An Island in the Stars

by Susan Laine

Sam, a geeky college freshman, has bigger problems than lusting after Marcus, sexy jock, college junior, and his big brother’s best friend. Chasing after a beanie caught in the winter wind turns into a tumble down the rabbit hole for them both—science fiction style.

Sam and Marcus find themselves trapped on a tropical island in the middle of a strange ocean on an alien moon. The sole structure is a ruined temple devoted to the art of love. Flustered, confused, and unable to return home, they need to figure out a means of escape from a hostile jungle teeming with dangerous life-forms.

In this tale where opposites attract and secret crushes are revealed, two very dissimilar young men discover they actually have a lot in common after all, but it will take their differences as much as their points of connection to survive on an island in the stars.

Genres: M M Romance, Science Fiction, LGBT, Adventure, Romance

203 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 12, 2017

About the author

Susan is an award-winning author of LGBTQ erotic romance. She writes for Dreamspinner Press, DSP Publications, Siren BookStrand, Evernight Publishing, and Less Than Three Press. Susan is a Finn writing in English. She likes action flicks, pop music, saunas, and the seasons in Finland. Join Susan's newsletter HERE.

Coming soon new M/M and F/F erotic romances....

Sorry but... I'm taking a bit of a hiatus from writing at the moment. Will keep you apprised of any changes. Huge thanks to anyone who has read my stories and, hopefully, liked them <3

Merry Christmas!

Reviews

[Heather K (dentist in my spare time) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm going to sound sort of bitchy here, but despite a really pretty cover, this book annoyed me more and more as I went along.

I was originally intrigued by this story due to the stranded-on-an-islands-meets-alien-adventure premise. I LOVE fish out of water stories, so I was pretty excited about this one. The story also promised to be an opposites attract, which is also a win (usually) for me.

I began this story feeling really hopeful, but as I went on, I found I had issues.

One issue that I had, and this one bugged me the most for some reason, was the gratuitous use of "bae." Bae is one of those trendy nicknames that "is so popular with the young kids," except it really hit its popularity peak back in 2014. Honestly, I see a lot of teenagers, and I have yet to hear anyone use bae other than in reference to a meme. Marcus used "bae" 38 times. 38 times!! I'm sorry, bae, I love you, bae... I wanted to cringe each time. It sounded so unnatural, and him using bae over and over again made it feel like the dialogue wasn't written by someone in their 20s.

I also hated the constant jock vs geek stereotypes. The first half of the book was all miscommunications and, "well, he's a jock so he couldn't be interested in science!"-type thinking. Earth to these characters, smart is cool now! The constant jock vs geek dialogue was tiring.

When these two FINALLY got their act together and made out, the love was insta, insta, insta. Sure, you could argue that these two guys knew each other for years, but they honestly knew very little about one another and spent very little time together, as evidenced by their stilted interactions in the beginning on the story. But once they started kissing it was looooooooove.

Plus, there were all of these weird, sappy, pseudo-introspective interludes about love.

Marcus cocked his head, thinking about his feelings for Sam. He knew he was in love. But what was love? Was it butterflies in his belly, weakness in the knees, surges in his groin, parties in his head, or the flying feeling in his heart? Or perhaps love was plainer and more mundane, like laundry or dishes: never-ending.

Dude...

While the world-building and plot were kind of cool, I was too wrapped up in my dislike for the romance and the dialogue.

Honestly, 2-stars is me feeling generous...

*Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

[* A Reader Obsessed * · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 Stars

Having never read any of Laine’s works but seeing the love for her Before and After series, I thought I’d give this a try due to the lure of a little sci-fi plus a favorite trope (falling for your brother’s best friend). That’s a heady combo, and I really had high hopes for this, but there were several components that just didn’t quite gel.

So yes, exceptionally smart Sam has nurtured a crush on Marcus for what has seemed like forever. Seeing as how Marcus is straight and is his complete opposite, it’s futile to have such feelings. What Sam doesn’t realize of course, is that said feelings are mutual. When happenstance causes Marcus to help retrieve Sam’s lost hat from a deep dark hole, this good deed somehow puts them in a wondrous world full of potential danger. Hence, entering the foreign realm is a mysterious but easy feat. Exiting however, is going to take a helluva lot more than lucky circumstance to get them out of their unfortunate predicament. The wild, tropical, eerie island that Sam and Marcus find themselves on is mind boggling, more so since it’s completely abandoned by the intelligent beings that once inhabited it. Instead, it’s populated with unbelievable beasts, large and small, and has a hostile environment that is difficult to predict. Are they stuck forever or can they work together utilizing their individual strengths to get them back home before this alien world gets the best of them?

Admittedly, the premise here is intriguing, but right from the start, both Sam and Marcus’s personalities were just a tad off, as it seemed like they were trying too hard to be the stereotypes of the geek and the jock the author portrayed them as. They also both read younger than their ages of 17 and 20, and Marcus was alarmingly impulsive that just wasn't very believable. Granted, such things need to happen to spur the plot along, but it felt fabricated. When Sam and Marcus eventually discover their feelings are reciprocated, their actual love proclamations were lightning fast and didn’t ring true, despite the fact that they’ve known each other for years. It seemed like they still had a lot of getting to know each other to do before they could be 100% all in as they already were. Plus, while the new world itself should've been wonderful and fascinating, the speculation on the missing humanoids and the various fauna was tedious, as creature after creature is discovered, named, and hypothesized upon. The guys's innate “knowledge” of various things, especially the scientific aspects, was also a bit too convenient. Good thing Sam's a genius and can easily spout off on topics involving anthropology, physics, biology, and more!

I’ll stop there for now. I’m not one that typically nitpicks so extensively but this took me an inordinate amount of time to finish, and the above reasons contributed to that. I so wanted to love this. Despite my rambling regarding the uneven storytelling and dialogue, I could see the potential awesomeness! What didn’t hurt at all was that this was quite smexy, so there is that!! I’m not deterred from reading more Laine, but honestly, this just felt like a rough version of the final product - I really do look forward to exploring more from this author in the future and hope to do so soon!

Thanks to the author for a copy in exchange for a honest review

[CrabbyPatty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chasing a beanie caught on the winter wind, Sam and Marcus literally tumble into an alternate universe – an alien exomoon with strange and deadly creatures and a mysterious structure with “stone walls full of intricately carved reliefs” that are extremely erotic and very detailed. The two young men (17 and 20 years old, respectively) must work together to find a way home.

Laine does a great job of world building and provides a lot of fairly detailed scientific information about everything under the (alien) sun - the effects of low gravity, botany, geology, architecture, ancient cultures, how to identify poisonous berries, plants with bioelectric properties, i.e.:

“That’s weird.” Sam frowned, perplexed. “I mean, photons are the quantum particles of light and other electromagnetic energies but… they have no electrical charge themselves. Hmm, maybe the light emitted by this animal’s tail is a… a byproduct of whatever bioelectric or chemical process creates the charge?”

Unexpectedly, all the scientific details ended up being my favorite aspect of the book. Although Marcus is Simon's (Sam's older brother) best friend, it seems the two know next to nothing about each other; yet the romance between Sam and Marcus goes from zero to insta-love in Mach 1 with Marcus annoyingly calling Sam "bae" or "chipmunk" far too many times.

We get both POVs throughout, but Sam's internal dialogue at times was offputting to me ... For example, "Sam wasn’t aware what, if anything, Marcus thought about guns. But he’d never seemed like a sociopath, or even a hunting enthusiast." or "Could K-pop and J-pop make Marcus gay? No, that was preposterous. Unless… he’d been gay all this time. No. Impossible." Sam also randomly ponders "Diversity of sexual orientations was one of his interests, not because he was gay but because some straights preferred to pretend nothing else existed beyond their narrow view of sexuality. The world needed to learn in order to be more understanding and accepting. Not quite a social crusade, but important to Sam nonetheless." - mere SECONDS before their dash to the portal and possibly a return to their own world.

Asides like this distracted from the narrative flow and slowed down the pace of the story, in my opinion. I would give 4+ stars for the world-building in An Island in the Stars but the insta-love romance was less well-structured, and I give the book 3 stars.

I received an ARC from Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.

Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews

[⚣Michaelle⚣ · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 Stars

So, the Stargate-esque plot really appealed to me... And that was about the extent of it.

I know these guys are supposed to be young but they read really immature... When they didn't sound like they were older than me, that is. The introspection was weird, too. Sometimes the book went off on these After School Special moments, or sounded like it was being dictated by Steve Irwin (the flora & fauna description)... plus WTH was up with the Kpop conversation? That sounded like a music critic review article. Oh, and the gay manga debate read like it came from cue-cards discarded after an Anime convention discussion panel! Do people even talk like that IRL?

Also: white guys from the middle of nowhere Montana should not be saying "bae" or "on fleek" okay? No. Just, no. Finally, the one that mentioned his obscure reference was from an "old movie" - and dated it as one from 1990? Can just die in a fire. 1990 is OLD? JFC he made Dorothy references...how would they date THAT movie? Ancient?

Anyway, a book with a lot of potential that didn't really live up to expectations most of the time and pissed me off or irritated me the rest. (Plus, was that "barkzie" supposed to be Groot? Yeah, no. Strike 3...hundred.)

[Serena Yates · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two teenagers in their first year of college secretly crushing on each other, one a geek and one a jock, stranded on a tropical island… sound familiar? Well, maybe not familiar, but the beginning of this story contains a few well-known elements. Except – in this novel not everything is as it seems and the everyday environment of a cold winter day quickly switches to that of an abandoned, deserted island on an exomoon once the young men fall into a hole. Literally! What happens next turned out to be an exciting adventure, an exploration of an imaginative alien world, and a “getting to know each other in unusual circumstances” that I found entertaining as well as touching.

Sam is a geek, a year early in college at seventeen, and has been crushing on Marcus, his older brother’s best friend, for eight years. As clever and well-read as he is, he also fears jocks and being beaten up, so he makes sure he is never around the object of his affection on his own. Oh, and he is also convinced that Marcus is straight.

Marcus may be a jock, but he is more than good at athletics. He likes to read, is intelligent, and has developed a crush on the boy he used to like to play with when he was younger. In fact, he is interested enough in Sam to be following and almost stalking him – until they fall into a hole while trying to retrieve Sam’s woolen cap and end up on an island on an alien moon. No more stalking is required – they need to learn how to work together and combine their talents if they want to figure out how to get back to Earth.

Their journey is interesting in every way. The explorations of the moon and its flora and fauna, their slow realization of how they may be able to get back, and the adventure of testing their survival skills was well written and often quite amusing. There is also the discovery of their mutual feelings, Sam’s shyness notwithstanding. There is a lot of bumbling, misunderstanding, and general awkwardness at the beginning, but as they master their situation, they become more comfortable and open and I loved watching them begin to come into their own. With an ending that fits the rest of the book – a mixture of the fantastical and adventurous – this novel certainly makes for fun reading.

If you enjoy fantastical adventures, if two young men finding their feet with their feelings and each other is your thing, and if you’re looking for a read that is suspenseful, full of surprises, has an amazing alien world as its setting, and a sweet romance to boot, then you will probably like this novel.


NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.

[Ang -PNR Book Lover Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

An Island in the Stars
by Susan Laine
2 stars for the story and 1 star for that cover... I mean.. look at how pretty it is!

Ummm… this was way weird! I like weird, y’all know this!

But this was just too much even for me… but I found myself reading it laughing, I’m still unsure if I liked it but it was defiantly an interesting story.

Sam is a geek, he is lusting after his brother’s best friend Marcus, put in an alternative universe …
It literally like they have fallen down the rabbit hole, it’s a geeky science fiction romance if you’re into that thing I think you will love this fluffy sweet read.

It’s not the longest book I have read, and it’s not the shortest it is in the between, kind of like the universe they fall into, with strange and cute creatures and you know what it reminded me off?

Journey to the centre of the earth, with the ROCK in it… this but like with a hot mm couple…

I was given a review copy from the wonderful publishers for an honest review
PNR Book Lover Reviews

[Chan · Rating 3 out of 5]

MM + Fantasy

Sam and Marcus stumbled upon an exomoon…literally. The transport that dumped them there is broken and they need to figure out a way to get back to earth, while trying to stay alive and addressing their attraction to one another.

The hard to hear:

The author created characters that were unrelatable. They were supposed to be college aged, but they came across as immature highschoolers. Their dialogue was stilted and didn’t flow.

The story was awkward. Not awkward as the characters were awkward, but awkward writing.

There were a lot of scene jumps which made it difficult for the reader to keep a consistent imagery.

There were too many unanswered questions. It’s not wise for a story to have a pretty pink bow on everything. A good story should leave a reader with a couple of questions, but the author introduced so many things that she left without answers. Some were necessary because it setup the characters’ decision in the end perfectly.

The opening was interesting. The author gave a fun way to get the characters on the planet, but after they arrived, the storytelling felt like an informational dump.

The somewhat good:

Moving past the big issues mentioned above, when I reached roughly 60%, I became interested in the adventure. The island itself became a character that the author had finally brought to life. I still didn’t care for these characters, but I became invested in their adventure and making it home.

I knew something shifted for me because I wanted more of the adventure and was disappointed in their response to the IDX when they made it back.

However, I am not sure I would read another story if this became a series because the beginning was rough and although I liked the adventure, the trudge through the setting up was difficult.

[Colin Hardy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story that utilises a series of somewhat overused plot mechanisms to support the development of the tale. Opposites attract with a young shy geek and an older bolder jock. Both it seems have had a hidden crush on the other for a long time, surprise! An accident throws them into a position where they travel to a dangerous but erotic world that forces them to work and grow together. The story and concepts on which it is founded are interesting and quite novel and is an easy read. As their relationship develops they gain a better understanding of the other and their interests beyond each other. This allows the author to introduce quite a number of current young adult music and media interests. Whilst an interesting catalogue for a reader unfamiliar with the specifics, it is likely that this will date the novel within a relatively short time, plus to a certain extent it feels like name dropping.

The relationship between the two characters is quite predictable and develops at a pace consistent with similar books of this genre. They are likeable enough as individuals and their interactions form the core of the story. It should be noted however that there is a tendency towards moral decision making particularly towards the end of the story that was disappointing. There is an open presentation of passion and sexual activity between the two that was handled quite well.

The pace of the story was well handled and there was sufficient variety and interest to hold the reader. Nevertheless, the use of cohesive chapters meant that the book could be put down and picked up at a later point without losing the plot.

Unsurprisingly, the ending was left open and clearly allows for the development of further books based on the two characters. Given that the premise is now developed and the core characters defined, it is hopeful that subsequent books would be based more on the story than on making a point.

This review is also posted at Gay Book Reviews

[Elisa Rolle · Rating 5 out of 5]

2017 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: An Island in the Stars Susan Laine
1) Highly imaginative and entertaining tale of two young lads who fall down a 'rabbit hole' and end up on an alien island, presumably in a galaxy far far away. Marcus and Sam are delightful characters, Sam crushing on Marcus but wary of his 'jock' persona, and Marcus just loving being alone with Sam for whom he harbors secret longings. The adventures these two get up to are mind-boggling - weird creatures, some cute some not so cute and some downright dangerous keep the boys on their toes throughout. Super fun.

[Christina's Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was in awe of Susan's ability to create some a magnificent other world. Then watching how Sam and Marcus navigated the foreign territory was an adventure. Sometimes stressful, mostly strategic, and simultaneously their banter was hilarious.


You can see my full review here: http://christinasbookshelf.net/2017/0...

[Ivy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Full review at :
https://optimummblog.wordpress.com/2017/06/12/review-an-island-in-the-stars-by-susan-laine/


One day, when they were heading home after college, Sam and Marcus fell in a rabbit hole which leads to an Island on a Moon.
Sam is a “geek” in love with Marcus, his brother’s best friend for years. Too shy, too unsure and too scared to confess his feelings, Sam, spends most of his time in defense mode or running away from Marcus.
Marcus tries his best to gain Sam’s attention but fails each time. He is crazy in love with the young geek but doesn’t know how to gain his trust and love.
When they end up on an Island on an alien moon, they don’t have other choices but to stick together in order to survive and find a way to come back to their home.
It was a sweet love story between Sam & Marcus. They are adorable together especially Marcus.
I like this big guy, he is sweet, brave and fights for what he wants. And he’s wanted Sam for years, when he has the opportunity, he takes it. I like his devotion for Sam too. I had a little crush for Marcus.
Sam is really smart, like super mega smart, and his brain sure helps them on this alien Island, but he has difficulty interacting with people, and especially with the guy he is in love with, Marcus. But this island will help him to face his fear, to surpass himself and fight for his life and that of Marcus.
The author mixes different genres, adventure, Sci-fi, Romance, the whole sprinkled with a dose of humor.
It’s a mix between Jules Verne, Daniel Defoe and Lewis Carroll. A fall in a rabbit hole that leads to an extraterrestrial room that leads to an island on an alien moon, populated with extraordinary alien creatures, add 2 gay men, horny and in love, and you have this sweet novel.
I recommend this book for younger people 14-18 years old.

3 stars, for this Island in the Stars

***The ARC was provided by Dreamspinner Press. My review is an honest opinion of the book***

optimummblog.wordpress.com

[Chloe · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this through my local library app because it was described as a sci fi romance between a nerd and a jock who end up on an alien island. I was enjoying the first half of the book, even though the writing was a bit clunky and Sam as a character was kind of annoying and also happened to know lots of things that were super relevant to their current situation because he's the nerd. The second half of the book was way more spicy than I expected, especially as it was just marked as romance in the genres category. The more the book went on, especially after the half way point the more I wanted it to just be over.

[Ashley D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such an interesting story, I would love to see more in this series and what other worlds Marcus and Sam travel too. The relationship between Marcus and Sam was interesting to see develop since they have known each other for a long time and both seemed to have had a crush on the other.

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF at 30%. Was not enjoying the author's writing style, which was disappointing as I loved the trope and wished I could have enjoyed it more.

[Missy]

DO NOT BOTHER!!!! This isn't even good tween fiction. ZERO stars.

[Berrì · Rating 1 out of 5]

I must really not like this author. DFN @20%.