digestible that it's appropriate for and almost feels meant for a YA audience. I don't know what else to say. I really enjoyed this, and you should pick it up. Get the audiobook. The narrators’ snarky performances absolutely make the book.

Who should read this:
Doctor Who fans
Treasure Planet fans
Ali Hazelwood fans
Ally Carter fans

Ideal reading time:
Anytime

Do I want to reread this:
I think I'll just remember it but I would like more books

Would I buy this:
Yes!

Similar books:
* Voidwalker by S. A. MacLean-dystopian, urban fantasy, monster romance, heist, family drama, enemies to lovers, queer
* Ignore All Previous Instructions by Ada Hoffman-dystopian, sci-fi, heist, romance, queer, autism, trans, social commentary
* The Blonde Who Came in from the Cold by Ally Carter-spy thriller romance, enemies to lovers

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for BookishKB.
1,576 reviews426 followers
Read
July 5, 2026
🚀💫 Chaotic Orbits 💫🚀

📖 Bookish Thoughts

One of my favorite series of all time! Excited for this reread!

✨ What to Expect
• Space Opera Romance
• Cat and Mouse
• Grifter FMC
• Government Agent MMC
• Galactic Heists
• Opposites Attract
_ _ _

📅 Pub Date: August 4, 2026
Thank you to DAW and NetGalley for the advanced copy.
Profile Image for Raelene.
1,062 reviews32 followers
July 6, 2026
Let me start by saying that I read the 3 books in this trilogy as they were first being released, and already knew that I loved them. However, while I was screaming (in a good way) at the way the trilogy ended (those footnotes!!), I felt like the story wasn’t finished and I wanted more. So I loved seeing that this omnibus had an extra short story, to add to the original story.

Full Speed To A Crash Landing is my favourite of the stories. The crew of the Halifax and initial meeting between Ada and Rian is just top tier, and it had a twist I did not see coming. But the continuous banter and teamwork between them throughout the entire book was just so good. Ada is one of my favourite main characters I’ve read about, her humour especially is just so good. I laughed out loud multiple times reading this, and swooned a little bit (seriously, the footnotes).

I do feel like even with the addition of the short story to this omnibus, it doesn’t feel totally finished. But I genuinely love this. This was my 3rd time reading the full series, but I’ve reread Full Speed To A Crash Landing and How To Steal A Galaxy even more, in preparation for when each book was previously releasing. I think it gets even better each time, as I catch even more details. Definitely recommend, and I love that these novellas were combined so people can read one after another easier, because when I first read this I was desperate to continue the series immediately.

Thank you to the publisher & NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an advanced copy of this book! I voluntarily read this book, and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Profile Image for Thiare (caoticalectora).
34 reviews
October 4, 2026
Muchas gracias por la oportunidad de leer las novelas. Voy al punto: las amé. Me encantan los atracos, el romance, la ciencia ficción y personajes que se persiguen a través del tiempo y el espacio.
El sentido del humor de la autora es exquisito, los plot twist bien construidos; mantuvo mi atención en todo momento. Si tuviera la oportunidad, me compraría esta edición omnibus. Amé a Ada!

Thank you so much for the opportunity to read the novels. I’ll get straight to the point: I loved them. I adore heists, romance, science fiction, and characters chasing each other across time and space.
The author’s sense of humor is exquisite, and the plot twists are well-crafted; it held my attention the whole time. If I had the chance, I’d buy this omnibus edition. I loved Ada!
Profile Image for Sally.
374 reviews92 followers
August 9, 2026
5 ⭐️ this is a new favorite scifi romance that I could see myself rereading for sure!! The couple in this book had such good banter and the FMC is so witty and hilarious this could be a romcom! I was giggling, blushing and kicking my feet. 🤭

On the twist of things we are a very important plot to save earth! So we’re put in an intergalactic heist situation with a bit of a rebellion going on. Fighting against the government and rich men in science profiting off human survival. 🛸🌎👩‍🚀🕊️

I need more of Ada!!
Profile Image for Sam.
849 reviews
July 14, 2026
I stumbled across the Chaotic Orbits series on NetGalley. It’s the space adventure that everyone needs to read. I took so long to read it because I was savoring each part of the novellas.

I’m in love with Ada and her rebellious nature. I need to know what happens with her and Rian. My biggest gripe is the giant cliffhanger and the end! Where is the freaking rest?!?
Profile Image for Lit3rarylizard.
264 reviews1 follower
September 16, 2026
SO can I talk to someone about space pirates??? PLEASE


UGH it took me forever to read this one and I'm so mad that I did.

Absolutely loved these little episodic books, and frankly, wish I had more.

Beth you left me basically on a cliffhanger, I need more stories !!!

I love having books with strong, take no sh*t female lead characters, someone who might not always be likable, but has a great head on her shoulders. I also love the little bits of added romance, to keep mostly Rian distracted, which I loved for her. I loved the flow of these stories, and the writing made this incredibly easy to get through.
Profile Image for Bella.
257 reviews
September 20, 2026
**4.5/5
FINALLY a book with a GENUINELY funny lead (bonus points for it being a woman lead), and banter, and ACTUAL opposite-sides forced-team-up don’t-trust-the-other tropes!!!!! I have been looking for you, my dear!
Profile Image for Lata.
5,394 reviews267 followers
August 4, 2026
I read this series as it was released and loved it. To have all three of the novellas in one convenient place, and a new short story, made me so happy. I always felt like there was more story after book 3, and even though author Beth Revis has only given us a short story so far, I anticipate more Ada hijinks in the future based on its ending.

I've included my earlier reviews for the previous novellas below:

Full Speed to A Crash Landing (book 1): 4 stars.

Ada Lamarr sends out a call for help--her oxygen is dangerously low, she's sitting in a ship with a great hole in it, and though she's there to salvage the crashed spaceship, she can't recover anything if help doesn't arrive. Soon.

Then a government salvage crew arrives, and very reluctantly rescues her. They're there for the same ship she is, though she asserts her rights as first on scene. Not at all happy to have her aboard, the captain and the actual leader of the mission, the mysterious Rian White, agree to let her help them recover something on the wreck.

Ada is attracted to Rian, and keeps up a steady stream of flirty and scientific banter with him. She allays their fears about her, and convinces them to take her with them to the wreck. Along the way, we learn that Ada is from the damaged, dying Earth, while he's from a colony. There is an idea of restoring Earth, but we all know that once people leave Earth behind, the urgency to repair and remediate the environment diminishes, despite the appeals of those still on the planet.

This is a fast-moving novella, with Ada as our point of view into the action. She's smart, chaotic (or is she?), and funny. Her non-stop patter reminds me of a magician, who intentionally obscures their intentions through speech, mannerisms and sometimes flash. Ada uses all these, and a love for real food that softens the feelings of the government employees around her, and makes them forget to ask her hard questions.

The story ends on a cliffhanger, and we're left wondering what happens next. Ada and Rian's relationship is currently built on lies and carefully constructed personas, but I anticipate that we'll see them clash in the next instalment, which I'm looking forward to.


How to Steal a Galaxy (book 2): 4 stars.

The clever and sarcastic Ada is back, taking on a job to deal with the release of the clean-up technology on Earth.

The rebel group that employed Ada to steal the revolutionary technology (in book one) to remediate the environmental damage on Earth come back to her, as they need her to do more for them at an auction. They offer her increasingly large sums of money, but it's the knowledge that Rian will be present at the auction for a charity gala at a museum that seals the deal for her.

A glammed up Ada wanders around the museum exhibits on the extremely wealthy planet, hobnobbing with fabulously rich people, while Rian tails her, intent on catching her steal whatever she's there for. And there are a LOT of intriguing and unique objects on display, but despite his certainty that she's after something, she continues to confound his expectations, teasing and bantering with him.

She does get to meet the beyond stupidly wealthy head of the company whose tech is intended to fix Earth, but Ada knows what the utterly self-absorbed man's real intentions are for the technology.

There is so much chemistry between Ada and Rian, who, circle each other throughout this fun, fast-moving and often very funny novella. Even though the two beautiful people at the centre of this story are attracted to one another, there are some serious differences between them: he stands for the rule of law, and does not quite understand how her experiences on Earth have shaped her, her feelings and her chosen profession.

She is a complicated person, who firmly stands in the grey; she may not generally do anything altruistic without getting paid, and she always seems to have plans within plans, and we're never entirely sure whether what she says about herself or her intentions, are true. This proves to be the case when a calamity ensues at the auction, and Ada does something quite contrary to what she would normally do that puts her and her plans at great risk, but it also is something that could be seen as "good".

I liked how author Beth Revis gave us more about the political situation in human settled space, and how no matter how far out we expand into the galaxy, greed and corporate self-interest are still very much at play, with someone always eager to profit off someone else's catastrophe.

The ending was again left open, with a race to Earth, which is where book three will likely pick up.

I thoroughly enjoyed this instalment, which I enjoyed in text and audio; Ada is a hoot, and I love her narration, which is smart and amusing, even while she is skewering the people around her. Her attitude comes through beautifully in the narration of voice actor Dara Rosenberg, who captures the balance between audacious, slightly sad, the knowledge that she's smarter than everyone around her and delighted by it, disgusted, and very occasionally self-deprecating. Voice actor David Bendena as Rian doesn't have as big a presence this time in the audiobook as in book one, but he still treads the line between bemused, frustrated and confused when we switch to Rian's PoV.

I am anxiously awaiting book three, and the wrap-up to this fun series.


Last Chance to Save the World (book 3): 4 stars.

The last book in the "Chaotic Orbits" trilogy has Ada and Rian arriving on Earth to change the programming of the nanobots soon to be released on the planet to remediate the damaged environments.

The pair have to break into a high security facility so Ada can get to the nanobots and change their code, which Fetor, the bajillionaire Ada encountered in book two, replaced with his own, to ensure mega profits for himself when the nanobots required ongoing, continuous patches from him to work properly.

Rian, of course, plans to arrest Ada as soon as she completes her reprogramming of the nanobots, but he's a little off his game, what with the new things he learns about her and her mother.

Ada's irrepressible humour and smarts again make this a fun read, and the tight timeline keeps the suspense up. I liked meeting Ada's mother, and discovering just how smart, driven, and sneaky she is, too.

That Ada is successful mission for her employer and escape leaving Rian again gnashing his teeth goes without saying. I expected no less from the seemingly chaotic Ada Lamarr. She's so much about misdirection, using banter and seemingly innocuous but in plain sight behaviours and statements to allay Rian's security training. I just wonder, beyond the fact that's he's good-looking, why Ada bothers with Rian, as she's clearly so much smarter than him, and so much better at getting things done.

I went back and forth between the prose and the audiobook, and was again hugely entertained by Dara Roseberg's take on Ada. There is so much laughter, intelligence and wryness in Rosenberg's take, which had me falling in love with Ada from the moment she appeared in book one. David Bendena brings a nice stuffiness and stiffness to Rian's dialogue, and makes me believe that though the character is intelligent, he's naïve in many ways, especially when it comes to the differences in experience and intentions between him and Ada.

The story ends, but it's an open ending. This leaves me hoping that we'll see Ada again running circles around the upright Rian, which I'd be there for.

And now for my take on this short.

One More Damn Thing (book 3.5, I think): 4 stars

Picking up some months after the end of book 3, Ryan is working away, and keeping an eye out for Ada, who has not been in communication with him. He discovers that Strom Fetor is running for office, which is really bad news. Ryan knows what the man is really like, and doesn't want him running anything, much less already involved with a new, unpopulated and unspoiled planet which will soon be opened up for tourism.

When Ryan receives word that Ada is in an impregnable prison situated past Pluto, he's on the next ship out there. What he discovers is that Ada is of course at least six steps ahead of him, and that what he's been led to believe about the tourism planet and Fetor Tech's work there is a lie.

I have hope that we get a full novella soon about Ada's next exploit, with Ryan in tow. This short had Revis' humour and snappy dialogue that I've come to expect and love with this series, and please, give me the next story soon!

Thank you to Netgalley and to DAW for this ARC in exchange for my review.
Profile Image for Nancy.
757 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
July 5, 2026
4.5 stars. Such a fun, crafty series. Ada is constantly outsmarting everyone and Rian is obsessed with her brain, even as he is trying to catch her. I appreciate the clever first person narration - I love a narrator you can't trust and are trying to figure out what tricks they are scheming.

The world-building and con artistry in this series is top notch. I wish more authors would be this intentional and crafty in their heist plotting. We learned so much about our characters based on how they interacted with the world's power structures.

This is a romantic story, if not a true Romance.

Thank you to DAW and Netgalley for the arc.
Profile Image for Rallie.
446 reviews7 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
July 14, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and DAW for giving me the eARC of this book, this review and opinions are my own.
"One goal. Full speed until you get it. It's the only way."

Oh my god. OH MY GOD. I opened this book and was immediately sucked in to Beth Revis' incredible first person narration - you want a scoundrel who is just as clever and devious as she thinks she is? Ada is that girl. What a fun, fast paced serial adventure with a stinger that leaves you screaming for more (it's happening, right? Please lord tell me it's happening?).

Chaotic Orbits is a delightful romp across the galaxy made into a masterpiece of sci-fi heists and spacemance through Revis' gift for dialogue (and monologue - really it's Ada's internal monologue that takes this book over the top). But this isn't just lighthearted japery (affectionate), there are moments of gravitas where Revis channels real history: I'm talking about the o-rings, about failsafes - about the story-ship the Rose and the real-ship the Challenger as an ongoing point of reference for the characters.

I loved Ada's occasional forays into space-existentialism (alien archaeologists in the far future finding a crashed spaceship in the deepest stratographic layers of their planet; only ever finding human ghost ships; a pharaoh's liver on a distant planet; etc) as a tacit reminder that this is a deeply intelligent woman and not just a wily (and lucky) criminal. Actually, I just love everything about Ada. I'm her lawyer and my client has done nothing wrong.

The villain. What an excellent example of Snidely Whiplash-ery that avoids cartoonishness by virtue of his similarity to certain South African trillionaire we know. Every step of the way when Ada hoodwinked him it filled me with a little 😏😎 energy and I think we all need a little more 😏😎 against the capitalist overlords in our lives.

Rian was the absolute silliest goose and Ada's magnetic attraction to him made perfect sense - here's a guy who genuinely believes in the morality of the state, living with the cognitive dissonance of recognizing corruption and is just about smart enough to keep up with Ada's game of 3D chess while still being at least one step behind. It was fun to imagine him banging his head against the wall after one of Ada's great escapes, and the epistolary sections at the end of each novella were the perfect way to include his perspective without interrupting or diverting Ada's flow.

This is a book for people who want exciting eco-futurism packaged in a series of brilliantly orchestrated multi-layered heists driven by a woman who knows more than you and won't fully let you in on it until she's ready to knock over the first domino (we love an unreliable narrator in this house!) I truly hope Beth Revis plans to continue writing the adventures of Ada and Rian because as Ada says,
UNKNOWN: I know you love the chase.
UNKNOWN: Almost as much as you love me.
UNKNOWN: And if you want me, you’re going to have to come and get me.
Profile Image for Nimra  Iqbal.
160 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
July 29, 2026
Chaotic Orbits by Beth Revis was such a fun and unforgettable sci-fi adventure! 🚀✨ From the very beginning, I was completely hooked by the fast-paced storytelling, clever twists, and the incredible dynamic between Ada and Rian.

Ada was easily one of my favorite parts of the story. She’s witty, unpredictable, resourceful, and always seems to have another plan waiting. I loved her chaotic energy and the way she could navigate even the most impossible situations with confidence and creativity. She’s the kind of character you can’t help but root for.

Rian was the perfect contrast to Ada. I loved the balance between their personalities and how their interactions brought so much humor, tension, and excitement to the story. Their chemistry, banter, and the way they challenged each other made every scene they shared even more enjoyable.

Beth Revis does such a great job blending space adventure, mystery, humor, and unforgettable characters into a story that kept me completely invested. The pacing kept me turning pages, and I loved the sense of discovery and excitement throughout the book.

If you love sci-fi with clever characters, witty dialogue, high-stakes adventures, and a fantastic character dynamic, Chaotic Orbits deserves a spot on your TBR. This was such a great ride, and I absolutely loved getting swept up in Ada and Rian’s story! 🚀💫

Chaotic Orbits by Beth Revis was such a fun and unforgettable sci-fi adventure! 🚀✨ From the very beginning, I was completely hooked by the fast-paced storytelling, clever twists, and the incredible dynamic between Ada and Rian.

Ada was easily one of my favorite parts of the story. She’s witty, unpredictable, resourceful, and always seems to have another plan waiting. I loved her chaotic energy and the way she could navigate even the most impossible situations with confidence and creativity. She’s the kind of character you can’t help but root for.

Rian was the perfect contrast to Ada. I loved the balance between their personalities and how their interactions brought so much humor, tension, and excitement to the story. Their chemistry, banter, and the way they challenged each other made every scene they shared even more enjoyable.

Beth Revis does such a great job blending space adventure, mystery, humor, and unforgettable characters into a story that kept me completely invested. The pacing kept me turning pages, and I loved the sense of discovery and excitement throughout the book.

If you love sci-fi with clever characters, witty dialogue, high-stakes adventures, and a fantastic character dynamic, Chaotic Orbits deserves a spot on your TBR. This was such a great ride, and I absolutely loved getting swept up in Ada and Rian’s story! 🚀💫
Profile Image for Lauren.
152 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
July 10, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Fun, charming, with deeper roots than I expected.

You really can’t go wrong with a space heist.

From the very beginning, the dynamic between Rian and Ada made this story shine. Pairing a technically legal scavenger with hidden motives and a by-the-book, irresistibly nerdy love interest created the perfect foundation for both the romance and the adventure.

What surprised me most was how thoughtfully the novel balanced its lighthearted tone with larger themes. Like many great science fiction stories, it used a futuristic setting to explore issues that feel remarkably close to home. Beneath the humor and action was a cautionary look at the future of our planet and the consequences of neglecting it, making the story feel both entertaining and relevant.

Ada’s voice immediately pulled me in. Her sarcasm, wit, and quick humor brought a refreshing energy to a genre that often leans heavily into technical jargon and serious exposition. She made the world feel accessible while keeping the adventure fun.

I also loved the way the relationship between Ada and Rian developed. Both characters had their own secrets, hidden agendas, and reasons not to trust one another. Rather than relying on one-sided deception or unnecessary miscommunication, the story allowed them to challenge each other in ways that kept both the romance and the plot moving forward. Their chemistry grew naturally through their banter, reluctant trust, and shared adventures.

Some of my favorite moments were the smaller ones: the lava dives, the kidnapping, the stolen kisses, and of course the pigeons. Those scenes gave the story its personality and made it memorable beyond the larger plot.

The world-building struck a nice balance between detail and accessibility. The technology and setting were easy to follow without lengthy explanations slowing the pace, and even with several twists and turns, the story remained engaging and easy to keep up with.

If I had one wish, it would simply be for more time in space. I loved the ships, the heist elements, and the glimpses of life beyond Earth, and I found myself wanting to spend more time exploring other worlds alongside the characters. While I understand the story’s primary focus was the future of Earth and its environmental consequences, I would have happily read another hundred pages expanding that side of the adventure.

The only area that occasionally pulled me out of the story was the second half. At times, the narrative shifted from showing the themes through the characters and plot to explaining them more directly through longer philosophical reflections. While I appreciated the ideas being explored, I occasionally felt these passages interrupted the fast-paced momentum and witty tone that had made the opening so engaging. For me, the environmental and societal commentary was strongest when it emerged naturally through the story itself.

Overall, this was an enjoyable blend of science fiction, romance, and adventure. The characters were easy to root for, the humor kept the story lively, and the combination of a space heist with thoughtful commentary on humanity’s future made for an entertaining and surprisingly meaningful read.
Profile Image for Beth.
620 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
July 27, 2026
Okay, I am officially a Beth Revis fan! This was my first book by her, but it definitely will not be my last. She had me hooked from the very first chapter when our FMC, Ada, is thrown into a life or death situation. Talk about starting with a bang!

This book was SO much fun. I laughed so many times because the humor was exactly what I needed. We have shipwrecks, high stakes heists, glamorous galas, a save the Earth mission, and plenty of secrets and deception to keep you guessing. Basically, there is never a dull moment!

Ada is sunshine personified. She is endlessly positive, brings the energy wherever she goes, and has absolutely no filter. She will say whatever pops into her head, whether it is appropriate or not. LOL. I loved her! She is also incredibly smart and more than capable of keeping our MMC, Rian, on his toes.

And Rian? I loved that he felt different from so many of the MMCs I have been reading lately. He is a rule follower, which makes his dynamic with Ada even more entertaining, especially because he is completely smitten with her. Their banter and chemistry were so much fun to watch unfold.

The romance is more kisses and tension, so I am definitely hoping for a follow up series where these two finally get on the same page because I just know that would be DYNAMIC. I need more Ada and Rian!

The omnibus edition also includes a short story from Rian's POV, and I absolutely loved getting that extra glimpse into his head. Honestly, I will happily take more from these two and this world!

Thank you so much to DAW Books for the omnibus edition! This was exactly the fun, entertaining read I needed this weekend. I had such a great time with it and cannot wait to read more from Beth Revis!

Tropes & Vibes:
🖤 Sunshine FMC x Rule follower MMC
🖤 He is completely smitten
🖤 Opposites attract
🖤 Banter & chemistry
🖤 Kisses & romantic tension
🖤 High stakes heists
🖤 Secrets & deception
🖤 Save the Earth mission
🖤 Galas & space adventure
🖤 Fast paced & funny
Profile Image for myriareadsbooks.
28 reviews
September 24, 2026
Thank you very much to the publisher and to NetGalley for this advance copy!

Chaotic Orbits is a series of three science fiction novellas originally published in 2024-25, now collected in this omnibus. Lovable rogue Ada Lamarr and steadfast government official Rian White play a cat-and-mouse game across the galaxy in this romantic sci-fi adventure.

Since all three novellas directly follow on from one another in terms of plot, collecting them into omnibus form was the perfect decision. The novella format means that there is very little fluff or filler, allowing the story to move forward at a rapid pace. Each individual novella follows a standard structure, where tension builds to a climactic event in the final quarter, but the stakes are raised appropriately in each subsequent volume.

The world building is embedded neatly into the text, and delivered gradually so as not to overwhelm the reader. While the romance certainly informs the plot, it doesn't replace it and there was a nice balance between the two.

Ada and Rian are genuinely refreshing characters. Ada, our point-of-view character, is sassy, snarky, and undoubtedly the pursuer in the relationship between her and Rian, a welcome subversion of common romance conventions. Both characters are highly intelligent, and the mind games they play with one another make for compelling back-and-forth dialogue. Ada can be a bit of a smart-arse, but she's easy to like and I really found myself rooting for her and Rian. Despite how hard she flirts with him, their romance is very slow-burn which I also loved! The secondary characters felt realistic and I found myself missing them when their role in the story was over, despite their limited page time as dictated by the format. I also enjoyed how much diversity there was even in the smaller cast.

I really don't have a single meaningful criticism about this omnibus; I had such a fun time reading it that I would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking for a lighter romantic read with science fiction and heist elements.
Profile Image for Jensen McCorkel.
729 reviews12 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
July 19, 2026
Rating 3.5

A smart, fast-paced sci-fi adventure that thrives on its irresistible characters, sharp humor, and engaging slow-burn romance.

My favorite part is the outstanding banter! Ada and Rian's witty back-and-forth is the heart of the series, balancing humor, flirtation, and tension. Ada is a resourceful, morally gray heroine whose charm and unpredictability make her easy to root for. Rian provides a perfect foil with his by-the-book approach. Revis creatively blends genres of science fiction, mystery, romance, and heist elements and they work together seamlessly. The world-building is easy to follow without requiring extensive knowledge of science fiction tropes and while each novella has its own mission, they build toward a cohesive and rewarding conclusion.

The novella format does come with a few drawbacks. The universe is intriguing but never explored as deeply as it could be, and the supporting cast doesn't receive enough page time to feel fully developed. The emphasis is also placed on adventure, relationships, and fun rather than hard science, so readers looking for the depth and complexity of an epic space opera may find the series a bit too light.

Even so, the series succeeds because of its charismatic leads, sparkling dialogue, and entertaining blend of space adventure, mystery, and romance. Readers seeking a fun, character-driven sci-fi romp will likely be delighted, while those hoping for expansive world-building or technically detailed science fiction may come away wanting more.

Overall, Chaotic Orbits is an entertaining mix of space mystery, daring heists, and high-stakes action that never loses sight of the emotional connection between Ada and Rian. Although the novella format limits the depth of the world-building and supporting cast, the series more than compensates with clever twists, nonstop momentum, and a delightful central duo whose chemistry carries every story.
Profile Image for Velvet.
43 reviews
September 22, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and DAW for providing an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this omnibus, especially Ada and Rian’s chemistry. I love that Ada doesn’t hide her attraction to him, but she also has her own priorities and her own way of doing things. She dances to the beat of her own drum, and neither she nor Rian is willing to compromise their own code just because they’re attracted to each other. Somehow, those differences make their back-and-forth even more interesting. Their chemistry is playful, flirty, and completely undeniable.

I also really enjoyed experiencing the story through Ada’s perspective. She’s pretty much an open book, but she leaves out just enough that you’re constantly piecing together her thoughts, opinions, and motivations. Even at the beginning, when we don’t know much about her yet, I already found her interesting and funny. I especially loved the subtle ways the author shows her feelings changing. Rian starts out as basically average-looking with striking eyes, and the more time Ada spends with him, the more attractive he becomes in her descriptions. It’s such a small detail, but I loved what it revealed about her.

I love Ada. She’s a survivor, and I really enjoyed watching her navigate everything in her own very Ada way. I also liked how the politics and worldbuilding surrounding a polluted, dying Earth and the Earth colonies are introduced gradually as the story progresses. It made the world feel like something I was discovering alongside her rather than getting a giant info dump.

There were a few parts that felt repetitive, but I found it pretty easy to forgive given that this is an omnibus of novellas that were originally published separately so some recall was originally needed. 

Overall, this was such a fun read, and Ada and Rian’s dynamic was absolutely the highlight for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Angie Miale.
1,507 reviews221 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
July 19, 2026
3 ⭐️

Originally published as three interconnected novellas, Chaotic Orbits collects Beth Revis’s adventures of Ada Lamarr into one volume. The series blends a space heist, enemies-to-lovers tension, and plenty of intergalactic adventure, following Ada—a quirky, impulsive heroine who always seems to find herself chasing the next impossible mission. Her foil is Rian White, the commander of the government ship who repeatedly finds himself crossing paths with her.

Even though this isn’t marketed as YA, it definitely had that feel for me. Ada’s voice is energetic and fun, and the stories move quickly, but I never felt fully invested in the romance. The chemistry between Ada and Rian didn’t quite land for me, and because these began life as novellas, the overall collection reads more like an episodic serial than a traditional novel. Each adventure is entertaining on its own, but many story threads remain open, making the ending feel intentionally unfinished rather than fully satisfying.

My favorite installment was Full Speed to a Crash Landing, where we first meet Ada and get to know her personality. The second novella was another enjoyable adventure, while the third significantly raises the stakes and expands the scope of the story. The collection also includes a bonus short story from Rian’s point of view, which was a nice addition.

Overall, this was a fun sci-fi adventure with an appealing setting, and I think collecting all three novellas into one edition was a smart decision. I enjoyed my time with it, but I never found myself emotionally invested enough to love it. If you’re looking for a light, fast-paced space adventure with a touch of romance, this may be worth picking up.

Thank you to DAW Books for the finished copy. Chaotic Orbits publishes August 4, 2026.
Profile Image for Mollified.Moments.
532 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
July 2, 2026
The Chaotic Orbits novellas are one of my favorite series. I read each of them when they came out so I was so excited when I saw an omnibus edition was being released. Beth Revis is one of my favorite authors, and having Ada and Rian’s story all together in one beautiful edition is just so freaking cool.

Since this is an omnibus, I thought it’d be fun to share my thoughts on the series as a whole…

I was hooked from the start. Ada is a FMC who keeps you guessing. She’s clever, slightly morally gray and always seems to have a trick up her sleeve. Then there’s Rian who’s basically her complete opposite and their banter and chemistry is just so cute and such a huge part of what makes these books so much fun.

Even though these are novellas they really pack in the action, space heists, twists, romance (and a thoughtful look at things like climate change, technology and corporate greed). Revis somehow manages to fit all of that into a fast paced story that never stops being fun.
I was sad to see this series end and I’m still holding out hope that maybe someday we’ll get another adventure with Ada and Rian.

If you like fast-paced sci fi with cute banter, lovable characters, space heists and a smidge of romance…I can’t recommend Chaotic Orbits enough. This is the series that made Beth Revis one of my favorite authors!

Also, fun fact. Beth Revis said she wrote the first novella completely out of spite after someone told her she couldn’t write a short, fast paced commercial story. And the villain? She wrote him so Ada could say all the things she wishes she could say to Elon Musk. One of the many, many reasons she’s one of my favorite authors.
Profile Image for Megan.
425 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
July 7, 2026
Thank you DAW and NetGalley for the ARC!

I hadn't read the original Chaotic Orbits novellas before so I was excited to explore a new space story in this omnibus, but I wasn't prepared for how much I would adore this story. I was really enjoying the first novella, Full Speed to a Crash Landing, and then the end had me HOOKED. I couldn't put the rest of the story down and had to finish it in one sitting.

I think with a lot of series' there is so much magic in the first book that the sequels don't quite live up, but How to Steal a Galaxy and Last Chance to Save the World were the opposite for me. The stories got so much stronger as they went on and as much as I wanted to see what would happen, I didn't want Ada and Rian's journey to end.

Ada was so captivating, I love characters with the right morals but who don't mind breaking some rules along the way (or in Ada's case, all of the rules). Rian is such an adorable, clueless (complimentary) love interest. I really appreciated that they ultimately had the same goals but were completely different in how they approached everything. Their banter was downright sexy at times and Ada's humour was so compelling, but despite that there was so much emotion in this story.

"With one kiss, he's taken the gravity right out from under me.
But somehow, I'm not falling."


I really loved the additional chapters at the end and hope we have more to come from Ada and Rian in the future. Chaotic Orbits is a fast-paced space story with high stakes and a cat and mouse chase with an important message at its heart—what it means to be human.
Profile Image for Shannon.
174 reviews35 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
July 15, 2026
Thank you to Netgalley and Daw for the eArc!

Chaotic Orbits is a collection of the 3 novellas combined into one edition. As someone who isn’t into novellas usually, I was interested to read this collection. I must say, I’m glad they combined them all into one because I actually read it and I had a lot of fun.

Ada, our narrator, is chaotic, charming and willing to bend (or break) the rules to complete her jobs. Rian is the rule-abiding government agent who frequently ends up in Ada’s orbit. The chemistry between the two is adorable even as they both try to out-maneuver and outwit each other. Ada is a fun lead with a quick wit, a sunny personality, and plenty of intelligence. Rian is a perfect match/foil for her. He’s all about following the rules, but can’t help feeling drawn to Ada.

Each novella follows a different job of Ada’s but are linked by a main thread focused around a group of rebels trying to save the original Earth from an indifferent government and the richest man in the universe (who reminds me of a real rich person who sucks). I liked watching all the pieces of Ada’s plans fall into place while Rian does his best to stay one step ahead. Their banter was a treat and I found myself smiling at Ada’s antics.

Overall, this was a fun read with lots of hijinks, two very likeable leads and an engaging story that made this one hard to put down. Honestly, I was sad when it ended because I need more Ada and Rian in my life. I don’t know if the author plans to write more about these two, but I hope I get to see them again. (Please? Like I would read a ten book series about Ada and Rian and their adventures).
Profile Image for amaaan_reads.
1,160 reviews45 followers
October 9, 2026
Ever wanted to read about a con artist who nearly suffocates in space, then flirts her way onto a government ship??

Meet Ada Lamarr: thief, improviser, sarcasm enthusiast, and the most chaotic woman in the galaxy. she is the kind of FMC who can be half-dead from lack of oxygen and still flirt with the ridiculously competent government agent who just rescued her. She’s clever, reckless, morally questionable, and hilarious.

Now meet Rian White: the opposite of Ada; controlled, suspicious, painfully competent, the neat, rule following agent who is absolutely, positively not supposed to be charmed by her.

Chaotic Orbits is three books of heists, double crosses, and banter so sharp it should come with a warning label. If you love a slow burn that makes you yell at your book, this is it. Watch a by the book agent slowly lose the battle against a woman who treats the rules like suggestions.

And Ada's internal monologue??? Chef's kiss. She has absolutely no business being this funny while committing crimes.
“Damsel, yes. Distress? Never.”

If you like morally grey women, competent men, enemies-to-lovers tension, slow-burn romance, found family, and heists in SPACE — read this.

It was chaotic. It was ridiculous. It was ridiculously entertaining.

4.5 stars because apparently I, too, am now emotionally invested in Ada Lamarr's crimes.

Thanks to Netgalley & DAW for the ARC!!
Profile Image for Lia.
256 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
July 9, 2026
A delicious character dynamic wrapped up in sci-fi heists and saving the planet, Chaotic Orbits is a fantastic collection of novellas.

I had read books 1 and 2 last year, but thoroughly enjoyed reading them both again as part of this. Ada is a fantastic protagonist to follow, especially on a reread as you really can see through her intentions in ways that make it even more entertaining. She is very much a liar in so many ways and I loved reading her.

The second big highlight of these books, of course, is Ada’s dynamic with Rian. They want each other so bad but know they absolutely should not go there. I lived for every time they were bantering with each other. Rian’s footnotes at the end of each novella are also fantastic.

I personally also really liked the angle these novellas take on how the Earth has been messed up by the climate, and the rich don’t care to actually help it. I would not be surprised if the rich asshole character was inspired by some real life rich assholes. It was a very satisfying read when it comes to that character.

And to my friends who are reading this going “but I hate sci-fi” or “but I hate heist novels” - absolutely do not let those aspects put you off this series. The character dynamic is well worth it I think regardless of your genre preferences. Plus they are so short, you should really give it a try.

Thanks so much to DAW for providing this book for review via NetGalley. All opinions in this review are my own. I’m definitely going to pick up a physical copy of this on release - look at that gorgeous cover.
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