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Down to Ursa: A Sci-Fi Adventure Romance
When he sees her, he knows she belongs to him.
Captured by the brutal space pirates, the Brethren of Blood, Dr. Mina Smithe-Canfield’s only hope is to convince them she’s too valuable to kill. Her tale begins on a long-abandoned Earth, where she plans to vanish into the wilderness and finally escape her sadistic fiancé. But Earth isn’t empty. Someone still calls it home.
Ursa has been raised by the wilderness. He is feral, magnetic, and completely untouched by civilization. Although he's never trusted the other researchers who've come to Earth, when he sees Mina, he'll do anything to have her.
As Mina is drawn into Ursa’s wild, mysterious world, she faces an impossible risk her heart, or protect her freedom.
Down to Ursa is book one of The Last Man on Earth trilogy, with a slow-burn, happy-for-now ending that will leave you hungry for book two.
If you love a romance with high-stakes adventure, twisted biotech, and a love story written in the stars, dive in today!
Captured by the brutal space pirates, the Brethren of Blood, Dr. Mina Smithe-Canfield’s only hope is to convince them she’s too valuable to kill. Her tale begins on a long-abandoned Earth, where she plans to vanish into the wilderness and finally escape her sadistic fiancé. But Earth isn’t empty. Someone still calls it home.
Ursa has been raised by the wilderness. He is feral, magnetic, and completely untouched by civilization. Although he's never trusted the other researchers who've come to Earth, when he sees Mina, he'll do anything to have her.
As Mina is drawn into Ursa’s wild, mysterious world, she faces an impossible risk her heart, or protect her freedom.
Down to Ursa is book one of The Last Man on Earth trilogy, with a slow-burn, happy-for-now ending that will leave you hungry for book two.
If you love a romance with high-stakes adventure, twisted biotech, and a love story written in the stars, dive in today!
375 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 16, 2025
2 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
Lissa Sharpe
6 books43 followersLissa Sharpe is a mom, a wife, a teacher, a PhD, and an award-winning writer. She has written plays, screenplays, teleplays, short stories, songs, and now for the very first time, a romance novel. When she isn't having mental arguments with her characters, she is hanging out in the American South with her husband, son, and golden lab.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
September 16, 2025
I enjoyed this book it’s part of series
Blurb
A scientist and a wildman become star-crossed lovers in this sci-fi/ action-adventure romance with space travel, genetic engineering, and billowy nightgowns.
There are two things you should know about Dr. Mina Smithe-Canfield:
She’s an expert on fungi
She’s being held captive by space pirates
After the Brethren of Blood find Mina on an abandoned moon, she convinces them to let her tell a story that will prove why she deserves to live…
THE STORY:
When Mina receives the opportunity to go on an expedition to a newly rehabilitated Earth, she realizes this will be her chance to escape her murderous fiance. Disappear into the wilderness, put her newly learned survival skills to good use, and bide her time experimenting on mushrooms (not those kinds). What could possibly go wrong?
Enter Ursa, the wildman who’s been living on his own on an abandoned Earth. When he becomes completely fascinated with Mina, he unwittingly draws attention to her plans to escape. For her own sake, Mina knows she should leave Ursa behind; but as she uncovers the mystery of Ursa’s past, Mina realizes he just might be the main thing worth surviving for.
Down to Ursa is book one in the Last Man on Earth trilogy, with a HFN ending.
Blurb
A scientist and a wildman become star-crossed lovers in this sci-fi/ action-adventure romance with space travel, genetic engineering, and billowy nightgowns.
There are two things you should know about Dr. Mina Smithe-Canfield:
She’s an expert on fungi
She’s being held captive by space pirates
After the Brethren of Blood find Mina on an abandoned moon, she convinces them to let her tell a story that will prove why she deserves to live…
THE STORY:
When Mina receives the opportunity to go on an expedition to a newly rehabilitated Earth, she realizes this will be her chance to escape her murderous fiance. Disappear into the wilderness, put her newly learned survival skills to good use, and bide her time experimenting on mushrooms (not those kinds). What could possibly go wrong?
Enter Ursa, the wildman who’s been living on his own on an abandoned Earth. When he becomes completely fascinated with Mina, he unwittingly draws attention to her plans to escape. For her own sake, Mina knows she should leave Ursa behind; but as she uncovers the mystery of Ursa’s past, Mina realizes he just might be the main thing worth surviving for.
Down to Ursa is book one in the Last Man on Earth trilogy, with a HFN ending.
September 17, 2025
I really liked that this was different from anything I've come across before. It's a fascinating blend of sci-fi, adventure and romance, told from Mina's pov. It starts with Mina as a prisoner on a pirate ship in space, and as a way to survive she offers to entertain them with telling stories. We learn about Mina's possessive and dangerous fiance, her work as a scientist, the expedition to earth, and how she stumbled across Ursa, a wildman that would change everything.
It's a passionate story filled with danger, tension, intrigue and mystery. It's very Tarzan like, with Ursa having to learn basics and language, and Mina improvising their communication and interactions.
Just like Mina captures the attention of the crew as she recites her true story to them, you quickly get invested in their journey, and I desperately need the next part of this series!
It's a passionate story filled with danger, tension, intrigue and mystery. It's very Tarzan like, with Ursa having to learn basics and language, and Mina improvising their communication and interactions.
Just like Mina captures the attention of the crew as she recites her true story to them, you quickly get invested in their journey, and I desperately need the next part of this series!
September 23, 2025
I loved it! I really got attached to the characters and couldn't put it down. I can't wait for the next one in the series! Highly recommend.
September 16, 2025
Mina & Ursa!!! Okay, there is so much here. We start with a prisoner named Dr. Minerva Eloise Smithe-Canfield taken by space pirates explaining why they should let her live and not be thrown out into the blackness of space to suffocate in 15 seconds. She had two stories she can tell them-one about a horrible liar and murderer and the other story an epic love story with some spice. She only tells them the names of the stories to pick which to hear first if they spare her. They choose to spare her and one other prisoner of the group they picked up. They choose to hear “Mina and the Man-Bear” before hearing “Mina and the Mad Scientist”. She begins to tell them of going to earth as a mycologist to study mushrooms due to her geneticist fiancé (who wants to kill her and is having an affair with his assistant) being the lead of it. All humans now live in domed terraformed planets where everything is genetically modified and created (including humans and their environments) so being on the wild earth is a big deal. Mina has plans to escape her awful fiancé Rawley on earth and has paid an old friend (Tobago) to pick her up on his smuggling ship in the early autumn if she can escape and survive from the summer expedition until then. She discovers Rawley having sex in the forest with his assistant who has been genetically modified to be super gorgeous. Every man on the expedition wants Meridian. That’s until a wild man sees Mina in the woods when she uncovers Rawley and Meridian and follows her back to camp. She and a small group go on a discovery mission of plants and fungi and she gets a small reprieve from her vile fiancé and begins to leave supplies in the woods for her escape. The group stays up late telling stories around a campfire and their guide tells them of seeing a Yowie (Sasquatch) around. After going to bed a little tipsy Mina awakes to screaming and men being knocked out or bones broken because the wild man breaks through their perimeter and finds her. The other men tranquilize and capture him and take him back to the main camp. Mina becomes a person of interest because of the interaction she had with the wild man. He is kept behind glass in a cage. When she interacts with him he is gentle and kind but when her fiancé interacts he slams his head against the glass and suffers a concussion. The group decides they want to name the wild man and Mina calls him Ursa because he is a huge bear of a man with long hair and beard and body hair (which is abnormal due to all the human genetic modifications that are now done). Everyone begins to call him Ursa and Mina continues to be popular due to the interest in Ursa. Rawley forces her to go into the cage after recovering to get a blood sample of Ursa. Mina knows he wants to experiment on Ursa because he is a non-modified “pure” specimen, it’s why Rawley got engaged to her as a non-mod and killed her brilliant geneticist mother when she began to question his research and interest in her daughter. She then tells the story of “Mina & the Mad Scientist” about his kidnapping and horrific experiments on non-modified women of lower classes and how she freed them from their cages for them to burn themselves down with his house of horrors lab. She goes to free Ursa from the same fate only for Rawley to find her and choke her until she blacks out. She awakes in a warehouse where Rawley relays via speaker as he watches her with cameras that he is going to let Ursa r**e her for the amusement of his lover/assistant. She finds a way to get into the duct system and then hide & electrocute Ursa to try to escape but Rawley enters and beats and kicks her until she is going to black out again and as she fades she sees Ursa beat Rawley and feels him lift her. She awakens and time has passed, she is in a cave and mostly healed from her injuries. She begins a months long stay with Ursa where they both begin to teach one another-him teaching her to survive and forage, her teaching him to speak English and to begin to read. They of course become friends and then they fall for one another. They begin their spicy awakening and cannot keep away from one another. During one survival teaching/fool around session in the woods a mountain lion attacks and Ursa is severely injured. Mina nurses him back to health with some discoveries from her time with him. She goes to forage food for him and sees the ship of her friend Tobago and realizes how much time has truly passed while with Ursa and hiding from Rawley seeking them out with drones. She decides she doesn’t want to leave Ursa. She returns to him losing his mind in their cave. She asks why and he makes her follow him to an old abandoned ship. Mina finally gets Ursa’s backstory only for Rawley and his goons to find them in their way back to their cave. They must make their escape from Rawley. This entire time she has been relaying this story to the pirates to entertain them and keep them from, they are so moved by all she has relayed and are rooting so hard for Ursa they agree to help her reach her home planet to try to find him. We end on the cliffhanger of telling how they escape earth and all that transpires after including their separation. It was so much and so good and I cannot wait for the next book. I love Ursa and how much he helps Mina grow and how they find home within one another. So lovely, can’t wait for book 2!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 22, 2025
Down to Ursa pulled me in right from the first chapter and did not let go. At first I thought I was stepping into a classic space expedition story, but it quickly became something darker and more personal. This is a survival tale wrapped in science fiction, and it is also about how far someone will go to break free from control.
Dr. Minerva Smithe-Canfield is a scientist who only wants to study fungi on Earth, but what she faces instead is betrayal and cruelty from the very man who should be her partner. The moment she stumbles across Rawley with Meridian in the forest is written with such raw clarity that I had to stop and breathe before continuing. Her inner voice chanting escape escape escape was haunting and powerful. That was the instant I knew this was more than just an expedition novel. It was the story of a woman realizing she would have to save herself.
The setting feels alive in a way that few books capture. Earth is both beautiful and threatening, the kind of place that makes you pause and wonder if it is watching you back. The details of the environment and the tension between characters made me feel like I was right there, unsettled and alert to every sound.
What made this book stand out is Minerva herself. She is witty, self conscious, and often underestimated, but beneath all that she is resilient and quietly strategic. Her voice carries the entire novel and makes the danger and humor blend together in a way that feels real.
This is a five star read for me because it manages to be thrilling, funny, unsettling, and empowering all at once. It is science fiction that feels deeply human, and it left me thinking about Minerva’s courage long after I closed the book.
Dr. Minerva Smithe-Canfield is a scientist who only wants to study fungi on Earth, but what she faces instead is betrayal and cruelty from the very man who should be her partner. The moment she stumbles across Rawley with Meridian in the forest is written with such raw clarity that I had to stop and breathe before continuing. Her inner voice chanting escape escape escape was haunting and powerful. That was the instant I knew this was more than just an expedition novel. It was the story of a woman realizing she would have to save herself.
The setting feels alive in a way that few books capture. Earth is both beautiful and threatening, the kind of place that makes you pause and wonder if it is watching you back. The details of the environment and the tension between characters made me feel like I was right there, unsettled and alert to every sound.
What made this book stand out is Minerva herself. She is witty, self conscious, and often underestimated, but beneath all that she is resilient and quietly strategic. Her voice carries the entire novel and makes the danger and humor blend together in a way that feels real.
This is a five star read for me because it manages to be thrilling, funny, unsettling, and empowering all at once. It is science fiction that feels deeply human, and it left me thinking about Minerva’s courage long after I closed the book.
September 12, 2025
Down to Ursa is an action-packed science fiction adventure with a thrilling blend of romance and mystery that keeps you on edge from start to finish. Set in a future where space travel between Earth and the Havens is routine, the story centers around Dr. Minerva “Mina” Tran, a brilliant mycologist from Haven 3, a society where genetic perfection is the standard.
But Mina is different. As a rare “non-mod,” she was born without enhancements, making her an outlier in a world obsessed with engineered perfection.
On Earth, she encounters Ursa, a wild, mysterious man who doesn’t speak but communicates through sounds and gestures. Despite his primal nature, Mina instantly calms him, and their bond begins to grow in a way that transcends words. Meanwhile, Mina’s fiancé, Rawley, becomes increasingly suspicious of Ursa and is determined to uncover his origins, even if it means hurting Mina in the process. That doesn’t sit well with Ursa.
This incredible sci-fi romance left me wanting more. The action is intense, the adventure is pulse-pounding, and the chemistry between Mina and Ursa is deeply moving. Their connection is raw and powerful, showing how love can flourish even without words. It’s heartwarming to see such a deep emotional bond form in the midst of chaos.
The ending is a cliffhanger; this is book one, so we’ll all be waiting patiently (okay, not really patiently!) for the next installment. I’m fully invested now and need to know what happens next!
But Mina is different. As a rare “non-mod,” she was born without enhancements, making her an outlier in a world obsessed with engineered perfection.
On Earth, she encounters Ursa, a wild, mysterious man who doesn’t speak but communicates through sounds and gestures. Despite his primal nature, Mina instantly calms him, and their bond begins to grow in a way that transcends words. Meanwhile, Mina’s fiancé, Rawley, becomes increasingly suspicious of Ursa and is determined to uncover his origins, even if it means hurting Mina in the process. That doesn’t sit well with Ursa.
This incredible sci-fi romance left me wanting more. The action is intense, the adventure is pulse-pounding, and the chemistry between Mina and Ursa is deeply moving. Their connection is raw and powerful, showing how love can flourish even without words. It’s heartwarming to see such a deep emotional bond form in the midst of chaos.
The ending is a cliffhanger; this is book one, so we’ll all be waiting patiently (okay, not really patiently!) for the next installment. I’m fully invested now and need to know what happens next!
November 25, 2025
I don't typically write reviews for books, but I really enjoyed this one. When I was younger I loved reading the Tarzan stories and I am also a fan of Jules Vern's work. Adventures into the unknown in the name of scientific progress and discovery appeal to my inner child who always wanted to be a marine biologist/geologist/zoologist extraordinaire, and this story definitely falls into that category of niche stories I love so much. The entirety of the story is written in the style of a manuscript with Chicago-style footnotes that were very entertaining to me, and the highly intellectual (but sometimes flawed) narrator was refreshing. The overall pacing of the story was very nice and, of course, I loved the way the romance progressed. Not quite a slow-burn but (thank god) not insta-love either. You don't have to be a scientist or science-minded individual to enjoy this story though- there are some ideas and concepts sprinkled in throughout, like with any sci-fi novel, but the main focus is on the narrator's plight, her growing connection with the male lead, and on the forces trying to keep them apart. I absolutely devoured this story and was glued to my Nook for days, staying up way too late and spending my lunch breaks reading, which hasn't happened with a book since I burned out on reading in graduate school. I'm absolutely foaming-at-the-mouth rabid waiting for the next story in this series!
September 12, 2025
"I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.” Down to Ursa is a captivating blend of science fiction, adventure, and romance, set against the backdrop of space travel, genetic engineering, and survival on a newly rehabilitated Earth. The story follows Dr. Mina, a brilliant scientist and fungi expert, who finds herself held captive by space pirates. Her chance at freedom comes when she joins an expedition to Earth an opportunity she seizes to escape her dangerous fiancé and carve out a new future.
On the abandoned planet, Mina must rely on her survival skills while continuing her research. Her plans are complicated when she encounters Ursa, a solitary wildman whose fascination with her puts them both at risk. Despite knowing she should leave him behind for her own safety, Mina is drawn to him and soon uncovers secrets from his past that change everything.
With elements of star crossed romance, high stakes adventure, and the mystery of survival in a hostile world, Down to Ursa launches the Last Man on Earth trilogy with a compelling mix of danger, heart, and hope. Fans of sci-fi romance and action-driven storytelling will find this an engaging and imaginative read, complete with a satisfying happy for now ending. 💛
On the abandoned planet, Mina must rely on her survival skills while continuing her research. Her plans are complicated when she encounters Ursa, a solitary wildman whose fascination with her puts them both at risk. Despite knowing she should leave him behind for her own safety, Mina is drawn to him and soon uncovers secrets from his past that change everything.
With elements of star crossed romance, high stakes adventure, and the mystery of survival in a hostile world, Down to Ursa launches the Last Man on Earth trilogy with a compelling mix of danger, heart, and hope. Fans of sci-fi romance and action-driven storytelling will find this an engaging and imaginative read, complete with a satisfying happy for now ending. 💛
October 7, 2025
Book Rating: ⭐️ 5/5
Spice Rating: 🌶️ 1/5
Okay, I loved this book. Like full-on, couldn’t put it down, already counting the days until book two, levels of obsessed. Down to Ursa by Lissa Sharpe was such a wild, cinematic ride that somehow managed to be thrilling, funny, emotional, and just downright magical all at once.
Mina instantly became one of my favorite heroines, smart, sarcastic, and quietly fierce. She’s just trying to escape her nightmare of a fiancé and ends up on Earth with mushrooms, mysteries, and a very intriguing wildman named Ursa. And let me tell you… Ursa? I get it. The man doesn’t even speak, but somehow his presence screams that he is THE ONE. Their connection is this beautiful mix of curiosity, trust, and slow-burn tenderness that completely melted me.
The worldbuilding was incredible, the mix of sci-fi, survival, and romance kept me hooked from the very first page. It gave me Tarzan-in-space vibes in the best way possible. Every scene felt alive, and by the end, I was both swooning and clutching my chest at that cliffhanger.
Lissa Sharpe nailed it. This story was unique, heartfelt, and so much fun to read. I am fully invested in Mina and Ursa’s story, book two cannot come fast enough!
Spice Rating: 🌶️ 1/5
Okay, I loved this book. Like full-on, couldn’t put it down, already counting the days until book two, levels of obsessed. Down to Ursa by Lissa Sharpe was such a wild, cinematic ride that somehow managed to be thrilling, funny, emotional, and just downright magical all at once.
Mina instantly became one of my favorite heroines, smart, sarcastic, and quietly fierce. She’s just trying to escape her nightmare of a fiancé and ends up on Earth with mushrooms, mysteries, and a very intriguing wildman named Ursa. And let me tell you… Ursa? I get it. The man doesn’t even speak, but somehow his presence screams that he is THE ONE. Their connection is this beautiful mix of curiosity, trust, and slow-burn tenderness that completely melted me.
The worldbuilding was incredible, the mix of sci-fi, survival, and romance kept me hooked from the very first page. It gave me Tarzan-in-space vibes in the best way possible. Every scene felt alive, and by the end, I was both swooning and clutching my chest at that cliffhanger.
Lissa Sharpe nailed it. This story was unique, heartfelt, and so much fun to read. I am fully invested in Mina and Ursa’s story, book two cannot come fast enough!
September 23, 2025
This book isn’t something I normally read but it was really interesting. I loved how it started with Minerva (Mina) captured and then went to the past and her first time on Earth since she was from Haven 3.
I really didn’t like Rawley or Meridian from the beginning. They acted like they were the ones in a relationship and not boss and assistant. The way they acted and treated Mina also had me wanting to punch them. The fun part is Rawley is her fiancée and is acting like a pita and really trying to keep her on a tight rope.
I found Ursa and Mina’s meeting interesting it immediately made me think of Tarzan. I loved seeing their relationship grow and her teaching him how to talk. I felt for them and what they were going through.
One thing I really liked was the footnotes at the end of each chapter where there were more details about certain things we might not have completely understood because she left those details out in her story.
Overall I liked this book and can’t wait to see what happens next. That ending had me needing to know what happened next. What happened with Ursa? Will she find him again? Where is Rawley? I read this book as an arc.
I really didn’t like Rawley or Meridian from the beginning. They acted like they were the ones in a relationship and not boss and assistant. The way they acted and treated Mina also had me wanting to punch them. The fun part is Rawley is her fiancée and is acting like a pita and really trying to keep her on a tight rope.
I found Ursa and Mina’s meeting interesting it immediately made me think of Tarzan. I loved seeing their relationship grow and her teaching him how to talk. I felt for them and what they were going through.
One thing I really liked was the footnotes at the end of each chapter where there were more details about certain things we might not have completely understood because she left those details out in her story.
Overall I liked this book and can’t wait to see what happens next. That ending had me needing to know what happened next. What happened with Ursa? Will she find him again? Where is Rawley? I read this book as an arc.
September 15, 2025
Down to Ursa is a clever and genre-blending sci-fi adventure that kept me turning the pages. Told in the witty and endearing voice of Dr. Minerva Eloise Smithe-Canfield, the novel blends survival drama, space piracy, romance, and sly humor in a way that feels both fresh and entertaining.
The framing device—Minerva bargaining for her life by telling stories to ruthless space pirates—is both inventive and gripping. Through her tales, we encounter treachery, forbidden love, and the raw will to survive. The mix of science fiction with gothic-tinged storytelling gives the book a unique flavor.
Sharpe balances darker themes (abuse, betrayal, survival under impossible odds) with a narrator who uses humor, charm, and intelligence as armor. Minerva’s voice feels like part scientist, part unreliable narrator, and part stand-up storyteller, which made the reading experience a delight.
Readers who enjoy The Martian’s wit, mixed with the tension of The Handmaid’s Tale and a dash of The Princess Bride’s playful narration, will find much to love here.
The framing device—Minerva bargaining for her life by telling stories to ruthless space pirates—is both inventive and gripping. Through her tales, we encounter treachery, forbidden love, and the raw will to survive. The mix of science fiction with gothic-tinged storytelling gives the book a unique flavor.
Sharpe balances darker themes (abuse, betrayal, survival under impossible odds) with a narrator who uses humor, charm, and intelligence as armor. Minerva’s voice feels like part scientist, part unreliable narrator, and part stand-up storyteller, which made the reading experience a delight.
Readers who enjoy The Martian’s wit, mixed with the tension of The Handmaid’s Tale and a dash of The Princess Bride’s playful narration, will find much to love here.
September 23, 2025
Down to Ursa is a sci-fi romance with some Tarzan retelling and spice. This is Minerva and Ursa’s story which is filled with scientific modified people and humans exploring life on earth. Minerva is a non-modified (pure human) studying fungi on earth but also trying to get away from the people she works with who has evil intentions towards her. Until she met Ursa, also a non-modified human, who has lived on earth for a long time. I love how they interacted with interest and curiosity, but also build a connection that later grows to more. They both learned from reach other and survived the wilderness when they escaped the place Minerva was studying at. I love how this is written in a manuscript way with footnotes that bring more to the story. I also loved how certain parts were told as a story telling way. I really enjoyed their story and can’t wait to see what happens next and with that little cliffhanger at the end I need to know.
I voluntarily leave an honest review of this gifted advanced readers copy.
I voluntarily leave an honest review of this gifted advanced readers copy.
September 15, 2025
What to expect:
✨ Forced proximity
🌳 opposites attract
✨ touch-starved
🌳 culture clash
✨ just one cave
🌳 he falls first
✨ Tarzan-inspired
🌳 space pirates
✨Star crossed romance
🌳High stakes adventure
✨ humor
MMC Ursa
FMC Mina
Set in the future where space travel between earth and the Havens is routine. We have Nina who is a brilliant psychologist, from a society that crazy perfection, enhancement to one’s beauty is normal. BMI is rare and was born without enhancements. On earth, Mina meets a man who doesn’t speak but communicates through sounds and gestures and they develop a very deep bond. Amina has a fiancé and he becomes Suspicious and jealous and obsessed of this mysterious man and has determined to uncover his origins, even if it hurts, Nina. Ursa does not sit well with that and does not want to see me hurt.
Their connection is so powerful and raw, I love the unique world! I enjoyed this Reed so much, and that cliffhanger!! I’m so ready for the next book!
September 15, 2025
𝘼𝙧𝙘 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬
𝘽𝙤𝙤𝙠:Down to ursa
𝘼𝙪𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙧: Lissa sharpe
𝙈𝙤𝙙𝙚: Ebook
𝙍𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬:
Down to Ursa is a sci-fi adventure book and it is so Tarzan coded! If you're into Adventurous sci-fi books then this book is for you! Fiance cheates on her with his assistant! How can she just flew away without creating any scene?!?!?? I mean!!! HE WAS HER FIANCEEE RIGHT!! AND THAT THING WANTED HER TO DISAPPEAR! LIKE WHAATTTT?????? okay no more spoilers, It's interesting book, no—actual series, book 2 is going to be coming soon! This book is the longest i have ever read!
𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨:
- Forced proximity
-Series
- opposites attract
- touch-starved
- culture clash
- just one cave
- he falls first
- Tarzan-inspired
- space pirates
Thank you dear author for giving me the opportunity to read this book in advance. I really enjoyed and loved the book.
For more book reviews follow @bookofashi0n on Instagram, fable and Goodreads
𝘽𝙤𝙤𝙠:Down to ursa
𝘼𝙪𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙧: Lissa sharpe
𝙈𝙤𝙙𝙚: Ebook
𝙍𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬:
Down to Ursa is a sci-fi adventure book and it is so Tarzan coded! If you're into Adventurous sci-fi books then this book is for you! Fiance cheates on her with his assistant! How can she just flew away without creating any scene?!?!?? I mean!!! HE WAS HER FIANCEEE RIGHT!! AND THAT THING WANTED HER TO DISAPPEAR! LIKE WHAATTTT?????? okay no more spoilers, It's interesting book, no—actual series, book 2 is going to be coming soon! This book is the longest i have ever read!
𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨:
- Forced proximity
-Series
- opposites attract
- touch-starved
- culture clash
- just one cave
- he falls first
- Tarzan-inspired
- space pirates
Thank you dear author for giving me the opportunity to read this book in advance. I really enjoyed and loved the book.
For more book reviews follow @bookofashi0n on Instagram, fable and Goodreads
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 24, 2025
That was fun and different! The way the MC tells us the story is unusual--took some getting used to--but I enjoyed once I adjusted.
Note to other readers: This is Book 1 and ends on a cliff-hanger. I recommend but you may want to wait for Book 2 since there's a lot of action in this book. (It was hard to stop in the middle of the adventure.)
I discovered this author due to her participation in the Penny Reid omniverse. Her 2 books Nun Too Soon and Nun the Wiser are very different from this, but also unique...and a lot of fun! I recommend those to you as well. (Still anticipating Nun book #3, btw...)
Also, here's an entirely unsolicited reading recommendation if you enjoyed this book. I suggest you try Transcendence by Shay Savage. It's less light-hearted, but just as sweet.
Note to other readers: This is Book 1 and ends on a cliff-hanger. I recommend but you may want to wait for Book 2 since there's a lot of action in this book. (It was hard to stop in the middle of the adventure.)
I discovered this author due to her participation in the Penny Reid omniverse. Her 2 books Nun Too Soon and Nun the Wiser are very different from this, but also unique...and a lot of fun! I recommend those to you as well. (Still anticipating Nun book #3, btw...)
Also, here's an entirely unsolicited reading recommendation if you enjoyed this book. I suggest you try Transcendence by Shay Savage. It's less light-hearted, but just as sweet.
September 23, 2025
Down to Ursa is a Sci-Fi Adventure romance by Lissa Sharpe. Mina is a scientist on an expedition being held in captivity and meets Ursa who is living on an abandoned Earth.
Down to Ursa is part of a trilogy of the Last Man on Earth series.
I enjoyed seeing Mina and Ursa’s feelings develop over the course of the story and how they try to communicate their feelings for each other. There are also moments of humor and suspense being an adventure series that kept readers engaged with the story.
I liked the footnotes at the end of each chapter, which were ways to learn more about Mina’s perspective and thoughts and to gain additional context for the story.
Readers who enjoy sci-fi / adventure, forced proximity, slow burn romances will enjoy this book. There are open door scenes.
Thank you to Lissa Sharpe and Happily Booked PR for the opportunity to read and review this book!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a honest review.
Down to Ursa is part of a trilogy of the Last Man on Earth series.
I enjoyed seeing Mina and Ursa’s feelings develop over the course of the story and how they try to communicate their feelings for each other. There are also moments of humor and suspense being an adventure series that kept readers engaged with the story.
I liked the footnotes at the end of each chapter, which were ways to learn more about Mina’s perspective and thoughts and to gain additional context for the story.
Readers who enjoy sci-fi / adventure, forced proximity, slow burn romances will enjoy this book. There are open door scenes.
Thank you to Lissa Sharpe and Happily Booked PR for the opportunity to read and review this book!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a honest review.
September 19, 2025
Rating:
4⭐️1🌶️
Tropes:
✨ Forced proximity
🌳 Opposites attract
✨ Touch-starved
🌳 Culture clash
✨ Just one cave
🌳 He falls first
✨ Tarzan-inspired
🌳 Space pirates
Well, I truly enjoyed this book! It's nothing like I've read before, but I really liked it. This book has major Tarzan vibes which I just love as Tarzan is one of my favourite movies ever since I was a kid.
Not me picking up a sci-fi romance and ending up emotionally attached to a wildman?? 😭 Mina + Ursa’s chemistry is EVERYTHING. The survival stakes had me hooked, but it’s the heart of the story—the way two totally different people find connection in the chaos—that really got me. If you want a book that mixes danger, adventure, and a swoony romance that sneaks up on you… this one’s it. 🌌✨”
Thank you Lissa for picking me to be an ARC for this amazing book🫶❤️
4⭐️1🌶️
Tropes:
✨ Forced proximity
🌳 Opposites attract
✨ Touch-starved
🌳 Culture clash
✨ Just one cave
🌳 He falls first
✨ Tarzan-inspired
🌳 Space pirates
Well, I truly enjoyed this book! It's nothing like I've read before, but I really liked it. This book has major Tarzan vibes which I just love as Tarzan is one of my favourite movies ever since I was a kid.
Not me picking up a sci-fi romance and ending up emotionally attached to a wildman?? 😭 Mina + Ursa’s chemistry is EVERYTHING. The survival stakes had me hooked, but it’s the heart of the story—the way two totally different people find connection in the chaos—that really got me. If you want a book that mixes danger, adventure, and a swoony romance that sneaks up on you… this one’s it. 🌌✨”
Thank you Lissa for picking me to be an ARC for this amazing book🫶❤️
September 23, 2025
📚✨ Down to Ursa by Lissa Sharpe
⭐️3.5/5 | 🌶️1/5
From the very first chapter, Down to Ursa had me hooked. I thought I was stepping into a straightforward space expedition, but it quickly revealed itself to be something darker, sharper, and more personal.
Sharpe balances heavy themes (abuse, betrayal, survival under impossible odds) with a narrator who uses humor and wit as armor. Minerva’s voice is part scientist, part unreliable narrator, and part stand-up comedian, and it worked so well. I laughed, I cringed, I gasped… and then I hit that cliffhanger ending.
This was my first time diving into a sci-fi/romance blend, and it was such a refreshing change of pace. The mix of emotional tension, dark twists, and Minerva’s razor-sharp narration kept me hooked from beginning to end.
⚡ Reading mood: starry-eyed + desperate for book two
⭐️3.5/5 | 🌶️1/5
From the very first chapter, Down to Ursa had me hooked. I thought I was stepping into a straightforward space expedition, but it quickly revealed itself to be something darker, sharper, and more personal.
Sharpe balances heavy themes (abuse, betrayal, survival under impossible odds) with a narrator who uses humor and wit as armor. Minerva’s voice is part scientist, part unreliable narrator, and part stand-up comedian, and it worked so well. I laughed, I cringed, I gasped… and then I hit that cliffhanger ending.
This was my first time diving into a sci-fi/romance blend, and it was such a refreshing change of pace. The mix of emotional tension, dark twists, and Minerva’s razor-sharp narration kept me hooked from beginning to end.
⚡ Reading mood: starry-eyed + desperate for book two
September 21, 2025
Sci-fi gold ,I sure was sold . Dr. Mina Smythe-Canfield is a specialist in her field and so she’s already an expert of any fun guy ( fungi) she’s a pioneer he’s an engineer of sorts ,he’s a wild man is Ursa who’s been left on Earth with his own thoughts ,the last man on earth might have more going than she thinks and rather than avoid the mirth she’s already checking out his girth …Well what a to do and I’m not telling you if they do or don’t . Ursa Major yum …Go read the book then it won’t haunt or taunt . It will surely please your senses though so not to take it up would be senseless? Yup . Well written by Lissa Sharpe
September 23, 2025
🌲✨ Down to Ursa by Lissa Sharpe ✨🌲
A breathtaking mix of romance, adventure & contemporary fiction set in Alaska’s wild beauty. 💕❄️
Love, survival, and second chances collide in a story that proves the wildest places hold the truest connections. 🏔️💫
I'm an official ARC reader for Down To Ursa by @lissasharpeauthor ✨
What to expect:
✨ Forced proximity
🌳 opposites attract
✨ touch-starved
🌳 culture clash
✨ just one cave
🌳 he falls first
✨ Tarzan-inspired
🌳 space pirates
#arcreader #comingsoon #oppositesattract #forcedproximity #touch-starved #cultureclash #justonecave #hefallsfirst #tarzaninspired #spacepirates @happilybookedpr
#Bookstagram #RomanceBooks #AdventureReads #DownToUrsa
A breathtaking mix of romance, adventure & contemporary fiction set in Alaska’s wild beauty. 💕❄️
Love, survival, and second chances collide in a story that proves the wildest places hold the truest connections. 🏔️💫
I'm an official ARC reader for Down To Ursa by @lissasharpeauthor ✨
What to expect:
✨ Forced proximity
🌳 opposites attract
✨ touch-starved
🌳 culture clash
✨ just one cave
🌳 he falls first
✨ Tarzan-inspired
🌳 space pirates
#arcreader #comingsoon #oppositesattract #forcedproximity #touch-starved #cultureclash #justonecave #hefallsfirst #tarzaninspired #spacepirates @happilybookedpr
#Bookstagram #RomanceBooks #AdventureReads #DownToUrsa
September 23, 2025
This book exceeded my expectations. The story kept me wanting more, and the writing style worked perfectly for this. We weren’t reading a book, we were being told a story. The story had dark twists and curiosities. I just wanted to find out more about the story and the present. The characters were well written, we had the perfectly written bad guy, scientist and wild man. Their characters made sense and even if you don’t like all of them, they fit the plot and made it better. I will definitely take a look at the next book when it comes out.
I appreciate having received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I appreciate having received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 22, 2025
WOW this is amazing and Best SoFi story ever. I couldn’t even put it down. It was action packed of mystery and romance of the world it being taking over alien from another universe. This was about to change in a big way. Ursa and Mina the chemistry between them was captivating and intriguing and very emotional of drama .
I definitely recommend this book and you won’t be disappointed. I received advance copy of this book Happily Booked PR and via Bookfunnel and am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion. Trina Jones
I definitely recommend this book and you won’t be disappointed. I received advance copy of this book Happily Booked PR and via Bookfunnel and am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion. Trina Jones
October 9, 2025
Down to Ursa is book one in The Last Man on Earth series
I really enjoyed this book! Do you know why I choose to jump into books? It's books like this I would miss out on if I didn't give them a try. This is a Sci-Fi (I thought not really my thing. no surprise I was wrong lol... ) adventure romance. I think this book was entertaining, and was written well, with mostly enjoyable characters, you'll understand when you read. Also, there is so much going on in this book but in a good way, it had me hooked! I can't wait to read book 2!
I really enjoyed this book! Do you know why I choose to jump into books? It's books like this I would miss out on if I didn't give them a try. This is a Sci-Fi (I thought not really my thing. no surprise I was wrong lol... ) adventure romance. I think this book was entertaining, and was written well, with mostly enjoyable characters, you'll understand when you read. Also, there is so much going on in this book but in a good way, it had me hooked! I can't wait to read book 2!
December 12, 2025
Man, this was a freaking fantastic book!!!!!!
At first, the story seemed to move along a bit slowly for me, but I soon realized that this world building was necessary for the way that the author is telling this story. And what a story this was. I have never read a Tarzan retelling before, and I am beyond thrilled that this was my first one. It was so much fun!! I am, however, beyond devastated... the book hangover that i am left with after reading the final "to be continued...." aahhhgggg!!!!!! I need the next book ASAP, lol!!!!!!!!!
Highly recommend!!!!
At first, the story seemed to move along a bit slowly for me, but I soon realized that this world building was necessary for the way that the author is telling this story. And what a story this was. I have never read a Tarzan retelling before, and I am beyond thrilled that this was my first one. It was so much fun!! I am, however, beyond devastated... the book hangover that i am left with after reading the final "to be continued...." aahhhgggg!!!!!! I need the next book ASAP, lol!!!!!!!!!
Highly recommend!!!!
September 18, 2025
I was kind of disappointed with this one. It’s an interesting idea, but I felt at times it was hard to keep my attention on it. The FMC wasn’t very likable. I find her kind of pretentious and condescending. The footnotes drove me crazy and I almost DNF’ed several times because of it. I can’t imagine reading the physical copy of this book and having to go back-and-forth so many times for those footnotes. This one just didn’t do it for me.
September 22, 2025
This is the first time I've read anything by Lissa Sharpe, and I'm glad I got to do so thanks to the ARC provided by Happily Booked.
Down to Ursa was unique, imaginative, and romantic. It blends heartfelt storytelling with a world that feels fresh and exciting. The emotional core of the book shines through, balancing adventure with a tender love story. It’s a captivating journey with characters you can’t help but root for.
Down to Ursa was unique, imaginative, and romantic. It blends heartfelt storytelling with a world that feels fresh and exciting. The emotional core of the book shines through, balancing adventure with a tender love story. It’s a captivating journey with characters you can’t help but root for.
September 17, 2025
Grabbed my interest from the first page. Exciting story, with likable characters. Storyline was full of fun twists.
Lots of action packed scenes. Just the right amount of drama and suspense to keep me glued to the pages.
Chemistry between characters was hot and steamy.
Definitely enjoyed reading this book!
Lots of action packed scenes. Just the right amount of drama and suspense to keep me glued to the pages.
Chemistry between characters was hot and steamy.
Definitely enjoyed reading this book!
October 9, 2025
This was an entertaining read. I love seeing more sci-fi romance. I enjoyed the writing/story telling style of this book, although I think footnotes might be annoying in print, ebook it's nice to tap on the page and have it pop up. It is attention grabbing from the beginning. I would definitely recommend to a friend.
September 18, 2025
This was such a unique, humorous, and interesting book! I really liked Mina and Ursa. The story was engaging and kept me guessing what would happen next. I think reading the prequel novella helped set the stage for this story, though; I highly recommend reading that first!
September 21, 2025
I won’t deny, I wasn’t sure I was going to enjoy this book during the first few pages but I was hooked by page 5. I couldn’t stop reading, I needed to know what happens next. This had a lovely unique take on other planets and lives on them.
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