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Gaian Stories #2
Beloved Enemy
In the far distant future, during a war that no one really wanted, two starfighter pilots are stranded on a deserted jungle planet. Earthforce's Meagan Flena turns out to be Gaian Kavath Terrell's perfect match sexually, but neither of them wants to commit to a relationship. As they struggle for survival, though, they soon realize that what they have in common is more important that what keeps them apart. Rating: Contains graphic sexual content, adult language, and violence.
196 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2005
30 people are currently reading
211 people want to read
About the author
Janet Miller
24 books26 followersDuring the weekday Janet is a mild-mannered software engineer who writes code and design documents. At night and on weekends she turns to the creation of offbeat stories about imaginary pasts, presents, and futures. But no matter when or where the story happens, there will always be some adventure, some humor, and meaning to the tale. For Cerridwen she's writing a new line of parafolk tales about modern day vampires, called nightwalkers, along with psychics and shapeshifters of all kinds.
Also publishes as Cricket Starr.
Also publishes as Cricket Starr.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
June 22, 2011
This was pretty good. It could have been longer. (191 pages) A lot more could have been done with the plot and just more scenes would have been nice. It is your basic stranded together on a jungle planet story. Those are basic right? :-) There wasn't a lot of conflict between them. They were pretty attracted to each other from the start and there wasn't much to keep them apart. They are both human but from different places. It wasn't real clear how his people had changed genetically to cause the "attaching" effect. Or how long humans had been in space. The sci fi that existed had a bit of a Battlestar Galactica feel. Once they were on the planet, the sci fi element was basically null. The ending was a bit rushed and the reason that they were temporarily separated was a bit weak.
This was much more a love story than a sci fi story. As a love story more could have been done to illustrate their developing romance. For example, they came to a food sharing agreement then 6 weeks passed with just a sentence. More scenes from the 6 weeks would have been nice, each one showing them more in agreement or conquering some problem on the strange planet that led them to rely on each other. There was some of that sort of thing but more would have been nice, developed the story, and given a longer read. This is not erotica. There are a couple of love scenes but they were of the pretty normal for a romance novel sort.
The writing was decent, not great but not bad. I don't like to get bogged down in description for example, but more would have been nice here. They were on an alien planet after all. There was almost no description of the place.
All in all a decent read but not a great one. Oh and the tighty whities on the cover? They both spent a lot of time in their underwear.
This was much more a love story than a sci fi story. As a love story more could have been done to illustrate their developing romance. For example, they came to a food sharing agreement then 6 weeks passed with just a sentence. More scenes from the 6 weeks would have been nice, each one showing them more in agreement or conquering some problem on the strange planet that led them to rely on each other. There was some of that sort of thing but more would have been nice, developed the story, and given a longer read. This is not erotica. There are a couple of love scenes but they were of the pretty normal for a romance novel sort.
The writing was decent, not great but not bad. I don't like to get bogged down in description for example, but more would have been nice here. They were on an alien planet after all. There was almost no description of the place.
All in all a decent read but not a great one. Oh and the tighty whities on the cover? They both spent a lot of time in their underwear.
February 19, 2012
I like BamaGal's rule of reading more than one book from an author before deciding if you really dislike their way of writing.
After Promises to Keep, I tried Beloved Enemy, set in the same world.
I can't but repeat what I wrote about the first book. There's nothing wrong with it, simply it's not my cup. There was no real conflict even among a war, every thing and every one is either black or white, with nothing in between. Moreover, if you are not a fan of outdoor stories, this is going to bore you to death. I kept skimming all the descriptions and the "how to" scenes (which make most of the story).
If you like alpha men and women in a story, this is not for you. If you like a sweet romance, go for it, knowing that characters' description and depth are not Ms Miller' strength.
After Promises to Keep, I tried Beloved Enemy, set in the same world.
I can't but repeat what I wrote about the first book. There's nothing wrong with it, simply it's not my cup. There was no real conflict even among a war, every thing and every one is either black or white, with nothing in between. Moreover, if you are not a fan of outdoor stories, this is going to bore you to death. I kept skimming all the descriptions and the "how to" scenes (which make most of the story).
If you like alpha men and women in a story, this is not for you. If you like a sweet romance, go for it, knowing that characters' description and depth are not Ms Miller' strength.
January 11, 2016
I read this because I was in the mood for something I can only describe as Swiss Family Robinson on an alien world involving people who don't like each other very much. I know, I have odd tastes. I wasn't necessarily looking for a romance, though the few examples I've come across do tend that way, but sadly this was way more on the face-sucking make-out end of the spectrum than the indepth "let's macgyver up a treehouse with indoor plumbing and run away from alien Terror Birds" that I was looking for.
I also somehow failed to notice when I started reading this that it was the second book in a series I'd already given a low rating to. Whoops! So it probably shouldn't come as a surprise to find I didn't really enjoy this one for much of the same reasons as that one. Namely the attraction came out of nowhere, whenever a characters libido activated it completely shut down all higher brain function, there was way too many mis/non-communication going on, the whole "pheromone" thing is pure woo-woo the likes of which PNR shifter-bonds could only dream of, and there's a weirdly pervasive and extremely hetero-normative Christian vibe about the Gaians' attitude towards love and marriage going on.
I wont say this book is necessarily bad (despite my 1 star rating), but it's definitely not what I was looking for and uses many Romance cliche/ tropes I don't enjoy.
I also somehow failed to notice when I started reading this that it was the second book in a series I'd already given a low rating to. Whoops! So it probably shouldn't come as a surprise to find I didn't really enjoy this one for much of the same reasons as that one. Namely the attraction came out of nowhere, whenever a characters libido activated it completely shut down all higher brain function, there was way too many mis/non-communication going on, the whole "pheromone" thing is pure woo-woo the likes of which PNR shifter-bonds could only dream of, and there's a weirdly pervasive and extremely hetero-normative Christian vibe about the Gaians' attitude towards love and marriage going on.
I wont say this book is necessarily bad (despite my 1 star rating), but it's definitely not what I was looking for and uses many Romance cliche/ tropes I don't enjoy.
August 17, 2013
Surprisingly good. BOOK COVER is awful ***VOMIT***.
HE'S HER ENEMY.
HER MISSION IS TO KILL HIM.
FORBIDDEN LOVE.
Stranded Survivors
I love books where people build or improve something. It can be anything e.g. a house, a community, a garden, a business or lifestyle (learning new skills) etc. I find it cathartic and enjoyable seeing such progress.
This story provided this "building/ improving" element in spades (the characters learning/trading survival skills, building a life within a new planet using organic methods, building relationship skills) hence I really enjoyed it. I've read books regarding stranded survivors in other books but most really don't remain stranded for long or it doesn't offer much details with regards to how the characters coped.
In this story we're introduced to a new world where two people from differing backgrounds pool their skills to survive. The author really manages to capture the teamwork perfectly. I loved reading how Mea found unique methods to improve their life (making sandals, pots and pans) or how Kavath teaches her to start a fire.
Story
Political intrigue, Corporate manipulation, conspiracy, romance, and redemption. The book offers a brilliant plot that could be correlated to real life today.
Earth and a former colony (Gaia) are at war as the Gaian people are tired of Earth's blatant disregard to their rights. Earth is controlled (undercover) by big Corporations who (via govt lobbying) have no qualms of starting war against communities if their profit is threatened. It's due to this corruption by the 1% that eventually leads to a horrific act by Earth that has led the pacifist Gaian people to revolt further.
The start does sort of drag and it's not till a few chapters when all the "they meet and fall deeply in lust" stuff is over that I began to really enjoy the story. I must admit that it took me a good few chapters to become engrossed, prior to that i was thinking of abandoning this book as a dull read.
=========================
Romance
=========================
The Characters
Heroine: not a cliche, she's a versatile, independent, pragmatic girl. She asserts herself without being loud or obnoxious. The author manifests the heroine's independence in how she tries to learn new skills and she tries to provide as much as the hero with regards to food etc.
Hero: Not the usual cliche playboy (sleeps with everything), wealthy, tall, dark handsome hero. He's a hunter who respects the heroine and very protective. And although their roles do evolve towards the traditional (man hunter, woman comforter) in this rough environment there isn't that sexist connotation that would usually proceed this arrangement. There is a level of respect between the characters where they clearly value each other's work.
HE'S HER ENEMY.
HER MISSION IS TO KILL HIM.
FORBIDDEN LOVE.
Stranded Survivors
I love books where people build or improve something. It can be anything e.g. a house, a community, a garden, a business or lifestyle (learning new skills) etc. I find it cathartic and enjoyable seeing such progress.
This story provided this "building/ improving" element in spades (the characters learning/trading survival skills, building a life within a new planet using organic methods, building relationship skills) hence I really enjoyed it. I've read books regarding stranded survivors in other books but most really don't remain stranded for long or it doesn't offer much details with regards to how the characters coped.
In this story we're introduced to a new world where two people from differing backgrounds pool their skills to survive. The author really manages to capture the teamwork perfectly. I loved reading how Mea found unique methods to improve their life (making sandals, pots and pans) or how Kavath teaches her to start a fire.
Story
Political intrigue, Corporate manipulation, conspiracy, romance, and redemption. The book offers a brilliant plot that could be correlated to real life today.
Earth and a former colony (Gaia) are at war as the Gaian people are tired of Earth's blatant disregard to their rights. Earth is controlled (undercover) by big Corporations who (via govt lobbying) have no qualms of starting war against communities if their profit is threatened. It's due to this corruption by the 1% that eventually leads to a horrific act by Earth that has led the pacifist Gaian people to revolt further.
The start does sort of drag and it's not till a few chapters when all the "they meet and fall deeply in lust" stuff is over that I began to really enjoy the story. I must admit that it took me a good few chapters to become engrossed, prior to that i was thinking of abandoning this book as a dull read.
=========================
Romance
Initially I wasn't keen. It was too much of the "set eyes - fall in lust" type- meh. However, once survival necessitates the characters to prioritize hunting, cooking and so forth we witness the development of a partnership and friendship..
=========================
The Characters
Heroine: not a cliche, she's a versatile, independent, pragmatic girl. She asserts herself without being loud or obnoxious. The author manifests the heroine's independence in how she tries to learn new skills and she tries to provide as much as the hero with regards to food etc.
Hero: Not the usual cliche playboy (sleeps with everything), wealthy, tall, dark handsome hero. He's a hunter who respects the heroine and very protective. And although their roles do evolve towards the traditional (man hunter, woman comforter) in this rough environment there isn't that sexist connotation that would usually proceed this arrangement. There is a level of respect between the characters where they clearly value each other's work.
August 13, 2013
#2 in the series of 4.
I’m not into sci fi-ey type novels but initially I liked the feel of this novella but it got boring once Gaian and Meaghan from two warring worlds got stranded on a forest planet with no real threat except trying to keep their hands off each other. Gaian because his people mated only once and he didn’t want to become ‘sexually attached’ to Mea and ruin his only chance of finding himself a wife and Mea because where she came from it wasn’t necessary to become anyone’s wife to have sex, a fact which appalled Gaian.
More…I needed more…drama. Perhaps an earlier introduction of the three men or a small group of violent displaced forest people or ravenous carnivores. Gaian was a pacifist right? Wasted opportunity of six weeks that could have been so much more than Gaian showing Mea how to survive in the wilderness...ya know?
July 30, 2015
There were parts about this book that I really enjoyed and almost loved. Mea and Kavath are both good characters, the world building was very well done and I enjoyed the romantic elements as well as the survivalist elements. There was so much cliche in the book, though, that I had to read it with a cheesy grin almost the entire time. Earth is at galactic war with aliens. Earth female (who at least in this book isn't a total dimwit) gets into a situation where she is confronted with alien hunk who just happens to be her "match" and a perfect man. Alien hunk is idealist (war bad, vegetables good), on the alpha side, sweet, smart, has survivor skills, is a virgin, wants one women and kids and wants to be a provider.
Cliches aside, I did enjoy the quick read, so four stars for cheese and crackers.
Cliches aside, I did enjoy the quick read, so four stars for cheese and crackers.
August 12, 2013
A good read. It was a little slow getting started but it didn't drag.
Enemy pilots Mea from Earth and Kavath from Gaia wind up on an uninhabited planet and must come to a tentative truce to survive while they wait to see which of their people will show up to rescue them. Of course there is attraction and sexual tension. Without giving too much away Kavath's people have a physiological response when they find their mate and they are monogamous for life (and I do mean LIFE).
I liked both characters but I wish Mea would have been more demonstrative and vocal in her emerging feelings for Kavath during the story but the epilogue showed that their love was enduring.
I would be interested in reading more stories in this series.
Enemy pilots Mea from Earth and Kavath from Gaia wind up on an uninhabited planet and must come to a tentative truce to survive while they wait to see which of their people will show up to rescue them. Of course there is attraction and sexual tension. Without giving too much away Kavath's people have a physiological response when they find their mate and they are monogamous for life (and I do mean LIFE).
I liked both characters but I wish Mea would have been more demonstrative and vocal in her emerging feelings for Kavath during the story but the epilogue showed that their love was enduring.
I would be interested in reading more stories in this series.
February 18, 2014
This was a really good freebie. I loved the characters and the story line. There was action, steaminess, emotions, a little exasperation, plenty of sparks, some humor, and a great ending. I was definitely pulled in and kept reading til the end. I loved the world and the characters were strong. This definitely left me with a smile on my face, it started small and grew as I went along in the end. I definitely wouldn't mind reading this again. A good read for anytime and gets the heart pumping. A one-sitter if you've got the time, but be sure to get comfortable cuz you're not gonna wanna move. Enjoy!
September 5, 2013
I wasn't quite as enamored of this story as I have been previously in this series. The heroine did some really idiotic things and our hero seemed a little on the bland side. For a hot shot pilot who was supposed to be "all that", he very much rode the beta-hero fenceline. I felt like their time spent on the planet alone could have been used for greater effect than it was. 2 stars
January 17, 2012
This was pretty cute. It was kind of like the Blue Lagoon in space, and kinda inspired from BSG. I liked, though I don't know if I am going to seek out the next in the series. The hero was beta to the heroine, which you don't always see, and he was very sweet.
September 10, 2013
This was an adventurous romance. Two enemies stranded on an uninhibited planet find love. Their attraction and desire for each other overcomes their opposing factions. I would recommend this book to others.
March 12, 2016
Overall a good read and I didn't get too frustrated with the length of time it took them to resolve their relationship. The war has a pretty dark beginning that's referenced here but doesn't overwhelm Mea and Kavath.
March 8, 2020
Happy International Double XX Chromosome Day👧👩👩🎓🧕🤰🤱👰🧚♀️🧜♀️🙋♀️🙆♀️🧘♀️✌🤘🤙👏🚺❗❗❗
January 5, 2012
I love this book/series. It's been a while since I read the book but the world the author built is interesting and the characters spunky.
Want to read
August 3, 2014SONY
June 29, 2017
Is a great book to read
October 26, 2014
I liked this story better than the first one. Kavath is great.
January 21, 2017
A great book did not realize it was book 2 in a series. But was Good and was ok as a stand alone book. A great love story
February 1, 2017
More like 2.5 stars. Parts of it I liked, parts were roll my eyes continue with the story already, and too much was repetitive. It was an okay fluff book.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews