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Rocket Romance
In Rocket Romance, you will explore futuristic worlds of outer space, where untraditional relationships are not always easy!
In the first story,“Roxy and Mike,” we meet Roxy, an ordinary teen living in extraordinary times. She is tricked into being on the welcoming committee at school for a controversial new student, who Roxy finds is a handsome Martian. The two get along fabulously among the hatred and bigotry of Roxy’s classmates. Will their budding romance survive these trying times?
In the second story, “Kat and Leo,” Killer Kat and her kittens gang live life on the edge. Leo and Kat have been inseparable since they were in middle school, but Kat’s independence and wild ways might be putting Leo off. Will a gentler, more feminine girl steal away Leo’s affections?
In the first story,“Roxy and Mike,” we meet Roxy, an ordinary teen living in extraordinary times. She is tricked into being on the welcoming committee at school for a controversial new student, who Roxy finds is a handsome Martian. The two get along fabulously among the hatred and bigotry of Roxy’s classmates. Will their budding romance survive these trying times?
In the second story, “Kat and Leo,” Killer Kat and her kittens gang live life on the edge. Leo and Kat have been inseparable since they were in middle school, but Kat’s independence and wild ways might be putting Leo off. Will a gentler, more feminine girl steal away Leo’s affections?
110 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 5, 2017
22 people are currently reading
226 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
March 8, 2017
Just imagine if I saw more novels like this when I was a teenage girl. Okay, so she's holding hands with a guy with green skin and orange hair - that's still light years better than some stalkerific glowing disco ball with fangs.
But don't let the cute cover fool you. This is a YA romance with teeth. And it's a science fiction world in which Black and other PoC are not excluded or written as sidekicks. The social message isn't heavy handed, but Ms. Chester gets her point across. I think she was pretty darn clever to model this world of spaceships and living on the moon after 1950s/1960's. And though at the end of day, both stories are romantic, the female heroines do not exist for the sake of the hero. They are complex girls, struggling to fit in and/or accept themselves. And there are strong female friendships, along with the typical high school mean girl posse.
Seriously, why isn't this author more popular? She's got an engaging style with characters to love, to cheer for and even those to boo.
But don't let the cute cover fool you. This is a YA romance with teeth. And it's a science fiction world in which Black and other PoC are not excluded or written as sidekicks. The social message isn't heavy handed, but Ms. Chester gets her point across. I think she was pretty darn clever to model this world of spaceships and living on the moon after 1950s/1960's. And though at the end of day, both stories are romantic, the female heroines do not exist for the sake of the hero. They are complex girls, struggling to fit in and/or accept themselves. And there are strong female friendships, along with the typical high school mean girl posse.
Seriously, why isn't this author more popular? She's got an engaging style with characters to love, to cheer for and even those to boo.
March 7, 2017
3.5 stars
This novella featured two sci-fi short stories. Both the main characters (along with a lot of side characters) are black. Roxy, the main character from the first story, is a bigger girl and she's incredibly confident, which I loved.
The writing was just okay, in my opinion. Since this was just a novella, things weren't as fleshed out as I wish they were, but I still enjoyed reading this and I think it's an important (and cheap) read!
I enjoyed the first story, Mike & Roxy, a lot more than the second.
This novella featured two sci-fi short stories. Both the main characters (along with a lot of side characters) are black. Roxy, the main character from the first story, is a bigger girl and she's incredibly confident, which I loved.
The writing was just okay, in my opinion. Since this was just a novella, things weren't as fleshed out as I wish they were, but I still enjoyed reading this and I think it's an important (and cheap) read!
I enjoyed the first story, Mike & Roxy, a lot more than the second.
February 12, 2023
Didn’t know this was a short story. (That has 2 stories) That explains why it felt so choppy and rushed. It would have been nice to have a little warning before purchasing it, but it was only $1.00, so I’m not mad. That being said, the cover is very cute- that and the synopsis are the reasons I bought it. I’ve never read a story about Martians, despite me falling down the alien lover rabbit hole read of late.
I thought it was an interesting premise. I loved the, I want to say 1950s, 1960s theme vibes going on. (Someone correct me if my era is off). The milkshake, dinner, slicked back hair, vibes was seriously cute.
The interactions were honestly so quick, I didn’t have time to wrap my head around how I felt about it. What I did not like, however, was how THIRSTY Roxy was. Though I can understand she is a teenager who wants to feel acceptance from someone after the years of rejection, I still couldn’t agree with it.
Mike told her that her rose cabbage was cute like her and she interpreted that to mean him confessing his feelings to her. This was all with 5mins of them meeting FOR THE FIRST TIME. Major yikes on that.
Tension with Bekka was well done, short story wise. The fear and panic I felt on Roxy’s behalf were palpable. Great job.
The open ending was a nice touch, because, yeah, these two have only known each other for less than 24hours, so it makes sense the story would end the way it did.
Overall, VERY rushed, some flaws, but which story doesn’t have them. A cute read.
November 1, 2022
3.5 stars
This book is $2.89 for a physical copy and $1 on Kindle as of writing this.
I was completely duped by the cover. Sophia Chester is great with the charm and the cuteness that comes with the 'coming of age/romance' genre, but the miscommunication and assumptions were pretty cringey. There was also a lot of unexpectedly hard-hitting subjects tackled in Rocket Romance. Martians in this book are the ones who are discriminated against and the violence that happens to them are based on real life events. I also enjoyed the first story a lot more than the second story. Too many characters and too much was happening in the second one and I couldn't connect with the main character. I recommend this little novella if you go into it with the expectation that this won't be a cozy read.
cw: fatphobia, bullying, violence (physical and verbal), discrimination based on real life events (but it's against aliens)
This book is $2.89 for a physical copy and $1 on Kindle as of writing this.
I was completely duped by the cover. Sophia Chester is great with the charm and the cuteness that comes with the 'coming of age/romance' genre, but the miscommunication and assumptions were pretty cringey. There was also a lot of unexpectedly hard-hitting subjects tackled in Rocket Romance. Martians in this book are the ones who are discriminated against and the violence that happens to them are based on real life events. I also enjoyed the first story a lot more than the second story. Too many characters and too much was happening in the second one and I couldn't connect with the main character. I recommend this little novella if you go into it with the expectation that this won't be a cozy read.
cw: fatphobia, bullying, violence (physical and verbal), discrimination based on real life events (but it's against aliens)
December 30, 2017
This is a collection of two shorter stories that take place in the same world (Moon).
The first one is really reminiscent of Ruby Bridges and the segregation that happened in schools. This is between Humans and Martians though and while I thought the overall plot and theme was important, it was rushed. It's a romance that basically happens within 48 hours so it didn't feel genuine but I really liked the characters. There is fat rep and I liked the different outlook on interracial relationships.
As for the second story, it follows a young troublemaker girl. I instantly liked her because she was fierce and stood up for others, but she quickly became a little too...bullish? for me. Almost abusive in a way. I thought the story was really interesting, following gangs and support homes, but the character really got on my nerves.
You can tell this isn't the best writing, there was one page where there were several typos. And the plot wasn't the best developed, but they were fun stories and I liked the morals behind them.
The first one is really reminiscent of Ruby Bridges and the segregation that happened in schools. This is between Humans and Martians though and while I thought the overall plot and theme was important, it was rushed. It's a romance that basically happens within 48 hours so it didn't feel genuine but I really liked the characters. There is fat rep and I liked the different outlook on interracial relationships.
As for the second story, it follows a young troublemaker girl. I instantly liked her because she was fierce and stood up for others, but she quickly became a little too...bullish? for me. Almost abusive in a way. I thought the story was really interesting, following gangs and support homes, but the character really got on my nerves.
You can tell this isn't the best writing, there was one page where there were several typos. And the plot wasn't the best developed, but they were fun stories and I liked the morals behind them.
Read
September 3, 2017(Review probably next week, IY"H? I still need to write it)
Read
December 19, 2020Roxy & Mike:
That shortstory was really cute and I would've loved to read it in full novel length. (It also kinda inspired me to try write a sci fi romance myself.)
Kat & Leo:
I couldn't really get into this story, because all about Kat's attitude and lifestyle just wasn't my thing. I felt no connection with her.
That shortstory was really cute and I would've loved to read it in full novel length. (It also kinda inspired me to try write a sci fi romance myself.)
Kat & Leo:
I couldn't really get into this story, because all about Kat's attitude and lifestyle just wasn't my thing. I felt no connection with her.
April 17, 2017
3.5
I didn't know this was 2 stories. I liked the first one with interplanetary love more than the second one. The 2nd one I mostly just skimmed. I liked it. I'm interested in reading more from Sophia Chester.
I didn't know this was 2 stories. I liked the first one with interplanetary love more than the second one. The 2nd one I mostly just skimmed. I liked it. I'm interested in reading more from Sophia Chester.
September 6, 2017
Here's the link to the full review: https://mylittleaddictions.wordpress....
Rocket Romance features two short scifi stories. Both are really cute and are obviously about a couple. I love that the characters are mostly PoC and the protagonists are Black (minus Mike, who's an alien).
It has a wonderful 50s vibe, but in space. They all live on the Moon, in a human colony. If you're nostalgic of this time period and love space, I think you'll enjoy this book (who doesn't want to sip a "large chocolate mega milkshake" on the Moon?).
Even though the stories are cute, it still deals with important subjects, especially discrimination. In these stories, Martians are treated the same way Black people were treated during segregation: separated booths, can't go to the same school as the humans...
The first story is about the discrimination the Martians have to face and the second one is more about the discrimination human can also face. Kat is a leader of a girl gang, she's poor, she's fierce and she doesn't fit to this society.
The first story is about Roxie, a Black fat girl and the second one is about Kat, who's also a Black girl and, as I said earlier, she's the leader of a girl gang.
These girls are confident and ready to fight for themselves and their friends. They're strong, they're badass and they're only in high school. They both have to face some kinds of discrimination but they don't let the society rule them. Even though both of the stories are romance, they clearly don't need a man in their lives and this is refreshing.
I had a few issues with the writing. It wasn't bad, it just was a little too cliché for me and I also wish the stories were longer (so it's a good point haha), so we could know more about this world.
The book is also really cheap (only 0.99€ on AmazonFR and 1.59$ on AmazonUS)!
Rocket Romance features two short scifi stories. Both are really cute and are obviously about a couple. I love that the characters are mostly PoC and the protagonists are Black (minus Mike, who's an alien).
It has a wonderful 50s vibe, but in space. They all live on the Moon, in a human colony. If you're nostalgic of this time period and love space, I think you'll enjoy this book (who doesn't want to sip a "large chocolate mega milkshake" on the Moon?).
Even though the stories are cute, it still deals with important subjects, especially discrimination. In these stories, Martians are treated the same way Black people were treated during segregation: separated booths, can't go to the same school as the humans...
The first story is about the discrimination the Martians have to face and the second one is more about the discrimination human can also face. Kat is a leader of a girl gang, she's poor, she's fierce and she doesn't fit to this society.
The first story is about Roxie, a Black fat girl and the second one is about Kat, who's also a Black girl and, as I said earlier, she's the leader of a girl gang.
These girls are confident and ready to fight for themselves and their friends. They're strong, they're badass and they're only in high school. They both have to face some kinds of discrimination but they don't let the society rule them. Even though both of the stories are romance, they clearly don't need a man in their lives and this is refreshing.
I had a few issues with the writing. It wasn't bad, it just was a little too cliché for me and I also wish the stories were longer (so it's a good point haha), so we could know more about this world.
The book is also really cheap (only 0.99€ on AmazonFR and 1.59$ on AmazonUS)!
September 11, 2020
This book was extremely cute. Going in, I thought it was going to be a graphic novel actually! I feel like this is something I would’ve cherished when I was much younger. Yes, in some parts I found it very cringe, but that doesn’t detract from how adorable it is. If you have young children/ very young teens, I think you could read this to them or give it to them to read. There’s two short stories included in this and I thought they were both equally adorable (although the couple the second book focuses on are both black and that made me happy). The writing didn’t blow me away, but it’s not bad. It’s just average. Quick easy read.
October 24, 2017
It was fine. Definitely an early try by someone who likes writing fun, short stories. I think it's self published, but I'd definitely like to hear more from the author with the help of an editor.
June 15, 2017
4.5 Stars Overall!
Loved the first story, great setting, fun narrator that I instantly connected with. Very light-hearted and a fun read, even though it does touch on serious subject matter. Loved the bit with the rotating garden.
It took a little more to get into the second story, but it definitely held my interest. I found myself wishing there were more technology and world building in this one, as there was for the first story. In spots, I forgot it was in the future on the moon.
Looking forward to more from this author. Definitely worth the great price, and then some!
Loved the first story, great setting, fun narrator that I instantly connected with. Very light-hearted and a fun read, even though it does touch on serious subject matter. Loved the bit with the rotating garden.
It took a little more to get into the second story, but it definitely held my interest. I found myself wishing there were more technology and world building in this one, as there was for the first story. In spots, I forgot it was in the future on the moon.
Looking forward to more from this author. Definitely worth the great price, and then some!
June 6, 2017
I spotted this super adorable cover over on Twitter and just had to check out the book.
And I am so glad I did. It is a short one, and it consists out of 2 stories, 2 different couples, there are 2 similarities between the stories.
One it all takes place on the Moon! Yes, you heard me right, these stories take place in space. These characters live in colonies on the Moon! We definitely need more cute stories like this taking place in space. I do wish we had seen a bit more about how they lived on the planet, at times it felt just like they were on Earth. :P But I guess given the shortness of the stories that was just not doable.
Second the stories feature discrimination. The Martians in this story are treated like they are poop. They are shunned, there are protests when they want to join schools or places, they get the most basic of houses/etc, and much much more. The author wove this in the story in a way that I quite loved. Especially the first story features this discrimination a lot when our MC falls in love with the exchange student who is a Martian. She witnesses at first hand how hard it is for the Martians.
So, I will write a short bit about each of the stories with a rating next to it.
Roxy x Mike (or Michael, though he prefers Mike): 4.5 stars. -0.5 star for the instalove. I am just not a big fan of that kind of stuff, and it was just a bit too magical how they fell in love instantly. Their relationship, or seeing it building up, was cute, but again, it could have done without the POOF love part. Of course I can imagine why, the story would have gotten too long if you wanted to build up that love.
Back to the other parts. Roxy was the best character, and I loved her dearly. I also loved that the author wasn't shying away from the fact that Roxy was a bit chubby, or that she loved food (and she did that a lot, it was so fun to see her realise it herself). I loved that Roxy didn't care about losing weight in the short span that we see her being love-love with Mike. She even just orders a big pile of fries. That is my girl! The many times I see girls pick little portions when they are going out with a guy. *sighs*
Mike was a fantastic guy, and I was so sad that he had to go through all this crappy stuff. And that underneath his fear there was just great, sweet, wonderful guy who made jokes, wasn't afraid to compliment a girl in a sweet way, and who had a great laugh (going by the descriptions and my imagination).
The story was really sweet, and I actually felt sorry it was over so fast. I wouldn't have minded even more chapters with these 2 characters. *swoons*
Kat x Leo: 3 stars. A pretty decent story, though I felt Leo was a bit too mature (and perfect) and Kat was a bit too much of a rebel for me. Plus I didn't always see the chemistry between those two. At times I did though and I was shipping them like mad, but then there would be other times when I would be hoping they wouldn't get together.
Even though Kat was a bit over the top, I did love that despite everything going on in her life she was taking care of those girls. She took them in, and tried to feed them, love them, and protect them. She was really great at that. Plus I loved that, even though all the bad things people said about Martians, she was open to them and even allowed one to take refugee at her house. That was a really sweet thing of her to do. So many people would hurt, or reject that girl, but Kat opened her house and arms to her.
We have a nemesis, named Paige. Gosh, I disliked that girl SOOOOOO much. She fitted perfectly in the role of a nemesis. She was vile. I disliked all she did to Kat. And sure, Kat also instigated some things, but did Paige have to take it that far?
I did like that the author added backstory for Kat, we see how she got to be where she is now, and I was just so sad that everyone gave up on her (her school, her family), and that while she wasn't feeling well at times, she just kept on going, she kept working hard, trying to figure out her life. She found some great friends, though I would rather call them her sisters, they are that close.
The ending to this one? It was cute, adorable, and a bit predictable, but I didn't mind. I was happy with how it all tied up together.
All in all, I would recommend this book, it is cute, fluffy, but also deals with real problems. Plus it takes place in space! How can you resist that? :P
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
And I am so glad I did. It is a short one, and it consists out of 2 stories, 2 different couples, there are 2 similarities between the stories.
One it all takes place on the Moon! Yes, you heard me right, these stories take place in space. These characters live in colonies on the Moon! We definitely need more cute stories like this taking place in space. I do wish we had seen a bit more about how they lived on the planet, at times it felt just like they were on Earth. :P But I guess given the shortness of the stories that was just not doable.
Second the stories feature discrimination. The Martians in this story are treated like they are poop. They are shunned, there are protests when they want to join schools or places, they get the most basic of houses/etc, and much much more. The author wove this in the story in a way that I quite loved. Especially the first story features this discrimination a lot when our MC falls in love with the exchange student who is a Martian. She witnesses at first hand how hard it is for the Martians.
So, I will write a short bit about each of the stories with a rating next to it.
Roxy x Mike (or Michael, though he prefers Mike): 4.5 stars. -0.5 star for the instalove. I am just not a big fan of that kind of stuff, and it was just a bit too magical how they fell in love instantly. Their relationship, or seeing it building up, was cute, but again, it could have done without the POOF love part. Of course I can imagine why, the story would have gotten too long if you wanted to build up that love.
Back to the other parts. Roxy was the best character, and I loved her dearly. I also loved that the author wasn't shying away from the fact that Roxy was a bit chubby, or that she loved food (and she did that a lot, it was so fun to see her realise it herself). I loved that Roxy didn't care about losing weight in the short span that we see her being love-love with Mike. She even just orders a big pile of fries. That is my girl! The many times I see girls pick little portions when they are going out with a guy. *sighs*
Mike was a fantastic guy, and I was so sad that he had to go through all this crappy stuff. And that underneath his fear there was just great, sweet, wonderful guy who made jokes, wasn't afraid to compliment a girl in a sweet way, and who had a great laugh (going by the descriptions and my imagination).
The story was really sweet, and I actually felt sorry it was over so fast. I wouldn't have minded even more chapters with these 2 characters. *swoons*
Kat x Leo: 3 stars. A pretty decent story, though I felt Leo was a bit too mature (and perfect) and Kat was a bit too much of a rebel for me. Plus I didn't always see the chemistry between those two. At times I did though and I was shipping them like mad, but then there would be other times when I would be hoping they wouldn't get together.
Even though Kat was a bit over the top, I did love that despite everything going on in her life she was taking care of those girls. She took them in, and tried to feed them, love them, and protect them. She was really great at that. Plus I loved that, even though all the bad things people said about Martians, she was open to them and even allowed one to take refugee at her house. That was a really sweet thing of her to do. So many people would hurt, or reject that girl, but Kat opened her house and arms to her.
We have a nemesis, named Paige. Gosh, I disliked that girl SOOOOOO much. She fitted perfectly in the role of a nemesis. She was vile. I disliked all she did to Kat. And sure, Kat also instigated some things, but did Paige have to take it that far?
I did like that the author added backstory for Kat, we see how she got to be where she is now, and I was just so sad that everyone gave up on her (her school, her family), and that while she wasn't feeling well at times, she just kept on going, she kept working hard, trying to figure out her life. She found some great friends, though I would rather call them her sisters, they are that close.
The ending to this one? It was cute, adorable, and a bit predictable, but I didn't mind. I was happy with how it all tied up together.
All in all, I would recommend this book, it is cute, fluffy, but also deals with real problems. Plus it takes place in space! How can you resist that? :P
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
January 3, 2023
2.5 but I'm rounding it up because it's self-pub and i think that with an editor this definitely had the 3-star potential.
I enjoyed the second story more than the first. The writing in general just wasn't my favourite, unfortunately. it just lacks worldbuilding. the Martians are the black people of that world and everything is just copy-paste 1:1 from our world to theirs. this didn't have to be set in space; there's nothing space specific happening there. the cover art is beautiful tho, so bonus points there
I enjoyed the second story more than the first. The writing in general just wasn't my favourite, unfortunately. it just lacks worldbuilding. the Martians are the black people of that world and everything is just copy-paste 1:1 from our world to theirs. this didn't have to be set in space; there's nothing space specific happening there. the cover art is beautiful tho, so bonus points there
October 1, 2017
cute! two short story romances set in le futur (which is oddly like the 1950s?). the cover depicts the first story wherein our lead falls in love with a martian and they both deal with anti-martian prejudice (which in another 1950s twist is very much akin to anti-black prejudice and the school desegregation battle in the us). the second one follows the poor leader of a girl gang as she gets the boy and beats the leader of the rich rival girl gang. go kat!
3 stars
3 stars
March 5, 2018
This is an adorable little book featuring two short love stories (in space!).
I initially thought it was a graphic novel, and I still think that it would be great as one. It's true that there were a few errors in typing, but it wasn't enough to ruin the enjoyment of reading.
My favorite was "Roxy and Mike". The racial politics about allowing a martian student into a human school were reminiscent of Ruby Bridges. I enjoyed Roxy's immediate kindness. The world needs more of that. :)
I initially thought it was a graphic novel, and I still think that it would be great as one. It's true that there were a few errors in typing, but it wasn't enough to ruin the enjoyment of reading.
My favorite was "Roxy and Mike". The racial politics about allowing a martian student into a human school were reminiscent of Ruby Bridges. I enjoyed Roxy's immediate kindness. The world needs more of that. :)
February 15, 2019
Too cute for words!
I’m not really a book-buff or anything, but I’m a sucker for something cute and romantic. The first story of Mike and Roxy left me feeling like I couldn’t get enough! I literally slapped my knee and said, “Damn!” when I got to the end of the story. I haven’t enjoyed stories like these for a long time, so bless the author and how adorable a story this was for me! A total joyride!
I’m not really a book-buff or anything, but I’m a sucker for something cute and romantic. The first story of Mike and Roxy left me feeling like I couldn’t get enough! I literally slapped my knee and said, “Damn!” when I got to the end of the story. I haven’t enjoyed stories like these for a long time, so bless the author and how adorable a story this was for me! A total joyride!
September 30, 2022
This review is for the first story. Super cute, but ended wayyy to abruptly! It made it feel quite unfinished. I wish the author would go back and flesh this out into a full length novel or even just a longer novella. Like, just when drama was starting to unfold and the romance kicking up, it kinda deflated and ended. I even forgave the race allegories (which generally feel like erasing actual history of past and present oppression. Fantasy racism / discrimination is best existing among the other discrimination) cuz the story was so cute.
Reallly gonna need the author to draw out this story in full!
Reallly gonna need the author to draw out this story in full!
August 5, 2017
this was cute but also touched on important topics. I definitely want to read more from this author.
September 2, 2017
A pair of 1950s romances awkwardly shoe-horned into a SciFi setting that's little more than a coat of whitewash.
July 10, 2018
I really enjoyed both stories!
June 28, 2020
**Actual rating: 3.5 Stars**
The storylines were a little cheesy, but I loved how incredibly diverse and empathetic this book was. A solid read!
The storylines were a little cheesy, but I loved how incredibly diverse and empathetic this book was. A solid read!
April 13, 2017
Quick fun read, I enjoyed both stories. The mirroring to today's times was a nice piece to the backgrounds of the stories. Having gone through my share of teenage heartache these characters were relatable as well. I hope that we possibly see more from these characters maybe even a crossover. Can't wait to teas more from this author.
Want to read
February 9, 2018***Who sucked me in***
Hardbackhoarder on YouTube in her CRAMATHON TBR // WINTER 2017 video published on 21 December 2017
Hardbackhoarder on YouTube in her CRAMATHON TBR // WINTER 2017 video published on 21 December 2017
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews